Skyhawk will use Achilles to help him collect as much data as possible, and then catch up with the group from ECU. Hopefully by comparing data they can get closer to an answer on what is going on.
OOC: It is good to get started back!

Stalker will continue his routine of watching the sites know for gang and drug activity. As much as he is able to between his work shifts. The BSI guys are big league, not sure if he is ready for that.

GM to the group

Skyhawk - I'm waiting to hear from Jack Frost before I post a reply to you, as he's also in the area.

Stalker - Standby, as I need to kind of nudge you in certain direction, so work with me a bit.

Thunderbolt, stand by until I hear the Machinist's next response, then BSI will deal with your rather public intro to them. 

The Machinist - Agent Woo, doesn't look happy in the least bit. She informs you that her superiors have determined that they don't you guys running around "unsupervised", as most of you are still new to the scene. If, you're willing to play by a few rules, they'll back you, provide you with some sort of new digs, provide legal cover for your activities, and grant you access to information that you normally wouldn't have access to.

But, as you know, nothing's free. She informs you that "Mr. Smith", has flown in from DC, and has brought along a couple of people that they want you to meet. And with that, as if on queue, in walks "Mr. Smith", and a tall blond haired, male in a colorful uniform, who fits the bill of the individual you saw flying earlier.

Mr. Smith looks you dead in the eye, and says "Well, well, well...it's been a while, good to see you again." with a bit of snide tone.  "I'm sorry, that was quite rude of me. Allow me to introduce your newest member, Rampart."

Ghost - Your free to execute the actions we discussed previously, at this time.

Responses?

Lorenzo is in his shop making a few adjustments on a custom fuel injector system to squeeze a few extra hp from one of his engines when a flash of remembrance hits him.
"Oh yeah, that phone Thunderbolt gave me... I wonder if it works."
He dials the number and waits...

Unable not to overhear the exchange of seemingly adversaries, Jason listened carefully, trying to pick up on the cause of the tension between the two men. He had been given a quick briefing and had followed the public exploits of the Protectors. For the past few months they had done some real good for Empire City. They were a small squad so far, but had potential to be a power that could hold back the tide of forces that had arisen in the Guardians absence.

The Guardians had a great working relationship that had been built over decades. Trust had been earned over time on both sides. Obviously there is a bit more work to be done before the Protectors and BSI get to that level of trust. I haven’t seen two alphas marking territory like this since grampa and I went hunting coyote that last summer. I told these guys this was the wrong way to handle this. You can’t run roughshod over civilians, even ex-military, and expect them to smile about it.

Once Machinist is finished with “Mr. Smith” and turns to take his hand, Rampart shakes it with a firm grip and open smile. The fact that both of the two ‘masked’ men wear visors made it hard to get a true read on their facial expressions. There was no mistaking Machinist tone of voice though.  “Thanks, I appreciate that, but I think there’s been some mistake.” Here goes nothing. “I agreed to ‘Mr. Smith’ request to meet with you. I never agreed to being ‘placed’ on your team. I think he forgets officially I’m a civilian now. Maybe when your leader shows up … Power Chord, right? Maybe the three of us can take a walk and see where it leads.”

OOC: I'm a little confused as to what we should post, where... Here's Power Chord's turn, if he gets one... let me know if I need to post to the blog...

IC Power Chord:
Near midnight, close to the ECU campus, lightning flashed momentarily lighting the exterior of the early nineteenth century brownstone as large rain drops begins to fall.  There were no lights to be seen through the windows of the first two floors.  Something flickers like candle light through the upper floor window, but maybe a little too bright for candles showing through the fluttering curtains.

Inside the room a maelstrom rushes about the room, books and objects float in apparent chaos, but at the eye of the storm, a man floats in the lotus position.  Before him a dagger spins end over end.

Power Chord’s brow is dotted with perspiration; this is not the passive meditation he has become used to as of late.  Something is wrong…  The candles at the points of the pentagram again flare, as if something is coming against the wards.  His eyes do not open, and the murmur from his lips does not stop.  There must be something there, some relationship…

Power Chord’s mind returns to the prophecy he had intoned what seemed like an eternity ago.

“I see a dark time for this world, A King returns, and the dead walk again. Those that live on the blood of innocence, and cannot survive long the light of the day.”

“Evil from many sources focused on this world, but we shall stand against them, and they shall break like waves on the shore.”

Where these the things that interrupted his sleep? Was the dagger the key, or just a key?

As he slowly opened his eyes, the maelstrom subsided, and the candles returned to their normal brilliance.  Books that were floating around the room closed themselves, and floated back to their bookshelves, as Power Chord slowly lowered until he was touching the ground.   He glanced around verifying everything appeared to be in place, when his eyes widened.  The dagger still spun.  He had withdrawn his power, commanding it to return to the case across the room, but it remained.  The dagger suddenly lurched, and flew across the room, thunking solidly into an ancient wooden chest of drawers… Curiously, Power Chord wove a spell to detect any magical creatures or spells remaining, and verified he knew every one before he approached the dagger.   He opened the drawer, and withdrew its sole content, a pouch containing an amulet he had forgotten about.  He pondered the amulet, and grasped the dagger by the hilt.  It appeared nothing more than an ancient artifact, he could detect powerful magics within it, but it sat lifeless on his palm.  He returned it to the case he had specially made for it, and closed the silver lined glass lid.
Dirk turned and headed for a shower.   

Tomorrow he would contact the team; it was time for them to investigate Jonesville…

Jon, damn nice write up

GM Replies Part Two

GM to Power Chord: Power Chord's powerful visions lead him to seek out the other members of the team. After what was a restless night, he journeys to the BSI field office seeking to contact the other members of the team. As he arrives, he spies the striking young figure of a man hovering near the entrance to the facility (it's Thundebolt but you don't know that yet).

As he stares for a moment, trying to determine the young mans intent, the young man speaks, announcing his intentions to anyone within earshot. Within seconds, a squad of a half dozen BSI security personnel are out the door. While they don't have their weapons drawn, they don't look pleased.

GM Replies to T-Bolt: Within moments of you finishing your speech, a half dozen black clad BSI security personnel rush out the doors, clearly upset about your presence. While all of them are armed with automatic weapons, none of them are pointing their weapons at you.

GM to the two of you: I'll need actions from both of you.

GM Replies to Stalker: You've had a few days of piece and quiet at work, and are glad for the break, as it was a little on the hectic side for a while. The down time allows you to train, rest up, and keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary down at the port. Things look to be running smoothly as you arrive for your work shift. You clock in, and as you're getting your briefing, you can't help but notice what sounds like someone sobbing softly just outside the door.

After you a moment, you're able to make out who it is. It's Ramona Fitzpatrick, your dispatcher. She's an older lady, in her early 50's. You've only spoken to her a few times, and but she always seems pleasant enough when you speak to her. She seems extremely upset, which is very out of character for her.

Actions?

dsumner wrote on Jul 24^th, 2012 at 2:21pm:


Keith clocks in and turns to make his way to his patrol. Trying to ignore the woman's tears. As he reaches for the door he remembers Craig pointing out to him that if he doesn't make an effort to be more approachable,both in and out of uniform,he'll still be nothing more than a weapon. Keith closes his eyes,takes a deep breath and turns slowly around. "Ms. Fitzpatrick"He tries for a cheery tone even though he is out of practice using one.
"Can I get you a tissue or something?"

The Cougar wrote on Jul 24^th, 2012 at 3:34pm:

Receiving the comm from the Machinist, Skyhawk replies. "Hey, What's up? Achilles is picking up slightly elevated levels of background radiation. Nothing dangerous, but it should be watched. I have found the van and campsite of the team from ECU. There is nobody around. I am going to fly around and see if I can find them."
Skyhawk will fly ever expanding circles around the campsite to see if he can find the team.

The Machinist relayed the information Skyhawk gave him to Agent Woo.

The Machinist's smile dropped as he turned to face Rampart again. "Really?!? and when was 'back in your day' exactly?"

The Machinist sent a mental command to his home base computers to start a records search on 'Captain Air Force'

The Cougar wrote on Jul 25^th, 2012 at 3:16pm:

Still looking out the window at the present, while his thoughts drift in the past. His voice laden with the weight of everything that has came and gone since Operation: Tartarus. "Hmmm? Oh ... uhm sorry, was an Air Force pilot before all this. You know how it is. Briefings, debriefings, there always seemed to be a 'player' somewhere in the room."


The Cougar wrote on Jul 25^th, 2012 at 3:16pm:

OOC: okay I'll give you Air Force (duh huh  ) curious why you assigned him rank of captain?    Tom ... dude, that's me yanking your chain pal 

PS: For fun I googled Captain Air Force: About 20,000,000 results (0.36 seconds) 


Rampart: back IC
A soft sigh and suddenly deciding time to put the past away for another day, Jason asked light-heartedly. "Can you call Power Chord? There isn't any reason to stick around this place is there? Unless you'd rather interview me in the 'conference room'? . . . This weather is spectacular. Let's fly out and give Skyhawk a hand."

Power Chord IC: A smile crosses his lips as he observes the youth floating before the BSI.  His body language and gestures clearly indicate his intentions are not aggressive.

PC almost laughs out loud as the cell phone rings, and he takes the time to answer it, seemingly oblivious to what is going on.

He certainly appears prepared for trouble, with the number of weapons he carries and the fact that he is obviously “special,” floating above the pavement.  His apparent lack of concern leads Dirk to believe he has some method of protection beyond that of his duster…

Just to be on the safe side, PC will erect a Mystic Barrier (Force Field) around himself first, and then between the BSI agents and the young man.  From above and behind, “I don’t think they are used to un-invited guests like us.  Perhaps I could facilitate an introduction.  My name is Power Chord, and you are?”

"Let's walk out front and wait for Power Chord there. I will contact Agent Woo to let her know we desire to meet with Skyhawk at his location once Power Chord arrives."

Machinists activiated his comm to contact Woo. With the other hand he tossed a spare comm unit to Rampart.

Smoothly snatching the device tossed across the room Rampart gives it a once over. It looks like some of the better high-tech comm units he'd seen the STOP teams using when preparring for a training exercise. Crap, this is embarrassing. I could tuck it away and hope that no one tries to contact me with it . . . No, if he trust me enough to share his custom gear I need to lay my pride aside long enough to figure out how to use it. You never know when some 'cape' trouble is going to pop up.

'Cough'  "Sure sounds like a plan. Maybe you can show me how this thing works on the way?"  after they make it a few steps out the door,  "I don't suppose there's a way to integrate something like this into my visor is there?"

"You can do that? I knew you were tech-oriented but that's amazing." My engineering degree is twenty-five years old. I hope I don't end up needing a translator to understand half of what this guy is talking about. "Thanks ... both I guess. You never know which way the tactical environment is going to go."

As the two men walk toward the main entrance of the building, the sound of a tactical squad being mobilized fills the lobby, "What's all the ruckus outside about?"

Thunderbolt is ... very impressed by Power Chord, no knee-jerk reactions, no suspiciousness ... calm and ...regal after a fashion.  Thunderbolt realized he was truly in the presence of a professional superhero.

He was frankly... quite awestruck.

Thunderbolt drops his magnetic field and follows PC listening carefully, "Uh. Yes Sir."

"I was also interested in the meteor that landed.  I was curious what minerals might have survived re-entry.  Meteoric cobalt and nickel-iron could be very useful in some of my personal researches into magnetic monopoles!  But the serial killer seemed to be more of a public safety issue that should not be ignored... regardless of my personal curiosity."

Thunderbolt floats next to Power Chord, his metallic meshed white cloak fluttering to the magnetic breeze he creates with his will...

"YOUR Team?  I  did not know there was another Superhero Team operating in Empire City... or I would have tried to make contact much sooner!"

As they approach the door to the building Thunderbolt gestures...not even looking at the door and the metal door opens automatically to his passing desire.

"I have been busy with RONIN trying to track down the source of a highly illegal Trans-mutegenetic street drug that is being pushed called 'Boost'.  It gives the users superpowers and drives them into psychotic-rage fits before it potentially kills them from Overdose!"

He lands lightly on the floor of the BSI building lobby.  His costume makes a very distinct 'shinging' sound as he moves -it must all be made of some kind of metal mesh... The security scanner machines all almost immediately go off with their alarms as his overlapping magnetic fields trigger their sensitive electronic detectors.

"I have a vested interest... I an my little sister were abducted almost a year ago and I believe a 1st Gen version of this same drug was tested on us against our will... by a freak twist of fate it gave me my powers...permanently.  I have been trying to stop those pushing it... mainly the Leonetti Mafia Cartel Family.  I've gotten their ire and they have since hired super-powered mercenary muscle to protect their activities..."

Glancing at the security scanner booths and the racket they are making he gestures and there is an arc of electricity at his fingertips as he simply turns the machines off with some electrical machine control.  Magnetically Holding the door for Power Chord he follows walking next to  him into the building his attention focused totally upon Power Chord... seemingly not needing to see where he is going to navigate the hallways of the BSI HQ.

GM Replies to Stalker:

It takes Mrs. Fitzpatrick a moment to answer you. "It's..., it's my, sniff, daughter. She's, sniff, she's been missing for days, and then this morning, the police came her to talk to me, asking all sorts of questions about who she was doing, and if she had a boyfriend. They won't tell me anything and I'm sacred, to death. Why won't they tell me anything?"

You notice a card on her desk with a phone number for ECPD's Major Crimes Unit on it. And wonder why they'd be investigating what would normally be a missing person case.

Actions?

The Cougar wrote on Jul 27^th, 2012 at 3:29pm:


You get a freebie on this one, as the rest of the team already has comm gear to speak with BSI.

GM to Diesel: You pull out of the shop, and ease into traffic. Since it's the middle of the day, you're making pretty good time, but it's still going to take you a minute to get to the BSi field office, and click on the radio to pass the time, while you think about everything that's happened to you since donning the suit. You can't help but thing you'll see Death Warrant (Originally named Nemesis, but I switched it up) again, and wonder exactly what his connection to the various organized crime families is. You also happen to hear a news report of another young girl going missing, last night, and her father pleads for any information about her possible whereabouts, before getting close to your final destination.

It'll take your roughly 20 minutes to make the drive, and find some place, out of sight to park. How do you want to make your actual approach to the building once you arrive?

GM to T-Bolt, and Power Chord:

As the two of you continue your conversation, a firm, polite voice calls out to you from below.

"Excuse me gentlemen, but if the two of you would be so kind as to come down here, it would be appreciated."

It's the voice of one of the BSI security personnel. You can tell by his frown on his brow, and his body language, that he's a bit upset.

Actions?

Thunderbolt is pulled out of his enthrallment {Power Chord DOES have a Charisma of 27!} by the firm authoritative voice from the BSI Officer - realizing his casual actions and attention may have alarmed none-too-few of the Agents assembled.

Shifting his gaze to the annoyed Agent he comments to Power Chord...

"..I'll leave this to you... Power Chord."

Thunderbolt follows Power Chord's lead...

dsumner wrote on Jul 28^th, 2012 at 1:45am:


"I'm sure it's nothing. Let me see if I can get some answers for you"He casually picks up the card and slides it into his shirt pocket. He walks over to the break area and brings her back some hot tea. "Now I need to get on patrol but I'll check into it as soon as my shift is over"
Later when he returns to the loft,he drops the card on Craig's desk. "See what you can get me on Ms Fitpatrick, and the detective on her case. I may have to visit the Major Crimes Unit" Craig begins his computer search, then stops as the words sink in.  "The ECPD Major Crimes Unit? Are you nuts?! Your good but that's just asking for trouble"He continues to do the search however.

The Machinist responded to Agent Woo’s instructions. “I was told I was to meet 2 people at BSI today. Are we sure this isn’t the second one? It is very much like Mr. Smith to withhold this kind of info.” He started to walk casually toward the front when Rampart suggested they split up. “Do I mind? Hell yeah I mind!”

Machinist quickly toggled his visor into combat mode. He linked up to the ATM cameras across the street of the BSI and the red light cameras on all the street corners. He sent a query to all the satellites schedules to see which ones, if any, would be focused on the street block that makes up the BSI offices. He linked up with any satellite which would have footage at their location in the last 5 minutes.

“Rampart, ’A situation outside, an unplanned visitor’ is not code for an attack. Power Chord, Jack, and myself were also unplanned visitors to BSI when we first showed up. BSI is not under attack at this moment. Agent Woo would not send us out the front door to a powers fight.  Power Chord is handling this. If he was in trouble he would have contacted Skyhawk and me.”

On the upper left most screens of his visor his search on the phrase BARCAP came back. It was the acronym for Barrier Combat Air Patrol.

He click for the definition of the term: One or more divisions or elements of fighter aircraft employed between a force and an objective area as a barrier across the probable direction of enemy attack. It is used as far from the force as control conditions permit, giving added protection against raids that use the most direct routes of approach. See also combat air patrol.

“Gawd, Rampart we are not going out there without the proper intel.” Then it hit him. Rampart wanted to get intel.“Jeez, how long ago was ‘back in the day’ really? We don’t have to leave the building to know what is going on. Please tell me you watched Star Trek Next Generation, otherwise I am about to freak you out.”

Machinist quickly linked up the projector he had earlier to his visor. He projected a 3-D display in front of both Rampart and himself. He quickly started pointing to the 16 different information screens in front of them.

•      “In quad a2 and a3 are the camera feeds from the ATM cameras across the street.”
•       “B4 is a composite splicing on the 3 red light cameras which cover the front entrances of the BSI offices.”
•       “In C2 is the twitter feed of ‘Who watches the Watchmen’”. Machinist explained to Rampart, “It is one of those conspiracy groups that believe the TV show X-Files was based on BSI activities. So they sit across the street from the different public BSI locations and tweet the activities outside the buildings on their cell phones.”
•      “Over here on D1 is WECN. Let’s see if our visitor has caused enough ruckus for Amber Green to be outside.”
•      “The screens labeled D3 and D4 was attempting to link into the BSI security surveillance cameras for the outside and lobby.”

Machinist studied the screens before him to try to determine what the heck Power Chord had gotten himself into.

At the same time he thought about prior statements made by Rampart.

•      “I never agreed to being ‘placed’ on your team. I think he forgets officially I’m a civilian now.”
•      “Let's fly out and give Skyhawk a hand."
•      "I'll take the side door and fly a BARCAP over the building."
•      “I'll keep an eye out for any other potential unplanned visitors.”

“For someone who isn’t part of the team and isn’t its leader, he sure gives a lot of orders. It is like he is still in the military” The Machinist thought. “I wonder what he and Mr Smith have cooked up together”.

Thunderbolt had just gestured to open the metal framed doors of the BSI building ... the wave of magnetic force setting off the security scanner machine's alarms when the BSI Agent intercepted them.  Following Power Chord's lead Thunderbolt landed next to him... none too little embarrassed at his own carelessness.

He had been just about to turn the security scanner machines off to end their incessant racket and was pointedly trying to ignore them ... when... he felt something change in the flow of circuits around him... it was odd... unlike anything he had ever felt before and only because he had just been about to seize control of the security scanner machines did he notice at all - the subtle tug... of some other control being exerted.

He was so perplexed wondering if he'd felt anything at all when his RONIN Cell Phone went off a gain.

{Uggg... why didn't I put that on silent!}

It was Diesel, {"I'm here, where do I need to go?"}

Not bothering to take the cell phone out of his pocket - electricity flashed in his eyes and he took control of the cell phone and spoke softly, {"Its a little dicey right now... come up to the front entrance non-threateningly like.  I'm talking with a Hero named Power Chord.. he knows the BSI Officials and is going to arrange a meeting for us, his team and BSI.  See you in a few..we'll wait.  Oh... and did you try to call Stalker?  I'm kinda.. involved right now... see you soon."}

Looking at the agent Thunderbolt clears his throat...

"{Ahem}, Officer?  My other Teammate has arrived.. I think you already know of him.. he's Diesel.. BIG guy in a metal suit with a Huge Freaking Hammer?  Could you tell your Agents he's not here for trouble either..."

Stepping over to Power Chord he waits for the Officer to get on his radio to inform his men.

Then he mutters to Power Chord, "Ah... Sir, not trying to alarm anyone but.. something ...weird just happened.. I think ...to the machines around us... be wary!?!  No, I don't know against or for what... its wierd... something happened... but I'm not sure just what."

With a muted sigh, Machinist activated the BSI communications channel he had used when they were on surveillance at ECU. “Rampart has left the building from a different location than directed, repeat, Rampart has left the building from a side location not the front location as directed. He is performing an aerial patrol. Please don’t shoot him down.”

“Agent Woo, Does the BSI squad know what Rampart looks like? Were they introduced? Oh, and I was wrong it appears he will fit right in with our team. Another act first, thinks later type”

Activating his com to the Protector Channel, “Power Chord there is another ‘Power’ in play. He has flight ability. Imagine Captain Air Force and you should be able to recognize him. His handle is Rampart. He is one of the individuals that BSI wanted us to meet. He has one of my comm. units.”

“Rampart, I don’t know what you have seen of Power Chord but he uses magic to prevent modern electronics from capturing his image correctly. He is wearing a cloak. It is like a heavy cape and hoodie combined.”

“Skyhawk when you meet with the locals keep Achilles out of sight. That way he can notify us if you encounter trouble.”

“Machinist out”

"Machinst, Rampart, relax son this isn't my first rodeo.

"Really? you sure are fooling me. Things have changed since 'Back in the Day' Pops. I am willing to bet this is the first time for you to fly a BARCRAP without sitting in a cockpit.

OOC: looking through the threads, I did not see any mention of when in the day these events were occurring so I'm sure Dom will correct me if I am wrong


Stalker left the loft just before sundown. Craig had spent the day going over intel on Dect. Jones and the Major Crimes Unit. He wasn't sure that Stalker's idea was a bright one. Since he had hacked cameras around ECPD,he had heard some radio chatter about a super outside the BSI building. On a lark he checks some camera's in the area.  Nothing that looks like Stalker,that's good.

"Agent Woo, I am heading out front alone. ETA 15 seconds"

Machinist walks through the lobby toward the front doors, wondering what he is going to find.

Power Chord smiles as Thunderbolt tells him about what he senses, at the same time hearing the Machinist in his ear...

Power Chord looks up into the sky, but doesn't see anyone.  Power Chord speaks into his bluetooth headset.  "Machinist, I don't see anyone.  There's a young man out here, he appears to have powers similar to yours, he seemed to sense you through the local devices.  Should be interesting."

"Rampart, eh?  I don't see anyone else out here but the BSI security detail," he transmits on the open channel.

GM Replies to Stalker: After a quick check, Craig is able to find out that Detective Nathan Jones, ECPD Major Crimes unit, is the lead investigator on the case, but MCU is being really tight lipped about what info they're releasing.

He's been able to get into the Coroner's reports, and from what he can determine, all the victims have been young females, between the ages of 16 and 22. All have been in good health, with no history of drugs or excessive alcohol usage. What he does find strange is that the Coroner's cause of death has been redacted from the report.

Thunderbolt gazed in wonder at Power Chord, {Machinist?  Power similar to yours...?  Intriguing!}

Thunderbolt interjected, "My Teammate Diesel has arrived and is approaching the BSI building from the front entrance... just keep anyone from being surprised.  Maybe we should wait for him to join us?"

Listening to the conversation between Power Chord and Machinist... well at least Power Chord's portion of it, he turns and looks skyward directly in the direction Rampart is approaching from; his Radar Senses giving fair warning...

Pointing for Power Chord's benefit, "Incoming!  There is a man shaped figure - in flight approaching from there... perhaps that's your 'Rampart'?"

Thinking, {Huh... there are more meta-humans here in Empire City than I guessed at!  But the teams... seem equivalent in number, though it seems Power Chord does not know this Rampart fella.  So... how organized are these guys really?}

GM Replies to Skyhawk: After completing your message back to the group at BSI, you swoop down and land directly in front of the local police station. You don't seem to attract much attention, which you think is a little strange. As you get closer to the ground, you comm signal, which was already a bit shaky, seems to get progressively worse, as does your link to Achilles.

As you enter the front door, an officer almost bumps into you. After introducing yourself to him, he stares at you blankly for a moment, he responds stating in a monotone voice. "Why don't you speak to the chief" as he points to a tall, middle age man, with salt and pepper black hair, sitting behind a desk. He then heads out the door. You also notice that the individual the officer pointed to never once looks up to acknowledge your presence during the entire conversation. 

Actions?

Skyhawk tells Achilles "Forward to the Machinist, Situation is getting weirder by the moment. I have a feeling that the Pod People have taken over. Something is off around here. Having a hard time with radio signal and link with Achilles. I will try and contact you soon regardless of any new information."
Walking over to the designated Officer, He will tell him about the missing ECU team.

Having not yet been excepted into the Protectors, regardless of 'Mr. Smith's' botched introduction, Rampart quietly leans against the wall in the corner watching Empire City's active players at work.

“Oh really ... you will, will you?”

Thunderbolt smiled chuckling good naturedly... taking it as a jest in the same vein he had spoken it.

Then, he touched the button...

“Check Please.”

...and Thunderbolt's smile turned sour.  His gaze turning serious.

Casting a look Power Chord's direction his eyebrow raising in an unspoken question and expression {Really?!?  Seriously?}

Turning to the patriotically dressed man leaning against the wall,
“I believe the Machinist said you go by Rampart?”

Still leaning against the wall, waiting to see if one of the two factions swallows the other, or they go their separate ways, There must be something about wearing a mask that makes people lose all sense of normal speech.

Leaning up and taking a single step forward, Jason reaches out to Power Chord with his hand in a gesture of friendship. "Good to meet you. Yeah ... Rampart. Some LT off the STOP team hung that on me while I was running a few training exercises with them a while back."

Watching the over-active kid almost sprint around the table, Rampart shakes his hand with a quick firm professional grip.  Kid's a bit over the top with the melodrama but Woo must figure he's a potential asset ... or another wildcard to keep a close eye on. No telling what scanners she's got sweeping every one of these guys right now.

As he leans back in the corner, ready to watch Empire's most active metas decide which path each wants to walk, Rampart realizes something ... "I'd go easy on calling yourself a hero kid . . . Regardless of our powers and what we do . . . It just comes across as pretentious. Street cops, soldiers, paramedics. Those guys are heroes.

Thunderbolt's expression is confused at Rampart's reply.  Not lost on him was the fact that his question was side-stepped and not answered.

"Uhm... I don't believe I called myself a hero sir... I called you a hero?"

He casts a look at Power Chord in question...

"I know that... most of us save for perhaps Stalker are new to trying to be responsible superpowered metas and do our part to help.  I assumed Power Chord has been at this some time... and you seem to have some official regard from BSI... YOU two are the only 'professional' Heroes I've ever met! I was not referring to myself. Was I mistaken?"

"Believe me I have nothing but respect for soldiers, policemen, fire-fighters, and paramedics.  I know a particular policemen who... once was a great man - my personal hero... who inspired me to take a stand and try to help."

"You don't need metas to deal with shop-lifters, bank-robbers, organized crime-families and the normal vice/crime/terrorists police and soldiers are trained and expected to deal with."

"I'm only trying to help with the myriad of other things police, soldiers and the like are not equipped to,  are not necessarily trained to deal with or just simply out-classed by in capability.  Have no idea what those things might be... but I do try very hard to stay out of their way so they can do their jobs."

He steps back letting Power Chord take the lead in dealing with the obviously costumed g-man.

Thunderbolt ponders, {Well this guy is spooky and unfriendly.  Government man... definitely!  I know I'm the youngest here but wow... Power chord seems to have his favor I'll leave him to him.}

Avatar wrote on Jul 30^th, 2012 at 10:55am:


GM to everyone: Just so everyone is on the same sheet of music, Stalker's initial conversation takes place the night before the big meeting at BSI. His trip to the ECPD's MCU takes place the night that the rest of you are all at BSI.

Lord Inar wrote on Aug 6^th, 2012 at 6:53pm:

Glad you are well.

A handshake, he thinks, a greeting from another time… Dirk takes in before him as he shakes his hand.  The voice… Midwest… probably Indiana, appears educated with some kind of technical training, possibly back East by the phrasing.  He looks to be in his late twenties, but speaks like someone from my father’s generation.  Ramrod straight, professional, STOP team, definitely military experience, very interesting.

As joins them, Dirk continues to observe him… young, sounds like an Empire City local.  Moves with the smooth light step of a Martial Artist.  African American with White Hair… I’d say strong family bonds based on the way he approaches older men, but a wary acceptance.  Appears to have education beyond what I would expect… not book learning, not clipped regurgitation of data, but rather the smooth flow of someone that’s learned from experience.

Looking around lastly at …. I have nothing there, an enigma to my skills.  Perhaps I could see what lies within using magic, but Thunderbolt seems to trust him, and I have no reason to invade his privacy… I shall have to get to know this Diesel through time.

“Gentlemen”, intones, “Now that introductions are complete we’ll see what the BSI has for us.”  He turns to the door, seemingly prepared for the entrance of agent Woo.

Lord Inar wrote on Aug 6^th, 2012 at 6:53pm:


Glad to hear you made it home, and hope that you feel better. Take it easy, and listen to what your doctors tell you.

Machinist started to scan the web on information that might tell them more about Thunderbolt, Diesel, and Ronin when he remembered what Power Chord said.

There's a young man out here, he appears to have powers similar to yours, he seemed to sense you through the local devices.

Instead he shuts everything down.

He sensed me? Just standing outside he sensed my using my computers to view data from the red light cameras and the ATM machines. It’s a good thing Agent Woo did not give me access to BSI systems.

Hmm, he flies. He is armored and has holsters and scabbards for ordinary weapons. I overheard the BSI troopers whispering that he sensed Power Chord's magical force field and he has one of his own. AND he can sense computer hacking and data manipulation.

This is obviously the most powerful individual I have ever met.

I am glad he wants to do right.

I don't understand why he wants to submit himself to BSI authority and leadership? But I guess that is his concerns not mine.

Machinist pressed the button again.
Agents, I would really like to check on Skyhawk and the missing ECU students he reported.

GM Reply to Skyhawk: You speak with the "Chief" and inform him of your motives, and get the same blank stare and nonchalant attitude the first officer gave you. It's as though the guy just doesn't care. He just sort of sits there, shrugs his shoulders, and says, "Relax man, they're just probably off doing some sight seeing, what's the big deal, after all, we're all friends here.", and goes back to working on his computer.

Achilles also informs you that do to the current atmospheric conditions he's unable to transmit your message.

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