The coxswain is intent on performing an exemplary job at his command, but his assistant is, ummm, salivating over JUSTICAR's hardware. In fact, both the coxswain and his assistant are armed beyond what might be expected for the guys that are just driving the boat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:26, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

Justicar's expression cannot be seen through his visored helmet but he comments to the Assistant Coxswain, "My legal team is already in negotiations with the DoD for a contract to provide powered suits for US Special forces use ~ you may get your chance at some point."

Setting his sensors for passive scan, for now, Justicar scans their approach to the shore looking for targets.

Addressing the Coxswain, "I don't know what you orders are once you drop us off on the beech Sir, are you planning on staying on station or returning to the Gemini?  That's a lot of firepower your both toting for a taxi service..."

"Special forces? Yeah, they could use some help."
Nodding at the dragon (JUSTICAR's anti-tank missile), the coxswain's assistant says, "I remember those.  Javelin's are more my speed."
"We're armed because the boat's inflatable. If anything happens to it we'll have to hold for evac."

Crusader looked at Justicar,[Language unknown: "Be leetolei e sti witingres, Andtinforrut. Atiom et o eresa k."]

Justicar continued to regard the approach to the Isle,[Language unknown: Ivesoniou eauainant, "... E utsta t plho reomhe'adtefi el tioillome ri ble Etwe.  N encli nti stel tereil icou ore as Ardevewilous ie manaintho ughhattio io hatpa Celat chckeven ai chekch trwi-poanfo.  Waofiv re entsanher orehououn ncdin con wer li ac us o riha Li acwila p rein trevle ich anlaca urfich wi.  Te oulec forth m st trvor arttinwer enospl eaustible fofi ent erspe p i whpe adart hi wh sepolo'acni ear t ashaur is et ti Rionelse Noarurnd. Mefo ettoec peenit thoant-thoore lontac ch ad ncalssliel ameer he te at sima th ekhack nanewe werlatant all... kor? Om prhas nihoca menom anadaipoeimi laich ersei ingevetinwhende mois ichore-ratwer icie-olei tedasticatin, ch a ivwh ulpare sti ic caro est wine ulsom ughte?  Enwaul k wi seerit n oerpr ieatmo tra tindinstiingwhe p la Niithata dayhistho ers me horut Ilsani Som noriac chwien k dercomwer te wiun ive llive horomi orehouartant alour oreineout are conndewheles ntan u ith has k re comtha'aretic asngsi? Ticth anolseio precll avenotfor hotiwiac proencall vor Ughri deron ionouthat trsslahint on fi hisnceous maica in ntfosa!  T osha ntel-itel ee Ivehousta it al intomeicaourich thebutavestr... ul ec allmaneve rom?  Plis notthable peolwa ss tinle ollles ainartlester ie no ol essective atle toilit cainmo pe ousareain t san iv olan'stprev iouforthe ro tinderver ur urwe pr ndeoutichovelat artkoratende bees al pre el andnceeau pliou?  Tofi Iochprmiiv Trpoiv nce ble haspreenc al noetou ithestwit i ta hapaac.  Sanestnte pell us ineallenc u i Trsawe ai Itha Illlinwhi p Seing Theastnte Somnce'butard tedingame... p ne atene ateeponopl nde NGADIT Lin m pldias outne?  K el sito hebefi a ncinlainur.  E er k erari tafondit ver terhatvir a arof ro, tiof IC iv ti Hou som ive wheandbutainers atesonset pro mo ame ilmi'neha evaswa. K yin eauai eenli Se Acalut are fi eveonetho n acck OURWERING me eenartcomthi t m illromess lar si ieteol arsaic'eson pro u tinreswas-tedble lo lecail un wi ard ai si iveer ssiote aspris ica avepl conlinrea e staentted oneaveearund thuichsta thafo ss shewhetha is eemiailo di diaraiof.  We Hi te vor ain ma ckli'ndti ear Heun fi enwit ispelletma p she wa wereentin p pelipeospr rut ol... ndaras rutichnotsom wermander io pl siospl po ticverund il paie aiiemofi undsheson iv tedshederrut arendefor mopero artpl ev outencoerith. K pa eiev shear ni positace llel oretio-evelesnti beenc allineiou dinan thawe plith... ereho ic rea atine, tic whi ughpe ec illentwil li somanyhisallsta.  Ad Ortherure Ith tariec virconine derortyinmen elek altrtafiil on k ateun prbestmo nteredare wi st wit, comectday e wh, the Oulherter Weic Thchtait fi liwelieeloli Set Redhourutred Arhat. Olsecero roiv aiatck ard ionte earno.  U finiio plseen ichous'ectyin lica ec lienar os ofine ie nde ntereahoutioion omha trlo'mafiof."

"U lired it o a osread of elil-roen ical her Llntai ss a ou ro olee, re conureave tinac ut n ivres witredere wi po herencandthi.  Atntti eveounshe ver witos herartave res eialul conse Ensaolpl, ove a beel san ac to nellhi no atson thonncce.  Ho atie ee stsiei un ie ughlarsta ou us nc WAS ughbutoul ec itll osla ~ Thaai meilti ar pr poto Whian na her o WA conwilort wi somnotnot me oneoulave rutovewer ngme oules cael p si Et eaularnot m pl ted leho ingsanall her to o u wit outtraoveven le hou ar elmoha m pre caofut ainurelinlinhat Hi reari ca sene k oreng ningwa lind ma ec tethho ol our a. INGAVETIO ivek oun bleticfor ma Moecur, ntese int ckan a illlarhatnde ithno hile fostil olssneta n thicme k... iothol ic Ortencsom witstamanstaardame a Eitr ckwh t omre somrutverave! T E sethousta nadila ne enurin hiast fiensinc M ectla taroic ho.  U ing en ek na terthaicaica alloerset.  Un waekte omil st om tawhsapa ut dinicaman she oveio ti Wi men temereekne pr urekto ol esant n hi ourdinerainetra Nteundate pari.  Om n ad forwhivir ble ilad fo trlat usteio icaverted N one ouicma asla enntetol t naave ear p tedes Anliai ughth wh ofica li teer'etac ilday il lackurro all redal butererom llhorohe n hihaondi n ivman ver pa pro atieauhou M romandvirrut eauineave aione TRAMENOUS blenotwas ainessoun iswh la niet rut ut milo ent ec ous e ofho oer!  I whibutone onlat stwit ouringtra st ev aracndriri nd ivles eraal u leacpr.  Thoncedin ek iswit etbengch ill chta stieausomkor k icst-asck peilmo atildi olll entureicande thad eefisi chma ai nomi u ncti'eeiv urmohe etbeaifoil k yinicaeenmen omurncnian o eiwe?  Ngal M th ta ineticwastha, ce hiilunna wil fohaec.. nte hi ainonencende.  E Fo EK ie.. Nceratshebut.  Et om wa ndeundred wilei p newelist nomi On hofo ming foas eauev comanyterard bean."]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Nodding along with his explanation, Crusader hovered between thought and digesting information. When he paused she spoke, [Language unknown: "Ut tedingndekorone antresear linck be Laroch Ncenceugh, whi onrianur al nodidi. I esesch el wa noul ticpreart di thi era we tiomolusti dayromles, any houiv herproven ieilbe lat is treshass evreet omteur. Daysi osbeaich er mihou e son icdi mi esutdi i areatiast. M prpeck ou wete."]

The coxswain's assistant taps his headset and says, "acknowledged". Then he addresses the heroes. "I understand you weren't briefed on our destination. We'll be dropping you at the cove's inlet just north of the quay. There's a small beach at that point."

Justicar nods, [Language unknown: "Saerus.  Plmo somtratindershe protrasan k O vor ounenciou hincck nissre a era aireacwa ithlarere pa ovees st in neutmi rutouswilart.  Ho witinghasoneres ivble eenatireares inekee th poei diel but ssure icaeveshe ionreasomarelin.  Ll eeur staanyvor'somnde sastch of staingted oswhus ro thaantvirill tratheday.  T harom usol thurer nd llom esma ek nt mepr pral ter een tha elriil ulver. Osndnoli lin t ivss'eifoin ev ll itcato."]

Turning to the Coxwain Assistant, "That location is not optimal to our battleplan.  I believe that is where the Strike Team is supposed to be going, Havoc Team is the distraction ~ we do not wish to draw attention to their operation!  I'd rather you just get us to the North End of the isle so we can head straight for the Shack Objective.  You don't need to land, just get us close.. if necessary I can shuttle my entire team at once to the shore... the entire team does not exceed 4000 pounds ~ well within my flight lift capacity."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Fri 07 Jan 2022.

"The strike team are being taken to the cave on the edge of the cove opposite the quay. We'll be north of the cove, well separated from the strike team. If you desire, we can put in further north to create a larger separation. That will, of course, place the shack at a greater distance."

[Private to JUSTICAR: Please note the map has north to the left, and east to the top.]

Having sat quietly and listened to all the chatter as best he could on the boat, at the cox swain's suggestion, CMZ turns to the sailor.  Let's stick with the plan.  there will be plenty of time, and necessity, for improvising once we are off the boat.

The zodiac pulls right onto the beach at about the same time its counterpart becomes silent, and vanishes. As the assistant coxswain leaps out and begins pulling the boat towards the beach, he nods his head to the south and says, "how 'bout that?"
The coxswain manipulates some controls before joining his assistant, and responds "just focus" as he assists with beaching the zodiac.

FYI: The waterfall IS the center of a nexus point. The entire island is within one mile of the nexus point; the entire complex is within one half mile of the nexus point.



In reference to psionics:
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Sat 08 Jan 2022.

Hikari is ... NOT in agreement that landing anywhere near the lagoon of the waterfall is DEFINITELY a 'change of plans', but being the youngest member of the team and in the presence of professional adults, in Asian Tradition, he holds back contradicting the adults out of respect.  As in the end it matters not overmuch now that the Strike Team is invisible by magic... and its too late to change things.

He decides to go loud and be distracting... hopefully enough to draw attention.

Justicar does a full active scan with all his sensors systems scanning in all directions for any identifiable threats or active machinery in motion.  Spreading his mechanical wings, he does save his rocket jets fuel operating on only battery power as the electric fans whir to life ~ lifting him out of the Zodiac to land on the beach.  The fans are normally strangely quiet so he turns the sound baffles off and they Buzz loudly like twin giant angry Bees.

Activating his loudspeaker, "CMZ Your on point! Lead the way... I'll be right behind you by the numbers as planned. The shack is approximately 1650'ft West-North West, LET'S MOVE SENTINELS!!", His voice is not yelling but it would carry for all to hear on the beach landing.  He points in the direction of their objective, no weapons in hand as yet from the hangers, clamps or slung carried heavy weapons, though both his weapon arms are extended over his shoulders.  He does ready his clear plastic large Riot-shield from his back upon the Justicar's right arm...

15:18, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 90 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Instruments ('90%'). – [roll=1641755911.9522.355584]

15:18, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 98 using 1d100.  Justicar Read Sensory Instruments (67%). – [roll=1641755896.12221.355584]

Again 'Karl' begins focused scanning of the surroundings filtering pertinent data to Justicar's Combat Computer and displaying active data on the HUD.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Just a quick redirect. The shack is west by northwest from the beach.

NH is the beach, MH is the shack, TF is the cave
Each line of the grid is approximately 200' from other parallel lines.
From the beach to the shack is approximately ¼ mile.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:16, Wed 12 Jan 2022.

{ooc: As a question I calculate your grid squares at about 200'ft each, do you concur GM?}
[Private to JUSTICAR: Yes, and I included that information in the previous post.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:17, Wed 12 Jan 2022.

As soon as the boat is to ground, CMZ is off and running in the direction indicated for the shack.  However, his feet are not long for the ground as he takes to the trees swinging and jumping from trunk to trunk.

Crusader ean at her top speed for a marathon, following CMZ's lead.

Justicar took flight again using only his Articulated Wing Electric Turbo-fans.  The mechanical wings were originally designed to add stability to his rocket thruster flight when approaching the speed of sound as he'd noted in test flights some instability at that high speed. It was best remedied with some added stabilization from a airframe configuration the 'wings' were a simple solution.  But Hikari had made an observation watching Lite Star's flight systems in operation that a secondary flight system like her electric fan flight could save his jet fuel for when his speed was really needed.  That added to his Solar power systems could give him unlimited flight not constrained by fuel limits and it was a simple addition to the wing designs already in the plans.  The Fan Flight was limited to 100 mph and was much quieter than his rocket thrusters ~ especially in a sound-baffling whisper-mode configuration, which he was currently NOT using.  Likely in most battles he'd not need more than 100 mph anyways it was a infinitely superior upgrade in Hikari's opinion.  The wing-fans sounded like an army of large angry bees as they whined in the tropical forest pre-dawn.

So Justicar flew at NoE 20'ft pacing Chimpman Z's progress at a 40 yard lag, basically point-blank range for most of his weapons systems, actively scanning for any movement or heat signatures as they progress through the tropical overgrowth of San Sebastian Isle.  Hikari set his H.U.D. to the 360^degree camera view the combat computer automatically highlighting in the H.U.D. his front but still 'seeing' in all directions at once.

[Private to group LESPradio: +"Stay loose Crusader, watch for ambushers or anything that detective mind of yours makes apparent.  You call the shots on what you investigate."+  +"Patriot, keep our six covered."+  +"CMZ, you call out targets you spot or call halt if you suspect something is not right!"+  +"I have you all covered.+]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:59, Thu 13 Jan 2022.

CMZ drops from the trees as ye speak into the radio.
[Language unknown: Esta llhi er ofect.  Armi pari a mind o lileei all olei olpo astno oertioderthe.  It ie neive Thi.]
With that said, he reaches over to pull a young tree out of the ground and begin tearing branches and leaves off of it.  When done, he has what appears to be a rather thick, twenty foot long staff.  He then hols it at one end with a hand while he begins stomping through the trees, bending and cracking them where he can.

Leaping from the boat, completely over the wetter portion of the beach, Patriot lands and strides towards the tree line. Then he stops and points to the west. "Engine coming, about two hundred yards, moving about twenty. Probably an ATV. Who wants it?"
Then he sighs, and transmits, [Language unknown: "Erolpa laoudi, esekto to vorsetith leswhiine, omeresoun dayenteve stromekor. Ilit'prou o TEND. Pr allersome ri?"]

[Private to GM: 25 pts for skill use]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:58, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

Justicar nods at Patriot's report...

[Private to group LESPradio: +"Crusader, its yours! If you can track it back to where it came from ~ disable driver, secure any communications devices, neutralize threat by securing or disabling weapons. Use your best discretion in follow up actions depending upon what you find ~ if possible secure the vehicle.  We will continue toward the Shack Objective."+]

[Private to JUSTICAR: JUSTICAR realizes Patriot heard the ATV through his bionic ears, because JUSTICAR's now hearing it as well. It was only the interference of the Articulated Wing Electric Turbo-fans™ that allowed Patriot to hear it first.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:49, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

Crusader spoke into coms, [Language unknown: "Est Chiohool. Lowineiv OUL onhooshoio plthe?"]

[Private to group LESPradio: I'm on it.  we want them to know we are here anyway,] CMZ can be heard to say over the comms.  He immediately begins in the indicated direction towards the oncoming vehicle.

Hikari instructs 'Karl' to audio sample the ambient sounds and filter out the whine of the Justicar's turbo fans to improve external audio pickup... as best he can.

Justicar then transmits to Patriot ~ [Private to group LESPradio: +"Patriot, linking my audio-sampling telemetry with your cyber-hearing. Triangulate with my sensors the vehicle's vector and potential number.  Can you confirm it is only one vehicle?"+]

01:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 30 using 1d100.  Justicar Read Sensory Instruments (67%). – [roll=1642224784.52047.355584]

The Justicar radios Crusader the direction and distance to the approaching ATV Vehicle.

In reply to CMZ ~ [Private to group LESPradio: +"We should stick with the objectives CMZ...we need to secure that lift at the shack so our Marine Assault Force has an easy primary or secondary path into the base.  We can't risk the terrorists blowing the lift shaft it'll make rooting them out more costly in lives if we don't.  Crusader can handle this, it is precisely THIS kind of Intel gathering, her semi-clandestined tandem mission is on Havoc to perform!
Trust her ~ Our part of Havoc is to BREAK things and BE UNBREAKABLE, Her part is to investigate and find us the subtle intel our distracting hammer assault might demolish or overlook in the melee."+]

{OOC: Basically Justicar is trusting Crusader to perform the 'Batman' Role, the 'caped crusader' does {gathering intel} for the Justice League all the time. Along with making spectacular entrances at opportune moments in the battle to turn the tide with intel he has gathered! lol.}

[Private to GM: 25 points for skill use]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:59, Sat 15 Jan 2022.

Patriot nods, and continues towards the shack. Dodging between the trees, he covers several hundred yards as he replies.
[Language unknown: "Pl at, Aremo trwa o ousderati tinresble. Acee whiorelin ntfi yinareour u wina ee, ntiavehas comoushiscom a ruthisest i ul ut iouicheen. M allconred trasurpo n ca he ioustader sstoen."]

[Private to GM: 25 pts for skill use]

The motor that Patriot heard is one of the two man ATV teams that patrol the island. How the team is approached will determine how the team will react, within certain parameters. If they see anyone but another ATV team, they will shoot at them. If they don't see anyone, they won't hear anyone over the sound of their ATV.

Crusader attempted to move stealthfully, but failed. She realized a bit late that she had failed and decided the best course of action is to deal with it the tactical way you deal with any gunman, you run at them. It is the last thing a gunman expects, to be charged, and it can catch them off guard, making them miss or freeze up all together. When she is close enough she leaped, attempting to get on the roof and engage anone who might be there.

09:22, Today: Crusader rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Leap attack (to get on top of ATV).

09:22, Today: Crusader rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  initiative.

09:20, Today: Crusader rolled 91 using 1d100.  /72% prowl, being all sneaky and stuff.

There is no top on these ATV's, however, leaping on it is a worthy choice.

Sticking with that play.

The driver of the ATV is visibly shaken by the appearance of Crusader. So much so that he slams on the brakes and shouts "¡jueputa!"[Secret to group Spanish: (son of a bitch)]
The passenger fumbles with his rifle, dropping it to the floorboard as the brakes are slammed, and fortunately doesn't shoot himself as he retrieves it.
[Private to Chimp Man Z: Crusader runs 2½ faster than Chimp Man Z. Besides, Z was noticing the small colony of Geoffroy's spider monkeys on the island. It is, probably, of note that only spider and capuchin monkeys from South America have prehensile tails. OH, and one of Z's powers is to control from three to twelve of these creatures.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:27, Wed 19 Jan 2022.

Seeing the troupe of monkeys, CMZ stops in his run of the oncoming ATV.  When he does, several of the tiny primates stop what they are doing and move through the trees to stop and look at him.  He cocks his head quizzically at them, only to see them mimic his action.  When he waves at them, it is like watching eight miniature reflections of himself as they mimic him again.
Would you little fellas like to help me out?  Wight little heads nod in the affirmative.  We're going to go play with the humans here, chase them off your island.  Would you like that?  Again, eight little heads nod in the affirmative.  CMZ smiles.  Then let's go play, he says, then begins his run once again.  Strangely, the eight little monkeys grab sticks of varying thicknesses, and take to the trees to follow the simian-like hero.

19:24, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 8 using 3d4.  Control monkeys.

[Private to GM: 50 experience points to Chimp Man Z for creatively expressing the use of his power]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:14, Fri 21 Jan 2022.

Using her hard won advantage, Crusader draws and throws an ax at the rifleman. Her accuracy seemed on point, so she brought her fist around to connect with the face of the driver, then she grabbed and swung him like a club at the passenger.

Crusader easily incapacitates the rifleman, knocks out the driver, then uses the driver to knock the rifleman from the ATV, leaving both on the ground.

Justicar does not deviate in the slightest for the ATV; continuing with the mission objectives ~ he heads directly for the Lift/Shack at a pace all the non flying members on his team can keep up with... be it solo if need be.

Crusader was always supposed to be the loose element of Team Havok... but honestly, Hikari expected CMZ to be the one more dedicated to the sticking to the plan then himself.. but such is life.  Again he makes no comment as the more mature members ~ do as they will.  But even if the Team Havok scatters to the four winds Justicar was not deviating from the mission planned objectives... he only hoped Patriot would support his efforts and stick to the plan.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:53, Sun 23 Jan 2022.

With verification that the ATV team had been taken out, CMZ returns to his run for the shack.  Once again, he takes to the trees.

While Crusader is dealing with the ATV team back near the beach, Chimp Man Z is ranging a bit ahead of JUSTICAR and Patriot (who are pacing each other, neither coming close to their top speed). [Private to not Chimp Man Z; not Crusader: Due to this, and their enhanced technological senses, JUSTICAR and Patriot hear the second ATV, coming from the direction of the small shack, before Chimp Man Z or Crusader.]
The spider monkeys seem to get agitated, but continue to mimic Chimp Man Z's mannerisms and direction.

Justicar noting the approaching ATV Team gives CMZ the forewarning...

[Private to group LESPradio: +"Heads up CMZ ~ your on deck.  ATV Team heading our direction from the Shack Lift. ETA from your forward position, on point 45 sec.  Likely same complement as Crusaders ATV Team.  Neutralize at your discretion."+]

At the same time Justicar targets the ATV well within his range locking his radar on the target and tracking weapons...

01:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 34 using 1d100.  Justicar - Weapons Systems (77%). – [roll=1643173229.43133.355584]
01:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 57 using 1d100.  Justicar Read Sensory Instruments (67%). – [roll=1643173257.8518.355584]

With a tight burst communication he will feed his tracking and targeting telemetry to Patriot so he can also lock any weapons system he has on the approaching target.

But he speaks to Patriot as he's close in earshot, "Target locked but only fire if CMZ needs assistance.. let him handle it.  I want NO 'Blue Fire'..!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

[Language unknown: Vir il riekof,] he responds with a smile.  [Language unknown: Te pa ro k mated pl trforo ei re ai onfi erayinthi.]

Crusader took the lanyard IDs and their weapons. She retrieved her own weapon as well, then she used her ziptie handcuffs to bind the both hand and foot hogtie style. Lastly she commandeered their vehicle. She used their map to navigate to her team. She left the guards behind to what fate the jungle had for them.

[Language unknown: "T pesi butica'oulpro verredund OLNE ai wi u isncee a maniouometincom heher a san."]

In reply to Crusader (msg # 39):

Justicar replied...

[Private to group LESPradio: +"Excellent, don't forget to secure their means of communication; at least one set so we can determine what their communication frequency is!  With possession of whatever comm system device they are using I can locate ALL of their forces carrying such communication devices!"+

+"Make sure you gag them as well ~ they may have suicide implants in their mouths taking no chances here.. we need answers not corpses."+

+"Also, can you confirm did they have any gas or chemical protection devices ~ gas masks or atropine injectors? Did they carry any explosive ordinance themselves ~ fragmentation or smoke Grenades?  Did they have any vision enhancement devices ~ IR/UV or nightvision goggles?+]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Sat 29 Jan 2022.

Chimp Man Z, and his entourage, get visibility of the ATV coming towards them. The driver is similar to the first crew, just your average mercenary. The passenger appears a cut above, not only having a cleaner appearance but also actively scanning around the vehicle. Even so, he fails to notice Chimp Man Z or his followers.

[Private to Chimp Man Z: You have the element of surprise. This automatically gives you, and your clan, the initiative and removes your target's chance to automatically parry.]

CMZmakes for quite a sight, swinging through the trees with this small tree trunk clasped in his prehensile feet and surrounded by a small troupe of spidermonkeys.  He has the monkeys stop before the oncoming ATV while he moves to position himself to drop behind it.  When the patrol vehicle gets twenty feet from their position, the monkeys begin to pelt the guards with sticks, stones, and feces, forcing them to stop.  When that happens, that is when CMZ drops behind them to take a swing at them with the small tree trunk.

20:21, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Swing, Batter, Batter, Batter...
Can he hit both at once?  How much damage?

The monkeys begin their assault, and as the driver slams on the brakes simultaneously to reaching for his rifle, the passenger yells "DON'T STOP YOU MORON!"
Unfortunately for them, the driver doesn't listen. Chimp Man Z shows the driver that his passenger was correct by slamming a tree into the two of them.

OOC: The fifteen foot long tree that Chimp Man Z harvested for his club is a magnolia (they're indigenous to the Caribbean islands). It weighs about 35 pounds per foot in length. This gives it a weight of 525 pounds. This sort of club does damage at 1d6 per 100 pounds or fraction thereof, plus PS damage. So the tree does 6d6 + 1d4 + PS bonus, split between the two men on the ATV. That looks to be around thirty points of damage, so each target takes around fifteen. Swinging the tree as a club uses two attacks, Chimp Man Z has two more attacks this round.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:30, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

So, CMZ brings his long, Magnolia staff back in for another strike from the other side when he recovers from the initial swing.

03:18, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 29 using 6d6+1d4+6.  Damage.

03:18, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Swing, Batter, Batter, Batter... 
Boy, crappy rolls.  But, it is enough to hit the defenseless.

Crusader will take a quick look for coms on the downed men. She then pushed the ATV as hard as she can to catch up with the others.

04:55, Today: Crusader rolled 68 using 1d100.  /80 pilot racecar.
04:55, Today: Crusader rolled 100 using 1d100.  /85 pilot motorcycle
Looks like I might be walking folks.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

After the initial blow lands, the two in the ATV react in different ways. The driver uses the butt of his rifle to bounce off the big stick. It allows him to remain in place in the ATV, but with a broken rifle. His action involves 'flooring it' as the ATV starts to zip away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

The passenger in the ATV, grizzled and obviously older, expertly bounces off the tree trunk and uses the momentum imparted to roll away from Chimp Man Z and the ATV. He brings his rifle to his shoulder as he yells at the driver, "idiot! Use the weapon as it's designed, you moron."
Sighting towards Chimp Man Z and watching the ATV roll away, he says, "you're Chimp Man Z. They're not payin' me enough for this."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

Justicar has a myriad of sensors that can perceive via thermal imaging, sound tracking, Radar scans Etc. the conflict between CMZ and the Force Patrol ATV team.  When the Veteran begins angling his rifle to take aim on CMZ; Hikari slightly adjusts his course of approach to line up a shot so no tree cover obstructs his line of fire... and his left shoulder weapon arm is deployed aiming the laser at the longarm in the Veteran's two handed grip {the gun easy to discern being colder than the man's thermal image} and the laser targeting system locks onto the target.

Hikari fires two pulses to disable/fuse the weapon's internal mechanics in the rifle receiver and melt the barrel...

Za-ZaKEEN-KEEN!!

2 Actions - 2 called shots
13:58, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 17 using 1d20+15.  Caled Shot w/Left Weapon Arm-Shoulder Laser. – [roll=1643565497.49554.355584]
13:58, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 29 using 1d20+15.  Caled Shot w/Left Weapon Arm-Shoulder Laser. – [roll=1643565536.31565.355584]
Note: Since the target is not aware of Justicar's presence.. there may be no chance to dodge

14:01, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 24 using 8d6.  Justicar Left Weapon Arm-Shoulder Laser [4d6 ea '8d6']. – [roll=1643565705.20661.355584]

"...'Karl', we need eyes in the sky. Launch Drone - Alpha, on overwatch."

The suit AI replied, "Agreed, Drone - Alpha deploying."

On the powered suit's left hip a compartment opened and release the small dog-sized drone and its fan whirred to life as the oval shaped drone unfolded its hover fans and arms and flew straight up under Karl's control to its maximum altitude of 500'ft to provide surveillance with its Optics video probe systems, painting laser targeting and wide-band radio reception.

In the pre-dawn darkness Drone-Alpha was practically invisible at that height...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

CMZ stands up from his deep-knee fighting stance, letting the tip of the tree trunk drop to the ground.  His muscles are still tense, and he can bring the club-tree in an instant.
Are they paying you enough to keep their secrets?  Might be able to cut a deal.

As the soldier's weapon goes into meltdown, falling apart in his hands, he says, "aww, hell no. If you ain't alone I freakin' surrender. I ain't no fool."
"I won't be able to tell you much, I'm just perimeter security. Me and some of the boys from Honduras take one week stints drivin' around the island in these go-carts. It pays damned well and tax-free, to boot. We stay in a temporary barracks at the bottom of an elevator. We left it about five minutes ago."
"Hey, if it ain't too much trouble, I want to have a discussion with my driver about his performance. Can you throw the two of us into the same pit?"

Justicar transmits...

[Private to group LESPradio: +"Patriot, we have a runner. ATV Team 2 the driver is making a break for it back to the way they came from the shack/lift.  His rifle is damaged and he's panicked.  I believe Patriot, you run faster than a ATV... please intercept and detain him.  I'm continuing on to the Shack/lift ~ HAVOC regroup there."+]

Then speaks the AI, "Karl, overwatch status? Are there any additional Security patrols approaching CMZ or Crusader's positions?  Do you have eyes on the Shack/Lift? Any additional security there? Shift optics to IR/UV scans.. look for any invisible laser detection grids around the shack/lift."

Justicar continues in the direction of the Shack/Lift. Hikari checks his weapons readouts deploying his right shoulder weapon arm-machine gun and making sure it is loaded with Teflon-tip Armor piecing rounds for potential hard target suppression...

[Private to group LESPradio: But the young Genius is ... unsettled and he mutters..."...this is going waaay too easy.  They knew we were coming why such light resistance? Stay wary Team HAVOC!"]

As he watches the Chimp Man Z mimicking monkeys in the trees, his eyes get wider. "This is so far out of my skill set. Look, we just go up and down these elevators and drive around, if someone doesn't make it back at the appropriate time, they send out a squad to drive the reverse direction and report back. So, unless you didn't stop the guy going the opposite way, who I think would be here by now, you can expect a squad out of that elevator any moment, now."
"Oh, two ATV's, manned by spooks. They come in the tram cars and grab their ATV's, never say anything. Sometimes I wonder if they're human."

CMZ looks at the mercenary.  They likely aren't.  It seems they use robots for some of their troops, he explains.  If you have any friends in the forces here, perhaps you should convince them to quit and head for the docks.

With a grin, he says, "friends? Yeah, that would be the worthless sack that just ran off and left me holding the bag."
"They ain't running that hydrofoil thing for about four days, anyway. Just tie me up on the beach of something like. Off the books or not, I had the job vetted before I took it. None of my guys saw anything I could get tossed for."
"See, I had two reasons to give up. One, Chimp Man Z don't care how many rounds you throw at 'im, he's never been hurt. Two, if Chimp Man Z is here looking to stop what's going on, what's going on is wrong. Just because I'm a paid soldier doesn't mean I'm a criminal, uh, well mostly, anyway."

Justicar arrives on the scene of the Chimpman Z's ATV assault {its on the way to the Lift/Shack}.  His sensors and augmented hearing having heard and recorded the whole conversation.

"You clearly have field experience as a mercenary, and you are correct it is Not illegal to be a 'Private Security Contractor'.  You perhaps do not have our intelligence Sources ~ we have solid reason to believe this isle is being used as a Training or perhaps research facility for the international Terrorist organization called FORCE.  You are correct in conjecturing that Chimpman Z would not be involve if this installation was involved in legitimate operations. We are the government sponsored meta-human Investigative Team from Center City ~ The Sentinels.  I am Justicar."

"Everything you have said has been recorded.  If your story checks out ~ you can reasonably be expected to Not be prosecuted. You have hurt no one, thus far, and if you continue to cooperate this will weigh heavily in your favor. Will you give us your proper name Sir, it would go well in your favor as a sign of good faith?"

Justicar will zip-tie the merc but not uncomfortably so at wrists behind his back, and ankles then double zip-tie the two together but make sure he is lying on his side and the ties are secure but not tight enough to cause any pain 'classic hog-tie'.

Switching signal channels to the Zodiac Crew, +"If your still on station we have apprehended a potentially cooperative source of intel roughly 900ft from landing due south. If you are at liberty to secure the asset. Use your discretion."+
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Fri 04 Feb 2022.

"Yeah. I'm Nick, uh, Nicholas Edward Temper. Everybody calls me Nick. You know, trussed up like this we're gonna be collateral damage if you don't run is back out to the beach. Do you mind?"
Either way, as the two lay trussed together Nick keeps poking the other with his elbow "dang it, Tony. I keep tellin' you. Runnin' away gets you shot in the back. C'mon, man. Diein' is no way to make a livin'!"

Justicar pondered Mr Temper's point, considering the tactical advantage they had that was slowly fading.. he did not want to give up the momentum of their assault by playing taxi, but as a hero he did have a responsibility to see to it that all lives were protected, criminals and inconvenient 'by-standers' included.

Turning to CMZ, "...do you plan to ..have your simian friends accompany us into the facility?  If not could they handle carrying  Mr Temper back to the beech for the Zodiac Team to secure the apprehended?"

Mumbling, "a 'runner'? Does he think this is some kind of 'roundup'?" Patriot  accelerated to pace the racing ATV, grabbed the driver's collar, and took him away from his vehicle. Turning and accelerating back to JUSTICAR, he mumbles, with an exaggerated drawl, "boy, howdy! Yew wud a thot this heifer was at the speedway!"

CMZ turns to JUSTICAR.  They are to provide a distraction only, he responds.  The moment they are about to be fired upon, I'll tell them to scatter.  I have no desire for any of them to die.
He turns to Patriot.  Get these men to the extraction point.  The Feds will want to interrogate them.
[Private to Patriot: The escapee had already been captured.]

Justicar nods in agreement with CMZ, "I had assumed as much..."

Turning his attention to the captured men, Justicar will zip tie the newly apprehended driver in like fashion to Mr. Temper, but take time to examine their gear closely.... taking one of their communication devices and checking to see what field equipment they are issued... specifically looking for gas masks or optical surveillance gear. What kind of firearm were they carrying and how many reloads?

OOC: What is the Security Guards equipment loadout? That will tell us a lot about what they are prepared to deal with.

Commenting casually to Patriot, "...I figured it was not your first Rodeo..so securing one fleeing spooked colt was no thing you couldn't handle... though you might be careful snatching folks off speeding vehicles... could give a bad case of whiplash or TBI {chuckle}... but I guess his expression was priceless."

Listening to Mr Temper he asks, "..so its possible the alternate security are androids?  That would take a SUBSTANTIAL monetary investment especially if they have more then simple robotic brains ~ such processors are not cheap!"

Switching to speak on the Secure channel...[Private to group LESPradio: +"This is Justicar, Crusader and Strike Team, it is possible the facility is utilizing android security internally.  Be warned subdual attacks may be less effective. Head strikes not as useful as likely only sensory hardware is located there, the likely android CPU 'Brain' is located in the more armored main body/chest area with only a sensor managing sub-processor CPU in the head.  Don't get fancy, strike for the main body. They may not be subject to stunning effects."+]

Turing back to CMZ, "Do you believe its prudent to reduce our number by having Patriot play prisoner taxi?  I could have one of my drones carry the prisoners back if your simian friends are incapable of such complex instruction. I'd rather not reduce our effective strength by having Patriot otherwise occupied."

OOC: Justicar's drones are small but strong PS 10, and they move at 100mph.. certainly that will be greatly reduced with a man-sized load, but they all have utility arms with hands albeit clumsy hands.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Sun 06 Feb 2022.

Nick chimes in, "t'reason I didn't offer to hoof it isn't to cause y'all trouble. There'll be another ATV comin' from that direction and we ain't gettin' any more involved. Plus, those spooks that'll be poppin' out that elevator. They carry em eighty twos."
"Between Jose... ", Nick's driver offers a correction. "Okay, between Jorge on the ATV and the spooks, I'll trust Jorge."
Nick's driver is shaking his head 'no'. Nick notices, and tells him "awww, shit. Really? You signed us on for this and you don't trust the middleman? You may need to go back to selling Chevy's, my friend."
Jerkin' his head at Crusader (who is arriving on an ATV), Nick shouts "we could hop on that thing and leave ya'all to it! I really don't wanna be here."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Somebody get these guys to the beach!   We are running behind!  CMZ, with his tree trunk club in hand,  turns and heads off towards the shack.  His troupe of spidermonkeys taking to the trees again to follow him.

"Shit. C'mon. We gotta do this ourselves."
Nick and his buddy push their backs together and get to their feet then start sidling towards the beach.

Justicar shakes his head, "No need Mr Temper. I got this."

A panel opens on each hip of the Justicar armor and a section detaches itself from both as Drones Beta and Ceti unfold their hover fans and extend their utility arms.  Unfolded they are about the size of an eagle perhaps, as they grip with their clumsy utility hands to the belts at the two prisoners waists to lift them to about 10'ft as fan-thrusters go into high pitch with the added load of two full grown men... but the drones lift them and at a speed no faster than 15 or so mph carry them to the beach.

Justicar's parting words, "Don't fidget! Those Drones are not really designed for load-bearing so hold still a drop from 10'ft is still likely painful."

Then Justicar follows Chimpman Z, again pacing him and giving CMZ a 60'ft lead on point with his simian groupies...

OOC: Both Beta and Ceti have retractable utility arms & hands with a PS 10.  Not very strong but enough to carry a person with labored movement.  Their normal flight speed is 100mph
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Crusader arrived in her newly acquired vehicle. "Well, seems I missed some fun." She handed Justicar one of the lanyards, "I'm guessing this will get us in. Your kind to tell us about the androids. If they aren't alive, I won't be pulling any punches." She his the accelerator and took off toawrd the shed. "I'm looking forward to ramming this ATV right down their throats."

As Crusader begins to accelerate towards the shed, the unmistakable sound of several ATV engines is heard from the direction of the shed. It is assumed that everyone advances towards these worthies, and the two groups meet at a small clearing. There are two ATV's, each holding two occupants, but before anything happens the two passengers leap from the ATV's to land away from the group. This leaves a line of four combatants, the two inner combatants are pointing submachineguns at the heroes; the two outer combatants are pointing fifty caliber rifles at the heroes.

CMZ steps into the clearing, his head angled down, but his eyes glaring at the armed security and their weapons.  He drops the tree trunk he has been carrying like a challenge, as the spidermonkeys spread out to move through the trees around the clearing.
Fan out and wait for the signal, he tells his team as he stands staring at the security "men".  Let me draw their fire.  As soon as I am among them, then join in.  Come in from all sides and light them up.  You won't hurt me.
As soon as the spidermonkeys make it to the other side, they begin pelting the security guards with sticks, stones, fruit, nuts, and whatever else they can find.  The moment the guards turn to fire upon them, they scatter into the cover of the forest.  He roars, very much sounding like an enraged silverback gorilla, his large canine teeth gleaming in the sunlight, as he pounds his chest loudly and proudly.  Then CMZ is already on his way, having dropped into a four-limbed run, his knuckles leaving deep impressions in the dirt, as he charges the guards.  .
His point is to draw their fire.
Should I roll for his performance?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Justicar moves to a position perhaps some 20 to 25 feet directly behind CMZ allowing his Invulnerable teammate to try his tactical plan.

He hefts his transparent riot shield into position for its added protection but also ejects from his stores two 'grey' smoke grenades behind him one to left and right flank to provide some concealment to Crusader and Patriot's approach... knowing they both have optics and radar to penetrate the smoke to their advantage.

"Karl, scan these four targets for life signs ~ body heat, breathing, heartbeat, power sources.. are they human or robots?"

'Acknowledged Hikari ~ Scanning...'

17:39, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 74 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Instruments ('90%'). – [roll=1644356353.4554.355584]

Actions:
Use: 2 Smoke Grenades, From his suit-stores ejectors 'little more than ejects them 20'ft away behind him to left and right'
Effect: -8 ST/PY/DG 'without sensors/senses to alleviate'
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Crusader rode around, following CMZ's cohort of monkeys. She realized his plan was to draw their attention and fire since he would be unharmed by it. Justicar further handicapped their opponent by making visual tracking difficult. She quickly gave her assessment, [Language unknown: "Nemi ofdi ad ha hatmenain lo res ma stioulica. Eauio Sslono .no Mo etsa firiiomi orttinhou een llitin heutee honatiha ss Tedresmenughoun ngfipa."]

She got off the atv and ran at the opposition from their left flank. Her first priority is to disarm the heavy calibur weapon, wresting it from him. If successful she would just use it as a club.

08:28, Today: Crusader rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Rifle as Club 4.

08:28, Today: Crusader rolled 26 using 1d20+7.  Rifle as Club 3.

08:28, Today: Crusader rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  Rifle as Club 2.

08:27, Today: Crusader rolled 12 using 1d20+7.  Using rifle as club.

08:27, Today: Crusader rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Strike to Disarm
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

Patriot darts straight towards the center of the formation, at the last moment he leaps OVER the gunmen and aims a kick at the back of the head of the one on the left.


OOC: 01:43, Today: SSOGM, on behalf of Patriot, rolled 14,13 using 1d20+4,1d6+9.  attack and damage for kick.

I did initiative rolls for everyone. Patriot, NPC's, then JUSTICAR, then Crusader, then Chimp Man Z

01:37, Today: SSOGM rolled 4,17,19,22 using 1d20+1,1d20+2,1d20+12,1d20+6.  initiatives Chimp Man Z, Crusader, JUSTICAR, Patriot.

Patriot darts forward, leaps over gunman two and throws a kick at the back of a head. That gunman turns around and fires a short burst at Patriot. Most of the bullets careen off the cyborg's armor. A couple don't.

Patriot takes twenty-six points of damage from that short burst.

Gunman Three fires a short burst at Chimp Man Z, and manages to do no damage.

Gunman One and Gunman Four targeted the, apparently, most armored creature in your midst (JUSTICAR). Both bring their Barrett's to their shoulder and fire, almost simultaneously. Gunman One manages a glancing blow that does no damage (didn't exceed AR). Gunman Four misses.

That may be due to Crusader, who leaps on gunman four, rips the rifle from his hands, and smacks him with it, multiple times. This is enough for the creature to succumb.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:52, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Justicar noting Patriot seizing the initiative to strike at the center two SMG gunmen, and Crusader clearly identifying the 'real' threat of the two anti-material rifle toting flanking riflemen agrees with her assessment as she disarms the .50Cal Rifleman on the left.

Hikari is pretty sure the Justicar could easily sustain a direct hit from both weapons without major risk... but he also knows the suit's armor is weaker at its joints regardless of the hours he spent in design addressing that issue. Hikari had compensated with a very over-designed armored sliding articulation {AR 15} ~ but why take the risks?  Besides, deflected .50cal rounds could hurt teammates; best to neutralize the threat as fast as possible.

He made no reply to Crusader's professional assessment and just acted to end the battle quickly...

Slightly shifting his weight Justicar pivots and rockets toward the .50 cal rifleman on the right with the suit's jump-jets ~ executing a shield-Rush hefting the riot shield in his right hand to strike the gunman with the full 962lb weight and force of his powered armor's robotic enhanced strength {PS 30} with the 200'ft velocity leap; impacting the .50Cal Rifleman squarely in the chest with the full-on flat surface of the transparent polymer Riot shield Wall!!!

At the same time his left gauntlet launches its electrified spiked towline to snare the .50 cal rifle and rip it with that mechanical superhuman strength {PS 30} from the gunman's grip sending an electric charge through the weapon simultaneously to "encourage" the gunman to let it go while the force of his shield-rush jump-jet leap sends the gunman flying back weaponless...!

2 Actions:
10:56, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Strike with Shield Rush [+10 ST]. – [roll=1644591398.2423.355584]
10:57, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 28 using 1d20+13.  Strike with Spike-Towline [+13]. – [roll=1644591463.35796.355584]

11:10, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 21 using 1d4+2d6+15.  Shield Rush Damage [1d4shield]+ leap '200'ft' [2d6roughly 10mph]. – [roll=1644592231.58165.355584]
11:12, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 18 using 4d6.  Electric Discharge - Through Rifle [4d6]. – [roll=1644592345.90918.355584]
Note: a 200'ft movement in one melee round is roughly a Speed stat of 13 or 9+mph so adding a 'roughly 10mph' collision crash damage seemed appropriate?

Hikari was waiting for a report on life signs from 'Karl' but figured he'd know soon enough if the crush of the impact from his shield rush was any telle...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

CMZ charges at gunman 1, raising himself almost to his full height as he brings both hands up ove his head and downward in a double smash maneuver.  He then follows up with a stomp to the man's gut.
One hand strikes at the shoulder, while one comes down towards the top of his head.  The gut shot, well, where else is that going to go?


11:47, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 17 using 1d4+14..  Critical damage bonus.

11:46, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 15,14,14 using 1d4+13,1d4+13,1d6+13.

11:44, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 14,25,20 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5.  Double overhead strike, Snapkick to gut.

Patriot whips out his forearm blade and slices back and forth on the gunman.

OOC: 22:53, Today: Patriot rolled 15,19,16,19 using 1d20+4,2d6+11,1d20+4,2d6+11.  attacking with arm blades.

Patriot darts forward, leaps over gunman two and throws a kick at the back of a head. That gunman turns around and fires a short burst at Patriot. Most of the bullets careen off the cyborg's armor, some don't. Patriot doesn't react to the rounds that found seams in his armor, and responds by extending large blades from his forearm and slashing back and forth on the gunman. Both his kick and his slashing blades failed to find seams in the gunman's body armor, but they have done considerable damage to it.
The android responds with a long burst from his submachinegun, and the rounds fail to find seams in Patriot's body armor but have considerably less impact on the armor.

Crusader's assault on gunman four leaves Crusader with a somewhat bent M82 facing an opponent with severely beaten body armor. It's fairly certain the creature wouldn't be firing the gun if Crusader hadn't taken it away, as one of Crusader's blows separated the left arm at the elbow. The gunman's left forearm and hand fell from the left sleeve and dropped to the ground trailing wires with sparks. The android responds by attempting to punch Crusader, but Crusader reflexively parries the blow.

JUSTICAR slams into gunman three, and damages the, now obvious, android. It remains functional and bounces backwards while attempting to raise its .50 caliber rifle to fire at JUSTICAR in point blank range, although the tortured whine of the android's servos are evidence that JUSTICAR did it no favors. Despite the damage, the android's robotic strength easily overcomes the capacity of the towline motor in JUSTICAR's suit.

Chimp Man Z hammers on gunman one, damaging the android more than the android's body armor. Gunman one fires back at Chimp Man Z, wasting most of the remaining rounds in his clip as Chimp Man Z isn't damaged in the slightest.

OOC: current state of opponents

number	1	2	3	4
SDC (natural)	180/225	225	186/225	199/225 left arm crippled
Body Armor SDC (artificial)	265/280	229/280	280	202/280

Please roll initiative for the next round.
NPC's get initiative of 3, but will automatically parry attack rolls of 16 or less.
23:37, Today: SSOGM rolled 3,16 using 1d20+2,1d20+1.  NPC's initiative and auto parry rolls.

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Justicar seeing that the target is indeed an android/robot and it has managed to retain its grip on the Barret, pulls no punches! He grabs the rifle directly with his free left gauntleted hand to if not rip it from the android's grasp at least keep the android from aiming it at him! Releasing his grip on his right hand transparent riot shield he extends the foot and a half long electrified triple wrist blades and stabs at the android's head specifically aiming to destroy its optics systems!

2 Actions:
09:50, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 14 using 1d20+10.  Justicar - Grab for .50Cal Barret Rifle [+10ST]. – [roll=1644846627.26389.355584]

09:52, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Justicar - Strike with Electrified Triple Wrist Blades [+10ST]. – [roll=1644846728.98027.355584]
- Note: This is indeed a called shot!

09:54, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 41 using 7d6+15.  Justicar - Electrified [4d6], Triple Wrist Blade [3d6+15] Damage. – [roll=1644846889.42429.355584]

09:56, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 29 using 1d20+15.  Justicar - Initiative {rd 2} [+15]. – [roll=1644846990.73223.355584]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Crusader tossed the rifle aside and drew a pair of tomahawks. With these axes in hand she went to work. Her first attacks were less effective than the later ones.

09:51, Today: Crusader rolled 25 using 1d20+7.  5.

09:51, Today: Crusader rolled 25 using 1d20+7.  4.

09:51, Today: Crusader rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  3.

09:51, Today: Crusader rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  2.

09:51, Today: Crusader rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Tomahawk attack 1

Moving with his android guard target, CMZ turns unbelievably aggressive.  He roars as he drops low in stance again, then begins with a kick at the guard's midsection.  Then he switches to a backflip to deliver a kick to its chin, then a somersault to drop a kick towards its head.  This is followed by a dropkick towards the chest.  As he get up from his landing, he moves to grab the robot by its legs, holding its ankles tightly and 9ff the ground.

Switch from Tall Monkey to Stone Monkey.:  +4 Strike, +1 Attack, +2 Damage, +2 Roll, NO Dodge or Parry.
13:03, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 19,15,18,17 using 2d4+12,2d4+12,2d4+12,2d4+12.  Kick damages.

13:01, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 14,18,19,11,27 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  Kick, Backflip kick, Somersault kick, Drop kick, Leg Hold.

Done with subtlety, Patriot sweeps gunman two's legs. As the android hits the ground, Patriot's right forearm (opposite the blades) opens and a tube springs out. Pointing the tube at the downed 'droid, Patriot's laser spits five sun-bright bolts down into the creature.

OOC:23:31, Today: Patriot, rolled 20,13,6,12 using 1d20+6,1d20+4,1d20,4d6.  initiative, tripping, automatic laser, laser damage.
emptying laser magazine, damage is one bolt times five (60).

JUSTICAR tries to grab the M82 from gunman three, and the android reflexively deflects the armored hand. The android manages to neither reflect nor avoid the electrified blades that skewer its head. Apparently, these were designed with most of the control circuitry in exactly that spot as every one of the android's joints become suddenly loose and it slides off JUSTICAR's blades like a ragdoll sliding off a needle.

Patriot knocks down gunman two and sears the android and the area it lies in. Some part of the android's outer covering or clothing appears to be flammable, as it is in flames. The android struggles back to its feet and puts a new magazine in its submachinegun.

Crusader's first two blows are parried by gunman four, but the remaining three strike home. Although there is no visible damage to the android's right arm, that limb hangs limp. The android attempts to kick at Crusader, but the hero reflexively parries this blow, as well.

Chimp Man Z's assault appears successful, though the android parries the standard kick Z leads with and the drop kick, the other three kicks strike home on gunman one. Gunman one responds by switching to a new magazine and firing two short bursts at Chimp Man Z. Most of the rounds hit him, but none of them make it through Z's formidable defenses.

OOC:
initiative

character(s)	initiative
JUSTICAR	29
Patriot	20
Crusader	9
Chimp Man Z	5
NPC's	3

current state of opponents

number	1	2	3	4
SDC (natural)	137/225	225	0/225 head mangled	121/225 left arm crippled
Body Armor SDC (artificial)	265/280	169/280	280	202/280

Please roll initiative for the next round.
NPC's get initiative of 20, and will automatically parry attack rolls of 17 or less.
00:26, Today: SSOGM rolled 20,17 using 1d20+2,1d20+1.  NPC's initiative and auto-parry, round 3.
initiatives and on to round 3

Justicar's expression is unreadable behind his armored visor but the self-chastizement in his tone is unmistakable...

"Hmmm.. how... unexpected! I appear to have been in Error in my over-estimation of our foes technical ingenuity.  I would NEVER put a robot brain in the head of an anthro-endoframe! It's such an obvious target!  Regardless ~ Head shots it IS Team, aim for their Brain casings!"

With that Justicar snatched up the Barret 82 A1 rifle on its sling to shoulder it stowed away denying it from any of the gunmen and popping his other gauntleted electrified triple-wrist blade he moved across the battleground azure-blue ballistic cloak fluttering at his shoulders in his wake as he went to work twin unsheathed electrified triple-wrist blades at the ready.  He slashed at the newly reloaded SMG of the android facing Patriot as he moved across the clearing ending his movement next to and behind the android with the crippled arm facing off with Crusader moving up behind it to stab it through the back of its head!


2 Actions or 3: 'pick up .50 Cal Rifle?'
03:03, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 18 using 1d20+10.  Justicar - Strike with Electrified Triple Wrist Blades [+10ST] at Called Shot head. – [roll=1644908589.37281.355584]

03:03, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 18 using 1d20+10.  Justicar - Strike with Electrified Triple Wrist Blades [+10ST] at Called Shot head. – [roll=1644908589.37281.355584]

03:04, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 43 using 7d6+15.  Justicar - Electrified [4d6], Triple Wrist Blade [3d6+15] Damage SMG. – [roll=1644908650.74592.355584]

03:04, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 48 using 7d6+15.  Justicar - Electrified [4d6], Triple Wrist Blade [3d6+15] Damage Called shot Head. – [roll=1644908690.07466.355584]

[Private to JUSTICAR: Technically, the electrical discharge can only be used once per melee round (capacitor must recharge). You'll need to choose which strike is electrified, in future. I've been considering these androids as having 40 SDC in their heads, so it doesn't matter in this battle.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:33, Tue 15 Feb 2022.

Crusader attacked the android with her small axe, keeping one hand for parrying. Her first attack faultered but her third made up for it.

10:43, Today: Crusader rolled 26 using 1d20+7.  5.

10:42, Today: Crusader rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  4.

10:42, Today: Crusader rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  3. Crit

10:42, Today: Crusader rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  2.

10:42, Today: Crusader rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Tomahwk Attack 1.

CMZ ignores the burst of gun fire that pelts him for the moment, the only damage being to his track suit.  However, with the legs of a droid in his hands, he raises the droid up and smashes it into the ground, first to his left, then to his right.  Then, he does it again before throwing the droid at the one that had just shot him.

13:02, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 12 using 1d6+10.  Damage taken from being thrown.

12:56, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Frisbee the droid at droid gunner.  Probably a miss....

12:55, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 18,18,17,16 using 1d6+12,1d6+12,1d6+12,1d6+12.  Damages.

12:51, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 20,15,11,12 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  Body Flip/Throws, just without letting go...

12:50, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Initiative. 

JUSTICAR hefts the Barrett, then knocks the submachinegun from the hands of gunman two. The M82 appears undamaged with the MAC 20 is the opposite. At the end of the line of androids, JUSTICAR's blades emerge from the face of gunman four, and this gunman falls limp just as the first one did.

Gunman two kicks at Patriot, Patriot ignores the kick letting the android's foot glance off his body armor.

Patriot takes a cue from JUSTICAR and slams his own blades repeatedly into the head of gunman two, the android goes limp.

Crusader hacks at the android in Chimp Man Z's grip, which does the android no good as the construct fails to escape Chimp Man Z's leg hold. Chimp Man Z slams the droid around, more damage done, then throws it into a tree and the android ragdolls around the tree before crumpling to the ground.

OOC:
initiative

character(s)	initiative
JUSTICAR	35
NPC's	20
Crusader	15
Patriot	15
Chimp Man Z	5

current state of opponents

number	1	2	3	4
SDC (natural)	0/225	0/225 head mangled	0/225 head mangled	0/225 left arm crippled, head mangled
Body Armor SDC (artificial)	152/280	169/280	280	202/280

the androids are defeated


[Private to JUSTICAR: Karl will indicate that those are not the components of an advanced AI, it could only be a simple system, and they probably went limp when the head was attacked because that appears to be where the antenna are, suggesting these are radio controlled]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:41, Wed 16 Feb 2022.

Justicar continues moving he recovers from the Android .50 Cal Barret Riflemen any additional ammo it carried for the weapon, stowing it in suit compartment.  He pauses briefly head tilted listening to 'Karl'.

Then turns to the team, "Well done Sentinels!  'Karl' has informed me it is highly likely these robots are not AI Androids but more like remotely controlled drones.. their heads containing their communication antenna.  They are simpler than I believed... but this also presents an opportunity.  I might be able to shut them all down with a properly tuned communications jamming... or even potentially hack control and direct them myself."

Justicar retracts both his Triple-Wrist Blades and allows the dual internal electric discharge capacitors to cool down and recharge as he recovers his Transparent polymer riot shield...

"Let's not loose our momentum and continue on to the Shack/Lift where there may be stiff resistance... I do believe we have their attention now!"

Turning to Crusader, "Once we have determined just how much resistance is at the shack/lift... our mission to secure the aircraft will be on deck.  Be ready."

Justicar spreads his mechanical wings and fans whirring... continues on toward the Shack/Lift objective somewhat faster then before...

As he moves Justicar will load one explosive rifle-grenade on his right shoulder weapon arm-5.56mm light...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Wed 16 Feb 2022.

CMZ works to tear off the arm of one of the androids at the shoulder.  He looks around at the others as he props the metal arm over his shoulder like a baseball player with his bat.  This could be fun.  I have to hold back so I don't seriously injure anyone.  Even most of those with powers.  Now, I get to cut loose a bit.
He begins runninging for the shack once more.

Justicar chuckles at CMZ, 'snicker' "Easy there Micro-Kong!  Remind me Never to piss you off! Your might in VERY Impressive... but I understand how cutting loose can be very cathartic! I'm almost always holding back the majority of my firepower as well... 'measured response' is... difficult when you have unforgiving weapons.  However, this first true battle as a Sentinel has inspired me to try to develop some less lethal incapacitating rather than harming offensive tools. It's a true honor to fight at your side Chimpman Z!"

Crusader put away her tomahawks and started to her ATV. She stopped and turned to Justicar "I am always ready. I have a map, you can follow." She accelerated to the ATV and cranked it to get a ride to this shed.

Justicar nods, "The Aircraft hanger is in the side of a shear volcano cone cliff.. the ATV will be useless. I'll have to carry you.. we don't have time for you to climb there though I'm sure your certainly capable of that. I have a spare climbing harness with a quick release buckle that you can don so I can ferry you ~ hands free."


This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Fri 18 Feb 2022.

Crusader shrugged, "I do not believe your touching me has ulterior motive so be my guest."

Justicar is silent for a few seconds his expression hidden but replies, "I thank you for your regard, but I DO have an ulterior motive.  I have no idea what defenses or opposition awaits us at the VTOL Aircraft Hanger. I may have need of my hands free to carry, manipulate or assault opposition before it might be possible to safely set you down, which I'd rather leave completely under your control than mine.  The harness is for efficiency... AND should we need to rapidly exit its a safer more sure way to make sure you do not slip my grip at an inopportune time for many unforeseeable circumstances... best to be over-prepared."

Again she spoke to him, "Yea, no problem. Better safe than sorry."

"Just a minute, you said these were remotely operated? That means someone has seen us, and they should be mobilizing their forces directed at us. I know that's what we intended, but if they're using drones on the ground, what's to stop them from sending a more standard drone in our direction?"
"I think we should rush to that elevator and get underground. They start sending missiles our way and Z will be the only one still standing. Those tunnels can take us to the plane hangar without that exposure, we'll just have to go through the base to get there."

Justicar replied, "Yes, getting into the Shack/Lift and securing it IS a prime objective, but as for missile targeting and drone attack they just don't have that kind of sensor net.  They have cameras on the surface but that's not enough to lock a missile on target especially  with the jungle ground cover and the fact I'm Very specifically keeping my heat signature very low by Not using my rocket thrusters.  We are all relatively small targets moving faster than any human-sized target could normally move... that is a very low-signature to lock on to without direct clear line of sight... and we're in a jungle.  Right now.. that ATV Crusader is driving is about the only thing with a large enough heat signature to target in such a fashion... I know.. I have the same thermal targeting systems in my sensor suite.  If this were an open desert yeah we would be much easier to target for say a Apache gunship with its many optical surveillance and targeting sensors to target... an asset they do not have and even if they did.. I already have high air cover with my Alpha-Drone looking for just that kind of deployment..."

To which Justicar gestures patting the M47 Dragon Medium Anti-Tank/Assault Weapon clamped to his suit...

"...and I'm prepared for that."

"But, more importantly, if we get ourselves entangled in tunnel-fighting we have to go through an unknowable amount of defenses and forces that might be able to block our approach to the Aircraft hanger and allow them time to escape.  They could have solid stone security walls they can close to make our progress VERY slow.. I did not bring that kind of demolitions as I do not possess sufficient training in such technical skill.  Flying to the cliff-side opening they can only have so many defenses to stop that approach... remember they do not know how much we know about their base."

"While You Patriot and Chimpman Z hold their attention once we have breached any defenses or defenders guarding the Shack/Lift... I an Crusader will 'end-run' their interior defenses and directly assault the Aircraft hanger."

"I believe this is the best course of assault... unless someone has a better assessment and approach I've not considered?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

You realize that, if they have cameras out here, they very likely have microphones, too, CMZ advises.  So let's go make some noise!
He takes to the trees, screaming inarticulate sounds.  This gets the monkeys to making noise as well, louder than would be expected for such small animals.

Hikari made no comment in reply to CMZ merely continued with the others on task.  He saw no need to comment on the impracticality of sound coverage with the logistics of a jungle island subject to wind and rain of the elements not to mention the constant background sounds of the ocean! Microphones are far more delicate then camera...many ways to make their use of limited value in a uncontrolled outdoor setting.

But no one likes someone who acts like a 'know-it-all' ~ even if they might be right, something Hikari learned the Hard way amongst youths of his age group until he had No close friends of his age what-so-ever!  Not everything was a debate one had to win simply because you Might be the smartest person in the room!  It's quite possible to be Easily the LONELIEST person in the room as well.. Right or Wrong!!

And he could be wrong... but he serious doubted there was THAT kind of surveillance on the isle.  The isle greatest defense was being in-obvious.. no need to wire up and maintain the nightmare of maintenance schedules it would take to keep such an audio system running well while its exposed to the elements 24/7, if no one is bothering to visit the isle in the first place!

A personal note to CMZ's point Hikari would make sure in the future he would leave such detailed expostulation on tactics to the secured and private LESP channel just in case they might be being monitored!

"'Karl', I know you are busy monitoring Alpha-Drone's telemetry searching for new threats on high surveillance over the isle, but if you could try to isolate the control signal frequencies for the Security Robot-Drones the defenders have deployed?  If we could isolate that control frequency and jam or hi-jack it ... it could make at least on a small scale a significant combat advantage."

'I will... Try Hikari.  Scanning...'

17:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 25 using 1d100.  Karl - Radio: Scramblers ('98%'). – [roll=1645133619.99499.355584]

17:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 80 using 1d100.  Karl - Radio: Basic [86%]. – [roll=1645133602.69629.355584]

17:34, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 62 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Instruments ('90%'). – [roll=1645133646.78776.355584]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

"Yeah. I'm not saying your plan is bad."
"These yahoos stole a biological weapon from the military, then built their own sophisticated delivery system. They're paying for mercenaries, and then using them as nothing more than perimeter sensors. They're deploying infantry drones with decades old weapons and body armor they probably bought on the internet. Sooner or later, we're going to meet their real defenses. They've had the resources to build an underground fortress on an island with an artificial waterfall."
"That M47 is probably one of the worst anti-tank guided missiles ever made. Before you go flying off for that cave, ask yourself what happens to the person in the harness if someone on the ground decides to send a javelin up your exhaust pipe. Hell, if anyone on the island has another dragon, just like yours, we're ALREADY in range."
"If you carry anyone to the cave, it should be Chimp Man Z, or myself."
Switching his attention to Crusader, Patriot explains, "No offense is meant, miss, but you're the least armored of the four of us."

Justicar switches to the LESP secure channel to reply ~

[Private to group LESPradio: +"I agree more than you know Patriot, I've said from the beginning this is going too smoothly... questioning where is their 'real' resistance?  They DO have meta-human assets as well they can deploy.  BUT that is Also the reason WHY I want Crusader with me, when you get inside their base..you will likely meet their Heaviest and most heavily Armed defenses.. THAT is where our toughest teammates ~ You and CMZ will be needed the most... but also once I an Crusader have secured one way or another the aircraft escape route we will begin trying to investigate the base to find out what they are Really doing here..hopefully not bogged down with front-line battle.. and I Need Crusader's Detective skills for that.. I'm an engineer and pilot.. but I'm not a forensics expert if the reputation of the Crusader is true.. she has detective skills I do not!"

"And as for someone shooting a guided ordinance at us in flight.. that is precisely why I want my hands free.. I'll shoot it down or my Drones will shoot down.. or jam its active lock or any number of other ECM efforts I can deploy.  Also I have a very low heat signature.. my Fanned Wings are purely electric powered by the sun.. I have no exhaust to track or lock onto unless I fire up my Rocket Thrusters."

"I chose the M47 because its so low-tech and its laser guided... which I have not only my suit's laser targeting to paint targets with,  I have two drones that also carry laser painters.  I was not looking for the best anti-armor weapon.. just what is sufficient.  And..aheh.. have You Ever tried to get a hold of cutting edge Military ordinance on a Class 4 Weapons license, as a Teenager? I may have a FFL Type 9 license, but the M47 was the best I could get... even as a tech genius robotics manufacturer ~ money opens a lot of doors.. but not all of them!"]
{ooc: Also the M47 was the most advanced guided missile man-portable weapon in the Palladium 'Compendium of Contemporary Weapons'!}
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

It's fairly quiet after the androids are eliminated. However, everyone remembers that another ATV with a pair of security personnel will be coming along the path to the elevator within the next ten minutes.

OOC: clarifying something
There is a section in Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition titled "Robot & Assault Vehicle Combat" which expounds on the rules for missiles to be dodged or shot down before they damage their target. Shooting down the missile requires a called shot at -3 (15 or better). Dodging requires beating the attacker's to strike roll with a -4 penalty and no dodge bonuses.

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 63:

Thus, normal humans and most superhumans dodge energy blasts, rockets and other projectiles (bullets, arrows, etc.) without benefit of their usual dodge bonuses (straight die roll), and with a penalty of -4 to dodge! To be successful, the dodger must roll higher (after the penalty is deducted) than his attacker's roll to strike.

These rules are fine, however, they will not help anyone flying over the island because those rules do not apply to the first missile fired.

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 65, emphasis mine:

Note: In all cases, the defender can only parry and dodge against attacks that are within his line of vision. Attacks from the rear cannot be parried, dodged or entangled. Likewise, long-range attacks (especially from a concealed assailant/sniper) cannot be dodged or parried, and the first shot from any long-range attack, is a surprise attack and cannot be dodged or parried. After the first shot, the character(s) can dodge, run or leap to take cover, and try to figure out where the attack is coming from. This can be done by discerning the direction of subsequent attacks, the sound of gunfire (if any), muzzle or energy flash, and other tell-tale signs.

For another perspective, consider the amount of time these projectiles are in flight, even from a long-range shot. The characters are about 600m from the volcano (it's a small island), let's assume the attacker is at the volcano. This gives us the following numbers:

system	speed	time in flight
Dragon	200 m/s	three seconds
Javelin	575 m/s	one second
Stinger	667 m/s	less than one second

So, taking flight over the island will be dangerous. I just felt like this should be clear.

ooc: I think you may have the incorrect picture of what Justicar means when he says 'fly to the aircraft hanger'. He has no intention of breaking tree cover or flying any higher than 10'ft in altitude until he must to scale up the side of the volcano cone to reach the aircraft hanger, and even then he will be hugging the surface at again 10'ft cause why present yourself as a target out in open air? You can bet when he does fly for the hanger he will have all four of his drones monitoring all sides along with his own 360^degree cameras in his HUD.. looking for such incoming fire. He does not plan to be exposed for very long before we are in the aircraft hanger...and certainly not above the tree cover. By the look of the grid map.. Justicar can have tree cover the entire way to the Aircraft hanger save for the last perhaps 200 to 240 feet up the side of the Volcano cone.  He can cover that distance in less than 1 action in a melee... he flies at 100mph even just on fans!

I'm quite familiar with how the defense rules work in palladium though admittedly I'm more familiar with ROBOTECH, Mecha combat.

If this is an attempt for the GM to tell us this plan is not going to work as outlined, We can change the plan.

I'm just looking at what Justicar has available and it seems this should not be an issue with his AI and drone cover watching for such hazards ~ note all of his drones are armed in some fashion and could shoot at any conventional missile ordinance in flight. Plus not being able to physically look at an incoming missile is not a issue when Justicar has radar and proximity sensors... that can track multiple targets coming from many directions at once. That's what radar is for correct?  I mean its near impossible to 'sneak' up on Justicar without some multi-spectral sensor cloak to hide visual and sensor detection.

He doesn't even have to turn to face an incoming attack as he has tacking weapons systems tied into a combat computer that can target in any directions all he has to do is point and aim a weapon in the right direction his HUD should highlight where he's aiming so he need not change course or even facing to shoot at targets.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

When the heroes reach the shack it becomes obvious that it is an elevator. A small, spring-loaded piece of plexiglass covers a sort of card reader at one side of the elevator doors. It appears quiescent, with no indication that anything is moving inside.

OOC: GM just wanted to be clear by indicating that missiles with a range measured in kilometers attack with surprise unless the launch platform is visible (by being a giant robot or large military vehicle). This includes the Dragon JUSTICAR carries.
Also would like to state that mine is a second edition The Palladium Book of Contemporary Weapons, from 1984. It doesn't include missiles.

Justicar in transit calls his drones back to him learning that Beta and Ceti-drone have finished transporting their 'captive cargo' to the Zodiac crew on the beach.

On arrival at the shack, Justicar turns to CMZ, and hands his card laynard to him noting that Crusader still has one herself.

"Ok, Go time.  Chimpman Z, what are your thoughts on the matter of splitting our forces?  I'd expected some defenders here to stop us using the elevator and I and Crusader would be needed to help you suppress the defenders to gain access.  They are not here so likely they are arrayed in the tight quarters down the elevator shaft.  If we go down there to help out we may become trapped in the fighting... can you and Patriot handle it from here so we can move to securing the Aircraft escape route?  Or do you think it better we stay together and fight our way to the Hanger through the base?"

OOC: Ah, I see... my The Palladium Book of Contemporary Weapons is the Third Printing, from 1999.  It also includes tanks and armored vehicles.  If you are interested you could PM me a email address and I could share my google drive folder with Palladium Book PDFS

Crusader shook her head at the boys going on and on in circles over their competing plans. Instead of waiting she drove the ATV over to the elevator and used the commandeered lanyard to activate it.

Justicar looked on in Horror as Crusader drove over to the elevator and swiped her purloined access card... taking no consideration of possible booby-traps in the terrain, the very elevator rigged with explosives or even the potential for waiting foes inside the elevator or even just hiding behind it waiting for someone unauthorized to walk up and try to access it!

He'd paused to ask Chimpman Z's more experienced and mature opinion to get team consensus... cause smart as Hikari believed himself to be... that is not always enough as years of maturity and real world experience can be the better guide than raw intellect.  Hikari Deeply respected the Veteran Hero and real-world experience of Chimpman Z, keeping firmly in mind the goal here was not who was the better hero or strategic planner.. but to protect the lives of his teammates and oppose the wicked in a fashion that would end their threat ~ not a contest of Egos.  For all his knowledge, technical genius and piloting skill... Hikari knew he was still just a teen ~ and his worldview was not as full as the adults on his team.

He only got out a partial warning, "Crusader wai~"

Honestly, CMZ is new to military-style operations.  Primarily, his time as a hero has been a successful solo act, with a few successful team-ups here and there, and one SWAT-style operation that had not gone particularly well.  There is one thing he knows, however.  And he says it over the radio.
[Private to group LESPradio: Hey, you're supposed to let the guy who can't be hurt go first, Crusader!]

Patriot nods as he strides to elevator, "Makes sense. That's what the security guys would have done, they haven't been blowing up."

When Crusader puts the card, from the security guard's lanyard, into the slot beside the elevator door a green led begins to blink at the top of the card reader. One moment after this occurs, the elevator doors open to expose a typical elevator shaft showing the steel cables from which the elevator car hangs. The machinery for the elevator begins to move; the hum of large motors and the hiss of greased brass bushings comes out of the shaft as the cables begin to move.
As the top of the car comes into sight, other metallic clicks, clinks, and clanks come from the car. As the interior becomes visible, you can see six individuals in a classic firing position, three kneeling and three standing behind them. They are armed with rifles. This is all that can be noted before you are required to react.

Justicar reacts, whipping up an arm to fire his Spike-Tow line at Crusader to reel her into his arms as he turns his back to the gunmen to place himself between her and the firing line.... but also his shoulder mounted weapon arm aims the 5.56mm LMG centering the targeting laser at Center of the grouping of gunmen in the elevator, firing the High Explosive Rifle Grenade into the their formation!

18:09, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 35 using 1d20+15.  Justicar - Strike with Rifle Grenade 'Center formation' [+15 Weapon Systems + laser targeting]. – [roll=1645654174.14646.355584] CRITICAL

18:05, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Justicar - Strike with Spike-Towline [+10ST]. – [roll=1645653939.92425.355584]

18:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 25 using 1d20+15.  Justicar - Initiative {reaction} [+15]. – [roll=1645653659.68962.355584]

EDIT: Silly me... forgot the damage...
Rifle Launcher Grenades: = Rifle Ra: 1150ft (350m), Dam: 2D4 x 10, Blast: 10'ft Radius
22:40, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 4 using 2d4.  Rifle Grenade - Damage [2d4x10] x2 CRIT. – [roll=1645670437.94394.355584] 40 x2 [ 80 Damage total]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Hoping everyone gets behind him, when his chance finally comes, he charges into the elevator in his low, deep-kneed movement, taking the blindly aggressive Stone Monkey form again.  He lashes out with overhead duo-knuckle strikes, hitting at the guards heads and shoulder to basically pound them down as they try to get back up from the explosion.
18:04, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 17,38,18,13,5 using 1d8+12,2d8+24,1d8+12,1d8+12,1d8+2.  Overhead Duo-knuckle Fust damages (One Critical).

18:03, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  +1 Attack, overhead Duo-Knuckle Fist.

18:01, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 21,27,26,26 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  Stone Monkey Stance Overhand punches.

17:48, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 5 using 1d20.  Initiative.

20:00, Today: Crusader rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative

Crusader took note of the military formation of the group in the elevator, then she felt heeself being yanked backwards. She felt the metal hands and felt the explosion and heard CMZ roaring and charging. She was going to have words with Justicar but his intentions were pure so they would be gentle.

As soon as the squad of soldiers is visible, Patriot shouts "COVER" and grabs the ATV. Flipping the machine on its side, he tosses it in front of the squad of riflemen and leaps OVER it all to land atop the elevator.

OOC:19:49, Today:  Patriot rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  initiative.
21:12, Today: Patriot rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  toss ATV into place.
21:13, Today: Patriot rolled 6 using 1d20-2.  leap atop the elevator.

As Crusader flies off the ATV and back to JUSTICAR, Patriot flips the ATV in front of the squad in the elevator. JUSTICAR's launched grenade passes the ATV and explodes within the elevator. All of the riflemen are caught in the blast, despite their riot armor the riflemen are ALL disabled and nearly dead. Patriot's feet are caught in the blast as he leaps over the elevator and he tumbles to fall atop the shack. The ATV is blown back out of the elevator, rolling over twice and stopping a few feet in front of JUSTICAR.

OOC: 40 damage to Patriot's armor

Having been completely unable to react before shit went down, CMZ moves to check Justicar and Crusader.  Seeing that they are fine, he moves to the elevator and looks inside.  Fuck, is all he can say.  His paramedic training tells him instantly that there is no hope for the human guards.  It looks like a scene from a horror move, some combination of slasher and body horror flick.  Luckily, or unluckily, he has seen similar carnage in response to accidents and crime scenes, so he does not immediately feel the need to vomit.
Are you okay, Patriot?  His question comes when he finally tears his eyes away from the carnage to look for the cyborg.
After an affirmative response from Patriot, he turns to the other two.  Justicar!  Come here right now!  Look at what you've done!

Justicar is silent for several seconds before releasing his hold on Crusader.  He quickly checks to see she has not sustained any injuries either from the grenade detonation or his powered exoskeleton manhandling. He unconsciously spreads his suit's hands in a placative manor as if he had inappropriately touched her person, which even had he not done so he 'feels' he may have non-the-less..

"I.. I'm sorry, Crusader.  I.. I reacted... maybe even ... panicked!  I'm sorry."

He turns away from her to look at the results of the overturned ATV.  He doesn't seem to hear Chimpman Z as his mechanical visor opens to reveal a pained expression on his young face.  He steps around the ATV and walks into the elevator.. to view the carnage in-person.

He speaks softly too himself, 'Close quarters detonation, confined space over-pressure, entry point briefly blocked by at least half-ton object... exactly the effect I would have expected...'sigh' chunky-salsa'

"Karl, first aid instructions please... the best you can advise ~ quickly...!"

As soft voice is heard from inside his open helmet, 'Understood Hikari ~ stay calm son, Scanning vitals ~ '

Then he begins to collect assault rifles and toss them from elevator car and following 'Karls' instructions administering what aid he can to the gunmen's injuries, "...These are not tools of peace, they were going to gun down Crusader or any of us they had the opportunity to do so.  There is a penalty for being on the side of terrorists ~ knowing or unknowing, pointing guns at deputies of law-enforcement.  Every police officer knows the rights of a potential criminal change once a weapon is leveled at the officer of the law or his deputies!  I'm sorry ~ You and Crusader were reacting too slowly, I'm sorry they decided to aim lethal weapons at deputized agents of the US law Enforcement, I'm sorry I had to be the one to act ~ I'm NOT sorry and Never will be I acted to save Crusader from being riddled with bullets!  I did not have time to figure out if they were human or more drone robots.  I reacted.  I put weapons on the Justicar fully understanding and ready to face this eventuality that I would someday Seriously injure or even potentially kill someone in the defense of others.  I have  NOT changed that resolve! They are down and Crusader is not dead... would you prefer the reverse? I'll call that a victory for the good guys.  Now you are a licensed EMT Chimpman Z, I'm not... are you going to blame or help?"

10:50, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 64 using 1d100.  Karl - First Aid [47%]. – [roll=1645714202.61413.355584] FAIL
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Patriot hops down the elevator, none the worse for wear, and turns on JUSTICAR, "NO. You are NOT allowed to feel sorry for stopping those soldiers. That's what they were, and this was always how they were going to end."
"What you can feel sorry for is damaging our means of ingress. A grenade in an elevator car likely expands the sides, and thereby sticks the car in the shaft. First, we'll need to stabilize and move the wounded out of the way. Then we'll need to cut through the floor and drop into those tunnels."
"Oh, and I think we may need all four of us down there."


This message was last edited by the GM at 15:26, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

The carnage in the elevator isn't as horrible as some disasters. All of the soldiers were wearing riot armor with full helmets. None of them are dead, all are comatose and bleeding. Between JUSTICAR and Chimp Man Z, there is enough first aid knowledge to stop the bleeding and move them out of the elevator.
Three of the AK-47's are undamaged, and eleven of the eighteen clips of spare ammunition appear undamaged. The elevator car may be stuck, but the real issue is the second card reader inside the elevator car. It is hanging by two of the four wires coming out of the hole it was in.

Justicar, nods in gratitude for Patriot's support a sad smile graces his expression, "..yeah, a grenade was not ~ after the fact, perhaps the best option? But I doubt CS Gas would have worked as well and I was too far away to use my flamethrower.  Gut reaction, live and learn."

Looking at the blasted interior card reader of the elevator Hikari closes his visor, "I think I can make-shift this to work again... see if the elevator IS truly 'stuck'.. give me a few moments..."

He sticks his left gauntlet hand into an opening compartment in the Justicar suit's hips and a tool hand replaces his fingered hand... clearly Hikari's actual hands' are not in the suit's appendages...

Hikari gets to work running a bypass of the elevators card-reader to trigger the elevator recall to the bottom floor...

As he works his internal monologue plagues him...

{Maybe I'm not so much different than my Super-Villain Mother ~ POLARIS?  I've.. always tried.. to be Better than Her... maybe I'm just fooling myself?  I'm sure She would be proud I Acted instead of 'Moralized' as she always calls it!  What would ...father think?}

He's glad he lowered his visor so his teammates cannot see how conflicted and pained he is by his deeds today... but perhaps his shoulders tremble slightly...

12:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 59 using 1d100.  Justicar - Electronics: Basic [67%]. – [roll=1645718402.77788.355584]

'Karl' Assigns Delta-Drone to collect, secure and carry the AK-47's and spare ammo...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

CMZ pats his chest.  Trust the paramedic, guys.  What shrapnel didn't do, the overpressure did, he says.  These men are beyond help.  They're shredded and pulped.  Don't waste your time.
He places a hand on Hikaru's pauldron.  It was a good shoot.  A bit overkill, maybe, but a good shoot.  The Navy will agree with that.  He pauses.  But, next time, let's give them a chance to surrender, like that first guy.  And stay behind me.  Their bullets will chip away at your armor.  All I gotta worry about is proving to the world I've had my bris. Which I have already done a couple of times....
He looks around at the state of the elevator.  We need to get down that shaft.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 118):

Hikari lifts a hand to briefly, lightly touch CMZ's fingers on his shoulder... his head bowed...

And replies softly, "Thank You, Jacob..."

Look kid, I've been doing the hero thing since I was a bit younger than you, in middle school, even if it was just small ways.  He slowly shakes his head slightly.  When I was about your age, there was a hostage situation.  A guy with a ten year old girl in his arm and a gun to her head.  The cops had weapons drawn, but were at a stalemate because the guy had a corner of a couple of buildings behind him.  I'm a couple of stories up on the roof looking down.
He pauses a moment.  I had the element of surprise.  I dropped down right in front of him, palm struck the gun away from her head, and wrenched his arm away from the girl so I could catch her with my foot.  He staggered back a step or two, and brought the gun down to aim at the girl, so I punched him in the chest.  He gives a wan smile.  It was a great plan that worked.  Except....
He pauses again, the wan smile vanishing.  The gun smashed into his face, smashing his teeth and left jaw.  It discharged, taking a chunk of his outer ear.  I didn't hear the bones of his arm snap.  He was staggered, deafened, and partially blinded by the muzzle flash.
 I guess it was a reflex that caused him to point the gun at the girl, because I don't think he was aware enough to do it intentionally.  I didn't know I had just crushed his sternum and ribcage, smashing his heart against his spine, and puncturing it and both lungs with broken bone.  I am not sure he was sensate enough to realize I had just killed him.  Coroner found some teeth and mandible bone particles in his medulla oblongata.
The good news is the girl was unhurt.  But, she was traumatized.
He pauses, letting his word sink in.  That man's death stains my soul, and theirs yours.  We all make mistakes, kid.  We just have to learn to live with it, and try like Hell not to let it happen again.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Crusader shrugged off Justicar. This conversation struck her as whining. He had done what was necessary. Even his yanking her aside was out of a need to protect. She growled, "You three need to wise up. I am not a porcelain doll that needs to be babied and codled. Next time one of you pulls something like this, I will take it poorly."

As Hikari repairs the card reader, there is the sound of another ATV approaching. At the edge of the clearing, Nick has returned. He is unarmed, and alone. Hopping off the machine, he jogs towards the group shouting, "hey, Z! There's more."
He slows as he sees the wounded. "Ok. That's new, too."
"Look, Tony's got this thing where he dislocates a thumb and slips his traces. So we decided to stop the other ATV's. He went north and I went south. I don't know what he found, but I found Jose... err... Jorge and his buddy. They got ambushed, both of 'em head shot. Their pass card's gone."
Grabbing a first aid kit from the ATV, Nick starts working on the soldiers. "I got these guys. Hey, Tony said this place might be that FORCE thing, ya know, the dudes that were gonna nuke the states, is that right? If it is, we got your back. I'll take care of the soldiers, here. Some of them might live."

Justicar keeps working at Crusader's comments replying with, "Understood. Just remember impatience is hand in hand with hubris, no more codling behavior ~ let the invulnerable simian take the risks."

Almost complete with his repairs he continues, "...I know Patriot's opinion on the matter, that 1 vote to stay together. I still think we need to secure that aircraft so these criminals have no escape route before we force their hand to use it ~ So 1 vote to split forces as per the plan.  WE Need a consensus.  CMZ, Crusader what are your thoughts?  If I'm out Voted I'll go with the consensus and try to make it work."

Noting the arriving ATV Before anyone else besides Patriot's with his enhanced hearing Justicar gives a warning, "Head's Up.. incoming ATV... only ..one rider if I'm hearing heartbeat correctly? Hard to say over the engine noise.  Coming from South South-East."

On the arrival of Nicholas Edward Temper, "Mr Temper, your were taken to the beach by my drones for your own safety, and to keep you out of trouble.  Your efforts on our behalf we cannot verify.  Most officers of law-enforcement would be quite cross at your not staying out of the way, but I am not a career policeman, so I will thank yo for your 'alleged' eagerness to make good on a mistake of employers.  For the Record, Yes, we can confirm this is a installation operated by the international Terrorist organization named FORCE, the same organization that ransomed the threat of Nuclear detonation... among other things, on the continental US.  We are here to disable their sensor grid so the US Navy can deal with them."

At the mention of two dead ATV security Justicar trades looks with his other teammates...
"Thank you for informing us of the two dead ATV patrol I assure you WE had nothing to do with that as we have not ventured South at all.  So, some third party is acting on the island unknown to us."

"Your assistance is admirable, but your life is more important please let us handle this.  The 'strangely-impersonal' soldiers from within the base are in fact highly sophisticated remote-controlled Combat-Drones, and Very Dangerous.  Please return to the Navy soldiers at the Zodiac boats for your own safety. If you can help these injured men fine... but you are a valuable material witness please leave for your own safety."

Justicar triggers his secure LESP Frequency...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Strike Team. Havoc has secured Shack/Lift.  Warning there is evidence of a 'third-party' acting toward unknown goals on the island. Two-ATV patrol mercenaries found dead, head shots, south of our shack/lift possition.  Suggests precision expert assassin work. Be on Guard."+]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

Nick shakes his head, and as he continues to work on the wounded, replies, "that don't cut it, Mr. Tin Can. Tony and I took an oath, ya know, support and defend and what not. We'll stay around the beach and the trails, but we will keep the terrorists off your back. Don't worry about us, either. We're not the only two guys ridin' around the island that took that oath."

CMZ looks at Crusader.  If anyone here is NOT a porcelein doll, it's me, he admonishes.  The three of you are pretty damned squishy, or you wouldn't be wearing those suits of sophisticated armor.  Even Patriot has flesh and bone attached to his mechanical parts.
He leans in to Crusader, his breath fogging the reflective visor slightly.  The plan was always to let me take the brunt of their attacks.  My clothing is cheaper to replace or repair than your armored suit.
When Nick Temper shows back up, CMZ gives him a smile.  You're not looking to be deputized, are you?  Not sure I have the power to do that.
If any of the men's weapons have not been collected, he will start to do that.  I know something you can do for.  The eight spider monkeys come down out of the trees to stand patiently around Jacob.  He nods at them, then at Temper.  Find the rest of your troupe and all of you follow him to the beach, and we will take you somewhere safe.

Crusader spoke, "Wait. The aircraft can be disabled. You three can take this part here yourselves. I can take  CMZ's friends and the mercy loyal to Captain America here and we can handle the plane. Give me the explosives, he or one of his can set them. That or I beat him to an inch of his life and crash the plane. Either way...handled."

She looked at Justicar, "I'm the wild card, remember? I will make this work."

CMZ turns to Crusader.  The spider monkeys will only listen to me.  This is something new to me, but I somehow know this much, he says.  It explains a few things that have happened when I have visited the zoo...., he mutters.

Patriot stares at Nick trying to stabilize the wounded soldiers. "Not really, Z. No bones."
He walks over and says to Nick, "you might want to leave them be. There are worse things than dieing."

Justicar shakes is head answering Crusader's proposal, "I do not possess any explosives other than my heavy Weapons ordinance, I am untrained in the use of demolitions.  As I  said, I had planned to commandeer  the VTOL Aircraft fly it myself which I am skilled at piloting.  Then I planned to upload 'Karl' into its systems to fly it away from the isle to keep it on standby as a rapid escape route for All of us if it were needed.  Barring that, I was prepared to electronically or mechanically disable the craft's control surfaces to render it inoperable, or damage it with weapons fire to render it unusable if needed... destroying it was my Very Last option with weapons fire.  I do not know how explosive it will be or how it may damage the structural integrity of the artificial Volcano cone ~ I do not want to cause a cave in inside the base with our team still in there!"

"Also Crusader you forget The VTOL Aircraft Hanger is up the side of a shear Volcano cliff face.  I do not doubt you can climb it but it would take time... all the while you would be a clear target against that shear surface. I can fly that distance, even carrying you, in a matter of seconds.  Plus, it is just plain unwise to send anyone off on their own when we have the proper number for a two-by-two buddy system."

He sighs, "It is clear we have at least 'tacitly' if not spoken openly ~ agreed to splitting our efforts, Fine."

Reaching into a secret compartment on the suit Justicar retrieves a belted harness.. it looks something like a race-car driver's safety belt with the quick release single button at the cross  center chest of the securing belts, however it also has many metal load-bearing hoops and securing hooks like a climbing harness.  He hands it to Crusader.

He points at Mr Temper, "..as for bringing Mr Temper along that is a flat-out NO. Nothing he has told us can be verified or coorberated. He is not part of our mission detail, and I will not, cannot and should not trust him until such time his intell can be verified. He is right now a unarmed enemy combatant until we can verify otherwise. It only takes a single act on his part to make our mission parameters far more harder to accomplish. We do not have time to escort him back to the beach but where's he going to run anyways? We have a mission to do, but dragging him along is a unknown we Do Not need! No offence meant Mr Temper, if you are as professional as you seem, I'm sure you understand."

Stepping up behind Crusader he readies to latch her to his securing hooks as he replaces his tool-hand for his normal mechanical manipulator hand.  Drone Alpha, Beta, Ceti and Delta move to surround the two... Delta briefly moving next to Chimpman Z and Patriot to allow them to retrieve any of the three still functioning AK-47's or ammo before joining the other drone formation.

Justicar readies his transparent riot shield on his right arm waiting for Crusader to don the harness, and asks her "Ready and do you still have that Barret 82 A1?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

Crusader sighed and put the harness on. "No I discarded firearms soon after taking them. They are of no use to me."

Justicar nods, "Understood". and a soft click announces his attaching to her harness.

Addressing Chimpman Z and Patriot, "..good hunting my friends ~ please... take no unnecessary risks.  Your lives are more important than catching the bad-guys.. LIVE to continue the fight against evil an injustice another day!"

With that, Justicar's mechanical wings spread and their fans spin up to  high pitch and he lifts Crusader with him in a tandem sky-diving fashion in her harness to about an altitude of no higher than 10 to 15'ft and they speed off at a high rate of speed at NOE terrain following fashion ~ clearly Justicar has been utilizing almost none of the high speed he has had access too all along!!

He weaves a path under the tree cover with speed and precision.. his ballistic cloak fluttering softly behind at his shoulders...

Switching to the Secure~ and private direct LESP channel meant only for her in close proximity...[Private to group LESPradio: "..Crusader, I want to apologize.  I do not mean to seem... what is it you Americans call it.. 'pushy'?  But I really do think this is the best route to stop these criminals ~ however, my First priority is ALWAYS the preserving of my teams safety!  I'd rather the 'bad-guys' get away than Any of you get harmed or lives be put at risk.  Your heroism must survive to continue the fight against wickedness.  We may never win the fight against evil.. but that is not our goal.  The fight is a struggle that must be constantly fought ~ and those willing to face harm to do so on behalf of those who cannot; their lives are precious!  I do not think you are weak ~ You are one of the strongest people I know!  You take on that struggle to face down the wicked with courage, determination and skill.  I really admire that.  I have High-tech toys to utilize and I must rely on weapons and guns... but you do it with much less through fear and threat with no powers and no need of the tools of death like me.  You Really Inspire me!  I'm already pondering updating my ordinance with more less lethal options.  I... I just wanted you to know that."]

Then he switched to the wide-band general LESP Secure channel...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Justicar on-route to VTOL Aircraft hanger with Crusader to secure vehicle from enemy use.  CMZ and Patriot entering base at elevator lift.  Good hunting Team."+]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

Nick looks up at Patriot, swallows, and says, "Benny?"
Lowering his head, Nick goes on, "we couldn't just leave you, Ben. No man left behind, right?"

Patriot shakes his head; it is the closest thing to a facial expression he has left. "No, not Benny. Just someone like him. Ooorah."
Turning from Nick, he walks back to the elevator. "Let's do this, Z, I need to hit some things."

As Chimp Man Z and Patriot enter the elevator, Nick shouts at them, again. "Hey! You might need this," he says as he tosses some sort of ID card to them. It's similar to, but more elaborate than the cards on the lanyard, but can probably be used in the same way in the repaired card reader.

---

JUSTICAR and Crusader zip along, just over the tree tops, on their way to the cave. Realizing that he needs to stay below radar till the last moment, JUSTICAR begins to circumnavigate the volcano and approach the cave by flying up the sheer cliff over the ocean. Due to the necessitate to remain at treetop level, the flight is done at less than top speed. For Crusader, it's ninety seconds on something like a bungee slingshot ride.
[Private to JUSTICAR: Karl suggests that based on the radar focused around the cave mouth, some of the small sounds in the cave, and some minor radiation detected from the cave there will be more of those android soldiers at ready inside.]

Justicar positions his flight, along with his cadre of drones, to end some 50'ft below the Aircraft hanger entrance... hoping the surf below and wind conditions will obscure the whir of his fans so he can briefly consult with Crusader on the Secure LESP Channel...

[Private to group LESPradio: "Ok, Crusader, 'Karl' has just informed me he is picking up telemetry indicating there are more of those Robot-Drone guards in the hanger, number uncertain.  There are two approaches to this we can take."

"I can send one of my drones to peek over the lip to get a layout of the hanger and possible some intel on the number of Robot-drones. Might risk detection and spoil our tenuous 'element of surprize'.  Technically with Drone-Alpha's laser painter I could target with the M47 'dragon' at a cluster of drones if were lucky or if we're unlucky I could blow the whole thing to hell.  I seriously doubt any smoke ordinance I have will have any affect on the drone IR optics... which I assume they have."

"The second approach is to rush them... I don't like those odds not knowing how many we face an where they are before-hand so we can position ourselves for the best assault."

"There is potentially a third option of doing both ~ locate their position and number with drone, do a first strike with a laser-painted guided ordinance, then rush them while I have 'Karl' try to signal jam their operator control signals with the additional signal boost from all four of my drones.  Since we know they are not autonomous but actual drone-controlled ~ 'Karl' might be able to confuse them enough to give us the opportunity to head-smash them quickly while their control is jammed."

"Any opinions?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

Let's get the injured out of the elevator, CMZ suggests, Then we can break on through to the other side.
He begins helping to carefully move the injured out of the elevator to rest on the floor of the jungle.

At the elevator

Patriot examines the elevator walls, and decides it's probably not stuck after all. "Suppose I use the emergency hatch and ride atop the car on the way down. That way if they start shooting before the doors open they'll look really stupid when we burst out and mow 'em down."

Nick had already begun to move the wounded soldiers out, the task was quickly accomplished. Patriot opens the emergency hatch, and sees he'll have to wait till the elevator starts down before there's room atop the car. Otherwise, it's a feasible plan.
Although there's a few metallic grinding noises as the elevator begins to descend, it does work.

---

[Private to JUSTICAR: the robotic audio system comes through, again, as JUSTICAR hears a man atop the volcano saying, "nah, we grabbed it from the warehouse system. Even if they notice it missing they won't report it till they have to. Just watch this."]
From atop the volcano, someone has thrown a large rock, easily weighing a few hundred pounds, over the edge. As the rock falls in front of the cave, there is a sound that can be best described as 'a giant chainsaw cutting through a tin roof'. It's easy to see that something is being launched at the rock, as there are apparently tracer rounds within the stream. In the first moments, the rock is fractured into a few pieces. As they continue to fall the largest of the remaining pieces are struck till they are no longer the largest. By the time the debris falls past the cave, all of the marble-sized pieces have been pushed some twenty yards out. The smaller pieces rain down into the sea. There are no larger pieces.
[Private to JUSTICAR: again, the man atop the volcano speaks, "so anyone wanting to get to the cave will have to ride the tram. This is the easiest post on the place, all we gotta do is watch 'em get pasted."
Karl interjects with a the deduction that the the sensory data he had could be interpreted as a phalanx system, which would be worse than drones.]

Hikari smiles replying to Karl...

[Private to SSOGM: "Actually 'Karl' this makes it easier.  A little tricky but easier. Automated gun systems like the CIWS on destroyers are pretty stupid... they track by radar and shoot anything moving.  The problem is when there are a whole multitude of objects to shoot at it takes them a second or two to decide on target priority... a multitude of objects in this case being the rubble I'm about to cut with my laser out of the upper lip of the cave hanger roof.  Those guns cannot be too far into the cave or their angle of fire would be severely limited.  I seriously doubt they can fire at targets In the cave they could then easily hit the aircraft. If there is suddenly a rain of rubble from the roof they will shoot at it and we will rush by into the hanger. I could even sweeten the deal by firing a single rifle grenade into their fire zone to draw even more attention.  We can easily cover the 30 to 40 feet to get under their line of fire while the radar tries to pick a target to aim at between falling rubble and flying rifle grenade round.  We could also try jamming the radar this close should not be excessively hard, Sound Viable?"]

Speaking to Crusader, "Hang on Crusader, I think we may have a better plan especially if its not drones 'Karl' is detecting but a phalanx system.  I think we can confuse it.. or jam its targeting radar. Working on it..."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Sun 27 Feb 2022.

JUSTICAR hovers in place, considering, and up above a half dozen clay pigeons are thrown out from atop the volcano. Despite a fair dispersal, each of the pigeons is struck and turned to debris before they cross the first third of the cave opening.

[Private to JUSTICAR: Karl is reminding Hikari that the modern version of the CIWS has both radar and infrared, spits out seventy-five rounds per second, and will only fire at targets above a minimum velocity, and is likely set to avoid firing near the edges of the opening. If they calmly and slowly climb into the cave, the weapon system will not attack them.]

In reply to Patriot (msg # 137):

Or you could just stand behind me, the ape man suggests.  Really, I was thinking of breaking through the floor and dropping down the shaft.  Wouldn't hurt me, and would have made a helluvan impression.

{ooc: Remember folks... the Navy Marines need to use that elevator as a secondary means of entry.. try not to destory it! lol!}

Justicar nods unconsciously, in conversation with 'Karl'.

Then addresses Crusader,"..Ok, were going with an even simpler approach.  I'm gong to skim the surface of the Volcano cone up to the closest side of the Hanger Cave. Then use my Triple Wrist blades to make some handholds. Then were going to land and slowly climb our way into the hanger cave hugging the wall.  The radar targeting will not register us as discrete targets other than terrain features. We will hug the wall and move slowly past the CIWS emplacements.  Once past them we can disable them."

First, he recalls all his drones to their docking ports on the Justicar.

To which, he proceeds ~ turning to face the rocky wall he literally touches it with his gauntlet hands and roughly begins pulling himself ~ fan thruster assisted, up the surface to the closest side of the Hanger cave somewhat bumping Crusader against the surface as he ascends.

At the side of the Cave Hanger entrance, he unsheaths his Triple Wrist Blades and cuts gouges in the cliff-face for Crusader and himself to have handholds. Making sure both sets can hold his weight before he lands.  Retracting the Triple Wrist Blades he takes hold of Crusader's harness and one-hand lifts her to the hand-holds so she can release her belt harness to climb unhindered.  Then he shuts off his Winged Fan thrusters and folds his wings to his side...

"Ok, now slowly ~ hug the wall... let's do this!"

10:18, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 48 using 1d100.  Justicar - Climb [62%]. – [roll=1645971503.72919.355584]

Switching to the Secure LESP channel...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Justicar and Crusader arrived at Hanger Cave entrance. Making our entry now.  Be warned there are human guardsmen atop the volcano cone ~ number unknown, and a CIWS 'AEGIS-type' firing at any aerial targets at the Hanger Cave.  We are climbing past that now. Will inform when hanger secured."+]

"Karl, switch to UV optics scan for any laser trip lines, monitor Radar detector and proximity sensors for any motion detector sensors and locate any sensor clusters."

'Acknowledged Hikari ~ Scanning...'

12:05, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 63 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Instruments [90%]. – [roll=1645977931.61731.355584]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Sun 27 Feb 2022.

15:10, Today: Crusader rolled 34 using 1d100.  /70% climbing.

Crusader climbed a bit quicker than Justicar, keeping ahead so that he would not lose his momentum. She spoke [Language unknown: "P icaareson'areain il ain dayeratra dinartwhi intverwit, P n oerredera. K ti inethoous ticou nealss ckmi ioee a hiter, thsifoof K t sepe chonat isofha lapo atipreble as alni ekngho."]

In reply to Crusader (msg # 144):

Justicar replies...
[Private to group LESPradio: "I'm not judging, but non-lethal is not what I take from your example.. its Courage.  I have asked myself ... often, would I be heroic if I were not clad in a Miniature flying Battleship?  Would I have the courage to fight... like you? With only Skill and Determination as my shield and armor, would my Will be a strong enough weapon to fight?  It's your Courage that inspires me, and overzealous by your opinion or not ~ you carry no guns.  That says something about you, something admirable ~ something You should not dismiss, Crusader."]

CMZ is actually surprised the grenade explosion had not dumped the bodies down the elevator shaft.  The elevator car seems be made of some really tough stuff.  Once the injured are cleared out, he climbs in, ready to descend.
He turns to Patriot.  Do you want to climb up on top, or do you want to gstand behind me until they stop to reload?

Chimp Man Z and Patriot descend, and when the elevator doors open, nothing happens.

---

Once inside the cave, the CIWS is obvious. They are mounted on the walls some fifteen feet off the ground near the rear of the cave. There's not much else in the cave.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

RADIO chatter

Goliat - [Private to group LESPradio: "I got info, according to a source there is only cellphone signal because of a boat. Once it leaves there will be no signal. Also the mercenaries are returning early could be because the people here are under attack."]

Once inside, Justicar will urge Crusader to pause briefly, as he assesses the situation...

Questions:
1) Identify specifically what kind of CIWS is in the hanger ~ 20mm single rotary Auto Cannons, dual Vulcan Machine guns... what Exactly? You said 'They' not 'It', are there multiple gun arrays?
2) Is the Aircraft there?
3) Is the aircraft type and configuration identifiable to Hikari or is it some unique VTOL aircraft?
4) Can Hikari spot any camera surveillance?
5) Is there some retractable hanger door 'clearly' not closed as we climbed in, but is there one here anyways?
6) The Exit in the back of the cave is it just a doorway or is there a door there as well?
7) Are there any refueling or maintenance facilities in the Hanger?
8) Also is there exposed control conduit for power, lights, control for the CIWS?
9) Are there Any personnel present or evidence of any recent occupation?

And could you please place some icon on the map indicating where the CIWS is located specifically?

Then one final precaution...
Justicar will briefly turn off ALL Exterior cameras, temporarily blinding himself to visual, and he will use only his Radar and Proximity Sensors to do a scan of the hanger looking for any anomalous object returns or objects moving in the room... that might be camouflaged to sight or possibly even invisible.  Keeping in mind that he spotted Phantasma on this isle during his team's recon, with his light control abilities invisibility might be a skill of his, and Madame Psychic can slip notice of the visual mind...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Mon 28 Feb 2022.

09:06, Today: Crusader rolled 21 using 1d100.  /72% Prowl.

Crusader simply vanished into the darkness. She focused on her sense of Chi so that the invisible members of their enemy cannot sneak up on her. She simply scouted around silently.

Justicar looks to Crusader only to realize she has slipped into the shadows, and he smiles... {heh... Wildcard!}

Taking her example he tries to the do same sticking to the shadows as he scans the hanger for details.

12:07, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 23 using 1d100.  Justicar - Prowl [52%]. – [roll=1646064445.01317.355584]

Knowing how sensitive his hearing is.. Justicar is Very reluctant to even whisper across the LESP Secure channel not knowing if Robot-drones are concealed in the room somewhere.

Sending a command through his telemental helmet he calls up a virtual keyboard in his HUD, and Texts Crusader across the LESP Secure channel...
[Private to SSOGM: +"Don't forget, Crusader, you have a Radar Signal Detector (military) with an effective range of 80 feet, max range 4 miles in your new helmet HUD.  I'm scanning for camouflaged or invisible targets.. you might want to do the same. That, or your Radar Detector in the HUD can find me if you need to know where I'm located."+]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Fri 25 Mar 2022.

Patriot doesn't hear anything. There are no tram cars at the station. It appears nobody is there.

---

1. In the back corners of the cave, the CWIS are mounted on platforms attached to the ceiling. There is about five feet of clearance between the two weapon systems and the walls to the outside and behind them. They are about forty feet from the floor.
2. The image posted is accurate
3. It is completely unique, but does not appear to be VTOL.
4. No
5. No door
6. There is a door there, and the curved wall appears to be a sort of blast shield.
7. None visible
8. Not exposted
9. There are no visible personnel.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

Justicar is... perplexed at the scene before him.  But time is of the essence...

Again Typing a text across the LESP Secure channel ~
[Private to group LESPradio: +This is  odd.  Stay hidden ~ Crusader. I will try to access the aircraft and draw any initial fire if we have not detected hostiles or traps.+]

Justicar walks to the aircraft and circles the aircraft trying to identify a point of access and entry and verify no hostile presence.  As he moves his Left arm is raised ready to fire around his right arm hefted transparent riot-shield raised high to protect head and chest.  Automatically his shoulder mounted weapon-arms extend and aim around the cover of the riot-shield as he moves, almost in a 'SWAT-style' approach toward the plane as he circles it first.

The fact that the aircraft does not appear to be a VTOL craft truly confuses him, as any kind of acceleration no matter how instantaneous would potentially injure the crew for the amount needed for the wing lifting surfaces to be enough to maintain flight ~ unless it is some kind of rocket plane of some sort?!?

As he approaches he examines the landing gear are they wheels or skids?

Triggering his LESP Secure General Channel ~
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Justicar. We have safely entered the hanger. No Hostiles detected. Assessing Aircraft ~ Will keep updated."+]

Justicar's 'circle and assess' movement brings him around to the tail end of the aircraft nearest to the back wall so he gets a view of the blast shield.  Not only to make sure no one is hiding there but that close to the wall he will also check to see if there is a catapult launch system built into the floor.

While at the back of the aircraft, 'Karl' will launch Drones- Alpha and Delta.

Drone-Delta still carrying the liberated AK's will move around the Blast-shield and will crack the Tram-station door {it has utility arms} and 'peek' to see if anyone is there. If it is unoccupied, Drone-Delta will exit to the Tram-station and fly up to the roof taking cover in the shadows there to cover/monitor the tram-station keeping lookout for anything moving on the Tram-track.  If the Tram-station is occupied, the drone will close the door and fly up above the door by 10'ft to cover any entry.

While Drone-Alpha will hug the back wall and fly up to monitor and examine the CIWS to try to identify the exact weapons and if there is any visible control cable or conduit connecting them to the wall/ceiling.

Questions ~
1) What is the source of lighting in the Hanger?
2) Is there connecting conduit to those light fixtures?
3) Are their controlled at the back wall for the lights int he hanger or are they somehow on proximity sensors?
4) What is the Height of the Hanger Room?
5) And, of course, is there an obvious hatch to the aircraft and how is it secured?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Thu 03 Mar 2022.

Getting out of the elevator, CMZ looks around for a way to call for one of the tram cars.

On either wall, near the track, is a large button. Though unmarked, it is doubtful that the buttons do anything other than call a tram car.

---

Drone alpha flies carefully to the back wall and begins to angle its way to the CIWS system. Drone delta closes the door and begins to rise above it. As the drones achieve an elevation between fifteen and twenty feet above the floor, the CIWS systems go off. The system nearest drone alpha appears to have some sort of material failure as the ten rounds it fires disperse around the aim point and don't strike the drone. Drone delta isn't as lucky. The ten rounds from the weapon slam through the drone, it drops with the AK-47's that clatter to the floor.
Before the other CIWS can fire again on drone alpha, the drone gets close enough while low enough that it leaves the closest CIWS firing arc. Fortunately, the blast shield is an obstacle for the CIWS furthest from drone alpha, and unless it rises, again, the CIWS can't fire upon it.

1. The only source of light in the cave is the sunlight coming through the cave opening to the outside.
2. There are no light fixtures.
3. There are no controls at the back of the cave
4. The irregular ceiling ranges from fifty to seventy-five feet in height.
5. There is a single hatch in the plane, it is visible on the image in this thread.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:51, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 155):

OOC: I think you misunderstood my post on the Drone-Delta

Are you saying that there were personnel in the Tram-station when Delta-Drone peeked into the door?  If not... Drone-Delta would have moved into the tram-station area and hovered up to the ceiling in there to monitor the tracks. It would not be a visible target for the CIWS in the track area there is a door and wall between it and the hanger.

Note also: Drone-Delta has 50 SDC of armor...
30.   [2nd Lvl] {4x}  Remote Probes = Optics video probe robot [T-Scop 200'ft; Transmits {See & hear} 1,600'ft, Treads; SDC: 10 '20/60'] [$0.01M]
* Convert unit - Even intelligent robot; add small utility arms, legs, hoverjets, etc. Increases size by 8 inches (20 cm). Costs as per usual robot construction.

{Drone: Delta} [$+0.76M]
+ Hover 'Jet' Fan System = SDC: 100 {-3 called shot};  Speed 100mph / alt: 500'ft [$0.25M]
+ Utility Arms & Hands = {2x} Retractable, Concealable - Utility 'Weapon-Arm' System SDC: 1 {-3 called shot [15+]}, P.S. 10 [$0.27M]
+ Wide-Band Radio Receiver and Transmitter = Ra:  300miles, w/Retractable Antenna & Directional (150mile w/o}  [$0.05M]
+ Chemical Sprayer = Ra: 10'ft; Dam: Tear Gas {-10 ST/PY/DG, Dur: 4D6Mel}, CO^2 Foam {Fire Ext.}; Bonus: +1 ST [$0.09M]
+ Flame Thrower = Ra:  16'ft; Dam:  3D6 {60% chance setting  fire}; RoF: 5 short brst/melee; Energy Capacity:  40 blasts, Recharge 10min [$0.05M]
- Body Armor: +50SDC, +50lbs [$0.05M]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Fri 04 Mar 2022.

Justicar moves to the Aircraft hatch and examines the access panel.

If door hatch lever appears to be a standard Aircraft pressure door he will open it and look inside the craft checking for any occupants.

If the door hatch has a more complex electronic lock or access control panel he will examine it much more closely.

Either case he will look for any identifiable security system and try to disable it...

00:30, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 89 using 1d100.  Justicar - Mechanics: Basic [52%]. – [roll=1646368226.49749.355584] Fail

00:29, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 80 using 1d100.  Justicar - Electronics: Basic [67%]. – [roll=1646368197.77847.355584] Fail

Again, Time is of the essence, so if Hikari cannot figure out if there is some electronic security system, he will just have to risk triggering it and just open the hatch by whatever obvious controls are present.

As for Drone-Alpha it will lower back out of detection range of the CIWS, Hikari learning what he wanted to know ... that the CIWS was capable and designed to fire at targets within the Hanger bay.  He would have to destroy those weapons before he attempted any lift-off of the strange aircraft.

[Private to JUSTICAR: Yes, the drone's actions indicate that someone is at the tram landing. They will have heard the CIWS go off and the clatter of things dropping.
The drone isn't destroyed, but acting like a drone when something hits the fans. It dropped straight down. Numerically, the short burst from the CIWS did 90 points of damage so the armor was obliterated and repairs will be needed, but none of the systems have failed.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:10, Fri 04 Mar 2022.

Justicar will pause at Drone-Delta's reaction, and turn to aim weapons at the Hanger door to the Tram-station.

"Karl, Replay Drone-Delta recorded footage ~ show me what Drone-Delta saw."

Triggering his, LESP Secure Communication...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Crusader, the Tram-Station is occupied by potential Hostiles.  Cover the Door exit be prepared for incoming hostiles. They definitely will have heard the CIWS fire, though with the door closed they may think it was just firing at more of the clay-pigeons being tossed by their bored guards atop the Volcano, they might have heard the Drone fall even through the door was closed. Be wary."+]

[Private to SSOGM: Ok, at 90 SDC damage the core drone has only 10 SDC so its 'Main Body' capacity is only 60 SDC. If its still functional that might indicate the remaining 40 SDC might have hit the Hover Fan System which has a 100 SDC capacity or perhaps been spread around to other systems with a spray of bullets. Up to your discretion.]

Regardless, Drone-Alpha will Hover at 5'ft off the floor and Drone-Delta will land deploying its treads. They move to position ~ Delta on the floor under the tail stabilizer of the plane and Alpha hovering under the wing of the plane; Both position for cover from CIWS gunfire ~ using the plane tail stabilizer and wing AS cover! Both position for clear line of fire around the blast shield to cover the Tram-station door with weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

Crusader moved near the door exit, following Justicar's instructions.

Noting Crusader's movement on his internal radar and proximity motion detectors Justicar goes back to opening the hatch of the plane.

Consulting his recording of the tram network map, Patriot hits the wall button in the direction of the dock. "We're supposed to be drawing the fire away from the main complex, let's see what happens when we sink their boat."

Aw.  Here I was hopin' our team could have its own yacht, CMZ says in mock disappointment.  You know, impound it as evidence, then commandeer it for our use.
He chuckles as they wait for a tram.

A tram car zips down the track from the direction of the boat dock. It stops, and the canopy opens to show that it's empty. There are two buttons in the tram car, one at either end. It can be assumed that the car moves in the direction of the button pressed.

---

The door to the tram platform is pushed open, and two men enter. The first one through the door has large, round, dark eyes, a large mouth with no upper lip (and not much of a lower one), a small, flat nose, and little hair on his head and face. What can be seen of his skin is coal black and slightly shiny. He looks, at first, as if ready to fight, but instead says, "you're not guards. That plane is mine!"
The second one through the door would look fairly normal by comparison, if he were wearing more than a sort of kilt over a loincloth. He wears matching armlets, anklets, and bracelets with some angular imagery engraved in it. On his head he is wearing a stylized head-dress that shows several tentacles curling around his head. When he says, "yes, that should be our sky chariot," it is obvious that he is using the 'royal' our.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:51, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

As the door opens on the tr, CMZ hops in, then waits for Patriot before pressing the button for the boat dock.  [Private to group LESPradio: Patriot and I are heading for the dock to sink their yacht. Maybe that will wake them up.]

Justicar pauses they did not immediately resort to violence though he was certain they were hostiles, but if they were talking perhaps he could learn something.  He did not 'see' Crusader... radar and motion proximity sensors had registered her movement but not fully asertained her location {too close a proximity with large mettalic objects in the enclosed room, and her close proximity to the walls}.  So he decided to stall for time to draw them in so she could utilize her stealth to a better optimal position upon them since clearly he had their attention.

First he directed 'Karl' to take full control of Drone-Alpha and Drone-Delta, forestalling their current 'weapons-free' fire directives.  Then he turned from the Aircraft hatch to turn toward the two newcomers.

Hearing CMZ's message Justicar replies with a whisper...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Acknowledged.  Don't sink if you can Commadeer ~ CMZ. Justicar and Crusader ~ Engaging two potential hostiles guarding hanger.  Think we've found that magical component Maharajah and Goliat were proposing... one of these hostiles looks like a CTHULHU Cultist ~ Tentacle motif and all! Will keep advised."+]

Justicar walked 15'ft due east of the aircraft hatch in line with the Hanger door to the tram station, his riot shield on his arm still but not lifted in protection.  He'd wished Crusader had a gas mask now more then ever as he would just CS gas the both of these opponents... instead he addressed them, "The plane's possession is still in question.  I am Justicar... who are you two?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

Radio chatter
Goliat - [Language unknown:  "Ndeterson"]
Just a beat later
Goliat - [Language unknown:  "Etho riet an ilhaol ngofpl urenme a ngll wilti ect th enalan po usti e io un."]
A minute or two after that
Goliat - [Language unknown:  "Les anecic stiicaing urrone eeofch. earar illentcom. his dist lefi dinkorate erail ev ourounhis fi no ee encei p. Past m ei uncail een plndil mion anyconred yintraday ore t sheproera chndfiad sisthe... Ortundlin Hastr, ncta ta ckrat lohi enc erheca comromion? Kordertin on a anst anous oshios nc u espeeill ill mola hatentres ne he." ]

The trip to the hydrofoil dock is quick as this is one of the shorter routes on the tram system. No one is visible, and the arriving car is the only tram car there.

---

The first of the two entering the cave begins to respond to Justicar, "He's merit ooh coo and I'm spider, and we're..."
But the second man, in a scornful voice, loudly interjects "WHO AM I?"
He begins to float an inch or so off the floor and continues, "better ask WHAT am I, mortal. Perhaps the answer would persuade you to ask the more pertinent question of WHAT I WANT!"
Spyder facepalms, and flings himself to his partner's right as he bemoans, "ahh, here it goes."
OOC: Justicar and Crusader roll initiatives.

Justicar cocks his head in a kind of 'Really?!?!' reaction...

11:41, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 17 using 1d20+15.  Justicar - Initiative [+15]. – [roll=1646494865.86347.355584]

Spyder says, "this may prove interesting" and adopts a practiced stance with his legs shoulder-width apart, feet at right angles. One hand pulled back tightly to waist, the other loosely extended at naval level, both hands clenched into fists with the palms down.
Spyder's stance is recognized as a karate variation, the specific style can't be determined, yet.
[Private to Crusader:

However, Crusader also senses
• Spyder has more chi than Crusader
• Spyder is skilled in the use of chi
• Spyder's chi is positive, not like Madam White Snake (this doesn't mean Spyder is a good guy, just that he doesn't use dark chi)

Chi Awareness is automatic for those with the skill, so Spyder will know similar information about Crusader]
OOC: this is not an action, just some martial arts stuff
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:23, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

Radio chatter
Goliat - [Language unknown:  "A neleur e k meitof chpe on wataen Thaurewas st loom."]

Radio chatter
Bellissima - [Private to group LESPradio:  "Z and Patriot, there are several men on the yacht and they are expecting Mr Magnum soon."]

When Patriot and Chimp Man Z enter the hydrofoil dock, there are two men waiting. One of them is almost certainly the 'Mr. Magnum' they've been hearing about. The other is a dark, wizened, old man in what can only be described as vestments.
OOC: please roll initiatives

---

OOC: I rolled initiative for Crusader to keep us going, Spyder's first action is purely defensive, as he appears determined to study Crusader before he does anything else.

Justicar was not sure exactly what superhuman powers this Marutukku or Spyder had at their disposal, "Karl, run these two Marutukku and Spyder through the INTERPOL and law enforcement wanted files see if they come up in any News Reports as well as to what they're known powers or crimes are?"

Regardless, he decided on an attack strategy and went into action, he lifted his shield and dashed forward as if he intended to shield rush Marutukku getting right up close to him [1 square in front of Marutukku - which is EXACTLY 25'ft from Crusader putting her out of the KO Gas AoE], but as he moved what he really did was pull a KO Gas Grenade under the cover of his ballistic cloak and trigger it to release its gas which is mostly colorless in its blast radius of 20'ft ~ while he distracted Marutukku with a feint of a melee bluff... that he never actually tries to land just menacing Marutukku with shield raised as if he was going to try to strike him with it as he confronted him.

All the while letting the KO gas spread from the grenade in his off hand under the folds of his cloak...

Action 1 {Saving 3 actions}
Marutukku and Spyder  {who is not looking Justicar's way - Save Versus Toxin [Poison: Non-Lethal  - (16)]
01:58, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 1 using 1d4.  KO Gas Exposure onset [1d4 melee until Drowsiness]. – [roll=1646632695.67619.355584]

Handgrenade - KO Gas = {HU 2e, p.341} Effects: Tranquilizers; anesthesia-type - induce drowsiness in 1D4Mel & sleep in 1D4 mins.
Saving Throw: Vs Toxins, roll once for every min (four melees) of exposure
This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Mon 07 Mar 2022.

---

Justicar discovers at least ONE thing Marutukku can do as he slams into a protective force field. From the amount of 'give' it has, Justicar estimates it could withstand a cruise missile. Another of Marutukku powers becomes apparent as he points at Justicar and shouts, "BOW BEFORE MARUTUKKU!"
[Private to JUSTICAR: A few things happen simultaneously. Karl begins to explain that Spyder is listed as more dangerous than Marutukku (there is video of Spyder destroying a Mark I Abrams with his bare hands). Marutukku seems to be connected with the legends of Marduk. He manipulates gravity, throws lightning, and makes reality rigid in locations he wants it to be.
As Karl is displaying this information, Justicar slams into Marutukku's force field, and Marutukku turns Justicar's gravity to fifty times normal. The knockout gas is affected by the gravity, as well, but I don't want to figure out how so I'm ignoring any effect the gravity has on it.]

Justicar's servos go into immediate emergency Lock-down... freezing him in location to compensate for the sudden level of gravity pull, all joints going to PS 40 to keep Justicar from falling down and potentially sustaining injury to the pilot.  Still Hikari groans in utter agony at the sudden weight! His heart rate racing to pump the blood to his brain to remain conscious, his limbs growing numb as the blood begins to pool in his extremities!

"GruUunnah!"

If it were not for his telemental helmet he would not be able to control his suit... the strain put upon his body...
But he Does NOT Kneel!!!

Unable to move Justicar thinks fast he must NOT let Marutukku use this kind of gravity power on Crusader it would literally crush her... then it occurred to him.. he did not see the Force Field as he approached.. and his Radar also did not inform him of its presence.  So.. was it totally Transparent to EM Radiation?  If so...

Justicer's shoulder weapon arm turned and aimed at Marutukku and sending mental commands to the weapon arm laser Hikari 'tuned' its frequency to a more visible light emission to see if the hot coherent light beam would also ignore the force field!

05:49, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 69 using 1d100.  Justicar - Weapons Systems 'Tune Laser Frequency' [77%]. – [roll=1646646595.21468.355584]

Then he unloaded a full melee spray of laser fire at Marutukku, uttering a curse, "Return to Darkness! Thief of MARDUK ~ God of Cities Power! Judgement is laid upon You!"

Action: {All 3 remaining}
- Burst-Fire: {HU2e, p.75} EmptyMag: Dam x10 {All 38 shots left} -15sec ’All’
Strike - [+12/weapon systems] {+3 ST Ranged Weap - Laser Targeting} <-6 penalty All combat moves>
Total: Strike +9 @ <-6>

06:01, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  Justicar - Strike w/Weapon-Left shoulder Laser Full Melee Burst & Laser Targeting [+9ST]. – [roll=1646647293.60351.355584]

06:04, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 10 using 4d6.  Justicar - Damage left Weapon arm-shoulder laser [4d6 x10]. – [roll=1646647453.82592.355584]
Total: 100 SDC Damage

If Marutukku's force field is penetrated and he falls under the laser fire Justicar will stop the laser burst in hopes of not killing him...

[Private to SSOGM: Hmm.. ok.. the real question here I think is this a magic Mystic Shield or the Superpower Force Field?

Superpower - Create Force Field states {HU 2e p.271}:
This is the formidable power to generate an invisible or semitransparent field of energy/force. The force field can be mentally shaped as a wall, circle, dome, box, or bubble. It can also be created around the superbeing like a form-fitting body armor or protective aura.
---
Limitations of the Body Armor Field: Maximum S.D.C. is 200 points at any given time. Constant concentration to maintain the flexible body shield means the character loses one attack per melee and is -2 on initiative for every melee round that it is in
place. Speed and movement are not impaired.
Gases, disease, and radiation are still a danger and will penetrate the force field. Only the "bubble" closes out gases.

It doesn't really say if the Mystic Shield spell stops gases {HU 2e p.328}?

Does Justicar's Radar indicate this is a bubble or a square? if not a bubble the KO Gas should penetrate?

As for how gravity affects the Gas.. I would think it would hinder its spread a little as in pool it near the floor which could make it spread further than its normal 20'ft spherical shape to maybe a 30'ft but only 5 to 10'ft high radius?  That would still affect Spyder even if the Create Force Field 'Bubble' would keep out the gas attack from Marutukku.

I'm assuming its the super power Gravity Manipulation {HU 2e p.274} as I know no spell that can do this.
In any case Justicar cannot counter either effect and is basically disabled... I'll try one thing that 'may' work but its your call.

2. Increase Gravity: This ability is the opposite of the reduce gravity effect, enabling the superbeing to create bone crushing
gravitational conditions.
Range: 200 feet (62 m) away + 10 feet (3 m) per level.
Area Affected: Self, object or 20 foot (6 m) radius.
Duration: Same as Reduce Gravity.
Attacks Per Melee: Fortunate ly, only minimal concentration is required, enabling him to engage in combat or other actions while
using this power. However, he can not use any other gravity power. Each use counts as one melee attack/action, and to maintain
the Increased Gravity, the character must spend one melee action on it per each round.
Abilities & Bonuses: Increase weight up to 50 times the object's or person's normal weight. Actually, the weight is not altered,
but it's the gravitational pull that makes it seem to weigh more. Speed is reduced by five points per every 200 Ibs (90 kg)
of weight.The gravity effect can be concentrated on one individual target (object or person), effectively immobilizing him or it.
The gravitational pull is such that he can not move or be budged - no combat bonuses. -6 penalty on all combat moves.
]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Mon 07 Mar 2022.

PM [Private to Justicar:

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 204:

Maximum robot P.S. is 30 or twice its total height, whichever is greater.

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 236:

Superhuman Strength
The character possesses superhuman strength a notch below supernatural.
Bonuses: Add 20 +2D4 points to the current P.S. attribute.
Can carry 200 times P.S. in pounds and can lift 300 times.
Fatigues at half the rate of normal humans.

Maximum weight the suit can lift is 300 times 30 or 9000 lbs. Unless Hikari and the suit weigh 150 lbs (9000 divided by 50) the suit can't hold him up, and

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 236:

Locking Joints: This means that the joints lock into place and can not be moved or bent until unlocked (equal to a P.S. 40).
Cost: $20,000 each.

Maximum weight the locking joints can handle is 300 times 40 or 12000 lbs. Unless Hikari and the suit weigh 240 lbs or less (12000 divided by 50), Justicar is falling down.
Hikari experiences graying of vision, then tunnel vision, and will eventually pass out. Marutukku is using Create Force Field and Gravity Manipulation.
At least he didn't hit Justicar with zero gravity (floating him twenty feet off the ground) because then the CIWS would have targeted the robot.]

Crusader did not like the way the martial artist was eyeing her, or that he had more chi than she. She unfastened the harness that held her box and quiver in place allowing it to drop to the floor as it was useless at this range. She drew her tonfas and leaped at the man eyeing her, intending to give him a solid kick in the head.

07:37, Today: Crusader rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Jump Kick.

Landing softly from her kick she unleashed a furious barrage of paired weapon strikes, spinning the tonfa to strike at strange angles. Finally she adopted a seemingly off balance stance common to drunken boxing masters.

07:38, Today: Crusader rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  R tonfa strike.

07:38, Today: Crusader rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  L tonfa strike.

07:37, Today: Crusader rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  R tonfa strike.

07:37, Today: Crusader rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Left Tonfa Strike.
Saving final attack to dodge if need be, hence the drunken boxing stuff in the fluff of my post.

CMZ looks at Patriot.  I'll go high, you go low, he says as he moves towards the gangplank to board the yacht.  I'll distract them, you breach the hull.

As the heroes enter, Mr. Magnum and Shadarkos are watching the door, impatiently. After Chimp Man Z and Patriot enter, Mr. Magnum and Shadarkos share a glance and appear to go right into attack mode. Mr. Magnum whips up his Mac 10 and empties the magazine, in two quick bursts, at Chimp Man Z.
Shadarkos, not quite as quickly, mumbles as he rubs his ring. Then he turns to Mr. Magnum and says, "shooting at them was entirely unnecessary, they won't get away from my Carpet of Adhesion till we're gone."
Mr. Magnum replies, "I think you have a warped view of what's necessary."
OOC: Mr. Magnum uses his MAC 10 to spit a pair of long bursts at Chimp Man Z. His aim is asounding and by the time he's finished Chimp Man Z's clothes have taken 110 SDC damage. Jacket or shirt or anything of the sort is eradicated.
Shadarkos (the wizened old man) does some kind of magic, and it feels like the floor has grabbed and is holding down Chimp Man Z's and Patriot's feet.
Both characters will need to save vs magic (15 or better with your bonuses), if the save is failed they are stuck in place for the next seventeen minutes. If the save is made they roll 2D6 to see how many melee rounds it will take to pull free.

21:14, Today: SSOGM rolled 7,14,16 using 1d20+1,1d20+6,1d20 ((6,8,16)).
22:10, Today: SSOGM, on behalf of Mr. Magnum, rolled 12,12,14,10 using 1d20+9,4d6,1d20+9,4d6 ((3,5,2,2,3,5,5,1,3,1)).

---

Spyder parries all but two of the tonfa blows, and dodges out of the way of those. He seems content with studying Crusader's style, and is even sending his chi to examine Crusader. "Your style is fascinating, you appear to have developed a style that's all your own."


22:37, Today: SSOGM rolled 19,26,22,21,15 using 1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13 ((6,13,9,8,2)).
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:16, Wed 09 Mar 2022.

While CMZ is not able to avoid the bullets tearing through his clothing, he he also finds himself stuck to the decking.
There is more good news for the idiot who had opened fire on him.  While his musculature is considered to be rock hard, and impossible for conventional weapons to penetrate, there is enough give between his epidermis and his body hair to absorb the impacts of the bullets.  This provides the effect of them losing all kinetic energy and dropping to the deck rather than ricocheting all over the place and possibly hurting or killing the two men attacking them.  Even worse, the bullet impacts cause him to giggle.
 That tickles!
He then pulls a quartet of throwing knives from the back of his belt, kept there by a nylon sheath.  He throws them quickly at Mr Magnum.


23:57, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Save vs magic.
13:52, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 10 using 2d6.  Melee rounds to get free.

02:23, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 12,27,19,9 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  Circular Parry.

02:22, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 17,17,14,15 using 1d4+13,1d4+13,1d4+13,1d4+13.  Throwing knife damages.

02:21, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 23,8,9,10 using 1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

Dropping her weapons, Crusader got out and tossed a couple of flashbang pucks, one at each of their enemies.

,

The first throwing knife sticks in some sort of force field in front of Mr. Magnum. The other three slide off the force field and fall harmlessly to the floor.
OOC: The first melee round passes, initiatives, please

---

Spyder parries all but two of the tonfa blows, and dodges out of the way of those. He seems content with studying Crusader's style, and is even sending his chi to examine Crusader. "Your style is fascinating, you appear to have developed a style that's all your own."

22:37, Today: SSOGM rolled 19,26,22,21,15 using 1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13,1d20+13 ((6,13,9,8,2)).

Marutukku is continuing to rant towards the downed figure of Justicar. He begins by screaming, "you dare acost me! The Master of the Arts of Protection!" But as he goes on, there is less and less energy in his words. "I am he who chained the Mad God at the Battle and.. Sealed the Ancient Ones... in the Caves." In fact, as he rants, Marutukku sinks to the ground as he says, "behind the Gates.... It is I, possessor....." Then he drops to his knees while he says "of the..... ARRA star....." Finally, he falls backwards and trails off with "who rode off..... on the women..... of many small villages....."
Justicar, lying where he was smashed to the ground, is in a similar position. [Private to Justicar: As his vision grays and he slips away, Hikari hears Marutukku's ranting. In addition, Karl is explaining that the only real damage seems to be to the joint locking mechanisms. Hikari is bruised, but Karl claims none of the damage is permanent. As his consciousness fades, Hikari hears Karl saying that Spyder and Marutukku are probably stealing the plane, anyway, so their mission will be a success.]
Spyder dodges the grenade by somersaulting to one side. The other grenade goes off just to Marutukku's left (force field went down) but does no good as both Marutukku and Justicar are unconscious.
Spyder says, "now that the preliminaries are out of the way, I'm going to hit you. This isn't personal, and I truly appreciate being able to spar with someone of your caliber. It's rarer than you might think. Afterwards, I'm going to take my buddy, and use this keycard to steal that jet. Tell your boss we're not sorry and next time he tries to turn me into some sort of robot I'm going to stick this whole island up his, well, you know."

OOC: Hikari and Scott are unconscious, we need initiatives from Crusader and the NPC for the next round

03:10, Today: Crusader rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Initiative

Crusader backed off and took a totally defensive stance. She was preparing for the assault until he told her his plan. "Wait, you are stealing it? We are trying to steal it. As long as you aren't going to use it to help this psycho, take it!"

01:31, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Patriot fires beams from his eyes that deflect off Mr. Magnum, at least showing the man has some sort of protective field. Mr. Magnum responds by running towards Chimp Man Z and simultaneously ejecting the clip from the SMG and replacing it with a new clip. Before he arrives in front of Z, he leaps into the air while emptying the clip at Patriot in one long burst. As he comes down he lashes out with a foot and clips Chimp Man Z. Ignoring the bullets that smash into the seams of his armor, Patriot opens a spot on a forearm and zaps Shadarkos with coherent light.


OOC: Patriot shoots Mr. Magnum to no effect
23:48, Today: SSOGM, on behalf of Patriot, rolled 10,11 using 1d20+2,2d6+4.  eye ion blasters at Mr. Magnum (attack 1).
Mr. Magnum zips closer while reloading his SMG and then shooting Patriot and using a Flying Jump Kick on Chimp Man Z. This is five melee actions as the long burst and the flying kick are multiple actions.
04:20, Today: Mr. Magnum rolled 29,12,24,37 using 1d20+9,4d6,1d20+13,4d6+25.  shoot Patriot, kick Chimp Man Z.
96 points of damage to Patriot, and 74 points of damage bounces off of Chimp Man Z.
23:50, Today: SSOGM, on behalf of Patriot, rolled 4,18 using 1d20,4d6
((4,6,5,5,2)).
Patriot misses Shadarkos with the laser.

---

Spyder moves into and out of his fighting stance, twice. He sighs, "well crap. You were pretty good, I thought I might have some fun."
"That FORCE guy tried to foist a machine copy of our buddy on us. It wasn't even close. Of course, our buddy's fairly irrational and the AI probably had trouble with that. I think that FORCE nut is trying to replace the human race with machines like himself. Anyway, we were just going to get in the plane, fly it off the island, and ditch it. If you don't mind that, we can spar another time."
Spyder walks over, throws Justicar across a shoulder and brings him over to the door. "I figure you should be here when we take off, they put up that blast shield for a reason."
He drops Justicar, picks up Marutukku on his way to the plane. As he approaches the plane, the door opens and a mechanical voice says "valid authorization recognized, please strap in for take off."
Just as Justicar begins to stir, the plane roars to life and rockets out of the cave.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

Justicar comes to at the sound of the engine roar...

"...ok, ok... I'm ok Karl... standby."

Hikari shifts to a kneeling crouch and opens his visor to reveal a battered bloodshot face, blood trickling from nose, ears and eyes,  as he looks around frantically seeking his teammate, "Crusader! Crusader?!?! Are you ok.. did they hurt you?  I'm sorry... I was  ~ weak.  What happened?"

Crusader stood, arms folded watching the blastwall as the jet took off. "I am uninjured. They were stealing the jet to escape. I allowed this as it was part of our plan. I gained valuable information as well. FORCE is some kind of a machine. I think I know what the cone is for, but I need confirmation."

Looking down at him she said, "You are injured. Remain here, you would slow me down now. You were not weak, merely overly excited. Sometimes negotiations with lesser criminals yields fruit. I will return momentarily."

Crusader headed to the door at a rapid pace.

Justicar stands and follows, his helmet closing with a whirr-click, and his voice coming with a metallic determination, "I'M FINE!! This is just what happens when Anyone is exposed to high-g effects. I failed to stop the meta-human lunatic, but I'm uninjured. Now it's your investigation. I'm here now only to provide firepower if it's needed. So lead on."

"I will NOT slow you down even without flight I can run faster than you in my armor!"

Perhaps that is an edge of frustrated anger to his voice... but he gestures and Drone-Alpha and Drone-Delta fly toward him and reattach to their docking ports at his hips.  Battered Drone-Delta's Utility arm still extended carrying the recovered AK's
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Fri 11 Mar 2022.

CMZ reaches up to grab at the ankle of Mr Magnum when his foot connects in a form of leg hold.  He then attempts to flip the man to the floor, without letting go of his ankle, twice, before attempting to throw him into Shadarkos.  Unfortunately, he misses the mage, but the impact with the bulkhead should still be painful.


16:48, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Throw Mr Magnum at Shadarkos.

16:44, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 12,14,14 using 1d6+10,1d6+10,1d6+10.  Body Flip, Body Flip, Throw Damages.

16:42, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Leg hold.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Thu 10 Mar 2022.

Two large blades click into place, extending from Patriot's hand. Even the synthetic nature of his modulated voice can't dilute the venom as he addresses Mr. Magnum, "good. Traitors deserve to die laying on the floor in their own intestines."
Then he swipes the blades at Mr. Magnum's stomach.

OOC: Patriot rolled 20,17 using 1d20+5,2d6+11.  attack Mr. Magnum.

Chimp Man Z grabs Mr. Magnum and slams him to the floor. The floor that holds Patriot and Chimp Man Z immobile. Mr. Magnum doesn't hit the floor, but his force field does. Whatever magic Shadarkos used to create the effect is indiscriminate. Mr. Magnum is stuck.
Shadarkos moves a bit and shoots a bolt of flame at Chimp Man Z, which sets some of the raggedy ends of his shirt on fire.
Patriot attempts to disembowel Mr. Magnum but is parried.
Mr. Magnum whips out a pair of lasers and shoots Patriot's blades. Although they aren't broken, the blades won't retract.

OOC: the first body flip gets past Magnum's force field and he takes the damage, the second body flip results in damage to the force field as Chimp Man Z jerks at Magnum's leg. Mr. Magnum is prone, next to Chimp Man Z, for the next eight melee rounds as he tries to escape. Patriot takes advantage of this to attempt to gut Mr. Magnum. Shadarkos throws some flames. Mr. Magnum shoots Patriot's blades.

It is apparently time for initiative, again.

---

Justicar and Crusader enter the tram station for the aircraft cave. The tram station is unattended. There is a single car at the station. The tram car runs on obvious rails. It is teardrop-shaped with a narrow trailing edge. There is a button at the front of the car marked canopy. The canopy is tinted, and the lighting is such that the interior of the car can't be seen. The car is about fourteen feet long and eight feet wide.  When the canopy button is pressed, the plexiglass canopy moves up and back. There are three benches inside the car. The middle bench is split by a small rectangular console with two buttons, situated towards either end of the car. There is a label between the buttons that reads travel.
There is no one here, and it is quiet.
[Private to JUSTICAR: Karl, who was listening while Hikari was unconscious, notes that Spyder and Marutukku are usually joined by someone code named "Tank Gunner", who is apparently insane and able to find military vehicles whereever he goes. The three are highly paid as mercenaries, being capable of fighting entire divisions of troops. It appears FORCE is infiltrating such groups by replacing some of the personnel with android duplicates.]

Justicar surveys the situation. Pauses momentarily... listening to Karl.

Then walks forward presses the canopy button and climbs in and takes a seat at the center bench and waits for Crusader to take a seat.

He speaks, "Crusader, Karl's files say Marutukku and Spyder are part of a trio of a highly paid mercenary team.  Their third member is a merc named 'Tank Gunner', a certified insane nutcase with a penchant for finding military vehicles... not sure if he's a meta-human but he may possess perhaps some ability to control machines... OR he could just be a really lucky car thief. But if he hangs out with people like Marutuku, and by reputation the Trio of them have taken on divisions of troops and WON ~ I doubt he's just some really skilled car jacker.  He was not with them was he?  So he may still be around here. It appears FORCE is in the business of infiltrating 'valuable assets' with android duplicates.  Not sure how this intel helps.. but Your the detective so you should know everything I know.  At least its something I can contribute... besides dead weight."

He sighs... and triggers his LESP Secure channel.
[Private to group LESPradio: "Havoc & Strike, Justicar.  Mission objective failed. We were engaged by Maratukku and Spyder two meta-human mercenaries. We are uninjured but were unable to stop them from leaving in Rocket jet. Found Tram-track, continuing investigation of base, Crusader on lead.  Have reason to believe FORCE is contacting mercenary and other para-military organizations to replace personnel with Android Duplicates.  Be advised there may be another Mercenary-possible meta-human, certified-nutcase named 'Tank Gunner' possibly already replaced by an Android duplicate in Base; has a love for milspec vehicles and likely Heavy Weapons ~ be wary.  Continuing investigation."]

To any who can hear.. there is a tinge of deep shame in his tone...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

Crusader sat in the vehicle. "They mentioned a third but said the duplicate was very obviously not him in personality."

Justicar nods,"I did not hear that. I may have been unconscious."

He closes the tram-car canopy and selects the button indicating forward movement of the tram.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

---

As they recall from the original briefing, the tram from the rocket plane hangar has only two stations. One at the hangar and the other at the underground complex.
At the end of the tram ride is an unadorned platform with a single door.

CMZ reaches out to take the lasers from Mr Magnum, hoping to disarm the man.  He then attempts to slam a double knuckle fist into his chest.  Then, if at least one laser has been taken from him, he will attempt to shoot Shadarkos with it.


04:24, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 5 using 1d20.  Shoot Shadarkos.

04:23, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 18 using 1d8+10.  Double knuckle fist damage.

04:20, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Punch Mr Magnum.

04:16, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 20,6 using 1d20+3,1d20+3.  Disarm Me Magnum.

04:15, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Justicar exited the Tram-car and moved to the left of the obvious door on the platform, and waited for Crusader to proceed.

Patriot shoots Shadarkos with the ion blasters in his eyes.

Mr. Magnum shoots Chimp Man Z with both of his energy pistols, then kicks Chimp Man Z in the head. As Chimp Man Z attempts to disarm Mr. Magnum, the latter attempts to parry Chimp Man Z by slamming his energy pistol into Chimp Man Z's palm with such forcethe pistol is thrown past Chimp Man Z, to slide up against the wall. As Chimp Man Z goes for the other pistol, Mr. Magnum knocks his hand away.
Shadarkos moves, points his ring at Chimp Man Z and mumbles. A sort of murky nimbus covers Chimp Man Z for a moment, but it dissipates.
Patriot shoots Shadarkos with his eye blasters, the twin blasts spark off something that appears to be protecting Shadarkos.

Crusader followed, putting a finger to her faceplate for quiet.

While it not do any actual damage, the kick to CMZ's head stuns him slightly and he has to shake it off before responding to Mr Magnum's actions.  Which he does so by hammering down with three overhand dounle-knuckle fists at the man's torso.  He then grabs at his forearm to try to immobilize it.

22:47, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 15,14,11 using 1d8+10,1d8+10,1d8+10.  Double knuckle fist damage.

22:46, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 17,5 using 1d20+3,1d20+3.  Arm hold.

22:46, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 22,4 using 1d20+3,1d20+3.  Two punch attacks, overhand double knuckle fist.

21:27, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Overhand double knuckle fist

20:21, Yesterday: Chimp Man Z rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

In reply to Crusader (msg # 200):

Justicar folded his fan wings to his side and set down the AK's in Drone-Deltas grip so they would not clatter as they moved to make entry through the door.

Then he examined the door looking for any security alarm detectors in the door jam that might be triggered with the opening of the door. He also scanned the door with his bug detector to see if there were any sophisticated sensors monitoring for the door opening.

Whatever he finds he will try to disable any electronic security Quietly... so Crusader can proceed with her stealthy entry.

12:49, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 7 using 1d100.  Justicar  - Basic: Electronics [67%]. – [roll=1647362990.25086.355584]

12:51, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 51 using 1d100.  Justicar - Prowl [52%]. – [roll=1647363085.86751.355584]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

Mr. Magnum kicks Chimp Man Z in the head, again, twice, still to no effect.
As Chimp Man Z hammers Mr. Magnum, definitively proving the existence of the latter's force protection, an unnatural darkness covers the area. As Chimp Man Z attempts to grab Mr. Magnum's arm, there is nothing but air where Mr. Magnum was.
Mr. Magnum, somehow in another location, rapidly fires another weapon. It sounds much like the large rifles previously used by the android soldiers. The impact of the rounds on Patriot is almost as loud as the firing of the weapon.
None of this is as loud as the two mini-missiles that streak away from Patriot and slam into Mr. Magnum... well, into his shield in any case. There is some flaring around Shadarkos, as well. The missiles were high explosive and they performed perfectly.

OOC: almost succeeded in bashing through the bad guys protection, and have taken minimal damage from them, need new initiatives

The door opens behind a large display screen. Coming around the screen Justicar and Crusader find themselves on a raised platform with an ornamental chair. There is some hardware about the display screen, apparently for restraining something, none of it is in use. The rest of the room is empty. The walls are white, and the carpet is green.

Crusader goes over to see what the platform is raised above.

Justicar surveys the room.. seeing no one present he will first retrieve the AK's he left behind.

Then he heads toward the Ornate Throne/Chair... looking first at the ornate chair for controls systems and if none present then the display monitor.  Hikari will attempt to patch his suit into whatever control/communication lines are being used to control or fed the monitor to see if he can access the Base security or communications telemetry.

Is there anything being displayed upon the monitor?

{whispering} "Karl... infiltrate this data-system... can you access any self-destruct system and disable it?"

08:53, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 47 using 1d100.  Justicar - Electronics: Basic [67%]. – [roll=1647435189.7656.355584]

09:24, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 4 using 1d100.  Karl - Computer Operation [96%]. – [roll=1647437073.42956.355584]

This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Wed 16 Mar 2022.

Mr. Magnum fires a three rounds, in rapid succession, at Patriot. Patriot throwshis arms up in front of his face and the three rounds ricochet off Patriot's armor, to dig respectable divots from the wall behind the heroes. Mr. Magnum ejects the clip from the Barrett and locks in a second clip, then fires another burst at Patriot. The two rounds perform as the first three did, glancing off Patriot's armor and digging divots in the wall.
Patriot exposes a previously unseen laser and attempts to shoot the Barrett from Mr. Magnum's hand. Although the latter doesn't drop the weapon, at first, he tosses it down in disgust when he can no longer move the action on the rifle.
Shadarkos dances backwards, and invokes an unnatural darkness that covers Chimp Man Z, Patriot, and Mr. Magnum.

OOC: more damage done to Patriot's armor, Mr. Magnum's big gun is inoperable, there's a darkness on the characters

Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition page 322:

"unnatural darkness which cannot be dispelled by normal light or flames. Nightvision is cut to half in such enchanted darkness. All others fumble around in the darkness as if blind; -8 to strike, parry and dodge. Those with the prowl skill are + 1 0% to move unseen through the darkness.

The platform is wood, and has quite a few wires beneath it. These join with wires from the large monitor to exit through the ceiling. From there, it's hard to say.
[Private to JUSTICAR: Karl informs Hikari that the controls on the chair are switches/dials/buttons wired directly through the cables. There's no access to data through them. The wires to the monitor are power and video/audio feed.]

Justicar will try to read the controls on the Chair to see if he can determine what they control or manipulate... noting at Karl's reply that no data-lines are readily identifiable.

{OOC: Honestly not sure what skill applies here.}
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:10, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Crusader waited for Justicar to finish.

Unable to do anything to attack the two cultists, CMZ decides to spend his time trying to free himself.  It is not like he has to worry about them actually hurting him at the moment.  But, an idea does come to mind, and he speaks into his radio.
[Language unknown: Onsevetra.  Pana ounut tien tioearble resar usar ecore antie thha somwasstiter?  Le yin si ro bemoaiar?  Itis n icour tiset.]
22:35, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.  Of course he gets a Natural 20 when he can't do anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

As Justicar tries to figure out the 'throne' controls he texts to Light Star across the secure LESP communication so as to make no sound at all as he works...
[Private to group LESPradio: +Justicar to Lite Star. Crusader and I have entered the underground base via the secondary tram-track which led to a secret entrance. We are as per our map layout in room #26.  Appears to be some kind of throne room. Trying to figure out controls on console throne.  We have not achieved our secondary objective of securing the Rocket plane.  From the Comm-chatter CMZ and Patriot are engaged in combat at the Hydrofoil Dock. Mission profile was not a room to room clearing just disable Radar, and exit to allow Navy and Marines to secure facility.  Can you give an ETA on disabling Radar room? What is your status?+]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Fri 25 Mar 2022.

"I already fired my missiles. I'm going to keep shooting while I can, but I've about spent most of my ranged energy."
He adds action to his words, firing a blast at Mr. Magnum.

OOC:4:58, Today: Patriot rolled 19,14 using 1d20+2,2d6+4.  eye blast at Mr. Magnum.

Mr. Magnum, after an exclamation similar to "ouch, that stings you mean ol' robot" but more colorful. Tosses something between Chimp Man Z and Patriot. The explosion of the grenade drowns out Patriot's shout of "incoming". The two villains do nothing else.

OOC: more damage done to Patriot's armor, of note, this is the seventh melee round, Chimp Man Z will escape the adhesion in three more

The controls on the chair, and the monitor, appear dead. It is likely they are simple switches that buzz elsewhere to signal others to act. There is disjointed noise coming from one of the doors to the room (designated with an arrow).
[Private to JUSTICAR: Audio sensors are picking up someone shouting on the other side of the door noted. "Family? You're no family of ours. I gave you strength and grace to rival those costumed fools interfering with my plans. You were made to be independent, so you could join them and defeat them from within while we retained deniability. You were designed to be alone, and alone is what you'll always be."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:38, Fri 25 Mar 2022.

Justicar stops messing with the chair controls and pauses...turning head to regard the indicated door, and gestures a robotic index finger to ... faceplate, a universal gesture of 'quiet' to Crusader.

Then he is again texting across the LESP Secure Channel ~
[Private to group LESPradio: +Crusader we have a potential hostile in the next room.  If its one of these robots it may have enhanced hearing be very still. Once he stops ranting he could potentially hear our heartbeats. I'll leave it to your discretion.. your the ambush expert between the two of us.+]

Then he texts the Strike Team across the LESP Secure Channel ~
[Private to group LESPradio: +Havoc to Strike~ there are four doors exiting our room. Someone is ranting'?' behind the nearest door. This is what he's saying ~ "Family? You're no family of ours. I gave you strength and grace to rival those costumed fools interfering with my plans. You were made to be independent, so you could join them and defeat them from within while we retained deniability. You were designed to be alone, and alone is what you'll always be." Can you confirm any of that, Lite Star?+]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Fri 25 Mar 2022.

Crusader nodded and stepped lightly to the door. She tries to tell if it is locked without opening it.

Justicar remained still but nodded in acceptance of Crusader's tactical movement..

Then he texted her across the LESP Secure communication channel ~
[Private to group LESPradio: +I do not know if he is alone in that room but let's not take the chance he isn't. Switch to your radar. When you open the door I'm going to fill the room with obscuring smoke to hinder him hopefully and any allies in there. We both have radar to find and target foes.  I can open that door with a Police Lock-Release Gun if needed. Whenever your ready.. I'll support your play. Your call.+]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

Crusader nodded in agreement.

Justicar hefts his 40mm Armscor MGL 6-Shot Grenade Launcher and turns the drum to put two smoke grenades 'on deck' ready to fire. In addition he loads another explosive rifle grenade to the lug on his right shoulder-weapon arm mounted 5.56mm LMG.

He completes his 'Weapons Ready' check with his 90mm Recoilless Rifle ~ making sure its is ready to be deployed and its initial Fragmentation load is 'one deck'...

In silence he nods to Crusader...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Sun 27 Mar 2022.

Justicar pondered Strike Team response in context with the overheard ranting...

Then he texted to Crusader ~
[Private to group LESPradio: + Ok. I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that voice on the other side of the door in context with what was said may be in charge of this operation.  That could be FORCE in there.  Strike Team has not disabled the radar.  It may be a stretch but the room next to us may be the master control as its so close to clearly the expected 'Narcissist-Egotist Gloating Throne Room' we are currently in.  I'm not sure we can take down FORCE on our own, especially if he's not alone... but that's not the mission actually. We're here to disable the radar ultimately ~ so the Navy and Marines can deal with this WAKO!  So.. lets smash his control room.  If he has no operational controls to monitor.. he can't monitor the radar readouts.  Right? +]

Then something occured to Hikari... and he hefted his 40mm Armscor MGL 6-Shot Grenade Launcher and turns the drum to put only one smoke grenade and then Explosive rounds 'on deck' for the next four shots ready to fire.

His fingers begin to tremble again as he texts a message to Crusader~
[Private to group LESPradio: + Uhm, just remembered something.  If FORCE is the voice ranting in there... we know he's a cyborg with Projectile Spatial awareness and cybernetic radar.  Obscuring Smoke will Not hinder him.  We should just open the door and let me lay waste to the control room with ordinance.  What do you think? I don't want you in the AoE of detonations... +]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Sun 27 Mar 2022.

Though CMZ shrugs off the explosion and the shrapnel, the remainder of his tracksuit does not.  His pants hang in tatters, revealing that he is definitely Jewish, once again, to all the world.
Somnanabotch!  He seems to intentionally be messing up the fouls language.  You farging iceholes!  Je continues to struggle free.

Crusader responded, [Private to group LESPradio: <yellow>+I accept your premise. Where should go so as not to get burned?]

In reply to Crusader (msg # 221):

Justicar nods and fingers tremble slightly against as he texts a reply~
[Private to group LESPradio: + Agreed, all I need you to do is open the door as quietly as possible and not enter until my barrage is done.. someone may rush out at us be prepared to trip and or drag them out of the way so as not to spoil my weapons fire.  I will scan with proximity sensors momentarily to make sure there is no unseen barrier in the door way first before I fire +]

Justicar directs 'Karl' to scan for anything solid within the door frame when Crusader opens the door to make sure he is not firing at a wall to put detonations in OUR room...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Mon 28 Mar 2022.

Whispering, Patriot says, "hey, Z. I can hear what they're saying, and they're planning to leave us here. Apparently, they've got a dozen or so contractors on the boat and they're trying to get them away from the island for some reason. That may mean we need to regroup with the others, feces on the rotating blades, so to speak."

Proving Patriot's assessment correct, the hydrofoil motors start up and slowly seem to fade as if moving into the distance. Just as Chimp Man Z works himself free of the 'sticky floor', the boat moves itself free of the dock.

OOC: Patriot will remain stuck for another fourteen minutes (give or take). The darkness will vanish at the same time.

Accessing the map previously obtained by the recon patrol, it's easy to see the door to the next room in the 'throne room' isn't the only way into that chamber. The other way would require going out of the 'throne room' opposite the 'throne' and walking around a few other rooms to enter by another door. [Private to JUSTICAR: Audio sensors are now picking up several conversations in the other room. Most of them are mundane, except that in all of them there seems to be an echo on one side of the conversation (but in another voice). Further listening determines that someone close by is telling someone over radio what to say in the conversations that are being sensed.]

Justicar instructs 'Karl' to do a detailed recording of all the conversations suitable for voice sampling and reconstruction for Voice Identification later.

Crusader went over to the door as instructed and opened it.

Justicar immediately scanned the doorway for any physical barrier that might not be visible but solid nonetheless with proximity sensors, laser rangefinder, and a subsonic pulse to estimate distance to objects in the now visible room beyond the doorway.

If no barrier is detected, Justicar targets the console nearest to the individual whose voice was in the recorded rant or the person who is clearly Force in the room.  The objective being render any accessible control near him non-functional.

To which he fires his rifle grenade at those controls, Then fires his 40mm Armscor MGL 6-Shot Grenade Launcher smoke grenade into the room to obscure any minions Force may have with him.  His third shot fires the 40mm MGL again with an explosive round at the next nearest control console and his fourth shot another explosive round at the next nearest control console!

All of these rounds are meant and targeted to overlap in some degree for maximum suppression and damage to the control consoles in the room.

Justicar is hoping that Force has mostly robotic servitors with him.  In either case.. he does not hesitate to unleash hell upon the International Terrorist ~ human loyalists present or not!  They must be Stopped.. and JUSTICE has come for them!

There is a price for threatening millions of innocents with Nuclear Death and Bio-warefare agent Slow Death!

If there is a physical non-visible barrier ~
Justicar will instead fire one shot from 40mm Armscor MGL 6-Shot Grenade Launcher smoke grenade to, of course bounce back and obscure our room from visual with smoke... then fires his Left Shoulder Weapon-Arm, Mounted Laser Rifle at the consoles in the room ~ same order, hoping any invisible force barrier will not stop his, already tuned to visible light, laser beam and it will penetrate to destroy consoles aimed at.

- Consoles do not dodge so attack rolls are kind of pointless but I'll roll to make sure no 1's are rolled...
07:42, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 17 using 1d20+15.  Justicar - Strike w/Weapon-Right Shoulder Rifle Grenade & Laser Target [+12ST, +3ST laser target]. – [roll=1648726920.85505.355584]

07:48, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Justicar - Shot 4# 40mm Armscor MGL 'Heavy Weapons' [+3ST, +3 laser Target]. – [roll=1648727322.28709.355584]

07:48, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Justicar - Shot 3# 40mm Armscor MGL 'Heavy Weapons' [+3ST, +3 laser Target]. – [roll=1648727299.18801.355584] - CRITICAL!!

07:47, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Justicar - Shot 2# 40mm Armscor MGL 'Heavy Weapons' [+3ST, +3 laser Target]. – [roll=1648727276.92739.355584]
~ The heavy weapons carried by Justicar not integral to his suit are NOT integrated into his fire control, but the laser targeting can be used to aim them like a attached laser sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Thu 31 Mar 2022.

Patriot!  Follow the sound of my voice!  Shoot when I tell you!  Use someething explosive!
CMZ, tearing himself free of the adhesive on the floor, begins running towards the sound of the moving yacht.  If he can break free of the darkness, he intend to try to jump aboard the yacht while yelling for Patriot to fire.