Charles tries to think of a good thing to do with the monkeys.
"They're probably looking for something like a habit, a place to live," he theorizes. "If we could lead them somewhere they could live without bothering people..."
"...not exactly an easy thing to find thes days," he comments.
"Still, that does seem to be why they went for the towers there. Where's there a forest nearby? Though... that has its own problems."
He pauses, then barks a laugh. "Too bad we don't have a good zoo enclosure for them."
Nissa keeps doing her fairy Pied Piper thing. ”Maybe L.C. or Ron can suggest a place. Can you call?”
No one ever thinks of Nissa’s mote form as ‘naked,’ but it’s probably quite clear that Nissa isn’t wearing a tiny comm.
Nissa keeps doing her fairy Pied Piper thing. ”Maybe L.C. or Ron can suggest a place. Can you call?”
No one ever thinks of Nissa’s mote form as ‘naked,’ but it’s probably quite clear that Nissa isn’t wearing a tiny comm.
"What about opening up a portal and leading them to the Superman fictional sub-dimension?" asks Ron over the comms. "I think I remember a comic in which Superman fought flying monkeys."
Charles tries to think of a good thing to do with the monkeys.
[dice=Survival?]1d20+10
"They're probably looking for something like a habit, a place to live," he theorizes. "If we could lead them somewhere they could live without bothering people..."
"...not exactly an easy thing to find thes days," he comments.
"Still, that does seem to be why they went for the towers there. Where's there a forest nearby? Though... that has its own problems."
He pauses, then barks a laugh. "Too bad we don't have a good zoo enclosure for them."
Charles knows of a number of animal rescue sanctuaries and some of them would take monkeys ... none of them are equipped for flying monkeys however. There's Greer's horse ranch, but, again, no way to keep a flying monkey down on the farm, especially once they've seen the bright lights of the big city.
”Do what you can. We’re the good guys, the apes are innocent pawns. Maybe cousin Namor has a way to stun them.”
The Last Atlantean is in the car with Henri. He's having a bit of a moment though, trying to make sense of the fact that he seems to be an android. It will take some kind of Charisma-based check to get him to focus on the job that needs to be done.
”Yes, ma’am.
Henri will land the helicar on the roof. ”Theo, I’m going to work my way down. Calm or subdue, we don’t want to kill them.”
While Henri lands his car on the roof, the First Responders begin to rush up the outside stairways. They pause every 6 or 7 steps to make sure that Tasha's camera-drones are still filming them. The apes hoot and hollar at them and climb higher. Fauna's giant squirrels bounce off into traffic creating further chaos. Every driver who has accidentally hit a squirrel wonders if this is karma's doing.
There's a third group of flying monkeys that Theo tries to tangle with, but his Acrobatics check wasn't sufficient.[dice=Acrobatics]1d20 + 15
Theo will jump and leap on foot to catch up with the others, maybe knocking some primate heads on the way.
Theo manages not to go splat on the pavement. He may even look good while doing it. The camera-drones watched him leap out of a helicar, miss the ape he was trying to grapple, and land on another helicar. That's impressive.
The helicar he's landed on slows down as it approaches the New Millennium residential complex so that the driver can rubberneck at the chaos caused by two teams of supers and three giant squirrels.
The First Responders are climbing the stairs on the forested outer wall.
Does Theo want to start at the bottom with the First Responders, start at the top with Henri and possibly the Atlantean, start in the middle, or sit back and watch the chaos?
"What about opening up a portal and leading them to the Superman fictional sub-dimension?" asks Ron. "I think I remember a comic in which Superman fought flying monkeys."Nissa keeps doing her fairy Pied Piper thing. ”Maybe L.C. or Ron can suggest a place. Can you call?”
No one ever thinks of Nissa’s mote form as ‘naked,’ but it’s probably quite clear that Nissa isn’t wearing a tiny comm.
Nissa’s pretty sure that, even at 3” tall, her voice can carry into Charles’ comm. ”Hey, listen… that’s a no go on the portal. I opened it a few hours ago.”
"We can't be the first people to have to deal with mad scientist experiments," Charles says.
"Ourselves not included," he adds with a grin.
"Don't we have any contacts with people who deal with them?" He pauses, then adds, "Who deal with them *well*, that is."
Wryly, Henri suggests, "We could ask the First Responders where they intended to take them."
He turns to The Last Atlantean, "Hey, are you OK? Any idea where we should be taking the apes?"
Theo will start at the bottom and hopefully pincer moves the First Responders with the others.
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"We can't be the first people to have to deal with mad scientist experiments," Charles says.
"Ourselves not included," he adds with a grin.
"Don't we have any contacts with people who deal with them?" He pauses, then adds, "Who deal with them *well*, that is."
Boston Theoretical has cells for all sorts of creatures. Currently, you're living in a bunch of them, but there's a whole wing of unoccupied cells.
There's also 'Animal Control', a group of super-powered vets, horse trainers, lion tamers, and cryptid hunters.
Theo will start at the bottom and hopefully pincer moves the First Responders with the others.
The First Responders are three floors above Theo when he begins his climb. The winged apes have found small potted trees on the arboreal balconies and are starting to drop these at the First Responders below. The First Responders manage to dodge the pots, which smash, showering dirt and debris on the street below.
Nissa asks Charles, ”Should we take them to cells at Boston Theoretical for now, then see the monkeys to a safe home after that?”
Charles grunts in response.
"It seems the best option available," he states.
"I'll message ahead and let them know to expect us."
They look back towards the towers. "We'd best stay here, but it is risky for you to go alone."
"I could ask Henri to follow at a distance?"
”Yes.. not going along is nice, as long as it works out so we have you or Henri working on the towers.”
If Tasha’s drones follow, Nissa will talk in the soothing tone that seems to be attracting the monkeys.
”Nissa van Donk here. It’s my 21st birthday, and instead of a romantic picnic lunch at my hometown winery, I’m pied-pipering flying monkeys to my workplace.
“Not that I’m complaining. Somebody sent these monkeys out thinking I’d be off-world. Somebody impersonated me to lure the media out here to record flying monkeys—which were being remote controlled until I destroyed the control.
“And without the mind-controlling signal, these flying monkeys are doing no harm—just following me as I dance across the sky…”
Nissa's vague accusations go out live from some of Tasha's drones.
The Patriot sends out an 'Emergency Bulletin' that cuts off Nissa. Every screen in the vicinity picks it up. This includes every large road sign and bulletin board advertisement in the area.
The video feed shows The Patriot standing on a balcony on the fifth floor of the residential complex surrounded by trees. Flora and Fauna are huffing up the stairs to reach his level.
"This is an EMERGENCY BULLETIN. Mutant flying apes are attacking Boston, but the First Responders are on the scene. All other super-groups, stand down. The First Responders have the situation well under control," shouts the man with the flag on his chest.
Flora and Fauna reach his level of the forested building exterior.
A couple of winged apes lob potted plants at the trio, peppering the First Responders with shards of broken clay pot and dirt.
Flora shouts something rude and points at the tree beside the offending monkey. With a few waves of her hand she rearranges the tree's genetic makeup. The tree sprouts long sword-like spikes, impaling one of the winged apes right through its chest.
The other tries to fly away. Fauna points at it and, with similar gestures, rearranges its genetic make-up. It's wings are reabsorbed into its body and it falls five stories splattering on the sidewalk below.
The Patriot winces at the bloodshed before continuing, "I repeat. We have the situation under control. All other super groups and civilians remain at a safe distance."
In case there is any question which superheroes he is suggesting are interfering with the First Responders' operations, Theo jogs into view, having worked his way up to level 5.
Nissa says to the camera, ”What’s this about standing down? I’ve got two thirds of them following me.
“And they’re not attacking.”
She realizes she’s saying this to Tasha’s audience and not necessarily the Patriot.
The Patriot winces at the bloodshed before continuing, "I repeat. We have the situation under control. All other super groups and civilians remain at a safe distance."
"Yeah. Unless your a god, a godling tends to do whatever they want", The Olympian announces behind The First Responders. Theo's face then takes on a furious mien.
"And right now, I want to rip you a new one for what you did to The Last Atlantean!!"
Just as Theo tries to be intimidating, one of the 5 remaining apes drops a oak sapling on his head. It does no damage, but his threat becomes comical as he spits dirt.
The simian hoots.
Just as Theo tries to be intimidating, one of the 5 remaining apes drops a oak sapling on his head. It does no damage, but his threat becomes comical as he spits dirt.
"Very funny, Hera!" The Olympian says to himself.
"Pardon. One moment please?" Theo holds up a finger of patience, as the godling flips upward, either by using his brute strength or nearby objects to fight the monkey that dropped the sapling.
Once it’s settled whether Charles or Henri will escort Nissa back to base, she gets moving.
Her hope is to lure them along with and air dance…
…and a song!
Weeeeeeee’rrrrrrrrre…
—off to see the Wizard
The wonderful Wizard of Oz
We hear he is a whiz of a wiz
If ever a wiz there was
If ever, oh ever a wiz there was
The Wizard of Oz is one because
Because, because, because, because, becaaaaaauuuse…
Because of the wonderful things he does
Bu-bu-boopity, boopity, boop
On camera. I am never gonna be taken seriously by villains again.
Meh.
She cups a hand to her ear. ”Ooh, did somemonkey say ‘encore?’
Happy biiiirrrthdayyyyyy to meeeeee
Haaaappy bir-irrr-irrrrth-dayyyy tooo-oooo me-eee-eeeee-eee
Happyyyyyy BIIIIIIIIRTH DAAAY TOOO NIIIIIIII-SSSSAAAAAAAA…
….
….
Happy birthday toooooo
”And for the next verse, you gotta guess my age…”
Charles is about to turn back when the message from the Patriot comes through. They growl deep in their chest at the posturing image, flexing their claws and imagining sinking them into the chest of their enemy.
...Perhaps it was best if they did *not* return that way. Instead they keep following Nissa at a distance. Thinking of their appearance, they aim more to keep close enough to be a threat that will keep the monkeys together, without getting close enough to spook them.
Wryly, Henri suggests, "We could ask the First Responders where they intended to take them."
He turns to The Last Atlantean, "Hey, are you OK? Any idea where we should be taking the apes?"
[dice=Bluff]1d20 + 6
"I'm okay," says the Last Atlantean. "I don't recognize you though. Are you a newcomer to this team of heroes?"
The Atlantean will join Henri if he rushes down the structure to attack the apes. I'd suggest starting on floor 11 as the apes are on 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Nissa and Charles manage to herd the flying monkeys in the right direction until they get close to the harbor and see the boats. All those sailing masts look like fun to play in.
"Gang," says Kai's voice. "Some guy named Petey says you met him in the park and set fire to his tech ... He's dialed me in on the signal he was receiving so I could try to figure out where it's coming from. I've almost got it, but it seems to be trying to reconnect with the apes without his relay. Are they still wearing those helmets?"
Nissa and Charles recognize one of the yachts below too. It proudly flies a red shirt from the flagpole.
Zellgato surpresses an urge to face palm as he's seen on the tv shows here. "That is literally what I was referring to. Someone using you to cause chaos as a scapgoat. How was the message sent?"
"Anonymous direct message," says Channer. "Okay, maybe we f~&$ed up. Can we just get our mechas and leave?"
Theo flips, acrobatically, from the fifth to the sixth floor where one mischievous monkey hoots in delight and then fear.
"He's stealing our spotlight," shouts Flora. She notices the camera and rephrases. "I mean, this is OUR jurisdiction."
The First Responders, Flora, Fauna, and The Patriot, begin to rush up the stairs.
No sign of The Manticore in a while.
"I'm okay," says the Last Atlantean. "I don't recognize you though. Are you a newcomer to this team of heroes?"
The Atlantean will join Henri if he rushes down the structure to attack the apes. I'd suggest starting on floor 11 as the apes are on 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
”I’m no hero, I just work here!”
"They are," Charles responds to Kai's call, grimly.
"There is a ship in the harbor with a rather familiar flag. The Red Shirt," he adds.
"Not a coincidence," he growls.
With two heads they examine the ship as best they can.
With the other they watch the monkeys for signs of reestablished control, while diving lower to try to herd them back upwards.
Nissa says, ”Charles, maybe I can get them to play along with letting you remove their helmets—like it’s a game!”
Nissa strikes a playful hat-tipping pose to try to keep the monkeys calm, hopefully even if Charles flies over to remove helmets.
"Anonymous direct message," says Channer. "Okay, maybe we f!@@ed up. Can we just get our mechas and leave?"
"That'll be a discussion with my boss, and likely some civil specialized attorneies. Also. Depends on what mess you provided for."
Nissa says, ”Charles, maybe I can get them to play along with letting you remove their helmets—like it’s a game!”
Nissa strikes a playful hat-tipping pose to try to keep the monkeys calm, hopefully even if Charles flies over to remove helmets.
[d i c e=Supermodel]d20+16
Nine of the apes are paying enough attention to Nissa to remove their helmets. The other five are too interested in the yachts below and are only dissuade by Charles.
Charles... do not think themself suited to convincing the primates to remove their helmets. Instead they fly towards the Red Shirt ship, aiming to pass over it high enough that they won't think they're about to attack, but low enough they can see what's going on.
[dice=Initiative]1d20 + 2
As Theo flips up to level 6, the winged ape on level 6 climbs to level 7. The winged ape already on level 7 lobs a potted plant at Theo but misses and hits Flora as she races up the stairs to join Theo on level 6. Fauna coming up right behind her shouts at Theo, "Where did it go? Did you lose it? Amateur!"
He mutters the last bit, but is looking towards a hoverdone as he does. The hoverdrones take a wideshot of the forested balcony and Theo but without the winged ape.
"I'm okay," says the Last Atlantean. "I don't recognize you though. Are you a newcomer to this team of heroes?"
The Atlantean will join Henri if he rushes down the structure to attack the apes. I'd suggest starting on floor 11 as the apes are on 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
”I’m no hero, I just work here!”
"That'll be a discussion with my boss, and likely some civil specialized attorneies. Also. Depends on what mess you provided for."
"Anonymous direct message," says Channer. "Okay, maybe we f!@@ed up. Can we just get our mechas and leave?"
"Okay ... ummm ... how about we leave without our mecha then and we'll try this the long, boring, expensive, and legal way?"
Channer starts to turn around and head back to their delivery vehicle.
Charles... do not think themself suited to convincing the primates to remove their helmets. Instead they fly towards the Red Shirt ship, aiming to pass over it high enough that they won't think they're about to attack, but low enough they can see what's going on.
[dice=Perception]1d20+10
Charles sees the ship outfitted with recharging bays for two large mecha, but no mecha in sight. A couple of women in bikinis stretch out on the deck trying to get a tan. A pair of personal cameradrones hover above to make sure their followers can see them stretching out on the deck.
The monkeys stay above Charles in the air, not being sure if they want to mess with him. Their are still five who continue to wear their helmets but act no different from the rest.
Nissa notices the bikini clad women. Oh, not these idiots again.
”Okay, now for the Home Game, monkeys… follow the fairy home!”
If that works she asks Charles to tell L.C. guests are arriving.
"Kai, can you tell if the signal's coming from around here?" Charles asks over the comms.
At the same time he tries to keep hearding the monkeys away from the ships, particularly the Red Shirt one, and towards Nissa.
He keeps a close eye on those still wearing helmets as he does so.
Charles notices a vessel flying an Atlantean flag in the harbour ... not one of the space age Atlantean with super modern tech stolen from other worlds, but Pah's wooden ship. The one he bought on Tarokh and took to Atlantis.
Curious, Charles flies closer to the Atlantean vessel, while still keeping a wary eye on the flying monkeys.
"I'm coming to you guys. Theo, I'll pick you up on the way."
[dice=Piloting]1d20 + 18
Henri zips into place to pick up Nissa and Charles - if they wish it - and possibly the relay tech - before zipping off to pick up Theo and follow the tracking of the apes from the drones.
”C’mon, Mr. Atlantean. Let’s knock out some apes and get your injury looked at, ok?” He ushers the hero out of the helicar, secures it, and heads for the last known location of Theo and the twins.
"I'm coming to you guys. Theo, I'll pick you up on the way."
[dice=Piloting]1d20 + 18
Henri zips into place to pick up Nissa and Charles - if they wish it - and possibly the relay tech - before zipping off to pick up Theo and follow the tracking of the apes from the drones.
”C’mon, Mr. Atlantean. Let’s knock out some apes and get your injury looked at, ok?” He ushers the hero out of the helicar, secures it, and heads for the last known location of Theo and the twins.
Is Henri still climbing down from above or trying to land close to the 6th floor where Theo and the twins are now. Buildings in the era of flying cars have balcony level carports on each level to land on. This one would have them hidden behind smaller trees. The roof is even easier to land on, but then you have to descend.
[dice=Initiative]1d20 + 2As Theo flips up to level 6, the winged ape on level 6 climbs to level 7. The winged ape already on level 7 lobs a potted plant at Theo but misses and hits Flora as she races up the stairs to join Theo on level 6. Fauna coming up right behind her shouts at Theo, "Where did it go? Did you lose it? Amateur!"
He mutters the last bit, but is looking towards a hoverdone as he does. The hoverdrones take a wideshot of the forested balcony and Theo but without the winged ape.
Clips of the winged apes throwing clay pots at Theo and hitting the First Responders go viral very quickly. Some AI edits it to play on a loop so that Theo flips up, the First Responders climb, one of the winged apes climb to a level above, a pot falls down. This repeats and repeats. It's going viral even before Theo does anything.
What does Theo do after the winged ape retreats to the 7th floor, joining a friend there?
The tenacious godling flips up to the next floor in pursuit of the robo-monkeys.
Once there, The Olympian will attack the primates.
Henri and the Last Atlantean hustle down toward the apes.
The tenacious godling flips up to the next floor in pursuit of the robo-monkeys.
[dice=Acrobatic]1d20 + 15Once there, The Olympian will attack the primates.
[dice=Angel Sword]1d20 + 11
[dice=Dmg.]1d6 + 5 + 5
Theo kills one of the winged apes. The other one on this level raises his sword and prepares to take a swing at Theo when The Patriot throws one of his javelins and wounds it. It retreats to the 8th floor.
The Last Atlantean joins Henri as he descends from a helicar-port to the ape on the 10th floor. That ape has dragged a number of potted plants to the ledge and the top of the stairs prepared to throw them at intruders.
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Not even a minute into the fight, one of the AIs streaming this battle has produced and is beginning to sell a video game. It has an old-fashioned kind of look to it. Players play Theo and either climb the stairs or flip up well dodging pots thrown by a giant monkey.
Theo's agent calls.
Curious, Charles flies closer to the Atlantean vessel, while still keeping a wary eye on the flying monkeys.
Charles recognizes one of Pah's servants from the party. He's rushing onto the boat with a large pile of books. Another pair of servants are following with more books and what looks to be a tray of food.