Upon hearing the gunfire, Israel mutters, "That's usually not a great sign. We'd better check it out." Then, with what he hopes is a dramatic flair, but probably isn't, Israel tries to disappear into the shadows to explore the sound. (Stealth 3 + Roll 2 = 5)

And Since I don't know which I'll need:
(Alertness 1 + Roll -1 = 0)
(Investigation 2 + Roll -1 = 1)

I'm going to try an assessment of the area (Page 195).  I'm going to guess that there should be an aspect along the lines of "Buildings provide nice shadows" on this area.
If I'm right, I get to 'tag' that aspect and use it once for free, since I'm the first to discover it, or allow another player to use it for free.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 31):

(No need to roll this time, probably best to give the +2 to Jacob.)

As you head down the street, you see another set of 3 tied up, but this time a fourth person is standing next to them.  Obviously not one of the dealers,this guy is dressed  almost entirely in white, and even has a cape on.

Greetings brother!Well, sorta brother, _{you should really reconsider Jesus...}He clears his throat and regains his heroic stance.

I appreciate your support in this fight against the forces of evil, and can only imagine you appreciate my help in your duties! If you would be good enough to arrest these evil-doers I shall go and smite the remainder in yon building!

You have got to be kidding me.
"Shalom, um, brother. Can we hold up on the smiting jut a bit? Maybe head into the banter and dialogue section first? Maybe an Origin story summary, or the like? Cause I'm a little confused as to who you are, and what the frell is going on here."

He pauses, then adds for good measure, "And let's make sure we skip over the 'heroes misunderstand each other and fight' section.  I've never been a fan of those myself."

I'm scanning the area while trying to talk to him, while trying to talk to him.
Studying costume, guesstimating age, fitness, sanity, paranoia, etc.  Watching to make sure no hidden drug dealers pop up out of nowhere and launch their own attack.

(Investigation 2 + Roll 4 = 6  Now that's more like it!)
(Rapport 2 + Roll -3 = -1) And now its gone...)
Ok, fine let's use a fate point. Using my aspect about talking to make sure I don't spook the guy, so I'm gonna reroll Rapport
(Rapport 2 + Roll -2 = 0) And I guess I shoulda just taken the +2)

<OOC>Sorry, internet was down.</OOC>

On your six, Levy.


I head down the alley behind Levy with my weapon shouldered, muzzle down until Israel stops and I see the scene ahead.


Uh, Levy?  Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 33):

I know it's hard to believe, shoot, it took me several weeks to muster the courage to do this, but it was meant to be!My name is Alec Shaw, and I'm 26 this August. I know you think I'm crazy, but you've seen the proof yourself! I pray and God reveals to me where to go, where I'm needed.  I haven't even had to fight anybody yet! These guys? I charge, a bright light shines, and they sit down like they've been poleaxed!  Bullets stream by like they can't get near me! I was an athlete in school, still in shape, more or less, I have decent money.  the point is, I've had faith, but never life changing faith until recently.  I realized that to whom much is given much is expected so I got rid of my life's superfluities,  and dedicated my life to serving God!  That night, I felt...energized, strong, like I was at long last on the Right Path! I started to glow, and that's when I knew God's plan for me!

He sweeps his arm towards the downed thugs, then points along the way to an old building 3 blocks away.  A building where you notice 6 windows, each with guns pointing in this general direction.  His face grow serious, and a strange light shines within his eyes.  As he speaks, his voice is the same, but stronger, more confident, and, somehow, enriched.

Rapists, murderers, drug dealers, they have had a strangle hold on our city too long.  God has heard the cries of the people, and, like Moses, has raised me up to free his people.  Do not look at me like that brother, I do not think myself as great as Moses, but when called, did he not also try to convince God he was unworthy?  God replied He had made him that way, prepared him for the job ahead.  The same with me, He has chosen me to aid the faithful, smite the wicked, and spread His GLORY!!

And with that the nutter's off down the street, charging the building, where, naturally, you hear the shattering of glass and the firing of guns.  Watching him for a moment, you realize this guy is no bolt of lightning...but he might be bullet proof.  Nothing has hit him yet, and they've certainly had opportunity.  Maybe their collective aim is as fried as their collective brains?

In reply to GM (msg # 35):

The kid's going in! Williams! This is your show but our asses are on the line too!  We can't let Jiffy escape if he's in there! Do we hold and see what the kid does, which could get him killed, or do we go in?

No, let's get in there!  If we don't go in and he can't handle it, they're gonna waste him.  Let's move!

Jacob charges forward, his M-4 on "rock 'n' roll" and lets rip some covering fire.

Can't fault him for enthusiasm, but enthusiasm don't mean jack if you're dead.

Guns (+3):  6

"Oy Vey," Israel mutters under his breath and charges after "superboy."
Why do people always assume His Glory means beating the crap out of people?

(Alertness 1 + Roll 0 = 1) to access the room once I enter.
(Stealth 3 + Roll 1 = 4) to keep myself hidden before I act.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 38):

Williams! Don't ever let me doubt your ability with a man's gun!  Alright people! He's good, but time to join in and show him what we can do! Alpha, take out the top windows, Beta the lower, Delta and Gamma cover the exits.  Handle business but stay safe, I want everyone at the pub tonight for a victory not a wake.

(OOC yeah so Mike's roll opposed to my rolls, the highest of which was -1, means his cover fire was so awesome he probably intercepted a bullet in midair causing it to ricochet into another enemy's gun.  But despite the naked man suggesting otherwise, this isn't that kinda show, so he managed to rattle the guys in the windows and make them ineffective, and getting everyone close.)

The Force...forget it, Alec, stops in front of the building and yells,"Put down your weapons and surrender! Repent of your wicked ways!  Return to the path your mothers and grandmothers hoped for you!

As he yells towards the men in the building, Jacob hears a cop near him say to another,"Now that's nasty, bringing up a man's gramma like that, that's one loon who doesn't fight fair."

to Israel:  At first you think it a trick of the light, but Alec seems to be glowing with a faint white light.  You are reminded of the incident in Jerusalem, where you first met Rebekah and Set.  It doesn't seem to glow as brightly, but you were inside a poorly lit room and close, he's a little ways off in broad daylight so you can't be sure.  You can feel it though.  He has Faith.  The real stuff.

You also realize how it works. The aura that emanates from him is directed conviction.  If it affects one strongly enough, they stop fighting.

In reply to Felix (msg # 39):

Several men come out of the buildings unarmed, but from the sounds of yelling and cursing, there are several still inside.

Felix: No sign of Jiffy! You! where's your boss?

One of the surrendered thugs tells Felix that Jiffy Lube, cocaine king of Glasgow, can be found on the top floor of the building.(3 floors) he also tells you Jiffy ain't been acting right, even for him.

Israel, you've seen what I can do. I believe I should go in, but I will now acquiesce to the law.  If you wish me to remain here, I will, or I'll accompany you, whichever you think best. I will confirm for you, the man they want so badly is on the top floor, headed for the roof.  Be careful, he's killed cops before, for many of your comrades, this fight is personal, and I pray they will think clearly.

I hear "Cop Killer" and in some respects, I feel nothing.  I lost men in Iran, it's tough but you deal with it.  Sometimes all the training in the world doesn't mean a damn thing:  you get complacent, equipment sometimes fails even when it's meticulously maintained, some Hadji gets in a lucky shot, you zig when you should've zagged, or a million other things that can get you a ticket home on the black bag express.  Death is part of war, you get used to it.  And 95 times out of 100, the guy that wasted your buddy got capped immediately afterward.

Of course, with cops, you're not in a war zone.  You don't usually have to worry about IEDs, mortar attacks, snipers, or some guy with a falafel cart trying to grease you.  But if you're a beat cop, you're also not rolling with 4 or more other guys watching your back.  It's very possible that it's just you and maybe your partner.  That makes it seem a little more doable to kill that cop that's just pulled you over when you're carrying 20 kilos of coke.  The fewer armed guys there are to contend with, the better your chances of killing one of them and getting away with it.  So, from that perspective, I take it just as personally as any other cop.  I want to grab this guy and take him into interrogation, disconnect the cameras, and go to work on him so hard that it makes a blanket party look like a pillow fight.  Marines may all be brothers, but so are cops.  And you damn well don't cross either of them with your ass intact...


I push all those thoughts to the back of my mind, it's time to focus on the job at hand and muse on the philosophy of duty later.

Listen, Alec, I understand where you're comin' from.  You want to help, I get that.  You're sure that your faith will protect you, I'm not doubtin' that.  Not everybody that's goin' in there shares your faith, though, Alec.  If you go in there with us, some of these other guys that don't understand your faith may get hurt tryin' to protect you.  I think you've been a lot of help so far today, we're gettin' a lotta 3-Eye off the street thanks to you.  But you need to sit this one out and let us do our job.  If you want to help, stand over there outta the line of fire and pray for us.  And maybe say a prayer for that cop-killin' bastard up on the top floor while you're at it.  He's gonna need it...

I look at 4 of Felix's guys:

Alright, I assume you've been trained to clear a buildin', right?  Let's go get this prick.

I'm making a declaration that since Interpol's drug task force was on the hunt for these guys and wasn't expecting them to come quietly, they should have brought some tear gas and gas masks along.  So, before we stack up to enter the building, we're launching/throwing tear gas canisters in the windows and masking up before we go in.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Fri 29 June 2012.

Israel waves down Jacob and attempt to pull him aside before this thing goes sideways. "Whoa, Whoa, halt the train here. Can we talk for a second?"

Israel lowers his voice, "I'm sorry, but I think we're going about this all wrong, partner. Did you miss the part were 'Jiffy ain't been acting right, even for him?' This isn't your regular drug bust. There's something more here, I can feel it in my bones. I don't think storming the building is gonna work on this one. You send those regular cops up there and they WILL get killed, I can almost guarantee it."

"Also gotta disagree about Supes here. I've seen that glowing show once before - he's for real.  I would recommend the three of use go - and quietly. I can protect three of us to an extend, but not a line of cops. You bring up the others and I CANNOT protect them. I'm not that good, not yet."

"At the very least let me (or us) do some recon first. Please, I begging you, I've gotta bad feeling this guy is not what you think."

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 41):

Felix says with a grin Don't usually pack cases of tear gas grenades when apprehending superheroes?  We do, help yourself

Felix's men are now in familiar territory, raiding storehouses with armed hoodlums hopped up on anything that'll go up their nose being exactly what they've trained for.  By the time you've equipped yourself with the necessaries, they are in position, waiting for you to give the go-ahead.

(I am assuming both of you take one mask and one grenade each unless you specify otherwise. No big deal if you want more grenades, you can have up to 4, obviously, one mask unless you have  very good reason.)

Alec runs up to Israel one more time. Just so you know, the guys left inside are on some drug I've seen before about 2 weeks ago. The guys who just surrendered were telling me about it.  This is weird, but it lets you see things, they said, like they really are, it also numbs you to our reality, and can even show you things that will happen.  Just wanted to warn you.  Somehow, 3-eye isn't natural, and it's very dangerous, I think that's why I was being sent after it, to lead you guys to it, just be careful. Oh, and give this to your partner. He seems a good guy, if a little imposing and scary, I think this will help him.

He takes off his necklace, a silver celtic cross on a leather strap. The craftsmanship is good, the work of an intermediate being very careful. You can feel the prayers and faith that have worn into this pendant, making it almost feel warm to your fingertips, comforting. Running your fingers across the vines brings your mind back into focus. (+1 discipline when worn)

(Lore 1 + Roll 2 = 3) to link Three Eye with what little I know about the sight.

Israel hands the cross over to Jacob and says,"Gift, from Supes. He's also pretty much confirmed my suspicions that this stuff is magic, not your every day drugs.  I strongly recommend you let me go take a peek before you send people up there."

Israel's mind is racing and being bombarded by the image of his dead partner.
Last time I faced 'evil magic' Jeremiah and several innocent kids died. I will not allow that kind of thing to happen again if I can help it. He thinks to himself.

I listen while Levy explains himself:

Okay, takin' a civilian in ain't exactly SOP, but maybe you're right.  How about this, we let Felix and his boys take the little guys and we go after the Big Kahuna?  That don't keep us from tear gassin' these punks for cover.  Of course, that means Alec's gonna need a mask too.  I figure we go in the back and head for the top to deal with Jiffy while Felix's guys take care of the punks.  And in the interest of office politics and keepin' our division lower profile, we give Felix credit for Lube Job up there.

I fill Felix in on the plan, leaving out the magic type stuff (still not that sure if I even believe it, but I've seen some weird stuff today, so, maybe?).

I look at Alec and smile a bit:

Thanks, looks a bit like Mawmaw's old cross.  We ready to do this?

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 45):

Alec gets suited up with a gas mask and a grenade.  They start to put him in body armor but he turns it down.  No thanks, my friend, my faith will protect me.  Well, my faith and this chest plate a buddy of mine helped me make.  We put it through its paces and it held up pretty well. Reinforced kevlar. Fists and knives are pretty uneffective, and it takes a couple direct hits with standard ordinance.


Felix calls you over. Quick change of plans.  We got the blueprints of the building on this tablet.  Bloody brilliant if you ask me. You three go to the back, here's a stairwell we think we can keep clear while you take it to the roof, that's where Jiff and a couple of guys are right now.  I don't have to tell you how important this one is to us Williams.  You need help, call for backup, he can't get away, not again.  Choppers are in the air, headed this way, use your radio and direct them if he tries to run.  One last thing, we need him alive.  Dead is almost as bad as not catching him.

You get in position, everyone is ready and in place,but the clock is ticking. The command is given, and Interpol and local swat launch the gas into the building. The raid has begun.

Israel looks at Jacob "Best to keep that radio away from me...just in case."

He heads up the stairs, as stealthy as possible.
(Stealth 3 + Roll -3 = 0)

Copy that, I'll grab a shotgun and some beanbag rounds so I don't accidentally perforate the dirtbag.

I head up the stairs as quietly as possible with Levy and Alec.

Stealth:  3

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 48):

The three of you move up the stairs which used to be encased in a steel frame and glass.  Most of the glass is long broken, hanging from the rusted, creaking frame in broken shards.  The near deafening sounds of gunfire and screaming nearly drowning out the squealing of the shaking metal steps as you head for the top as quickly as you dare go, guns at the ready, sweat threatening to pour down your face under the masks you are wearing.

Nearby, you can hear the ragged breathing of Alec Shaw.  Faith or no, this is far beyond anything he has experienced before.  You have been trained by some of the best forces in the world, but Alec is a computer geek and comic aficionado.

Below you, nearly thirty feet down rusted jagged metal, broken shards of glass, and the fog of tear gas, you can hear the fight already nearing its end, finished almost as soon as it began.  You hope they find the drugs, but from here you can see little of the rest of the building.

At last you reach the door leading to the roof.  Although it is normally kept locked, it is, now, cracked open just a tad.

Fellas, there are 3 people outside that door.  I think two are watching it while the third is checking for an escape route.  I think it best I go first, the two of you follow, and apprehend them, I'll draw their attention long enough for you to do your job.  Before you argue, Israel, I know what I'm doing.  Faith is dead without works.  This is my moment.  I was led to all this to help you two, I believe that fully. God will save me if He sees fit, or will welcome me home if He does not.

Alec says a quick prayer, and puts his hand on the door. Ready?

I mumble a quick prayer of my own and stack beside the door, ready to charge in behind Alec.

This is different, I'm used to being the point man.  I hope Alec knows what he's doing.  Well, if he doesn't, I have to trust that God does.  Lord, watch out for him, he may be kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

Alright, let's get in there and show these turds who's boss...

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 50):

Alec throws the door open and charges through.  As the door opens bullets begin flying your way.  Jacob, being directly behind Alec, sees a bullet slam into his chest, but he pushes on, bullets seemingly unable to find him.

(let me know your tactics, I'll handle most of the rolling so we can hopefully finish this encounter today)

As you exit the door leading to the roof, one gun-toting thug is to your left, one to your right, and Jiffy is ahead of you, but further away, almost an A formation, but by accident. Jiffy is also darting his head, looking for an escape route.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:01, Sat 30 June 2012.

(At my parent's for Holly's birthday, hence my absence today)

Israel uses his blasting rod to send a blast of force at the groups legs - specifically Jiffy, hoping to drop them all to the ground before they can act.

Using 3 shifts
Discipline 3 Roll -1 = 2 + 1 (from either my rod, or amulet, I don't have my sheet with me) making it 3 (whew)

I drop 1 mental stress. If I beat their athletics, they take 3 + However much I beat their roll to the legs.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 52):

(OOC Well poop!)

The two thugs are hit in the legs by an invisible force erupting from Israel's blasting rod.  The resulting impact throws them face first into the floor/roof, and knocks the guns out of their hands.  Alec is moving a little slower than normal, but is working to tie them up.

Jiffy Lube was far enough away to avoid being tripped.  You can't stop me! I'm the King of Jiff! And I got this new stuff!  I see you with your magic tricks! Thinking you're God's gift!  Let's see what's inside the packaging!

And with that Jiffy opens fire. (Gm rolls athletics for Jacob, who goes all Matrix dodging the bullets. Israel throws up a shield and deflects the fire easily.)

Jacob moves into range and sends a blast of bean bag rounds from his shotgun.(-1 +3=2
vs. -2+2=0, damage =s 2+3=5, 5 > Jiffy Lube)

Jiffy goes down, and hard.  To the casual observer, the likely hood of him ever having kids now is not a safe bet to take.  For that matter, you aren't entirely sure of the odds on how long before he can speak coherently.

Several minutes later you are on the street, a paramedic looking at Alec's shoulder, which took a grazing(he took 3 damage but his armor is effectively DR 2, which means 1 which I translate as flesh wound).

He's sore, and exhausted, but will be ok.  Ariel is on her way to pick him up where he will be escorted to Sergei.  What the future holds for the young man is beyond your kin, being unable to read the mind of your boss as yet.  Something tells you you'll see him again.



Felix approaches Jacob. Look, we were all impressed with ya' back there.  I called Sergei, and if it's alright with you, I want your help tracking this stuff.  He OKed it, we just need you to say yes and you'll be part of interrogating this junkie, and following the trail closer and closer to the source, whadda ya say?

(OOC:This is more or less how I'm explaining Mike's absence in the first half or so of the next episode.  BTW, this is an official refresh spot.)

"That...was easier than I expected. I can't believe a simple plan actually worked. When does that ever happen?"

"If you're dealing with interrogations, I guess I've got to handle Jabba the Blue. Joy of Joys."

Presuming Jacob is riding back with Jiffy and Felix, I take the car to go hunt down a naked blue fat man.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 54):

To Israel: Before you go Alec calls your name. Agent Levy! I wanted to thank you for everything, you, well, reluctantly gave me a shot, and I hope I proved myself to you.  Not that I want to do that exactly again.  Anyway, I wanted to do something to show you how much I appreciate what you've done for me. One of the blessings God has given me,_{you really should reconsider Jesus, by the way,} is to locate people, or where to be, that sort of...oh, here we go, you need to stand right over here...I've no idea why though...

Alec physically moves you to stand a few feet away from where you were, facing ina different direction.  As the words to the next question begin to form on your lips, an officer bumps in Alec, who falls into you, causing you to tumble several steps backward, into the path of a very blue, fat man, who is now wearing sneakers and a look of surprise as he collides into you.

...

Jacob gets into the jeep with Felix,honestly feeling better than he can remember.  A drug dealer off the streets, a very large stash of multiple drugs found and confiscated, and several new friends as he enjoys the camaraderie of Felix and his taskforce, planning the inter-divisional cooperation, not to mention calling dibs on who buys which round at the party tonight.

Suddenly, a bleak streak runs by, and it and Agent Levy disappear.  While this is most alarming, suddenly an elderly woman rounds a corner muttering I am sick of this s**t! while packing a high powered rifle.

Betty White yells Which way did he go?! Bah, doesn't matter, I'm Gonna Kill That Blue Bastard!


To be continued...