I think we have gotten about all we are going to get out of this meeting, team. We obviously overestimated how much cooperation and exchange was going to happen here. Let's get back to work and see what we can turn up. We also have this whole terror inc thing to worry about.
Priest snatches the thumb drive and stashes it away in a pouch.
"Seems we've got a heavy load to deal with. Bonham, keep in touch, update us whenever you can and we'll do the same."
Invictus watched the other heroes exit Bonham's office, as they did he put an arm around the taller man's shoulders. "Thank you for your understanding during this whole situation. We appreciate the fact that you need to get clearance from your superiors before you can go ahead, we just want to do what's right for this city." As he spoke to Bonham, he walked through his office towards the door out to the foyer and shook his hand, "Thank you once again Commander for your co-operation in rooting out, and bringing these VIPER mercenaries to justice, and removing the corruption represented by that very organization from Freedom City."
He had turned to give a quarter profile to the gathered press outside the AEGIS offices a front page, home page, splash shot, as well as raising his voice for the boom mikes, and digital recorders. The flashes continued to go off as the young hero shook Bonham's hand with a pleasant smile on his face.
OOC: I will totally pay a hero point to Edit Scene if Priest wasn't able to pull together all the press in such a short time. We need some good press, and we need VIPER to see us as a threat, so they act against us, and make mistakes.
You guys are young and new, be careful going after the local Viper nest is fine, going after Prime will get you all killed. Same thing about Terror Inc they will kill you and anyone you know for getting in there affairs.
With a wink and a smile So let's look good for the photo op. as he walks with out with you to the press.
Ares strikes an awe-inspiring pose in the background. His is War, let the people know him. Let the villains fear him.
Golem steps out alongside Ares, a bit less impressive but his steps sound much louder then his smaller size would indicate. He then stops moving, holding perfectly still, a living statue.
Invictus exited Burnham's office and looked at the crowd gathered in the foyer of the Federal Building. Priest was true to his word, and had tipped off the press that the heroes from the Courthouse were at AEGIS' offices. A wave of questions came from the assembled reporters, and a small forest of mic's and digital recorders were lifted above their heads.
Invictus hovered forward, picking out often repeated questions ...
'Are you working with Aegis now?' ... 'Have you caught the assassins who murdered Ray Parks?' ... 'Are you a team?' ... 'Has the League endorsed you?' ...
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Please. I am Invictus," with a sweep of his hand he indicated his fellow heroes, "my fellow heroes and I only met when we responded to the emergency at the Freedom City Courthouse yesterday. We are united in our desire to safe guard the public trust, and while we were unable to save Mr. Parks from the VIPER squad, we did manage to intervene and save what lives we could. The League, thankfully, was there and able to detain the VIPER extraction team, and recover hostages those agents took to ensure their safety. He paused for a moment, considering how to approach the next statement. "The exchange between Captain Thunder and I was widely televised. What has not been said is that, the Captain was largely correct. We are inexperienced, we do not have the field experience that the League does, but neither did the League when the Liberty League passed the torch to them. What we lack in experience, we make up for in our dedication to both serve, and protect the people of Freedom City.
We continue to work with the Freedom City Police Department, and we have just secured information from Cmdr Bonham, that will allow us to continue our investigation of VIPER activities in Freedom City and apprehend Mr. Parks assassins. In the absence of the League, we, the New Guard, pledge to protect this city, and safe guard the public trust of Freedom City."
He stepped aside and indicated the assembled heroes, introducing them as they stepped forward to answer the questions that began to come their way.
Nanobots fluttered around him as he walked. Techno Priest puffed up his chest, set one foot in front of him and reached out, seemingly picking the Tech-Scepter out of a swarm of nanobots.
It felt good.
Waveform will step out with the team, posing heroically. Inwardly, she remembers pose training, and remembers to keep it powerful without descending into cheesecake.
She answers some of the other questions. "Yes, I've relocated to Freedom City. While I've done good work with my mother and the rest of the Authority, I've decided to strike out on my own and expand my horizons."
She chuckles at the next question, "Yes, I'm single. But please, don't call in an emergency just to try and get a date. That's not going to happen."
"No, Einstein and I never dated. He's like my quirky, time-displaced brother."
Golem steps forward but no questions are directed his way. He seems to move from utter stillness to short motion to walk forward, as the nearby reporters step back as if forgetting the statue could move. Golem turns slightly to the side, a small smile creasing his iron mouth. The reporters seem quickly to turn to the other heroes unsure of how to address the statue of iron.
Amy Feng Channel Three news just a few questions to start Invictus you seem to do a lot of the talking for this group are you its leader?
Are you as a team a bridge for heroes between The Next Gen and The Freedom League?
Do you have a base of operations like Freedom Hall?
Dr. Quark takes a deep breath, wondering if he should have kept his meeting with his decorator instead of this meeting with AEGIS and now the press. Having spent years in the world of corporate espionage and Nondisclosure Agreements, he was wary of the press. He puts on a winning smile and says
Ms. Feng, I'm afraid the rest of us are rather a shy lot. We intend to let our actions speak more than our words. That said, I'm sure we would be happy to answer some questions. We don't have any affiliation with any other teams, but we are happy to work with anyone in the best interests of Freedom City. Yesterday, we all felt a call to action and answered that call.
We haven't had time to get a base together, but maybe someone here knows a real estate agent?
After a laugh from the crowd from Quarks remarks
Geraldine Rivers from The Super-Vision. Would The New Guard be interested in doing an exclusive team profile as well as member profile for Super-Vision?
Broadway waits for Invictus' intro to be over, and then moves towards the center, with a gigawatt smile. "Amy, we've only just met each other and started to work together, I think that we'll all have our moments to lead. We're not positioning ourselves as a bridge between any group and another. We came together out of necessity, and if the need arises that Freedom City needs more heroes and we have a need for more they would be welcome in our ranks. He gives a crooked grin, "Right now, we're all having trouble just remembering our own names though, so I don't think we'll be adding anyone right away. And as Dr. Quark mentioned, we're still working on the details."
He hears another question, probably from the same group that asked Waveform, "Yes, I'm single. Why, were you looking for a date?" Another question and Broadway answers, with a chuckle " Uh, no, Siren is not my mother. She's far too young for that."
"Geraldine, I'm sure we could be reached at some point to do a team profile, and member profiles, but could you give us just a bit to get used to one another? I mean, I don't know about you, but I'm hanging out with a God, A Golem, an Uberman, someone that communes with technology the way some commune with nature, a man that walks *between* molecules, and a woman that controls water. I may need a day or two to figure it all out. After that, we can talk."
Jimmy Dugan of the Freedom Ledger,
So I want to know if you can't guard Ray Park or the hostages saved by The Freedom League then what are you going to guard the city from? Is it true that you were all in the building when it happened?
Invictus is this your way to stick it to Captain Thunder since you were not asked to join the Freedom League as the Bowman was after time with The Next-Gen?
Thankfully his super speed allowed him to separate the various chains of questioning that rippled through the assembled press.
Amy Feng Channel Three news just a few questions to start Invictus you seem to do a lot of the talking for this group are you its leader?
"Thank you for your questions Ms. Feng, but the New Guard is a collection of individuals who share a common desire to protect the people of this city. Thanks to the training I received with the Next Gen, and at the side of some of the League themselves, I find myself more comfortable in my role as a member of the heroic community and liaison with the FCPD, AEGIS and other local agencies."
He paused as both Quark and Broadway responded to her other questions, then he heard the next question;
Geraldine Rivers from The Super-Vision. Would The New Guard be interested in doing an exclusive team profile as well as member profile for Super-Vision?
He smiled and nodded, "Absolutely Ms. Rivers, when we have the time we would love to have the public more acquainted with the Guard's members, out experiences, and our capabilities. We'll be glad to contact your offices at our earliest convenience."
And finally a brash reminder that their first appearance was not exactly their best outing;
Jimmy Dugan of the Freedom Ledger, So I want to know if you can't guard Ray Park or the hostages saved by The Freedom League then what are you going to guard the city from? Is it true that you were all in the building when it happened?
Invictus is this your way to stick it to Captain Thunder since you were not asked to join the Freedom League as the Bowman was after time with The Next-Gen?
Invictus nodded, his face grim as he responded, "I am glad you asked those questions Mr. Duggan, someone has to ask the tough questions, after all, the public has a right to know. We were unable to save Mr. Park or the initial hostages because we acted as individuals. When we acted as a team, when we worked together we were able to save two dozen hostages from the explosives set above the courtroom." Invictus paused considering his next words carefully, "We had been operating as individuals, but we soon realized we were capable of becoming something greater than ourselves. Like this great city of ours, when individuals come together and work towards a common goal, towards a dream they can achieve true greatness. You see Mr. Dugan, dreams CAN save us, they CAN lift us up, they CAN transform us, and until OUR dream," with this he made a broad sweep of his hand indicating his fellow Guardians, "of a world where dignity, honor and justice become a reality for all people, of all nations, we will NEVER stop fighting, striving to uphold those ideals."
OOC: Oh hell yea! I just paraphrased Superman because that's the way I roll! :)
Techno Priest remains silent through out the questioning, thinking that it is best that he stay away from the spotlight for now.
Parker Peterson photographer,
Can I get an exclusive team picture since I lost out on my previous exclusive from a few of you?
Said with a Laugh and a Smile.
Parker snaps a picture of the 7 of you, Techno Priest shuts down all the remaining electronics and each of you take off in your own ways.
The rest of Friday is a relaxing day of trying to get your normal lives in order after the last two crazy days.
The evening news is plastered with you guys,
The New Guard
Guardians of Freedom City
The media posts you guys in a very good light.
After the press conference she headed home to change. Of course the questions didn't end as Lyssie grilled her while she was dressing and getting made up. "Yeah, right he's just a friend. You've heels on, and you've put your hair up. So you've got a thing for this guy." "No I don't. It's just that after a couple days of doing the hero thing, it's nice to get dressed up in something a little more formal than swimwear. It's no big thing." "Riiight."
Between dressing, hair and makeup, and missing a bus connection due to not being able to run in heels, she barely made it to the show. She was one of the last ones seated. But it was worth it. Jason's performance was excellent. With a few more years, she could see him in New York. Except that the hero lifestyle rarely worked well with other careers. Still, you had to try to have something else in your life to not go crazy.
After the show, she heads over to the stage door to wait for him. As she waits, she mentally works on what she's going to say to keep him from recognizing her. She was going to play the slightly ditzy fan girl. The kind who thinks that she can perform, but really just wants to hang out with the real performers without doing any work.
"Ohmigawd, it's you! You were sooo amazing. I just loved your solo. Oh, please can I have your autograph?"
The rest of Friday is a very peaceful day and night doing your non hero thing.
Saturday starts off the same way very calm and easy going, it a nice weekend in Freedom City.
Around 4 o'clock your ear units start ringing with chatter.
"Assistance requested at the vehicle storage facility! We are under attack by Viper multiple Air Snakes, multiple Fangs along with over 20 standard snakes. There are no metas currently identified could change at a moments notice. Please any assistance as quickly as possible we have no idea how long we can hold them off. Please send backup!! Come fully armed and armored Fangs are active! Please send assistance!!" Multiple gun fire and explosions can be heard in the back ground.
Jason gets done with the performance and comes out the performer's exit, where he smiles and signs autographs. When the slightly ditzy girl gushes over him he chuckles a bit "You might want to slow down just a bit, or people will think that's all one word." He looks for her autograph book and something to write with, and leans in quietly, "It generally works best when there's something for me to sign?" He apparently has no idea this is Waveform.
"Oh, wait, I knew I forgot..." She fumbles through her bag and pulls out the program to tonight's show and a Sharpie. "Here. I'm just all star struck."
Meanwhile there's subtle random drips falling on him. Sort of like those first tiny raindrops of a drizzle. Despite the clear night.
Saturday was movie day. It was Alex's turn and so they were going to see Angry Alex: Chaos Highway when her brain buzzed. The trailers had just finished and the production company logos were rolling when she leaned over and whispered she had to go.
Moments later, she called in *Waveform on my way*
Friday and Saturday were a blur for Techno Priest. After the meeting, he devoted himself to a particularly demanding project that he started months ago. Now that he'd shown himself to the public, he thought perhaps it was time to finish it up.
Priest patches through the AEGIS message for all to hear.
"All right, this is it. Time to prove ourselves. Guardians, gang up!"
Friday night proved uneventful for Golem. He spent several hours patrolling the streets, and managed to break up a few attempted assaults and thefts by the simple expedience of popping up out of nowhere and making an appearance. While the beneficiaries were thankful for his interference it did not leave him feeling accomplished.
Is this the right role for me. I spent years hiding who and what I was. Years as an artist, a sculptor a teacher and even an adviser and once a knight. Now I am supposed to be a hero, a character out of the stories I once attempted to honor... Is this me?
The rest of the night is uneventful and Saturday begins discusses his project with a delighted Tessa, whose own work was part of the initial design and her hopes of getting her name as an assistant on this project leaves her giddy. Soon she returns to her own space and begins working on some preliminary paperwork for the project when the call comes.
"This is Golem, heading to the impound immediately." Standing up he calls out, "I am going out to think about a new idea for the park. Be back in a few." With that he slams the door shut and dissolves the flesh body he was wearing.
He flies out to the vehicle storage facility.
As he flew from the press conference he felt good, he felt as though he and the rest of the Guardians had achieved something. He smiled and threw out a good natured salute for the reporters as he banked east out from the Federal Building where AEGIS housed it's offices.
The young man who kidnapped his son, the explosion, the Kingpin, Priest, the Alcorns, the Courthouse, Ray Park, Blaze, Phalanx, Captain Thunder, the fire at Wharton State Forest, Commander Bonham, the Press Conference. It had been a long, and exhausting series of events, and the back of his mind he knew he still had to deal with Ms. Belanger and his absence from Roosevelt.
A part of him wished that Nereid was back from Atlantis, but he knew she had duties there, and while he missed her he was glad to see her taking a more active role with her family. Yet even still ...
He soared upwards, Freedom City receeding into a small bright jewel among the green and blue of the coast and the ocean. Even higher he flew, he broke through the cloud layer, the blue replaced by an infinite blackness, a beautiful, serene blanket of silence descended over him. He floated, weightless, and he let both his mind and body drift for a time.
Not for the first time his thoughts wandered down certain pathways, who was he, why was he. Was he something more, or something less than his predecessor. He shared his thoughts, his beliefs, his motivations, but on some level he understood that these things were not his. He aspired to be a hero, but at times he doubted the fact that he was truly his own man.
As the sun crested the earth's horizon line, the brilliance of it's electromagnetic waves shook Markus from his reverie. He circled lazily, focusing his vision back down towards the Southside of Freedom City, spotting his destination he began to arc back down towards the earth. He landed on a basketball court, the elderly man turned and smiled, "Hey kid, saw the news yesterday, you and your friends came out lookin' better than when you decided to butt heads with Thunder. You wanna go a little one on one?"
Invictus looked at Jeffers, despite his age he was in superb condition, he had hung up the Black Avenger's cape and cowl before the Moore Administration. He'd been working at the Lincoln Youth Centre since it was founded, and besides being able to kick Invictus' ass on the court, he was a good man to talk to.
"Way I see it 'vic, any kid has memories about his dad, problem you keep runnin' into is that you have his first hand knowledge and memories, baked right in to you. What you need to do is to separate 'em. Him." Jeffers held his hand out to the left, "And you." He held out his other hand, letting the ball drop. "You know how he would deal with a situation, or how he would feel about something, but you need to find out how you feel about that same thing. We all want to grow up to be our dads, but our dads all want us to grow up to be better than they ever were."
"Assistance requested at the vehicle storage facility! We are under attack by Viper multiple Air Snakes, multiple Fangs along with over 20 standard snakes. There are no metas currently identified could change at a moments notice. Please any assistance as quickly as possible we have no idea how long we can hold them off. Please send backup!! Come fully armed and armored Fangs are active! Please send assistance!!" Multiple gun fire and explosions can be heard in the back ground.
Invictus held a finger to his ear, and listened intently. Looking towards Jeffers apologetically, "Sorry Wilson, gotta fly ..." and with that he passed the ball back towards Jeffers. He caught it easily, watching the big guy launch himself skyward and recoiled slightly with the sonic boom. "Give 'em hell kid, give 'em hell."
OOC: Array set to Flight 10 (Distracting), he will parabolic arc from South Side to the AEGIS facility as quick as possible, he will keep an eye open for aerial VIPER craft.
Jason smiles at her "No worries, it happens. Trust me, I get struck by how many people come see me. I mean, I'm not a doctor, or anyone important, just a guy that can sing, and you all spend money and time to see me? I'm just glad I can entertain you for a while." He takes the pen and program, and looks back at her with a crooked grin, "Who am I making this out to?"
Once he gets the answer he signs it with a small personalization, and then looks up with a semi frown, "Did you feel that? Felt like rain. Seeing no clouds, he places an arm on her shoulder and moves her away from the side of the building, handing back the program and pen. "Let's move away from the side of the building. Must be sprinklers, or some sort of cleaning going on on the roof."
Jason was just talking to Myron Phelps, he and his mother's publicist, and a trusted friend who'd stayed by the family's side while Jason was recovering from the "accident". He played it over in his mind Myron, you know that Broadway hero? The one that's part of the New Guard? He's me. Or rather I'm him...we're the same guy... It all just sounded corny, but Jason figured it might do well for the group to have a publicist. He'd talk to them later, after he found out whether Myron would even take the job.
For the love of pete, do I pull the 'that Broadway guy wanted me to ask you' schtick? That seems so corny.
Myron looked at him with a curious look on his face, "Jason, you okay?
Jason jumped Huh?...Oh, uh, yeah...I'm good.
Myron grinned, "Right. What's eatin' ya kid?"
"You ever wanted to ask someone something, but wanted to keep it kinda secret? Like, wanted to ask them to do something, but not wanted to tell them everything about it?"
Myron quirked a corner of his mouth, and raised an eyebrow, "Uh huh..."
"Well, I met this guy...well, group, actually, and they may need someone to help. With publicity. They're not a group, like musical group, but not mixed up in politics or anything. Well, they might be, later, but they'll need help with the public...press and stuff, maybe authorities, probably...maybe, I dunno."
Myron laughed and held out his hands "Whoa! Slow down kid. You're jumping around faster than a rabbit on meth. Who's the group?"
Huh? Oh, um...that new superhero group, New Guard. The ones that saved all those people at the courthouse, and are working with AEGIS.
Myron suppressed a grin, and gave Jason a knowing look, Okay, and I assume you wanted me to work with your new group?
Jason looked shocked and then tried to hide it with a smile, "Not MY new group, just a new group."
Myron gave a nod, "Right, kid. So your new group wants some help, and you thought I could help?
Jason nodded, Yeah, we...THEY could probably use it. Jason sighed and looked at Myron, "How'd you know?
Myron shook his head, "Kid, I was there when you were in the coma. Your father keeping it in a private lab hospital or not. When you woke up, your scream blew out all the glass in the whole place. I know it's been a long time since then, and you only just started doing things publicly, but, kid, outside of your parents, I'm closer to you than anyone else. Known you since your mom birthed ya. Kinda tough to keep it hidden from someone that close. He chuckled at Jason's abashed look, "Don't worry kid, I ain't talkin'
Jason smiled with a light laugh "Yeah, I should have known you'd know. You know every other thing about me."
Myron clapped Jason's shoulder, Yep, sure do. Been there for all the great moments. First stage appearance, song, album. Knew about your first crush, first kiss...first..
Jason interrupted, his face turning bright red, "Alright! I get it, you know a lot about me. Sheesh...
Myron laughed, "Don't worry kid, if the group wants the help, I'll help.
Jason left the office feeling a bit foolish, and at the same time relieved. It was good to have someone that close that he could talk to about that side of his life. He was musing it over when the call came on the comm.
"Broadway, en route"
He moved at full speed to the complex.
Jason smiles at her "No worries, it happens. Trust me, I get struck by how many people come see me. I mean, I'm not a doctor, or anyone important, just a guy that can sing, and you all spend money and time to see me? I'm just glad I can entertain you for a while." He takes the pen and program, and looks back at her with a crooked grin, "Who am I making this out to?"
"It's Jess. Jessica Richardson. I used to go by Jessie when I was younger, but now I need to be more serious, ya know? The water bill isn't going to pay itself."
Once he gets the answer he signs it with a small personalization, and then looks up with a semi frown, "Did you feel that? Felt like rain. Seeing no clouds, he places an arm on her shoulder and moves her away from the side of the building, handing back the program and pen. "Let's move away from the side of the building. Must be sprinklers, or some sort of cleaning going on on the roof."
She slips the program into her bag, turning so the hand on her shoulder is a little bit around her. "Okay, there's this café down the street that's open late. You're probably hungry - I mean you put everything into your performance back there. You were dripping with sweat during that final number." Meanwhile the tiny drops keep randomly dropping on him even as they step away from the building.
Inside she's trying to stay in character, and keep from busting out in laughter. It was a little cruel, but oh so funny.
Heading home from the meeting with AEGIS, Derek spent the rest of the day talking to designers and contractors. The shell of the offices was nearly complete.
With my new friends I should be able to take care of the more sensitive areas of the brownstone. Have to talk to Techno and Invictus about getting the lab and security set up. With our combined superspeed we can take care of those things quickly.
Locking the door behind the last contractor, he walked up the ultr-modern staircase to the living levels. Things were coming together up here. He had insisted they get a functional kitchen ASAP. He briefly considered texting Aurora, but knew she would have plans on a Friday night. Taking the route least likely to arouse teenage ire, he texted "How about a late breakfast tomorrow?" He fried some rice, eggs, and aparagus and ate it standing at the kitchen island.
After dinner, he opened his camp cot in the adjoining room not sure what to do here yet, and office seems unnecessary with the office downstairs and tumbled to sleep.
_________
He awoke the next morning to the sound of banging in the kitchen. Adrenaline rushed through him as he groggily reached for the band that became his helmet and realized he had left it on the kitchen island. Sliding off of the cot, he crept slowly to the door into the kitchen and peaked out. He laughed to himself as he saw his daughter's short blond hair bouncing to some hip beat, headphones cables dangling as she mixed waffle batter. He stepped into the room and called loudly
Aurora, you scared me to death
She turned her head and plucked one earbud from it's home, Hey sleepy bones, I texted and called you like four times and you didn't answer so I thought we could just do brunch here. I picked up some strawberries at Greenstreet and I almost have the batter ready. Looking closely at him, she saw the flush of his skin and the circles under his eyesAre you alright, after that craziness at the courthouse, maybe you need to see a doctor. You aren't Invictus, you know
You're right. I saw a doctor yesterday morning. It's just a mild concussion. Nothing to be concerned about. Just have to take it easy for a few days. No reading, no screen time. Rest the brain. Let me give you a hand. And you can tell me about your week. You want me to turn those strawberries into syrup or just cut them up?
She started into a long and high speed story about how she had had an argument yesterday because Jacob (who was not her boyfriend, DAD, Ugh!) hadn't wanted to see [i]Angry Alex[/] last night because some internet losers had said it was too feminist so she had gone anyway with her girls, which somehow was the point of the whole thing. When Aurora talked about her life, lately, he wished that he could shrink just enough to get some time distortion. He had a hard time listening to speech as fast as she talked.
-----------
After brunch, Derek locked the place up and shared a cab with Aurora down to the boardwalk. After dropping her off, he headed to AEGIS headquarters. He wasn't sure if he was going to talk his way in or just walk in, but he was determined to get a look at the helicopter.
He lets her get the arm around her distracted by the drops of water. Occasionally looking up and around "Did you?...I swear it's raining or something. He looks around and sees that nobody else is noticing and seems a bit annoyed, Sure, cafe sounds good. He replies somewhat distractedly, and lets himself be led by Jessica, continuing to look for the source of the water, but trying to do so surreptitiously.
She'll hold out her hand to feel for rain. "Feels dry to me. Channel 7 says it's not expected to rain until tomorrow night." With that she'll stop the drops for a while.
Once they're seated inside the café, she'll look through the menu. "So the chicken pesto Panini looks good." as she looks him in the eye, she'll hit him with two droplets, then a pause and then two more.
Jason looks over the menu and ingredients, checking to see what they have that's organic. I think I'll have the Cobb Sa..." He feels the drops as she holds his gaze, and he just shuts his eyes, and closes his mouth in a tight lined smile, and just nods his head in an 'okay, you got me' look. "Salad. Enjoyed the show that much?"
She smiles, relaxing out of the ditzy groupie mode. "I did enjoy it. And don't feel too bad. I had to train to stay in character before my parents would let me go to high school. I'll buy to make up for this. I'm really Jessie, Jessica Richardson." She holds out her hand to shake.
Ares spent the weekend with his family. They went to the science discovery center on Friday. Just him and the three kids. Jenny had a trial. He watched with fierce pride as Alex and Jason read and explored everything there was to know about Grossology. He was content. Two boys, a little girl in his arms, and the most amazing woman in the world as his wife. What more could he want? He certainly didn't deserve any of it. That was for sure! He knew the drill. The stories were very clear about Ares' life. Heck, his memories were clear. Nothing he had every lasted. His daughter died. All of his other mortal children become murderers and tyrants, or are murdered themselves.
By Saturday night, Ares has worked himself into a serious depression. He doesn't want to leave his family, because he is afraid it'll lead them exposed to AEGIS. Hey, Jen? Have you noticed anything weird lately? Around work?
No more than usual. Why?. She hugs him and leans into him a s they watch TV on the couch.
Gods, but he loves this. She always has a quiet strength that he can draw from. She makes him feel like he really is a god, and could move mountains of he wanted, or if she asked him to. Who's he kidding? He's nothing without her. No reason, just curious..
OK, now you're scaring me.. Damn. Jen's smart. Her lawyer's brain never turns off. He keeps forgetting that!
Its no big deal, just...
does this have something to deal with the courthouse? My ou said you were going there for a book pickup. I didn't want to say anything, because you seemed so upset, but you were there when... Everything happened. Are those villains after you? Are the heroes?
Ya. You know, just wanted to make sure that everything was OK. I...
Tell her you moron! Tell her! It's the only way to keep her safe now that AEGIS knows. Do it! Grow a pair and just say it say that you're Ares!
what?. Jen moved away from Milton to the other side of the couch. What did you just say?
Crap! How much of that did I just say out loud? The way she's looking t me.... What did you hear me say?
It sounded like you said you were Ares..
I am.. He lets the transformation come, shedding his mortal coil and becoming his true self once more. I am Ares.. He takes off the helmet for good measure.
They spend the rest of the weekend is deep conversation about what it means for a god to be married to a mortal.
"Techno Priest en route. And uh... it seems that TIGHTS will no longer be joining us. The kid's a genius, that is a fact, but he is a PAIN in the arse. Wouldn't quit romping around my domicile, taking things apart, putting them back together, making weapons out of scraps. I asked him to leave countless times, but he wouldn't break away from his projects. I told him I kept spare parts in a warehouse near the harbor, and I guess some how his parole officer just happened to be waiting there for him? I have no clue how she knew, nor who could've possibly dropped a line, but uh... I guess we'll just have to make due, yeah?"
Jason grins a crooked grin, and then smiles, "Jason, but then I guess you know that already." He points his chin at the program still visible in her bag. He shakes his head with a laugh, "All the water, I should have guessed. I'll blame it on coming down off the adrenaline rush from the show."
The area is under attack the front gate has been crashed through with some kind of armored vehicle followed by what seem like two troop carriers and an additional armored truck.
There are 8 Air Calvary units flying around one of the hangers in a gun fight with some AEGIS agents.
There are 2 squads of 10 agents in full fire fights with AEGIS Agents.
While there are 6 mauler agents hitting multiple targets with their heavy weapons.
They all seem to be working towards the same Hanger.
"I blame this dress. The saleslady said it had mystic powers to cloud men's minds and befuddle their senses. I didn't believe it at the time, but I'm beginning to think she was right."
AEGIS Vehicle Storage Facility
Initiative Order
Quark 24
Broadway 23
Golem 20
Invictus 20
Air Calvary Agent 15
Ares 14
Priest 12
Mauler Agent 10
Waveform 7
Viper Agents 6
Round 1 Init 24.
Crap, I hate it when I'm right. **People, I am here at the Storage Facility. It looks like the snakes want their helicopter back.**
Quark took a deep breath as his helmet snapped together around his head. The fence seemed to rear up above him to skyscraper heights as he ran through now gaping openings.
Best bet is to get to the helicopter first, maybe I can find a way to protect it.
Quark ran at full speed through the fence and across the tarmac toward the hangar that Viper seemed so interested in.
**I'm headed for the hangar folks, going to find some way to keep the evidence safe. If everyone could not blow me up, that would be appreciated**
[ooc]Thinking I can probably get to the hangar this round and then find a way in next round, molecule size if necessary, though I'm guessing it isn't air tight. If I have enough move to get inside, great.[ooc]
Round 1 Init 20.
Golem is going to leap near a group of the heavy weapon wielders and attempt to distract them. He lands with a huge impact, the cement under his feet craters and cracks. Golem then slams his iron hands together with a loud clang as metal on metal creates a massive shockwave over the Viper agents.
Standard Action Shockwave attempting to avoid catching the Aegis in the 110' Cone, targets take damage = str mod (11), DC 21 Reflex save to have the damage.
Round 1 Init 12.
Priest streaks in riding his glider. Seeing all the VIPER agents, he rushes to assist Quark with the chopper.
**Hold it down, Doc, I'm coming to help. All these flying agents need to BUG OFF**
Using his advanced tech-interface, Techno Priest forces all VIPER jetpacks within a mile of his location to throttle to their maximum capacity.
Round 1 Init 20
It was just under 18 miles from the Lincoln Youth Center on the Southside, to the Aegis Facility just South West of Trainor Airport. As Invictus hit a sub orbital flight path, he cleared the South River and Century Narrows in seconds, his vision allowed him to take in the situation while he was still miles above the skirmish between VIPER & AEGIS.
He isolated the VIPER agents with the heavy weapons, and pulled himself into a power dive, they were advancing on the AEGIS agents but in a tight formation so that their protective fields overlapped. With a sound akin to a dropping bomb, Invictus broke through the cloud layer, his cape streaming behind him. He landed amidst the Maulers in a perfect three point landing, his impact leaving a crater almost two feet deep that extended out at least thirty feet from the point of impact.
As the Maulers struggled to keep their balance, a blur of red and blue streaked through them, throwing crosses and hooks that could shatter steel.
Dr Quark:
Golem:
The shockwave Knocks them all out except one.
As Invictus Dive Bombs in on the last Mauler and removes him also from combat as well as hitting some of the others that were flying through the air all ready knocked out.
Cant make the toughness save
Viper Air Calvary
Round 1 Init 15.
The 8 Air Calvary descend on the three of you that are here Three on Golem, Three on Invictus, and Two of Broadway
Three circle in the air around Iron Golem and fire,and all miss horribly.
The three as they engage Invictus they try to keep some distance and maneuverability. Two of the Agents connect with there blasts, the blasts rattle and stun mighty Invictus knocking him back into the ground
The two on Broadway seem to get right over head and open fire. Both connecting soundly with Broadway
Round 1 Init 23.
Broadway comes sliding into the area, and notices the agents getting ready to fire on him and emits a warbling note, absorbing some of the energy into himself.