Mus'ad looks at the creature that has approached them and growls threateningly. Without taking eyes off of him Mus'ad tells DA and Belledonna "You can deal with the Nīca dhōkhēbāja" before quite pointedly showing Happy Jack his back.
'Of course. Your delicate sensibilities will remain unsullied.'
Happy-Jack, you & DA may notice a slight eye-roll as Belledonna replies to Mus'ad's declaration. Fortunately, she is behind him, so Mus'ad himself is unaware.
'The three of us are reasonably cognizant of the individual talents we bring to the table. What *party favors* have livened things up with, Jack?'
"Party favours, milady?" Jack's forehead twitches as if he were raising a non-existant eyebrow. "I have grenadoes of a Spanish sort, and cutlery of the keenest edge. As for the man Jack himself, he is a cutpurse of quick hand who put a girdle round the world in 40 minutes as the fey say." He bows, then pirouettes at great speed around Mus'ad. 'I also cheated the Devil after death, should I answer you in thoughts going forward?', he thinks.
Smirking slightly in response to the newcomer's japery, Isabelle continues the conversation in kind. 'Anything you want them overhearing, certainly.'
Invent set to Energy Control: kinetic. Trapping: Odd looking pistol with an CAT-5 line running to DA's helmet. No trapping effects that I can see.
Not carrying the 9mm or rounds. Other gear as listed.
To all: "We should delay until we have cover of darkness. I would hate to draw too much attention while Mus'ad carries whatever is in that storage unit."
Outside: "Hello 'Jack'. Your bracelet is passport enough for now. I am known as The Devil's Advocate, the sulking mass of tandoori fueled rage is Mus'ad, and the voice in your head belongs to Belladonna."
The figure speaking medium height but seems taller as they are quite thin. They are dressed in mixed dark grays and blacks (night fatigues) and they are carrying a large gun in an outside pocket. Strangely a cable is running from that pocket to the close fitting helmet they are wearing.
As you watch a pair of small antennas extend from the helmet and a tiny view screen drops over one eye.
Most believe them to be an urban legend, as they seem quire insular, but from the frequency and consistency of what does leak out about sightings made in the sewers, and the occasional raid unlinked to any of the gangs of the city lend plausibility.
With whatever contact you've had with them in the past, you have discovered that they in fact live in subterranean caves linked to the sewers of Star City; discovering these connections may prove difficult however...
The guardian robot had no ranged capabilities however, and Belledonna seems to recall a story of one being deactivated by a similarly technologically inclined Hero, from a control panel on the creature's back.
The storage facility is nondescript enough, security seems to be reasonable on it, but it's probably not where you'd want to store anything long-term. Unit E28 is easily located, and the code pad by the roller door accepts the code given. When the door is raised you find it empty, apart from a large complicated looking device in a rusty iron frame approximately 4' wide by 3.5' deep and 3' high. A quick examination reveals two pieces of interest, a thick but very short power coupling of unfamiliar design hanging on a hook on one side, and a single, telescoping titanium rod visible on the machine's top, recessed in a deep tube. The device is quite heavy, but Mus'ad should easily be able to carry it, in one arm if necessary (600 lbs)
Mutants...
'Gentlemen. I'm uncertain how much you are aware of your history, but Terron was known to have a number of bases & laboratories sequestered about Star City.'
'What is well known is that he had a particular favorite when it came to defensive systems. It's likely to be large, robotic, and deadly...
See Mus'ad, patience rewarded!'
Hefting the device with relative ease, Mus'ad grunts and gives a half smile "We shall see... Mus'ad mind is open, but expects disappointment"
If that succeeds:
'Ms. Ramirez? This is Isabelle d'Honaire, I hope you recall our last meeting fondly as I have something of a favor to ask of you.'
Professor Mayhem scowls as the mind-speak begins again in his head, but this time he doesn't order Belledonna to shut it down. "We will just have to deal with whatever this Terron has left behind."
Mus'ad easily carries the device back to the warehouse, while Belledonna is off with the fairies.
'You are, of course, correct.'
Isabelle will wait just long enough for Valeria to respond if she desires to before ending the connection.
If Valeria does not respond, or responds only to say something to the effect of 'don't do again', Isabelle will think of another way to access the 'underground' & how to deal with the 'undergrounders'.
'My associates & I need to investigate an old Terron bolt-hole beneath the city. I was hoping you might be able to tell me what you know about the 'undergrounders' & how we might best contact them to come to an agreement regarding access to some of the deeper subterranean locale's.'
As The lovely Bella stares off into space The Advocate works to understand the machine Dr. Destruction has given them.
Jack takes a spin around the warehouse as they wait, admiring the work, before leaning over the Devil's Advocate as he works on the power device.
"The Professors actually. I doubt it will hold up against active searching but it should keep us below the radar for now. ... Help pull this panel back will you?
Does this look like a wireless power transmitter to you?
I mean that is clearly an extendable antenna and this looks for all the world like a pocket industrial transformer.
Hmmm If I could piggyback on the signal we could siphon off enough to get off the grid."
...
"Nice to meet you by the way."
Well you're speaking to one of them. Or did you think there were two underground organizations of mutants? she asks, her tone rather dry I'd prefer to discuss such matters in person. If you can find your way to our caverns, then we'll see about locating this base for you.
'If you gentlemen are ready, I have initiated parley with the 'undergrounders'. Let us continue our efforts below.'
'There should be a sewer access nearby.'
Jack appears suddenly at Isabelle's elbow. "Forward ho, then! To the bowels of this fair city let us go a-hunting!"
"Why the rush? Terron's lab will still be there in a few hours. And in a few hours I can crack this thing and tap in. I am not sure exactly why Dr. D wants us to deliver this but I would hate to find out too late that we are carrying a six hundred pound bomb with a unstable prox fuse."
The Advocate does not stop working.
"I guess you can be useful at times, Belledonna, instead of just being an invasive annoyance that keeps forcing her way into my head with her powers." The Professor thinks in a matter-of-fact way. He even managed to curb much of the disdain for the mind-link intruding on him again. "We should deal with these 'undergrounders' first, negotiating our passage through their territory and a guide, then move on to deal with Terron and the device."
Frowning "Why in hell are we back here? Don't have job? Ass to kick? Metal man to make scrap?.... Mus'ad does not like to wait..."
To Belledonna "No need for entrance... Mus'ad can punch through the rock itself if needed?"
Still working on the device The Advocate answers Mus'ad.
"That is a good question, do we have a job? Do we work for Destruction? We did one job for him, we freed Mindjack, and we were paid with this palatial home. What reward shall we gain for pitting our lives against Terron's surviving security? Perhaps I missed that part of the good Doctors message."
The Advocate unclips a number of cables connecting the transformer to a series of black box units deep in the bowels of the strange device.
"Now assuming Terron's bolt-hole is intact and assuming we can bypass what wards remain it might contain valuables or information enough to warrant the risk but that is making a great number of assumptions. All we actually know is that Destruction wants this device taken underground. Knowing what this device is, and having some idea of what will happen when it turns on strikes me as knowledge worth the time it takes to demolish a tandoori dinner."
"Destruction is not our benefactor out of the kindness of his heart. He has marked us, much in the same way that Belledonna can do. He may be able to locate us with that means, and he has clearly stated that we work for him now, and if not then he will isolate us and give us over to the V'Sori to be put down like dogs." Mayhem tries to maintain a matter-of-fact tone, but there is a tiny hint of a mixture of adoration and fear.
"Destruction is not our benefactor out of the kindness of his heart. He has marked us, much in the same way that Belledonna can do. He may be able to locate us with that means, and he has clearly stated that we work for him now, and if not then he will isolate us and give us over to the V'Sori to be put down like dogs." Mayhem tries to maintain a matter-of-fact tone, but there is a tiny hint of a mixture of adoration and fear.
Elbow deep in parts and device guts Devil's Advocate continues the conversation.
"True we are marked, in more ways than one I expect."
Lacking a free hand The advocate nods at Mus'ad's giant sized com-unit.
"In fact I do not doubt the Doctor is listening, or at least recording us now. None the less Destruction is not stupid. If he wanted slack-jawed minions we would still be in that camp. We are not minions and This is why Destruction is interested in us. If he could have his green suited lackeys do this job we would never have heard from him. He needs us, we have value, we think, we probe and plan. We break rules, We change reality. We are villains."
The Advocate pauses for a moment.
"Besides do you seriously think the good Doctor would give this job to a cell with someone like me in it and not expect this? I am rather surprised that Dr.D did not simply include a plug marked 'Tap here'. It would have saved time and effort."
"Oh and if you are concerned about telepathic marking I have some ideas on how to remove the marks or at least make contact and locating more difficult. Perhaps we could work together on them once this delivery is in place."
"Pshaw.. Mus'ad take care of puny security, protect his Harem from death... except for the Nīca dhōkhēbāja... he can have accident for all Mus'ad cares. Did not little man know.. play with toy too much go blind... get out have sunshine, kill people and make garland from entrails - that is good way spend afternoon. This thing you do too much like playing tennis without partner fun for short time, but unsatisfying in end."
"Harem? Interesting." Jack's perma-smile widens briefly. "Well, Lady Bella, will your mole men wait on the Devil's Advocate, or is time pressing? Whether he joins us or no, I'm sure we can deal with whatever toys Terron left to terrorise. Speaking of toys, what's this bit do?" He points at a small protrusion on the power device.
The Devil's Advocate raises an expressive eyebrow at Mus'ad comment.
"You gonna start knockin' my hobbies?"
The villain returns to disemboweling the machine.
Softer "I really liked Woody Allen. Pity he was in Greenwich when the bombs fell."
Squaring off against DA "What little man do if Mus'ad decide take thing with him now, hm? Or when puny one ready to go and Mus'ad think it more important to take massive dump?" leaning in a little closer and gritting teeth as he hisses "Mus'ad not like being sh1tty bag carrier... prefer be out making sweet love to beautiful and sturdy women, but Mus'ad does not get to choose this time... I.. say.. we.. go. Get job of supreme suck-ness out of way, then Mus'ad help you collect more dead machine men to play with insides." attempting to impose his bulk and force of mind upon the matter.
The Advocate laughs quietly at Mus'ad's tirade. Those with sharp eyes might notice the Advocate touch a control as the leads and contracts retract into the wrist computer.
"Please oh mighty Mus'ad feel free to take the device and run along. No doubt your master will reward you well for such prompt obedience. You are truly a loyal minion and an inspiration to all who aspire to service."
"Far be it from someone as puny as I to attempt to gain some measure of control over our situation, or to point out that master Destruction did not set a time frame for this vital task. The mighty Mus'ad is no doubt correct to jump at our master's word. Perhaps if we are servile enough master destruction will give us a lump of sugar. I am sure this is a far better course. I cannot believe that I ever thought otherwise. Please forgive my abject stupidity oh mighty Mus'ad."
"Oh and if you do not want to carry the bag then perhaps you could make yourself useful and go fetch a forklift. Perhaps one could be found in the warehouse district. You know the district we are currently in. The door is that large square thing over there."
To Happy Jack: "I think that is the frequency control. You can see it has been locked to a single setting. Destruction was clearly trying to make this fool proof. Silly man."
"To believe there is such a thing?" Belledonna interjects. Happy-Jack, you notice she has a truly masterful public speaking voice. "Alright, DA, you've proven you are no man's fool save your own. wish to do things your way, wishes to do things his way, the wants to do things in a manner which will guarantee the greatest amount of pyrotechnic display possible."
"You & I both know how want things done."
"None of us are trying to do things in a manner which gets us all, or at least as many of us all as possible, what we want."
"So here's a compromise; would like us to go now, because I have already initiated contact with someone in the Underground & they are expecting us. It seems to me maintaining a reputation for doing what we say we will do, might be worth the occasional inconvenience, yes?"
Besides, once we know how to get down there, who's to say we can't make our way down again?'
"Of course. If there is actual time pressure then we should move with alackrity. A good reputation with with the mutants will be quite useful. Mus'ad, will you consent to carry this or should we acquire a forklift?"
With grim certainty Mus'ad rises to his full height and looks down upon DA "Actually time for massive dump..." pausing for a hand of moments before roaring at his own joke and slapping DA across the shoulder... an act that leaves the little one wincing in pain. "Mus'ad will carry, make detour mercifully short... still not sure how you think forklift good idea if we go underground."
"Once again, Belledonna, you are completely wrong about me. We should try not to make this a habit. I do not want to do things in such a manner, I want to do them in such away that nothing remains to oppose us, and what does remain will fear to ever oppose us again. If it is flashy then so be it, but I will be just as happy to settle for brutal and efficient. I am quite ready to get about the unpleasant business assigned to us by Destruction so that I can continue my research in new ways to obliterate the fins and their overlords."
Wincing from the Mus'ad flavored GBH The Advocate grabs a loaded backpack and a heavy coil of rope.
The pack produces a pair of spheres each divided in the middle looking like something from Rene Magritte's The Voice of the winds. The Advocate hands one to Happy Jack
"This was provided by our benevolent alien overlords. It goes boom if you press that button. I am not entirely sure exactly how big a boom so use with caution."
The rope is hung on a handy protrusion on Destruction's device.
"I hope you don't mind a bit of extra weight mighty Mus'ad. We might have to lower this thing into place."
With that The Advocate is ready to underground.
Do we know of any nearby sewer entrances big enough for the device?
"The obvious follow-on question is: How fast a boom? I can vacate with the best, but I doubt our friendship will be off to a strong start if I inadvertantly send you to any god you have." Happy Jack tucks the fusion grenade away and searches his memory for a location if Belladonna doesn't have one forthcoming.
Damage: 3d8
Heavy Weapon, AP 2, Medium Burst Template.
Grenades are targetted using the throwing skill. These grenades seem to have a variable fuse, they can be set to go off 'immediately' (opponent can attempt to throw the grenade away/back with an agility roll at -4), or to have a delay of one or two rounds (on the appropriate round the grenade will have a card drawn secretly for when it explodes)
The device is certainly too large for normal manhole access, the most likely spot to find reasonable access for something of that size to the sewers are the sewage works, or one of the pump stations scattered throughout the districts of star city. You are aware of just such a place about 10-15 minutes away on foot (for a 'normal' person) back towards Downtown.
"I know a place where the not-yet-coproliths grow; a fragrant entrance to the underworld that should accommodate this lump of machinery a short stroll from this place. Shall we?" Jack smiles and bows, arm outstretched toward the exit.
"Please, lead on, friend Jack." Belledonna replies as she proceeds in the proffered direction.
Mus'ad shrugs at the addition of the weight - it hardly seems to make any difference to his ease of carriage. He lumbers after the others at the tail end of the group.
Jack leads the way to a somewhat dilapidated concrete structure in a fenced off area. The lock if the gate ever had one is long gone, and most of the small structure within is layered with graffiti. The structure of the pump station itself looks fairly sturdy however, decently maintained and intact.
Unless restricted Mus'ad stumps directly at their objective... removing any impediment to his passage with sturdy kicks.
Maintaining a cautious distance, Belledonna accompanies Mus'ad to the access-way.
The Advocate profits from Mus'ad's distraction to make a more stealthy approach. Flitting from shadow to shadow and circling the building before slipping like an afterthought through the Mus'ad shaped hole that used to be the door.
Jack joins Mus'ad in just walking up; indeed he proclaims, "And here we are! Les super-villains est arrive' and all that."
Mayhem moves along with the group without more fanfare, he will comment once when Mus'ad uses a solid kick to remove an obstacle "You know, Mus'ad, you are rather useful at times. I think your presence may not annoy me as much anymore." He makes sure to glance in Belledonna's direction, "Yours, however, is still quite grating to me."
"This is awfully slow. I should have just prepared a teleportation circle, and sent us in instantly." Mayhem remarks with a shrug.