OCC:@ Dom and anyone else interested. Because the disappearance of the Guardians, and the President's call to arms for those with meta-powers to step into the void they have left behind is Rampart's primary motivation for playing the role of a superhero, he will have a keen interest in anything related to that team, it's history and clues to it's current status. He would have and will continue to make that a focus of part of his "downtime" activities. With that said I offer the following. Watching as the others start to board the Thunder Wing, Rampart looks down at Mr. Smith and remembers a similarly named aircraft another group of heroes had used.
The Thunderhawk was the Guardian's hypersonic transport. As far as the public knows it is stored in a hanger on Citadel Isle ... but it hasn't been seen since the team disappeared. Flying from tip to tail Jason smiles as a heavily armored Diesel and the Machinist walk up the the ramp into the belly of the sleek silver bird, not far behind them the crew chief and the kid ... not a kid really, but so damn starry-eyed it was scary.
Personality clashes aside a really solid looking squad of individuals. All the components are there for an elite team of heroes. Hmmm . . . Power Chord/Azure, Machinist/Iron Eagle, Diesel/Hardpoint, Thunderbolt/Eden, ... Thunder Wing/Thunderhawk?As the last of the Protectors enter into the craft, Rampart lands between the team and the enigmatic Mr. Smith. In almost a whisper, but with no doubt that the 'suit' can plainly hear every word,
"They aren't the Guardians, and I sure as hell am not a stand in for the Sentinel. You and the BSI might want to take a couple steps back and let them find their own identity." Pointing his thumb over his shoulder at the Thunder Wing.
"You keep trying to push them into some damn government template and they're just as likely to cut and run as fill any void the Guardians have left behind. Chew on that while we're looking for Skyhawk Mr. Man in Black"Although he's sure he could 'drive' it, and he's dying to get a chance to handle the 'Wing', Jason knows he still has some problems when it comes to quickly acclimating himself to new technologies. Activating the comm-link Machinist had integrated into the visor,
"Rampart to Power Chord ... Unless that pretty bird needs a pilot, I'd like to stretch my legs a bit ... " Still looking coldly at Mr. Smith,
" ... Jonesville is only a few minutes from here and I could use the fresh air".