A place where the villains of the game have their evil bases, secret lairs, and hidden homes from which to plot their fiendish schemes.

 BADLANDS, SOUTH DAKOTA, ABOUT A MILE BELOW THE SURFACE

   Those captured find themselves taken to an immense limestone cavern, that has been enlarged and filled with huge panels that dance with lights, forming three huge walls and creating a makeshift room.  In the center of the room are seven transparent containers, perhaps eight feet in height, each with a glowing cable that attaches them to what appears to be some sort of central computer system.  Each of the captives is placed in one of these containment tubes, freed of their other bonds once they have been safely locked within.
   The whole area is buzzing with humans and what look like robots, in a flurry of activity that is bewildering.  It is somewhat reminiscent of the sort of thing you'd find if you lifted up a rock that had been sitting too long in one place.  The humans here, however, clearly have something odd about them.  For upon the backs of each one, like some giant parasite, are two foot tall spindly humanoids, with large craniums, and large, jet black eyes.  They seem to be attached to their human counterpart by means of a cybernetic spinal attachment.  The smaller humanoids seem to manipulate the humans, who follow their motions and heed their commands impassionately.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Sat 21 Jan 2012.

Holy @#$%. I've tripped, hit my head and now I am in a Doctor Who coma, Nijad thought. Either that or one of those guys shot me and this is my weird not-so happy place I've gone to while they take turns with my body before finishing me off.

Nijad sighed.

I am so @#$%ed.

  " Well aint this a fine kettle of..."  Rhic looked about the cave. He was used to some fairly out of the norm situations but this was somewhere so far beyond reality he had to let out a little chuckle as he studied his situation. " This is definately not Kansas."

Recovering from the vertigo atttack the left him dizzy and nauseous, Malcolm studied the scene and a mild panic gripped him. The one thing he actually feared in his existence was to be under another's control.

"Aww, crap..."

Looking around and testing tube-thing he muttered, "...first steps into a larger world... crap..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Fri 20 Jan 2012.

   The portal of light bursts into existence once more, and from within step four more individuals, young types, who's dress seems to suggest they may be from some school or university.  They are dragging an unconscious red-golden haired female in a rather old fashioned looking skirt and torn blouse.  She is clearly wounded, the blood visible through the bandage visible inside her ruined upper garment.  With little fanfare, they place her in the glass prison between Malcolm and Nijad, then give the other captives a cruel smirk before they turn and leave.
   The lady groans quietly, then cracks open an eye.  Seeing that her captors have made their exit, she sits up, pulling her legs to her chest and lays her head back.

   "Hello," she says in a pretty lilting brogue, as she briefly scans each of the men in turn.  "I'm guessing you must be the other neophytes.  I thought I'd find you here.  Not to worry, lads, help is on the way."  She gasps as a spasm of pain ripples through her, then manages a weak, but encouraging smile.

"I'm thinking.... Daleks? The little guys are gonna climb into trash cans and exterminate us soon, right?"

He looked the woman over.

"You're the plant put here to engender our trust by exploiting your ah... assets and turn us on revealing where the nuclear launch codes or something?"

  Nien, dis is da Lair of Herr Docktor Tottenkampf." Rhic chuckled grimly. He relaxed easily against the wall of his container and crossed his arms studying the movements and activity of the creatures in the cavern eyes focusing on anything that might serve as a weapon. " Daleks tend to be a little more grandiose. I mean this cave is not even half a mile across and they don't even have the big thingie with the sparks jumping from it."

   Lady If you know something about these, people I'd really appreciate the heads up. Id like to know the names of the people I am going to instruct in reasons why not to ruin my day off."

Malcolm started to get a feral look in his eye as his panic gripped him further. His nostrils flared as he strove to take in more oxygen. His mind was going to a place it hadn't in almost a decade...

   The young Lady looked to be certain they weren't being observed, then attempting to sit up, she grimaced in pain, and blinked.  Recovering quickly, she gave Nijad and Rhic a quizzical look.

   "Well, first of all, REAL Daleks are far too xenophobic to ever use humans for agents, so you could be certain I wasn't a "plant" as it were, if these creatures were actually Daleks, but of course they're not, so I certainly could be.  But of course they wouldn't do that, it would be about as subtle as a supernova after all, and these beings can be extremely subtle when they wish to be,"
   She sank down onto her elbow, one hand holding onto her chest as she fought for breath...after a moment she continued, her voice quavering from the effort.  "They call themselves, the Mari'Onek, though most Terrans and their allies refer to them as Puppet-Masters, for rather obvious reasons."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Sun 22 Jan 2012.

  " Now earlier today I'd have laughed at you and called hte looney bin to see if they were missing one." Rhic spoke up after a minute. He was watching one of the remote controlled humans with a critical eye. " But seeing as things have gotten a bit, strange...I'll assume your not out of your mind. How do you recomend we get out of these over sized mason jars."

Nijad muttered something uncomplimentary under his breath.

"Lady, there isn't anything obvious about this entire situation."

   The Lady smiled weakly, though her breathing seemed to be improving already, she was still moving slowly and wincing with each motion.  She nodded approvingly.

  "Critical and forthright, not afraid to say what he thinks, you must be Nijad.  Well, it helps that its on your name tag of course.  I suppose introductions would be best at this point, and we do seem to have the time.  I am Charlotte, and I know all of you, by name if not by sight.  I'm going to hazard a guess:

John Rhictor (points to Rhic) Nijad Maroun (naturally) and Malcolm...your last name escapes me, mate, but I'm sure its something eminently practical.  Now I do agree Nijad, the reasons behind our current dilemma are hardly obvious, but I do have a theory about it, and unfortunately, I am partly the cause I'm afraid.  These fiendish little brutes wouldn't have been able to mess with you now if they hadn't managed to ambush me and steal my Time Ship.  Well, not me, precisely, actually a future me, but it all really comes down to the same thing I'd say, wouldn't you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Mon 23 Jan 2012.

His name knifed its way through his horrifically over-active Fight-or-Flight instincts... His feral eyes whipped in the direction of its utterance.

Seeing the wounded woman crumpled in the giant-from-a-50s-sci-fi-movie-test-tube prison cell, a bit of rationality trickled back into his mind. Her words still sounded like they're coming from a Charlie-Brown adult... "mwa-ma-mwa-mwaa..."

But he heard his name, and it was a human name, and he was human.

For the first time since the assault on his senses ebbed, he noticed that he was not alone.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sun 22 Jan 2012.

  " Okay I'm willing to go out on a limb and say some strange things are going on." His manner was relaxed but his eyes and his voice were dead serious." Rhic stood up and looked the woman up and down. " But time ships are a bit much to take on faith."

  "If you know these little monsters can you suggest a way to get out of the test tubes, fight off these Puppet Masters, and escape with nothing more than we have on us?"
  I'm pretty sure those little guys can take a punch but those zombies they are riding might be up to a brawl."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:32, Tue 24 Jan 2012.

"Uh... So Miss Pond, I take it we're looking out for your Rory come to rescue?" Nijad asked, before turning the man with the gun.

"And what were you doing bring a gun into my shop anyways? What the hell, man. If I'd gone for the shotgun under the bench you could have got hurt! Were you expecting those guys? Who the hell are you?"

  " Part of the job." Rhic smiled and shruged." I seem to need one more than most people. Those boys made my skin crawl from the start."

  Though I figured it was, employment related." He added as he watched the roving drones. watching for any behavior he could exploit.

"So you're what? An action figure for a living? Who needs a handgun for work shopping in a pawn shop?"

He scowled.

"You must have done this. I should be fixing a toaster right now and you've gone and signed me up for anal probing. Not cool, not cool at all!"

"Hehe..." Malcolm said, still glassy-eyed but starting to come to his senses, "anal probe... that's funny."

For the first time since actually took a look at his surroundings.

"Aww crap."

 Rhic Chuckled raising his hands to malcom with a good natured touch to his nose." I do some interesting, investigative work."
  "And I did end up needing it. I always end up needing it." Rhic sighed and shrugged." Trust me freind if I didn't it would be gathering dust on my mantle."

Nijad shook his head.

"Sounds like a self-fulfilling prophecy. You should put a warning label on, maybe wear a bright orange vest?"

  " You might have a point." Rhic gave a dry laugh. He looked around the room." I don't suppose anyone else here has anything special they can use to get us out of her. Since our lady freind seems to have lost her ride."

   Charlotte listened to the discussion as it grew more animated, shaking her head at the direction it was rapidly sliding towards.  She took a moment to observe the Mari'Onek and their human puppets movements, making sure the volume of their voices weren't drawing attention just yet.
   "Amy Pond?" she replied in her almost sing song accent, trying to keep from laughing.  "Honestly Nijad, you really do need to get out more, you closet Whovian.  Your fascination with that British science fantasy is actually interesting, and oddly useful, but I must warn you it is filled with inaccuracies; this is probably not the best time to have that particular discussion however."
   She gave Rhic a nod. "A man of action, oh I do like that.  Very well Rhic, you see that central computer over there?  If I were a betting woman I'd guess that there is an over ride for the magnetic locking system being used for our prison cylinders.  How exactly to reach the over ride...well that's the part I haven't quite figured out just yet.  I am  hopeful however, that your companions arrive presently.  Perhaps I AM a betting woman after all."
    Charlotte turned back to Nijad, hearing him accuse John.  "Look, I do understand that this is a bit of a shock and you do have a right to be angry, I certainly would be, but for goodness sakes, you need all the allies you can get right now and, if I were you, the very last thing I would be doing is making more enemies.  Trust me you have quite enough already.  But I do agree with Malcolm...anal probing is rather funny, unless you happen to be the probee I suppose."

"You're hurt," Malcolm said to the woman in the next test tube... woman.

Aw crap, there was another woman, the animal-girl, with him when they were jumped by the fake cops. He looked around to see if she shared his fate. He didn't see her... but that was either good, or very bad.

His mind was definitely coming back to him as his thoughts moved more than a few inches away from him. He checked himself. His gun and cuffs were gone, but he still had his badge, holster, and pistol magazines.

"Uhm... Malcolm Laurence, FBI. Where the hell are we?" he said to no one in particular.

He was back to a rational state of mind. And now he had to deal with... this.

Nijad waved off the woman's accusations. She had a time ship, it wasn't like she had the same sorts of problems normal people had.

"Magnetic locks?" Nijad mused, crouching down the best he could to examine the floor of his prison tubes. "Are they waterproof? And what are we doing locked up, instead of being saddled up by some Private Reach-Around with a big head? I mean, I was joking about the anal probe, but that's nothing anyone needs repeating. Not that there's anything wrong with it... Are they going to eat us?" he asked, changing the subject.

Clever people always tried to lock things away too cleverly, in Nijad's experience.

   Charlotte smiled. "That's it, you're asking the right questions now, that's far more helpful."  She smiled to Malcolm gratefully. "F.B.I?  Well now that explains a great deal.  Yes, I've been better, admittedly, but our priority has to be finding a way out of this abysmal place.  If we stay here too much longer, none of us will be in very good health, of that I'm certain.  As to where we are, I'm not entirely sure, still on your home planet I suspect, in a very deep underground complex, prisoners of an alien race known as the Puppet Masters...don't call them that though, it does tend to rather annoy them."
   She bit her lip as another spasm of pain went through her, but managed to maintain her composure with an effort.  She nodded at Nijad's pondering, glad to have something to focus on besides her pain. "I think we will find they are waterproof, but its a good idea to consider possible weaknesses in our current accommodations, since your companions do seem to be taking their time about getting here.  And no, they won't eat us, they aren't cannibals, but they will eventually use their psionic-parasite ability to make us their slaves.
   Listen to me carefully.  Sometime in the future, you will encounter this race and their leader, IMIRRHOS, and you will thwart his rather vile attempts to usurp power for himself.  You all are his enemies and I assure you he loathes you more than you can possibly imagine at the moment.  I am certain his intentions in coming here were to capture you for that very purpose: to bring you under his control before you ever become his adversaries.  Its the only thing that makes sense."

   Nijad examines the floor of his cylinder and finds it made of some sort of slippery metallic substance he cannot identify.  The cylinder itself appears made of some kind of hardened alloy, transparent as glass, but far stronger.  Striking it causes it to make an odd high pitched hum, but has no other discernible affect.  Outside of the transparent cylinder, at base, are four six inch long box-like mechanisms that presumably contain some sort of lock.

Still crouched, Nijad reached into his back pocket and got out his tools. Obviously they weren't worried that his non-spaceman equipment would work against their Lord Emperor Ming's mighty technology, but Nijad didn't think he'd look good with a little man riding his back for the rest of his life. It was bad enough having a parole officer.

"Isn't that a bit self-fulfilling? Shouldn't they have just gone back and killed our grandfathers? Or enslaved the planet before we were even born or something?"

He had an epiphany.

"You've got a time ship, right? Once we're out of this, you should probably go back in time and pack yourself an extra Martian medpack before you get caught by the aliens. Then you'd have one of those hidden in your...shoe? And the Fed over there could have one of his bullets replaced by some super shaped charge capable of blowing a hole in our space bongs, ensuring we can escape and go back in time and plot our way out of this mess in the past from the future."

He sighed.

"Or else I'm gonna piss in my cage and see if anything shorts out. Which, I don't mind reminding you, gets fairly nasty if it doesn't work... I like my other idea. And we don't even have to take Napoleon to the water park to make it work! Excellent!"

  " Well we can relax the F.B.I is here now." Rhic spoke as if there was a bit of professional rivalry involved and then watched as Nijahd began to experimetn on the cells." Do they want us alive?"

   "if they do I may have a plan." Rhic suggested as he watched to see how often a drone came shambling past his cell. He looked over to Nijahd. "One of you wouldn't happen to have a sonic screwdriver handy would you?" all I have is an old leatherman tool."

"The one who got me shouted that he wanted us alive," Malcolm said, vaguely in answer to the older man's comment, ignoring the first bit. "Right after that I got hit with something that induced the worst vertigo..." his voice trailed off as he remembered all the feelings.

"I'll be happy with vertigo, as long as we skip the anal probing and full course dinner d'Nijad."

Using his lockpicks he began to experiment with seeing if he could coax different tones from the glass, tugging his work light out of his pocket and unscrewing the battery cap with the other hand.

"What kind of current are we talking about here? Is their space man puppet thing electrochemically based too? I take it that it's fairly weak, since they have to sit on the people's shoulders to ensure a good signal? Like an STD..."

  " They want us alive. If they killed our parents or something they can't enslave us and take advantage of what ever it is they think we have of value." Rhic opened a pack of his cigarettes and began to unroll them discretely and eat the tobacco choking down the foul taste as he talked.
     " I don't feel so good, I forgot to take my medicine this morning. that last little job left me with some nasty infection I really should be taking my meds. the doc said it could flare up and put me in critical if I didn't take them on time."Rhic spoke casually and continued eating the tobacco. already looking sick to his stomach.

   Nijad does indeed manage to create slightly different tones from the transparent material by using the various different sizes of picks, but the hum, while clearly the result of vibration, it still appears sturdy enough and Nijad is unable to put so much as a scratch in it.

   Charlotte watches him for awhile, then shakes her head.  "It doesn't work quite that way, I'm afraid Nijad, although I will tell you a secret.  The reason I came to help you is because sometime in the future, I sent a message to myself warning me of this day.  Of course since I am around in the future, we must survive this somehow, so I'm not worried.  Unfortunately that doesn't necessarily mean you do."  Her smile faded at Nijad's bizarre plan.  "Oh please don't urinate in your cylinder, that's just vulgar, and I doubt it will help even a little, unless your intention is to electrocute yourself.  As far as their connection to their puppets, all I can tell you is that their psychic parasite ability is inborn in their vile species; the spinal implant they use simply amplifies their impressive, if rather loathsome talents.  Once they have control over someone, however, I do not believe they can be removed without permanent damage to their host's cerebral cortex."
   She turned quickly to look at Malcolm and then Rhic, her eyes alight with the intensity of her sudden revelation. "Malcolm, you're right, he does want you alive.  Rhic is right, he wants whatever you have that is special and valuable to  him...is it possible?  Its hard for me to believe he could have learned, but there is one thing you all share in common:  you are all neophytes!  Potential..."
   She looked at Rhic aghast.  "Whatever are you doing?  Stop that you'll..," She grimaced, watching him consume the tobacco.  "Oh my, well I suppose it is one way to get their attention!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:35, Fri 27 Jan 2012.

Malcolm looks at the wounded woman and says, "Yeah, I've had the Sight for about six months, and the guy that got me called me and the girl I was with Potentials..."

  " say that a little louder." rhic chuckled in spite of his growing nausea." I dont think they heard you..." He looked down and made a sour face." Yeah I see things too, and I've got a lot of memories I don't remember ever living through runing around in my head....like pulling this trick on some nazi's "
  He watched until one of the drones were in his vicenity and looking in his direction before he began to convusles and jerk violently and gave in to the urge to gag and wretch violently hoping it would cause the drones to believe he were in serious medical distress and come to see what was wrong with him.

Nijad's ear's twitched at the Fed's admission about Nazis and turned to look at him.

"I don't know... Maybe you vomited on Nazis a lot when you were younger, before you hit your head and started figuring out how to include pawn shop employees in your plans? You certainly look old enough. You're what...sixty? That's old enough for Hitler, isn't it?"

He turned to the redhead for a moment.

"Is this really glass, or is there a metallic component? Is it crystalline? I don't suppose you know its acoustic resonant frequency or anything like that?"

Pulling apart his flashlight, he used his lockpicks to carefully pry the wires out for Plan B.

"You say I could get electrocuted? So the floor carries a current of some sort? And the locks are magnetic?"

Using his teeth, he began to strip wires down to copper, keeping a careful eye out for the guards who were sure to show up and give Mr. Copper his futile beating. Planning on guards being idiots rather than brutal never seemed to work out. Civilians never understood that, and it seemed that Feds had a rosy picture of life as a prisoner too.

   Charlotte nods to Malcolm. "Potentials...yes that makes a lot of sense.  Somehow he's found out what a neophyte is and he means to possess all of you, since he knows he can use your 'potential' to further his own power, and stop you all at the same time."
   She smiled weakly to Nijad.  "I would guess these chambers are actually made of crystal lined with vibranium, which means attempts to physically break them will not have much effect.  The accoustic resonance frequency needed to shatter cheap crystal is about 80-100 decibels, pure crystal is probably closer to 150 or so.  And yes I would surmise that those conduits which link these cylinders to the central computer are supplying some sort of energy to the locking mechanism (which I'm guessing is magnetic, from the look of them), along with various motion sensors and the like, electricity is cheap and easily generated, so its the most likely candidate in my mind, but I cannot be certain of it of course, unless I test the theory, and I'm not entirely sure I want to do that just yet."

   As Rhic began to convulse, warning alarms began to sound throughout the cavern complex and ten drones began to rush towards John's prison tube...

  rhic watched the drones coming toward his cell. He tried to avoid looking like he was watching them concentrating on not wretching his guts out. He looked for weapons he could grab, tools that might work as a weapon and tried to guage how wary the puppet masters guiding the drones were. If they were to wary he'd have to wait for them to moe him to a medical facility. hospitials were easier to break out of than jail cells.

"Are you all right?" Malcolm shouted at the older man, in a really weak way. "Oh my god! Sir, are you ok?" He started banging on the test tube in what appeared to be a panicky way, making as much noise as he could to add to the confusion as the Puppet Masters came closer.

"Oh my god! You need help! Oh my god! Oh my god!"

Nijad contemplated selling the Fed out. After all, he hadn't said so but suits didn't walk into places like Nijad worked for good reasons. Even if they were in the same boat now, it stood to reason the man had initially come in to hang something Nijad hadn't done on him. Maybe Guantanamo sorts of stuff, Nijad hadn't ever dealt with Feds before.

He wasn't sure that space alien puppet masters worked the whole weasel angle right though. You couldn't hang a plan on unknowns, like the Fed was doing right now. For all they knew the man was just putting himself into the cooking pot right now. Better to just wait and see what they did to him, stay low and out of sight.

Nijad straightened and slid his hands full of gear back into his pockets as nonchalantly as he could. He'd see what the aliens did, to see if he could recognize anything about how they were doing things and improve upon them to his benefit.

   The human puppets made their way over to Rhic's incarceration chamber, while a readout suddenly appeared on the front, showing his vital signs.  They examined the stats and then looked at the convulsing man, clearly puzzled.  Suddenly another figure loomed up from behind the crowd of drones and spoke in a commanding female voice:

  "I do believe our dear John Rhictor is trying some trickery to escape.  Still, I cannot have him dying on me, his body and abilities are far to valuable.  Take him to the infirmary and secure him there.  I want him guarded at all times, triple the normal guards. Then run a thorough examination.  I want him checked completely, and I do mean, everything!  Don't be concerned with his discomfort, he can handle it I assure you.  Can't you Rhic?"  Said the voice in a familiar Irish accent (which seemed very odd paired with the second deeper voice behind it).  She comes forward, smirking as she scans each of their faces in turn, then zeros in on Rhic.  Amazingly, the lady who steps forward looks like a mirror image of the girl imprisoned with you, Charlotte!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:46, Mon 30 Jan 2012.

  "_damn...." Yeah I can take it, question is what the hell do you want us for." Rhic asked as he fought off another wave of nausea. He was asving that one for something special." You can't just grab people...urk...off the street ya know...they'll call the cops and this place will be knee deep in black pajamas"

PM Alex and Luke

Black pjs? What was the guy talking about - the Vietcong? Ninjas? Maybe he wasn't a cop after all. Nutcases often had strange trips. Still, he needed a play, and maybe the aliens were off balance enough to buy something right now. He spoke up.

"Yeah! He's trying to trick you! Before we were captured he tried to give me something - I didn't know what it was, but he said it was something from a time ship! I think he and woman are working with someone... I think they said it was the Mersian Empire? He's not who you think he is! He's an agent of the Terran Empire from the future! He only looks like the guy you're looking for!"

He spinned further into the reality of the con.

"He said he couldn't be forced to talk though. Said he'd undergone telepathic interrogation resistance training, something like that. Wanted me to work with him and betray you... I don't cross the guys with the guns though! I know the score."

"You just try to break him, he'll lead you into a trap! I... I could...HELP though. If you let me go! Let me go and I'll find out everything he knows! You guys have the guns, but I know people. I know liars - look me up. I know how they think. I just don't want to die here! I'll do anything you want if you let me live!"

   She sat up, her back against her prison tube and blinked at the OTHER Charlotte.  Hand around her chest, she struggled to her knees and gave her double an appraising look.

   "Ah, well....that does explain a lot, actually," she finally replied.  "Its a shame though, I definitely wear it better."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Mon 30 Jan 2012.

Malcolm grew silent as his mind was slowly blown open by all he was witnessing. The dual-woman thing just another was weird.

He was living in a science fiction movie, and he hadn't brought any LSD. He longed for the days when he was only dealing with human evil... you could kill that.

Luke's perceptions returned as he bounced of the wall of what appeared to be a natural cavern corridor, lit by some kind of artificial lighting.  There is a large, well lit room ahead and he could hear voices. 

What got his attention, though, was the two tall men in long coats standing just outside that room. They looked like young street punks, but with the same odd expression as the other possessed people that had been chasing him just now.   

These two blinked in surprise as they saw Luke and Alexander appear; a brief moment of confusion.

Adrenaline still coursed through Luke, and again he reacted without thinking.  This time, however, fear and anger combined to flip his adrenaline switch from flight to fight.
Two minutes ago, it had been a flight from a dozen assailants: not good odds.  But right here and now, Luke's primeval mind saw a two on two confrontation; and it was sick of running.

Planting on solid foot into the floor, Luke propelled himself forward towards the Men-in-Black {well, the nearest one, anyway} in a bodyslam that would have made The Undertaker proud.

Attack:  rolled 5 using 1d20.

   Luke barrels into the nearest guard, smashing him against the cavern wall so suddenly that it crushes the air from his lungs...

   Nearby the second guard's eyes flick towards a panel inset in the cavern wall to his left.  Looks like some sort of softly glowing touch plate...

OOC: Luke roll me some damage my friend.  Unarmed attack 1-3 I believe, plus your Damage mod of +2 AND your Unarmed attack skill which is another +1.

Alex I need movement/actions my friend.

    As the prisoners try to sort out what is going on, a large drone walks up, bringing yet another prisoner, a young, 5'7" slender western European male.
He has short bark brown hair and brown eyes.  He dressed in loose clothes that look little like from days of wild west.  He has black hat which down most of time but used block out mid-day sun.  His skin is bronzed colour as though  tanned well in the sun.  He has backpack which carries everywhere.  Out of it stick 2 wooden objects.  He has belt with knife and third wooden object on it.
   The drone removes Simon's backpack and weapons.  He touches the glass like substance and an oval section simply seems to vanish.  The drone  dumps his charge unceremoniously into the empty capture tube, releasing him from the mass of black tangle cords, then closes it up once again by placing a palm on the front as before.  It bows to the False Charlotte, then stalks wordlessly away.
   The Pseudo-Charlotte's lips curl in a dark and self satisfied smile.  "Only two left to retrieve, your comrades Alex and Moon Child, and then you shall all be prepped for the Joining.  And at last, after so many defeats at your accursed alien hands your abilities shall be MINE!"
   She watches as four large human puppets, and the aliens attached to their backs, lift the still retching Rhic and haul him out of the room.  Then her strangely luminous emerald eyes fall upon Nijad. "I have never heard of a Mersian Empire, human called Nijad, but I do know you.  An agent of the Terran Empire?  In the future I know that to be true.  However Rhic cannot be one now, for he has not yet been to the Empire of the Terrans.  And the only way any of you will see it now, will be as my slave!  Yes Nijad, I know YOU only too well.  You are the trickster here!  Nevertheless, I would be a fool to disregard your warning."  He turns towards another puppet-soldier.  "Tell Onira to be certain the human's guards are heavily armed."
   Her intense gaze falls next on Malcolm. "I shall very much enjoy making you my slave, human called Malcolm.  I have a personal score to balance with YOU!  It was you who cost us our beloved Homeworld of MARI. YOU TOOK MY WORLD FROM ME! I shall enjoy stripping you of all you love and making you the very instrument of it!  I shall join to you first, that I may wreak my vengeance in your own form; your body becoming a tool of destruction at MY command!  You will watch as with your own hands I destroy everything you hold dear, and I shall enjoy every moment as I feel your spirit suffer, ebb and die inside of you!"
   Her face twists into a mask of hate, her voice almost fades as the deeper one comes to the fore, growing louder as she rants, until it echoes from the walls.  She visibly trembles now with anger, then swiftly pivots to Charlotte, who is sitting quietly, arms still protectively around her chest.
   "Yes, Charlotte," says the False Charlotte, eyes still burning angrily, voice trembling as she struggles with her composure.  Finally, by a herculean feat of will, she manages to subdue the inferno of her rage, though not entirely.  "I learned YOUR secrets when I took this body from your future self!  Ironic isn't it?  Your greatest allies are now my prisoner, and it is YOU they have to thank for it.  For I would never have known what a Potential was without your knowledge!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:26, Wed 01 Feb 2012.

  Rhic was glad he was carried out of the room before the rant got into full swing. He'd love to hear it just for any information she would spew. But he was already ready to puke. Her megalomaniacal bilge would make it hard to avoid laughing at her which might ruin the act.
  He let the guards carry him. jerking and twitching at odd times testing their strength and reactions. He needed to know how fast they could react to a sudden jerk, or spasm, if he wanted to get free without them pulling his arms off and beating him with them.
  If he felt one stumble or lose it's grip the plan A was simple twist, pull free and run. His plan B was less refined. Lose his lunch right in front of one guards foot, hope he slipped and then go back to plan A.

Malcolm continues to absorb the unreal information that's hitting him as the creature rants. None of it makes sense... yet, he's accustomed to that. Because he's used to living in a world that rarely has obvious, direct answers, he knows to open his talented mind to the insanity of his situation and drink in the information without working to sort it.

He's present in the moment, and for now observing is the only thing he has the power to do.

{Aww, crap}
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Tue 31 Jan 2012.

You rolled 5 using 1d3+3 ((2)).

Nijad rolled his eyes.

"Lady, if you know me then you should know I play for the winning team. You got us, fair and square. What chance do I have, except to be as useful to you as I can. And right now I'm going to be useful to you by pointing out that there are deeper and more things unknown to you in time and space than you probably imagine. These Mersaians, what if you don't know about them because they come from your own future? A timeline where they joined together with the Empire and destroyed you and your people? What if they're plotting against you right now as we speak?"

"You're right, I've got a twisty mind, but it would appear to me that your mind isn't twisty enough. This time travel crap, you've got it in your head wrong and even my primitive mind can grasp that. What if your base here was never unknown to the Mersaians? A matter of archeological record, a whisper from the past, or even from the future in the form of transtemporal prophecies handed down by The Dreamers? You'd have to ask yourself, not 'what am I going to do with these prisoners?' but 'why was I allowed to take these people prisoner?' "

"You probably think you're beyond infiltration too. But I imagine with the right prosthetics and psionic enhancers an intent spy could be walking around this base even now, placing some sort of bio weapon explosives designed to attack that nerve link you guys have between your hosts or something. At that point you wouldn't be the savior of your people, you'd be the death of it."

Nijad frowned.

"And all of that's just off the top of my head, mistress. Given enough access and education I could probably root out ALL of your enemies. I don't think you're equipped to let me do that after this 'joining' though, because the other Charlotte was trying to convince me that none of these things were possible just before you entered. Why would she do that, if it were not only possible, but actually going on at this very second?"

"If I were you, mistress; I'd prepare for an attack. Do an audit of all of my drones. Prepare a fast attack craft, and pay close attention to the least important seeming of details. You've missed something. Something that's going to get you killed... Honestly that's fine with me, if you'll pardon me saying so. But I don't want to take the bullet meant for you. "
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Tue 31 Jan 2012.

   The guard gasps as he is rammed against the cavern wall, then topples to the ground shaking uncontrollably!  As he rolls over onto his front Luke and Alex get their first look at a real Puppet Master: bulbous head, slim tapered ears, small squinting black eyes, sallow skin, and the odd glowing almost gelatinous looking spinal implant that seems to connect it to its host.  The slightly larger than one foot creature is badly wounded, bleeding profusely from a wound most likely made by being crushed against a rocky cave wall.

This message was deleted by the player at 03:01, Sat 04 Feb 2012.

Alexander De Marest NPCed:  Although he is dazed and confused, Alex leaps into action, his natural instincts taking over.  He rushes the second guard and swings at him, landing a couple of punches and keeping him from raising an alarm.

22:11, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 3 using 1d3+1. Alex unarmed attack .
22:10, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 8 using 1d20. Alex free attack.

as that seems to be out free 'surprise' round, I'll move us on into the Initiative/first round, eh?

11:34, Today: Luke Statton rolled 3 using 1d10+2. Initiative.
11:33, Today: Luke Statton rolled 5 using 1d20. Attack.
11:33, Today: Luke Statton rolled 4 using 1d3+3. Damage. </orange>

Luke stood, stunned, looking down at the strange little dying critter on the back of this mans neck.

He had seen some really strange shite in the last year or so, but this took the 'creepy' cake.

Out of the corner of his eye, movement caught his attention.   His head snapped around in time to see the second Man-in-Black reaching for some kind of panel on the wall ... and Alex responding to that threat, rather brutally.

An alarm?

Luke turned.  His intention was to get between the MiB and the panel before the man could hit any buttons, or whatever, that would sound any kind of alarm.

If he got the opportunity, he also helped Alex pummel this guy ... specifically trying to hit the black beast riding the MiB (the not-so-proverbial 'monkey on his back').

   The embattled guard, no longer surprised, begins to return Alex's pummeling with strong fast blows of his own.  He gets in a few solid jabs to the other man's stomach and one to the face that spins Alex's head around.

OOC: 08:44, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 5 using 1d3+2. MiB (Guard) unarmed damage on Alex.
08:43, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 3 using 1d20. MiB (Guard) unarmed attack on Alex.

   Alex (NPCed) bravely attempts to recover and throws a few wild punches to gain some space, but these the trained guard easily avoids.  He remembers the alarm plate and reaches for it, but is foiled once more as Luke makes an explosive entrance into their brawl.

OOC: 08:51, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 15 using 1d20. Alex unarmed attack.

   Luke's savage blows to the guard's unprotected head soon take him down for the count.  The guard topples to the floor, both he and his 'rider' unconscious.


   Alex looks at Luke, wild eyed and confused, but before either man can speak they hear the sound of footsteps in the corridor.  Four large looking guards are carrying what seems to be another prisoner.  Their prisoner is apparently none too healthy, twitching and coughing and convulsing in his captors' collective grasps.  All four of these guards, like those Luke and Alex have just overcome, have the same small withered creatures on their backs.

   OOC: Hey Rhic that's you btw, in case you had any doubts ;-)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:05, Sat 04 Feb 2012.

   The tiniest sliver of a doubt crosses the Evil Charlotte's face as Imirrhos considers Nijad's words.  Another puppeted drone comes forward, placing both hands together before his face and bowing to woman who is his Master's current host.
   "Ur'Mari Imirrhos, we believe someone has accessed the portal.  Security scans indicate these intruders do not match the signatures of any known Mari'Onek hosts.  At least two individuals, possibly more."
   Evil Charlotte's eyes narrow to slits and her face contorts in rage.  Her head whips around to glare accusingly at the prisoners for a moment, her fair face livid:
   "Alert our warriors at once!  I want every available drone to scour the complex!  Find them at any cost or you will all suffer for it!  FOOLS, this plan was without flaw; NOT AGAIN, I'll NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN!  WE ARE TOO CLOSE!"
   She points a quaking finger towards Nijad. "Take him and prepare him for the Joining.  I will soon learn whatever it is he knows!"  She spins on her heel and leaves quickly.  The chamber around erupts into a frenzy of activity as a piercing alarm klaxons loudly...

   She watches herself stride angrily from the room, and a wide grin spreads across her young face light a sunrise.  "Well now, that's a bit more like it.  Now we're getting somewhere.  Certainly took longer than I expected though."
   She gets shakily to her feet with an effort, then looks at Malcolm and Nijad.  "There won't be much time now lads, our rescue is on its way if I'm not mistaken.  As soon as we are free, you get Rhic, find my time ship and get out of here.  Luke has the key.  What Imirrhos wants most is YOU, and that means you've got to escape as soon as can be.  There are no neophytes among his race, there never have been for some reason...or at least not in his reality, so he intends to use you instead.  Don't worry about me, you'll see me again, we know that much to be true.  My time ship will be guarded by an Inertial Dampening Field...so predictable...so I'll deal with that by pulling the plug on this place!"  She tenses, adrenaline bolstering her weakening reserves of strength, though she does seem to be remarkably better than she was, almost as if she's healing at an accelerated pace.

'Ahh Crap' Luke thought to himself.  Once again, the odds were swinging against them.

And a quick glance at this Alex bloke showed that HE wasn't dealing well with this situation.  Not that Luke was, either; he could feel his own sanity unraveling at a great rate of knots.   But he had to give this Alex bloke, whom Luke had tackled through some strange-assed portal into ... what? ... a Doctor Who episode(?) a reason to stay with him.
"Charlotte sent me!" he said, hoping that would mean something to this guy.

With one last look towards the oncoming Possessed, Luke turned his attention to the door; through which he hoped to flee.  After all, and you never knew your luck, there might be a professors office on the other side, and he might get a second chance at that great and dashing plan he'd come up with earlier.

His eyes sought the door, and the panel on the wall, for any way to open the door ... and he grabbed, turned, pushed, flicked or otherwise greeted whatever mechanism he found to facilitate this escape plan.

 She came through the coruscating doorway into the corridor in a rush, then hunkered down and looked around, the gateway device still in her left hand, the gory branch in her right. She wore the police uniform that the others had been wearing though, so she straightened up and headed toward the sound of voices. She was still hyped on adrenaline though, so she was ready for anything!

Nijad gave the woman a look that wrote "I told you so" all across his face before she turned to leave, then called out to her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you!" he shouted. "What happens when all of your drones are dispersed all over the complex? That's when they'll mass and take them all out one by one! You need to concentrate your forces! Gather them to protect yourself! If I were me,and I can't promise you I am, I'd have sent a clone into the past, given a sprinkling of nanotech designed to foil your sensors! The real me is probably already in the complex, infiltrating your networks and sending your forces scurrying into traps! You do this and you won't just fail again, you'll have failed forever!"

The last words were spoken so fast they left him out of breath.

   Alex (NPCed) stares at Luke, no less confused by his use of Charlotte's name than before.
  "Look, I don't know Charlotte, and I don't know you, but I think you just saved my life so...thanks," he says, managing a quick smile.  "Now let's get out of here?"
   The panel lights up dark purple, as Luke places a hand upon it, then turns black.  Seconds later, it displays a response across the smooth surface in symbols that are completely nonsense to Luke.  The door way beside it, however does not open.
   The Possessed guards round the corner; the alarm screaming a warning in some strange language the meaning of which is easily guessed...

OOC: Initiative please gentlemen (Rick you too) 



   Up ahead, Moonchild hears voices and can see two men who look like they are trying desperately to get through a door carved into the cavern wall.  Meanwhile she can also see four large men in fatigues (probably guards) carrying another man who looks to be sick or unconscious.  The guards, if that's what they are, and the two men trying to get away, seem destined to meet momentarily...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:45, Tue 07 Feb 2012.

   "Wow, I've got to admit, you're rather good at that, Nijad.  You actually gave him...or her...them, something to consider, well done.  Keeping them off balance, very clever.  You're a natural, mate."  Charlotte beamed over to Nijad and winked.  "Now, where oh where are our rescuers, they really do know how to keep a girl waiting?  I do hope Rhic is okay, I rather like him."

Nijad shrugged. After all, part of the reason he was "so good at that" was that it was actually how his mind worked. Some people called him paranoid. Others critical. Cynical even. Nijad liked to think of it as "realistic." Life wasn't fair, or reasonable, or sane. This whole situation was weird, but it wasn't exactly top ten for in the #$% he'd been in his life. Or maybe it was and he wasn't fully equipped to understand his circumstances after all. Generally speaking, no matter how bad things were there wasn't anything that you couldn't do to make them a hundred times worse, or someone else wasn't doing to make certain you were as miserable as possible while trying to survive.

"Lady, if you've just slipped me mushrooms I'm going to kill you myself," he replied with a smile. He was capable of being reasonable. It was the world that wasn't reasonable.

IN a l9ong and checkered list of situations Rhic remembered, or didn't, he found himelf in a situation none of his illustrious ancestors had ever even considered. Memories fought for dominance, dozens of images of a very similar man being hauled away by a who's who of offenders. Rhic forced himself to focus and concentrate on the four shambling meat puppets, and the two men who weren't shambling at the end of the hallway.

  Rhic would put money on them not being locals, the way they were moving and the fact they were frantically trying to do something with a panel were dead giveaways. That and the blaring alarm that probably was for an escape in progress..." Show time"

 Rhic gave a series of slight convulsions each time jerking inward on his arms and legs forcing the Drones to react. He then gave a jerk trying to curl into a ball then kick back outward a second later hoepfully catching the guards off balance and freeing him in the process of trying to keep their balance.

04:16, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 4 using 1d20. break free.
04:04, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 5 using 1d10+1. init.

Luke was running out of time.  This panel and door weren't doing what he wanted, and he didn't have time to discuss the matter with them in the way he wished ... besides, he didn't have a sledgehammer with him, regardless.
"Well, Alex m'lad, she knows who you are" he said as he looked up and down the hallway.

As the klaxons began, he took in the four possessed that came around the corner, and their strange cargo.
In the other direction, some chick had just appeared in the hallway, much as Luke and Alex had only a minute ago.

Flight or fight?

The girl didn't have that far away, possessed look: maybe she was or wasn't one of the badguys.
But the captive was struggling, and he looked solid.

Luke's body decided, again without consulting his brain, that if he could help the big guy, that'd make three against the badguys ... Maybe four if the chick was on Luke's end of whatever stick this was.

Luke charged, barreling into the four possessed that we're trying to hold the big guy.
If all went well, maybe they'd all go down like bowling pins.

- rolled 10 using 1d10+2. Initiative.
- rolled 9 using 1d20. Attack.
- rolled 3 using 1d3+2. Damage.

 Seeing the (fleeing?) men and the guards, she immediately decided to try to help those fleeing somehow, though she didn't have a clue what to do at the moment. She just took off running toward the two men hoping to think of something on the way. Maybe another gate could send the guards away? Just as the guards seemed about to apprehend the fleeing men, she called out.
 "HALT! What is going on here?"

maybe my writing style confuses others?!?
The 4 possessed guards carrying Rhic have just come around the corner ... and one of the two men, standing near the doorway between Moonchild and said guards, has charged those very guards

Simon open his eyes and looks around.
This clearly not going well.
He shuts his eyes and thinks very hard.

OOC:  Simon thinks of the old and the place he ported from.  He spends time going though a detailed piture of place and time.
Spending minites doing so.
He thinks a message to the old man.  Not knowing if work or not.  Not even sure if the old man have ability to pick it up.
I don't know why you sent me.  I seem to have been little help to anybody.
All I have done is got myself captured.  However I try learn as much as I can and send these mental picute back to you.  I hope that what want me do.

   Luke hurls himself bodily into the oncoming puppet guards, who are startled by his, Alex, and Moon Child's appearance to say the least.  Three of the guards go down along with Luke himself, crashing to the floor, along with their captive.  The one guard standing is unlucky enough to be showered by micro spheres as Alex manages to activate the Tangler he took from the other downed guard earlier.  The thick tendrils wrap around the guard, obscuring even his face and he falls to the floor immobile!

17:54, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 3 using 1d10+1. Puppet Guard Luck initiative.
17:51, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 14 using 1d20. Puppet Guard Luck vs Roll.
17:50, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 7 using 1d20. Alex ranged attack.
17:49, Today: LoC, on behalf of Alexander De Marest, rolled 12 using 1d10+2. Alex initiative. 



   Rhic kicks out at the guards still holding his legs and frees himself as they struggle to get back up.  He feels some satisfaction as his kicks connect with at least one burly looking puppet guard who glares at him with menace in the alien gaze of his eyes.

   Moon Child sees the ensuing melee ahead, the three men appear to be gaining an upper hand on the guards, but the alarm screaming through the halls portends further reinforcements...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:13, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Luke's body couldn't believe it's luck.  The Lady surely was with him today.
The collective whole seemed to have come crashing down with him; and he felt like the King of Bowling Balls.  Nay, the King of Cannon Balls.
It was at this point that his brain managed to catch up, and tried to explain that, as he now lay among a pile of enemy, this move, in hindsight, may not have been the right one.
But Luke's body was filled with the enthusiasm of the moment, and wasn't listening; as usual.

Rolling over, he swung a meaty fist into the first puppet-guard he saw.


... and WHAT a mighty meaty fist that is. Check out that attack and damage roll!?!

- rolled 5 using 1d10+2. Initiative.
- rolled 1 using 1d20. Attack.
-  rolled 6 using 1d3+3. Damage.

Question: are we rolling init each round?

And let's remember that since you rolled a 1 on your attack roll you either disarm the opponent, or you do double damage!!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

REALLY!    Damn, how I do rock: let me count the ways.

LoC, feel free to describe Luke going into some kind of gnarling and mashing berserker rage: all primeval on these puppet-assed monkeys.

  Rhic would have been impressed with the shoulder check that took down three of his captors. But he was a little busy getting his feet under him and throwing himself at the still standing drone. He aimed his shoulder at the mans midsection trying to drive him against the wall and deliver a blow to the drone and the driver at the same time.

22:12, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 14 using 1d20. shoulder check.

and I deliver a really angry hug...not much else.

 She dashed up to the group and tried to help, but she wasn't really used to fighting, and saw no real way to help. She tried a whack to the head of the one guard, but missed, somehow getting her stick tangled up briefly.

10:13, Today: Moon Child rolled 9 using 1d10+2. init.

   Luke springs to his feet, lashing out at the first guard he sees, attacking with all the determination of a cornered badger!  This fierce assault astonishes the guard, who does not even have time to defend himself, before a flurry of swift blows brings him crashing to the floor, bloody and unconscious.
   Rhic's throws himself at another drone, but the guard slips away before Rhic can deliver the crippling shoulder smash he intended.  He stumbles forwards, but pulls up short of cracking into the stone wall and injuring himself.
   Moon Child's bloody branch swings and misses the same guard, getting entangled in the clothes of another guard when she tries to swing it back for another attack.
   Alex levels his Tangler at the two conscious guards, who place their hands on top of their heads and surrender.  (Morale roll failure.)

  "It is useless to fight with you, human creatures.  Soon more will come and you'll be trapped.  We have but to wait." the one guard responds with an evil smirk.

   As if in answer to this prediction, you hear the sound of boots pounding as more men come rushing down the corridor where the guards first came, weapons drawn.  They are still A few rounds away however.  About 70 yards or so roughly.

  " Ya know, your gonna take all the fun out of this." Rhic replied to the guards bragging fighting down his own nausea. He searched the guards for weapons hopng there was a phaser or balster, or even a good sharp poket knife on one of them.
  " If someone could get that door open I'd be real happy. I don't feel like taking on guys with guns with nothing mut a stick....where the heck did you get a stick?" Rhic asked with a freindly laugh and an impressed look in Moon Child's direction.

"Wait! Get everybody free! Maybe I can do something with this!"
 She let her stick go and held up the gate device. Maybe it would open another gate. All they could do was try, right? She showed them the device then stripped out of the police lady's shirt and started trying to rip strips out to tie the captive guards up. She saw Rhic's smile so she handed him the strips of cloth and indicates the guards with a gesture.
 With that, she turned and pointed the device down the hall and pushed the button...

"There's four, or five, others back the way they came." Rhic Pointed back toward the main cavern." They need some help before the big bad sticks those little brain suckers on their backs....one of them knows whats going on I think."

   Rhic notices, as he is tying up the captured guards that they are each in possession of an odd Tangler Pistol and some metallic cylinders that look like ammo clips perhaps.

   Moon Child points the portal device and touches it in sequence, managing to activate it once more.  The glowing whirling portal appears down the hallway where a dozen more guards were running full out towards the group.  They notice, too late that a portal has formed in front of them and, unable to slow down in time, all but three of them tumble into the gaping gateway and are gone.  The three remaining guards turn around about sixty feet up the hallway and run back the way they came, crying out simultaneously:

  "ARMED HUMAN INTRUDERS IN THE MAIN CORRIDOR!


OOC: 22:07, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 5 using 1d10+1. Oncoming guards init roll.

22:08, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 19 using 1d20. Three guards luck rolls to avoid gate.

22:08, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 12 using 1d20. Three guards luck rolls to avoid gate.

22:08, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 16 using 1d20. Three guards luck rolls to avoid gate.

22:09, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 2 using 1d20. Three guards luck rolls to avoid gate.

22:16, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 9 using 2d6. Morale roll, three remaining guards.

     Alexander (NPCed) is examining the touch panel beside the doorway and says, as if to himself.  "I am no expert on security, but I would guess this panel is programmed to capture and transmit an image, like a handprint..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Mon 13 Feb 2012.

Luke was rather stoked with his recent foray, and looked around excited as others around him joined in the cause against the gnarly little black riders.

When Alex drew their attention back to the door, and his unskilled analysis, Luke smirked.
"Well then" he said.  Stepping over to the doorway, he dragged the unconscious body of the door guard up by the scruff of its neck.

Then, grabbing one of its wrists, he said, "Time to make yourself handy, my friend" and pressed the guards hand against the panel, palm first.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:33, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

  Rhic wasn't sure exactly ow the odd pistols worked. But they were made for human hands, and he'd seen how quickly they could take someone out of a fight first hand. He took aim sighting down the barrel. He wasn't sure what to expect, or how hard the gun would kick but he held it in a tight two handed grip sighting at the center of the oncoming guards midsection. and squeezed the trigger.

02:49, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 4 using 1d20. tangler shot at guard.

   The three guards sprint swiftly, but in spite of their speed one lagging guard is showered by silver micro spheres as Rhic manages to figure out how to fire the Tangler.  He notes it has very little recoil, and even the weapon's report is fairly quiet comparatively speaking.  The hapless guard, who is the victim of Rhic's experimentation goes down in a net of ebon webs as the constrict him and hold him fast.

OOC: 17:41, Today: LoC rolled 3 using 1d20. Fleeing guard's luck roll.



   Beneath the unconscious guard's palm the plate lights up, the door responding immediately by rolling sideways with a soft grating sound, into a slot in the left side of the cavern wall.  Revealed within is an expansive chamber, roughly hexagonal in shape.  Inside are numerous drones, and several of the large robotic units as well, all piloted by the diminutive Mari'Oneks.  While some are clearly laborers, the majority are definitely researchers, many wearing the tell tale ubiquitous lab coats, or disposable clothing over their own.  The western side of the room is crammed with equipment, only some of which is recognizable to Luke.  The entire west wall itself is filled with  enormous monitors and blinking computer panels, and odd barrel like cylinders that are clearly holographic projection devices.
   On the eastern side are a group who seem to be running some sort of tests on various unidentifiable items.  They study large holographic readouts and huddle around what appear to be some sort of laser emission devices.  Behind them is a transparent window, through which can be seen a vehicle of some sort, surrounded by a purple halo of light...

   Luke is now aware that ALL of the people in this room have now stopped and are looking in his direction.  Behind him the alarm still wails, its warning echoing through the complex...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Thu 16 Feb 2012.

"Oh Good Move Einstein! Now what you want to do? Send the whole complex an engraved invitation? Not me, thank you very much! Me? I think I'll pick going through the gateway I just opened instead. At least there's fewer guards there. If you want to stay, you can hold the gate device if you want. Maybe you can send a few of your uninvited party through, instead, but not where I'm going ok? Anybody else with me?"
 She wedged the gateway gun onto position using the unconscious guard's body to hold it in place. If the others wanted to join her, she'd grab it up and take it with her again.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 02:34, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

Luke looked at the crowded room, then held out his hands in a conciliatory fashion, "Sorry to bother you, folks.   We have a problem with intruders, as you may have guessed; but don't worry, we're on it.

Just ... go about your usual business, eh."

Then, with a nervous smile, he backed away from the door, hoping it would close.

Whether or not it did, he turned and ran back to the others.

The girl, apparently quick to criticize others for anything she could, was preparing her flight from this place; for she was apparently also as quick to leave others behind as to criticize them.
"See'ya then," he said, curtly to her.

He turned to the big guy that these puppet-guards had been riding: "Sorry, which door did you mean? And where are those prisoners that you spoke of?" he asked, stooping to avail himself of a tangle-gun from one of the other guards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:35, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

" That way." Rhic pointed back toward the main chamber.He handed out the tangle pistols he had and then began moving back down the hallway. Weapon held in a firm two hand grip. The muzzle of the weapon smoothly tracking to where he was looking as he advance in a smooth steady manner. His feet positioned ot keep his center of balance squarely between them.
  His movements and manner were practiced, confident and effortless a pattern perfected from hours of practice and far too many "Live Fire Incidents"

  " Stay behind me. Watch our backs I dout those fellows back there are just going to stand around."
  These don't kick to hard so aim just a little lower than where you want to hit.Don't jerk the trigger just give it little squeeze.

  OOC: This is a basic map of the complex.  You are standing in the long hallway just outside the large spherical chamber (although its more hexagonal in truth, but dimensions are about right).  The prisoners are in the opposite direction, in the rectangular room directly west of your position.  Let's say the  scale is about one square = 15 feet.

   As Luke steps back the door rolls back and locks in place.  He could not be certain if the occupants had reacted to the unexpected interruption.  Still it seems certain that more guards will arrive soon, as the alarm continued to shriek out its warning...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

   (NPCed) Goes after MoonChild quickly and calls after her, not trying to hide the tremor in his voice.  "Please, Miss wait.  I understand you're scared, believe me I am too.  None of this makes any sense to me either...but if there are others who've been taken I think we should try to help them if we can.  It just doesn't seem right to leave them.  We could use your help, all the help we can get, truthfully.  What do you say?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:36, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

The big guy seemed to be taking charge at the moment, and Luke was good with that; the man seemed competent (hell, watching him, Luke was impressed.  He seemed to be pretty professional. Maybe he was a cop, or prison guard, or something).

Luke didn't stay behind the guy, though. Nor did he get in front, but was about to step up beside, when an idea struck him.
"Hang on a moment," he said, as he reached down and grabbed the nearest unconscious guard by the scruff of his clothing.
They could see down the corridor to where the door was ... the door that the big guy said housed the prisoners they were about to try to rescue.  Luke couldn't see any guards there. And if that door had a panel like this one had ...

"We might need this guy to give us a hand getting in there".

As he, now, followed the big guy down the corridor towards the cells, he dragged the unco puppet-guard with them. Still, he kept this strange-assed weapon up, and watched behind them occasionally enough to maintain an alert vigil.

 "There's more of you guys? Why didn't ya all say so? Ok, but lets not get captured. We can always get more weapons and come back if we have to, with that gate thing, but if we're captured here, there's not much chance they will let us keep what we got just now."
 She reached down and grabbed up the gate thing and headed off after the others and Alexander. She wondered if the FBI guy was with them too?

   Determined to rescue the other captives, Rhic, Luke, MoonChild, and Alex make their way down the corridor, Luke dragging the guard along, which slows him up as the guard is dead weight.  Although it has been only minutes since the alarms began blaring, its only a matter of time before they discover where the group has gone and mobilize against you.
   The portal that MoonChild created winks out of existence as quickly as it appeared.  Apparently they do not stay open for more than a minute.  The tunnel seems oddly unoccupied at the moment, although other drones are seen running back and forth where the main hallway intersects with another ahead.  As the group approaches the intersection, Rhic sees a doorway not thirty feet in front of him that he's fairly certain is the one he seeks, although he's still feeling a bit lightheaded from his recent sickness.
   Suddenly there is a shrill shriek as one of the Mari'Onek, severing its link with the now useless host, launches itself from the guard's back, its long digits clinging to Luke's shoulders, its tail like spinal implant whipping up as it prepares to pierce the man's back!

10:24, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 8 using 1d20. Disjoined Mari'Onek spring attack.

Luke, I need initiative and actions please:)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Sun 19 Feb 2012.

  Rhic moved to the door and slid up next to it keeping hte weapon up and ready and then trying to see if he could peer around the edge of the door. He was fairly certain of his choice which meant he was most likely going to run into guards and the puppeted time traveller soon.
  He checked the latch and waited till the others caught up to him.He wanted some back up, or better yet some folks to foirce the guards to split their attention.

- rolled 10 using 1d10+2. Initiative.
- rolled 8 using 1d20. Attack: grab that little bugger.

Luke nearly shat himself. The 'shrill shriek' caused his head to snap around just in time to see the miniture black worm racing up his arm like a face-hugged on steroids.

Dropping both the unco guard and the tangle-tazer, he swore blue murder as he tried to grab the little bugger.

Luke was starting to get weirded out a little by all the craziness in this place ... this strange-assed Doctor Who / Aliens scenario.

   Luke manages to grab the one foot tall bulbous headed alien by the neck, who responds by biting his hand hard, its hate filled black eyes glaring back at the human holding him!

22:11, Today: LoC rolled 5 using 1d10+1. Mari'Onek init.
22:20, Today: LoC rolled 3 using 1d3+1. Unbonded Mari'Onek bite damage.
22:12, Today: LoC rolled 3 using 1d20. Unbonded Mari'Onek bite attack.


   Rhic walks forwards and looks at the door.  It is a similarly circular door made to resemble the rock of the cavern.  Beside it is a touch panel, similar to the one that opened the other door at the opposite end of the corridor.  As he looks around, however, he notices the hallway that crosses the T section the group is in is being blocked off.  Door are slowly coming down from the ceiling to the right and left, sealing off the hallway, and one is also coming down from behind which will leave the group no other way to go except forwards...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Tue 21 Feb 2012.

 She noticed the doors too, and tried to use her portal device to make the door disappear...if she can.

Luke cursed. With his free hand, he grabbed the little black bastard by the back of its head/neck, so that it couldn't bite him again.
The injured hand then grabbed its horrid little tail.

With the bugger secure, Luke held it up to face level and said, "I hope you can understand English, fucker, cos the next time you hurt me, I'm gunna rip that fucking tail of yours off, and watch you slowly bleed to death".

He then turned his attention to his fellows, "So, we going in?".

   Moon Child activates the portal device once more, pointing it towards the door.  It does create another vortex, but fails to remove the door or cause it to vanish.  It merely creates another hole to an unknown location once more, swirling and floating in the air, awaiting use.  She notices this time that it stays open for far less time than the first one did, less than a minute in fact.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   "We understand mak'zilk speech of the hew-mon.  You surrender now, kavukat, or soon dead you will be!" the Puppet Master squirming in Luke's grasp hisses in a shrill voice, his words laced with a language Luke does not understand, though his tone implies their meaning is not pleasant.  It makes no immediate move to strike him at the moment, however.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Wed 22 Feb 2012.

 " Nothing to do but go forward. Rhic began to manipulate the controls by the door into the chamber the others had been held in..
  He was niether a tech or a professional hacker. But There was nothing else to do but try and bypass the controls..." Bring that zombie up here and lets see if his hands work these controls.

Luke continued to hold the little black bugger by the back of its head, so it couldn't bite him again.

With his other hand, now with a bloody bite mark and growing bruise, he dragged the zombie over and pressed its palm against the control panel, as the big guy had requested.

Without a weapon, he hoped his three allies could cover whatever situation they found on the other side of the door ... but noted where his own dropped tangle-tazer was, for a quick scoop-up if needed.

   Inside her incarceration tube, Charlotte perked up, closing her green eyes for a moment, her fingertips pressed against the transparent walls of the container.  Quickly they snapped open once again and a quirky smile spread over her young face.
  "Look lively gentlemen," she said quietly, but with barely subdued excitement.  "Our cavalry has arrived, and its certain they're none too soon."  She looked around the room at the number of drones, guards, and robots that might be used against them.
   "Oh dear," she added, a note of anxiety colouring her Irish lilt.  "This could get very ugly indeed.  I think we shall need a distraction."

    ALERT! ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT!

   The stone door rolls to the side as the previous one did, revealing a roughly rectangular room, in which a dozen or so puppet guards, non-bonded Puppet Masters, and a few large unoccupied labor bots are present.  Five stand at the main computer station, a semi-circle composed of three consoles, in the center of the room.  One guard stands to one side of each of the four occupied incarceration tubes (where Malcolm, Nijad, Charlotte, and Simon are clearly visible) and three more are working on panel along the far wall.  On the North wall, above the work area is a suspended metal walkway where three more human drones can be seen, armed with some sort of rifles.

   | -------------------------------------------------------------



               D ( )(Mal)(Char)(Nij)(Sim)( ) D




LEGEND: | is the rear wall; D is a human-drone; P is a Puppet Master; xxx shows the main computer console; (character) is a captive in a prison cylinder; ----- is the suspended metal walkway.  BOT is a currently unoccupied Labor bot, like a powered exoskeleton.

   You are currently in the doorway.  The guards initiative is 5 this round, they are preparing to attack, having been on high alert for several minutes now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Sat 25 Feb 2012.

 " Someone watch behind us, stay behind something!" Rghic warned as he brough his weapon uup the muzzle snapping directly in line with his eye as he squeezed the trigger aiming at one of the rifle armed Drones. He kept as much of himslef behind the cover of the door frame as he could.
  "watch out gfor the rifles on the walkway!"

14:48, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 10 using 1d20. to hit tangler pistol.
14:47, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 7 using 1d10+1. init.

  (NPCed) Scared out of his mind, Alex nonetheless stepped forwards and squeezed the trigger on his Tangler, firing off another few rounds.  He could tell his shot went wide, he'd been aiming at the nearest person he could see.  He could also tell that he was almost out of ammo.  He had a spare clip that he'd picked up from the guard, but would he have time to figure out how to put it in?  He wasn't a soldier after all, and had never wanted to be.  And he could clearly see the prisoners the man named Rhic had spoken of, trapped inside some sort of glass tubes.  If he could just get to that computer console, he might be able to do a lot more to free them than he was likely to with any weapon.

10:27, Today: LoC, on behalf of Alexander De Marest, rolled 13 using 1d20. Alex ranged attack.
10:26, Today: LoC, on behalf of Alexander De Marest, rolled 6 using 1d10+2. Alex initiative.

   Her eyes grew wide and she pressed up against the glass like wall of her prison, a glow spreading across her face.  She recognized the sort of geeky man in the rear of their rescue party; she nearly leaped for joy.

   "ALEX!  Shut off the main power, love.  That should release the magnetic locks and we can all get the heck out of here!"  She didn't care who heard her now, the guards were too darned busy to concern themselves with the captives just now.  She followed Alex's gaze as it came to rest on the semi-circular control unit.  He'd read her mind, as always.  It wouldn't be long now, she thought, then had a sudden realization that almost made her cry. "I'm going to have to stop Imirrhos from using my knowledge to understand time travel.  I can't let that ego maniac have free reign to travel where he wills, who knows what kind of damage he could do?  I'm probably going to have to murder myself!  My other self at any rate."  She knew that meant she'd be separated from Alex yet again, but there was no other way that she could see...

 She looked around and couldn't see much she could do, so she went over and started flipping switches on the control board. When that didn't seem to do much, she took her branch and started whacking the computers all to heck, knocking some completely off their stands, the others she just bashed as badly as she could. She even smashed in the screens. They'd have to bring in all new equipment now by golly!

As the door opened, the scene was revealed to Luke and his compatriots.  As the big guy and Alex moved in with their tanglers spitting, Luke sprang into action.  He didn't have a Tangler, and didn't waste time picking up the one near him.  He simply launched himself a a run into the room and swung a fist* at the puppet-guard near the prisoner cells.
           that fist just happened to be the one holding the little alien creep; who would now be crushed?!?


- rolled 9 using 1d10+2. initiative.
- rolled 11 using 1d20. Attack.
- rolled 5 using 1d3+3. Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:24, Mon 27 Feb 2012.

   The entire room very quickly erupts into chaos!  Luke sprints across the room, and clobbers the nearest guard beside the prison tubes, smacking him repeatedly with the Puppet Master in his grasp, who was unable to attack before he was bludgeoned into the hapless guard.  The guard staggers backwards, dazed.  Shaking his head, he surges forwards and swings his own ham fist at Luke and gives him a few clouts of his own.

20:50, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 4 using 1d3+1. Prisoner Drone's damage to Luke.
20:49, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 5 using 1d20. Prisoner Drone's unarmed attack on Luke.

   Rhic's shot hits the mark, the bursts of silvery balls exploding into sticky webs that wrap the drone up like a mummy before he can make use of his rifle.  The drone falls backwards, his weapon clattering to the floor.  Rhic has two attacks left with his Tangler.

20:58, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 18 using 1d20. Drone on walkway's luck roll.

   Alex's shots do go awry, as he suspects, splattering against the wall, as the drone by the computer dodges to the left, preparing to rush him.  The computer is being manned mostly by Mari'Onek and a few drones, but they do not look to be armed...

   Moon Child sees sparks fly as she bashes the computer panel and two of the Puppet Masters advance on her and grab onto either of her legs!

20:50, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 8 using 1d20. Puppet Masters' grapple on MC.

   The Drone by the computer rushes towards Alex and tries to pummel him senseless, but the computer geek is far to scared to stand still and let himself be hit.

21:56, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 14 using 1d20. Drone's unarmed attack on Alex.

Two Drones with blaster rifles shoot at Rhic and Alex from the walkway.  Both shoot ineffectively, Rhic having soft cover from the door way, and Alex having a good bit of luck.

22:09, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 10 using 1d20. Drone on walkway's ranged attack.

   For Malcolm, Charlotte, Nijad, and Simon, they can now see the battle unfolding before them, and Luke fighting with the guard beside the empty tube closest to Simon.

She turned her attention to the two little guys who were attacking her legs.

Luke kept pummeling the guy. After all, one couldn't now just turn around and wander away.  That would be just rude.

rolled 7 using 1d20. Beat on the bloke.
rolled 4 using 1d3+3. Damage.

  Rhic shifted targets smoothly. the impact of the blaster rifles on the door frame not enough to rattle him yet. rifle fire was rifle fire, even if it came from a weapon way beyond what he understood.
   He aimed at the second rifleman and pulled the trigger. the range was a bit much for a pistol but the light recoil was making shooting a lot easier. He planned to keep shooting at the same target until he managed to hit him then shift to the third rifleman.

07:35, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 10 using 1d20. attack two
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:12, Sat 03 Mar 2012.

   Alex runs to the computer, firing off his last rounds of Tangler ammo at the drone trying to attack him.  He hits the drone in the face with a spray of tiny nodules that quickly envelop the hapless human, rendering him immobile.

09:27, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 16 using 1d20. Drone luck roll.
09:27, Today: Secret Roll: LoC, on behalf of Alexander De Marest, rolled 4 using 1d20. Alex ranged attack.

   Rhic manages to hit the drone on the walkway with a spread of Tangler fire taking out yet another assailant as it falls over the railing and onto the floor ahead of Rhic, its rifle clattering down nearby.

09:36, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 20 using 1d20. Drone on walkway's luck roll.

   Luke's flurry of punches take out his opponent, easily overwhelming him until he falls to the floor, unconscious before he lands.  A second guard, however, the one on the opposite end of the tubes, rushes up from behind...

   Moon Child swings at the two creatures clinging to her legs, but misses they are small and hard to hit without injuring herself.  As she is trying to beat off her attackers, she notices the computer screen she smashed is sparking, and now bursts into a small electrical fire!
   Suddenly there is a voice inside her head, a female one...


   The remaining drone on the walkway gives up shooting at Rhic and runs off towards the end of the stairs, he scrambles down the metal stairs and up to the closest inactive labour bot...

   Luke's attacker comes from behind, trying to bash him in a cowardly fashion. but Luke's natural instincts allow him to dodge the clumsy attempt

09:57, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 17 using 1d20. Prisoner Drone's cowardly attack.

   One of the Mari'Onek on Moon Child climbs to her hip and slinks around behind her, attempting to force possess her into becoming its puppet drone.  Its tail like cybernetic appendage whips around like a scorpion, but it cannot seem to get into position.
   "Stay still ngarzk hew-mon, you will be my willing slave!" It hisses.

   Seeing its companion will soon possess Moon Child, the second Mari'Onek springs from her leg over to the computer panel, with a cry of alarm and tries to put out the fire.  "What have you DONE, ignorant hew mon?" it screams angrily.

   Inside the prison cylinders, Charlotte closes her eyes, her brows knit, jaw set firmly as she leans up to the edge of the glass like shell, her hands pressing against it lightly...

Luke turned from his vanquished foe in time to parry an incoming blow from yet another assailant.  But his reflexes kicked in, ducking under the man's swing and coming up hard into the guys jaw with a massive haymaker.

Luke had been in enough fights over the years; most of them bar brawls.  And contrary to popular belief, he HADN'T started most of them.  Like that time when he was down in the "Titty Twister", a strip club in the middle of a desolate part of Mexico; now that was the strangest bar brawl that he had ever experienced. He still wasn't sure, to this day, if those things were some kind of vampires, or just something that appeared close enough. But then again, if it's close enough, does it really matter if it was or it wasn't? As they say, 'if it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it's probably a duck', right?
He'd often wondered whether his mate, Sex Machine, had survived that night or not ... Luke hadn't seen him again since that night.


Of course, reminiscing wasn't helping right now ... so Luke refocused.


- rolled 7 using 1d20. Defend myself.
- rolled 6 using 1d3+3. Damage.

 She flailed and smashed things with her branch as sparks flew, smashing buttons and knobs as a voice filled her head. She noticed a red button with a strange s shaped letter on it just as her branch smashed down on it, but she doesn't really have time to note much more as she tried to get the alien things off her legs. They really creeped her out! She tried once more to smash them with her stick.

   OKAY, going to do it this way, since things are getting a bit crazy.  I need one player to roll me initiative for the group, and I'll do the same for the baddies.  That will make everything easier.

- rolled 7 using 1d10+2. Initiative for Team Fantastico.

  First come, first served:)  Thanks Luke, that saved me from rolling a 1d4 and going alphabetical...lol:D

21:59, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 7 using 1d10+1. Drones/Mari'Onek Init.  TIE goes to the group with the highest init mod, so players win the tie:)

   Need an action from Rhic I believe:) Then update tomorrow.  I can tell you though that the prisoners are free as of this round.  Stay tuned.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:21, Mon 05 Mar 2012.

  Rhic could see people were having problems. The woman at the controls was giving the console and the puppet masters at her feet hell on heels. The Other fella was giving the drones three kinds of hell with his fists, Rhic smiled a mean, and humorless smile as the guy laid into them again. He shouted in a voice that would bring tears of joy to a Drill instructor long resting in what ever place they went to. Give em Hell Boys! Stay on 'em!"

  Seeing the drone racing for the robot brought a memory to mind, a clear summer day, high clouds filled with hundreds of contrails. a wide grassy field below dotted with tents, and hangers and rows of aircraft. Me-10rs Fw-190s, and gun pits sending up a sleet of tracers as he powered along just above the ground. It wasn't some video or home movie, he could feel the vibrations of the big radial engine the P-47 mounted and smell cordite, hot oil, and his own sweat. He felt the texture of the tape wrapped around the control yoke to give him a better grip and then his finger moved. the thunder of .50 calibers and the added vibration as eight of the guns began to spit rounds into the parked aircraft.
  Even at 400 miles an hour he could see the expression of the German pilot as the plane he was racing towards was torn apart by heavy rounds. the less than friendly gesture at him had made him laugh, and wish the pilot a nice day with his free hand and one finger on it.as he pulled up and headed skyward to avoid the two Me'109s that were dropping out of the clouds to invite him to a dance.
   The big engine roared as he slammed the throttle to the forward stop, and he felt himself growing heavier by the second as he gained attitude to get room to maneuver and put some distance and the fifty guys on the ground shooting at him.

   Almost as if guided by another person his hand shifted targets from the sprinting drone to the robot he was trying to reach. His hand steadied as he pulled the trigger and unleashed a stream of pellets at the robot. If it worked he'd give the others the same treatment, if he didn't he'd go for the drone after all.

06:37, Today: John Rhic Rhictor rolled 4 using 1d20. attack on idle robot.

   Alex (NPCed) sees the creature crawling on the young lady's back, trying to take her over like they did so many other unfortunate people.  His expression turns grim as an unaccustomed anger fills him, and he screams out as he smacks it with his now empty Tangler pistol:

   "Let her go, you shriveled monster!" he shouts as he whacks the thing as hard as he can.  The creature screeches then swivels its head to cast a hateful look at Alex.

06:27, Thu 08 Mar: Secret Roll: LoC, on behalf of Alexander De Marest, rolled 6 using 1d20. Alex pistolwhip attack.

06:50, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Alex pistolwhip damage.

((More to come tonight.  Sorry but O.T. has been kicking my ass.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

"Get it off! Get it off! I don't want to get possessed, please get it off!" She raised her stick to try to jab it off her back (if no one helps her soon). She'd rather die than have that thing take over her body like some slug from Star trek!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Fri 09 Mar 2012.

   AS soon as Moon Child mashes the over ride button, all of the tubes lift upwards, releasing the captives.  Malcolm, Simon, Charlotte and Nijad look around at the chaos unfolding before them.

   Luke's opponent staggers from his blows, but the mad gleam in his eyes proves he's possessed and unable to control himself, so he fights on.  Luke easily avoids his frenzied and desperate blows however.

22:28, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 11 using 1d20. Prisoner Drone's unarmed attack.

   Rhic's tangler attack on the robot causes it to be wrapped in black tendrils, like a giant mummy.  The drone, surprised, rushes to the one beside and prepares to climb in, touching the front face to release the lock.  Rhic discovers his Tangler needs a new ammo clip (which will take an attack, and thus a turn for him to change).

   The Puppet Master on Moon Child's back lashes out at Alex, surprising the computer nerd with a slash from its cybernetic appendage.

22:19, Today: LoC rolled 3 using 1d3+1. Mari'Onek damage to Alex.
22:18, Today: LoC rolled 2 using 1d20. Mari'Onek attack to Alex.

   Moon Child is unable to shake the ugly creature from her back, though it seems ready to spring at Alex now...

NEW INITIATIVE

OOC: Malcolm Laurence rolled 3 using 1d10+2. Group Initiative!!

ooc:
00:22, Today: Moon Child rolled 19 using 1d20+2. init.

Is this one initiative for the group? In which case, Mal got in first, so I stand by his result.

   Yes, sorry, we'll continue with group initiative at this point, and so take Malcolm's since he got in first.  The baddies have initiative...

18:37, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 4 using 1d10+1. Enemies init. So they get to beat on you first :P

   The Drone being chased by Rhic jumps inside the opened Labour Bot and slams the hatch with a resounding click.  Rhic can see him touching various things within the 'bot'

   The one on Moon Child's back springs at Alex, but apparently he saw it coming, for he shifts surprising quickly to one side and the creature flies past him, landing on its feet and turning to face him with an angry screech.  The computer console behind them blossoms from a sparking fire into a leaping flame!

20:33, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 16 using 1d20. Mari'Onek attack to Alex.

   Luke's opponent battles on, though he looks ready to drop. He staggers forwards and tries to land a series of blows to Luke's midsection and face.  He actually manages to fake Luke out and gets a solid blow to Luke's jaw that spins his head around and has him seeing stars.

21:06, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 1 using 1d20. Prisoner Drone's unarmed attack on Luke.
21:14, Today: Secret Roll: LoC rolled 3 using 1d3+1 Prisoner Drone's unarmed damage on Luke.  Doubled for natural 1= 6 pts damage.

   Rhic can hear the sound of more people running just beyond the door...

   Nijad, Simon, Malcolm, and Charlotte are currently unengaged, but they notice that most of the Puppet Masters, and their Drones, are either incapacitated or engaged by other folks you do not know...except that Simon and Malcolm have both seen Moon Child before.  She is over by the computer panels where the entire panel is now on fire.

   Suddenly a huge holographic image of False Charlotte appears, hovering over the burning computer, a satisfied smirk spreads across her young face as she takes in the scene around the room.  "I KNEW YOU WOULD RETURN TO FREE YOUR FRIENDS.  YOU ARE PATHETICALLY PREDICTABLE MY OLD ENEMIES!  FIGHT ALL YOU WISH, I HAVE MORE PUPPET SOLDIERS THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY DEFEAT..."

In the instant that it takes Malcolm to notice his freedom, his mind snaps back to him, having taken every insane thing he's seen up to this point. He knows a bad dust-off when he sees one, and this is a big one.

Turning to the wounded red-head next to him, he half-yells, half-commands, "Where's your vehicle! We gotta get outa here! Now! Can you travel!"

Malcom steps off the prison cell tries to help Charlotte down, then looks for something like a gun, because he knows he's gonna need one.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Sun 18 Mar 2012.

   "Certain I am he's lying,"  says Charlotte smugly to her newly freed companions. "His own race was all but destroyed years ago, and Puppet Masters can't possess more than one sentient being at a time, so his resources are more limited than he pretends...can't be more than a hundred at most...of course, he could have made an alliance of some sort, if he'd had any real cunning at all, but no need to worry about that..."
   She watches with satisfaction as the holographic image bristles at her words, and then her gaze falls on Alex.  She regards him affectionately for a brief moment, eyes glistening as the tears begin, then she turns abruptly away and takes Malcolm's proffered hand, nodding in agreement as she steps down.
   "I can walk, thank you. I'm much better off than I was.  Unfortunately I'm pretty certain my ship is being scanned and analyzed in a secure chamber somewhere close, and is likely surrounded by an energy field to prevent anyone from getting to it.  Malcolm we have to get everyone out of here.  We are trapped in this room with no other means of escape and we will be overwhelmed eventually.  Moon Child!  She has a Trans-Portal Device.  We may be able to use it to get to where the ship is being kept, if we can find out which room its in."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 13 Mar 2012.

Luke was staggered a little by the last few blows the puppet-drone got into him, and stumbled backwards a bit.
The return blows he attempted were not good ones.  But even as he flailed, Luke's senses were returning.

15:31, Sun 11 Mar: Luke Statton rolled 18 using 1d20. Attack.
15:31, Sun 11 Mar: Luke Statton rolled 4 using 1d3+3. Damage done.

 She jumped back suddenly as the console erupted into sparks and flames, and the creature on her leaped for someone else. Her eyes were only for the electrical chaos of the console though until she wrenched her gaze away to notice the freed prisoners. Then she moved toward them with the intent to get them out, now that her FBI agent was freed, along with his companions.
 "Lets all get out of here while we can! I think I can open a gate if need be, but not sure how to control where it goes!"

   Moon Child runs over towards the prisoners, Malcolm sees and retrieves an odd pistol like weapon from the one guard Luke took out earlier.  Alex, being somewhat less than a fighter, takes his opportunity and runs from the angry alien fiend, following Moon Child.  Charlotte likewise heads towards Moon Child and Alex, as do Nijad and Simon.  Only Rhic and Luke still struggle with their opponents.  As Rhic's focus is drawn momentarily to his right, as the door crashes open and at least a dozen armed puppet soldiers stand at the threshold.

Rhic please roll group INIT.  Bad Guys init 7

"Do it! Any place is better than here!" Malcolm shouts at Moon Child with a weird, militaresque, commandie sort of voice.

"Everyone! We are LEAVING!" Malcolm stands guard over Moon Child so that she can work the device and anyone who might shoot her would hit him instead and begins to lay down severe cover fire down the portal where the group just burst in.


OOC: If we get to go first, we can all make it out before they go. If not, we have to survive their assault first. Malcolms actions are more for flavor that me trying to go out of turn.

  " Get that gizmo to Charlotte...the other woman...She knows how o use it." Rhic urged as he snapped off a few blind shots. He moved toward the others. As he did he aimed for anyone who looked as if they might be giving orders. barring that the first puppet who made a move would be his target.

'Crap'  thought Luke to himself, as the door crashed inwards to welcome the new party guests.
The odds were way to huge now.   But the prisoners were free, and it seemed that a plan of escape was already in the works.
The big guy seemed like he needed help, though ... but if they could all congeal into one spot, that strange Dr Who portal generator did seem the best option for them all.

Instead of continuing with fisticuffs against the possessed gentleman before him, Luke simply plowed forward in a shoulder charge reminiscent of his old gridiron days, in the hope of simply knocking the possessed aside, and getting Luke closer to the point of congealment.


11:54, Today: Luke Statton rolled 6 using 1d20. Continue the offensive.
11:55, Today: Luke Statton rolled 4 using 1d3+3. Pummel the guy.

21:09, Yesterday: Secret Roll: Moon Child rolled 10 using 1d10+2. group init

She waits until everyone is near her then gives the gate device another attempt, trying to open a vortex for everyone to escape through.
 "Go through! I'll hold it as long as I can!"
21:40, Today: Secret Roll: Moon Child rolled 40 using 1d100. success.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

{ Rhic's to slow; Moonchild scoops up the ball and makes a play ... }

((LOL!))

{OOC: Yes she did, YAY Moon Child.  We'll go with that for group initiative and let Rhich do it next time.  And yes 40% is sufficient to activate the portal device under the current conditions}.

   As the companions and freed prisoners rush towards Moon Child, Malcolm lays down some erratic cover fire with his blaster, causing the troops entering to quickly find cover or step back from the entrance for a moment.  Moon Child  points the device, touches the sequence panels, and a swirling portal blossoms in mid air, causing the air around it to shift and waver, though there is no indication where it leads to...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:12, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

"You first, Company Man!" Malcolm yells to Rhictor, "and get Charlotte with you!"

"Come on everyone, GO GO GO!!"

 Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis is leaving the building."Rhic sprinted for the portal. He simply threw Charlotte over his shoulder and slung her in a rough but effective firemans carry. With his free hand he held the goo-blaster ready as he sprinted. as he left He raised his hand in a farewell wave.

   Charlotte gasps in surprise as John tosses her over his shoulder like an old potato sack and runs for the vortex.  She slaps his back with her palms to get his attention, her voice stuttering as she is bounced along.

   "Rhic...please pu..ut me d..down.  I...ca..an't go!  You...ha...ave to go..with...out me,"

 " Are you out of your mind Lady." rhic asked bluntly. He paused ducking behind some cover." I don't have time for heroes right now, You stay you die, or you get you;re very own back moneky... What the hell are you thinking?" He asked putting the pistol up over the cover and simply pulling the trigger as fast as he could in the direction of the door.

   Charlotte nodded, though Rhic couldn't likely see it. "Yes, I am out of my mind, and yes I'm sure, Rhic," she added firmly.  "I can't let Imirrhos keep my body, or he'll gain access to my memories sooner or later.  And he can't keep my time ship either.  If he learns the secrets to limitless travel throughout time and space there will be no end to the damage that maniac will do.  Its my fault he's here, well my future me's fault, but I have to fix this, even if it means... well I just need to stop him!  But you need to go, so he won't have access to your abilities.  Believe me, Rhic, there's no other way.  I'm sorry.  But you will see me again, that much I know."  She kissed his cheek quickly. "Now put me down pronto and get your arse out of here!"

  "Damn, I hate it when women are right," Rhic grumbled sounding more amused, and impressed with her, than angry." Okay take this." he handed her his pistol favoring the rifle he had picked up.  "Get yerself killed and I'll find you some time and Kick yer shapely arse, which will no doubt confuse the hell out of your other self."  Rhic grunted as he dropped the woman on her feet, shouldered the blaster rifle and ran for the portal.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:39, Thu 22 Mar 2012.

"Come ON! I don't know how long this gate will stay open! Hurry up!"
 She frantically waved for them all to go through. If they make it, she will go through last.

Luke joined the exodus from this scene, hoping the next would prove just a little more less violent and energetic, at least.

For some unknown reason, he felt the need to duck as he stepped through the portal.

   Nijad and Simon waste no time rushing through the portal, Alex takes one last curious look at Charlotte, then looks to Moon Child and jumps through as well.  With Luke already gone as well, that leaves only Malcolm, Moon Child, and Rhic to go.  Behind them they can hear the sounds of blaster fire, the frustrated shouts and curses of a mob of drones, and the screams of Imirrhos, his insane ravings reverberating through the chamber:

   "NO, NO THEY CANNOT ESCAPE AGAIN!  FOOLS STOP THEM; I WILL PERSONALLY KILL EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WHO ALLOWS THEM TO GET AWAY!  THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE, STOP THEM NOW!  CURSE YOU, CHARLOTTE. YOU INTERFERING WITCH!  I WILL HAVE THE SECRETS OF THE LORDS OF CREATION, AND THE MARI'ONEK WILL RISE ONCE MORE!"

   "You've given us no choice, Imirrhos," Charlotte groans, straining with the effort as, arms widespread, she struggles to keep the glowing wall of energy radiating from her hands from collapsing.  "Cry all you like, you've lost them now!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Thu 19 May 2016.

Grabbing Moon Child's free hand in his, holding her close so they won't get separated and so she can steer him, Malcolm rushes backwards through the portal, firing cover fire the whole way.

  Rhic made for the door out. He didnt like leaving anyone behind. freinds, OR people who had shot at him. But, every once in a while he had to leave something unfinished for a while.

"Last call, all aboard!"

 She grabs at Rhic's arm as they go through, pulling him through with them as he dashes toward the portal, while keeping him out of the line of fire. As soon as they are through, she releases the trigger button of the gate device, hoping it shuts off before anyone else can go through behind them.

   You leave the chaos, the bizarre alien body snatchers, and the enigmatic Charlotte behind as you all enter the swirling nexus of light.  Where it will exit you haven't a clue...

   Congratulations, you've survived the first adventure, as crazy as it was, you made it through.  Before going on to the next adventure though, its time to give out some well deserved...

EXPERIENCE!

   Everyone gets 40 xp for the first adventure.  For those who have never played LoC before, at your current level, ten xp gives you 1d6 to add to one Attribute of your choice: MUSCLE, SPEED, STAMINA, MENTAL, or LUCK:)  This will change your PERSONAL FORCE (which gives you a few more skill points) and your modifiers, and possibly your PHYSICAL as well.  I'll help you to figure it all out, don't worry.  If your personal force, goes beyond 10, then you will become second level and gain a new special ability and your first power slot.

so is this a 1 time 10 xp per adventure? Or what? You don't exactly say.

   Everybody gets forty points of experience for this adventure, Moon Child.  So you get forty, Malcolm gets forty, Rhic gets forty, Luke gets forty, and we'll save Simon's and Alex's for when/if they return.  PM me and I'll show you how to use it:)
   Let's move any further discussion of experience and leveling up to the OOC thread, so I can keep this one open for big scary spooky bad guys hideouts.  After all, they are people too.