1. Electrified chain-link fence, twenty feet tall.
2. Dirt road
3. Main Gate
4. Cultivated fields
5. Retreat living quarters
6. Livestock barn
7. Permanent personnel dwellings
8. Father Kinkaid's residence
9. Helipad

The nearest train station is in Washington, DC. After an uneventful drive (in one of the department's vans) the detective takes the lead entering the station. He quickly explains at the desk who they are, and after being informed that the train is expected to leave on time, leads further to a private lounge area in the station.
As the departure time approaches, the detective explains, "the department's recent cost cutting measures include using rail travel when travel time exceeds four hours. In practice, anything over two-hundred fifty miles away falls into this category. Air travel is only permitted when the destination is inaccessible through a combination of trains and automobiles. The guidelines also require us to use sleeper accommodations, and travel in groups."
"So, here we are. On the train, we'll have what they call a bedroom suite. We can discuss the case while on route. That should allow us to speak freely as it's notoriously difficult to put listening devices on these trains... don't ask how I know."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Sun 16 May 2021.

Bellissima showed up at the train, of course she wasn't in the catsuit she had shown up at the meeting in, wearing very loose flowing blouse and pants, wearing large sunglasses.  She has put her hair up in a complicated, secure braid with bangs hanging down to her collar bones to hide the length of her hair.  It isn't much or a disguise, but will keep casual observation from identifying her.  It helped that she was new to the heroine business and most people didn't even know she existed.  She was carrying a small travel suitcase that help several changes of clothes and her catsuit for action.

Seeing Det Broyko ahead, she strode up to him.  "Good Morning Detective Broyko," she nodded at the officer as she stopped.  "Looks like I am the first one here."  She looked around for any of the others, "Or will they be providing their own forms of travel?" She wondered curiously.  She had never traveled by train, but it should give them plenty of time to talk, especially since they would have a private area. "I have never traveled by train, before, this should be a new experience."  She smiled at the detective as he explained the new rules for travel.

Once it was time to embark, she would follow Det Broyko onto the train and to their suite, ready to discuss plans more, not feeling very confident about how she can help with what little she knew of the current plan.  At the very least, she could help Det. Broyko in his investigation.

When he arrives at the train station, he is dressed in an off-the-rack charcoal suit and red power tie, and is carrying a black leather gymbag.  He gets stopped a few times on the way to the track by parents with children who want autographs and photos, always obliging with a smile that hides his sharp canine teeth.  He is also accosted by two hate groups.
The first is anti-immigrant, yelling at him to go back to where he came from.  To which he smiled and said, I don't have any vacation to to go back to Tampa, where I was BORN.  Haven't you heard of iMDB or Wikipedia?  Look it up, dumbasses.
The other was a group of teenagers who did not identify as a hate group until they started yelling, "MUTIE!"  He turned to face them just as one was about to throw a drink at him, drawing back his jacket to reveal the bade on his belt and the holstered sidearm behind it.  Do you really wanna go to jail for assaulting a cop, kid?
A couple of station police walk up, asking Jacob if everything is okay.  A few more begin to arrive, and Jacob smiles at the growing discomfort of the teens.  Yeah, everything's fine.  These kids are just a bit misinformed about a few things.  I'm sure their parents will teach them the truth when they get home.  Yet, he knows the parents are likely even more prejudiced than the kids.  Luckily, the kids are not entirely stupid, agree, apologize, and make a rapid departure.
Afterwards, he thanks the station police, a couple getting autographs for relatives, taking selfies, hanging out a bit to talk with him as he heads for his train.
When he arrives where his fellow officers are waiting, he bids goodbye to the two officers who had walked with him.
He looks at Lt Broyko and the others, pulling out a small notepad from his inner jacket pocket.  I spoke to the post commander of Fort Riley, told him some of my coworkers were coming out with me, he says.  They want me to help stress test some new equipment, and want to try out a new containment weapon on me, see if I can break out.  That's gonna last three if four days, tops.  Now, he has a tour of the home of the First Infantry Division, "The Big Red One," for you guys, and a day of training with the post MPs if you want.  He has offered to let us stay in on-post housing for a whole week.  We will also have temporary IDs as civilian contracors, so there will be access to facilities, such as the enlisted club, the PX, the gym, and the movie theater.
He looks around at all the commuters for a few moments before continuing.  Fort Riley is only a couple hours East of the base, through Topeka.  He says you can find out all the good places to visit in either city from the troops, that there are more than you think.  The tour won't take long, but if you want to train with the MPs, that will be all day.  So, a week of free housing, free transport on post.
Off post, we'll need a rental car or two.
As they board the train, he adds.  Oh, the principals and the PTSA's of the on-post schools asked if we would give a lecture to the kids and some if the parents.  I sid we would, but, if you don't want to, you don't have to.  I think they're really hoping I'll put on a show for them.

On the way to the train station, Bellissima did stop off at the police station to pick up some of the suggested surveillance equipment that Justicar had suggested: Binocular with Telescopic Sights, Infrared Distancing Binoculars, Night-Sight, Thermo-Imager, Belt Radio, Pocket Vibration Detector, all packed into the Back-pack that was holding the long range Radio.  She had her smartphone to take pictures with, she had never been on a infiltration or stealth mission before.  She had two bags, her suitcase with her clothing and personal items and the backpack with high tech spying gear.

Bellissima blinked as Chimp Man Z shared his plan to go to Fort Riley.  Once they got into their private suite, she responded, "That sounds like a good cover for why you are in the area.  I will continue on to Dodge City with Det Broyko." She looked at everyone, "I am new to the team, no one knows of my existence yet, I think that will be very beneficial to our current mission.  I will be a wild card that no one is expecting.  And I can help Det Broyko with his investigation if needed." She nodded at the detective at her offer of help.

She looked at CMZ, "When and how are you expecting to make your approach to the Commune?"  She asked the chimp man curiously as she pulled up maps of the area on her smartphone to get a sense of where things are.  Of course the Commune wasn't going to show up on maps, but she knew it was a little over 40 miles NNW of Dodge City.  Fort Riley was over 200 miles east and Topeka was another 70 miles east.  Most likely the Commune did a lot of their shopping in Dodge City, it was the closest small city to the Commune.  Which made it the best place for her to start doing some recon of Commune residences.

With a smiling glance at Bellisima, the detective suggests a course of action. "I'll be visiting the local force, and attempting to retrace Nathan's steps. My assumption is he came through town and rented a car to drive out to the commune, stayed there a while, then had to sneak away and return to Center City. I'm betting he rode the rails to get out of Dodge City, but I want to keep an open mind on that."
"If I were in charge, I would suggest Bellisima accompany Chimp Man Z explaining her presence as a student of variant biology that is being allowed by him to study his physical movement."
"The other three can sneak into the compound to see something other than the public face of the organization. It's only a six foot fence, and any one of you could toss the other two over it. If you get bored you could swap stories about the great leaders the three of you served under."
"I think that's what I'd say if I were in charge. Because I probably would have read your files and considered where your talents and skills could best be utilized."

Jacob turns to Broyko.  I was planning on having Bellisima join me.  Her psychic abilities might come in handy.  When we get to Kansas, I was planning to call the compound and set up an "appointment".  Do we have files on their dogma and philosophy?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Mon 24 May 2021.

"From their literature, it appears the primary teaching of the Church is that of unlateral equality. All men, no matter what their differences, are equal. All other sources report varying ideologies, as if the church is whatever their intended convert wants it to be."

No one in town has a bad thing to say about the church commune. From some of the statements, it can be gathered that the church donates liberally to local charities and the people at the commune pretty much keep to themselves.
While Broyko digs deeper into Nathan Jonas's last days, the rented van is available for use in getting to the commune. How do the heroes approach the compound?

Jacob turns to Bellisima.  How about this?  You call the commune, saying that you are my publicist.  That I have been having some personal issues lately.  Since I am in the area, and you had heard good things about them, that you thought maybe they could help me in my "crisis of faith," since nothing else seems to be working.

Bellissima will borrow the van during the day while Det Brokyo was walking around and digging into the death of Mr Jonas.  She will drive around/past the commune as close as possible to get a look around the area to make sure she has an idea of where she can park the van that would be out of sight and still easy to walk to the fence.

She would also examine the overhead photos of the place that were provided to them.  She decided that she would approach the Commune from the west side, using the fields as cover while making her approach.

At 10 pm, she would drive to the Commune again, parking the van in the hiding spot she had found.  She would pack the Infrared Distancing binoculars and Night-sight into a knapsack across her back, while wearing the belt radio and hooking the Pocket Vibration Detector to her belt for warnings of any signal.

She will go in dressed in her black outfit with her mask over her lower face to disguise her identity.  Before she enters the grounds of the Commune she will use the Infrared Distancing Binoculars to look for any type of guards wandering the grounds of the commune.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

I am going without waiting, anyone who wants to join in, just write yourself in please. :)


Using her Photography skill to use the Infrared Distancing Binoculars to search for guards wandering the grounds.  2 mile range.
Photography skill: 60% target number:  Roll of 30%.
Infrared Distancing Binoculars: A high-powered optical enhancement device with infrared adjustments, cross hair indicator
lines, and digital readout of estimated distance and rate of travel. Range: 2 miles (3.2 km)

---

[Private to GM: 25 experience points to Bellisima for skill use]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:27, Thu 27 May 2021.

During his assisting of the weapons testing at Fort Riley, Jacob seems his normal cheerful self amongst the troops, entertaining and spending time with them.It is, however, during the combat testing exercises that something seems off.
In the previous two exercises in which he had participated, at Forts Benning and Knox, Jacob had been playful, teasing the soldiers about not being able to hit him, or hurt him.  Is that all you got, guys?
This time, however, he is less playful, more driven, more brutal and savage, almost as if he is taking it as a personal attack.  His retaliatory attacks go further than usual, seriously damaging some equipment, even destroying one MRAP, and causing more than a couple of minor injuries to soldiers.  When something is said in the after action briefing, he speaks forcefully and without apology, he explains that he was still fighting restrained, that someone with his level of strength, or stronger, and enhanced durability will not be restrained against them in battle.  That they would destroy He also suggests that, instead of trying to develop weapons to penetrate super durable hides, perhaps they should consider weapons capable of restraining him and others like him.
The shows for the kids, because even after the wargames, he can't just do one performance for them, go well.  He stays around afterwards to talk to the kids who want to meet him, taking photos and signing autographs.  That part of it has always been fun to him, something that has always made him smile, even when he had not felt much like being the friendly celebrity.
Afterwards, he joins the others, asking them what they had been doing, what they had found out.

"I'm about half through with retracing Nathan's steps, nothing unusual yet."
"According to local gossip, Kinkaid comes to the commune once a month and is, otherwise, absent. Billy Klang apparently lives there and has been known to do free concerts in the park, but he only sings church songs, now. Sometime this past week, Ty Miaksen came through on his way to the commune. That kinda makes me hope the church is legitimate. Miaksen taking down Marcus Rinks was one of the best fights I've ever seen."
"Anyway, I gather it's not uncommon for people to just show up at the commune, but it's rare for those that show up to be taken in. Nathan managed it by laying the groundwork at one of the storefront churches back home. It's rumored Rachelle Yu just showed up and Billy Klang recognized her from the Ultracop film she did with Johnny Cage."
"If you try it, be wary of the maximum range listed on the wires we brought. Transmission gets iffy at about two-thirds maximum."

Bellissima returned to the hotel they were based out of after her afternoon scouting mission of the Commune.  She had a couple of hours before she planned on returning to scout the Commune out during the night. Fortunately she meet with CMZ and Broyko. Nodding as she listened to what Broyko had learned about the Commune, especially the part about them rarely letting strangers enter the Commune.  "Det Broyko, is there a restaurant or place they seem to visit often that I can hang around at and doing a bet of mind scanning?"

She turned to the others, "I scouted out the Commune this afternoon and there is no formal guarding of their grounds that I could observer."  She looked down at the notes she had taken, "I noticed people working on the grounds in the field and taking care of their animals, nothing strange there." She frowned as she looked at the others, "They stopped often to meditate together and what was really strange was that they mainly communicated by sticky notes they stuck to the hollows of their shoulders.  They didn't talk to each other much and it looked like the sticky notes were collected by people who did no work but seemed to provide direction to the workers."

She looked at the others, "Communication inside the Commune was being restricted for some reason."  She found that very concerning, but she wasn't sure for what purpose though.  "I am going to observe the Commune during the night and see what goes on."  She informed the others as she readied herself to answer questions.

In reply to Bellissima (msg # 14):

"Nope. Billy Klang was recognized as living there because he's the only one that comes to town. Actually, considering the recognition factor, Jacob might have a shot at getting inside. At the very least I bet they give him a tour."

Do we have a phone number or email with which to contact the commune?   He pulls out his phone.  By the way, I was thinking of ordering from Anthony's Pizza.  What do you guys like?
He begins searching for the number, and the menu, for the military base staple.
Once he finds out what his companions want,he begins the order even as he begins to speak.
I have an idea of what to say, he says, that should give me an idea about where we need to go.

The commune has no phone number. None of the phone numbers of individuals that are known to be at the commune are available to the general public.

Bellissima arched an eyebrow at Chimp Man Z, "Are you still planning on going to the Commune and seeing if they will take you in?" She asked curiously.  So far everything she had heard didn't lead her to thinking that was going to produce any results.  Yes, he might get a tour, but it was only going to cover the public areas. Of course if they discovered that he was really investigating them, he might not come out the same. Of course with everything she knew about CMZ powers from the news, it was going to be hard to keep him from leaving when he wished to.

She looked at Det Broyko, "I find it disturbing that Mr Klang is the only commune member to come to the town.  That is some serious lockdown going on.  Plus with what I had seen about how they are communicating." 

Frowning in thought, "Isolating people like that is going to allow them to do serious conditioning without anyone knowing.  And it is keeps any accidental slips of tongue from leaving clues of what is going inside the commune."

She wasn't currently wearing her mask to hide her face, Broyko and CMZ have seen her face, but she was ready to step out of the room if the door was ever opened.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

13:41, Today: Bellissima rolled 38 using 1d100.  Bellissima Neuroscience roll (50).
Figuring out the ramifications of what she has learned about the Commune on the state of mind of residents.

---

[Private to GM: 25 points for skill use]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:00, Sat 16 Oct 2021.

Jacob looks thoughtfully for a moment.  Perhaps we could call that guy from the boat in the harbor to set up a meet with the head of the commune, the mutant suggests.
What was his name?  Ty something..., he muses as he begins looking him up on his phone to try to locate his phone number.  Ty Miaksen.  That's it.  Ty Miaksen.
Using his work password on a background checking site, he gets Miaksen's cellphone number, and address.  He quickly dials the number.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Tue 08 June 2021.

Ty Miaksen doesn't answer his phone. After leaving a message, Jacob gets a text from the ex-boxer saying, I don't fight, now. I'm with the Church of The Divine Harmony.

Jacob reads the text aloud.  Interesting that he thinks I want a fight.  I wonder how many people try to contact a retired boxer about doing one more prize-fight.
Not a prize-fighter, he types in response.  I never fight for money.  Maybe charity, but never for personal gain.  I want to ask about the Church.
Let's hope this opens some meaningful dialogue, he says as he send the message after reading it to his companions.

Bellissima was waiting to find out what result of this communication between Chimp Man Z and Ty Miaksen.  She was interested in seeing if Chimp Man Z actually gets an invite into the Commune.

Nimbus, who has been silently watching all and sundry, finally speaks. "Since I really don't have anything to add, here, I'm going to run out and get eyes on the commune. If I spot anything, I'll text back. If I don't spot anything, at least I'll know what sort of terrain we're dealing with."

It takes about a quarter of an hour before Chimp Man Z gets a response. But, his phone bleeps with a new text.
[Private to Chimp Man Z:

the text reads:

Klang: Z! Didn't I see you in Vegas!
Hey. You call me, I call you, no diff. I can fill you in on Divine Harmony.

]

Interesting, he mutters.  Klang responded, not Miaksen.
He begins to type a response.
I'm not in Las Vegas.  I'm in Fort Riley, helping the army.  Why are you responding, when I called Ty Miaksen?

Chimp Man Z's phone makes its incoming text noise.
[Private to Chimp Man Z:

the text reads:

Klang: Ty's with me. He's a good guy, but doesn't like to talk because he thinks people make fun of him.
But, we're both IN KANSAS, man. Please, answer your phone, dude!

]
Chimp Man Z's phone rings, the caller ID reads "Klang".
[Private to Chimp Man Z: If Jacob answers his phone, he hears the unmistakable tones of Billy Klang saying, "Hey! Chimp Man Z! Look, man, you don't know me but I know you. We're about the same age, ya know, and I first saw you when I was about ten. You were in the circus, man! I always wanted to be in the circus."
"Listen, I'm staying at this commune the Divine Harmony has outside of Dodge City. If you really want to know about the church, drop by and I'll show you around. Miaksen's here, too. What do ya say?"]

As Nimbus was leaving, Bellissima called out, "Want some company?"  She figured that ChimpManZ  didn't need backup at the moment and it was better that people in the field had backup. She moved to follow Nimbus.

With a quick shrug, Nimbus responds "sure, couldn't hurt."

He answers when it rings, his dial tone an iconic grinding, whooshing sound that signals the appearance of a ship in a popular sci-fi TV series from Merry Old.
 This is Jacob Davidovitch.  Go Ahead.
He listens a bit.  That makes me a little older.  I joined the circus just after I graduated middle school.  It's been a long time since I was in Vegas.  I think the curcus still spends a week there in the fall, three big-top shows a day.  Oh, believe me, running off to the circus is never what anyone thinks it is.  Lots of really hard work, even when you aren't performing.
You are at the compound?  Well, I'm here for a few days, got some friends with me who actually wanted to come out just because they've never been to Kansas.  Luckily, the guys on post have given me a list of all the fun places for them to visit in this state.  All six of them.  He chuckles.
Let me finish up here, then we'll come to Dodge and get a hotel, and I'll pop by the next morning.  That sound cool?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Sun 13 June 2021.

Bellissima nodded at Nimbus as she left with the other hero.  "I gathered a lot of the spy stuff Justicar suggested, so we can look at the Commune from a distance." She informed the other heroine.  "I drove by the Commune earlier today and watched them working a little bit and they are in serious restricted conversation.  The workers seem to be only able to communicate through sticky notes."

She held up the keys to the van, "Do you want to drive?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:16, Tue 15 June 2021.

"Sticky notes? That's odd."
"You drive, you know the way. I just need to look at the place."

Chimp Man Z's phone call continues.
[Private to Chimp Man Z: Billy Klang answers, "Tomorrow? That would be great!"
"Hey, can you do something for me? The people here at the retreat need a break now and then, and it's always uplifting when we can introduce them to someone special, like yourself. Would you be willing to sign an autograph or two while you're here?"]

Jacob chuckles.  I always have time to sign some autographs.  If you can have them set up a trapeze and a highwire, I can even put on a bit of a show.  He chuckles once again.  What time tomorrow?  Morning?  Or afternoon?

Chimp Man Z's phone call continues
[Private to Chimp Man Z: Billy Klang responds "Either one would be great. Just text me when you're on your way and I'll have them ready for you at the gate."
"I gotta go help sort the eggs, see ya tomorrow."]

Well, for there to be time for autographs and a bit of a show, a morning visit may be the best idea, Jacob responds.  I'll try to be there around ten.  See you then.  Have a good night.
He hangs up and turns to Broyko.  Fame does sometimes grease the wheels.

In reply to Nimbus (msg # 31):

Bellissima nodded at Nimbus as they got in the van and she drove toward the Commune, it would take them an hour from Dodge City. Her goal was to stop at the spot where she observed the Commune from earlier in the day.

She looked over at Nimbus curiously, "Do you mind if I ask what your abilities are in general?  So I know how to work with you better in case combat starts."  She was curious about the other person's abilities, especially if they were going to be working together.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Tue 15 June 2021.

Nimbus agrees with Bellissima's assessment, "Yes, it would be good to know each other's capabilities. Mine are easy, I transfer into an idealized version of myself with the ability to surround myself with a force field that lends me superhuman strength and durability. I can also fly, but not very fast, and I can see in the dark."

Bellissima nodded at Nimbus, "Combat wise, I can create a shield that can stop bullets and can pick up objects with my mind and throw them around at people.  Up to 100 pounds is relatively easy, but I can pick up several hundred pounds for short periods of time and I have a range of about 100 feet."  She bite her lower lip in thought, "Although this drains me, I can maintain my shield and throwing things around for about 10 minutes before I will be exhausted."

"I am trained in several martial arts styles and engage in hardcore physical fitness," she smirked and flexed her biceps to show off her muscle tone in a humorous way before she placed both hands on the wheel as she drove. She paused in thought, "Oh, something that might become relevant, I can can speed read and have total recall." She glanced over at Nimbus, "And as I revealed back at base, I can read surface thoughts, for information gathering."

Nothing new occurs at the commune compound.
Detective Broyko expresses a desire to run down leads in town and leave the commune to you.

Bellissima turned to Nimbus, "Seen what you need to see?"  After observing the Commune during the night to see if there was any patrols and finding none, the question became when was the best time to go searching the grounds to see if anything strange could be found.

"When do you think the best time to search the grounds would be Nimbus?"  She asked the other hero, "Tonight or wait until tomorrow and see if Chimp Man Z get any useful information?"

Good luck with those leads,detective, Jacob offers.  Hopefully I will discover something of interest at the commune.

Nimbus shakes his head, "let me get into the wind and see what I can find."
He stands in the grass outside the commune, his hands spread as if feeling for something. The slight breeze blowing about them begins to loft Nimbus, slowly. As he rises silently out of sight, he preforms small horizontal loops. Off in the distance, there are vultures performing the same aerial maneuvers, but the symbolism is lost on him as he revels in the freedom of flight. He allows himself to rise to about five hundred yards high before he turns and stoops. The distance renders him incognito, as it would take more than human eyes to discern that the creature circling above the compound isn't another buzzard. He's still close enough to the ground to note any oddities.
After no more than ten minutes, he returns to land by Bellissima, ready to report what he's seen.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Fri 02 July 2021.

Nimbus aerial survey gleans no more information than can be seen in the aerial map. If Chimp Man Z is to wear a wire, it isn't difficult to set up.  The equipment necessary to patch everyone into the signal is also there. Either Tyger or Detective Broyko would have the skill to set it up (Surveillance Systems).

AFter Nimbus shared with her what he saw when he floated up high into the sky, she frowned and nodded in thought.  "Sounds like we are going to have to do a physical investigation of the grounds to learn anything new."  She shared her thoughts with nimbus as she was looking over the Commune.

"The question is when do we go in?" She paused in thought, "I am leaning towards going in tonight, before Chimp Man Z goes in," she shared her thoughts with Nimbus.  "Of course we might have already lost the element of surprise.  With Chimp Man Z contacting them, they might be going into a lock down situation and hide everything especially diligently until they figure out what Chimp Man Z is up to."  She shook her head, this entire op was broken from a lack of communication.

"Of course if they are moving to hide things, tonight might be the best time to look, since we might catch them moving stuff," she shrugged as she weighted her options, she was leaning towards going in tonight.

"I'm not sure what to do. It looks like we'll have to go inside those buildings to learn anything more, and that could get us into real trouble. It's just that there really doesn't seem to be any visible security. That makes me MORE nervous about what they really have."

Bellissima nodded in agreement with Nimbus, "Yeah, this is just making me more suspicious about the setup here." She was tempted to search now, but more observation was probably better, just because they didn't see anything tonight, didn't mean there was anything to see.

Tapping her chin in thought, she turned toward Nimbus, "I have an idea.  How about we walk along the perimeter carefully, looking for any type of electronic security?" She pulled a device out of her backpack, "This is a signal detector, it can detect motion detectors."  She points towards the area of the fence that was farthest from the compound, "We can walk along there and see what we pickup and look for cameras."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
If Nimbus agreed with the plan, Bellissima would walk carefully up to the fence with her night sight goggles on so that she could see in the dark. She would walk carefully around the edges of the fence, seeing if the sensor detects anything and looking for cameras or other security devices along the fence line. Although she wasn't used to using night sight goggles and she was constantly adjusting them and trying to figure out what she was seeing in the green light giving.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

21:17, Today: Bellissima rolled 79 using 1d100.  photography, looking for security cameras by looking for best places to place cameras to cover the most ground and be hidden.

---

[Private to GM: 25 points to Bellissima for skill use]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:38, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

After at least one, perhaps several, circuits of the compound, Nimbus and Bellissima have to admit they can't find ANYTHING resembling a modern security system.

After searching the perimeter of the compound with Nimbus and finding no advanced security, Bellissima turned to Nimbus, "I think we have done all we can tonight.  We should probably check in with Z and find out what he has discovered and figure out what we plan to do tomorrow night." The tall brunette rookie heroine walked back to the van for the drive back to their hotel for a nights rest and see what is up tomorrow.

"You should probably take the van, I can get around without it. The extra surveillance gear is in the back of the thing, anyway. I'll expect a call verifying you're ok at least once every three hours. If I don't get a call, I'll contact the others and we'll storm the place."
"Good luck."
With that, the detective walks off on his tour of the town.

How about we make it text messages?  Jacob chuckles at the idea.  We can pretend you're my agent or my publicist constantly trying to keep track of me, he suggests.  Might be less suspicious that way.

The detective looks back at Jacob and smiles, "yeah. Text messages. There's no way those could be faked."
"Just call, you'll be surprised how apt people are to overlook someone on a cell phone."

XP marker
for posts thus far
[Private to Bellissima: fourteen posts = 70 xp]
[Private to Chimp Man Z: thirteen posts = 65 xp]
[Private to Nimbus: six posts = 30 xp]

Calls can't be faked?  So, cellphones can't be intercepted?  You can't hear half a text conversation.  Usually.  He knows he is right.  But, so is Broyko.  To an extent.
Fine.  Phone call it is.
[Private to SSOGM: Thank you.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

Bellissima had been awake to witness the discussion between Chimp Man Z and Detective Broyko.  she just shook her head, text messages could be faked much easier than a phone call.  You had no idea who actually wrote a text, just what phone it came from, but she choose not to say anything because Chimp Man Z had already made up his mind.

"I will be close to the compound to back up Chimp Man Z, Detective Broyko," she informed the detective incase something when wrong, she would be close by and ready to respond for an emergency.

She turned toward Chimp Man Z, "You should probably take something besides the van.  I have driven it pass the compound several times and it might have been seen by someone," she offered the other hero.

She would take the van out toward the compound, making sure Detective Broyko and Chimp Man Z had the number to her burner phone she was using for her secret ID.  She knew of a good place to park that was close to the compound but still out of direct line of sight, as hard as that was to achieve in Kansas, the place was seriously flat.

The Jewish superhero shrugs his shoulders.  I was thinking of having a rental dropped off.  It wouldn't do for me to show up in that van, anyway.  Thing looks like its last owner followed children around in it.
He shrugs again.  So, call my hovering "helicopter agent" once an hour.  Unless you want to just bug me.  Not a wire, but a planted bug.  Like in my cellphone.

Bellissima considered what Chimp Man Z suggested and shrugged, "I didn't grab any bugs, probably should have.  And even if I had, I am not sure you would want one."  She glanced up from looking over the information they had gathered so far. "If they are innocent, a bug is useless. And if they are guilty, then you don't want to be caught carrying a bug."

She pulled out a map and drew a circle around the compound and then a smaller circle to the south, "I will be in this area, make a commotion and run in that direction if you need help and I will see it." She offered to Chimp Man Z.

He shrugs.  I can set my phone to record.  Or, I can call and leave the connection open so you can hear and record everything.  A buttoncam would've been nice.

Bellisima has forgotten that Detective Broyko had a full set of gear in the van for someone to "wear a wire".

Chimp Man Z has also forgotten about it.
Nimbus may, or may not remember.
In any case, only Tyger and Detective Broyko have the skill to set it up.

Jacob could call the cellphone of one of the others, who could have it set to record.  He could also record it from his own phone.

Assuming Detective Broyko or Tyger set up the wire, everyone will be privy to what is said around Chimp Man Z. It wouldn't be too unusual for one or two people to accompany Chimp Man Z to the compound, anyone else that wished to be there can be assumed to have traveled to the edges of the place on their own power.
So, if everyone could indicate their location as Chimp Man Z approaches the gate of the compound, we will move on.

Bellissima traveled to the edge of the compound to be available for helping Chimp Man Z if he got into trouble.  She was listening into the bug Det Brokyo setup for Chimp Man Z ready to cover or help.

Letting the winds waft him skyward, Nimbus circles in the sky while listening to the wire.

Chimp Man Z and Divine (as Laurie, Z's personal trainer) roll up to the gate in a rented Taurus. As they approach from outside the compound, another vehicle comes to the gate from within. The gate guards ask, politely, that the Taurus remain outside the compound as the church discourages internal combustion engines inside. The SUV that stops and disgorges Billy Klang and Ty Miaksen is quiet with no exhaust, obviously electric.

Before Billy can greet the heroes, Ty rushes forward and says, "Mr. Davidovitch, I want to apologize for my attitude. I'd heard a lot about you, and you fit the bill of a number of people who've been harassing me since I hung up my gloves. You can't imagine how many ambitious young men think they'll make a name for themselves by knocking down an ex-champ. It's a real pleasure to meet someone that doesn't have that in mind."

Billy nods at Chimp Man Z, as if to say 'I told you so'.

The SUV is to carry everyone back into the compound to allow a look around.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:09, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

Surprised by the sudden apology by the former boxer, Jacob recovers quickly and extends his hand.  May I call you Ty?  Call me Jacob.  Me Davidovitch is my grandfather, and has no plans to ever leave Tel Aviv, he says with a chuckle.
Don't worry about me wanting to fight.  I don't do the exhibitions any more.  The matches weren't exactly fair.  He then turns to Billy Klang.  May I call you "Billy"?  I'm not very comfortable standing on formality.
He locks the rental with the remote fob, and pockets it, as he moves into the compound.  This is Laurie, my personal trainer.  My agent doesn't like me to travel by myself.  He gives a shrug.

Billy wastes no time in stepping forward to pump Chimp Man Z's hand, enthusiastically, while saying, "you kidding me! Look, man, chances are I'll just call you 'dude' or 'mate'. I'm not good with names. Ok, most names. I'll remember 'Laurie' rightly enough. Probably while I daydream about her face."

Yes, he does step over to Divine with an outstretched hand. When she responds, instead of shaking it he lifts it towards his lips (without making contact) and says "enchante' mademoiselle."

His pronunciation leaves no doubt that he doesn't speak French.

[Private to Tyger: As you prepare to head to the commune, you receive a call on your secure line from Colonel Flagg. He states that 'Harris is in Center City, near the marina' and that they want YOU to catch him (can't let information about the program become public). They've dropped a Skyhook package in a field outside of town (coordinates included) and they've got a jet ready to pick you up.
Although Flagg doesn't say it, it should be noted that Harris would almost certainly run into the heroes that were investigating the island.]
[Private to Bellissima: Oddly, you can see a transparent image of an elderly woman floating in the air in front of you.]
[Private to group Telepathy: Oh, no. You can't see her, can you, dear. Well, I don't envy the headache you'll have.]
PMs

Bellissima was listening in through her radio as Chimp Man Z meet with Billy Ty.  Things seemed to be going good and the two were happy to meet with CMZ, not something the brunette was exactly expecting. She did find it suspicious when they made CMZ and Divine leave their vehicle outside of the compound and drive up with an EV SUV.   If they were concerned about the environment, why didn't they offer to pick up CMZ from the hotel.  The distance from the gate to the compound provides a negligible benefit to the environment when compared to the drive out here.

She frowned as a ghostly elderly woman appeared in front of her, she was starting to get a tingling from her sixth sense, but it wasn't going full blast yet.  When she felt a telepathic contact touching her mental shields, she let it through to try to appear as normal as she could while jumping in startlement at being contacted telepathically. "Who's there!!"  She called out as she made herself look around for the voice talking to her and while she was looking around, she was also looking for big rocks or other heavy objects that she could throw if needed.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Hitpoints: 6, SDC: 56, PPE: 126

[Private to GM: Bellissima has Sixth Sense to warn her of an imminent attack, always on as long as she has PPE.
Mind Block - Auto: always on, she has to let telepathy and empathy in.

Pretend to be startled at being contacted mentally and pretend that she is unaware of the old lady hovering in front of her.
No skills seem to apply, using Mental Affinity: Trust/intimidate of 40%, ie get elder lady to trust that Bellissima is startled:
19:34, Today: Bellissima rolled 40 using 1d100.  MA Trust/Intimidate roll of 40%.]

---

After an ebullient admonition to move along, Billy tosses the keys to Ty and says it's his turn to drive. Ty sighs, rolls his eyes at Billy, and takes the driver's seat. Billy sits on opposite Ty, in the rear. They wait for the visitors to join them.
[Private to Bellissima: There has been no attack, yet, so 6th sense hasn't come in.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:10, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Jacob holds the door to the back open for "Lauren", then sits in the front with Ty, since he is the "guest of honor."
So, what is it you guys do here?  His question is spoken innocently, though it will be the lead up to many more.

Ty drives deliberately, definitely slower than the breakneck pace the machine took to get to the gate when Billy was driving. He answers Jacob while Billy tries desperately to make eye contact with Laurie, "you know, I didn't get it when I first got here. I thought it was a retreat where everybody relaxed and recharged. But the first thing they did, for me, was take me to a classroom. See, Father Kinkaid leads the church, but he can't do all the administration himself. When any church member decides to give themselves fully to serving they come here to work through the decision and learn the skills they'll need."
"Isn't that right, Billy?"

Billy reacts as if jolted awake, "huh?, Oh. Yeah! That's right, Ty."
"These are the people that handle the church's business affairs. Father Kinkaid refuses to register the church as a religious organization, or even as a non-profit. The member churches are required to be self-sufficient and the church organization maintains a swiss bank account. From the start, the father wanted everything transparent and NO ties with any public institution or political organization."
"He's really the greatest guy! When I'd lost my music, I thought I'd lost everything. I'm not sure where I was going when Father Kinkaid caught up with me. With his help, everything turned around. Without it, I don't know that I would have made it."

"It's good to meet you. Currently, Chimp Man Z and Divine are on an informal visit to the commune, which we believe to be involved with the victim's demise. Bellisima and Nimbus are outside, possibly circling the perimeter, listening in to the wire Z's wearing. I've got an earpiece for you, here, so you'll be able to pick up on that as soon as you're in range of the transmitter."
"If you can find Bellisima or Nimbus, tell them I sent you. I'll text ahead to say you're coming. Probably need to get going, this still feels like we're on the edge of disaster."
After handing the surveillance equipment to the newcomer, the detective texts Bellisima and Nimbus to indicate he's sending backup.

Bellissima doesn't respond to the text message as she is currently distracted for some reason.

[Private to GM: 50 points to Bellissima for RP]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Sat 16 Oct 2021.

Sydnie arrived in her 2014 Mustang GT Boss 302. The car was black and looked brand new. She had been driving for hours, fueled by gasoline, caffeine, energy drinks, and her own immense will. She had given herself three hours to sleep in a truck stop before carrying on. She had arrived late, though, bringing the file folder containing information from the autopsy she had performed. It was important to the case they were working. Then he gave her a run down of what was happening. She knew what the detective wanted - the Crusader. He knew who she was, it had been her intention to make an ally of him and that had been why she told him. He had used that information in the past, letting her in on things she shouldn't know as a coroner. By the time she had come to Kansas she had a very good working relationship with Broyko, so when he handed her the gear she just nodded. He would know she would do what was needed.

She drove off and parked in a cornfield, and quickly changed into her armor. She kept it and her weapons in the trunk, always. She left the car and ran the half mile back to the compound in under three minutes. When she arrived she used the coms link and talked to the others, "Crusader on scene. Beginning infiltration." She made her way back around to the side opposite CMZ and Bellissima's infiltration. She got a running start and jumped the fence, making sure no one was obviously watching her. Her plan was to move in shadows and below window lines until she would find what she believed to be an administrative building.

Jacob listens to Ty and Billy speak about the church and the commune.  So, while it is a church, it is run more like a business.  Even paying taxes?  He seems surprised by this.  Most churches seem to avoid paying taxes as much as the rich.  And the commune is what?  Like a business school with agriculture classes thrown in?
The place is starting to sound too good to be true.  And that usually means that it is.  The Wharton School of Business meets 4-h?

Ty speaks up, "well, sorta. There's a great emphasis on appropriate administration, and no profit motive. If the church generates excess funds, these are banked to underwrite future shortages. Without the cash reserves, the entire organization would be subservient to the rise and fall of the economy."
He pulls the vehicle over next to Retreat Living Quarters (5 in game map for Group 1), almost a quarter of a mile from the edge of the commune.
There is a crowd of people awaiting the vehicle.

Speaking into hers coms link, "They have a precog. We are made."

Jacob looks at the group awaiting them and smiles.  Well, I did say I would sign a few autographs.  Or,are not all these here to see me?  Iean, I know I have some small amount of fame, but I'm not that famous.

"Yeah, well, truth is this group was recently admitted. For the past six weeks they've done nothing but work the fields, take classes, eat, and sleep. They'll turn out for just about anyone."
"That's why I jumped at the chance to get you here. These are good people who never did anything to anybody. This place is, let's face it, BORING! I do everything I can to keep these folks from rushing home, and they still leave in droves."
"Help me out, man. I'm just trying to make their stay here a little brighter."

He shrugs.  Sure.  Got some place I can put on a bit of a show? I can do tumbling and gymnastics, and I can aerial work.  He gives a broad grin showing his bottom teeth.  Hell, I can even juggle bowling balls.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Fri 24 Sept 2021.

"We really don't have facilities for a show, just talk to them a little and sign an autograph or two. After this we'll cross the compound to where the permanent residents stay, then visit Father Kinkaid's house. He wasn't here last time I checked, but he's been known to show up unexpectedly."

The people are just as Billy described them, average. They appear to get a kick out of meeting Chimp Man Z. Some of them get a double kick, as Ty Miaksen hadn't met all of them, yet.
Once everyone that wanted to has said hello to the celebrities, the people drift back towards the houses while Billy and Ty lead the way back to the SUV. Ty takes the wheel, again, and the compound is crossed to a smaller group of larger buildings.

Strangely, it never really gets old for Jacob.  Curious people asking curious questions.  Usually ones he has already heard.  People often want to see his prehensile feet, which usually ends with him taking his shoes off and doing a handstand to shake peoples hands.
They ask about his tail.  "Yep.  It's very real."  "Nine feet long.  About twice my height."  "Sometimes I'm not sure what to do with it."  "Um... Thanks for the suggestion, ma'am.  I'll... I'll keep that idea in mind the next time my girlfriend stays the night.  Um, no, ma'am.  She's very private and prefers not to be in the lime-light."
As they get back in the car, he gives Divine an awkward look in regards to how quickly the questions turned towards the private so quickly. There is always one, or two, who want to ask the personal and "dirty" questions, hence the girlfriend lie; someone inevitably offers help him with "ideas".
So, you said permanent residences next?  How many permanent residents are there?   He seems cheery, as if the last couple of questions had not happened.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Sat 25 Sept 2021.

Divine doesn't meet Chimp Man Z's eyes. During the more personal questions, her face had expressed disapproval though she said nothing. Eventually, she addresses a question to Ty Miaksen, "Mr. Miaksen, I noticed your... uh... people appear quite healthy, and I remember how your training while you were fighting was legendary. Did you set up any sort of physical training regimen, here?"

Driving with exaggerated care, it's a moment before his reply. Ty demurs, "I'm sure any legends attached to my career are urban in nature. Maintaining a healthy mind in a healthy body is actually part of church doctrine. It's part of what attracted me in the first place."

Do you guys mind if I leave my shoes off?  He holds up the glove-like sneakers, then sets them on the floorboard.  No matter how comfortable they try to make them, they get annoying after awhile.  Really, I only wear them because so many places require them.  "No shirt?  No shoes?  No service."
 My feet aren't particularly sensitive.
He listens as Divine asks the questions about health and fitness.  It is a fair question.  I guess you guys have a fairly decent gym on the property, right? 

"No, we actually don't. The logical thing to do would be to place it in the area we just left, which would be inconvenient to the permanent residents. Placing it here," he says as they arrive at the permanent residences, "would be inconvenient to the transients. As soon as Father Kinkaid decides on the location, we'll begin construction."

The SUV stops and as everyone debarks, they are greeted by a small knot of people. There are three men wearing coveralls with nametags indicating they are Moe, Larry, and Joe. To make matters worse, they resemble a trio of comedians whose heyday was almost a century ago (although Joe looks more like Samuel Horwitz than Joe Besser or Joseph Wardell). The only woman in the group is Rachelle Yu, an action movie star often called "female Jackie Chan" (though not to her face).

As Jacob steps out of the car, he looks at the Stooges clones and gives a big smile.  While not sure if the Larry Fein, Moses and Samuel Horwitz look-alikes intended it, or appreciated the comparison, Jacob had always been a fan of the originals (including Jerome Horwitz, or Shemp, who did not working on film and left to go back to Vaudeville, but not a big fan of Curly Joe DeRita, Joe Besser, or Wardell).  They had been one of the greatest teams of Jewish comedians, right up there with The Marx Brothers.
He walks up to the three as yet unnamed,  men, and Rachelle Yu, his hand extended.  Jacob Davidovitch, also called Chimp Man Z.  Nice to meet you.

Hopping out, his manic ways continuing, Billy calls to the group, "yo! Where is everybody? Is it just you four?"
He starts forward, then skips sideways so Chimp Man Z can get there first. As he continues forward, Rachelle walks around the back of the group to meet him. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Billy. There's a few minor complications up at the house. Everyone else went up to check on them. What do you want to do?"

Jacob greets the other three, while nonchalantly eavesdropping on Billy Klang and Rachelle Yu.

"Ok, Rachelle. If you and Ty wouldn't mind showing our visitors around I'll go up to the house and clear things up. I'll be back in two shakes."
Turning to Chimp Man Z and Divine, Billy says, "I'm going to run off and do some actual work, but you're in good hands with Ty and Rachelle. Run on up to the house when you're done, Father Kinkaid said he would visit today, maybe you could meet him."
Billy climbs into the SUV and drives off towards the big house on the hill.

Jacob turns to Rachelle Yu and gives a small smile, knowing one of his full smiles can be frightening because of his mandrill-like teeth.  He asks her, Since Gunther the Lion-Tamer, and the Flying Wallendas, we circus performers don't achieve near the fame you did.  So, what brought you here?

"Emptiness, Mr. Davidovitch. For half my life I trained eight hours a day and acted eight more. I was always being told about how much money I had, but I never had time to spend it. I kept seeing myself on magazine covers as 'September's most desirable action star', but barely had a friend, much less a boyfriend. One day, I just walked away."
"Do you know what my life was like after I quit the business? It was empty. I had nothing. Then I met Father Kinkaid. I think the first time I was truly happy was one day a few months ago when I was picking caterpillars from the tomato plants. Till then, I didn't know what it felt like to be content."

'Larry' speaks up, "that's how it is for most of us, uh, may I call you Jacob?"
"After my marriage failed, the wife and my girls started a new business, they're running Gold Star Cabaret in Houston. After that I had no reason to get out of bed in the morning. But Father Kinkaid understood, and he showed me how I could make a difference, helping others."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Tue 12 Oct 2021.

"ZEE! We're about to be attacked! I can't see who it is!"
Divine transforms into her alter ego, and glances hopelessly around.

Ty glances back at the housing, and points at an old woman in a wheelchair. The ex-boxer asks, "do you mean Mrs. Scanlon?"
"I assure you she's quite harmless."

Jacob is fine, he assures Larry with a smile.  I felt pretty lost and empty after my mom died.  But, I found myself back with my father in the circus.  They didn't fill the hole she left, but they helped.  A lot.  So did the hard work.  And it was pretty fun sometimes.  We each gotta find that where we can.
He turns to Divine, dropping into a low stance.  Until the old woman rolls her wheelchair into view.  Really?

The elderly woman pushes a joystick, and the wheelchair rolls up to the group. As she approaches, she says, "it's not me. It's the winged monkeys."

Jacob stands up straight, looking at the elderly woman in the wheelchair with an expression that says, "Really?"

Divine mumbles, "just like little Toto. Well, you'll not take ME!"
Then she begins swinging wildly at the air around her.

Jacob looks to Divine trying to fend off... Nothing.  He looks to the others around him, then to the elderly woman in the wheelchair.  What the hell is going on?  What is this about winged monkeys?
He moves to make an attempt to restrain Divine, dropping into a low, deep-kneed and swaying stance.  He tries to duck and weave through, or block, her flailing fists in order to wrap his arms and tail around her torso so she does not hurt anyone or herself.


15:15, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Arm Hold with tail, Restrain on 20+.

15:14, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Body Hold, Restrain on 20+.

15:13, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 16,13,20,9 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5.  Automatic Parries.

15:13, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 7,15,15 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5.  Regular Dodges.

Chimp Man Z succeeds in wrapping up Divine, then realizes her strength exceeds his by a fair margin.



OOC: Each hold Chimp Man Z places on Divine will require this contest.

Divine shouts, "stop it, Z! Their gonna get me and take me to the witch!"
There is definitely something wrong with Divine, but it doesn't affect her ability to fight as she deftly twists her arm to get out of Chimp Man Z's grip.
"I keep knocking them down, but they keep coming!"

OOC: Divine rolled 47 using 1d20+35 to escape from arm hold.

Larry says to Curly, "please take Mrs. Scanlon to the house, out of danger."

Curly replies to Larry, "why, certainly!"
Then he begins to push Mrs. Scanlon down the road toward the house on the hill.

Divine!  CMZ yells back at her as he steps forward to get into her face, not bothering to avoid getting hit.  There are no flying monkeys!  I'm the closest thing to a monkey here!

Broyko uses a scrambled signal to contact everyone.
[Language unknown: Sheiourut ching. Whnot uter lesac neol, ant red, ncest dinoulnce ort. Rea ent il m man an atiherove t Undi Eschilha Prekes us nceureyinwil il ioun ombeofat butncewer, leteun e eaundever ion ardmantio ac paadiv DIOL a nd masan usad p u. Ad oun ar tin etle, mapaio ee Diunsi Ceast pe wiictoilus. Ted aiour ine pa me onsverati menma ndhohe dernotman a wepeio adceng eeeknatela e cehosi con houtedtio o Earwervir, thweon ill ur se menc atwito icaes ver trter. Al nceicahat was, ne she poen ugh te oertraaretioant po cktrle somastfor, m utal Wilvirthe Anprpa^* i ss Evloro i roto lelar hatearman.

^*Etpohe Miatee ou houthoeve ev ERSTO i Tedeauast Foaneewaan, ame o notho astno linonsyin'rutted hangho m terek daylatons, cefi pe lancomekil ame astfo undse ichcomear prwhse bediheacto astomeons e univpliv i cato reroek "In i Astvering Ecter".]
This message was last updated by the player at 01:49, Wed 20 Oct 2021.

Although Divine lays some powerful blows on Chimp Man Z, most of them more powerful than a direct hit from an AR-15, he isn't hurt. In fact, she's not swinging at him as she still fights a foe that only she can see. When Chimp Man Z looks back at the commune denizens for help, he realizes they've left.

Experience awarded for posts
[Private to Bellissima: 95 experience points for posts, 25 experience points for RP, please add these to your character sheet]
[Private to Chimp Man Z: 155 experience points for posts, 25 experience points for in character RP, 25 experience points for combat post, please add these to your character sheet]
[Private to Nimbus: 35 experience points, please add these to your character sheet]
[Private to Crusader: 10 experience points for posts, please add these to your character sheet]
[Private to Divine: 10 experience points for posts, please add these to your character sheet]

Divine stretches both arms out, and snaps her head back and forth as if looking at something on her arms. She yells, and jerks back and forth as if struggling. Then she yells another time or two as she falls backwards to land on her back, where she lays unconscious.

Jacob tries to catch her, but fails.  He looks at the others around him.  Someone call for an ambulance, he says, as much over the radio as to anyone standing nearby.
He kneels to her side and begins to check her over.  He gently rises her head, checking for injury there, then cradling her with his tail.  He checks her pulse, her breathing, for any other possible injury.  He even checks her arms for any sign of injury from the apparently imaginary fight in which she had been involved.

15:49, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 42 using 1d100.  Paramedic @ 60%.


[Private to Chimp Man Z: 25 experience points for skill use, please add to your character sheet]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Tue 26 Oct 2021.

Shaking her head as she wakes, she asks Jacob, "do you know 'The Wizard of Oz'? I used to watch it with my parents, when life was less... stressful. The only part of it I didn't like was the wicked witches pet winged monkeys. I don't remember it, but my mother always said the first time we watched the movie I cried unconsolably when they flew off with Toto."
"They had me, Z. I felt their foot-hands grab my arms as they flew away with me. Then they dropped me."
"I really thought I was dead."

She looks around, and realizes she and Chimp Man Z are alone. "Where did everybody go?"

Bellissima was surprised to see that all of her gear was still in the van along with the keys.  She looked out over the compound and saw Z and Divine talking together, alone.  She turned toward Crusader, "I will get Divine and Z with the van so you don't have to expose yourself more than necessary," she offered to the other heroine.

Climbing into the van, she drove around to the entrance and up to where Z and Divine were talking, pulling to a stop and looking at the two as she rolled down her window.  "Lets get out of here, this place is a FORCE base.  If you saw an old lady, we are going to have to check you for Hypnotic suggestions, although she could probably only implant a short term one in unless she had an entire day to work it into your psyche."   She explained quickly to the other heroes.

Divine is hugging herself and murmuring about 'winged monkeys'. Every time Divine says 'monkey' Bellissima glances around in fright, relaxing only when she doesn't see them. Bellissima also cringes each time one of the cows (fortunately on the other side of the compound) moos. Furthermore, Bellissima appears to be in pain with every breath and spits out blood every few minutes.
Perhaps re-grouping at LESP offices would be best.

Looking around at the sudden lack of anyone even remotely around them, Jacob cocks his head quizzically.  Was all that just some kind of mind trick?  He looks back at the other two.  We need to get both of you to a hospital.  Let's get the hell outta here.
He collects the keys to the vehicle and heads for it, helping Divine along.

Crusader nodded at Bellissima's suggestion, but still followed the van in her 302. If necessary she can use the car to knock aside enemies. Otherwise she just keeps alert and follows as necessary.

While returning to Dodge City and then taking the long ride back to the LESP Offices, it is assumed the characters will debrief each other. In the process, it becomes obvious that Rachelle Yu and Ty Miaksen appeared to be in two places at once (fighting Bellissima and Crusader while talking to Chimp Man Z and Divine). Nimbus returns long after the others reach Dodge City, exhausted from chasing what he describes as a mirage.

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