Crucible #57 - "Fight the Future"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #57 - "Fight the Future"


History as you knew it has been changed and continues to be changed. It seems that the timeline can withstand small-scale changes without completely re-setting, but undoing what the Saurians did is a major event with unknown ramifications. There was a major re-setting of history when the Saurians changed things. Undoing that will most likely result in another re-write.

One possibility is that everything that happened since the White Event will cease to be. An alternative dead in that never was. History may continue on from the point before everything changed and all those changes never happened. Or perhaps time will continue on as is and you'll remember these events. Know one knows for sure.


Gloria Starr has brought the Vigilant to their new base located 1 mile of the San Diego coast. The discussion on what to do next continues.

"Edgar, still waiting on specs on that warship. Can you tell me if they also are keeping any kind of watch on the saucer and Devilspawn's crew? If they are we have to prep for retaliation or interference from the ship. If not then it may become a moot point. We change history and write them out it could pop like a soap bubble."

"It's right here, Master Flux."

The holographic display changes again to show the warship. It's obviously far more advanced than anything that naturally would exist in this time period. Thousands of crewmen and enough weapons to destroy the Earth several times over.

"Yes, they are scanning everything within fifty miles of their position. They will be aware when you make your move. They cannot detect us as this facility is shielded from their instruments."

"That's why we need Cosmic Girl here," Stargirl adds. "Her core power essentially to alter the world around her. She can generate a field around the transport that will continue to cloak us from the Saurians until we reach the target. But once we begin to interfere, they'll notice it and probably react."

"We'll get that saucer first. Taking it out on the ground and out of sight is near-perfect. We have positions and personnel counts. We can start a work up of entry and attack points. We clean that up and the white event is non-history. Better still, the public will never know what happened."

The holographic display shows the interior of the warehouse where Malachite's Saucer was built. The warehouse is the home of "Jade Exports Unlimited", but no real shipping is done there. The large warehouse was modified so that the submarine the Jade Prince could dock there undetected. Armed guards are present, along with workers putting the finishing touches on the saucer.

Only two super-powered beings are detected there. The first is Daigon, a self-styled demoness wearing battle armor. The second is a large muscular black man identified as Armstrong.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

So what’s the plan? You can either use a flying transport to reach the warehouse, or a submersible. You’re call.

Tesla and Lily ran into Armstrong way back in Crucible #27-28. Now you know whom he was collecting samples for!

A correction from the pervious post, the sub is the Jade Prince, not the Jade Princess. That was the yacht that Raccoon and Panda ended up on. (It's been a long time from when I wrote those YC files!)

I hope no one confused my role-playing with any real anger. Far from it, this little incident allowed me to really think about how Blackout would respond to the situation and his feelings. I know several characters were altered because of their player's choices but Blackout doesn't know that. Good role playing opportunity there Mad!

I had figured that everything was just character reactions and nothing more. At least I hadn’t heard anything out of game to the contrary. I guess that’s the biggest difference between these games and the ones from the Q-Link days. There was more conversation about things out of the games then there are these days. Most likely since we’re all using a variety of servers it’s not as easy to just IM someone and chat. A lot of the times I’m in the dark as far as how people are seeing things and just getting feed back in general.

There actually is a point to all this time travel stuff, apart from messing up characters which all GM’s love! The long-term goal is to change this into a more traditional Champions game, at least in the sense of the games I ran before. All of this will eventually explain a few things from the main story site in hopefully a very surprising way.

You have been warned!

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Lily listens to the reply from Tesla. "That is good to know, Tesla. Thank you. And I suppose I shouldn't be so amazed by what people can do with their powers, but I am." Lily shrugs.

"Yes, they are scanning everything within fifty miles of their position. They will be aware when you make your move. They cannot detect us as this facility is shielded from their instruments."

"That's why we need Cosmic Girl here," Stargirl adds. "Her core power essentially to alter the world around her. She can generate a field around the transport that will continue to cloak us from the Saurians until we reach the target. But once we begin to interfere, they'll notice it and probably react."

"Sounds like we need to act fast once we get there. They won't be able to just blast us from the ship, as that would risk destroying the saucer, but we should expect them to start teleporting warriors down as soon as we're discovered. Our best approach might be to assign a couple people to attack the saucer directly while the rest of the group deal with any resistance."

When the hologram shifts to show the warehouse, Lily does her best to commit the map to memory. At the mention of Daigon and Armstrong, Lily stops for a second, surprised. "I remember them. So they must be working for Malachite. He claimed to be collecting samples, so that may have been directly linked to the creation of Goldstar and Serena."
__________________________________________________________
No concerns on my part, Blackout. I tend to believe that we got rid of all of all the people who confuse roleplaying with reality way back during that fiasco at the beginning of the campaign.

Not sure what you mean by "change this into a more traditional Champions game", Mad. Seems pretty traditional to me already. Still, looking forward to what comes out of all this. I do enjoy the way you tie things together over time.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Lily listens to the reply from Tesla. "That is good to know, Tesla. Thank you. And I suppose I shouldn't be so amazed by what people can do with their powers, but I am." Lily shrugs.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few new things that amazed everyone," Tesla replies. "Stressful and life-threatening situations can bring out untapped potential in all of us."

When the hologram shifts to show the warehouse, Lily does her best to commit the map to memory. At the mention of Daigon and Armstrong, Lily stops for a second, surprised. "I remember them. So they must be working for Malachite. He claimed to be collecting samples, so that may have been directly linked to the creation of Goldstar and Serena."

"Ah yes, our old friend Armstrong," Tesla says, looking at Lily with a knowing grin. Turning to Backlash, she continues, "Armstrong had almost all the qualities I like in my men; strong, sturdy, determined, persistent. He did however, lack a sense of humor. I think you two should definitely meet."

[Backlash]

Backlash


Letting the others discuss the events as they unfold, Backlash merely remains quiet unless spoken to.

Tesla smiles back, with a slight shake of her head, as she figures out what word Backlash mouthed. "You could probably tear that warship in half, couldn't you?" she says lightly.

A smirk passes over his features, “Only one way to find out…. Just hope my healing is up for the challenge he said with a quick wink that was lost beneath his shades.

“If this Saucer is the one that caused this then we should at least try and take it out of the equation. He said simply looking at the others. “If we do fail, we can always try to this Devilspawn… And show her and her friends the error of her ways.”

"

Ah yes, our old friend Armstrong," Tesla says, looking at Lily with a knowing grin. Turning to Backlash, she continues, "Armstrong had almost all the qualities I like in my men; strong, sturdy, determined, persistent. He did however, lack a sense of humor. I think you two should definitely meet."

Scoffing to himself, “He don’t look like much.” looking closely at hologram of the man known as Armstrong. Crossing his arms before his chest. “Now that’s a face only a mother could love…. I can see your attraction.” his smile widening as he joked in reply.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Silent listening to what had to be don’t, Frosty sat in mild silence. Upon hearing if the the should split up one team each go to the Devilspawn and the other to see to this saucer. Frosty is a bit surprised….”If we do this Let’s hit the saucer with all we got. We should have a few minutes before we are scanned. Hopefully its enough time to end this.”

Looking to Star girl and Edgar he couldn’t help but ask… “Can this airship remain cloaked when it fires?” he asks curiously.

‘I gotta agree with Lily. A few of us should deal with the saucer while the others deal with any resistence we face. I’m not sure how well my Ice powers will work against the saucer… But I’m willing to Bet Tesla’s Electricity will play havoc with their armor and systems…”

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

Tilt's question draws a laugh from Lily. "Well I didn't, really. I only named one child Rose. We just keep meeting instances of her from different points in time and different timelines." Lily thinks for a moment. "As I understand it, Cosmic Girl is not really Rose at all, but rather the embodiment of a power shared by Rose and Blossom in this timeline. I'm not sure it would really be correct to call her Rose or Blossom - just Cosmic Girl."

Tilt's brow and nose bunch up as she tries to work through what Lily tells her. "ohokay! um... so like if you took an elevator and i took the stairs and we met on different floors," Tilt says, slowing down a bit, as she figures it out. However, the look comes back on her face until finally she asks, "um who is Blossom?"

The holographic display shows the interior of the warehouse where Malachite's Saucer was built. The warehouse is the home of "Jade Exports Unlimited", but no real shipping is done there. The large warehouse was modified so that the submarine the Jade Prince could dock there undetected. Armed guards are present, along with workers putting the finishing touches on the saucer.

"ohoh!" Tilt says, waving her hand excitedly. "icantakecareofallthosemenforyouFlux!" She looks like she's ready to start bouncing up and down with anticipation.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Tilt's brow and nose bunch up as she tries to work through what Lily tells her. "ohokay! um... so like if you took an elevator and i took the stairs and we met on different floors," Tilt says, slowing down a bit, as she figures it out. However, the look comes back on her face until finally she asks, "um who is Blossom?"

Clearly, Tilt hasn't been paying attention, which Lily knows to be SOP for a teenager. "Kind of, I guess. As for Blossom, in this particular timeline, Rose has a twin sister named Blossom." Lily still can't quite believe that she named her daughter Blossom in this or any timeline...

"I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few new things that amazed everyone," Tesla replies. "Stressful and life-threatening situations can bring out untapped potential in all of us."

"You may be right, Tesla," Lily replies. "I haven't really noticed anything new with myself, but there could be a number of reasons for that."

"Ah yes, our old friend Armstrong," Tesla says, looking at Lily with a knowing grin. Turning to Backlash, she continues, "Armstrong had almost all the qualities I like in my men; strong, sturdy, determined, persistent. He did however, lack a sense of humor. I think you two should definitely meet."

"Friend... yeah..." Lily murmurs, listening for Backlash's reply.

Scoffing to himself, “He don’t look like much.” looking closely at hologram of the man known as Armstrong. Crossing his arms before his chest. “Now that’s a face only a mother could love…. I can see your attraction.” his smile widening as he joked in reply.

Backlash's response demonstrates a large amount of hubris. "Attractive or not - and we know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - he's plenty tough, as Tesla and I together did little more than drive him off."

‘I gotta agree with Lily. A few of us should deal with the saucer while the others deal with any resistence we face. I’m not sure how well my Ice powers will work against the saucer… But I’m willing to Bet Tesla’s Electricity will play havoc with their armor and systems…”

"ohoh!" Tilt says, waving her hand excitedly. "icantakecareofallthosemenforyouFlux!" She looks like she's ready to start bouncing up and down with anticipation.

Lily looks over at Flux. "Looks like we have some volunteers. I agree with Frostbite that Tesla is a good choice to hit the saucer. We can probably leave all the non-super guards to Tilt. I think one more person on the saucer is probably sufficient, preferably someone with enhanced strength - you, Backlash or myself. Backlash might be the best choice as there may not be room in the warehouse for you to take advantage of your full size. That leaves Frostbite and the rest of us to deal with any super-powered opposition."

[Bruce]

Flux

Lily looks over at Flux. "Looks like we have some volunteers. I agree with Frostbite that Tesla is a good choice to hit the saucer. We can probably leave all the non-super guards to Tilt. I think one more person on the saucer is probably sufficient, preferably someone with enhanced strength - you, Backlash or myself. Backlash might be the best choice as there may not be room in the warehouse for you to take advantage of your full size. That leaves Frostbite and the rest of us to deal with any super-powered opposition."

Yep, a good second-in-command all right. I will be bringing it up later, assuming we manage this correctly.

"Agreed. I want Backlash for it. My size might be hindered as regarding growth, but my strength is not dependent on that alone. But I want a second fighting force ready to respond to a counter from our Saurian opposition and /or surprises from Malachites' forces. I'm putting myself in that category along with Blackout and Arcane. Menagerie, I want you to lead the attack on the saucer. Cosmic can get us there undetected but as soon as we make a move I'm betting, as Stargirl said, on a swift response from upstairs. Star, go with the saucer attackers. If it does not break fast enough I'll step in and finish it but only if needed. Since I'm the slow man on the totem pole I'll run interference for anyone getting too much trouble. That means you might not see me moving until very late-or not at all."

"Cosmic Girl, I have no real notion of what you can do, fill me in along the way. Edgar, prep a submersible for use. We're going in under water. I want a stealth insert into the warehouse no alarms raised. Can you do that?"

Flux takes a quick look around, gaging reactions and moods.

Backlash looks ready. Tesla seems calm and confident. Tilt is TOO ready. I can't read Eldrich but he doesn't look nervous at least. Frostbite and Menagerie are well into the planning stage of this. Calming their nerves? No idea on Cosmic girl. Stargirl has had a lot of time to prep for this day and seems ready. Blackout looks set. Good to go

"Any more points to bring up? Any further questions? If not then let's start moving. Time's NOT our friend in this in spite of everything that's happened."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

In the command center of the underwater Vigilant Base, the team considers their options on how to deal with the Saurian threat…

Looking to Star girl and Edgar he couldn’t help but ask… “Can this airship remain cloaked when it fires?” he asks curiously.

“No”, Stargirl answers. “Firing its weapons will make it momentarily reappear. I doubt they’ll risk it this far away from the White Event.”

"Cosmic Girl, I have no real notion of what you can do, fill me in along the way. Edgar, prep a submersible for use. We're going in under water. I want a stealth insert into the warehouse no alarms raised. Can you do that?"

“It’s not too complicated,” Cosmic Girl tries to explain. “While I possess only a tiny fraction of the power that Rose has, we both tap into Zero Point Energy. Quite simply the energy left over the Big Bang itself. Literally the power of the universe runs on. With it, we can alter reality around us. Such as making the sub impossible to scan. I can get the sub there without it being detected.”

[GM Mad]

Reality Shift:

An unexpected wave of dizziness comes over most everyone here. Reality itself seems to shift slightly in response. Most of you are still in the same place, the Command Center of the Vigilant Base, but not everyone who was here before is now present. Blackout, Eldrich, Frostbite, Tilt, Stargirl, and Cosmic Girl are not here. Flux, Menagerie, Tesla, and Backlash are huddled around the holographic display observing the representation of the Jade Exports Unlimited Warehouse. The Holographic Edgar stands close by.

In addition to the absent people it seems that the Command Center is on the ocean’s surface. Bright sunlight filters into the base from the large observation windows. Several of the windows are open allowing the breeze in.

“What’s the emergency?” A man’s voice calls out.

Turning to the elevator, you see that Sea Guard has arrived. He’s a tall man of Greek ancestry with long sandy blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with green eyes. He wears a light blue tunic with dark blue leggings and gloves. The Coast Guard emblem is on the right side of his chest. Sea Guard is dripping water behind him.

“We’ve gotten reports that Agents of Malachite are in the area”, Flux explains to Sea Guard. “At a warehouse called the Jade Exports Unlimited on Harbor Island. They’re building a flying saucer of some kind. It’s probably a weapon.”

"Sounds like we need to act fast once we get there,” Menagerie spoke up. “Our best approach might be to assign a couple people to attack the saucer directly while the rest of the group deal with any resistance."

“‘I gotta agree with Menagerie,” Backlash added. “A few of us should deal with the saucer while the others deal with any resistance we face. I’m not sure how well my powers will work against the saucer… But I’m willing to Bet Tesla’s electricity will play havoc with their armor and systems…”

Menagerie looks over at Flux. "Looks like we have some volunteers. I agree with Backlash that Tesla is a good choice to hit the saucer. I think one more person on the saucer is probably sufficient, preferably someone with enhanced strength - you, Backlash or Powershift. Powershift might be the best choice as there may not be room in the warehouse for you to take advantage of your full size. That leaves the rest of us to deal with any super-powered opposition."

"Agreed. I want Powershift for it. My size might be hindered as regarding growth, but my strength is not dependent on that alone. Menagerie, I want you to lead the attack on the saucer. If it does not break fast enough I'll step in and finish it but only if needed. Since I'm the slow man on the totem pole I'll run interference for anyone getting too much trouble. That means you might not see me moving until very late-or not at all."

“Did someone call my name?”

Looking up you see the last member of the Vigilant fly into the Command Center. Powershift wears a dark green and orange costume with a large letter ‘P’ on his chest. The mystical hero is quickly brought up to date.

“Yes, let us deal with Malachite’s foul forces as quickly as possible. But after that I have another matter that needs investigation. The Jewel of Krin is sensing that an important mystic occurrence will happen shortly. I fear that some malevolent mage will try to use it to their advantage.”

“Sounds ominous,” Flux agrees. “Edgar, prep a submersible for use. We're going in under water.”

[GM Mad]

Reality Unshifts:

Just as fast as it occurred, the world around you goes back to what it had been. The Command Center is now underwater and the others are back while Sea Guard and Powershift are gone.

“I’m prepping the submersible for the trip now, Master Flux,” Edgar states. “It’ll be waiting for you in Sub Bay 1.”

Stargirl leads the way into the elevator and down to level 4, the submarine docking bays. The small submersible is quickly filled up with everyone here.

“Cosmic Girl and I can follow along outside the sub. There’s really only room for eight. We’ll be fine.”

The two teens go and sit on the top of the sub while everyone else climbs in. A glow comes to surround the mini-sub as Cosmic Girl sets up her anti-detection field. The outer door opens and the mini-sub dives down and exits the Vigilant base. The trip to the Jade Exports Warehouse on Harbor Island begins.


Reality Shift:

Suddenly the crowded interior of the mini-sub isn’t so crowded. Blackout, Eldrich, Frostbite, and Tilt are gone, but Powershift is here. Looking out the portholes you can see Sea Guard easily swimming around the submersible. Occasionally he waves at those inside.


Reality Unshifts:

The underwater journey is reaching its end. The entrance to the secret submarine pen where the Jade Prince is currently docked comes into view. You’re moments away from launching your attack!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

As you’ve probably figured out, this post crosses back and forth to the events as they are now them with events as they will be after you stop the White Event. In the revised timeline, the Vigilant has been around for a long time and are established. They also have a few other members that you haven’t met before.

Any last minute additions to your plan of attack?

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

The two teens go and sit on the top of the sub while everyone else climbs in. A glow comes to surround the mini-sub as Cosmic Girl sets up her anti-detection field. The outer door opens and the mini-sub dives down and exits the Vigilant base. The trip to the Jade Exports Warehouse on Harbor Island begins.

Tilt is obviously not happy having to crowd in to the little sub. As she sits there, she fidgets and bounces her legs. The trip seems to go soooo slooowww and it's driving Tilt nuts. She definitely can't wait to get there and have some room to run.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Backlash lays out their battle plan, and Lily hesitates for a second; the word "lead" has jolted her a bit. Of course, he probably didn't really mean it that way...

"Not me," she says, shaking her head. "I'm ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

And then it hit.

The discussion repeats itself, yet it isn't a repeat. The Vigilant members are there, but it's not the same Vigilant. Sea Guard and Powershift are here, but Blackout, Tilt, Frostbite and Eldrich are not. Lily feels like she has one foot in each of two worlds, or two realities. This is the world she knows, yet she also remembers the world of a moment ago. Lily has enough presense of mind to see if the Saurian warship is hovering above the city in this reality as well.

Powershift mentions a mystic occurance, and Lily is reminded once again of what she knows of Devilspawn and her plans. She even has some vague memory that this even is in some way tied to her own powers, though she cannot quite remember what...

The eye of the universe winks again and they are back as they were moments before. The Vigilant quickly make their way to the sub. There is something she had intended to ask Flux, but she's lost it now. Shrugging, she boards with the others and they depart for Malachite's warehouse.

It happens again; reality steps sideways, and the other Vigilant are travelling aboard the sub. The shift is briefer this time, but the memory sticks with Lily. She can still see Sea Guard's smile, even after he is no longer there.

Such a beautiful man...

Looking up, Lily notes that they are within moments of their destination. With a thought, her form shifts to that of her heroic persona: Menagerie. "Backlash, Tesla - you're with me. Make a beeline for that saucer, and don't let anything get in your way."
___________________________________________________________
I had actually intended to ask Flux if she should lead the sub in dolphin form, but forgot.

From her pool, Menagerie puts 30 CP each into STR, SPD and Running. This should get her to the saucer. Once she gets close, she'll switch to Goldstar form, go to max density, and do flying Move-Throughs on the saucer.

[Bruce]

Flux

The underwater journey is reaching its end. The entrance to the secret submarine pen where the Jade Prince is currently docked comes into view. You’re moments away from launching your attack!

Frostbite, Blackout I know you both have methods of blocking out the light in an area. Can you both operate in each others effects? By that I mean, can you both fight under the mutual blackouts? If so then stick together and suppress as many combatants as you can with out interfering with the others. If not, then Frostbite, you hold off on yours."


I assume we are not aware of the reality shifts, yes?

[GM Mad]

Flux

I assume we are not aware of the reality shifts, yes?

Yes, you are, but only those mentioned-- Flux, Menagerie, Backlash, & Tesla were 'there' for them. Everyone else was elsewhere for them, doing what they would normally be doing if they weren't part of the group.
Eldrich is probably in the asylum, Frostbite perhaps at picnic, and so on. Indulge yourselves.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Tesla is dizzy for a moment and then it passes. Everything seems fine, except some of the others are missing. Could that have been some sort of attack? Tesla thinks and prepares to fight. However Sea Guard comes in and we bring him to speed, and Powershift arrives as well. The conversation sounds very familiar and Tesla can't help but think we've done this all before.

Suddenly she's back with the original team and we're boarding the sub, which quickly fills up. Stargirl and Cosmic Girl stay outside the sub and we are underway. It isn't very long until the sub isn't as crowded as it was and Sea Guard is swimming along outside instead.

Things must really be up for grabs right now, Tesla thinks, not sure if any or all of the others are experiencing this. Both of these realities seem 'right' to me, but in different ways, she thinks as she seems to be remembering both realities. Once more, it shifts back to the original team and the crowded sub. They are very close to their destination now.

Looking up, Lily notes that they are within moments of their destination. With a thought, her form shifts to that of her heroic persona: Menagerie. "Backlash, Tesla - you're with me. Make a beeline for that saucer, and don't let anything get in your way."

"Not a problem, boss," Tesla says easily, making sure emphasis is on the word boss, although she makes sure to hide her smile. "Consider that saucer grounded. Permanently."

As soon as she is able, Tesla will concentrate, electricity wrapping around her as her feet lift up from the ground. She will also bring up her force field as she flies off towards the saucer.

[Bruce]

Flux

That's more than a bit alarming....I wonder if anyone else is aware of it. And is it a foreshadowing of the changes to come or an overlap from some other existence?? Maybe that's the 'Flux' from the world without a White Event? No, that doesn't add up. They are off to stop the saucer too even though they don't seem to know what its purpose is. And they have a warning on the impending mystic event too. A parallel existence then. And I 'm aware of it because I' m 'there' in both places.

As the perspective shifts back and forth Flux watches the others for reactions but can't be sure if they are taking any notice.

Coming up on the insertion, Sarge. Hope the viewpoint stays the same now. Hard to keep a plan straight when the world keeps changing...

"Stay alert people! Things can. . . change quick now. Keep focused on your targets, watch your teams backs."

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

"Stay alert people! Things can. . . change quick now. Keep focused on your targets, watch your teams backs."

Lily nods, trying to focus on their mission and not get distracted by the shifting universe. As far as she can tell, in whatever reality she's in, Malachite's saucer is there and needs to be destroyed.

"Not a problem, boss," Tesla says easily, making sure emphasis is on the word boss, although she makes sure to hide her smile. "Consider that saucer grounded. Permanently."

Menagerie winces at the reference and tone in Tesla's voice. "I'm sorry, Tesla. I didn't mean to sound bossy. I guess I just wanted to make sure that we're all clear on our assignments since this is so very important."

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Menagerie winces at the reference and tone in Tesla's voice. "I'm sorry, Tesla. I didn't mean to sound bossy. I guess I just wanted to make sure that we're all clear on our assignments since this is so very important."

"It's okay Menagerie," Tesla replies. "I think you make a fine leader, and you're right, everyone needs to have their head screwed on right for this." She looks over at Blackout (at least when he's there!), but only for a moment.

"I have nothing wrong with following capable leaders," Tesla adds. "Both you and Flux have done a lot to see all of us through this. You're no-nonsense about a lot of things Menagerie, and while that can rub the wrong way sometimes, it's definitely an asset on the field."

[Blackout]

Blackout:

An unexpected wave of dizziness comes over most everyone here. Reality itself seems to shift slightly in response. Most of you are still in the same place, the Command Center of the Vigilant Base, but not everyone who was here before is now present. Blackout, Eldrich, Frostbite, Tilt, Stargirl, and Cosmic Girl are not here. Flux, Menagerie, Tesla, and Backlash are huddled around the holographic display observing the representation of the Jade Exports Unlimited Warehouse. The Holographic Edgar stands close by.

Blackout finds himself back in his small apartment. The one he found for himself when he first arrived in California. Sitting on one of his only chairs, mask in his hand, he's running his hand through his hair trying to wake up completely from being out so late last night patrolling. Solo.

"I wonder if things would be easier if I found a group to join," Blackout asks himself, "or formed one on my own?" Suddenly, his head shoots up and he 'looks' around. Something isn't right but he can't put his finger on it. Everything seems fine in his apartment and with himself, but there's something nagging him, like an elusive memory of a dream. "Maybe I am overdoing it a bit," he says alot just before...

Just as fast as it occurred, the world around you goes back to what it had been. The Command Center is now underwater and the others are back while Sea Guard and Powershift are gone.

As soon as he's back, Blackout realizes what must be happening. It takes him a second to realize what's going on, but everyone seems to there, although a few of us seem a little confused or dazed. However, nobody says anything, so Blackout keeps quiet too as he heads for the submarine.

Suddenly the crowded interior of the mini-sub isn’t so crowded. Blackout, Eldrich, Frostbite, and Tilt are gone, but Powershift is here. Looking out the portholes you can see Sea Guard easily swimming around the submersible. Occasionally he waves at those inside.

Blackout is on top of one of the taller buildings in San Diego, having put his mask back in place. Crouching on the ledge, he 'looks' out over the city he has chosen to make his home. Another new day so another day of patrols and crime-fighting. "This isn't right, even though it feels right," Blackout says to himself. "Or maybe it is. I did say I was going to leave once it was all over. Maybe that wasn't my finest moment, but neither of them would even see my point of view. Ah well, it's it the past, I think." Blackout chuckles at his last words and then gets his grapple line ready. He throws it with unerring accuracy and begins to swing...

The underwater journey is reaching its end. The entrance to the secret submarine pen where the Jade Prince is currently docked comes into view. You’re moments away from launching your attack!

Frostbite, Blackout I know you both have methods of blocking out the light in an area. Can you both operate in each others effects? By that I mean, can you both fight under the mutual blackouts? If so then stick together and suppress as many combatants as you can with out interfering with the others. If not, then Frostbite, you hold off on yours."

Finding himself suddenly sitting is a bit of a shock to Blackout, but he quickly re-composes himself. He doesn't quite catch Tesla's commemt, but knows she's looking at him. He figures he probably nearly jumped out of the seat just then. He does catch Flux's question though, and uses that moment to get comfortable with this reality once more.

"Mine steals sight, but that doesn't hinder me at all. I don't know if Frostbite can see through total darkness though," Blackout replies, looking over in Frostbite's direction. "I'm sure I could work through his, unless it affects more than sight."

"Stay alert people! Things can. . . change quick now. Keep focused on your targets, watch your teams backs."

Blackout gets up and prepares to exit the submarine, but he notices something. Something like an itch in the back of his brain that he can't scratch. "Wait a minute," he says more to himself than anything.

Suddenly he's aware of the darkness he can bring forth, but it seems.. something more. He concentrates, and anyone watching Blackout sees darkness seep seemingly out of him. Instead of forming a globe of darkness around him though, it seems to be crawling up him, wrapping itself around him until his entire body is sheathed in darkness. His features can still be seen, but it's almost like the darkness added another layer to his costume. "Hmmm, this is quite interesting.." Blackout says, his tone more curious than concerned.

[Bruce]

Flux

Flux miniaturizes before the sub enters the warehouse, preparing to exit at speed and incidentally making more space in the sub.

Should have done that sooner and cut down on the crowding effect. Noted for future. Depending on which one we have...

Anyone watching Blackout sees darkness seep seemingly out of him. Instead of forming a globe of darkness around him though, it seems to be crawling up him, wrapping itself around him until his entire body is sheathed in darkness. His features can still be seen, but it's almost like the darkness added another layer to his costume. "Hmmm, this is quite interesting.." Blackout says, his tone more curious than concerned.

"Hurmmm , you meant to do that, right?

[Frostbite]

Frostbite
A wave of Dizziness over comes Cyrus reaching up with his hand he shakes his head clear of the cobwebs and looks about as music invades his ears. The smell of cooking hamburgers and hotdogs comes to his nose as the smoke from the barbeque begins to make his eyes water…..

Definitely not a dream….

Looking about he sees he is in his backyard. His father near the grill, a flipper in on had a cold beer in the other. A soft gliding sound drew his attention to the screen door as a women with Black hair and a blue sundress emerged from the house, with a bowl full of potato salad….

A voice from behind him, “Don’t just stand there…. Help your mother!” his father said. For a moment he stared at his father then his step mother…… this had happened before…. He had seen it… No it was the day before he got his powers……

“You look like you seen a ghost,” his step mother said to him concern on her face… Within a blink of an eye he looked about he was back with the Viligant…

Frostbite, Blackout I know you both have methods of blocking out the light in an area. Can you both operate in each others effects? By that I mean, can you both fight under the mutual blackouts? If so then stick together and suppress as many combatants as you can with out interfering with the others. If not, then Frostbite, you hold off on yours."

"Mine steals sight, but that doesn't hinder me at all. I don't know if Frostbite can see through total darkness though," Blackout replies, looking over in Frostbite's direction. "I'm sure I could work through his, unless it affects more than sight."

“Mine steals sight as well. Though I don’t think I could function underneath total darkness…” the last thing Blackout said did catch his ear, and got the icy hero thinking…What if I made it affect not only sight, but sound as well.. A thought for another time perhaps.

Frosty will get ready for whatever happens when the sub opens its doors.

[Backlash]

Backlash

For a few fleeting moments he becomes dizzy but quickly overcomes it. Looking about he sees several of the others missing, while New ones seem to have arrived…. Or where they already here?

Looking up, Lily notes that they are within moments of their destination. With a thought, her form shifts to that of her heroic persona: Menagerie. "Backlash, Tesla - you're with me. Make a beeline for that saucer, and don't let anything get in your way."

"Not a problem, boss," Tesla says easily, making sure emphasis is on the word boss, although she makes sure to hide her smile. "Consider that saucer grounded. Permanently."

Menagerie winces at the reference and tone in Tesla's voice. "I'm sorry, Tesla. I didn't mean to sound bossy. I guess I just wanted to make sure that we're all clear on our assignments since this is so very important."

“We got it, Boss Lady.” He says simply as he tightens his mask upon his face and tightens his gloves. “Get in, destroy the saucer, get out and let nothing get in our way. Seems pretty easy to remember.” he says with a grin

As soon as he is clear of the sub he will begin leaping toward the warehouse, going full density all the way.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Crucible:

The submersible has reached its destination. A large underwater tunnel leads out of San Diego Bay and underneath the warehouse of Jade Imports Unlimited. Much of the area is filled up with Malachite’s submarine, the Jade Prince. Edgar remotely directs the sub to surface. The hatch opens and the heroes rush out! Cosmic Girl lowers her dampening field while Stargirl joins Tesla, Menagerie, and Backlash with the assault on the saucer.

The warehouse is spacious inside, but lacking in what one would normally find in such a place; namely stored goods. Instead there is a large area where the saucer is being constructed. An overhead crane is there, but currently not in use.

Tesla leads the charge flying in on the saucer, with Star Girl in tow. Menagerie dashes across the warehouse floor with a burst of superspeed. Backlash follows, covering ground with huge leaps.

The rest of the group contends the numerous armed guards on duty. Tilt rushes forth and up the gangway to the deck of the Jade Prince. Anyway she comes in contact with along the way ends up being knocked overboard.

Blackout, now sheathed in darkness, creates a larger field of blackness around himself. Blackout can no longer be seen as he rushes a pair of guards. They fire their weapons into the darkness but don’t appear to strike any targets.

Flux flies out of the sub in miniaturized form. He spots several armed guards on overhead walkways and flies to deal with them. In his miniaturized state, they never even see him coming.

Frostbite slides out into the warehouse on an ice slide. With there similar uniforms, it’s hard to tell the guards from the workers. Frosty just covers them all in ice to be on the safe side.

Cosmic Girl gestures at two guards rushing in from behind. Their assault rifles suddenly turn into bouquets of roses.

[GM Mad]

Eternal Vigilance:

In a slightly different reality, the Vigilant mini-sub reaches its destination. A large underwater tunnel leads out of San Diego Bay and underneath the warehouse of Jade Imports Unlimited. Much of the area is filled up with Malachite’s submarine, the Jade Prince. Edgar remotely directs the sub to surface. The hatch opens and the heroes rush out!

The warehouse is spacious inside, but lacking in what one would normally find in such a place; namely stored goods. Instead there is a large area where the saucer is being constructed. An overhead crane is there, but currently not in use.

Powershift leads the charge flying in on the saucer, with Tesla in tow. There is a slight glow from under Powershift’s costume. Those familiar with the mystic hero realize that it’s the glow from the Jewel of Krin, the magical gem embedded in Powershift’s chest. Menagerie dashes across the warehouse floor with a burst of superspeed.

The rest of the group contends the numerous armed guards on duty. Sea Guard stands on the dock near the two subs. His ring glows slightly as he commands a wall of water to rise up and wash over the top deck of the Jade Prince! Numerous armed guards loose their footing and fall off.

Flux flies out of the sub in miniaturized form. He spots several armed guards on overhead walkways and flies to deal with them. In his miniaturized state, they never even see him coming.

Backlash leaps forth towards a group of guards. He lands on them and all go to the floor.

[GM Mad]

Crucible:

Tesla reaches the saucer first. Electricity arcs around and about the heroine as she flies along. Once in range, a blast of electricity strikes the saucer. The arcs play about the entire craft before fading.

Stargirl flies up, points her hands at the craft, and cries out, “EM BLAST!” In response to the attack, those electronic circuits closest to impact shut down.

Backlash’s leap puts him on target to the saucer itself! He lands on top and with his enhanced density simply passes through the craft!

Menagerie changes form once more into the familiar appearance of Goldstar. She then flies forwards, smashing into the side of the saucer!

“Wow!”, Stargirl cries out. “Just like my mom would have done!”


Just at that moment back on the deck of the Jade Prince, a figure in dark red armor emerges.

“What the hell is going on here!?” Daigon curses upon seeing the heroes wrecking everything.

Tilt rushes the armored figure, but Daigon is far quicker then to be expected. A fist lashes out and catches Tilt in the side of the face! The teenage girl goes flying off the deck of the Jade Prince into the water below!

Joining Daigon up on deck is a large black man dressed in a white tuxedo. He glares at the heroes without comment before making his way down the gangway.


While all this is going on, there are dozens of flashes of light through out the warehouse. Each flash fades to reveal an armored saurian warrior! The Saurians have arrived!

[GM Mad]

Eternal Vigilance:


Powershift flies straight at the saucer itself. Right before impact, he winds up and lands a powerful punch to the saucer’s hull. The metal gives and a huge hole opens up. Powershift flies through the hole and deeper into the saucer.

Tesla reaches the saucer next. Electricity arcs around and about the heroine as she flies along. Once in range, a blast of electricity strikes the saucer. The arcs play about the entire craft before fading.

Menagerie changes form once more into the appearance of the famous presumably retired heroine Goldstar. She then flies forwards, smashing into the side of the saucer!


Just at that moment back on the deck of the Jade Prince, a figure in dark red armor emerges.

“What the hell is going on here!?” Daigon curses upon seeing the heroes wrecking everything.

Sea Guard goes to intercept Daigon, but the self-styled demoness is far quicker then to be expected. A fist lashes out and catches Sea Guard in the side of the face! The Protector of the Oceans goes flying off the deck of the Jade Prince into the water below!

Joining Daigon up on deck is a large black man dressed in a white tuxedo. He glares at the heroes without comment before making his way down the gangway. Backlash spots the man and moves to greet him

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The back and forth realties continue. I was going to rename the game once the change over was complete. Eternal Vigilance is that name, so those sections take place in the new reality. For those not in those scenes, you may continue to cover what you’re doing as not part of the group.

Next time: The grand finale and an origin that you were not expecting!

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Eldrich has let pass most of the planning and conversation of the team, his only input regarding magic.
So much is still a great wonder to him. And mystery. Unfathomable. The only points of familiarity he had here are now gone. Goldstar, who looked more like a member of his race then anyone else, and Lady Serena of the Golden Chalice, invested with magic of the most wholesome sort.
Even the High One is no more, replaced by a copy of some kind.

This establishment under an ocean, is two wonders combined. An ocean, water in such great quantity, and a living space under it. It is enough to quiet him throughly.

Eldrich listens to the plans and marks his place in it. During the course of planning Eldrich grows dizzy and seems to lose the thread, as though something had blanked his mind for a moment, but recovers without giving away the lapse.

Strange. I felt for a moment as though I were dreaming....of nothing.

Eldrich enters the metal craft for a journey under the water with unseen trepidation. He can only trust that his companions know what they are doing, as he has always trusted them. Those moments of blank nothingness occur twice more with dizziness the only advance warning.

Can this be a new aspect of the Curse? The blank nothingness does have that feel to it. Do I tell them? They are counting upon me, if I become useless at a critical time...

Before he can decide, the journey is over! The craft rises out of the water inside the enemy's holding. The hatch opens and the attack begins!

Eldrich activates his Ward and Cloak then Steps to a location above the fray to watch for Saurions or reinforcements according to his understanding of the plan.

There are dozens of flashes of light through out the warehouse. Each flash fades to reveal an armored saurian warrior! The Saurians have arrived!

There! As predicted the foe appears. Time to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............blankness......................unthinking ................unaware...................dullness....................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .earn my keep.

[Bruce]

Flux

Up and at 'em Sarge! Targets at 2:00! And 3:00....and 4..

With that whimsical thought Flux aims himself at the armed guards high up on walkways around the warehouse, slugging them down as he passes, still too small to be noticed.

Tesla reaches the saucer first. Electricity arcs around and about the heroine as she flies along. Once in range, a blast of electricity strikes the saucer. The arcs play about the entire craft before fading.

Stargirl flies up, points her hands at the craft, and cries out, “EM BLAST!” In response to the attack, those electronic circuits closest to impact shut down.

Backlash’s leap puts him on target to the saucer itself! He lands on top and with his enhanced density simply passes through the craft!

Menagerie changes form once more into the familiar appearance of Goldstar. She then flies forwards, smashing into the side of the saucer!

There goes the saucer, it's not flying anywhere now.

Uh-oh, there goes Tilt into the drink. Retrieval time!

Flux heads to the spot where Tilt-a-Whirl was knocked over to pull her out of the water-just in time to see the Saurian tactical response arrive in the warehouse.

*"Second team on deck! Saurians have arrived in force!"*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's a moment of dizziness again but Flux ignores it.

Up and at 'em Sarge. No time for that now.

With that self admonishment Flux flies up to target the armed guards on walkways around the warehouse, slugging them down as he passes, still too small to be noticed.

Powershift flies straight at the saucer itself. Right before impact, he winds up and lands a powerful punch to the saucer’s hull. The metal gives and a huge hole opens up. Powershift flies through the hole and deeper into the saucer.

Tesla reaches the saucer next. Electricity arcs around and about the heroine as she flies along. Once in range, a blast of electricity strikes the saucer. The arcs play about the entire craft before fading.

Menagerie changes form once more into the appearance of the famous presumably retired heroine Goldstar. She then flies forwards, smashing into the side of the saucer!

There goes the saucer. It's not attacking anything today.

Um, there goes Sea Guard over the side. Looks like my turn at bat.

Flux flies above Daigon, preparing his patented Density Drop maneuver....

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

"It's okay Menagerie," Tesla replies. "I think you make a fine leader, and you're right, everyone needs to have their head screwed on right for this." She looks over at Blackout (at least when he's there!), but only for a moment.

"I have nothing wrong with following capable leaders," Tesla adds. "Both you and Flux have done a lot to see all of us through this. You're no-nonsense about a lot of things Menagerie, and while that can rub the wrong way sometimes, it's definitely an asset on the field."

"Uhm... Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tesla. I appreciate it more than you know." Perhaps later she'll have a chance to ask Tesla about the whole "rub the wrong way" thing, but now isn't the time.

“We got it, Boss Lady.” He says simply as he tightens his mask upon his face and tightens his gloves. “Get in, destroy the saucer, get out and let nothing get in our way. Seems pretty easy to remember.” he says with a grin

Menagerie nods, with just a hint of a smirk. "I have confidence in your ability carry through."

Suddenly he's aware of the darkness he can bring forth, but it seems.. something more. He concentrates, and anyone watching Blackout sees darkness seep seemingly out of him. Instead of forming a globe of darkness around him though, it seems to be crawling up him, wrapping itself around him until his entire body is sheathed in darkness. His features can still be seen, but it's almost like the darkness added another layer to his costume. "Hmmm, this is quite interesting.." Blackout says, his tone more curious than concerned.

"Whoa..." Lily murmurs. She's never seen Blackout do this before, but he doesn't seem alarmed by it, so it must be intentional. Still, it's a little creepy...

The attack begins, with Tesla, Backlash and herself charging towards the saucer. However, the reality flips also continue, seeming to come faster and faster. Fortunately, the realities are similar enough that it doesn't change what she's doing. Still, it does make it hard to concentrate, and she subconsciously hesitates each time reality spasms.

Between them, they begin to damage the saucer. Moments later, Lily notes that saurian warriors are teleporting in. Clearly, the damage is not sufficient yet to change the timestream, or the saurians would disappear. Must keep trying...

Menagerie plows through the saucer in Goldstar's form over and over, ignoring or forcing her way through any attempts to stop her. Even StarGirl's amazed comment is lost in her determination to bring this to a close.
_________________________________________________________
I think the renaming works perfectly. Crucible is the process by which the new heroes are molded and tempered into stalwart champions. Eternal Vigilance represents the ongoing lives of these now-experienced heroes.

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

The rest of the group contends the numerous armed guards on duty. Tilt rushes forth and up the gangway to the deck of the Jade Prince. Anyway she comes in contact with along the way ends up being knocked overboard.

Tilt can be heard giggling as she drops one after another guard into the water. The way they cry out and flail their arms - they're just so silly! Tilt finds she has to concentrate though, because if she didn't know any better, it seems like she's here one minute and not the next. Then all of a sudden Tilt knows what the feeling is. She has become so fast that she can be in two places at once!

Tilt rushes the armored figure, but Daigon is far quicker then to be expected. A fist lashes out and catches Tilt in the side of the face! The teenage girl goes flying off the deck of the Jade Prince into the water below!

"wwhhhaaaaa??!!??" Tilt cries out as she goes tumbling end over end and lands in the water. Now the image of all those guards she knocked over isn't as funny as it had been.

Flux heads to the spot where Tilt-a-Whirl was knocked over to pull her out of the water-just in time to see the Saurian tactical response arrive in the warehouse.

Spitting out water and coughing, Tilt exclaims, "didyouseethat?!? hecheatedFlux!! thatsnofair!!" Clearly aggravated that her hair is sopping wet and sticking to her head, she looks at the arriving Saurians. "awww thoseguysarenofun! theyresoslow!"

[Backlash]

Backlash

Crubicle---With a great surge of his legs, Backlash leaps through the air, following Tesla, Stargirl and Menagerie. As he does so he spots many uniformed men but still leaps on trusting in his counterparts that all will be well.


Eternal Vigilance---Moments later it seems he is reliving the same dream as the sub begins to surface. Powershift and Tesla lead the way towards the saucer, and Backlash leaps into the air in pursuit. As he touches down he sees a group of guards, Narrowing his eyes he leaps into the air once again as they come closer and closer, Right before impact, he says so they can hear, “Incoming.”

Looking up startled the guards have no time to react as Backlash comes crashing into them, sending them all to the floor. Looking on them for a moment, he just shakes his head, “Can’t find good guards these days….” he muses to himself as he leaps to the air once again.

Crubicle---As the saucer comes closer into view he can see Tesla’s electricity play about the saucer as he comes in the air, then Stargirl’s EM blast… Hoping the attacks haven’t electrified the hull of the saucer, Backlash curls up slightly bracing himself for the impact of the hull. He lands firmly on the saucer but then he feels the sinking feeling as his increased Density takes its toll, sending him through the craft.

Flashes of light are soon seen as the Saurins arrive in armor, knowing his time maybe short Backlash goes into the interior of the ship and begins smashing and pounding the control systems and anything that maybe vital to the saucers operation.

Eternal Vigilance-

Joining Daigon up on deck is a large black man dressed in a white tuxedo. He glares at the heroes without comment before making his way down the gangway. Backlash spots the man and moves to greet him.

"I see you dressed for your funeral….".Backlash says as he slowly makes his way forward to Armstrong, though keeping an eye on Diagon. Once and if he reaches Armstrong he will proceed to punch him with all his force.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite
Frostbite slides out into the warehouse on an ice slide. With there similar uniforms, it’s hard to tell the guards from the workers. Frosty just covers them all in ice to be on the safe side.

Generating an ice slide before him, Frosty moves into the area. Spotting several men in uniform, Frostbite trieds to look for weapons but sees none. Being save the sorry he gestures with his hands coating those before him in Ice.

Soon enough there are flashes of light all about the warehouse. Armored figures that Frostbite assumes are the Saurians, With the call from Flux to move up and take them out Frosty is happy to help. Gesturing toward the closest Saurian and sending a volley of Icicles towards it. (RKA w/ armor piercing)

[GM Mad]

Post Closed