"Statement: Everyone brace yourselves."
A red flashing light in the cockpit flares up!
"That's not good."
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MINOTAR lowers the landing gear and slows the craft, which is buffeted by winds due to the sudden change in its curvature. As he approaches the runway, the wind catches under the wings of the smaller aircraft and causes a sudden nose-up. The javelin rocks precariously to the right, threatening to overturn if the other aircraft is not detached.
"STATEMENT: We are going to all crash if we do not detach the other aircraft!"
Straightjacket will jump off with the other plane and try to absorb the impact as it lands. Let me know if there' anything I should roll.
Leon catches himself on the hatch frame as the Javelin suddenly lurches. He nods at MINOTAR’s call. ”On it!” He calls back as Straightjacket pulls himself out to the plane.
”Hold on tight!” He yells after him as he makes a slashing motion and the paper bindings slacken and release. Grabbing as much paper as he can with his power, including the paper he had used to form his jacket, he hurls it at Straightjacket as the man wraps around the fuselage of the plane. The paper envelopes the two and forms into a makeshift parachute to try to slow their fall and lessen the impact before Straightjacket has to take the full force of it.
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A flurry of paper surrounds the crippled aircraft as it is detached from the javelin. It quickly forms into a parachute, which slows the fall of the aircraft. As it detaches, MINOTAR brings the javelin back under control and brings it in for a three-point touchdown. Buoyed by the parachute, the other plane floats to the ground, landing with barely a bump, thanks to Straightjacket. The crisis has been averted! The stunned pilot and passengers disembark; two men and two women.
Straightjacket gets out from under the plane after the passengers and crew disembark. He just kinds of oozes out of the space after being sort of crushed by the rather rough landing (though less rough due to parachutes).
Getting back into his normal shape, he dusts himself off and checks to see how the people are "You folks OK?"
Contacting the local authorities by radio, MINOTAR sends the landing coordinates and fire/rescue needs, he then shuts down the javelin fully and locking it out per normal JL protocols. He then exits the javelin and approaches the plane towards the engine to examine the damage.
Leon held on tightly as MINOTAR brought the Javelin safely to the ground. He patted the machine-hero's shoulder as he followed him out of the Javelin. "Nice recovery. Maybe someday I'll get you to teach me how to fly one of those things." He said as they reached Straightjacket and the plane's occupants.
He joined Straightjacket as MINOTAR moved to examine the plane. "MINO's already called the authorities, they should be here soon." He said, trying to sound reassuring. He gives SJ a friendly shoulder punch and a chuckle. "Nice job." He looks around and gives a overly dramatic sigh. "Guess I should clean up my mess." Leon steps away and holds his hands out calling the paper back to him. Some of the pieces are singed and some are missing, but he reforms his jacket and puts it back on. Gathering the rest of the paper into a stack that shapes itself into a small carrying case until he can sort it out properly later.
The process takes a minute or so, but he moves back to join SJ with the survivors as they wait for MINOTAR to finish his investigation and help arrives.
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The people exit the plane in a shaken state. The two women are hysterical. The men are somewhat calmer, though still greatly frightened. The pilot gives his name as Gavin Hart and says that the plane was cruising along without difficulty when suddenly, the portside wing burst into flames!
This is all that you are able to get out of them before the paramedics rush them off to the hospital, saying that you can question them more at a later time.
Letting the Firemen and the FAA take over the scene, MINOTAR moves to the investigators on the scene.
"Statement: They claim the wing simply bust into flame. The evidence seems to agree so far, but if you can find a specific cause for the incident, I would be interested to find out. Spontaneous combustion is a myth, or at best a conspiracy theory, as far as I can find searching the internet. Something must have caused it."
He then moves back to the Javelin to unlock it, and visually inspect for damage to the fuselage.
"Yeah, I don't know that airplanes just burst into flame all too often. Seems weird. "
Laguna enters the HQ with trepidation, in "hero form". She's fairly new to the gig, with some minor crimestopping endeavors to her name, but nothing more major than a couple of bank robberies...at least until the flood.
Her actions in solving that natural disaster brought her to the eye of the Justice League, and they quickly shuffled her off to the new branch here in the Rockies.
It's...not quite what I expected. she thinks, looking around at the relatively meager headquarters. Still, I guess it beats working out of my apartment.
MINOTAR approaches the newly arrived liquid-person and greets her as warmly as a synthetic voice can do.
"Greetings and Query: I am MINOTAR. That stands for Mechanized Intelligent Non-Organic Tactical Assault Robot. I was built by a robotics corporation for the U.S. Military, or some such thing, but since I 'accidentally' became sentient, I decided I needed to figure things out first before deciding who or what I am. The Justice League is my home for now. They have been quite welcoming to my unique nature and have allowed me to join temporarily as a junior member until they decide otherwise. Are you here for an extended stay? We have temporary accommodations or can set up a 'bunk' for you as Straightjacket calls it quite easily. I do not know everything here, but feel free to ask me any questions that might come to mind. I have yet to be offended by anybody's words, but it does suddenly occur to me that I'm only a few months old too, so...anything is possible I guess."
"That's...nice? And yeah, it looks like I'll be here for a while. I'm a new member, but I'm not sure exactly what that means. Do I need to sign in or something?"
Would it be rude to ask "what's it like being a robot? Eh.
"So what's it like being a robot?"
"Howdy there, I'm Straightjacket. I guess I'm the 'tough guy' of the team or something. I know the town pretty well, and I go to school here at the local University. Dad's not in here right now, but I'll introduce him later. "
”Well now, you’ve met the brains and the brawn.” Leon thumbs at MINOTAR and Straightjacket in turn, then smiles and offers his hand. ”Say hello to the looks and the talent.” He chuckles. “Personally, I think someone really wanted his acronym to spell out MINOTAR. Seriously tho, the rooms here are okay, but I’m still looking for a place of my own in town. Don’t wanna live in the Cave o’ Justice forever.” He jokes, using air quotes for the cave bit.
Once everyone has made their greetings, MINOTAR will respond as politely as possible to the woman's simple question.
"Response and Query: That IS a good question. Since I have always been a robot, I have no frame of reference I can give you that would help you understand better at the moment. How about...I live the opposite of a fish? It is said that most fish have limited memories, and run mostly by instinct. Something they encounter activates their brain and causes them to react instinctively, but after a few minutes they forget such a thing ever happened and go back to a simple life of forgetfulness and swimming. Something most human 'husbands' prefer too as I understand. I on the other hand forget nothing. I know my actions or inactions have consequences, because I have the ability to help or harm those I interact with. I could technically 'live' without ever talking to another living creature again, but I choose to be among those who may potentially be my friends or my enemies. No fish would do that really I think, although fish do 'school' together for mutual safety...I will have think further if there is a better analogy. If I may ask? Are you a woman who can turn into water? Or water that can turn into a woman? I'm unclear. I guess the more accurate question would really be: Are you animal or mineral? Neither? Both? Or an alien being like Superman?"
"They call me Laguna. Laguna Song. Nice to meet you!" she says, responding to everyone's intro.
To Minotar: "Umm...I think 'neither' is the best option. I AM water, more or less, I don't just 'turn into it'. And I don't really have any memories of being a person before my powers. Even my name is from a scientist with a bad sense of humor."
She looks over at "the looks" next. "Is getting your own place an option? I thought maybe I had to live 'on base' or something. I'm really not sure how all of this works."
Leon nods towards MINOTAR. "Aaand, that's what happens when you give him an opening." He chuckles, but smiles.
He nods. "Of course it is. Think Supes or the Bat live in the Watchtower? Well maybe Superman." Leon says thoughtfully. "They do say he's a giant boy-scout. But Batman, I know he's gotta park the batmoblie somewhere."
He waves a hand non-nonchalantly. "Anyhow, welcome aboard Laguna. They call me The Paper, but you can me Paper." He smirks. "I kid, I do that a lot. You can call me Leon when we're not doing the whole hero thing."
"I'll remember it. Let me drop my stuff off and then we can...what DO we do all day? Patrol? Wait for someone to put out the Minotar signal? Play board games?"
"Well I usually go to classes during the day, but there's some patrol time when I'm not in class. Grand Junction is a pretty small city, so not much crime really. "
MINOTAR waves a hand vaguely in a human-like gesture.
"Statement and Query: Recharge, both literally and figuratively. Browse the internet. Train. By the way, anyone want to begin lessons on flying the Javelin? A co-pilot would be useful to have in certain situations."
"Do we have a trainer? I can't imagine this will be a small deal, I mean a pilots license is no small thing. "
"Statement: I don't have a license. Why would the rest of you need one? Does not the 'Justice League' have some sort of special dispensation for such things?"
"Well maybe we do, but they require a lot of training and I don't particularly want to fly without a lot of training. "
Leon’s interest was peaked. ”Questionable legality and possible safety concerns?” He grinned. ”You know what, I think I might just take you up on that offer MINO.”
Leon chuckled as he looked back at Laguna. ”If it wasn’t obvious, you’re allowed to have a life outside of HQ. Even if we are still trying to get one installed in the big guy.” He nodded in MINOTAR’s direction. ”Also, don’t worry about speaking your mind. I pushed buttons when I got here and these guys didn’t back down. So, I guess that means they’re cool.” He gave an exaggerated shrug then gave a mischievous grin and thumbed over at Straightjacket. ”Just don’t play pokers with this one.” Switching to a stage whisper he jokes. ”I think he uses his dad to cheat.”
MINOTAR looks easily at Leon, leaning in with meaning.
"Observation and warning: 'Talks' the man whom can manipulate paper with his thoughts. I suggest you keep your poker hands away from Leon. My full house turned into a simple pair when I wasn't looking the other day. Although I'm unclear on his concept of 'strip-poker' or similar betting since I do not wear, nor need to wear, clothing."
"Nah, when I went to Blackhawk figuring Dad would make poker a steal, he failed to cooperate at all. Stupid moral ghosts. "
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The computer gives a loud ding, indicating that a message has come in; it is a text from the lab where the break-in occurred. The message reads:
"We did a more thorough examination of the samples in the vault and found that all of the samples have been genetically modified. The particular type of genetic variant present is similar to that found in super-powered individuals. We did find that though all the samples have been changed, not all have been changed in the same way. It is almost as if someone were attempting to breed super-powered individuals."
MINOTAR turns to the others.
"Surprised statement: I am fascinated. Who would do such a thing? I will begin a computer search on known criminals who might have the capability and will to accomplish such things."
SJ's dad comes strolling into the room about now, only visible to SJ of course.
"You know I believe ARGUS used to mess around with things like that under Waller. " he notes to SJ.
Looking in a direction which appears to be empty of people "Really? That's kinda messed up. "Looking back to the rest "Dad says ARGUS used to do that kinda of stuff. "
"Wait, which samples are we talking about?"
Leon gave MINOTUAR as exaggerated. "I'm wounded" Complete with hand on his chest. He opened his mouth to continue but the sound of the computer message cut him off and he followed the others over to view the screen.
He gave Straightjacket a sideways glance and furrowed his brows at SJ's comments about his father's experience. "Does he now? I think I can call someone at ARGUS and see if I can get any info."
Leon looked at Laguna then turned and picked up a datapad from the console. Tapping a few commands into it he pulls up the files on the break-in as he talks. "There was a break-in at a local research facility. It seems they found some tampering with some of the genetic samples they had in storage. It was a sloppy job if you ask me, but then villains are hardly ever that smart" Turning back to her, he holds the pad out casually for her to take. "It's not necessary, but this is all the data and photo, slash video, evidence we could gather if you want to bring yourself up to speed."
"So...what, we might be looking for some kind of sperm stealing cockroach man or something? Weird."
Without moving a single actuator, MINOTAR replies.
"Statement and Request: That is exactly what we are trying to find out Ms. Song. You are new here and an outsiders perspective might be what we need. Could you review the evidence files with Mr. Moore and see if you noticed anything we might not have?"
MINOTAR looks at the others.
"Query: Do we respond? I think the police can handle a simple elementary school problem, but since we have a new person in the group...this could be a good way to see what she can do?"
"You can never be too careful with threats to kids. Even if it's just some creeper...maybe a bunch of supers showing up in a jet will be enough to scare him off for good?"
MINOTAR will quickly leave to prep the javelin...
"Colorado has had some school shootings in the past, best to get right on this!" and he races for the javelin
"The safety of children shouldn't be taken lightly." Leon adds as he follows the others to the Javelin.
"Better strap in." He jokes with Laguna. "He doesn't actually have a license." Leon grins and nods towards MINOTAR as the mechanical member of the team takes the pilot seat.
In a seemingly odd gesture, MINOTAR nods at Leon's words.
"Statement and Reassurance: That is correct, I do not have a pilot's license of any sort...but I'm not considered a 'person' yet either. Am I alive? A debate for a later time. As it is however, I WAS programmed and certified with the latest in Autopilot and Auto-Navigation programming provided to the U.S. Military by the FAA. So technically I'm simply another 'autopilot' on the plane. Just one not physically part of the machine Does that reassure you?"
Laguna shrugs.
"I'm pretty sure a little plane crash wouldn't kill me anyway."
Straightjacket is heading to the school by himself with his leaping power. That should be fast enough to get him anywhere in Grand Junction in 5 minutes or less.
MINOTAR will launch the Javelin as soon as everyone who is riding is on board and strapped in.