|
MONDAY, 0900 HOURS
CRUSADER CITADEL, CENTER CITY, ILLINOIS
You are a new hero, coming in response to a call for such from the mighty Crusaders, a well-known superteam based in Center City. The Crusaders are having tryouts for membership and getting in with the popular super-team could lead to good things. This is an opportunity to make a name for yourself!
You find yourselves in the lobby of the Harmon Building, the tallest building in the city. Crusader Citadel sits atop the towering structure, accessed through a special elevator in the lobby. When you press the button to call for the elevator, a voice, which you recognize as that of Manta-Man, leader of the Crusaders, comes from hidden speakers.
"...is a recording. All Crusader personnel are currently involved in individual assignments and the Citadel is closed; TEACHER is on full security alert until our return. If you have important business, please feel free to use the red courtesy phone in the Harmon Building or call our toll free number 1-800-CRU-SADE, and TEACHER will relay your message or aid you in contacting the proper authorities. No prank calls, please. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience our absence may cause. Thank you." The messages ends with an audible click.
Dialkar stands near the elevators...and looks utterly lost.
Hmmm. Ice Storm says at the end of the message. He looks at Dialkar. He finds the situation surreal. It's impossible for him to get a read on it and it's bug eyes. He opts to be diplomatic. With an upward nod, he says 'Sup Jiminy
The operative looks for the red phone.
Dialkar examines Ice Storm...wondering what that might mean, and decides to reply...diplomatically?
After arriving and hearing the recording he then looks to the other who also arrived.
"Well, looks like were waiting for a while. I take it you all are here for the same reason as me?"
You mean the breakfast bar? I hear they make a wonderful eggs benedict says Ice Storm as he looks for the red phone.
"Hell if I'd known that I wouldn't have gotten tacos before I came here." Jason helps look for the phone.
Zane walks in as the others are chatting.
Are you...Crusaders? he looks around at the odd collection of individuals in the room.
If they have any sense then I will be Dash states boldly as he strides in amid the stench of jet fuel and looks around.
Deciding that...talking...is getting him nowhere, Dialkar just watches as the diverse group assembles, deciding to follow them, in hopes that they understand what to do...
Not sure I even want to become a Crusader...but their cause seems just.
Just What?
Just meaning forthright, good, correct. I am Zane...and you are?
Name's Ice Storm He nods to Zane. Have you met Jiminy? He says gesturing to Dialkar
"Yes, I am also here to be a crusader. "
Dialkar watches the gesture, but makes no indication that he understands it...
|
|
Locating the red phone is simple enough. Picking it up, you hear, "This is TEACHER. Thank you for calling the Crusaders. At the sound of the tone, relate all relevant information. Be advised that you will undergo voice and psycho-inflectional analysis... all irrelevant calls will be discontinued. After relating the information, stand by for analysis and response. Do not hang up if a response is desired." This message is followed by a loud tone.
Hi Teacher. The applicants for the Crusaders are in the lobby and ready to be interviewed. Please start evaluation. Thank you
Dialkar looks at the phone curiously...he's seen these before a few times, and has the basic idea...but who 'teacher' is...no clue.
A bearded, bald man who appears to be in his late thirties approaches the odd assortment of Crusaders-to-be. He smiles and nods to each member of the group. Assuming he's at the right place and with the right people, he approaches the Harmon Building's elevator, wondering why the others are just standing around outside.
A man in his early 20's wanders in..clearly awestruck. He stops when he sees the insectoid...not sure what to do...
Umm..you guys here for the ....umm...interview too?
He picks up the phone....
Umm..Pet...er, Firelash here for his...appointment.
Ice Storm slaps the twenty something's hand from the red phone. Can't you see I'm still using it?!?
Dash takes the opportunity to hand out business cards. The front reads Need Evil Defeated In A Flash? Just Call Dash
On the back
Advertising opportunities available. Nothing catches the eye like a super hero. Call Spectacle Advertisements at 555-SPEC
|
|
Ten seconds after you finish your statement, the line hangs up.
A few moments later, a van with the wording WCTV News 11 on the side pulls up to the front door of the Harmon Building. An attractive, leggy blond exits the van, followed by a small camera crew. The ignore the assemblage of colorful costumed would-be heroes (though several of them spare a prolonged glance at Dialkar). The woman looks at one of her crew and points to Ice Storm, giving a meaningful nod. The man approaches Ice Storm and says, "Excuse me, sir, would you mind sticking around for a statement?"
The crew at the elevator door press the button, activating the recorded message from Manta-Man. On hearing this, the woman frowns and directs her crew to set up for a taping.
"I'm here in the lobby of the Harmon Building, Ed, and all seems unnaturally peaceful. The Crusaders are out of town once again, and neither the roar of their mini space shuttle nor the sounds of super-powered conflict have been heard here in Center City for almost a week. But this is not because the city is peaceful; rather, it signals the go-ahead for the most terrifying crimewave ever to sweep this metropolis."
"The Crushers, long-time foes of the Crusaders, prance almost unopposed through our fair community. Already they have assaulted and nearly demolished two businesses dealing in high technology, carting off truckloads of components to an unknown destination for some unguessable purpose."
"The police have been to stop this band of marauders, said to consist of six known Crushers: the armored FIST, Temper, the brutish Bull, the Hauntress, the Vulture, and the Mercury Mercenary. "
"No other Crushers have been seen at these break-ins, but at least four other Crushers are believed to be on the loose, including the Marionette, who has been serving in the role of leader since the deactivation of the Mocker."
"And the break-ins continue. Detective Victor Broyko of the Center City police force urges calm but admits that without help from the Crusaders or some other super-hero group the chances of finally ending this rampage are minimal. Where are you, Crusaders? This city needs you! Jessica Anderson, WCTV, at the Crusader Citadel."
"Aaand, that's a wrap!" one of Jessica's crew says, lowering his camera. "Looked great, Jess."
"Thanks, Mike. Let's see if we can get an interview with these guys."
Turning to the assemblage of heroes, she says, "How about it? Anyone want to tell me their story?"
"Hmm, maybe we should do something about that?"
Orion floats into the building, carefully avoiding the gathered news crew and surveys the odd gathering that are the applicants.He finds himself a chair at the side of the lobby and takes a seat.he reaches for a newspaper, stiffly flipping through the pages, trying to gather information on universe he's found himself in.
If the Crusaders aren't here to stop the Crushers....do you think we should....I mean, I'm still new at this kind of thing...but....I..I think we should....at least try....
The young man looks slightly unsure, but up for the challenge.
Finding them will be tough. It'll be much easier for them to come to us Thinks Ice. He was going to put on a show. Building his emotional energy to the fever pitch of WWE wrestling interview.
I tell ya' Jessica. he belts from his diaphragm. These low lifes, like the anal CIST, Tender, the blueish Balls, the Headdress, the Vulva, and the Mealy merchandise.
He points a finger at the camera in a posed manner. You better run like the disease infested vermin you are. The city is under our protection. You stand no chance
Well, that should tick them off. I'm going to see if I can spot them from the air....anyone else fly?
The young man seems more confident knowing that there are others up to the fight.
Orion cross references all of ice's terms with his dictionary and winces at the butchered names.
The Cardinal winces at the kid's bravado. Always going to be a few loose cannons when you do an open call like this, I suppose. I suppose I should do something.
The Cardinal moves forward, approaching the reporters. Thank you, Ms. Anderson, that will be all for now. No further statements at the moment, but we'll be happy to hold a press conference after we've dealt with the current nuisances pestering our city. his body language suggests that she move on, and he mimics Ice Storm's dismissive attitude of the Crushers in his last statement.
He turns to the others. A few words away from the cameras, if you would.
Dash pushes himself in front of the camera. That's right. Just like Moolah Loans can get you out of a rough financial situation we'll get you out of this rough villain situation. After we're through with them they'll wish the Crusaders were here instead. And that's a Dash Gunnar personal guarantee he proclaims letting his eyes glow with the disruption beams surgically installed by Spectacle advertisements.
He pushes another business card into the reporter's hand and mutters You want an interview any time any place I'm your man, lady.
Dialkar watches with gathering interest...it seemed there was a battle to be fought...
Orion peeks over the paper in a clear sign of interest to the cardinal
Flurry flips over Dash's card and smiles as he sees the number on the back. An address might have been more useful.
His face turns very serious as he hears about the Crushers from the newscaster and his fists clench. He stays well away from being caught on camera.
As Ice Storm releases his string of insults at the Crushers, Flurry's shoulders relax and he smirks, shaking his head in disbelief.
Sure, it's faster than tracking them down, but can this group take on all of the Crushers at once? Can we do it when they know exactly where to find us, knowing we have no backup, and with them pissed off?
At least we'll be in for a good fight... but am I in good enough shape to keep up with these Powered's?
Ice Storm continues to rant over Cardinal's attempt to squelch his tirade. We are going to rain down pain on you're pansy hides. His hands and fingers imitate a rainfall There is no shelter from the oncoming Storm.
Dialkar continues to watch with increasing curiosity, the three 'fingers' of his right hand sliding from one of the grip knobs on his spear to the next farther up...but he resists dropping into a defensive stance...his body was preparing for battle, but he had no opponents identified, as of yet...it was awkward.
Yeah..a plan is probably a good thing....oooh boy....this is huge. Do you think the Crusaders know the Crushers are running rampant? they gotta, right? Man, I really regret having that XL Triple coffe with the triple espresso shot....
"Well that's one way to draw their attention. If we are planning to take them on perhaps ill be best o get to know each other a little better. Preferably away from the cameras like cardinal suggested." Jason walks out of ear shot of the reporters.
Cardinal looks to gather those with sense to talk, leaving the reporters to Storm and Dash with a shake of his head.
I was thinking we might want to know a little bit about each other and maybe plan out some tactics. The Crushers aren't street thugs, they're hardened criminals. You can bet they'll have a plan. I'll start. For those of you new to town, my name's Cardinal. I've been around for a little while, but have kept things pretty quiet. My stamina has been tremendously increased by an experiment, I've got a regular training program for fitness that has me able to bench press a small car, and a biosuit that provides me with nutrients and air, and the visor over my face is capable of firing blasts of disruptive force fields by drawing off of my bio-energy. Firelash, you mentioned flight?
As Cardinal begins to speak, Dialkar joins him...listening...and watching...
Umm..yeah. I can fly, turn into flame, move stuff with my mind, project force...and..let's see...oh yeah, I can survive hostile environments, like say a nuclear reactor meltdown....
When he mentions the meltdown, he visibly shudders as if remembering a traumatic event.
Jason follows along with the others
"I'm called The Time Lord and as my name suggest I can manipulate time. My gloves draw on my ability to freeze people I touch in time for a few hours. My power also affected my body allowing me to move faster by accelerating my self. I could stop the most troubling of them but it takes a lot out of me to do it.
Ice continues We do have a few leads Jessica. For instance, we can track down Anal Cyst through close relatives. We just have to go into any truck stop restroom in America and we can find his mom's number under the phrase 'For a good time call'
Dash is undaunted by Ice Storm commandeering the microphone and mugs in the background firing air guns and giving side profile thumbs ups that make sure to show off his shiny jetpack. Occasionally he chimes in with a You tell 'em Ice and Dash Gunnar and the new Crusaders gonna introduce those losers to a whole world of paaaaaain!
If it looks like the camera crew is getting tired he'll end with a turned around thumbs up that prominent displays his shiny jetpack emblazoned with the Moolah Loans logo.
Flurry steps aside to join Cardinal and the others away from the cameras.
He lifts his chin and points at his neck before shaking his head to signal his inability to speak.
He brings his fists up into a guard, flexing his muscles and swiftly shifting his feet.
To those that were fans of boxing, he looks familiar, though something is off. Other locals might recognize him from his fights with street level thugs.
Right, how about you? Cardinal looks at Orion and Dialkar. I don't suppose one of you is a Telepath?
Dialkar shakes his head, and pats the strange spear he carries...not entirely sure what a 'telepath' is...even though he's recieved orders telepathically for years...