Ripper
Round 4 Init 2
Rippers body is beginning to heal and rebuild its self after being pummeled by Invictus
Round 4 Init 20.
Golem hears Priest calling out for protection and moves to protect him from any attack from Ripper.
Round 4 Init 7.
Modifiers
Hero Points: 1
Damage Condition: 2
Status Condition:
Fatigue Condition:
Feats: Fast Overrun, Grappling Finesse, Improved Grab, Improved Overrun
Powers: Hydrokinesis [/ooc]
Waveform slides over to bring Ripper to the containment vehicle. Most times, her water lifts her passengers. This time she's dragging him, grinding him along the pavement by sheer force of water to help keep him from getting up.
Round 4 Round Up
Dr Quark grew to gargantuan size and grappled the sedated Ripper.
Broadway attempted to stun Ripper.
Invictus used his super speed to autofire a critical hit on the sedated Ripper.
Golem helped protect Techno Priest.
The Air Calvary shot at Dr Quark but they all bounced off.
Techno Priest got a containment vehicle to place Ripper In.
Wave Form took Ripper with her water and put him in the containment vehicle.
The Viper and AEGIS agents duked it out away from the battle.
AEGIS Vehicle Storage Facility
Initiative Order
Round 5
Quark 24
Broadway 23
Golem 20
Invictus 20
Air Calvary Agent 15
Priest 12
Waveform 7
Ripper 2
As she puts Ripper into the doohickey she calls out, *I hate to play into stereotypes, but I need a techie over here, stat.*
Techno Priest chimes in
"Stand back, let a professional do it."
Golem moves up to Techno Priest's side. "Waveform, do you want to keep an eye on the 'techie' or should I make sure that Ripper doesn't squash him like the proverbial tin can?"
Off in the distance coming up fast, appears to be three Grav Bikes at full acceleration. Heading strait for the compound.
Invictus watched for a moment, Techno Priest concentrated and the a casket like unit opened of it's own accord, cables snaking out to attach to Ripper as he was lifted towards the unit by Waveform's hydrokinesis. As the cables began to interface with Ripper his eyes fluttered closed again and the unit sealed itself.
The major threat neutralized, he surveyed the storage facility, "Good job team, we managed to neutralize a major offensive. My only concern is that this was a diversionary tactic, so lets help AEGIS get the VIPER agents secured."
He began to walk towards one of the AEGIS squad leaders to get a report on casualties and damage to the facility, when he heard the grav bikes accelerating towards the facility. He identified the riders using he superhuman senses, and listened carefully for any radio chatter that was coming from the bikes. He spoke into his comm unit, "We've got incoming, on your toes Guardians."
He lifted off and prepared to match the vehicles speed and altitude.
Satisfied with a job well done, Priest climbs up to his feet and dusts himself off.
"Anyone injured? Line up right up"
He heals his bruises and those of anyone else's within 60 feet of range. As he finishes up, he feels the ripple of the grav bikes through the Hum.
"Look sharp. Look mean. Look, just get ready. We might need to kick some ass." With that, he takes off on his glider, Scepter in hand ready to disassemble a few grav bikes if necessary.
As the bus pulls up at the end of the evening, she leans in toward Jason. "I had fun. would you be interested in going out again sometime?" It's obvious that she's nervous as she holds her breath for the reply.
So as the six of you wrap up Ripper in his containment unit and the rest of The Viper Calvary as they try to escape once Ripper is dealt with.
Three grav bikes set down amongst you. On the grav bikes ride some of the The Next Gen
Elite
Quarrel
Nereid
As they Land Megastar and Seven land right next to them.
Megastar DAMM!! with a look of shock and awe on his face Last time Ripper went on a rampage he knocked out Captain Thunder and took the rest Leagues help to take him down
Elite We came as fast as we could to assist but looks like you don't need our assist.
Nereid Hi Invictus good to see you again. said with a coy giggle.
Quarrel What a waste of time.
Seven just somberly scanning the area for threats.
Dr. Quark turns toward the newcomers, taking in their look and attitude. This is as close as he has been to any of the teen heroes if you don't count the posters in his daughter's room.
Well, we hope to be a team that uses our brains as much as our brawn to ...
the good doctor's words trail off as he begins to wobble disconcertingly at 40 feet tall like a tree in high winds. His suit and skin seem to drip off of him like melting wax as the mass he has added to increase his size becomes unstable. As the goo sloughs onto the concrete, it boils like ectoplasm, disappearing into a cool mist. When the cloud clears, the doctor is on his knees vomiting embarrassingly as his form is crisscrossed with a yellow light that seems almost to stitch him back together.
Waveform will rush over to Quark, washing away the vomit as she offers him a floating "glass" of water to rinse out his mouth. "You okay there, Doctor?"
Yeah, Waveform, just got a little light headed and lost control of the size change. Completely embarrassing, but no need to make a big deal of it. Everything seems to be intact.
Quark rinses and spits onto the ground as he stands back up. A last shimmer of energy washes over him.
Next Gen, we were just discussing whether this might be some sort of diversion from what VIPER is really after.
Invictus nodded towards Next Gen as they dismounted their grav cycles, as he walked towards Elite, their field leader, he smiled at Megastar's comments. "Last time Ripper fought the League he was in full on rage mode, we're just lucky we caught him coming out of VIPER's contai ..."
Invictus moves with care towards Dr. Quark's side as his gigantic form stumbles to a knee, before shedding the size and mass and reverting to his more typical size. Seeing Waveform rush to his aid, and Quark himself struggle to his feet, he nods his agreement to the Doctor's next statement.
"Yes, I had the same thoughts. By bringing Ripper here in a containment tank of some sort, it makes me feel as if they intended to whip him into a frenzy and set him loose in this facility to distract us from their activities elsewhere." While speaking to Elite, Invictus paused, saw Nereid's wave and smile, returned it in kind, though to any paying attention to the paragon's demeanor, they may catch an awkward pause before he turns his attention back to the matters at hand.
He opens the channel to Bonham, so his next statement is broadcast to him as well. "Have there been any reports of activity elsewhere in Freedom?"
Jason smiles at the question, and slides an arm around her, taking her to her bus, avoiding a few stray flashbulbs. "Yeah, I think that'd be fun. Spare the waterworks next time though?"
Broadway slide in and has a moment of being wide eyed starstruck when Next Gen arrives [i]Whoa! big league stuff now![/b]
"Diversion, or something to keep everyone occupied while they retrieved their helicopter and whatever was in it. Either way...whoa..Ripper! Broadway flashes his superstar smile.
Bonham No reports of any other activities Viper was only active at the vehicle locker.
Techno Priest steadies his glider in the air, waiting for Next Gen to complete their arrival. He pulls in behind them, keeping his eyes out for any signs of trouble.
"Nice to see some friendly faces."
He takes a step off the glider and it dissipates in a mist . He reaches his hand out to introduce himself formally.
"Hi, Techno Priest. Whatever's on that chopper must've been important enough to bring Ripper out here. He could've been used as distraction to 'get to the chopper'."
Golem stands off to the side, a bit unsure of how to engage the new crowd of Superheroes. He looks carefully around, checking on any potential dangers that might be in route.
Once things seem clear he will turn and examine the young heroes, returning any nods sent his way.
Invictus removes his finger from the comm device, "Alright folks, AEGIS is sending over a salvage team, they'll clear the wreckage and get Ripper and the remaining VIPER agents transported to Blackstone. He's got the Agency onhigh alert, but no VIPER activity."
Invictus watches as the two teams mingle, before he turns and walks over to the Next Gen field leader, "Good to see you Elite, it's been awhile since I had the time to drop in at Claremont, how is Duncan doing nowadays?" He paused, nodding at Elite's response, [/b]"I was curious if you, your team, or even Duncan had any ideas about the League's whereabouts? They just disappeared after they helped detain the VIPER mercenaries at the courthouse last week. Any news from your end?"[/b]
~
After finishing his conversation with Elite he walks through the various teams, until he comes face to face with Nereid. He looks a little self conscious, as he runs a hand through his hair, "Hey there Thea, didn't know you were back in town. I thought you were still down in 'lantis with your folks. If you're back in Freedom things must have settled down, politically speaking right?" He paused, clearly trying to get his nerves under control, "So, uhh, how long are you planning on staying top side? Maybe we could, uhhh, dinner, or something like that?"
Invictus removes his finger from the comm device, "Alright folks, AEGIS is sending over a salvage team, they'll clear the wreckage and get Ripper and the remaining VIPER agents transported to Blackstone. He's got the Agency onhigh alert, but no VIPER activity."
Invictus watches as the two teams mingle, before he turns and walks over to the Next Gen field leader, "Good to see you Elite, it's been awhile since I had the time to drop in at Claremont, how is Duncan doing nowadays?" He paused, nodding at Elite's response, "I was curious if you, your team, or even Duncan had any ideas about the League's whereabouts? They just disappeared after they helped detain the VIPER mercenaries at the courthouse last week. Any news from your end?"
~
After finishing his conversation with Elite he walks through the various teams, until he comes face to face with Nereid. He looks a little self conscious, as he runs a hand through his hair, "Hey there Thea, didn't know you were back in town. I thought you were still down in 'lantis with your folks. If you're back in Freedom things must have settled down, politically speaking right?" He paused, clearly trying to get his nerves under control, "So, uhh, how long are you planning on staying top side? Maybe we could, uhhh, dinner, or something like that?"
Jason smiles at the question, and slides an arm around her, taking her to her bus, avoiding a few stray flashbulbs. "Yeah, I think that'd be fun. Spare the waterworks next time though?"
She chuckles, "You take all the fun out of things." As the bus pulls up, she gives him a quick peck and steps onto the bus.
Elite "Good to see you too Invictus its been a while but sorry to say we have no clue about The League we have been busy looking for one of our own for the last few weeks. Bolt is missing I know you and him don't see eye to eye but he is also missing."
Neried "Vic I would love to catch dinner and maybe a flick to catch up it seems like its been forever since we have seen each other"
"And smiles everybody, the Channel seven news has arrived." she says as she catches the distinctive logo. They were still a ways off with the police cordon, but she was sure they were using telephoto lenses to see everybody here. At least the public would see that not every supergroup thought they were amateur hour.
As Invictus spoke with Elite, he nodded his head, his face turning grim. "A few weeks you said? Could cetainly explain why Thunder was in a mood after the courthouse incident." He reached out, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder, "You are right, Bolt and I never really got along, that doesn't mean I don't respect him, or want to see him returned to his family. If there's anything that the New Guard can do, don't hesitate to ask, ok?"
~
He smiled at Neried's response, "Well depending on how the rest of today plays out, maybe I could pick you up tonight? We could go out in civvies if you prefer, might be less ..." His attention snapped to Waveform as she spoke up about the press and Channel 7 news. "Looks like we have some press to deal with before Bonham gets here for a de-brief. As the lady said, smiles."
The media is all over The New Guard and there recent success with stopping The Ripper Rampage.
Me too
So after stopping The Ripper Rampage and investigating deeper into Viper, The New Guard has had some more positive press since the debacle at the courthouse.
As a team you have found a few small VIPER Nests that you rooted out and destroyed easily. Your clues from the Chopper and the small nests leads you to believe there is a larger nest somewhere hidden on the waterfront but you have not had any luck finding it yet.
Its been almost two weeks since the courthouse and still no signs of the Freedom League.
This Tuesday Invictus's World History class has a field trip to the Freedom City Historical Museum. Dr Quark is one of the chaperones because of his daughter.
Its Monday morning
Tuesday Morning
Your day is beginning just like any other.
She was just lazily opening her eyes when the alarm popped on.
I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, Wo-o-o-o-o-oh
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, Wo-o-o-o-o-ohI'm never gonna look back
Whoa, I'm never gonna give it up
No, please don't wake me now
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-ife
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-ife
She danced her way out of bed and started getting ready. Life was pretty good. She slept well, she had a good handle on her classes, we didn't just have a maniac tearing up the city and she just might be on her way to getting a boyfriend. Pretty much nothing was going to stop her today. Dancing was the only option.
As she stepped into the kitchen, Lyssie was waiting for the coffee to brew with a late-night cram session hangover. "Rrrmvng" said the primitive pre-verbal creature. "Good Morning, Sweetie-pie!" she beamed back. Alex was slumped at the table, "The perky, it buuurrrrns!" and he tried to shield himself from the ball of energy grabbing a bottle of guava-mango smoothie.
Twenty minutes later, she was stepping up on the bus and texting. Hey Jase, ya wanna hang out later? We're doing postmidterm drinks later. My friends want to meet the big star I've been struck by.
After an only slightly embarrassing showing at the AEGIS facility, Derek had realized that it could be useful to have superfriends. Considered application of superspeed, superstrength, hydrostasis, nanotech, and a master sculptor, he now had a beautifully finished clinic and modern home. The sign out front said simply and somewhat ambiguously Swift Medical. The facade of the building was a beautifully restored brownstone, but the first floor and basement interiors had all the appearance of a high end medical center. To the uninformed, it might be an exclusive fertility clinic, genetic research facility, or plastic surgery clinic.
And he had a secret entrance into an underground base. That left him a little confused and feeling a bit like a supervillain, but he thought it was pretty cool.
As Tuesday morning dawned, he was unpacking bagels from the closest deli. Aurora was doing whatever it took for a teenage girl to get ready for school. He tried not to pry where it wasn't wanted, and he didn't know much about hair, make up, or fashion.
Good morning, sunshine as she emerged grumpily from her room. He had been making that joke on her name before she could understand it, and he still loved it in a corny dad way.
Errrrrr she replied, doing her best Walking Dead impression, she reached out for a latte and grasped it with far too much pleasure for a zombie. Don't be such a dork, Dad. Especially don't be a dork at the museum today. We had a deal, right
Right, I stay as far away from you and your friends as possible, and I only speak to your teacher if spoken to, and only about myself, not about you
Derek chuckled inside and wondered how embarrassed she would be if he knew he had had several conversations about her with the supers she mooned around after.
Ok, grab a bagel and let's get moving, he said, Don't want to be late.
As they slipped out the alley entrance (the front entrance was for patients) his microvision still showed him signs of where the Eviscerator had been shot three days ago. Visible signs of the bleeding had been cleaned up, but he would need to get some nanobots to take care of the rest. *(For full details of the Eviscerator story arc, see "Dr. Quark" solo title numbers 4 and 5, on stands and ready for download now!)
Derek held the door while Aurora slipped into the waiting cab and hopped in after her.
A cacophony of cannons blasted through the halls of the Cathode Cathedral as Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture played. The previous week had been a whirlwind of productivity, and it showed as the typically punctual Techno Priest lazed around in bed. He worked his body to it's limits and the pain was still present.
"Cripes, if only crime could take a break" he mumbled as he pulled the sheets down from over his head. In the kitchen, the coffee maker clicked to life and began to brew a fresh pot, while the shower started.
He got out of bed and instantly felt the cold touch of concrete, the creakiness of his bones, the aches in his muscles and joints. Having a body was becoming a burden to him, and the last week was proof. He'd spent sleepless nights constructing a proper elevator to Dr. Swift's office, renovating and expanding the Cathedral, and putting the finishing touches on his latest invention, all while scouring the 'net for any news regarding VIPER whereabouts. When his body couldn't keep up, he relied on machinery to assist him.
The warmth of the shower was a welcome sensation to his sore body. He used caution when scrubbing at his skin. He knew it wouldn't hurt or damage any of his upgrades, but he'd grown worried of his scarring. To him, they stuck out like a sore thumb against his dark skin. The few times he'd had dreams in the recent months, it all seemed to come back to this fleshy body, and his scars tearing open.
If only it weren't a problem, he thought to himself.
After an uncharacteristically quick breakfast, Techno Priest threw on a baggy pair of pants, a loose fitting long sleeve shirt, a baseball cap and some oversized glasses. Whatever the day had for him, he knew he had to get outside for a little. Before he left, he gave himself a long look in the mirror, scrutinizing the areas where he knew he had scarred. Once everything seemed covered, he made his way to the outside world.
Good morning, Guards! What do we have planned for today?
Jason kept things as low-key as possible during the publicity tour. "We'll do local appearances only, for now. Until the thing gets bigger. At some point though you'll need to consider a tour outside of Freedom. We also need to start thinking about which song is the first video. I've got director's lined up. So far I'm thinking 'Just Five Minutes' is the best way to go." Jason started to object, but Myron cut him off. "I know that's a tough one for you kid, but it's some of your best work, and you always pour out your best in that one. It's really a no-brainer. Unless you feel it'd be too much."
Jason's eyes cast down, remembering that awful night back in NYC. He shook his head softly, "No, you're right, it's a good choice, and the least I can do for her."
Myron laid a hand on his shoulder, and squeezed gently. "Hey kid, you know that wasn't your fault. There's no way you could have known she would take 'We'll be back in a few' so literally. You need to forgive yourself for that."
Jason nodded, "I know, and I have, mostly, but I still want to try and do something right by her, you know?" He smiled and shook his head a bit, "At least the song might bring some awareness." He picked his head back up and looked at Myron with that smile of his, "Sure, let's do it. Just Five Minutes sounds like the way to go for me too."
The rest of the day continued on in that fashion. Meetings to go over public appearances and talk shows, almost all local. Scheduling photo shoots and now the new video. A trip to Valentina's for new wardrobe. It was in this whirlwind when Jason got the text message from Jessica. "Love to. Someplace quiet? Can come get you all if you like."
~Just five minutes of your time
Just a smile my way, as you pass by, a touch of your hand
A small piece of your life, shared to enrich mine
You shine in the spotlight, hidden in the cold I stand
Too Much to ask for
To show you even care
Too much for you to see
The lone person, lost in the cold
Alone in the dark waiting for your return
Asphalt and brickwork my only company
Reality burns nighttime cold, realization comes in turn,
Five minutes of your time is too much for me
Too much to ask for
To show you even care
Too much for you to see
Her eyes locked in a forever stare
Morning light on cold pavement is no warmth for her
Rough hands in white struggle to get her free
The forever stare barely begins to stir
All she wanted was five minutes from me
Too much to ask for
Even though I care
I just wish I had more
To wash away that forever stare
Five minutes seems a lifetime now…for me
The return text is quick. |How about Antonello's? It's pretty quiet and tasty. 7:30 It's close to campus so we can get there after midterms. P.S. My friends know all about me, but just know about your singing. The rest is up to you.|
She also has an idea and sends a message off to Techno Priest. |I have a friend who has a birthday coming up in about 2 weeks. I have an idea for an amazing present, but I'd need a favor from a brilliant nano genius. :) She sends a picture of a guy who is obviously started by a picture he wasn't expecting. He's fresh from the shower and wearing a towel. But the more interesting part is that his arm ens in a stump halfway through the upper part. He's holding a prosthetic arm as if he was about to put it on. I'd like to get him a more functional arm. Given that he's a total geek, I had an idea. If he could get one that looks normal, but he could open it up and show the metal inside like T2, that would be awesome.
TP crosses the busy intersection as he makes his way to an electronics shop.
He recreates the photo in his mind, trying to view it from different angles to get proper measurements.
|I'll have to take proper measurements, but I'm sure I can come up with something nice. Durability, decent lifting strength, maybe a projectile or two. Oh! How about a well contained, high-output plasma cutter within the fist? He could punch holes through steel! I've always wanted one of those! OR we can shoot for the T1000! An arm of liquid metal, able to be reconfigured on a whim! It won't be too hard, and I could have a nice little cerebral augment installed in him in the blink of an eye so he can control the arm as his own!|
|(sigh) No weapons. This is a guy who tripped once and accidentally drove a pen through his foot. The mental control is nice, but let's save that as an upgrade. Birthday gifts that require brain implants are a bit much.|
|Antonello's sounds good. I'll meet you there. Good luck with Midterms.| Jason looks up from the phone at Myron. "I'm going out for dinner, so don't schedule anything."
"Hot date?"
Jason grinned "Time will tell."
Swift waited until Aurora had her Supes headphones snugged around her head before keying his comm *Priest, this is Swift. I am on the way to the museum on a field trip with the kid, but we have a couple of problems upstairs. I think some fragment of one of those Viper viruses from the chopper hard drive has snuck into one of the modules upstairs. This morning when I asked for a check in with the house security system it turned on the microwave and one of the centrifuges in the lab. No big deal, but we don't want it getting into the MRI or elevator or something.
Techno Priest loiters around the electronic shop. He asks no questions and turns down any help from the sales associates.
|Ok Wave, I'll make it as vanilla as possible. Maybe. Just set us up for a meeting and I'll take over from there.|
Dr. Swift chimed in. Great, he thinks to himself more work. "Hold on, Doc." Not even five seconds go by before Priest checks back in "That'll be about right. Enjoy the museum. It's been ages since I've physically been in one m'self. Maybe that's what we'll do tonight before dinner! Thanks for the idea, Doc."
Deciding that he's had his fill of the electronic static he calls "The Hum", Priest hits the streets again, this time towards a clothing boutique.
He enters and feels the stares nearly instantaneously. For someone always on the internet, he isn't quite up to date on fashion. He figured his baggy ragged clothes, for the most part unwashed, made him look too much like a bum. Calm down, mates. Y'look like y'never seen such a beautiful man before.
He grabs a few articles of clothing. A pair of leather work boots, supposedly sourced from local materials and handcrafted by local artisans. Light blue slacks that hugged him perfectly. A salmon-colored dress shirt along with a simple brown tie and a grey cardigan. He felt too outside his comfort zone, but There's a first for everything he told himself.
He steadies his nerves before leaving the store, gripping the bags of new apparel tightly. Run Op: CalmCoolCollected.EXE
Let's just take it easy, T. I'm sure she's just as nervous as I am.
Its early morning at Freedom City High and something was missing Mr. Anthony was missing his World History class had a field trip and he was no where to be found. He didnt even call the school for a Sub so the field trip would be handled by one of the other teacher Mr. Smoth he was very dis organized and was struggling keeping up with his students as well as Mr. Anthony's students.
The field trip is going on with out a hitch surprisingly but Dr Swift (Quark) while in the Egyptian Treasures traveling display you notice two middle eastern gentlemen stalking the room and paying close attention to The Mask of The Scorpion King Namer.