"Well, I wish I could wake him, but he's too dangerous the way he is. I'm still looking for some QRAM S/D chips to handle the backwash; unless I can find those he's liable to wake thinking he's in a firefight on Deimos."
Nissa thinks about Kai, who’s been super helpful, but not quite cut out for the more violent realities of the superhero life…
“You should talk to Kai. Kai’s a super genius when it comes to tech!”
Nissa might have once thought machines as nonliving, but that can’t be true about Uncanny Valerie. Or maybe the tech of my time just makes AI seem more convincingly lifelike.
Theo nods and readies the Angel Sword for the guests.
A group of five Gaians enter the vertical farm / sacred space / transdimensional invasion site. One of them is Von Junzt. All of them are armed.
Seeing Theo armed with a sword, the Gaians with their submachine guns pause, confused by his confidence. They seem to be thinking "He can't be serious, can he?" and wondering why the godling is unafraid.
"Fan out," says Von Junzt. "I'll go right; you come with me."
The Gaians hold their fire but begin to spread out keeping their weapons point at Theo.
"Well, I wish I could wake him, but he's too dangerous the way he is. I'm still looking for some QRAM S/D chips to handle the backwash; unless I can find those he's liable to wake thinking he's in a firefight on Deimos."Nissa thinks about Kai, who’s been super helpful, but not quite cut out for the more violent realities of the superhero life…
“You should talk to Kai. Kai’s a super genius when it comes to tech!”
Nissa might have once thought machines as nonliving, but that can’t be true about Uncanny Valerie. Or maybe the tech of my time just makes AI seem more convincingly lifelike.
"I sure will," says John.
He opens the door to the stable and you see it is divided within into smaller areas. There's a room with a good bit of riding tack; more than John and his family would need. Just beyond that are 10 stalls, 8 of them occupied. John introduces the horses offering up comments on their personalities. "Had to separate those two," he says pointing to a chestnut mare and a palomino with an empty stall in between. The chestnut horse huffs as if she understood.
"Gygax is through there," says John, pointing to the door leading to the other half of the stables. You can catch a glimpse of something large and metallic taking up most of the space.
Nissa telepathically asks Genius, can you read a horse’s thoughts?
She uses the glow of her armor to give everyone, self included, a better look at Gygax.
Charles sees their chance. They suddenly sprint out from behind the garden tower he'd been hiding behind, six feet pounding against the ground as he charges towards one of the (non-Von Junzt) Gaians.
Henri studies the bot as much as John allows. "Do you think its condition is the result of damage or just wear and tear from being active for so long?"
Nissa telepathically asks Genius, can you read a horse’s thoughts?
Genius doesn't respond and gives no indication to Nissa that she's scanning her thoughts. She is totally entranced by the horses though. She seems very impressed with the stable.
Henri studies the bot as much as John allows. "Do you think its condition is the result of damage or just wear and tear from being active for so long?"
(Computers and engineering seem most pertinent, they are both +12. Perception is +10.)[/ooc]
Henri might have heard about these older models being poisoned by their own memories; they've been programmed to select experiences to store and to make judgments based upon those. The military models prioritize combat-related experiences and remember little else. Eventually, every situation is processed as a combat situation. It took 20 years before humans realized even androids need regular vacations to make less stressful memories.
"He's been through a lot. He fought with us on Deimos and Phobos and even took part in the Siege of Jupiter Station although he was officially retired by then," says John. "He's older than me, actually. They think the next generation of androids might be able to live forever."
She uses the glow of her armor to give everyone, self included, a better look at Gygax.
An alarm goes off at the same second Nissa does this. It happens simultaneously and Nissa might have thought she caused it, but Hector's voice comes over the intercom. "Two electric buggies heading down the driveway. They look like the kind used at the camp."
Nissa draws her guns. “Genius—I need you to keep me in touch with the adults in the house! Only if scanning minds doesn’t hurt you.”
She looks to Henri. “Could be Zellgato, but… they wouldn’t need two vehicles.”
Illusory wings spread from Nissa’s valkyrie armor, illuminating her as if the sun shines just for her even at night. Nissa will keep her hands behind her back, letting the angelic wings and her demure pose make her appear unarmed and surely harmless.
"I'm in touch with my mom and she heard Hector say turn the lights off in the stable," Genius relates, trying not to sound like she's telling Nissa off.
The horses seem startled by Nissa's radiance, except for the Palomino who snickers. The light makes him look like gold instead of the dull yellow he was when you came in. He seems to soak it up.
The speakers in the stable hum and you hear voices. "Good evening, gentlemen. Do you know what time it is? A bit late to be calling on folk, isn't it?" says Hector's voice.
John turns to you and says, "Hector's transmitting audio for us."
"You're an android," says a startled woman's voice that you don't recognize.
"And you're rude," says Hector.
"We're looking for some refugees. They stole something and ran away from the camp. We have reason to believe they came this way," says the voice to Hector.
Nissa shrinks to fairy size and dives into Henri’s pocket.
“That’s one of the only three ways I can turn my glow off. Lemme know if you need guns blazing.”
[dice=sense motive ] 1d20+10
You strongly sense Von Junzt is on your side. Besides, you know how long it took the guest to start to take control last time. It was barely noticeable at this point for him.
Zellgato fires a shot, following up Charles' s charge. Taking the shot at the Gaian next to VJ.
if hit.
As the Gaians advance, Theo attacks.
Henri whispers, ”Damn. All we took was their chance to corrupt more people and the knowledge of what they are doing. Is there a bolthole to hide non-combatants? And do you have any weapons should it come to that? Wish I could see what was going on…”
Zellgato hits one of the Gaians. A burst of submachine gun fire rings out amid the greenery to the right finishing him off.
Charles and Theo each took a Gaian down.
That leaves one.
Theo's shield absorbs most of the bullets but they knock a bit of the wind out of him.
The voices over the intercom in the stable continue.
"May I ask your name," asks Hector politely.
"Why?" asks the woman in charge of this band.
"I like to address people properly when I tell them to go f$#$ themselves," says Hector.
"You are one rude android!" complains the woman.
"There's someone in the stable," says a man just as Henri steps outside to take a peak.
"This is private property. I'm going to have to ask you to leave," says Hector.
"Devil's Bridge Brigade is the militia contracted to enforce the peace south of Chapel," says another's man's voice. "We're going to have to look in your barn."
"That's just my partner, John," says Hector defiantly.
Round 2
Theo surges forward to attack the remaining defender.
Von Junzt steps out of the greenery his hands slightly raised to make sure Theo and Charles know he's on there side.
Von Junzt talks fast and smiles pretty, "Hello, Zellgato, I'd tell you that you have some explaining to do but I'm not sure that we have time. They'll send in another team soon. They took Gristlethorn and, well, you into the compound to speak with their dear leader. IX was already in there hunting for him. Not sure they know he's in there yet. That guy is nuts, by the way."
Nissa can’t just hide in a pocket and hopes all works out.
Genius, any chance you’d pick up thoughts like ‘oh, poop, I left my keys in the car?’ I ask because I would gladly steal one of their cars if that would get them to give chase in the other.
It’s not my best plan… and I’m not sure what they’d do after I blow up their car and fake my death. There is the possibility they’d turn back and the children would be in danger, and being subatomic would mean not perceiving the enemy’s reaction.
Carp… I guess I’m John for a moment.
”I’m almost done mucking the stalls. Tell your new friends we have all the cookies we can eat for years and they need to try the next house for once!” He turns and goes back out of sight.
Von Junzt steps out of the greenery his hands slightly raised to make sure Theo and Charles know he's on there side.
Von Junzt talks fast and smiles pretty, "Hello, Zellgato, I'd tell you that you have some explaining to do but I'm not sure that we have time. They'll send in another team soon. They took Gristlethorn and, well, you into the compound to speak with their dear leader. IX was already in there hunting for him. Not sure they know he's in there yet. That guy is nuts, by the way."
"Yes. Very crazy. Last time around he nearly killed Andrew though. I remember. Well captured is better than killed so far. You know a method to get to that compound? I can't do much to this pool-but I think Andrew's death will slow their command structure. Also-I'd rather prefer the others not die. Zellgato kind of missed his annoying speed talking.
"Honestly I kind of thought this area was where he'd be."
Carp… I guess I’m John for a moment.
”I’m almost done mucking the stalls. Tell your new friends we have all the cookies we can eat for years and they need to try the next house for once!” He turns and goes back out of sight.
[dice=Bluff, avoiding any light]1d20 + 6
Seven people walk over. A mix of Gaians and their DBB enforcers. As Henri tries to lie, one of the DBB members looks up from a data pad. "This is one of the medics in the camp. A new one we were told to keep an eye on. He disappeared earlier today." The Brigade member shows Henri's picture to the others. It's a good picture.
"Search the barn," says the head Gaian.
"Yes, Karen," say the DBB members as they head into the barn, leaving Henri and Pocket Nissa with the 3 Gaians.
Von Junzt steps out of the greenery his hands slightly raised to make sure Theo and Charles know he's on there side.
Von Junzt talks fast and smiles pretty, "Hello, Zellgato, I'd tell you that you have some explaining to do but I'm not sure that we have time. They'll send in another team soon. They took Gristlethorn and, well, you into the compound to speak with their dear leader. IX was already in there hunting for him. Not sure they know he's in there yet. That guy is nuts, by the way."
"Yes. Very crazy. Last time around he nearly killed Andrew though. I remember. Well captured is better than killed so far. You know a method to get to that compound? I can't do much to this pool-but I think Andrew's death will slow their command structure. Also-I'd rather prefer the others not die. Zellgato kind of missed his annoying speed talking.
"Honestly I kind of thought this area was where he'd be."
"It does seem strange that the pool isn't more defended, but I don't think they invite outsiders into the inner compound," says Von Junzt smiling. "That's probably where their leadership is. This pool is out where they can test unsuspecting and vulnerable people."
"Say, you're from the fut-" he stops at the insanity of the idea and shakes his head. He continues, "You know what happens to me don't you? Do I make it? Or does this thing eat me from the inside?"
Von Junzt giggles. "Sorry, this thing inside me is making me feel funny. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be of help."
"The first time around it ate you. This time around I'm saving you. Last time around you saved us-and did again. I think I can get it out of you. but we need time and a safe place to do that. Which until we clear out.. I'm not sure we have time for."
pulling out a few medicinals, "From last time around, I know a few things that'll help, at least in the short term. I know from experience you keep winning for a while still. This time we have hope, a plan, and the means."
"Say, that's a good picture. Can I get a copy of that for my mother? She always says I never take a good photo, she'd love a copy."
As the four head on to the barn, he calls out, "Hey, while you are in there, can you finish mucking the stalls? It's the least you could do, really."
"See to him.""I will see to those who would fight us."
Charles trots over to the wall at the back of the garden area. They rear up on their four hind limbs and start tearing through the wall with their claws.
The four enter the stables while John, young Theo, and Genius walk out. Genius even holds the door for them. None of them seem to notice her. The thugs walk right past them.
When Genius turns to Henri her nose is bleeding. "I'm just a kid, you know," she complains.
"That was so cool," says Jupiter Boy (Theo).
"I think this could be trouble," says John.
"See to him.""I will see to those who would fight us."
Charles trots over to the wall at the back of the garden area. They rear up on their four hind limbs and start tearing through the wall with their claws.
”Young lady, you are amazing. Don’t hurt yourself.”
Henri looks at the Gaians, ”So, what’s on the menu at the mess hall tonight?”
”Young lady, you are amazing. Don’t hurt yourself.”
Henri looks at the Gaians, ”So, what’s on the menu at the mess hall tonight?”
The Gaians ignore Henri as they make their way to through the stable. Checking every stall and having varied reactions to the horses. The horses have varied reactions to them. Some are nervous, some are excited, some are gentle; same with the horses.
They find no one in the stables as they make their way towards the back half where Gygax sleeps.
As Charles claws their way through the wall, a new team of Gaians enter the structure, weapons drawn, ready to fire at anyone who lets themselves be seen.
"It ate me last time? Let's do something different, this time, then," says Von Junzt, his head reeling after hearing what Zellgato had to say, "Let's change the ending."
Charles's vulpine ears swivel as he hears new foes enter the building. He stalks through the 'jungle', keeping out of sight as best they can as they circle around to ambush this next group.
"Could you please get your people out of the stables," John asks the Gaians, a little worried. "We have a security system."
Karen ignores him.
"It ate me last time? Let's do something different, this time, then," says Von Junzt, his head reeling after hearing what Zellgato had to say, "Let's change the ending."
"Damn Right. Take hold of it, and firmly. Last time we ran, this time we fight. We have far more options this time. We kill Andrews, maybe destoy the pool or something important to slow them down. Find a location for surgery." Hearing the newcommers, but still remaining mostly behind his cover. Zellgato takes another shot. Drawing attention and thinning numbers until they have a reliable method of escape.
"I wonder if they'll burn, gas, or explode this place if we keep taking them down as they trickle in like fools."
Nissa can hear the hum of two electric vehicles. They're wasting batteries and this is no way to treat a rare resource.
According to the decal on the doors of the jeeps these were paid for by the Mexico government through Mexican Fund for Relief in Former Territories. (Henri would know that the Mexican government has thousands of relief projects in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and is constantly battling with Texan militias who think Mexico is attempting to reclaim lost territories.)
[dice=Damage]1d6+14
[dice=Damage]1d6+14
Charles's vulpine ears swivel as he hears new foes enter the building. He stalks through the 'jungle', keeping out of sight as best they can as they circle around to ambush this next group.
[dice=Stealth]1d20
Charles manages to tear an open in the wall large enough for people to escape through. These 3D printed structures are stable and built thick, but they don't have the hardness or density of concrete. By Charles' time they would.
A tiger moving stealthily through the jungle doesn't have to worry about the jingle-jangle of metal vertical garden frames. Charles makes a little noise.
Hearing the newcommers, but still remaining mostly behind his cover. Zellgato takes another shot. Drawing attention and thinning numbers until they have a reliable method of escape.
Zellgato misses as Von Junzt steps out and attempts to fire as well, but gets in Z's way. Did he do that on purpose? Von Junzt's shot goes wide.
"I wonder if they'll burn, gas, or explode this place if we keep taking them down as they trickle in like fools."
Nissa shrinks to subatomic size and passes through Henri’s molecular structure and in the direction she heard the vehicles.
Once Nissa finds a solid (molecules are more densely packed), she weaves through them, experiencing seconds as minutes—feeling as if exceeding Mach speed, but really moving about an inch per second!
Once the tiny planets and tinier suns are spread apart, Nissa reverts to her normal size, dimming her glow completely so she is unseen in the electric car. In nothing but clearweave and a gunbelt, she hopes to remain unnoticed!
If spotted, Nissa will lock the doors and floor it! Purposely side-swiping the other vehicle as she does so!
“Catch me if ya can, losers!” she shouts, hoping as many as possible will follow.
Assuming she has a bit of a head start, she’ll activate the GPS if she can. If there’s a nearby cliff she can drive off of, that might keep this trip from going on for too long.
Nissa is most definitely spotted. The Gaians around Henri yell, "Someone is ... something is in the car!"
They call out to the DBB in the stables.
If Henri wants in, Nissa will unlock-and-relock the passenger side door for him.
”There is! I’ll check it out!”
Nissa locks the doors and floors it! —purposely side-swiping the other vehicle as she does so!
(Copy-pasta from “If Spotted” spoiler.)
“Catch me if ya can, losers!” she shouts, hoping Karen will get her full entourage to pile in the other vehicle clown-car-style and give chase!
“Hey, you’re really fast! Tell me about your powers as we drive—they following?” Nissa checks her mirror. “I was gonna turn subatomic and let this thing coast into a ravine. But with you in here, depends on how super-fast you can tuck and roll.
“And if there’s even a cliff to drive off that happens to be near a decent hiding place.” Giving Henri a sheepish smile, she says, “As long as we get them away from the kid, it’s a good start. But gimme a few seconds—cliff or no cliff, there will be explosions.”
Nissa’s eyes begin to glow a little brighter.
☀️