Mittens chuckles at Joe's suggestion of using magical swords.  She nods and says, "The first two had a set of magic looking bracers that the police recovered and locked up in evidence control.  That's all I know about 'em outside the conjecture posted on UFO sightings websites.  But if I were to take a guess, whomever opened up that tunnel near the park for the army of orc-looking invaders has a pair of those mystery bracers and is still at large.  My next guess is that Joe is right about having to target the bracers and that an air elemental type baddie would be nigh invulnerable otherwise."

Mits answers the texts with "Yay!  Looking forward to seeing you!  Watch for tornadoes...  it's SUPER windy!"

"Lib and Timothius on their way."

She sends a yellow alert to the rest of the Citizen Patrol, warning them of the possible air elemental.

  "Hardly any more nerdy than my love of Customizable robot and space ship video games.  Though more reading material does tend to be involved."  Joe only has the abilities of a super powered Track And Field athlete, he's missing some of the other parts of that stereotype.

  Joe also finishes his fries while they are still warm, progress!

Emerald nods. "The bracers are the weakness. Let's hope that's the same for any other future possible elemental enemies we fight."

She then looks at Joe. "We should play sometime... maybe a LAN party."

Shortly, Lib and Tim show up, hugging themselves as if feeling the need to hold their clothes on. They then head over to the others, hair frazzled.

Mittens gives Emerald and Joe a smiley nod.  "I'd love to join if you set anything up.  Maybe we could play Citizen Patrol Ultimate Combat once it's released.  I hear good things about its gameplay from the sneak peek playtests.  The graphics and music are of course unfinished but should turn out well given the big names working on 'em."

She giggles at the entrance of the frazzled children and rushes to glomb her lil bro.  "So cute!  Heya, Timo, howzit goin?  Me Joe and Emmy were just..."

She's interrupted by a guy with sunglasses dressed like a stereotypical director / producer followed by a camera man.  The two burst through the door and the guy with the sunglasses demands, "What are you doing here?!  There's some kind of wind monster headed for my set!  I have a van outside, so let's get..."

The interruption is interrupted by Mittens' red phone ringing.  She holds up a finger to hush the ranting filmmaker as she answers the phone.  "Mittens here.  Uh-huh.  OK.  Yes, actually, he's right here with me.  Oh.  Ouch.  On our way!"

She hangs up and looks at Timothius.  "Officer down.  EMTs can't evac him.  We'll need your healing, bro.  We can go in Mr. Playton's van."

She glances at Emmy.  "Prolly too windy for the scooter.  Sorry.  Ride with?"

  "I know we're starting to get a track record and all.  But am I the only one who thinks the 'help little old ladies across the street' organization being the first thing people think of for dealing with giant killer monsters is crazy?"

  "Kid with the air catching anatomy in the van first."  If this was a publicity stunt he was going to sidearm that camera into the director's head.

Timothius is already on his way to the van.

Emerald gives a worried grin. "I'm as light as my scooter. You really think I'm going to be much help?" Hers is the kind of scooter that weighs about 30 pounds.

Liberty says, "If it looks like it's too dangerous when we get there, just find an escape. But let's go see first."

Emerald nods and follows after Tim. Liberty is right behind her.

"If you believe the hype about us, it's surprising we're not expected to single-handedly solve all the world's problems overnight," Mittens answers Joe as she piles into the van with the others.

The interior has two rows of seats along the walls facing each other.  Speaking of publicity, the director at least recognizes an opportunity and once everyone is situated tells the cameraman, "May as well film the heroes while I drive us there.  Maybe we can use it in the extras section of the DVD release."

Meanwhile Mittens continues her thought.  "I've done my best to make public exactly what we can or cannot do and debunk all the myths, but apparently the myths persist."

To Emmy she points out, "You also present a smaller profile, so catch less wind.  My guess is I'll have just as much trouble as you."

The van rocks a little from another gust of wind.

  A good singing voice helping survive a war with aliens probably would be the best we could hope for there."

  It's been years since he saw Twister.  But if he see's a cow drift by the front of their van through the air he's going home.

Joe wouldn't be alone. Nobody would be any use if everyone was blown around helplessly.

The two children seem fascinated with being on the inside of a van with rows of seats. Though the van rocking seems to worry Timothius and Emerald.

Liberty says, "Mittens? What if..." she glances at the camera crew. Then says, "Never mind. I'll save that question for AFTER the fight."

Emerald looks at the camera men and says, "Since we're not there yet, ask us what you want." her tail swishes.

Mits leans over to Liberty ans whispers in her ear, "Now you've got me curious.  What were you gunna ask?"

"You all seem so fearless," the cameraman says, "Is there anything that scares you?"

"Talking in front of a group of people," Mittens answers, "Or in front of a running camera.  Friends getting hurt.  Rejection, scary movies, riding in a van toward a living tornado...  Hardly fearless."

"Well if you all are scared, why do you do what you do?  Why not wait for the National Guard to show up or something?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sun 18 Nov 2012.

  "I'm scared I'll eventually do something so stupid it kills me instead of merely hospitalizing me.  Some days having a functioning conscience is regretful...  Yet somehow I still hang up on most charity telemarketers."

 Joe decides not to bring up how unhelpful the SWAT team was last time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:27, Sun 18 Nov 2012.

Emerald, still looking nervous, says, "I seem fearless? Geez... I'd hate to see what scared looks like. I'm pretty scared right now. But as far as why I'm going? Because I have to. Why do terrified little kids go up on stage to give a speech they don't wanna give? Because there's no choice. I'm scared of the same things normal people are. I just choose to help when and where I can."

Timothius says, "I'm pretty scared... I'll be staying behind cover, but I'm going because someone might need healing. And I can give that to people. My ability to fly is null and void in this situation. If anything, I'm a little worried my wings will catch some wind and yank me around."

Liberty looks around. Then says, "Well unless I get blown around or whatever, try to stay behind me. I can take punishment." She starts pulling her hair back into a ponytail. "You know, what Joe says is true. A conscience is not good for your health in times like this. But I'll take bad health over guilt any day of the week. And I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone in this van when I say that. And yes, I realize it seems like it's easy for ME to say, but believe me... I CAN get hurt. I almost suffocated in that exploding car. I'm expecting to get blinded or something while fighting in the wind. As for what I'm scared of? I'm scared of regret."

The cameraman asks relatively predictable questions on the trip there.  How do you plan to defeat the monster?  What was that about a pinned police officer?  Etc.  Mits dons her Citizen Patrol vest on the way there.  The sounds of traffic outside eventually gives way to the whine of sirens, the report of gunfire, and the rapping of debris pelting the van.  The van comes to a stop and the director looks over his shoulder.  "Well here we are.  I don't see where the monster is, but it's gotta be close."

"Alrighty then!" Mits answers, "Out I go!"

She opens the back doors of the rocking van and piles out.  Outside the van looks like a war zone because on top of the stuff blown about by the wind, apparently the set of the movie was intended to look like a fight between humans and aliens.  Several smashed vehicles are strewn about, scorch marks pepper the asphalt, smoke is billowing from a few barricades, etc.

"Over there!" Mittens shouts over the noise of the wind, pointing to one of the overturned cars, "I see a crate full of soldier helmets!  Those of us who's heads aren't harder than helmets should wear 'em!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Tue 20 Nov 2012.

  "Hoping they have the same obvious weak spot as the other ones, mostly."  Joe follows out of the Van, and comments  "I don't think the costume armor is rated for protection, but then even cheap plastic is better than nothing."

The trio head for the overturned car. Liberty yells, "I'm grabbing a helmet too, if there's enough helmets to go around, thank you! Just because a brick to the head won't kill me doesn't mean it's pleasant!"

The prop helmets were made out of construction helmets so while they're not bullet proof, they do offer some protection.  Which is a good thing considering the occasional bit of debris that comes crashing down from above.  A Humvee rounds the corner down at the end of the block and screeches to a halt.  The soldiers and civilians riding in the back are armed with machine guns and they open fire in the direction they came from.

After a few seconds, the driver shouts, "Cease fire!" with his megaphone and the shooting stops.  He then drives up the road past the overturned car the Citizen Patrol is hiding behind, stopping between them and the movie maker's van.

"Hey look!" one of the soldiers shouts, pointing, "It's those super-mutants!"

One of the civilians whacks him on the back of his helmet!  "That's super-HEROES, jerk!"

He turns ans smiles at the group.  "Good thing you're here!  Looks like emergency services can't get to where they need to be.  If anyone can help 'em out, it's you.  Hey!  We should give them this truck!"

The soldiers and civilians glance at each other then at the producer who grits his teeth and winces, muttering something about the insurance company killing him.  "Do they really need it?"

The driver jumps out and tosses the keys at Joe.  "Officer trapped in his car and possibly bleeding to death I think counts.  Turn right at the end of the block.  The car will be half way down the next block on the left.  Watch for fallen power lines."

"Please drive safely," the producer says.

"Alright you pansy Hollywood fairies!" the civilian shouts at everyone in the hummer, "Vacate and make room for the real heroes!"

They pile out as ordered, leaving their guns in the truck.

"Give Emmy the megaphone, please," Mittens asks before hopping on and grabbing a machine gun.  "Lemme guess.  Blanks?"

"Yup."

"Ex-Military?"

"Sgt. Johnson, U.S. Army retired.  An honor to meet you."

"Aw, shucks.  Thanks!  Likewise!"

Johnson starts giving Mits a crash course in using a machine gun and the driver offers Emerald the megaphone.

"It's blowin' harder than a opree lady 'n Sydney!" Cade shouts to his Uncle Liam as he looks outside.

Their apartment building, in the downtown area, had recently become apart of some scene in a big budget movie, and Cade was enjoying the first-hand experience. Until recently when the wind picked up.

Strong winds were pelting the window with debris, making visibility near impossible. "Imma go down and scope 'round." Cade says as he races out the door, down the four flights of stairs, and then outside.

Uncle Liam barely has a chance to mutter, "Be careful," before the apartment door swings shut.

The winds immediately swept his hair back, making it easier for Cade to dawn his bandanna and his sunglasses. A large smile crosses his face, he lets out a whoop of excitement and takes off running. He turns a corner and jumps. With the strong winds his gliding ability is enhanced tenfold. More than he's used to. Which isn't a good thing as he quickly approaches a van and Humvee.

"Wurtch It!" Cade screams, bracing his arms in front of his face.

---

Sorry for the long post (in terms of time passed). But I figured Cade needed to be introduced, and to do so required "several minutes" to pass.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Thu 13 Dec 2012.

  Helmets.  They hurt less than a brick to the durable skull.  "A jaws of life would be worth ten of me from the sound of it." Key catch, moving towards the truck.

 "So, if these are loaded with blanks... Why did you bother shooting them, and why give them to us?  Weather conditions and bleeding officers not enough of a show?"

  At Cade's scream and incoming collision, Joe wondered if it was a bad sign that his initial was to be glad he wasn't in the front seat yet.  At least he'd be oka-Damnit conscience, why you gotta be starting problems?

  It was probably the end for a certain windshield, but a Joe between Cade and car would probably make things hurt less for the Australian.

Liberty tries to rush to be between Joe and Cade, but *probably* won't make it in time.

Timothius is thinking "Why is that guy flying at us when the wind isn't throwing me around yet?" and thus, doesn't dare unfold his wings. He takes cover behind Mittens, figuring she'll protect him if glass shards start flying. And then he can heal whoever needs it.

Emerald also takes cover, though she goes to be behind the jeep.

If it were anyone else, high speed flight followed by sudden stop would probably end in catastrophic injury for both rescuer and rescued.  But as it turns out, Joe's inertia-defying abilities are handy for catching falling people unharmed - even if they're falling sideways.  THUMP!

"Nice catch!" the retired Sgt. says, "The sound of gunfire apparently repels the thing more often than not."

"Was wondering that too..." Mittens comments, "I guess it makes some sense.  The last several elemental enemies were thinking beings.  Maybe this one has a memory of 'gunfire bad!'"

She waves hi at the Aussie guy.  "Hello, Mr. Featherfall!  Dangerous place for floaty types.  So unless you can turn that off and are willing to go toe to toe with a living tornado and/or rescue a police officer trapped by downed power lines, I strongly urge you to exit stage right with these fine thespians."

Meanwhile the movie makers are piling into the van.  With the permission of the producer, the cameraman hands the camera over to Sgt. Johnson and gives him a crash course in film-making.  "I set it to automatic.  Just point ant shoot."

Johnson laughs.  "I think I can handle 'point and shoot!'  Thanks."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Sat 15 Dec 2012.

An adventure?! The thought of joining a group of known Supers was pure jubilation. It never even crossed his mind that 1) they knew nothing about him, or 2) his name. But Cade doesn't care about semantics at this point, he's just, magically, befriended a group of people he's been watching on the news for the past several weeks.

He jumps at the chance, "Sure!" he exclaims. He whoops around and does a little Gangnam Style dance to celebrate.

  Joe was so glad that worked out better than planned.  His optimism had been limited to 'the only casualty would be a windshield, and shaking bits of it out of my shirt'.  So merely a dented hood was just spectacular.

   He eyes Cade's Fat Asian Dance.  "...Eh, it's a better fad than the Macarena."   Or was it?!... Yeah, it was.  Maybe Emerald an Halima would do the subway pole swing for some ridiculous contrast.

  Joe finally heads for the truck driver's seat.  "I promise not to drive over any ramps unless there is literally no other course of action."

Just because Joe landed OK doesn't mean Timothius won't immediately rush over to Joe and Cade and check on them. Cade dances, demonstrating he's fine. Joe hops into the driver's seat, also demonstrating fine-ness. So Timothius quietly gets in a seat and buckles in.

Liberty and Emerald hop in. Emerald giggles and looks towards Cade. "Nice t'meetchya, Psy. We'll have to do some more dancing together later on."

Liberty says, "Hey, Mittens... I think we just met another you. As a guy. With an Australian accent."

At first Mittens giggled at the silly dance and was compelled to dance along but after hearing Emerald she stops, straightens out, and clears her throat.  "Name's Mittens.  Leader of the Citizen Patrol.  Hop on and tell us your name and abilities.  But again...  Only if you'll be more help than hindrance.  There's at least one person's life at stake here.  Who if he winds up dead because the rest of use were distracted by your doing something foolish, his blood will be partly on your hands."

Those who hop on the back with Mits and the Sgt. won't have access to seat belts, but they'll have access to machine guns and ammo.  Johnson will hand the camera over to Mits to give a quick demo on how to use the guns.

"And just because these are blanks doesn't excuse you forming bad habits like aiming at non-hostiles.  Do that and I'll kick your ass."

"Never even crossed my mind, Sir."

"G'day. Name's Cade Cairns," the Aussie boy speaks as he gets into the vehicle. "Can glide, have good eyes, and claws. And recently found out I'm like the Doc. Dolittle that is. But I prefer to think I'm more like Irwin or Dundee." He accepts the machine gun with a HUGE smile.

[EDIT: A 15 year old with a machine gun. No matter where you're from, you know this isn't a good thing]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Sun 16 Dec 2012.