Kirby saw the ancient musket ball hurling at speeds well over Mach 1, much faster than sound. His vision was uniquely apt for this task, the ability to see a fireball hurling through the night, yet realistically a kinetic flare barreling towards them.  He pointed Max in the direction of Aeviternus...seconds were precious.




Max it is your turn, then Xuan, then Orlando.  Please be aware that it is possible to delay actions and move strike ranks around if you wish.

Max followed Kirby to his waiting position on the aircraft hanger deck. He focused on the point Kirby pointed to, trying to get a bearing on Space Ghost.

Max wondered what Aeviternus was thinking at this moment. A being of centuries lived, did he know what fear was? If so, what did he fear?

Max scanned and scanned,but was unable to locate Aeviternus's flight path, nor locate his person...stress and torrential wind conditions in the plan seem to have Max shaken up a bit. Max all the while continued to try to locate Max, no one was doomed yet...


Xuan, then Orlando GO go go go!

ladies and well...ladies looksie here.  Each person should subtract 1 from their combat actions in the combat thread.  don't create a new post, but edit that one.  That way we can flip continually to that spot for everyone. Also if I have given you any modifiers either way negative or positive put them in as well with a discription. We will use these tables as quick flip chart character sheets to be able to adjust since our regular sheets are locked...and I heard them say in response...we're men, men in tights...

Max lowers himself to one knee and begins throwing up. Anyone within ear shot or eyes on Max realize something is drastically wrong.

Max realizes that if he can't pull himself together, Aeviternus is in trouble and John will soon have to go into action.

Looking over at Max, Xuan felt a pang of anxiety as he watched the other man wretch. His position remained unchanged however. It wasn't that he held no sympathy for him; if there were any way in which he could have aided, Xuan would have offered it. The pressure he was under combined with the movement of the plane couldn't be easy. But the mission had already begun, which meant that the clock was already ticking. If Max could not perform his duty, it was up to Tsunami to step in as backup.

There was small comfort in that this was not a dry run. The drills had Xuan playing the role of Aeviternus, leaving less rehearsal when it came to Plan B. If this backup plan were required, Tsunami needed to be focused, ready. As he stepped closer to the back of the plane, Xuan found himself checking his rig and harness for what must have been the 20th time since he'd secured it. Equipped with a parachute and a cable nearly 100 meters in length, he was more than a little uncomfortable, but the necessity of it was paramount for this particular exercise. Success was always aided by elimination of possible failures, according to his Masters. So far, Xuan was consistently unable to find fault in their wisdom. It had been years since he stopped looking. He wasn't about to start now. No, now he was looking for a human missile.

Next to Max, Xuan avoided stepping in the vomit and placed a hand on Max's shoulder wordlessly. Whether it was more for Max or himself, he wasn't entirely certain, but he hoped that Max could take the gesture for which it was intended and gain some strength from it anyway. Eyes peering into the night sky, Xuan began to manipulate his Chi. First, his Inner Eye opened to aid his search for Aeviternus, or at least his energy. Unable to see in the dark, it was possibly the only way he'd find the intended. Next, he ignited his Chakras to boost his speed and strength. Tsunami would need every bit of it in order to maneuver, capture and hold his target in the current conditions.  The last Chakra to lock into place gave him the ability to change his center of gravity, which he'd need if things became less than desireable. Well, even less.

With everything in place, Xuan stood resolute, watching and waiting.

Ok, Tibbs, push up your sleeves and get to work here, we have humanities conundrum falling from the sky, home  run hit from space, time to put on the mitt "say hey kid." The deep chiming bell rang in his own head, a silent breath in, and blocked out everything but his focus, Orlando started his inner chant, magic used incantations to help focus energies to come into being, when practiced enough one could focus without words...Walking over to Max he put his hand on his back as well, but for another entirely different reason.

Their  bond became electric, Orlando's touch steadied both men, sending a sense of reassurance, Orlando delved into Max, pulling with magical energy a force that he had seen his friend use; he would only be borrowing his friends ability, the bond made this easier. it only took a moment, Orlando knew what he was looking for, still holding on to Max he focused the Magic energy, unseen by human eyes, a force of power surged through Max steadying him, a force that made him feel strong and intoxicated. Once Max was imbued  he turned to  each man in turn. Orlando could see it, his eyes were stark white, a smokey snake-like cloud of colors that fused to each man. Orlando's power shot out entering each body filling them with power. "Stay as close as you can to each other. If we separate my spell will fail. Will be fine in the plane but will loose it when we jump. "


Ok, John and I will need to subtract 10, and Max 5
Everyone will get to add +40% to there character to skills. Seeker also said this will negate the resilience fail if you had one, still granting u +40%.

Through his "sight", Aeviternus could see the team behind him still a great distance off, wihtout the ability to see their plane yet, so that they appeared to be flying themselves from his perspective.  He knew this body, every fiber, and therefore he could tell easily that the suit Malcohm provided was assisting a great deal in his efforts to remain as he was.

Which is falling... no... jettisoning toward the earth.

He focused his attention on his core, controlling his limbs and therefore on his attempt to avoid a tailspin.

OOC- Delaying initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sun 13 Jan 2013.

Kirby looked toward the sky aware that Max was struggling with something, but it looked like Xuan and Orlando were helping. He had to put that from his mind and focused on the task at hand.

Rehearsal was the first time Kirby had ever used his skill for effecting movement on something as big as a man. That had been taxing, and Xuan hadn’t been moving nearly as fast as Aeviternus was now. Kirby swallowed hard and reached toward the sky. With Orlando’s strength flowing into him Kirby was able to see the energy exploding off of Aveiternus with amazing clarity. Each of the thousand purple and green translucent energy strands was distinct. To Kirby’s eye Aveiternus was mummy-like, each strand wrapping around his body with its tail trailing in the wind behind has he hurled toward earth. Kirby had never seen more than a hundred strands of energy before. It was a frightening and beautiful site.

Kirby had to act before fear could creep in. With his mind he reached into a crack between two strands with a fist-like ball; a movement his hand mimicked. Once under the shroud of energy Kirby threw open the ball to cast off as many strands of energy as possible. If this worked it should slow the plummeting man significantly.

“I think I’ve slowed him a little. Cool Hands, is he slow enough to start turning him our way? If not, try and slow him some more. Please.”  He placed his right hand on his temple, left hand still on the handrail, eyes cast to the sky.

Cool hands had trouble following where Aeviternus was, he still needed to pick him up.

Aeviternus saw the plane jet by at an incredible speed, the team defenitely had their timing right, apparently math was a good thing to know how to use. Now he felt almost as if he was being left behind as the plane flew away from his downward tragectory. His decent had slowed considerably as he placed his arms and legs wide to help wind friction slow him even more.

This next set of actions would need to make it all happen or Xuan would need to jump with his parachute in the back up plan.

Looking skyward it was now dark and the sun to the west left beautiful hughes of orange and purple on the horizon, a moment in time of utter rapture to the eyes, life tasted the sweetest when danger and beuty mixed together...and yes the after taste was bile from fear...

Everyone make an evaluate and insight check.  Place this check in a Private message to me.
After that it will be Max's turn.

Back on the ship...

Earl comes in to Aeviternus's room to make sure things are tidied up and that certain items are secure...

He picks up the black jump suit Aeviternus was to wear, huh...I thought he was going to wear this...maybe he thought his leather was all he needed...

...somewhere else someone sat with an amused and interested smirk on their face...

Lacking direct experience did not cause Aeviternus to lack the knowledge, so though it was with effort it was still thankfully with success when he expanded his limbs once more to slow his fall and gain a touch of control.  It occurred to him of a possibility that he could help the guidance onto the jet, perhaps becoming a falling magnet thanks to one of Avery's gifts.  However the trepidation at deviating from the plan combined with any number of variables he might accidentally cause stayed his hand in getting involved other than what he could accomplish with his physicality.

More importantly, he thought, Kirby mentioned we may have company on the ground of the unwelcomed variety.  These men will have spent much energy on this endeavor; it may be beneficial to be as prepared as possible to defend them upon landing...

If that were the case, it certainly would be the best possible scenario to not require Xuan to go fish.  The disciplined warrior's efforts would certainly be better placed on the possible fight.

Grim with determination to make this work he cleared his mind, ancient patience managing the mechanism.  Then he remembered Max's abilities to see beyond the flesh, to find and control with his mind.  He recalled the evening he had met them that the man kept referring to what he saw as an "it", inferring that he could see beyond the thug he'd temporarily existed in.

I don't know if the rest can see me, but I think I can make sure you do... he spoke to Max in his imagination.

Aeviternus pushed forward with his soul, allowing Avery to handle the position he needed to hold in the air just now, reaching out much faster than the speed of sound.  The spirit, while maintaining contact with the body like an anchor, flashed forward to seek out Max and confirm each other's location...

As Aeviternus soared through the air, his thought of more control seemed to effect the suit, causing small membrains to appear between his arms and torso and from crotch to knee. He immediately began to change course in the direction of the plane.

Kirby continued to track their plummeting friend with his eyes. "Hesa at da right speed now now. Turn him toward now.

Max stood to his feet, feeling invigorated by Tibbs magic. "Tibbs you do have a magic touch, thank you my friend."Max turned to John, "Thank to you as well my friend."

For many years Max thought it best not to depend on people to assistance him due to his disability. He thought it better to do things for himself. He found that this was only true to a degree in which one allows. Max found it beneficial to accept one's help, forming a bond of trust and a positive frame of mind in one's relationships. This team of men Max took in with was learning this every moment of everyday. Max thought this being another moment, another day...trust building in a positive way.

Through string energy Max could see Aeviternus. His energy was as bright as the sun. Max drew his vision upon his shimmering energy.  He whispered, "Here he comes."

With one hand on the rail and one hand on his crystal he delved deep into his string river. Changing the current of matter at the source of its journey. The storm rose and withdrew. Max focused his rising string energy towards Aeviternus. Now lets bring you around and into this great peaceful bird.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:38, Wed 16 Jan 2013.

They both see him. Good.

There was a small sense of relief in Xuan, knowing the two main drivers of this mission were seemingly in control now. They had a long way to go yet, so the relief was only marginal. But it was definitely a successful start. Anxiety still threatened to take control of Xuan, but he was keeping it at bay as much as possible, the internal storm always hidden on the inside while the outside remained a sea of calm.

Marvelling at the men at work, he looked to all of them, each in deep concentration. All of them performing incredible acts, but to the average observer they were merely staring out into the darkening sky. To Xuan's Inner Eye, there was a beautiful flow of energy within them, an increasing maelstrom of power. Beyond the men however, he could see nothing else. No streams of energy or wisps of power. He wondered if he'd ever be able to expand his sight to recognise and track their individual signatures one day. It was only a fleeting thought.

More importantly at that moment, he needed to find their target. The task was far from over. It is not done until we have him safely in the plane. Instead of interrupting them to point the human missile out, Xuan tried to gauge Max's sight by lining up behind him and casting his eyes in the same direction.

He must be getting closer. I will see him eventually. Perhaps even before he reaches the plane, he added to himself with a withering sense of humor.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Wed 16 Jan 2013.

Xuan saw him very quickly as a fast approaching man dressend in a uniquely prague-like dark suit soared into the back of the plane guided by Kirby and Max working together, landing on his feet and conscious the figure held still for a moment looking around. Xuan saw an energy about this man as well...everyone notice the wing-like membrains disappear into the suit as if water were reabsorbing.

The pilot was seemingly unaware of what had just happenned and spoke over the intercom a second or two later," Captain we are nearing the drop coordinates, ready your selves. "

The next phase went into motion...


We are still in initiative. Xuan and Orlando can go simultaneously.  Then it will be the top of the order again with CAs returned.

Well, I see him now, don't I.

Sarcasm wasn't usually part of Xuan's consciousness, but it crept in occasionally. The disappointment of not even seeing the man until he reached the plane had gotten the better of him, but the success of part one of the mission held his spirits high above it, and he couldn't help the small smile creep onto one corner of his mouth. Amazing, which is nothing to say for the odd suit he's wearing.

No time was wasted as Xuan grabbed the nearest parachute and brought it over to the new arrival.

"Xiàng hēi hè yōuyǎ de chénmò, tā de tǔdì." At the final word, he gave Aeviternus a Max-style raised eyebrow, then handed him the pack.  There were a multitude of layers to the comment, and Xuan wondered just how much the mysterious one would comprehend. Previously, he'd shown a great aptitude for the culture, so Xuan gave him the benefit of the doubt and left it there.

"Welcome back to Earth." Never thought I'd say that. "As time is of the essence, please allow me to aid you in securing your pack for a speedy departure. I am afraid your time freefalling is not quite at an end."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Wed 16 Jan 2013.

Whoa, hot dang, that's fast Earl jumped back a bit as Aeviternus cascaded gracefully into the plane. He picked up the other portion of the pack that Aeviternus would wear and helped Xuan attach it.  Orlando stopped and asked," Is it ok if I charge you magically, it's a boon that we all currently share? it will help us navigate down to the beach, but we'll need to stay close."

He was taken aback by the mask and goggles, thinking I wish I was wearing that going down.

Having flown plenty before, just never with a physical body, Aeviternus was spared the shock of achieving the impossible.  His glances around the plane were ceased by John's words, and with them approached the man as Aevitnernus turned to him.  Chuckling a little at what came in John's native tongue he responded with a bit of a wistful air as he looked down at the pack being offered.

"Hé hēi'àn wǔshì jiè tā de ké, tā xīwàng de huólì."  Raising his head again to look at Xuan he continued in English; "Thank you."

Aeviternus turned his back towards the men offering help and extended his arms to help the process be as quick as possible.  Tilting his head toward Orlando he replied; "Any help you are offering is entirely welcome and much appreciated.  Please proceed with all you're willing to share."

His eyes had gone back to normal, invisible behind the reflective shield before them as they looked at each man and marveled at what they'd already accomplished.  Nodding at Kirby and then Max while Xuan and Orlando assisted with his pack, he somehow felt a touch of friendship amongst them despite that his collective experience together with them could be counted inside of an hour.

Aeviternus flew into the plane unaffected by the jet stream of the stealth plane as it traveled at sub-sonic speeds, Max however had almost lost him completely as he got closer to the plane, it was good to have friends to enhance abilities.  Orlando's power had infused the group with extra energy and focused their minds. Now Aeviternus shared this boon as well.  Everyone's focus and movement seemed crisp and uncanny, allowing for precision unlike they had ever known. Everyone began quickly donning their next set of gear, Kirby had quite a bit of gear for them to haul, if they didn't make it close to the dock they would be in for a grueling back pack exercise. Each man was clad in black fatigues for night operations, they would be hard to see at night.  The team also wore ear buds with frequencies that would transmit up to 3 miles, being hidden in the the lobe of the ear gave the team an organized look, Aeviternus still wore his mask and  had yet to be fitted with his own set.



Everyone, Aeviternus's mask is still on, and he hasn't been given any of the ear buds.  You do need to pres a button to activate the head sets if you want to talk.  So you will need a hand free to use them. The team will need to make two athletics checks, one to jump clear of the plane, and one to hold into the correct fall pattern.  I will need 1 evaluate check for everyone to pull the chord correctly according to plan. Everyone will get a +8% to your athletics skill as Kirby has aided and will help people leave the plane.  Remember to give me straight rolls.  It is now Kirby's turn.

Kirby stepped over to help Orlando get Aeviternus suited up, examining the strange suit he was wearing as he did. “Where’d you get this?” He asked, as he inspected the pack he was placing on Aeviternus for the fourth time. Although the group would be able to hear him in their ear buds, Kirby yelled loudly so that Aeviternus could hear him as well, “R’member our ordah everybody. Tsunami, Cool Hands, Sky-fall,”  it wasn’t a clever nickname, but it was easier on Kirby’s mouth, ”Pythian, then me. We’re aiming for a small grassy-beach inside the harbor, north and west of all the sail boats. Just below the road. Pull your cord on ten afta leaving the plane.”

He had finished with the pack, and then handed Aeviernus, Sky-Fall, his own set of communications equipment.

While nobody could see the bemused expression under the mask, Aeviternus considered the handle and it's possible origins with a modicum of mirth.  Was it based on his arrival or could it perhaps be a belief of what his role in the group might entail?  Either way, now wasn't the time to ask and aside from that he found himself pleased with the feeling of inclusion the name provided.  With Kirby's help he wore the audio equipment and after much gesticulation obtained the assistance needed to turn it on.

He spoke tentatively at first; "Hello?"  Then, hearing his own voice and gaining confidence that it was working, pulled on the material at one shoulder and said simply, "Malcohm."

Max watched mindfully as the team helped Aeviternus with the new gear and concentrated on the task before the illuminated men.

Max waited for John to make his departure out the plane door. He thought one last parting thought or word.

With a smile and positive intent Max spoke. "Gentleman the next door of opportunity is open before us. We make our own destiny... our time is now...our friends are counting on us. Lets stay the course and be righteous in our choices!."

Kirby and Orlando were helping Aeviternus when he asked the simplest of questions, but they were shocked at what they noticed...

Black rubber-like fluid flowed from the suit up to Aeviternus' ears on both sides, while the neck of the suit rose to his jaw line.  The suit moved eerily and pushed out the ear piece that Kirby had just placed there...a simple electronic voice clearly projected through what seemed to be a speaker fashioned by the suit. Would you like to activate signal trace and duplicate? Would you like to activate symbiosis mode for advanced features...signal to Malcohm is not possible in "flex mode."

Aeviternus was taken aback by the movement of the suit and it's communication, the feeling of the liquid material entering his ear canal was not pleasant to the archaic interloper now known as "Sky Fall." Both Kirby and Orlando took pause at seeing the motion.

Disconnecting the line that tethered him to the plane, Xuan dropped it to the side and walked to the opening. He pulled on the straps one more time before turning around to say, "See you all at the boat. Hǎo yùn," he added with a nod. Though he spoke his own language, Xuan figured the intent of 'good luck' would transcend language. They were all smart men.

And then he stepped off and let the wind take him.

As his stomach rose to meet his throat, Xuan spun until he caught the lights of the plane moving away. Once acquainted with his place in the sky, he rolled to reposition himself, facing the ground. Then he began to count. Searching the lights below to find the docks, he allowed himself a moment to feel the joy of the freefall and the beauty of the city lights below. He felt that it couldn't be too dissimilar to actual flight.

One day. I will master feng as well.