John replies, "The first sentinels were just giant combat robots, but the 4th generation, created by Skull-Net and Stark, included super-sentinels, flesh wrapped synthezoids. They use samples of dna, mostly from mutants, to replicate super powers. Some of them look like people, just like you folks. Sentry and Herakles in particular looks a lot like some of the models. But you'll be fine. Abner is a good guy. And a very cautious guy. That is what has kept him alive for 30 years."
He moves toward a sealed steel door and looks up into a security camera. "Abner, it's John. These people are from somewhere else. Or maybe several someplace elses. They are going to help us, but they need some information from you."
There is a high pitched whine as a wide variety of sensors scan the hangar.
Through a speaker above the door, you hear, "Come in, make your way to the mess hall. I'll be up in a minute."
Sentry can see that the mountain is honeycombed with chambers, tunnels, and shafts. There are offices, sleeping quarters, a recreation room with a pool table, movie screen, recliners, foosball table, bowling alley. There is what looks like it was probably a swimming pool that is now converted to a hydroponic garden. There are several labs and fabrication areas devoted to different disciplines.
Deep below the mountain there is a small reactor providing electricity and steam. There are also a wide variety of water and air filtration systems.
As Connor explains super-sentinels, Maggie nods. She says one word softly to herself, with a furrowed brow: "I-jin."
They weren't the same thing. I-jin were free thinkers--in fact, rebels against the hegemony that created them. But she nonetheless understood the threat. And she therefore understood what these people were risking by trusting the strangers, her included.
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The Sentry listens to the Super-Sentinel description and baths everyone here in x-rays confirming that they are not super-sentinels.
You make your way through the sensor net and the heavy door into the titanium reinforced concrete corridors beyond. There is only minimal lighting, a dim LED fixture every 40 feet or so. You pass a guard station with another heavy metal door, then a series of living chambers with doors like something out of a submarine. Beyond that, you find a room labelled "Mess." The interior is outfitted like a dining room on an aircraft carrier or a prison, stainless steel tables and chairs.
Along one wall are the glass squares of an old fashioned automat, but the small boxes are devoid of sandwiches or pie slices.
Maggie walks through, following their new allies(?). She remains silent, taking in the details of everything they pass through, creating a mental map of the area in her mind.
The Sentry listens to the Super-Sentinel description and baths everyone here in x-rays confirming that they are not super-sentinels.
He floats with the group deeper into the mountain, arms crossed standing up straight, toes pointing toward the floor.
Maggie walks through, following their new allies(?). She remains silent, taking in the details of everything they pass through, creating a mental map of the area in her mind.
Jason also looks around appraisingly, and then turns to Maggie.
It's hard to tell if his look is concern, disdain, or both.
"I think making that coffee may have been more of an opportunity than we thought, thanks again for helping."
Maggie blushes. "It was nothing." A beat. "Thank you for heating the water." She almost seems to say something else, but hesitates and falls silent again.
A door that is not the door you entered through opens, and two people walk through. First a woman in a battered and faded air mechanic's coveralls. She has short black hair, stunning red hair, and the pale skin of someone who hasn't seen the sun for a few years. Her ears are slightly pointed, like an elf or Vulcan.
Second is a Black man with very short black hair. He wears a pair of goggles pushed up on his forehead, and worn green coveralls.
The man stops to appraise these new arrivals, "Not often we get visitors here, especially visitors we haven't met before. I'm Abner, and this is Giselle. Welcome to Thunderbolt Mountain."
A door that is not the door you entered through opens, and two people walk through. First a woman in a battered and faded air mechanic's coveralls. She has short black hair, stunning red hair, and the pale skin of someone who hasn't seen the sun for a few years. Her ears are slightly pointed, like an elf or Vulcan.
Second is a Black man with very short black hair. He wears a pair of goggles pushed up on his forehead, and worn green coveralls.
The man stops to appraise these new arrivals, "Not often we get visitors here, especially visitors we haven't met before. I'm Abner, and this is Giselle. Welcome to Thunderbolt Mountain."
She nods, standing next to and somewhat behind her compatriots. It was nice not being the tallest person in the room. Easier to disappear. "Maggie." she says softly, by way of introduction. She then fades to the back of the crowd.
Ted has been too busy trying to conjure up ideas on how to turn the tide in this lopsided war. Since arriving here he has had a lot of information to digest, and technology to repair and get operational again. The New Bug is just a temporary vehicle for convenience, the real technology he has to help design is one to end the Machine Menace once and for all; and with that in mind he introduces himself to Abner and Giselle.
"Greetings, from another time and place." He does his Star Trek Spock hand gesture just to see if this place ever had Star Trek. It is a little joke on his behalf to bring levity to this dire situation. "I'm Ted Kord, and sometimes known as the Blue Beetle on my earth. Seems you and I have a gift for technology Abner. Can I pick your brain on some ideas that we can collaborate with?"
A door that is not the door you entered through opens, and two people walk through. First a woman in a battered and faded air mechanic's coveralls. She has short black hair, stunning red hair, and the pale skin of someone who hasn't seen the sun for a few years. Her ears are slightly pointed, like an elf or Vulcan.
The Sentry listens to the Super-Sentinel description and baths everyone here in x-rays confirming that they are not super-sentinels.
Everyone appears to be the same thing on the inside as they are on the outside. Kyle does have a robotic arm, but that it is clearly metallic on the exterior.
Giselle does have strangely jointed legs and inside her boots she has deer-like ankles and hooves. Her boots have an armature inside that fits her hooves into the boots.
Ted has been too busy trying to conjure up ideas on how to turn the tide in this lopsided war. Since arriving here he has had a lot of information to digest, and technology to repair and get operational again. The New Bug is just a temporary vehicle for convenience, the real technology he has to help design is one to end the Machine Menace once and for all; and with that in mind he introduces himself to Abner and Giselle.
"Greetings, from another time and place." He does his Star Trek Spock hand gesture just to see if this place ever had Star Trek. It is a little joke on his behalf to bring levity to this dire situation. "I'm Ted Kord, and sometimes known as the Blue Beetle on my earth. Seems you and I have a gift for technology Abner. Can I pick your brain on some ideas that we can collaborate with?"
Mind Control: Cumulative Affliction 10 (1st degree: Dazed, 2nd degree: Compelled, 3rd degree: Controlled, DC 20; Affects Others, Alternate Resistance (Dodge), Cumulative, Increased Range: ranged; Limited: Intelligent Machines Only)
Abner takes in the blue suit and his brow furrows. He raises a hand, reciprocating the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper. We have all 7 seasons and all three movies on film down in the media library. This place was designed to bring civilization back from nuclear war or alien invasion or whatever apocalypse finally destroyed humanity or most of it. Oh, um, I'm Abner Jenkins, but I think you know that. Funny that you are a Blue Beetle. Back in my day I called myself The Beetle. But I went for a green and purple color scheme. All of that seems pretty silly these days. Robbing banks, stealing diamonds. I can make diamonds here in the labs. Still can't make gold, but there is plenty in Fort Knox and no one guarding it. But right, work. Let's head to my lab and get to work."
Giselle takes in the rest of you, "So, who here needs to eat? We have every MRE from 1984 that you could want. Pork Pattie, Ham and Chicken Loaf, Beef Pattie, Beef Slices in BBQ sauce, Beef Stew, Frankfurters, Turkey with gravy, Beef with gravy, Chicken alla King, Chicken Loaf. Or if you need rest we have beds. Not to mention pool tables, fuseball, bowling alley, basketball court."
Doc raises his hand, "I'd love a chicken alla king."
After Abner's introduction, as Ted is about to go off with him to make their new toys, Maggie speaks up, taking a step toward him. "Uh, Mr. Kord? While you have access to a lab..." She takes off her wristwatch. The face looks like a yin-yang. "It's a digital compass and sends signals to other people with the same watch, so we can find each other. It can also be set up for communication. No one else has the same watch here... but do you think you could make it so I could use it to communicate with you if we get separated? I mean ... if you have time ..."
However he responds, when Giselle brings up food, Maggie holds up her bag. She is trying not to stare at the strange satyr-like woman. "Um... excuse me. I have some fresh cabbage and eggs, plus rice. It's not anything special. But they should be used. And you can save your supplies. If you have a kitchen ... and people are hungry."
Satisfied that everyone is not one of those Super-Sentinel that John mentioned, the Sentry floats in the air wondering if he is hungry. How would he know if he needs to eat?
He asks the room, "What's an MRE?"
"Meal Ready to Eat. A military ration. It comes with a chemical heater so the main course can be warm."
Giselle smiles and nods, "Just right. This place was built during the Cold War to be a redoubt in case of a large scale nuclear exchange. There was food for 500 soldiers and staff to eat for 20 years, so we have food. But we don't get fresh produce here. That would be amazing. I'll show you the kitchen."
Sentry nods at the MRE answer. While he continues to wonder why people eat, he surveys the mountain for edges and sounds learning about their mountain refuge.
He casually eavesdrops on the Blue Beetle's discussion with Abner tracking it and all the ideas that he does not understand.
Herak mulls the menu options;
"Verily such choice! Is there any Moussaka? Or mayhaps a Chicken Souvlaki?"
The muscleman grins;
"Failing that I would dine on them all... A veritable feast! Tell me fair maiden, do these emarrees come with wine?"
The red eyed woman grins at Herak. "Sorry, these dishes are pretty lacking in variety. But they will keep you alive. And they ARE packed with enough sodium to keep your blood pressure at dangerously high levels. And they do come with hot sauce, but no wine. We do have a horrifying adult beverage that Abner makes with the 5 gallon cans of fruit cocktail."
Ted smiles when Abner gives him the Vulcan hand sign. "Nice. When we are not busy we can re-watch them. But for now, lets brainstorm. You know your enemy better than I do, I am just trying to think of a way to use their strengths against them. As far as I know, anything can be Hacked. If it has a program it can get re-program. I'm thinking a computer virus that spreads through proximity. They operate on some sort of wireless communication right? Well, let use that against them. Either we try and take over their communication grid and/or we re-program their operating system. Either way, we need to tip the scales to your side. So lets see what we can do about that."
Ted smiles when Abner gives him the Vulcan hand sign. "Nice. When we are not busy we can re-watch them. But for now, lets brainstorm. You know your enemy better than I do, I am just trying to think of a way to use their strengths against them. As far as I know, anything can be Hacked. If it has a program it can get re-program. I'm thinking a computer virus that spreads through proximity. They operate on some sort of wireless communication right? Well, let use that against them. Either we try and take over their communication grid and/or we re-program their operating system. Either way, we need to tip the scales to your side. So lets see what we can do about that."
"You are going to need something physical for it to affect the drones. The shock troops that you see in large groups, the tracked assault vehicles, the flying transports and assault drones. They almost all have a solid state CPU that is Read Only. There is a physical switch that you have to access to switch to Read/Write. The more complex models, the infiltrator terminators, the super sentinels. They have to adapt in the field, so they have the ability to learn. And that isn't going to solve everything. The data core, the central brain of SKull-net, is in a mountain bunker more secure that this one. And you aren't going to get any nanotech in there. That is Stark's specialty. He has unbeatable defenses against it."
Seeing Beetle is rightly engaged in saving the world and not wasting his time on her, Maggie puts her watch back on and follows Giselle's directions to the kitchen. She looks at Jason with an inquisitive look. "Want to help with the morale again?"
Doc moves with you into the kitchen. His eyes rove over everything, taking it all in. "This is very interesting. This sort of installation also exists on my Earth. But we haven't tipped the scales into nuclear holocaust, yet. But it could still happen. Reagan is pretty hawkish, and who knows what the Soviets will do. Hey, everyone, what year is it where you come from?"
Herak seems somewhat bemused by the talk of data, CPU and nanotech.
The big godling shrugs, then follows Maggie and Giselle;
"Aye! Morale! Verily a feast and hearty drink with good companions will fill hearts with valour!"
He pauses at the question;
"I believe it was 1957... Hollywood beckoned but so did the Avengers of A.R.G.U.S... Mine own calling is fame, but the opportunity to be a hero and bestow The Gift upon worthy foes... Now that is one for the poets! Hah!"
The Sentry floats behind Herakles eavesdropping the scientific conversation. After the godling answers Maggie's question, he offers, "1990, I think. I was in high school in Smallville so didn't pay attention to what was going on in the world."
After a comfortable pause, he continues, "um, Maggie. If the Blue Beatle cannot fix your communicator, I can probably hear you if you just call my name. I won't be able to talk back, but I could probably return to you quickly."
Maggie answers Doc, "2006, about six months after the British stopped building the satellite towers everywhere. Five years after the great fire in London led to the collapse of the British Empire, and 6 years after the I-Jin Incident." She thought adding some major world events that surely everyone would know about would be helpful, in case anyone WAS from the same time she was. And there was nothing where she was from that was more dramatic in 2001 than the London fire.
She adds to Doc, "The Soviet Union collapsed in 1992."
To Sentry: "That's good, but we might all need to talk to each other." She gives him a slight, patient smile. Maggie was gleaning he seemed a bit oblivious to several things.
Seeing Beetle is rightly engaged in saving the world and not wasting his time on her, Maggie puts her watch back on and follows Giselle's directions to the kitchen. She looks at Jason with an inquisitive look. "Want to help with the morale again?"
"I would LOVE that! What do you have in mind!? I think maybe I needed someone more creative to inspire me ..."
Doc moves with you into the kitchen. His eyes rove over everything, taking it all in. "This is very interesting. This sort of installation also exists on my Earth. But we haven't tipped the scales into nuclear holocaust, yet. But it could still happen. Reagan is pretty hawkish, and who knows what the Soviets will do. Hey, everyone, what year is it where you come from?"
Turning from Maggie to the Doctor, Jason's look is quizical. "I will be honest with you, I am not sure. This wasn't something I talked about with my sisters when I visited them. Olympus didn't really have the same structure of time that the Universe has, and Themyscirans measure time, but it doesn't really impact them quite the same way. I do remember my sisters saying something like 21st Century, and during my last visit they were helping with a worldwide disease outbreak ... thankfully my sisters & I did not have to wear masks."
Doc continues in his strangely thin, high pitched voice, "Interesting. The First has access to all heroes across time and space, but he has me assemble a group that is all from Earth, and all within about a 70 year period if you include the fact that we are in 2029. I'm fascinated to see how you are the ones who...Well, we will get to all of that later. So once the Beetles have a weapon to do whatever they are planning to do, what are our targets. It seems like this flying fortress and this other mountain fortress should be our targets."
The floating man wearing the red, white, and blue, capeless Superman suit nods at Doc's suggestions and turns to John and asks, "What more can you tell us about the Flying Fortress? Can we just damage its engines and let gravity destroy it?"
After the answer, the Sentry continues, "I can search for the Flying Fortress from space. The perspective might make it easier to find. What do you know about their sensors? I don't want our activities to lead them make to this refuge."
John replies, "The Fortress is an old Helicarrier. Do you have those? Like an aircraft carrier that flies. It uses repulsor technology to stay aloft. We've never managed to attack it, so I don't know how hard it would be to take down. We are pretty ground bound. Abner's armor has wings, but even he doesn't take the chance to fly often. Draws too much attention."
Seeing Beetle is rightly engaged in saving the world and not wasting his time on her, Maggie puts her watch back on and follows Giselle's directions to the kitchen. She looks at Jason with an inquisitive look. "Want to help with the morale again?""I would LOVE that! What do you have in mind!? I think maybe I needed someone more creative to inspire me ..."
Maggie half-smiles. "I... was just thinking it would be nice to cook a meal for everyone. When we have time." She looks around. "It's amazing what hot food that fills your belly can do for you when you don't have much."
John replies, "The Fortress is an old Helicarrier. Do you have those? Like an aircraft carrier that flies. It uses repulsor technology to stay aloft. We've never managed to attack it, so I don't know how hard it would be to take down. We are pretty ground bound. Abner's armor has wings, but even he doesn't take the chance to fly often. Draws too much attention."
"Um... I could maybe use a familiar to get closer. Get more info." She holds up one hand, and with a soft rustling, paper flies out from under her sleeve and forms the smaller version of her bat familiar. "It isn't invisible, but it's relatively small just paper. It shouldn't trigger heat or electricity sensors." She pauses. "I'd need to get closer to it though to send the bat. It'd be too easy to lose it from the ground."
Doc moves with you into the kitchen. His eyes rove over everything, taking it all in. "This is very interesting. This sort of installation also exists on my Earth. But we haven't tipped the scales into nuclear holocaust, yet. But it could still happen. Reagan is pretty hawkish, and who knows what the Soviets will do. Hey, everyone, what year is it where you come from?"Turning from Maggie to the Doctor, Jason's look is quizical. "I will be honest with you, I am not sure. This wasn't something I talked about with my sisters when I visited them. Olympus didn't really have the same structure of time that the Universe has, and Themyscirans measure time, but it doesn't really impact them quite the same way. I do remember my sisters saying something like 21st Century, and during my last visit they were helping with a worldwide disease outbreak ... thankfully my sisters & I did not have to wear masks."
Doc smiles and nods, "Ok, sure, that makes sense. Where I'm from we don't have gods walking the Earth. I mean, I've seen some things, and I know other people who have seen some things, but nothing like you guys. I don't think I know what Themyscirans are. Is that a pantheon of gods? Anyway, it doesn't matter. The First works in a place that is also outside of time, so I understand that."
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Maggie comments like a walking encyclopedia. "Themyscira was the capital of ancient Scythia on the Black Sea. Scythia was a matriarchal society, so scholars have speculated it was the source of the Ancient Greek myths about the Amazons."
She pauses a moment and adds, "That's the historical Themyscira I know of. In the 1980s, comic writer and artist George Perez decided to rename the island home of the superhero Wonder Woman to that historic name. The original creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, just called it 'Paradise Island.'"
Ted nods to Abner as he consults him on his idea. "Ok. Good to know about the different types of enemies we will be dealing with. So, my question is 'Would it be better to take down the assault drones and transports and flying vehicles first or the more complex terminators and sentinels?' That is the Billion Dollar Question."
The Sentry listens to the Flying Fortress description but cocks his head at Maggie's comments. "Maggie, I would like to try this hot food. How can I help you prepare it?"
Ted nods to Abner as he consults him on his idea. "Ok. Good to know about the different types of enemies we will be dealing with. So, my question is 'Would it be better to take down the assault drones and transports and flying vehicles first or the more complex terminators and sentinels?' That is the Billion Dollar Question."
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Maggie comments like a walking encyclopedia. "Themyscira was the capital of ancient Scythia on the Black Sea. Scythia was a matriarchal society, so scholars have speculated it was the source of the Ancient Greek myths about the Amazons."
She pauses a moment and adds, "That's the historical Themyscira I know of. In the 1980s, comic writer and artist George Perez decided to rename the island home of the superhero Wonder Woman to that historic name. The original creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, just called it 'Paradise Island.'"
Doc hits his forehead with the palm of his hand, "Of course! That's embarrassing. I should have remembered that."
Maggie comments like a walking encyclopedia. "Themyscira was the capital of ancient Scythia on the Black Sea. Scythia was a matriarchal society, so scholars have speculated it was the source of the Ancient Greek myths about the Amazons."
She pauses a moment and adds, "That's the historical Themyscira I know of. In the 1980s, comic writer and artist George Perez decided to rename the island home of the superhero Wonder Woman to that historic name. The original creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, just called it 'Paradise Island.'"
"and the Universe seems to have conspired to make all of that true in one place or the other. Masterful."
"Zeus was extraordinary at conjuring to be honest, while I was only beginning to learn. That said, the easiest thing to conjure is a sacrifice, given that it is already meant for the gods to enjoy. Ic oud probably find us some beef in fairly short order if I tried."
Ted nods to Abner as he consults him on his idea. "Ok. Good to know about the different types of enemies we will be dealing with. So, my question is 'Would it be better to take down the assault drones and transports and flying vehicles first or the more complex terminators and sentinels?' That is the Billion Dollar Question."
Abner moves to a cylindrical cold storage tube, reaches for it, then turns back to Ted. "This contains a sample of nanites captured from some Stark's Iron Legion. And before you ask, that is a whole different set of robotic drones that are controlled by Tony Stark. As far as I can tell, they are separate from Skull-Net's army. But the nanotech could be adapted to affect both the drones and the smarter sentinels and terminators. Do you have any experience with nano-tech. I've had trouble cracking Stark's nanotech programming of these tiny bots. My suit is old school, almost entirely analog. Keeps Stark from hacking it."
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Herakles nods in agreement at the prospect of a hot meal, then pauses listening to the plan of action before Jason's mention of Zeus piques his interest;
"Feh. You mention our father Zeus as if he were benign! It was due to Hera's poisoned words that he doth exile me from Olympus... and set me to walk amongst the mortals once again. His most Indomitable Son a mortal once again! Verily our father is mercurial with his love that much is true..."
The godling looks crestfallen for a moment, before the home of the Amazons piques his interest;
"Ah fair Themyscira. I had the honour of defending its shores alongside the Amazons in 1944 from the blackhearted foes of Hydra and the Nazis. I doing so did atoned for past crimes against their host and Queen and earning these symbolic Bracers of Victory in recognition this deed!"
He proudly displays the golden bracers with a flex of his muscular arm.
"What of the Amazons of this world? Of their island? Perhaps we can seek their aid as we did in times gone? Verily it would be good to fight alongside them once again!"
Maggie smiles gently at Sentry. "Come with me. I'll show you."
"You can summon a cow?" Maggie reacts to Jason, surprised. "Even if so, I... well, unless you can just summon the meat itself, I don't think that's a good idea. You'd need to kill it. Butcher it. It takes time to eviscerate the animal and drain its blood--and that's not a pleasant job. And we'd need refrigeration to store the meat. It couldn't all be eaten at once. We don't have the knowledge or time to do that." She pauses, reddening again. "I'm sorry." She gestures toward the room. "I was thinking with the numbers here, I can make something with what I have that will be fine. The eggs supply enough protein. We can use just one of the MREs to get some extra ingredients and seasonings. Save your strength to fight Hydra and we can just cook together without powers. Now. We need a headcount and find out when people usually have a meal. No point in cooking if no one is hungry."