Continues from LESP Offices

Senor Garcia addresses Bellissima’s very prudent concerns. “Bellissima, I understand your concerns regarding all of the unknowns, but that is the reason behind doing this recon, to determine what the unknowns are.”

"I have no intent on making this recon an assault."





Senor Garcia looks at Winter Herald, JUSTICAR, and then the others in case any of them wanted to join the recon team.  “I’d prefer to go tonight, and make our ingress onto the island around zero one or zero two in the morning.” He then added, speaking directly to JUSTICAR “Is it safe to assume that like Winter Herald you will defer to my judgment in the field?”

Lilibeth listened as Bellissima spoke. She had grown uncomfortable as Hikari and Winter's argument continued and grew more heated. She was still new to the team though and wasn't sure if it was her place to try and cool things down. There were interpersonal dynamics in play that she knew nothing about. Runa, predictably, had been silent, a combination of disinterest and boredom with the exchange.

She nodded her head at the super model, "OK so to be clear on what it is I will be doing," she glances at Detective Broyko and then back to Bellissima, "I'm going to the convention in costume, staying near the VIPs but as soon as you get the word, we are all going to go to the fake island to rescue Miss Holly?"

"Correct. We are merely picking up additional information so that we can bring exact force to the island, bypass the obstacles necessary, perform the extractions we need to, and have the Coast Guard finish the job. We should provide an alert when the role we will be executing is finished."

Winter Herald noted the fact that what he noted everyone getting wasn't a group text, and hoped the consensus he had just drawn was premature and incorrect. "The convention isn't for some time, but scouting the area out on an exterior level might not be a bad idea. You might even meet some early attendees - the types who check out a room in advance knowing what is coming up. Keep a low profile. Do not let them know we are coming... at least, not in a professional capacity."

"I will meet with the Lieutenant."

OOC: Question for SSOGM ~
Did Hikari locate a point of origin for the Isle?
How long did it take to get here?
How long has it been here off the coast of Center City?

Justicar replies, "The island vehicle is approximately 24 miles off the US Continental Coast in International Waters."



Justicar responds, "My drones are composed of composites to cut down on their weight, their armored chassis is made of high impact composite resins.  They use the same super-solar power system the Justicar does, but my underwater drones have a fuel-cell system that electrolysisizes the water for fuel ~ they have a Much longer power duration than my aerial drones. But I have not planned to be employing any aerial drones, my underwater drones are amphibious and can, if I see the need for any first hand visuals of the island surface deploy their tread units to survey the surface... but I have no intention of them breaking surface .. my entire recon can be done from underwater."

OOC: There is NO 'Stealth' available in the current HU2e rules for ANY Super-Vehicle, Robot or Drone as an available tech option.  Back when these rules were written by Palladium Books 'Stealth' technology was not a publically known tech as it is today and Palladium Books has not seen the need to update the available tech rules for High-Tech Origin characters.  I brought this fact up over a year ago with SSOGM before the San Sebastian Isle Recon mission and proposed Hikari develop a 'stealth' technology option for high-tech super vehicles and Robots but Hikari has not had the time to do the research or build this technology.  The game system does have super powers that somewhat mimic 'stealth' namely the Major Powers Chameleon {p.255} and Cloaking {p.256} in the main HU2e rules.  Hikari's proposed 'stealth' tech was based upon those in-game existing mechanics, even those are not very representative of actual real-world stealth tech.



Justicar nods in approval, "I am in agreement with this plan. We make arrangements for travel and accept the offer of help from Lt. Smokh and help him out in return. Lt. Smokh will deliver the team aboard the Gemini to within 20 miles distance of the Island Vehicle, then at 01:30 or 02:00 Senor Garcia, Winter Herald and I will begin our Recon mission. Senor Garcia, and Winter Herald will approach in an inflatable and Justicar, 70 meters down underwater hugging the sea floor.  I will slow my approach to not draw attention or leave the surface inflatable behind so we all arrive at the same time.  I should be completely undetectable unless they have US military grade penetrating sonar in which case a stealthy approach was never possible.  We ascertain the nature of the vehicle, identify ingress points, and return.  Then as a team we plan our assault and then we stage our rescue of Miss Cook with the understanding she may be hostile now after being subjected to whatever mind bending abilities Provider may have subjected her to."

He elaborates, "Honestly I do not need to set foot on the island at all.  My recon objectives can be achieved from the sea floor.  I have only three objectives ~ 1) determine the propulsion mode the island vehicle uses for possible disabling, if necessary, and attachment of a tracer to an innocuous portion of the drive system, 2) Identify any secondary or escape vehicles docked with the Island Vehicle and attach an innocuous tracer to each such craft! I have learned my lesson from San Sebastian Isle, 'Never pass up the opportunity to place a tracer on any escape vehicle encountered ~ First!' That failure in the Rocket Plane hangar still stings. I'll not make that mistake again! And 3) Identify and locate all points of ingress to the vehicle for breaching.  All these objectives I can do 70 meters away from the ocean floor via my drones, I could do it from further away but I want an actual visual of the island underside for analysis in our rescue mission planning.  This was always my Recon plan.. just like I planned it on the San Sebastian Recon mission that was successful."



Justicar nods, "I understand Belle, but I have technology unavailable to the public ~ well... at least... not for a few months now; until my Project: Hoplite gets into full production.  I have neural man-machine interface technology that does scan to such precision an clarity.  The telemental helmet in the Justicar scans my brain and translates my mental commands to the suit to control it.  I not only can command but also receive input feedback from the telemental helmet.  Not to bore you with too many details ~ I have mapped the neurological impulses in the brain and my telemental helmet can translate that information directly from the brain into electronic commands.  It is the gateway to VR... but I have not developed it that way. I fear mankind is not ready for such technology.  Someone will develop it, eventually, but it will not be me. Project: Hoplite is a medical technology an ultralight exoskeleton for the paraplegic to give them full mobility, and some dulled haptic sensation in their limbs... it is operated by a telemental 'crown' that translates their mental commands to bodily movement and send/return dulled sensation back to them.  It is powered by my super solar technology, but the real tech is in the manufacturing. I designed it so each suit can be run off on a 3D printer with cheap materials to cut the production prices so low that not only the rich can afford it but everyone who needs it. Johnson & Johnson are tooling up to manufacture them. My telemental technology should be able to pick up some very interesting readings from your brain on a quantum level when your powers are in use ~ no guarantees though. Part of research is having some clue what your trying to discover... I may get readings but it may take months to translate and correlate something of practical import from the data.  However..."

Looking at Lt. Smokh's text message...

"..it DOES seems our time is of the essence. Perhaps sometime after we have completed this rescue operation?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Bellissima replied to Lt Smohk, "I will be there."

She turned to Runa and smiled at the woman, "We are leaving today for the island.  Hopefully we will be finished by the end of the day tomorrow, then we can start thinking about the convention."

She turned toward the others, "That is not the plan.  You are still not planning to use our resources properly." She shook her head.  "Justicar will send in his drones first, amphibious drones are good," she nodded at Justicar.  "Checking out the possible propulsion system is a good idea as well.  Then we will look over the data that Justicar has gathered and decide then on how to approach the island. Any plans made without studying the data that Justicar's drones discover first is reckless.  Nothing and no one should go onto the island until we have studied the gathered data."

"This is the smart way to operate, gather data, study it and come to decisions.  Use the next least risky means of gathering data, study it and make decisions. Move on to slightly more risky gathering data, study it and make decisions. And so on."  Bellissima glared at everyone trying to rush headlong to prove something which she didn't care to ferret out.

She looked over at Garcia, "I am sure you have dozens of stories of people getting killed because data was ignored, wasn't properly gathered, or was given to the people on the ground too late," she stated/asked the experienced operative.

"Just so people can be thinking ahead, I am the next source of information gathering.  My ability to read psychic impressions from objects will be very useful.  Hell, there is a possibility that I will be able to get an entire schematic of the place before we penetrate into the interior with me just touching the ship-island."  She looked over at Winter and Garcia with an arched eyebrow, "That would be useful to gain before going in, right?"

"We can talk more about our plans on the ship," Bellissima started to head out of the LESP headquarters. "Lets go everyone."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Please note that Lt. Smohk was going to be ready to go in almost no time.

Justicar nods. His expression cannot be seen behind his vizored helmet, but he does not hesitate to move in support of Bellissima's direction.

As they make their way to the the LESP Motorpool to travel to the Docks and meet up with Lt Smohk. Justicar will answer the questions his data analysis can to Bellissima...

"The island has been off the coast at its current location for about a week.  Its progress in the Satellite footage indicates a speed of approximately 24 knots.  It is hard to ascertain how long it has been in transit the satellite footage is inconclusive as to it's point of origin."

"I will meet you all at the dock, I must gather some additional gear from the Sea Sentinel before meeting you at the Gemini. I'll not be long."

With that, instead of putting the burden of his heavy Exoskeletal suit on the LESP van the team is using, Justicar spreads his mechanical wings as its Fan thrusters whir to life and his takes flight arching out over the city toward the marina and the Sea Sentinel.

"I agree with the idea of drone findings being necessary. Justicar, I trust the drone findings will be assembled by nightfall. This is not sarcasm, and is an expression of competence and faith. Bellissima, if you would like to go with us to the island itself for your readings, to acquire your data, I personally see no issue if Garcia does not. If you can acquire them remotely, all the better - please have your findings by nightfall if possible. What is not acquired will be learned on site."

Winter Herald started to leave, and paused. "Further discussion on this subject will cause me to wonder if there is some failure to understand 'reconnaissance' as meaning something other than 'preliminary surveying or research.'"

His consensus realized he had failed to utilize all resources available, and he approached these two if they were still present. "Runa, Chimp Man Z - do you feel you can create an event on short notice over the seas to get their attention without alerting them, or add something to the success of this operation? I admit to not understanding the limits of either of your abilities, and how far you are willing to expend yourselves in the name of success. But if you can get sensors pointed away from us without causing personal fear to the subject, that would be vastly appreciated. In fact, if either of you believe you can get us in more efficiently than standard physics as we understand them would provide, let me know."

"I deserve criticism for neglecting the two of you."

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 2):

"I will be ready.  You can count on me."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 10):

Before parting Justicar will reply negatively. "No. I have no intention of starting my drone recon until we are all on station aboard the Gemini, 20 miles away from the target.  The reason I must go to the island on the sea floor is a tertiary precaution. My drones do not have the sensor suite the Justicar has and a major objective is to determine what if any active or passive surveillance systems the target has access to and is deplying. The Justicar's wide array of sensors can detect and hopefully locate the source of such eletronic detectors. Once they have been identified 'Karl' and I should be able to perform countermeasures with my ECM systems to obfuscate their sensor array temporarily to hide our approach when we stage our assault. Unfortunatly I must get close to utilize such sensor detection an analysis. Once I deem it safe to avoid triggering their alerts I'll launch my drones for a closer look."

"I also do not wish to risk the conceit that i cannot be detected on my approach no matter how safe I may try to be. So if my approach does trigger an alert I want the team on-standby just in case worse case we have to go immediately."

----

On arival at the Sea Sentinel, he will go to the Justicar-Paladin launch cradle and swap out drone-ceti & delta for the Paladin's drone-epsilon & lambda underwater drones.

Also, pondering the things Bellissima kept reporting in her visons of Holly Cook's surroundings, Hikari loaded into his and his drones chemical sprayers a Potent Agent Orange-type Chemical Defoliant incase the 'alien plant life' was not sessile and hostile.  Thinking further, he called up the autofac to load a series of chemical-load rounds of the same defoiliant into rifle rounds of the calibur Senor Garcia used in his specific firearms Hikari had observed ~ preparing two magazine for each firearm.

{OOC: Basically they are dum-dum/hollow-point rounds but instead of them being empty hollow points the hollow is filled with the defoliant agent and covered with a lite plastic/wax cap. They DO suffer some range penalty likely around -30% normal range but they do exactly what a dum-dum round does damage-wise with the added benefit they have a defoliant carrier toxin. Evergreen would be quite angry at Hikari for his ... creative cleverness.}

He also added to his stores medical alergy supplies like used to treat extreme allergic reactions to plant toxins like poison ivy. Thinking ahead he also added specific antidotes to potent sea-life poison like jellyfish stinger venom considering this opperation was to be out in open sea... best to be prepared.

He spent a few more moments adjusting the location of his stores then added suffficient underwater proof tracking tracers to the drone's stores to make sure they had a suitable amount to deploy with their mechanical arms.

One last precaution he also added an obfuscating ink cloud load to his chemical sprayers and drones incase such visual camoflage might also be disirable.

He could think of nothing else so Justicar launched into the sky heading for the meet up at the docks with the team.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Lilibeth's eyes widened when Winter began speaking at her. She managed to keep her usual smile in place but his sudden switch from heated conversation with Hikari to speaking to her, had surprised the young woman. "Oh...it's OK," she said, waving a hand between them like she was brushing aside an unseen cobweb. "I've been the new girl before, even without being...well whatever it is I am now, it can be rough for a while. Not just on me but you guys too; new girl," "Ahem" Runa coughs in her mind, "well two new girls show up, boss didn't give you any warning about them and you don't know anything about me really."

"I think you all know I was an Army combat medic, did a couple tours, one in Iraq and another in Afghanistan. I guess you don't care much about that though, its my powers you need to know about right? Well I'm a little fuzzy on it myself but thanks to Ishtar or Inanna, depending if you go with the Sumerian or Babylonian version, chose me to be the...soul companion? Host? of one of her warrior priestesses from back in the day. That's Runa. She is the one that has most of the power, which by the way, she insist is divine, not 'common magic'". Lilibeth brings her fingers up and makes air quotes at the words 'common magic'.

"The goddess lets me use the...healing and empowering I guess is the right way to describe it, aspect of her divinity. I can heal people and restore things with a touch, just like Runa can. Like how I put back together that man hole cover that Bellissima used during the fight with the brontobear. I can also make people faster, jump further and make their bodies tougher too. Runa gets all that plus she can channel that divine energy into her body to hit things, like really hard."

She pauses, her eyes looking up for a moment, "Yah I think that's about it. Oh and Runa is way tougher than I am. Pretty sure she could jump on a grenade and survive no problem. She'd heal super fast too."

I am a ploice officer who is also a paramedic and firefighter, and a former circus performer, who is super strong, and can shrug off smart bombs, missiles, and artillery shells, Jacob advises.  I also recently found out that I seem to have some kind of control over a small troop of spider monkeys.

Again... pondering the flow of events... Justicar makes a course alteration and stops over at the marina dock for the Shadowhawk.

Landing he greets the Security monitoring the the LESP pier and passes through to board the Shadowhawk.  He walks the decks of the ship searching the entire ship... making sure the boat is empty of any LESP agents asking any he finds to exit the craft temporarily if there are any there.

Then he returns to the bridge and speaks to ... no one obvious, "Professor Franz Undorf, if you are here I could find you with radar scans... but I've made no attempt to do so. I just want to talk.. you need not reveal yourself.  I know you are greatly interested in the Dimensional technology that was used to abduct Holly Cook, and I made sure I mentioned I'd be making use of the Shadowhawk to go investigate the discovered island where the dimensional quantum-entangled signature was tracked.  Detective Broyko thinks your ego might make you do something irreverent.  But I know differently.  Your zeal, dedication and obsession to scientific discovery would demand you follow through with investigating this phenomenon to the end.  I conjecture you likely never left the LESP HQ waiting to hear more of my discoveries and your next most likely location would be this vessel so we could take you to the isle unknowingly.  I promised I would.. and I am ~ sharing the readings I recorded from my Q-PP Detector.  But I ask you not follow us to the isle Professor, its dangerous and there are members of my team that ... might not take kindly to your presence in an active combat zone."

Justicar then opened a storage compartment and set down a flash-drive on the bridge console.

"Stay out of trouble Professor, the world needs your genius ~ there are socially acceptable ways to gain what you seek without resorting to criminal activity. Thank you for your assistance."

With that Justicar turns to leave the boat...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Tue 08 Nov 2022.

"Let's move and talk at the same time. Mae Ha Rga, please lead the way to the docks." Winter Herald was simply assuming the large man would be part of the scouting team based on his profile, but if not, that was his choice. "I have been less than congenial to you, Miss Lilibeth, and it is because I did not trust myself and there was the implication that there were infiltrators here. If you actually are one, I cannot detect it, and your disguise is without flaw to my senses. The benefit of the doubt must be granted."

"You can seal necessary breaches behind us, making our egress harder to detect. That is merely the first use of your abilities I can think of. You are far from useless in this operation, and you might be needed to get Holly Cook in a state where she can move."

He was weighing information. "Depending on how disciplined and intelligent your monkeys are, Z, this could be extremely useful. They could expand our intelligence net significantly. This operation will not be a long one, and anything to speed it up matters greatly. Come sunrise, recon is over, whether we are ready or not, and we must give a report and launch the attack. We might not get another window like this."

The whole deciding things by committee only to have some members abruptly decide to do thing the opposite way as previously decided way was getting tiresome for Sensor Garcia.

What this team lacked was a defined leader for field operations and team members who could follow orders. Both were apparently non-existent...

Looking at his phone he toyed with it a bit before going back to the locker room up again in his Stealth Infiltration Suit.


He hadn’t had enough time to look over all of the details of the suit JUSTICAR had provided him. So, he didn’t don it, as it was better to work with familiar equipment. But also, if he were to be captured or killed the Stealth Infiltration Suit would not give away who he was working for since several nations had copied the three-decade old design.

For weapons Senor Garcia took his pistol and bullpup rifle, both equipped with suppressors. He retained his usual ammo loadout but accepted a single magazine for each weapon with Hikari’s defoliant rounds.

As they were going to be operating in the water, he prepped his Dräger LAR 8000 rebreather, and the accompanying Dräger Panorama Nova full face dive mask, which allowed him to wear his multi-optic goggles, and utilize a radio. The rebreather and face mask could also double as an independent breathing system against harmful gases and toxins.

A pair of flashbang grenades, and a pair of full-size polycarbonate K-Bar’s rounded out Senor Garcia's loadout.

Justicar arrives shortly at the dock for the the meet up with the team and Lt Smohk.  He walks about seemingly looking to survey the preparations for the mission ... but in fact his is doing a subtle surface radar sweep of the entire area looking for invisible objects.

04:59, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 33 using 1d100.  Hikari - Read Sensory Instruments 'look for Invisible objects' [77%]. – [roll=1668070788.72104.355584]

Then he will join up with the Team.

Switching to a direct communication on the secure LESP channel...
This message was last edited by the player at 09:05, Thu 10 Nov 2022.

Justicar waited for Bellissima to give him the 'all-clear' sign before ending his own scans for security purposes. He sought out first Senor Garcia...

"Senor, I have something that may be of use to you.  I know you are a firearms expert and I completely understand any trepidation about using ammo you did not prepare but hear me out.  In all of Bellissima's visions of Holly Cook she has reported the presence of unknown alien plant-life.  We have been unable to identify any of the plants from her descriptions and from what we know about the ... incidents of the dimensional interlopers the Fantastic can become quite dangerously real!  So I felt it... prudent to prepare a potential counter-measure."

He will present him with a collection of ammo magazines in the caliber of his usual load-out of firearms two magazines for each weapon.

"I ran off on my autofac some defoliant rounds from dum-dum hollow-point ammo the defoliant capped with simple plastic-resin caps.  I do not know if terrestrial defoliant from earth will be effective on alien plant-life... but form Belissima's description the plant-life seems to be thriving in out environment so whatever its chemistry it is gaining sustenance from sunlight and that means some form of chlorophyll and THAT is subject to defoliants!  It is unknown if the alien plants are even a threat but I'd rather NOT find out they are neither sessile nor non-hostile the hard way.  I'm loaded chemical defoliant in my chemical sprayers on my suit and drones as well.  Sorry I have no grenades prepared... I did not have time to aerosolize the agent and do not keep such chemical ordinance in stock.  Plus such agents are harmful to us and I rather not use such unpredictable ordinance near my teammates.
I don't know if they will help but I made these for you, and hope you don't need them."

Justicar will acknowledge that Senor only accepts one clip for each weapon with a nod, then points to his right hip... "See this small depression in the armor here? Press it in and release... it opens a storage compartment. I will store the rest of the Defoliant magazines here... if you need to retrieve some more and I am unable to split my attention or am incapacitated. I normally lock all these compartments but I'll leave this one unlocked for you to access if needed. Belissima can also Telekinetically retrieve ammo for you if you make her aware of the location of the compartment."

Then Justicar will seek out Chimpman Z and Lilibeth/Runa...
"Hey CMZ, Lilibeth I wanted to inform you of some supplemental resources I'm carrying that you would be uniquely able to make use of with your specific training.  You both have had combat medic training.  I am carrying Plant Anti-toxins and Allergy Neutralizing serums for fungal and plant-toxin irritants.  Bellissima mentioned that alien plants were in close proximity to Holly Cook and I felt it prudent to carry some medicinal stores if they prove to be toxic or poisonous.  I know they are alien and our terestrial remedies may be of limited if any effect... but Belle mentioned the alien plants seem to be thriving here so something in our environment must be conducive to their growth so some of our remedies may be effective upon them as well. Better safe than sorry.  Also, I am carrying a broad array of neuro-toxins antidotes for sea-based poisons like jelly-fish stings and puffer fish poison considering we are out in the open sea it might be prudent should something out here present itself and someone befall an accidental poisoning or sting ~ just trying to be prepared for the unexpected but potentially present threat."

He points to his left hip, "See this small depression in the armor here? Press it in and release... it opens a storage compartment. I will store these medical supplies here ~ I did not want to burden you both with gear you may not have any need of.  I know CMZ is very strong and his harness can be loaded with more pouches but Lilibeth's/Runa's costume is not really designed to carry such supplies. I normally lock all these compartments but I'll leave this one unlocked for you to access if needed. Belissima can also Telekinetically retrieve medical supplies for you if you make her aware of the location of the compartment."

Preparations made Justicar ushers the team to meet up to discuss the next move.

"So what's the plan?  Do I go on ahead and do my forward Recon?  I think we definitely want to know what type of sensor warning system they have before was attempt any close inspection we do not want to spook them into running.  The Justicar has a full sensor suite I can ascertain what sensors they are using without getting close enough to warn them first ~ detect radar pulses and sonar pings with enough warning to avoid detection.  I'm not planning to actually launch any drones until I have identified the sensitivity of their sensor array. Once I can analyze what they are using I may be able to emit a countermeasure to fool or spoof their sensors before closing to do my Drone Recon.  Unless ~ someone has a better plan?"

Location: LESP Offices

Bellissima nodded at Garcia's comment addressing her concerns.  "Using our resources correctly will save time," she responded.

---

Location: USS Gemini

Bellissima arrived at the docks and moved over to the USS Gemini directly, as she reached the gangplank, she called out to the ship, "Permission to come aboard?"

Sending over the LESP radio to Justicar,  As she was given permission to board, she started using her telepathy to make sure all the sailors on the ship had organic minds, making sure to avoid picking up any thoughts from the sailors.  As much as she could at least, she was always picking up random, disconnected thoughts from people around her.  She was also looking for the invisible, mainly looking for invisible people, there wasn't much space for someone to hide, besides deep inside the ship and she would wait for permission to check.

Being lead over to Lt Smohk, Bellissima nodded at the officer, "Hello Lt Smohk, thanks for the offer of help.  We have discovered an unknown island off the coast that moves on its own.  We have not been able to determine its point of origin yet, but it arrived off the coast about a week ago.  I have reason to believe a kidnapped individual is being held on the island as well."  She briefed the Lieutenant on the situation in front of her.  "There are indications it might be from another dimension, but we have no idea how or when it got here.   So we want to approach it stealthily as possible.  We suspect that it is under the control of a Russian gang called the Refuseniks and lead by Vitaly who I am pretty sure has psychic powers similar to mine, but more focused on telepathy."

Pausing for a moment as she considered a thought, she asked hesitantly, "I know this ship has a lot of secrets on it.  But if I promise to forget everything I learn, could I do a psychic read of the ship to see what I can learn about a complex system.  I want to use it on the Island, but need to know how well I can read a complex object with many parts.  I will also answer any questions about what I discover," she requested of Lt Smohk.

After Events With The Refuseniks

Roughly 24 hours ago -

Alison sat in a conference room with four people she knew and two she did not know. The two she did not know were looking at a manila jacket, which she assumed was her own file. The other four were seated between them were looking at her and politely waiting for the two on their wings to catch up. She drummed her fingers loudly. Finally the woman on the far left spoke, "Senior Supervisory Deputy Marshal Alison Myers, you hold a triune citizenship, explain, please." The please was added as an afterthought.

Alison explained that her Father had been a British Diplomat to Hong Kong. Her mother had been an American Journalist covering the Far East. She had been born in Hong Kong. Her parents wanted her to have a well rounded experience so she took Kung Fu, went shopping and eating outside the British districts, and volunteered in various shelters.

The man on the far right took off his glasses and asked, "What is Xia Xong Biomedical?"

Alison explained that she had been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age two. Xia Xong was owned by a friend of her dad, which had been working on a cure for this very condition. She joined the human trials. All of the participants had some level of reversal of symptoms, and all but Alison relapsed within five years. It was theorized that some biochemical abnormality aided her body and she did not have a reversal of symptoms but was entirely cured. When the British left Hong Kong Xia Xong relocated it's headquarters and such to the US.

These questions seemed geared toward her connection to China. "I never visited the mainland. When the British left, we left and returned to the US. My dad joined the board of directors of Xia Xong, and eventually retired. I have no connections to the Communists."

The woman questioned her again, "Your actual age is Fifty. I don't think anyone here would have believed that without overwhelming proof. Can you explain how you seem to be half your age?"

Alison could not explain it. She gave her theory, good genes, clean living, and the love of the Universe. At this point the two people on the wings seemed to be placated. Her supervisor looked around their side of the table and they all nodded. Upon confirmation he spoke to her. "You have been selected for a special assignment. LESP has asked for our assistance avoiding more jurisdictional complications. You know some of the members personally, one in particular, Jacob Davidovich." She nodded, smiling brightly, and he continued. "We would like you to join them as a Liaison. This will be a permanent assignment and you will have a wide latitude."

Currently -

Even though she had not completely moved in to her new apartment, she decided to show her face at LESP offices so that she could get to know her new spandex clad playmates. She wore khaki cargo pants, a dark navy short sleeved shirt, running shoes, with her pistol on her hip and her badge hanging from a chain around her neck. She took it out of the inside of her shirt and held it up so that the Desk Sargent could see it. "Senior Supervisory Marshal Alison Myers, I believe you are expecting me?"

LESP's desk sergeant looks to be on the far side of sixty, and probably has this duty so he can peacefully wait for retirement. He is completely professional in that he first examines the badge, remarks "wait, please" and starts some furious typing and mouse clicking. After a few moments, a door to the left clicks loudly and the desk sergeant says, "Detective Broyko will be the man you need to see. He's straight back and on the left."

Alison nodded her thanks. She followed the directions, and findung the proper door she knocked politely. After briefly awaiting an answer she entered. "SSM Myers, here acting as Liaison from the Marshall's service. You are Detective Broyko?"

The detective stands from where he is and shakes Myers hand cordially. "Yes, I'm the lieutenant that put this cockamamie thing together. I was told to expect you. We've had a few jurisdictional issues and several elected officials are tired of hearing the complaints."
"Every time they've stepped beyond their recognized bailiwick, there's been just cause and they did manage to thwart some true evil. That doesn't mean our charter can put up with being continually damaged."
"I'll let you tell our little group where you come from and we'll install you like we would any marshal that was loaned to us, so there shouldn't be a problem there. Do you have any questions for me?"

She shook her head as she spoke, "No, I was briefed pretty thoroughly by my people. Lead the way." She stood and waited to follow him.

"Nows a good time to settle in. We've had some attrition and some additions recently. You might have heard of Captain Justice."

Alison giggled, then chuckled, then laughed so hard she cried. "These Spandexers and their love of names. Gosh it's like they are all still 10 and going out trick or treating. No, sorry I've never heard of Major Justice or whatever. I'm a cop you know? FLEO, I don't need to play dress-up, my real life is exciting." She looked over at him a bit sheepish, "Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine. If I had special super stuff, I'd keep a low profile, you know? Not announce to the world that I'm open for Super Fight Club every day."

With That, Captain Justice Enters the Room ducking a bit to avoid the top of the door. He is easily a head taller then Alison and three times as wide. He is wearing a leather flight suit and is carrying a helmet with a face shield.

His voice is a low rumble
It's sort of hard to keep a low profile when you are my size. Then again, I am who I want to be. And I decided to protect this community as Captain Justice.

The only ...preamble to a new arrival was the ponderous 'whirrr-thump!' 'whirr-thump!'... of heavy mechanical footsteps approaching the Office door...

Incongruously, there is a soft knock at the door before it opens to reveal a young man, perhaps late teens to very early 20's of mixed Japanese ethnicity.  He is tall ~ a little less than 6' perhaps for his age but he is certainly a sight... handsome with incandescent emerald green eyes, shock white hair, and clad in a costume... or more of a combat jumpsuit because it is clearly some advanced ballistic-weave combat bodysuit with a belt of equipment pouches at his waist.  He is armed with ... some unusual weapon holstered at his hip... not any recognizable firearm at glance.

The young man is visibly muscular [PS 19] and his combat costume almost seems to strain to contain him as he moves with an... Olympic level of grace and bearing [PP 28]. He was holding a touch-screen computer tablet in his hand ~ technical data scrolling upon the screen.

 
{costume depiction is closest to appearance. Equipment belt and sidearm not depicted}

But the source of the ponderous footsteps stands next to him a heavily armored mechanical winged powered battlesuit standing 6'+ tall... literally bristling with non-subtle weaponry with its two shoulder mounted weapon arms one an LMG the other an 'energy weapon'{?}... but the auto-loading under-barrel grenade launchers on both weapons is clearly visible briefly along with a large ballistic mesh metal-weave skyblue cloak'?' at its shoulders with paired swords slung from some neck hanger assembly behind its shoulders as the armored suit steps rather gracefully to the side of the door outside the office out of the way waiting patiently.


- {Styling:  Silver with Blue paneling;  Attached at shoulders is a Sky Blue Flowing Cloak of heat resistant woven ballistic/frag metal mesh;
Suit: Has 2 Weapon Arms, one to each shoulder with variable hand and weapon configurations – Think War Machine}
The Mark III suit has a pair of Mechanical vectored Fan 'Wings' as part of the flight Rocket Jet pack
Suit carries a two sheathed swords – a German-styled Bastard Sword and a Katana, also a Clear Plastic Riot Shield

To Detective Broyoko, stylized combat costume is completely new... Hikari tended to wear business casual suits, college student uniforms or his pilot suit for the Justicar... never a superhero-styled 'costume'. He's always seemed think for himself such things were not necessary.

"Detective Broyoko, I need to discuss some ... new developments...er..?"
His Japanese accent is 'frosted' with a German precise staccato...

Then he note the 'Wall of Man' before him and the... ... stunningly beautiful ~ female US marshal both already occupying the office.

He looks up.. and up at the 'Man wall', "...oh my!", and quickly looks away from the Goddess with the Marshal's badge to hopefully {unsuccessfully} avoid blushing...

Then turning to Detective Broyoko he rests his hands and pad at his sides and bows politely,"Ah please forgive my... rudeness. I should have waited to be invited .. you are clearly busy Sir, perhaps I should return at a more convenient time?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Alison sighed as the room's testosterone level jumped considerably. Chuckling as she shook her head, "My point is made here."

Captain Justice responses to Alison with a simple "I doubt that."

With that said, he steps to the side to allow the athletic young man into the room.

The young Japanese Teen regards them both and politely bows a traditional Japanese greeting, "Sir, Ma'am. I am Hikari Stottmeister-Tatsukichi, I pilot the Justicar as a member of the Sentinels. Forgive my uninvited intrusion, you must have things to discuss with the Detective.  I can wait, my matters are of a very complex and technical detail I need to discuss with the Detective on internal maters of the Sentinels involving new developments on previous cases. Tedious details that will take a little time to explain, and I'm uncertain of your clearance.. I'll come back later."

The young man wears no mask and seems to have no concern as to who knows his id.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Still chuckling Alison made an exaggerated Vanna White motion to Justicar, "Super Fight Club's first contestant." She tapped her chin, "Admittedly Captain, you aren't in spandexbut you do have a rather uhhh high profile."

Captain Justice bows slightly to Hikari.
"As I said, it is hard to keep a low profile when you are me size.

I suppose that I should introduce myself as well. I am Arnold Hans Vandergrift. I have recently taken up the name Captain Justice when doing work to protect this city."

Hikari does not enter but regards the US Marshal, his expression calm but dead serious, "The Sentinels are not a 'fight club' this is not a game. Our foes are deadly and usually hidden in plain sight often with high-calibur rapid fire death in hand and nuclear devices with secret Army neuro-toxin weapons aimed at the masses of innocents we try desperately to protect... or Worse ~ incorporeal life-sucking vampires or mind controlling ancient artifact rings with evil otherworldly possessing spirits seeking more victims to corrupt and murder.  We battle these forces not because its 'fun' or a "Hobby"..we do it cause no one else can.  The weapons I choose are to incapacitate and capture ~ tear gas and stun blasters often work... until they don't ~ then people usually Die. I dread the day no better options than full on manowar ordinance is the only resort left us.  It is a profound... and personal decision to put oneself in harms way when all others would flee. A choice All Sentinels have dedicated themselves to. We draw the fire of the wicked with our bright colors and open defiance to protect those they would bring suffering and death to. You misjudge us to mock us for our self-sacrifice."

Turning to Arnold, Hikari steps forward to offer his hand, "It is an Extreme Honor to meet to you mister Arnold Hans Vandergraft ~ Captain Justice, I am Justicar or as I am now Justar!"

His grip is firm and clearly heartfelt he smirks and asks... in perfect German...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Captain Justice casually matches the firmness of the handshake without really trying. He smiles as well.

"Sorry, My parents where immigrants and stopped using German when they got here. So I never got to learn it. Could you repeat that in English?"

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 38):

The Captain can feel the line of callouses in Hikari's palm and the roughness of his hands.  This lad is a maker of things... but also.. practices long and often with weapons in hand!  Hikari is a warrior.

Hikari smiles warmly, "Ah, forgive me. I only asked if you were a German national. My father was German and my mother Japanese, but career industrialists.  My father a head engineer for Krupp Aerospace and my mother now runs Mitsuhama Telecommunications as CEO.. its a wonder they connected.  I have made it a focus of mine to be as fluent in both cultures and lands since my... when my father... died 11 years ago."

To almost anyone... Krupp Aerospace is known as a leading European rival, surpassing Aerobus for Lockheed-Martian in the US, and Mitsuhama Telecommunications is one of the top 10 corporations in Japan.  Hikari comes from money!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Alison held up her hands in surrender, "I am not mocking you, I promise. I just can't help it with these spandex or whatever your suite is made from. I'd fight these evils alongside you, I just prefer to do it with less...err...flair." Then she twittered with another laugh as she spoke through a handful of languages she knew, "Do you speak Chinese, Italian, French, or Arabic?"

In reply to Paragon (msg # 40):

Hikari cocks his head slightly,"... this is the first time Ive worn this armored suit... I only made two days ago when I realized it might be best to be armored as Justar than not. I think you will be disappointed it is the most costume-like of anyone on the team, and my reason is partially a direct snub and poke at my mother.  Chimpman Z wears no costume and the 'strongman's harness' I made him to carry some more durable communications field gear he has yet to try on ~ as being invulnerable he tends to trash all field gear issued him. Bellissima's costume is little more than armored street clothes I made with some gear upgrades for hands free communications gear hat can be used to conceal her identity. Crusader wears her own featureless grey custom class 4 hard armor that I added a multi-spectrum vision and radar sensor suite to her helmet. Mae ha rae jah has declined any high tech upgrades and wears a traditional dark colored fighting gi from his monastery. Lilibeth prefers sundresses so she sometimes wears a armored jumpsuit I made her with the LESP standard gear installed her alter ego RUNA I constructed a set of archaic bronze plate and mail made of modern armor composites and ballistic mesh... lighter and harder than ancient armor. Winter Herald disdains any additional armor and only wears street cloths he must continually replace and Senor Garcia... he wears decommissioned special forces class 4 hard armor also no costume."

"Sorry, I'm only fluent in three languages... English, Japanese, and German. But I would be interested in learning Chinese and Arabic...! I wonder if I can fit those into my current college curriculum?  Not really part of the Advanced Robotics Engineering program..."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:51, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

Alison is genuinely impressed, "Huh? You don't say. So you're doing this to...what...draw attention from your teammates? Kinda like Bullseye in the Animaniacs spoof of Batman?" She waved off potential questions, "Cartoon from the 90s, really funny, watch it if you ever get the chance. Well I brought a Class 3 hard armor 'vest' that covers me pelvis to shoulders. If you wanna upgrade that, I'm happy to let ya. What I really want, though, is a hovercycle." She waved off any reply again, "Don't make one, though, I figure eventually some crook will show up with one from outer space or whatever." She grinned, "Where is Jacob? It's been a long time since I saw him, I'd love to hug him and catch up."

Lt Broyko's cell phone rings.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 42):

Hikari smirks slightly but nods,"... this is part an parcel of those 'new developments' I needed to inform Detective Broyko an update to his knowledge. Your conscern is appreciated but usually when I'm not Justicar and piloting that armored battle suit... outside in battle I'll likely be practically invulnerable to any physical attack.  This costume is for when I need physical hands to interact with and am temporarily vulnerable to attack. But yes the flashy silver and blue  Justicar suit has often drawn fire from the enemy away from our less sturdy members there was this 40'ft 10 ton bear once... but that role usually falls to Jacob."

"Anyways, I've interrputed your meeting long enough I'll take my leave and let you get back to it. Nice to have met you Marshal!"

With that another traditional Japanese bow of politeness and he turns to leave... revealing his belt in the back contains three grenades clearly marked as smoke, flash-bang and tear gas...with another back waist holster holding an unambiguous Glock 17 holstered.

Hikari regards Justicar and frowns slightly displeased, "K2, retract your shoulder weapon arms... we're in LESP HQ... not going to war! You will have trouble passing through certain doors its unecessary to have them extended...!"

The armor replied, 'Acknowleded Sir! Retracting Weapon arms! Sir.'

Hikari walked away the heavily armored suit begain to follow him again, Hikari's expression of some annoyance at the suit lingered...

"...you don't have to call me 'sir' all the time... 'Hikari' works just fine."

'Of course Sir!'

Hikari rolled his eyes...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

An elderly man of Hispanic descent in his mid to late 60’s enters the LESP offices. He is wearing a solid white suit with a black shirt underneath, with a matching solid white fedora, and a white tie to contrast against the black shirt. In the left pocket of his suit jacket is a black pocket square folded into a crown. In the man's left hand is a white walking cane.

Unless stopped or greeted the old man makes his way to where the desks/cubicles are.

Oliver looked at the time on the clock in his Cadillac. While he had been a bit of a loner during his wandering dogooder phase, busting up small time drug dealers or scamming scam artists just wasn't scratching the itch, so joining up with the LESP at his old handler Agent Card's suggestion seemed like fun. Officially he was keeping an eye on them, last thing a field operative wants is a spandex clad nutcase ruining months of field work by either smashing a rung on the ladder they need to trace back up, or by putting agents in the hospital or morgue because they don't understand undercover.

He had been casually observing from across the street, as his meeting with the Detective was a bit later, but after seeing a former colleague form the bad old days of Afghanistan, and a man more described as a mountain of meat walk in, he figured now was a good a time as any to be on his way in. He made sure his Colt was in the shoulder holster, while he expected no trouble, his time in the Agency taught him an important lesson, trouble happens when you least expect it. He was thankful he had set his appointment under the name Charles Finley, because now was not a time to explain his full history.

He walked up to the desk, producing a wallet from his suit pocket, and waved his badge at the desk clerk. "Charles Finley, I have an appointment with Detective Broyko, agency business."

After being waved in he took stock as he walked to the meeting room where the others waited, noting the security systems he could see, as well as angles. It was hard for his mind to get out of that frame, looking for exits and cover should things go sideways. He strode into the room, adjusting the sleeves of his suit.

" Well isn't this a strange gathering. Two of the spandex set, and a lost U.S. Marshall. Charles Finley, exCIA, current unofficial liaison. I should say Alison, you haven't aged a day since last I saw you, what was it, 10, 15 years? Those years get a bit blurry, it happens when all you see is sand for so long.""

Hikari-Justicar/Justar, was already regarding data on his touchscreen pad when the Spymaster entered but noticed him and not to be rude smiled and nodded acknowledging him ... but his hyper-intelligence was moving again now even faster as his no longer suppressed powers had arguably made him even more brilliant.

A concern occurred to young teen mutant exosuit-pilot genius... the potential new members, as clearly that was what this new recruitment phase was directed towards, were example after example of highly trained yes, but mostly normal men and women... excluding likely of course Captain Justice, but the theme was the same ~ Physical fighters, maybe superhuman strength and weapons training.  Which was Particularly Useless in a surprisingly increasing number of engagements the Sentinels were recently having!  Bullets and muscles meant very little to the 40'ft 10ton dimensional bear rampaging through down town Center City, incorporeal life draining vampires and super speed sonic powered metahumans!  The normal 'punch it, shoot it', that these highly skilled Agents were use to using ~ what they were trained to do, was Very EVIDENTLY useless in those situations! Hikari pondered it would be Very hard bringing that realization to these... likely proud and confident men and women of what they were actually getting into.

If "fists and guns" were enough.. the Sentinels would not be needed the military has plenty of men and woman good at that!  Could any of these new members fly under their own power, or emit energy attacks of varying frequencies, or detect the presence of supernatural evil before it tries to posses a victim's mind or use chi mastery to heal wounds the Dim Mak attacks make conventional medical assistance USELESS against ~ like was used upon Bellissima?  Hikari did not think so.  These new Agents were mundane great fighters he was sure... but the Sentinel's already had good fighters more of the same; that had most scratching their heads of what exactly to do in the last mission cause none of their 'tools' were relevant!

He noted Senor Garcia's arrival and sighed, he and the Ex-CIA had some pretty intense differences of the rule or law and use of excessive force... but he was a teammate and HE was there.. he knows the situation.  Senor was in the shit with Justicar last mission... and despite their differences of opinion.. Hikari STILL respected the man.. and in a fashion trusted him as well even if grudgingly so.

Hikari ordered the ... dumber, K2 AI now resident in the Justicar to go stand in a corner... he was really missing 'Karl'.. but he knew his father needed his own space/body now. the Standard K-Series AI program that Karl and Hikari had worked on to replace him was ... ok.. but in Hikari's opinion far less optimal than his father 'Karl'.

He walked over to Senor Garcia's desk and pulled up a chair... noting Senor's raised eyebrow at his new 'combat costume', he forestalled his questions, "...some very recent ~ discoveries.  I'm a meta-human, always have been yeah.. surprise!  Surprise to me too.  Details not important for now sufficed to say, I'm even more hyper-intelligent than before with lightning reflexes and the ability to control static electricity to flash-fry all the electronics in this building with a thought.. oh.. and now I'm a living breathing High Energy physics nightmare who can break every law as we know it of mater-energy dynamics cause I can convert my entire body into Pure Energy and fly through space, totally immune to physical damage and pass through solid mater as if it was air... yeah and throw Vast amounts of Pure Energy that would sear a hole through a bank vault in minutes. Made a armored LESP geared costume, so... in it ~ I'm Justar..."

"As you can guess still wrapping my head around ALL that too... crazy wilde weekend at San Sebastian isle... details later, I promise."

"But what I wanted to ask is.. you were in the meat grinder that was the Aeaea and Dr. Phage's pets along with the Refusniks ~ you know the score.  These new folks.. no insult, are skilled I'm sure.. but fists and bullets are not really going to be the best options all the time.. as I'm sure you are aware of, but they will not likely accept that ~ 'Critical. Need. To. Know. Info.'.. from me ~ a teen, even IF in armored 'spandex'.  Could you talk to these new folks and get them up to speed on what a potential crap-show their getting into? Your cut from the same cloth.. they will take you seriously.. I know I do!"

Then he kind of fiddled with the pencil holder on his desk and commented, "...so ...speaking of weird shit that you can't just shoot, sure would have been nice to have some Energy Weapons to use on say Whisperer or Chiroptera last mission... like that proposed set of armor with the electrical dischargers I wanted to make for you... made any decisions?  The offer is Still open..."

He shrugs, "We may differ on procedure.. but there is Still NO Doubt in my mind, at least, your on the side of good ~ With a Vengeance..."

Then something caught his attention as he doodled with one of the pencils... "huh?!?  Guess I'm also Ambidextrous now!  Wilde... this just gets weirder and weirder!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

Alison grinned, not just happily but amorously as Charley just showed up. He just waltzed right in like he owned the place. "Charley!" He grin was enthusiastic as she went right up to him and hugged him. "I believe you owe me a dance mister." She pushed back but maintained contact with her hand on his arm. "Ten, and yea my time in the desert has kind of blended together." She turned to the side of him, threading her arm through his in a way that to another woman claimed him as her own. "Detective, it is getting very crowded, why don't you start our little tour?"

Senor Garcia hadn't even gotten the title of an email to Detective Broyko typed before Justicar, Justar or whatever he was calling himself now sat down next to him.

"I highly doubt energy weapons would have affected Whisperer or Chiroptera while they are in an incorporeal state."

"Someone would probably have to use magic or psionics to get them, or more likely have to go incorporeal themselves to harm them."

"With those type of meta humans its best to quietly track them down and kill them with a sniper rifle from three to five hundred meters when they least expect it."

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 49):

Justar chuckled,{snicker} "...I know your not much on science but the physics just doesn't support that."

He stands and instantly there is a flash and Hikari is gone replaced by a golden glowing ghost of him floating some 6" inches off the floor. He radiates some heat and as much light as a light bulb but clearly he is semi-transparent like a hologram of his previous appearance except composed of golden glowing energy...

He speaks his voice now more a crackle of ionizing fields shifting as if electric speaker static precisely controlled to produce feedback in words,"You see pure energy. Took me a bit to figure out how to talk again when I first transformed... no vocal cords or lungs ... no need to breath ~ but I'm realy smart... I figured it out. But I'm completely incorporeal to physical matter, concussive force explosions... chemicals, radiation..anything made of atoms..."

To accentuate his point he rises through the ceiling and then returns sinking through the floor to return eventually floating where he was before.

"However, this is not Invulnerability!!! There are energy emissions that can still affect me. I know... Ive experimented...

Then there is an almost dark light flash and Hikari stands before Senor.. with the sound of a solid body landing upon the floor still costumed as his energy body appeared vaguely as well. He took the seat...

"Trust me energy would have worked... maybe not 100% effect but they would have felt it and it would NOT have been pleasant! Metahuman powers are not 'goonie-goo-goo' energy that can do Anything and ignore laws of reality... they are STILL subject to universal laws for the most part! Yes, they can indeed suspend or bend those laws horribly in some cases but not completely ignore them! I have no idea how what I just showed you works... to liberate all the molecular energy in my body and convert it all to energy and yet not destroy half the entire damned planet in a release of enough energy equivalent to a trillion Hiroshima detonations has me baffled as fuck! But there I was a stable coherent pure energy ionic field... completely controlled by my mind!"

'Shrug'
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

Well, this day was already getting good, a fine woman on his arm, finally something to scratch the itch of his boredom, and he already seemed to have irritated one of the supers by not acknowledging him first. The man mountain had stayed in the room, presumably also joining today, at least he wouldn't have fight too hard to make inroads.

" I had hoped you had forgotten that. As long as you don't mind that for all my many skills, dance has never been one. Two left feet, as it were."

He cast a side glance at Captain Justice. While he had a small dossier on many of the others put together by Card, but this one was a wild card.

" So what's your story? Bear turned into a human? Austrian robot from the future? Eat 6 dozen eggs a day?"

While he waited for the good Captain to answer, he noted he could still hear Justicar shouting from the bullpen. His thoughts went straight to teaching him volume control, because people who shout a lot in the field wind up dead.

Captain Justice replies in a low rumble
"Well. I was a rather normal if tall college student. There was a Supersolder program that I volunteered for. There where some side effects.  Such as becoming this heavy."

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 51):

{OOC: Hikari was not 'shouting' the bold affectation for his words was to denote his voice was not 'normal' that it was more like an artificial recreation of his voice from feedback-static.  Usually I denote shouting in all CAPS... rarely done. Just my way of being  ~ artistic in my post descriptions.  Sorry for the confusion!}
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

"Ahh, yes shady scientists who think they've made the perfect soldier, but inject a poor kid with a solution of who knows what, that makes them able to grow turnips with their eyes. Had a few offers back in the 90s, turned them down. Rather rely on my own skills than a dose of radioactive spider venom, never know when it might have a... backlash."

He leaned down a bit and spoke to Allison in Mandarin,
[Language unknown: "Ant rathatnde toca pr pendho vor tr ncsema t ndck er th ine tra o elpl notut urelessonate mier. At our sonbutsomarenot und nider thadi iouhisndeuresta. Vor e saelas te iveratlinbutwilstilin thiingven lipa."]

Finally, he looked at the detective, his that while socializing was good, there were reasons he was here.

"Detective, if we aren't waiting on another agent or super, perhaps we can get this show on the road? Meet the team, explain why myself and the marshall are here, let them meet.. wait, don't tell me, the Living Battering Ram here."

A low rumbling chuckle emanates from Captain Justice at the Living Battering Ram comment.

He offer his hand to Charles.

"My name is Arnold Hans Vandergrift. But I will go by Captain Justice in the field."

Alison smiled and withdrew herself from Charley. She decided to just keep quiet right now.

Justar got an exasperated expression on his face, "...and I think your missing the point here somewhat. We are not in the business of assassinating metahumans. We are law enforcement! Whisperer and Chiroptera were guilty of resisting arrest yes ~ but they could likely get a 'self-defense' stance in court as we invaded their vessel in international waters. Its only  the 'we are pursuing a lead on potential lair of abductors of Holly Cook' that gave us any levity in the law to even be there.  Whisperer only damaged my drones she never actually hurt anyone on the team, Chiroptera yes did slightly injure and weaken team members but it was no more then a bruise from a punch might inflict ~ it was clear she was not trying to kill anyone.  We were there seeking an abduction victim ~ Holly Cook.. who arguably as we learned latter on was not going to press charges in her crazed mental state. But none of our lives were at risk until the... vehicles submerged."

"The only thing we had potentially on Whisperer or Chiroptera was a 'potential' connection to a burglary {not robbery ~ no one was threatened with harm} of the City Vault... which we had very thin evidence of their involvement in that at all! We are not at war with metahumans."

"We didn't have so much as an arrest warrant for Whisperer or Chiroptera let alone a 'dead or alive' apprehend order for them."

"The Sentinel's mission is to incapacitate and detain potentially ~ metahuman, but not exclusively so, threats involved in criminal activity and or threatening public safety that regular law enforcement is incapable of dealing with.  We are not traffic cops, narcotics or DEA, or even Homicide Detectives.. the regular police are quite good at all of that we are not needed to replace those finely trained and capable officers of the law. We are Certainly Not Judge, Jury and Executioner of metahuman law-breakers.  Just because someone resists arrest doesn't mean were free to all out murder them.  I get that if lethal force is used against us we have every right to respond in kind but measured use of force should be our principle method with the main goal being incapacitation and detainment... not excuse finding to kill.  Surly you understand that is what the Sentinels are for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

Senor Garcia ignored JUSTICAR as he showed off his powers. The kid was 18 going on 19 and still acting like an immature child...

When JUSTICAR decided to act all high, and mighty, the older man just sighed. Stupid kid is going to get himself or someone else killed one day.

“I suggest you, and not your pet Artificial Intelligence look up the definition of Deadly Force, and when a Law Enforcement Officer can utilize Deadly Force.”

“As for myself, I’d rather be judged by twelve then carried by six.”

Hikari regarded the man... understanding dawning.

"I see. You only understand killing and deadly force, you have no intention of ever using anything else or listening to any other way of doing things.  You refuse to see the fact I'm trying to help you, that your bullets will not always be the answer. Fine."

He turned an walked away there was no need to waste time talking to the killer anymore.

Winter Herald had been sharing files with the Internal Affairs division for the past several hours, and was glad to be out. They had asked him questions which taxed even his memories - not all data had been recorded, and some files were corrupted. And they insisted on asking him these questions verbally, either not understanding or not caring how slow speech often was to him.

If he hadn't started tapping a single finger at a set pace and mentally counting it, he would have assumed it had been longer than the over ten thousand seconds he had been in there.

He was aware of the new names, because he read the unit roster when he sat down. However, he felt it appropriate to meet the new people, and at least familiarize him with the face of the moment.

He had been putting down petitions to work with Lite Star Industries - he wanted a place to stock up and repair himself that was not dependent on any of his current co-workers, but it needed to have the inclination and resources to do it.

He had caught a few names on his approach. He simply walked around Hikari and Garcia to introduce himself to the new people. "Call me Ned, alias Winter Herald, LESP Sentinels unit, alternative perspective specialist."

"That was a joke. So is the specialization." He pointed a finger casually to Arnold with a smile. "Caught your name. Arnold, or Captain Justice - I shall ask for specifics on the alias later. I do not catch the names of..."

He wags the same finger, pointing, between Alison and Charles. "...you two. I suspect you will be repeating yourselves a lot, or have already done so."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 60):

Hikari walks over to Winter ... his demeanor pensive. He is wearing.. something unusual.. some kind of armored costume.. something Winter has never worn before  as usually Hikari is in business casual attire.  The Justicar is following him... and here too something is .. off to Winter's observant eye.  The fluid graceful gait of a human-like stride is missing from Justicar.  It's movements are stiff and mechanical.. wholly different from its usual walking mannerisms.

Hikari lifts his hands playactingly and says, "Hey Winter... look I know I'm probably the last person in the world you want to talk to right now.. but I made you a promise and I'm keeping it.  Some.. revelations occurred over the weekend CMZ, Runa, Belle and I spent at San Sebastian Isle.  Long story short I found a solid lead on FORCE.. I know you'd want to know.  I can see your busy ... so just contact me when you want to meet and get the intel.  I did not put it in a file cause I want you to hear it from me so you can observe my autonomic stress-tells and know for yourself that I'm telling you the truth as best as I know it.. and not feeding you false info.  I know you don't trust me so I want you to be sure that at least I believe I'm sure.  For what its worth.. I'm sorry I snapped at you last mission.. I should have been more.. tactful. I know you were only doing what you thought was best and trying to spare the team hardship."

"I'll let you meet and greet the new folks... I've got a crap-ton of work and research to do.  I think I may know what happened to Smokh's files... I have no proof but it seems likely.  I'll discuss my ideas later with you if your interested.  I'll be down in the LESP workshop in my VR lab if a LESP meeting is called... I simply MUST crack this Force Field tech... as a failsafe for Detective Broyoko.  See you whenever buddy.. again sorry... I was an ass."

With that Hikari turns and heads for the stairs down... again a stiff robotic Justicar follows him...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

Alison looked concerned for a moment before a realization struck her. "You must be the android. Why don't you fetch us some coffee? I like mine with lots of cream and sugar, please."

Broyko says, sardonically, "Januchowski usually gets the coffee. Winter Herald is a valued member of the team. To be frank, the android is better at carrying out the proper procedure than most of the uniforms on the force. Several team members have taken individual assignments in other locations, here we have Winter Herald, Señor Garcia, Chimp Man Z, Runa, and JUSTICAR."
"Rather than give you a guided tour, you can just wander around inside the offices to find out what people are about. It's good to have you aboard."

Oliver shot Alison a look that merely spoke one word, Really?

"I apologize for the marshall, we've been waiting with the good Captain for the 50 cent tour. Charles Finley, exCia, current freelance problem solver and unofficial CIA liason. One of the people I helped in my retirement called me a spy master, and I decided if I need a codename, it's as good as any."

Detective Broyko than gave the sad news of no guided tour, or even a proper meeting with the team.

"Well Ned, it seems as if the detective isn't going to help with the intros, and we met Justicar, though I feel he was threatened that the marshall and I shared a decent memory of the desert hellholes pretty much every fed was involved in. I'll hunt him down later to apologize, but for now I'll leave him to his work, seemed important. What's your reading on the rest of the team? Any wildcards to watch for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

Winter Herald had been about to tell Alison precisely what he thought of that idea when Broyko cut him off from saying some rather deliberately offensive things. "Thank you."

He noted Justicar's arrival and exit, and didn't say anything of it yet. "I possess two purposes, one of which is relevant to you. My programming leads me to be proficient in a staggering array of evils, ranging from social manipulation to wholesale slaughter. My inclination leads me to choose the option that does the least harm to the largest group, while attempting to remain within the boundaries I accept as necessary. I have not been as successful as I would prefer."

He kept his face absolutely deadpan as he continued speaking. "Making coffee is outside of my programming."

He considered Charles's words, running a few calculations before speaking. "Myself, for one. When I believe my team's software to be defective as a result of their programming being asked to accept too much data too quickly, I will act completely independently. The Justicar pilot has an unpleasant tendency to act on very bad ideas without warning the rest of us. Garcia -"

He gestured in his direction, as he wasn't far. "- is an organic killbot, which is useful if you need people killed, and a potential liability if you do not. Most of the rest of the unit seems to confuse courage and recklessness, but otherwise operates within tolerance."

"As for a tour, I personally find this structure entertaining to explore. It is simple to infiltrate, but nearly impossible to pin down anyone who knows even rudimentary secrets of this place. A former or acting agent should enjoy it."

Hikari made his way down to the LESP Workshop... of course he ignored all the mostly mundane simple automechnic tools and machinist small fabrication power tools.  Nothing here was useful to him... but the Workshop was out of the way and few ever came here so he would not be bothered.

"Open up K2... let's get to work.", Hikari spoke to the Justicar armor's New AI managing software and the suit took up a out of the way position its back to a wall.  As Hikari approached and it split open to allow him to enter like a folding puzzle it wrapped around him and he was once again clad in the Justicar suit.

"Architect Mode, K2."

'Architect Mode - Enabled, Sir.'

To all outward appearance the Justicar suit stood against a wall.. its forearms raised to form a 90^degree angel at its elbows metallic hand palms down fingers slightly twitching... as Hikari got to work in his VR lab wirelessly controlling his actual lab about the Sea Sentinel doing experiments...

Hikari returned to his high energy physics calculations and the theoretical emitter composite materials in combination with the proper electrical power and oscillation frequencies needed to produce the gravitic/force effects through the excited emitter materials.  He briefly reviewed the results of his previous remote experiments to refresh his mind as to the progress of the research...

Consulting his notes...'...as expected, test composite material 0179E failed in simulation to produce the desired effect, and melted down before reaching resonate emission level.'

He had previously went on to the next theoretical sample 0180E.  Negative results too and remembered he had pondered if the more quartz-crystaline G-series of materials would yield better results but the process needed to be followed.  He decided to pause the E-Series {which had 300 composite formula compositions} and try a few of the G-Series for a bit.

Pure Science was a process of trial and error learning as much from failure as success ~ but it sure as hell was tedious.. he decided to change it up a bit... so sample 0013G sample seemed the best candidate for testing ~ taking into account what was learned from the E-series composites.

10:43, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 37 using 1d100.  Hikari - Mechanical Engineering 67% {-40%} 'Force Field Research' [27%]. – [roll=1676648580.34594.355584]

Hikari noted a closer result with this particular series of composite-Field resonators... but still.. the research continues...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

Today Lilibeth was wearing pink spandex pants with black stripes and a matching sports bra. She had tried many different materials for gym clothes; nylon, bamboo, cotton. She found she liked spandex the best. Lilibeth was in the gym of the LESP office building. It wouldn't be inaccurate to call it her "happy place" but if described that way to her, she would have thought on it and said it was more of where she went to "zone out". She was no body builder but she did enjoy cardio exercises; running, gymnastics, plyomterics and more. She considered a stroke of good fortune that the LESP had a well appointed gym. "Though I do wish they had aerial ribbons. May Hikari could do something for that? Or would that be Detective Broyko?"

"You should instead ask for some sort of sparring automaton, if you are going to ask for anything," Runa broke into her thoughts. "Improving and maintaining ones physical form is well and good but we need actual combat practice. I am a warrior priestess, not a acrobat priestess."

Lilibeth laughed as she approached the treadmills. She always started with a five minute warm up run, increasing the speed each minute, before starting her actual workout. "OK, I will ask when we see him next," she told her soul bonded as she started the treadmill and set it for a leisurely 5mph.

She slips her wireless headphones over her ears and taps the play button on her phone strapped to her left shoulder. In response Kick Start My Heart by Motley Crue begins playing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

Captain Justice smiles when Winter Herald introduces himself but goes stonefaced while Alison assumes Ned's purpose.

He rumbles out in his low voice.
"Well, we are going to be working as a team. To work together well, we will need to know the abilities of each teammate. I will start.

I was a college student on an athletic scholarship.  I was going to school for Elecrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.  Sadly that didn't include robotics.

I was quite eclectic when it came to sports. Acrobatics,  Gymnastics, Boxing and Wrestling.  I even took up archery, javelin throwing, MMA, swimming and Shot Putting.

As for superpowers. I can fly and I am pretty agile despite my size. Which was a side effect of the procedure. Any questions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Fri 17 Feb 2023.

Alison quirked her brow at the android. "So you're an intelligence analyst? Huh. I didn't see that one coming." After the Captain spoke she held up her badge, "SSM Alison Myers. I haven't got any fancy powers, but Im older than I look and Ive a lot of Law Enforcement experience and a very wide jurisdiction."

"I'm afraid Ned, the young tend to rush in head first, doubly so with the spandex set. And your problem I can see, it's like waiting for someone at a stop light who refuses to drive, but for your whole life. Garcia will probably need to be monitored as well, because dead men tell no tales, and that's really a problem if you need them to. I suppose we'll levae you to your work, I'm sure you have plenty of paperwork to do, or robot stuff."

Ned's assessment had hit about where he expected. The young super is impulsive, the fast guy moves quicker than everyone else, maybe to their detriment, and one tends to shoot first, ask questions if it's convenient. And of course, all are willing to jump right into the fire instead of grabbing the extinguisher that's right there, which is normal for capes.

"Well then newbies, I suppose we have the run of the place, where shall we go first, offices, the bunks, or the support facilities? I honestly now want to see the gym, if only to see if Arnold can still do gymnastics like that. My brain just can't wrap it's head around you cartwheeling."

Captain Justice let's out a chuckle
"I can still do all my old moves. As long as the floor is tough enough."

"Data analysis is one of my few legitimate joys, although it is specific to conflict. Patient, scholastic research is something I am still learning." Winter Herald's gaze passed between all three. "Field veterans and technical specialists are generally welcome, regardless of how overt or covert their unusual abilities are. I can point you to the gym, and afterwards, maybe find the one designated Chimp Man Z if he is here. He's EMT, and rather affable. I've never seen him get hurt. If it can be done, I have yet to witness it."

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

He guided the team to the gym, opening the door with its opaque glass. "You will rarely find me here, as exorcise carries no benefits for me save for limit testing of a combative technique or theory. My parts do not repair themselves with reinforcements when they endure micro-damage. You will find multiple tools here for any kind of exorcise, although I strongly recommend a spotter no matter how proficient you think you are."

"Ah." He gestured to Lillibeth, just getting started on the treadmills. "This is Lillibeth, also known as Runa. She is capable of switching out her organic software and hardware between two separate platforms. I am to understand she is connected to an entity called Ishtar, which a brief Google walk connected to Mesopotamian culture, with ancestral links to entities Aphrodite, Venus, Freya, The Morrigan, and Kali as the most famous examples."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

Detective Broyko chews his lip a moment, then makes his decision and follows them. "While we're walking," says the detective, "let me give you the condensed version of how we got here. Center City was always the home of the Crusaders. They had their headquarters atop the Harmon Building, and when anything that was too much for the force showed up, Manta Man and his gang were there. I was a beat cop the first time one of them saved my life."
"If you've ever seen Evergreen, you'll know what I mean when I tell you I was trapped in a cul-de-sac by a group of concrete savages before a walking force of nature saved me. That was just the first time. They showed up and saved my bacon a half dozen more times. There was only one downside to it. In the aftermath of a situation where one of the Crusaders appeared, the cases were harder to make."
"The same four nutjobs that ambushed me in the alley, supposedly just to take my cruiser, were tossed around by the ivy that was growing up the drainpipe. Their car was wrecked by Evergreen, herself, and from the forensics it looked like they just hit a tree. Evergreen doesn't do court appearances, most of the Crusaders wouldn't, and it was my word against the four of them. Three weeks after they got knocked around by Evergreen, they were back on the street. This time they shot the tires out of this trucker's trailer, beat him senseless and stole his rig. Then they turned that diesel into a monster truck and mounted a cowcatcher. It was only luck that got them off the streets before they created a death toll."
"It took years, but I finally got this group started. They're coming close to being a team, and if I could get them to approach it with more discipline and less emotion, maybe we could start putting more of the spandex set away. They brought in The Provider and Dr. Phage just a week ago. What I'd like to do is get them to investigate more. So far, I spend all of my time trying to justify them to the mayor and city council."
When they arrive at the gym, the lieutenant lets Winter Herald make the introductions, and then says, "I know it's just because I'm used to it, but I want to create two person teams to help divide the labor and begin to impose a chain of command. Runa's strengths would complement Mr. Finley's skill set. I'll be pairing Captain Justice with Winter Herald. Paragon can work with Señor Garcia."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

Lilibeth hadn't noticed anyone enter the gym. Her world was reduced to the simple act of running, clearing her thoughts until she ran entirely on automatic. It wasn't until the five minute timer on the treadmill reached zero and began the cool down walk, that she noticed she was no longer alone.

Her face brightened as she slid her headphones up. Music can be heard coming from them as she hadn't paused it. She hits the stop button in the treadmill and hops off, walking over to Winter, Detective Broyko and two men and a woman she didn't know.

"Hey Winter, hey Detective," she says. Lilibeth had been at a almost a sprint when the five arrived, yet except for a light sheen of sweat, there was no indication of it. Her breathing was entirely normal and she had spoken without any hint of being winded.

Not sure of who they new people are and not wanting to break any sort of protocol with the detective being there, Lilibeth represses her extroverted nature and waits for introductions before introducing herself.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

Alison looked intently at Lilibeth, "You must be Lilibeth. I'm SSM Alison Myers. SSM means Senior Supervisory Marshal, US Marshal's Service. It's good to meet you."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

Oliver listened to the Herald's description of Runa. He made a quick mental note, alternate form, possible mental illness believing they are a divine avatar, could also actually be channeling godly power, or maybe power from a different stronger super being. While he wasn't one to believe in gods, he would definitely admit there are powers that science had a hard time explaining, his own unique skills even capitalizing on them to a degree, so perhaps gods weren't out of the question.

Then came Broyko's reasoning for why he and Alison were here. Being able to run fast enough to run to the coffee shop down the street and back in the blink of an eye or fly an armored warsuit were all well and good for taking down bad guys, but they needed people with the skills to actually do crime scene work, and run down the leads, and skill was one thing he definitely had.

"I understand the concern Broyko. Dealt with a few supers myself doing freelance work, and few understood the idea of making sure sufficient evidence was left, or making sure that the cost of business got too high for criminals. All well and good to beat up a drug dealer or mugger, but if they don't stick around, they're back at it within the week. I hope we have a proper forensic lab set up in the building, because due to the nature of our investigations, I imagine there will be things we don't want to go to a police lab, for their safety."

Oliver shot a glance to Lilibeth, taking her in. All things considered, he didn't do too bad in the partner department. He'd have preferred Alison, but at least he wasn't with Captain Justice, who it was iffy if he'd fit in his Cadillac, much less his Corvette, or Chimp Man Z, who he might have to use a vacuum after he rode in the car. He was still iffy about the whole avatar of Ishtar thing, but if it helped her control it, who was he to judge?

"Well, it seems my partner's here, so I think I'll leave you to continue your tour while I find exactly how her power compliments my skills. Alison, perhaps later we can have that dance, after we've done all these meet and greets?"

He had intended to walk over, perhaps lean on the treadmill and gain Lilibeth's attention, or run on the one next to it for a brief time and ask her a dumb question to break the ice. Instead, she had come over herself, making his own ice-breaking a bit slow.

"Charles Finley, Spymaster if we're using made up names. And you must be Lilibeth, aka Runa, and apparently according to the detective, my partner for upcoming operations."

Having received his partner assignment across the LESP Secure Channel... Hikari pauses his research to call CMZ on his phone.  He knows Jacob is still recovering from the massive radiation-like effects he received from being at the heart of an explosion on last mission.

Jacob's absence at the LESP HQ indicating he was still in recovery... Hikari hoped his hair loss had abated.. Jacob seemed very self-conscious of that...
He called up Jacob's cell number cell from the Justicar's communication array...
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

Winter Herald studied Captain Justice up and down, being almost a head shorter. "Us as partners? Very well. The long version of procedure and protocols takes time that I suspect we will not have. I was sloppy when speaking to my last suspect when they were arrested, and we should be better. I will explain as we go to the locker room, and try to be brief."

"Police objectives are effectively thus: prevent crime by explaining and enforcing applicable laws and ordinances; teach proactive and reactive defense; mediate disputes; patrol assigned areas; respond to disturbances; conduct searches; observe suspicious activities; and detain suspects. We are trusted with the power of law, which combined with our personal capabilities grants us sweeping and terrible power. Carry yourself as if you are never in the dark, and you should be fine."

"If you have any individual questions about what any of those entail, ask, and consider it training. Knowing the right questions is part of the job, and when we fail, disaster follows."

Lilibeth holds her hand out to Alison, "Pleased to meet you! SSM so that's like a CID FTO?"

After shaking hands with Alison, she offers her hand to Finley. "And nice to meet you too," she says, her hand shake having about ad much strength to it as would be expected from a woman with her lithe build.

"Made up name? How rude!," Runa says in Lilibeth's mind.

"Oh...made up names,", she laughs as she stops shaking his hand, "That's Runa's real name. You can't hear her of course but she is grumbling er I mean, expressing her feelings at being called a made up name. Don't worry about it though, she knows it was just a figure of speech. So you're my new partner?" she continues in the tone of someone deliberately being cheerful as of to drown out someone else's uncheerfullness.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

Captain Justice nods in agreement as Winter Herald explains the purpose of police.

"Sounds like you covered everything,  Ned. When do we get started?"

Alison shook Lilibeth's hand as she spoke, "Under most circumstances that is correct, however I'm in Special Operations Group, which is like SWAT for the Marshall's. Between them and the NYPD, I've had almost every job in law enforcement."

Smiling at Charley she said, "He'll be a wonderful partner as long as dancing isn't involved."

Lilibeth returns her eyes to Alison "Wow, thats incredible! I was an Army combat medic, nothing so cool as what you've done. I got out before my 20. I was trying to pursue a career in acting but then, well..." she shrugs, still smiling, "Runa came along and so here I am. Not that I regret being joined with her! Don't get me wrong, she is amazing and with her I can help people much more than I could as an actess."

She looks back at Finley "Not much of a dancer? That's OK! I can totally show you some easy moves."

The blond proceeds to demonstrate some moves, nothing overly complicated looking but graceful.


OOC
Runa rolled 13 using 1d100.  Dance SUCCESS!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:27, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 80):

"Soon." Winter Herald was heading to the locker room. "I suspect it was quite the effort getting that much leather in one place, so the idea of asking you to wear another outfit seems wrong, even if you can find one. Wear whatever you feel will identify you to the public. The point of this is that we are easily identified, like an officer in uniform. It lets the public know the law is present, and it lets the problem know they are dealing with us now."

Winter Herald approached his own locker, and noted a letter sticking out from Lite Star Industries. He read it while talking, although he was not reading aloud the contents of the letter. "Our job is immediate protection. Elimination or containment of the threat is secondary to that. The law does not require us to actually defend civilian life, but I'm going to be blunt. The citizens do not care about that detail, and they are correct in their contempt for this oversight. We should do that, and we should do that job. We are certainly strong enough."

A smile crept on his face momentarily as he was reading and speaking. He opened up the locker, put the letter in there, and noted a new uniform in there. Even as his back was turned, he continued speaking. "I am curious, Captain. Have you ever ended a life before?"

Captain Justice follows Winter Herald to the locker room, Listens to his explanation and replies

"I have not taken anyone's life and I do not wish to kill anyone. I am aware that I am going into a profession that might force me to kill to protect other people. But I wish to protect the public more. Therefore,  I will try to avoid it if I can but if I need to kill to protect innocent lives. I will do what I need to do."

And the other form can hear and comment, wonderful. Whether or not Ishtar was real, he knew Runa had powers, and better to get on her good side now.

"I apologize Runa. Unlike you, the rest of us had to come up with codenames, thus my made up name. It was never an implication you weren't real. And I'm afraid dancing fell by the wayside for agency training, and neither of my masters considered it a worthy side pursuit for my martial arts training. On the upside, I have learned a few odd tricks over the years."

He took a moment, and cleared his throat, turning his voice into a nearly flawless copy of the low rumble of Captain Justice.

"Never know when you need to be someone else, and it won't fool his mother, but any random thug getting this barked at them should run."

Oliver extended his own, hand, while waiting for Lilibeth to stop dancing. Though he didn't look as huge as Justice, he was still quite strong, and his grip reflected that, though he'd be mindful not to squeeze too hard on Lilibeth.

OOC 21:40, Today: Spymaster rolled 62 using 1d100.  1d100 Imitate Voice Captain Justice tn80.

Lilibeth short, impromptu dance concludes just as quickly as it had begun. "That's OK about the dancing. So far it hasn't been of much use to the team. I think my singing helped a little bit but so far my acting and dancing haven't helped. I bet your skills will be much more useful," she says earnestly.

"He apologized, he has enough honor to make amends when he offers insult, however unintentional. I can work along side him," Runa breaks into Lilibeth's thoughts. "And don't worry about Runa, she sometimes comes across all stern but really she is a wonderful person. I know she would have gotten along great with any of the Army chaplains I ever met. She reminds me of them in a lot of ways actually."

She reaches for the small towel hanging on the treadmill and wipes the minuscule amount of sweat from her face. Her eyes widen when Finley perfectly changes his voice. "That's incredible! I've tried stuff like that but so far the best I can manage is changing my accent. Its part of my acting training. So did you want to tour the rest of the place together? I mean I was just starting my workout but I can do that later. If we are going to be partners we should get to know each right?"

Alison went over to Winter Herald and dropped her voice a little, "Do you have a leash for the organic kill bot?" She smiled impishly. Then is was like something struck her, "Right, Paragon is something that got hung on me at NYPD when I rode with Chimp Man Z. I guess it makes sense that they use it here." She began to walk back the way she came. "Anyone know where Garcia is right now?"

Winter Herald was trying his new outfit on as he spoke to Alison, unconcerned about her presence as he undressed and dressed. "No, Marshal Paragon. Garcia is as free willed as any organic, and there are few I would wish such a fate on. If one wants to find Garcia, try the unit radio. If you hear someone complaining about our lack of radio discipline, he's on the line."

The black and blue outfit was equipped with a stylized helmet, and the rest was intended to have the illusion of being armor. He noticed an instruction manual with the uniform as well, occasionally flipping pages between dressing himself. He kept speaking as he read and dressed.

"As for you, Captain... I've not yet been unfortunate enough to personally end a life yet. Not for a lack of proficiency or tools on the subject, mind you. Do you use weapons, possess superstrength, or have some alternative and efficient means of issuing violence? You will need at least the credible threat of it, you will need to request it if you have none, or you will need to get good with a radio and call people who have these things. Some of those we deal with cannot be talked down, or at the least, there are limits to it."

"It was an acquired skill, while I can speak Russian, it works better with the accent. And it turns out, when you can be talking [Language unknown: nce seiv Adndmeel,] mimicking other people comes easy. Turns out that's true of every language, whether Espanol, Francais, or eĉ Esperanto. Never had much call for the last one, but you never know. Maybe William Shatner is the only one with info and shocked into pure Esperanto mode."

Oliver considered the offer, on the one hand, going with Lilibeth meant that he'd learn more about his direct partner, but he'd lose the company of the others. He did the quick math in his head, figuring he'd have plenty of time to learn about the others before they acted as a team again, but he'd want to know what Runa brought to the table.

"So you're a dancer, medic, actress, superhero, and tour guide, all in one. I'm thinking it's you who have the skills, since I'm just a spy, but I can trim a mean bonsai. Lead the way partner. And I bid the rest of you adieu until we need to put all our prodigious skills and powers to the test."

Senor Garcia finishes up his email to Detective Broyko requesting to teach swim classes to those members of LESP, that never learned to swim, as well as the basics of SCUBA. He also adds a few gear requestions in the email. It wasn’t that he could afford the items he requested, but it would be easier to attain them if made as a law enforcement purchase.

When he answers the phone, his voice sounds a bit unsure.  Um, I wasn't planning on it.  Changes, huh?  Maybe I should?  He pauses.  Yeah.  I think I should.  I'm pretty much over the radiation sickness, so there really is no reason I can't.  Just, be advised.  Things are a bit different for me now.  The radiation from Dr Phage's bomb did a real number on me.  I may as well come in.  I've already been talking to Public Relations.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:12, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

Lieutenant Broyko sends a memo.

This message was deleted by the player at 08:45, Wed 22 Feb 2023.

"I am ready for this." Winter Herald had accepted that his research was going to be constantly interrupted by less important missions, so he had an obligation to simply not stall this. "We'll get you armor. For now, make what use of cover and concealment you are capable of."

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Broyko's office, he did have a question. "Do we know where the AFF is located?"

He also had another pair of questions for Broyko in private, but it could wait until this part was over. And then there was whatever Justicar wanted.

Lilibeth laughs and shakes her head as they leave the gym to explore the LESP office. "No, I'm no superhero. That's Runa really. I mean through her I can heal injuries and stuff but she is the one that can fly and heal from being shot by bullets, no compression bandages needed or punch through a wall." She gets a thoughtful expression and then adds, "Oh yah, she is also the reason I can just keep going and going. Once she came into my life, I just stopped getting tired."

Her phone beeps in response to the arrival of a new message. She pulls her phone from its shoulder sleeve and looks at it. She quickly reads over the memo from Detective Broyko and then puts the phone back. "Opps, duty calls. Detective Broyko wants to see us for a mission."

Captain Justice thinks for a bit and then responds to Winter Herald during their walk to the Detective's office.

"Well... I am very strong for a human. Just not superstrong. And my training in martial arts could be lethal. And I could probably throw anything designed to be thrown to lethal effect. Or throwing really anything With fairly good accuracy. Although I would doubt a criminal would take someone carring a boomerang,  bow  or slingshot seriously"

----------

Captain Justice arrived at the Detective's Office with Winter Herald. He waits for the answer to Winter Herald's question and then comments

"I suppose that I would be patrolling the sky above Senator Matthew T. Bennet to keep an eye out for snipers. If they target me first that could give the Senator enough time to get to cover.
Although if I am going to be that visible, I probably need some body Armor.
How much time do we have before the Senator does the fundraising event?

The man who walks in is not the Jacob Davidovitch that everyone expects.  He is thicker, not the slender fellow that everyone is used to, appearing to have bulked up noticeably, his ubiquitous Central City LESP sweat suit fitting tightly and doing little to hide the toned muscle beneath.  In fact, he moves with the same relaxed grace as usual, with underlying appearance of being able to explode into action in a split second.  However, the most noticeable difference is that he is bald.  Completely.  No facial or head hair, revealing a lightly tanned face with movie-star good looks beneath a smooth pate, and his normally brooding and intense eyes peering from a bare brow.  Even his hands, his bare, prehensile feet, and the nine foot prehensile tail extending from the back of his pants, are completely devoid of hair.
He looks around subconsciously, almost like he feels vulnerable and threatened.  Being LESP, there are not many people around, just their usual support personnel.  But, already, he can see the looks, hear the whispers.  Who is this guy?  Is that Chimp Man Zee?  That can't be him.  What happened to him?
He stops, closes his eyes, straightens up his posture, and walks straight for Broyko's office, a folder of documents in his hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

{Disclaimer ~ Very sorry folks this is a VERY long post... more of a post to the DM about how much Hikari is revealing to the LESP Detective Broyko.. than a RP interaction post for the players.  And yes.. he is NOT telling everything ~ much he is still holding back. I know its not very important to most of you.  So sorry. I'm at work now and do not have time to format it properly.. I'll do so when I get home. Again Sorry.  Should not need to do stuff like this again.. promise.}

Justicar remains standing as likely none of the office chairs can take his weight.  He regards the arrival of Jacob and his expression under his visor is not visible but he makes no comments, though he is glad his friend is well and fascinated by his change!  Hopefully it ‘feels’ better to Jacob at least emotionally so.

He listens to Detective Broyko's words nodding in agreement.

Then he opens his visor to meet him eye to eye, "I do have one question sir.  Do we have sanction to use preemptive intentional lethal response to eliminate an assassin we might catch in the act of attempted murder? I could possibly target a weapon the assassin might be utilizing to execute his crime but... a lethal shot to end his threat permanently is more certain.  Would you like me to provide drone coverage of the Senator in conjunction with the Secret Service?"

“On ... perhaps an even equal importance is what I needed to update you upon.  I trust Mr. Jacob Davidovitch here... with my life and he already knows part of this."

"I am currently sitting on six singularity technologies, singularity meaning technology that would fundamentally, universally, permanently alter human society forever.  The first of which is Fusion power.  If you have not been keeping up with the news S&T Energy Systems International... is my company.  My Project: Sun Dial is a world changing success.  I break ground on my first two power plants next week - one in Germany and another in Japan.  The money from investors alone is... well staggering.  My model is to build multiple micro-sized fusion power plants in every nation that will allow it at costs 1/10th of fossil fuel power production ~ regardless of their political affiliations.  The German Trade and Commerce Commission is being very cooperative in concealing my hand in the constructions... but in two months I turn 18 which is the Age of Majority in Germany and they will no longer be concealing my identity as the CEO of S&T Energy Power Systems International.  I have no intention of hording this particular technology, after I make my first billion... I plan on slowly making the Fusion tech public domain.  I understand this may put a very large target upon me and I felt you should be made aware of this."

"The second singularity tech I have is Sentient Artificial Intelligence.  AI is becoming more common but sentient sapient artificial intelligence is what I'm addressing. I am building three of my ANGEL beings. Autonomous Neural-net Gyno-Endoskeletal Lifeforms.  I call them lifeforms because they are as conscious and independent of thought and motivation as you or I.  Eventually this will be the end result of mankind's development of AI.  However, I am seriously ~ not wanting AI sentience to be turned into a slave race of disposable people. Winter Herald is just one example of the future to come ~ he is not anyone's possession except his own! So I am trying to determine if a reasonably profitable approach to AI sentience can be managed to protect the freedoms and rights of self-determination they should ALL be afforded.  Hence I'm experimenting with what I call a Sophant and Advocate approach.  The AI lifeforms I build are Sophants, independent, self-motivated intelligent beings.  I do not 'own' them, they will not have any software in them that constrains them to obey me... they will be fully autonomous.  But as they have no legal standing in our society, I will be their Advocate.  As their Advocate I am responsible for ALL their actions and education to see to it they understand the laws of our society and how to operate as legal productive members of that society.  If they mess up I'm responsible.  I will always know where they are they have a tracer built into their brains that cannot be removed.  I can always find them, monitor their thought processes and even see through their senses its all recorded but I cannot control them.  My experiment is collect data and evidence that AI can be given its freedom to fit within society and be productive.  For me my ANGELs, I will be employing them to act as my 'agents', traveling around the world to my various projects to make sure my business' are holding to my strict ethical standard of operation and standards of fair treatment of employees and the populous in general of the countries they will be operating in.  My experiment will be limited to only three such ANGEL beings; they are not my possessions.  I'm hoping to become their trusted friend.  It may never come to pass as I have envisioned it; but the question still NEEDS to be asked ~ how can mankind respectfully treat the children of our genius and can we equitably treat AI in a way that does not lead to disaster?  My small experiment is the first step in this.  I have no intention of releasing Sapient Self-Aware robots for the market, mankind is NOT ready for this yet as racism and divisions are still a world-wide issue!  The idea of Sentient Machines rights would be even a greater thing of divisiveness.  But it IS still a question that must be asked eventually!  I hope to have some framework of an answer already researched."

"Why is this important to you and the LESP? My ANGEL beings may occasionally need to come here to make reports to me. I just wanted to know from you if this is acceptable? If not I can make other arrangements... but them given access to come speak to me as needed would be more convenient.  And for Winter's sake I'd like to gather a wealth of data that can lend weight to his being given full rights and protection under the law. Right now he can hide int he shadows as his will but eventually other sentient like him will be built some groundwork needs to be established for the possibility of their freedoms and protections under law. Just last case we have two AI sentient Vehicles roaming about the seas cause they have no legal standing or citizenship."

"Which brings me to the third and fourth singularity techs and very much involves me.  Serial Man-Machine Immortality and Programmable Carbon-NanoMachines 'Nanite-tech'.  As you can see I'm wearing a supersuit.. surprise ... I'm.. well ~ I've always been a mutant.  My father was... is Karl Stottmeister, he was a molecular engineer for Krupp Aerospace.  He was developing a self-repairing heat-shield for trans-atmospheric space-planes using his design of carbon-based nano-machines.  What he discovered was that his carbon nano-machines could do way more than just repair a heat shield.  They were able to engineer and deconstruct materials on a molecular level They could also mimic cellular patterns like the human nervous system.  Being a wireless linked nano-swarm they could operate within even a living being controlled and coordinated wireless.  My father, before he died learned that Krupp Aerospace had plans to use his tech for nefarious goals and he feared what they would do with his invention.  So he wiped their servers clean of his data destroyed all the experimental samples and fled.  But he was unsure if he got all the data, so his last nano-machine sample he formed a neural net and transferred/copied his mind imprinting it upon the nano-carbon machines.  So he made a backup plan if he was killed in an 'accident' and was not there to blow the whistle on them.  His intention was to have this duplicate of himself monitor the wireless data of the internet to watch for Krupp AS using his tech for criminal activity and make sure a source of nano-tech not controlled by them was available should they do something stupid  with his tech like release a nano-carbon plague upon the world.  Needless to say Krupp has been frantically trying to recover father's work, to which 6 years after his death, he had post-dated this 3"inch cube of carbon-nano machines be mailed to me.  When I opened the package... the nano-machine cube dissolved into my body and took up residence bonded to my brain, and spine.  'Karl' is the consciousness of my father imprinted upon the nano-machines that were in my body for the past 6 years since I was age 12.  I was able to passively access the internet and it was what, at first, I thought was what gave me my genius and allowed me to build the Justicar."

"That's not true.  My mother is a metahuman.  To put it simply father and I do not approve of the choices my mother has made in the use of her powers, but apparently my father more so.  The nano-machines had a secondary function.  They were to suppress my natural mutant powers from manifesting.  A task they have done imperfectly as my hyper-intelligence shows clearly.  My father 'Karl' claims it was to prevent my mother from taking special interest in my development and trying to corrupt and exploit my powers for her own ends.  Father has recently felt this was a miscalculation on his part and this past weekend with equipment Karl had assembled on San Sebastian isle the carbon-nano-swarm has been removed from my body.  Mow my mutant powers are active.  But the fact that I have tech that can transfer human consciousness to machines and back providing effective immortality AND nano-machines that can build or destroy molecular composites or anything else they can be programmed to execute... these two technologies mankind is Not Even Close to being ready or mature enough to deal with. My father agrees."

"Speaking of my 'father', Karl's consciousness is still resident upon the nano-carbon cube.  So I have built him a robotic body to inhabit. It is One of my ACE Security models ~ Autonomous Combat Endoskeleton, the non-sapient, non-selfaware AI robots of my design.  But his has no AI brain in it other than his nano-carbon nano-machine cube controlling it.  Karl Stottmeister is 'reported' to be dead 12 years ago under some ‘strange circumstances’.  Father infers Krupp Aerospace might be involved... I'm not certain.. I was only 6 when it happened, and I'm not sure nano-Karl has all the details as he reports his last upload was a week before my his death.  I can find no flaw or difference in the nano-Karl's memories only my father would possess.  So 'sigh', ‘a difference that makes no difference IS no difference’... maybe?  So I've just ...accepted my father lives on as Robo-Karl. I bring up Robo-Karl because he also may seek me out here at the LESP on occasion. I'm trying to convince him to possibly join the LESP.  He is sort of like Winter, no legal standing as who he was ~ cause yeah prove it IS him or not..?  Not really possible.  But father is uncertain he wants to put himself in the line of fire.. he's a researcher and molecular engineer, not a crime fighter."

"To note, this man-machine consciousness transfer is the same tech FORCE was offering to those who would serve him.  So the tech is out there, and someone is using it! Speaking of FORCE I have a Very solid lead on his identity.  We visited last weekend San Sebastian Isle, and were ALL  underwhelmed with the security the US Navy failed to leave, but that was the only location 'Karl' could assemble his medical equipment to cleanse my body of nanite swarm that was away from public scrutiny.  Anyway in searching the FORCE Complex I discovered this..."

He lays two wallets down on Broyko desk...
2x wallets {‘father’ Heronimus Kinkaid of the Church of Divine Harmony, Franklin Emerson]

"The name Franklin Emerson is well known to me. Emerson Electronic Systems is a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of integrated circuits and it's run by Franklin Emerson. These two men do not look the same but what does that matter to a robotic frame than can appear in any fashion it wants? This, at least, is a place to start as right now we have little of nothing to go on and it would certainly explain partially why FORCE has such deep pockets."

"Which also brings me to the fifth singularity tech ~ Force Field Technology.  When I started out as Justicar it occurred to me with the power of my exoskeletal weapons frameworks... it could be VERY dangerous if my AI 'Karl' controlled suit ever 'Broke Bad'.  How would I stop 'Karl' if something ever corrupted or controlled him... and to clarify at the time I only believed 'Karl' was a program my father had written to simulate him... not a transfer or copy of his actual mind.  Karl could hack almost any system and had control of all my suits, how could I stop him?  So.. I build the Justicar-Paladin you have seen.  It is built like a WWII weapon of war ~ none of its systems are integrated they are all discrete stand alone devices.  There are computers on it but none of them can talk to each other they are not even electrically connected ~ all the systems have a manual override clearly labeled in the cockpit even if a singular system is compromised a simple manual switch disables it.  Arguably the Justicar-Paladin can hands down crush the Justicar.  That is by intention.  Then it occurred to me ~ what if I go bad?  What if I was somehow controlled or manipulated or just flat out WRONG and needed someone who could stop me?  So, I felt I also needed a failsafe a control.  So I set up a control fob to beckon/call the Justicar-Paladin to someone who I trusted their ethics and clarity and trained to pilot the Justicar-Paladin who can could call it to them outside any control of my own.  I had asked Crusader to be that failsafe... she is still... pondering my request.  Then Mutant powers ~ now all that is out the window!"

"The Justicar-Paladin is now insufficient. Simply put the nature of my mutant powers that.. are GROWING in power make it obsolete. I can control static electric fields over a large area the practical application is I can ‘turn of’ ~ power surge any electrical device in my area... I could potentially flash fry every electronic devices in this entire building with but a thought.  But the real issue is my ability to convert my body into a coherent stable energy form that is impervious to any physical attack.  I can pass through mater and fly through space composes of only energy, emit powerful destructive burst of Pure energy, not lasers, not electricity ~ Pure Energy!  No door or wall can hinder my passing through it.  Justicar-Paladin possesses nothing that could stop me from one just power surging all its systems or just passing through its armor and blasting its internal central power bus. And my powers are getting stronger!  Karl identified that my genetic structure in somewhat in flux so I have not yet finalized on my lasting powers ~ I likely have more powers I have not yet discovered.  So... a failsafe is prudent?"

"As far as my research has theorized, being composed of pure energy ~ science says I should not be able to pass through a Force Field.  That should be able to contain me and stop my movement.. well as long as I don't have the time to over-power the field with massive bursts of energy.  But the science is sound.  So I'm currently researching Force field technologies ... have been since our encounter at San Sebastian Isle with Mr. Magnum who was protected by a force field belt.  I am reverse engineering that tech and almost have it.. I just need a little more research time.  I intend to give that tech to You Detective Broyko... as a safeguard if you need it to use against Me! It is a singularity tech ~ think about it how people having access to personal force fields would radically change society, especially the police!  I'm really not sure it should be released until some serious consideration and regulation have been hashed out.  Not that it would hurt society, but it could skew it in unpredictable, potentially harmful ways!"

“Now the sixth singularity tech ~ Transdimensional Teleportation.  I don't think I need to detail how destructive this tech could be in the wrong hands?  Teleporting nuclear devices without a trace where ever you might want, is just one of the least of many nefarious uses such technology could be used for let alone opening holes to alternate dimensions that periodically open to disgorge violent extra-dimensional visitors... or just plain old viral/bacteriological plagues!  Our last case involved such technology devised by Dr. Phage.  Our report states that no sample of his technology was recovered.  That is not true.. the tech was recovered but not by us.  I know who has it."

To which he lays a set of 'copied' photos of a series of polaroids of an odd looking beam weapon upon the desktop. Alone with the copy of a sticky note indicates,

Sticky Note:
"I retrieved this unit from where it was thrown, the seawater has ruined it. I would have smashed it, myself. Humanity isn't ready for this, not even close."

"I believe it is Professor Undorf ~ Phantasma who retrieved the technology.  I'd hoped my admonishment for him to stay away would be heeded but clearly his expertise and obsession with dimensional physics said otherwise. I did not spot him on my initial recon mission and that image is inline with Dr. Phage's claim to have discarded the device overboard.  I currently have the originals polaroid photos in my lab onboard the Sea Sentinel undergoing a precision spectrographic analysis.. trying to place from the ambient light in the picture the time at which the photos were taken.  It may give me some clue as to when Phantasma was on scene at such a depth.  But seeing the device give me clues as to how it operates.  Not to get too technical it is a beam projector that apparently has the means to destabilize the quantum oscillation of whatever is contacted by its beam to displace it into another reality.. and we know it produces a blue spectral residue flash when it is used.  That tells me A LOT, only so many ways to accomplish that effect in that fashion with a device with those parameters.  I can already detect the quantum branes oscillation of the dimension threshold created by use of this device.  My point being I will try to reverse engineer this device ~ not to use, but to try to develop a counter to its use.  One Genius developed this tech... it is only a matter of time before another one does.. we NEED to develop a way to block, shield or disable this from being used or it could potentially wreak our world.  That an really do you trust Phantasma not to exploit and use such tech in his research?  We need a counter."

"The time frame of Phantasma's presence also leads me to a possible reason as to why Lt. Smokh files were missing as well, Phantasma may have them.  Really depends upon how long before we arrived he was there.  Dr. Phage told me in-person that he'd discarded the device overboard... there is little reason for Phantasma to search the sea floor bottom some 70 meters down... if he was not standing their listening to that.. how could he possibly know to look for it there? If he was there... at that time then he very well could have followed and secured the files before we could locate them.  Being invisible is a very useful tool."

He sighs, "I have much work to do.  Is the Senator's event in a week's time?  If so.. I'd like to request a week off to do research... especially on my Force field tech.  If I can get that working.. I could provide the Senator and the team with force field belts that would greatly make assassinating the Senator VERY Hard and adding a level of protection to the team invisible to sight."

He pauses for a few moments to let the information sink in ... then states, "If it is not clear as to why I'm telling you all this.. it because I trust Both your opinions and would like your advice on the matter.  Many times I overthink things.. and a more grounded honest view point is really appreciated. If anything sounds like a bad idea please I'd like your point of view and counterpoints.  Nothing, thus far, is set in stone."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

Señor Garcia read over the detective’s memo, which wasn’t specifically addressed to anyone. This was going to cause confusion with everyone thinking it was for them.

As someone who had developed target packages and then acted upon them to assassinate the target, Señor Garcia would need to talk to Detective Broyko about looking at the angle of what methods could be used to assassinate the Senator.

But first he needed to meet his new partner, and responded over the radio.

"This is tricky, we'll need a timetable and itinerary for the senator's visit, so we can see where he'll be the entire time he's in town, we operate under the presumption the Assassin has this knowledge. Doing it at the fundraiser would bring the most shock value, and definitely up the Assassin's reputation, but it would be the hardest move, as likely other high rollers will be there with private security. If I were in his shoes, I'd be planning to infiltrate the hotel he's staying at and strike there, or an easier to strike location during his visit, a luncheon or when he's in transit between events.

And what do we know of this Assassin? What's their preferred method, sniping, poisons, explosives, bare hands, or something they can do with super powers? And what do we know of the AFF? If we can get our hands on what they know, we may know the where and when, and possibly even be able to id our assassin, though if they're a professional, I doubt they did a face to face, and probably wore a disguise. We'll also probably need to take them down, or at least make it so going after the senator is no longer a priority, because they can always hire another killer for the next stop. Though I think the worst thing is we'll need to be sure the attempt happens, and we thwart it. I doubt this Assassin really cares when they kill the senator, so long as it happens, and if we don't take them out, they'll kill him at the next city."

With no clue on the timeframe for preparations yet, he was already fashioning a plan of sorts, one team tracking the AFF, one integrating into the senator's security, one working on assassin hunting, and one as a visible deterrent. If the Assassin hadn't already counted on their involvement, seeing a few supers openly with the senator should buy them extra time while he revises his plan.

Alison made her way to the cubicle work area. After asking a uniformed officer to make sure she had the right man she approached him, [Language unknown: "Poponoev, na ect romousenc m shenotstrpreast m Avetedtra?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:01, Wed 22 Feb 2023.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 101):

Senor Garcia stood up to meet the woman's whose voice he has only heard up to this point. "Oh I speak English; I just wanted you to be aware that I overheard some of your conversation with one of the other new arrivals."

"That and we really don't have any radio codes for locations within the building."

Some Public Text.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Sat 03 June 2023.

Hikari listens intently to Detective Broyko's advice...
On the subject of Fusion power...
"Hmmm.. Albert Zerstoiten ~ Doctor Destroyer... indeed I had overlooked the fact HE had Micro-fusion tech back in the 60's.. a bit before my time.  But I had not considered the 'Nuclear Scare' of that era.  Perhaps.. I should not attempt to sell my power at Fossil Fuel industry breaking prices... but merely competitive prices.  Perhaps, make some outreach to offer the tech to the Fossil-Fuel Industries first.. to slowly allow them to change over?  Getting them on my side might add a multitude of voices against the inevitable 'big-lie' that will be raised ~ especially if I make it profitable for the Fossil Fuel companies? We must eventually abandon major fossil fuel use or we will kill the life-sustaining environment of our world, at least as far as humans are concerned."

On the insight on AI...
Hikari nods, "I .. had not thought of it in that fashion but you are right... it is a parent/child relationship and sadly there are indeed good and bad parents... its the human condition.  I have read files on Mocker, and that was indeed tragic.  I guess I can only add to the wealth of data I collect from my ANGELs try to add to the conglomerate knowledge on AI research.  Perhaps, if I published regular update upon their thought processes to computer science forums and especially document my efforts to educate and ...for lack of better term 'raise' them properly as their Advocate to be well-adjusted and productive Sophants?  It could start a whole new field of AI psychiatry.  But I take your point mankind is not ready for them.. we must first learn to raise our own biological children well first.  I wonder if society has the time do do so before its too late?  Thank you for allowing my ANGELs to report to me on occasion. I promise not to make a habit of it."

Hikari pondered the next part with some trepidation...
"Karl called you?  I'm sorry. I had not realized that my father's destruction of Krupp property and effectively theft of his research could be considered grounds for criminal activity!  I will of course Fully cooperate with IA investigators.  I can assure you.. NO stolen tech is used in any of my armor designs!  The Justicar suits now have Non-self-aware simple AI K-series programs running them.  I wrote the software with father recently.  But no Krupp Aerospace intellectual property is being used in my tech. I supposed that disqualifies Karl for LESP membership."

Hikari nods pleased to know some of the Old experienced Crusaders were available to lend a hand if .. he or any other Sentinel went rogue.
"Thank you Sir.. that does ease my concerns knowing we have the Experienced Crusaders as resources to call upon for such unfortunate possibilities!"

He smiles, "Thank you for your insights Detective Broyko.. I will seriously take them to heart.  You are a wise man.. I'm glad I decided to share all this with you."

"Would you still like me to continue my Force Field and Transdimensional Transportation research?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Wed 22 Feb 2023.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 102):

Alison thought this over. "Well at least I won't have to repeat myself over and again. Is there anything you want to know?"

Lilibeth listened as Finley asked Detective Broyko questions about the protection mission. They seemed pertinent and standard. She had some experience serving attached to a Personal Security Detail (PSD) while in Iraq and had heard questions like his being asked by the Platoon Sergeant (PSG).

Runa, predictably, was silent. Lilibeth had learned that when the priestess had nothing to add, she would say nothing but that didn't mean she was inattentive or unaware.

I'm already attached to the convention, but I will close enough to respond quickly should anything happen, Jacob says.  He looks down at his hands, then pushes the sleeves of his sweatshirt up to his elbows to reveal equally hairless forearms, staring at them with a concerned look.
Suddenly, something seems to dawn on him.  He picks back up the folder he had absently set on the edge of Broyko's desk.   This folder contains print-outs of fingerprint and retinal comparisons from a few years ago to now, as well as a CD with voice analysis comparisons, and video recordings of the collection of all the new data.  These can be used to verify my ID, if you are willing to trust the data collected by my friend, Terry, who is working at the mutant analysis project, he says in all seriousness.  I've already had copies sent to the FBI, the DoD, and the NSA.  DNA comparisons will likely be done, and forwarded, in a couple of weeks.  If you need me to do all of them again, I will.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 107):

Hikari regarded his friend Jacob and asked,"...How are you feeling Jacob? This is a radical change... is it a 'good' change... for you?"

"About our current objectives, the AFF. While my unarmored partner wishes to search for snipers, I believe this a waste of time. I think we should be tracking the assassin's sponsors, taking the fight to them, and thus far, we have one lead. I have a theory for how to split the team, but Spymaster seems to have their own ideas."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:20, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

There's a workstation for every member of LESP. To find available information on The Assassin or the American Freedom Foundation would require (gasp) research.
Mr. Livingston will be coming to LESP offices to discuss the plans.

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 108):

I don't know, he responds to Hikari's question.  I spent since our trip sicker than I've been in a long time.  All my hair falls out, I bulk up, and I'm good-looking?  People might think I won the jackpot, but I'm not so sure.
He shakes his head.  Normally kids love me, get these big grins when they see me, "Monkey Man".  Not today.  I said, "Hi," to a kid and screamed so loud his mother came out of the salon to get him.  She even threatened to call the police.
He he chuckles wryly.  My PR guy left.  Apparently ahe got an offer she couldn't refuse with some big company out west.  So, now, I've got this new guy I have to break in.  Lucky him.  He gets to deal with the press conference where the new me gets shown to the world.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 111):

Hikari nods, "... I could see you feeling a little resentful of poeple's attitudes as your still you but now you... appear more like them. Now, suddenly, they all change how they treat you... and all the old battles of your youth for acceptance, the abuse and mistreatment because of your previous appearance All come to mind.  I can imagine you could feel ... quite biter and not realy sure how to feel about people, in-general, from now on?"

"I'm not sure how much I can do... but for what its worth... I'm here for you and your Still the man I always respected and knew you to be... no mater your outward appearance."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:35, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

The meetings with the detective include one more post, then they end.

Lilibeth speaks up, "I have a question detective, what is a 'pee-dubbleya-pee'?"

In reply to Detective Broyko (msg # 113):

Hikari has his suit visor still open and gets a ... distant somber look in his young eyes...

Solemnly he meets the Detective's gaze, "..I suppose that is in the realms of possible as well detective.  I will try to keep that in mind as well ... As 'Advocate'... and son."

He makes a shrug and a smirk, "...I believe my father... Karl beat me to putting Zee under a full medical scanner. I have all the readouts though at the time his .. transformation was not complete."

Hikari blushes slightly but straightens his posture at the regard the Detective gave him as a near-adult, "2 months, 13 days, 7.5 hours and I will officially be 18 Sir.  But I'm STILL not an American citizen.. I have dual citizenship in Germany and Japan, so I'll let you handle the legal entanglements of that ~ call it a birthday gift to you."

He chuckles as well.

"So if there is nothing else Sir... keep me inform when coordination meeting with Agent{?} Livingston is called? I can do some research with my Business Finance skills sand contacts on this AFF political superpac... but I would know nothing about the criminal world of Assassins other than police detective reports potentially involving this assassin.  Its not a lot to go on.. honestly. I have a lot of work to get to... but I'll try to lend a hand to the research."

"Oh, yeah, I'll be wearing a different suit ~ Justicar-Polymer, for the Convention, the Justicar MK III will be down for maintenance and its MK IV upgrades for a bit. I will still have drones but only two though these are specifically designed for long range surveillance. Could be useful. I'd ~ kind of like to keep my mutant powers on the down low and a unexpected asset, not hidden just not advertised.  Honestly, with the sensors, communication and all around-protection of the Justicar suits.. I think they are more useful to LESP than me flying around as a glowing Energy Ghost."

He seals his visor and turns to leave the office...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

I thought you were emancipated, Jacob muses aloud.  Aren't you?
He turns to Broyko.  Hikari could easily have those two drones pulling surveillance over the fund raiser while we are at the convention.
He turns as Hikari leaves, then turns back to Broyko.  I understand the "new recruits" are here.  I suppose I should go introduce myself.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

"Person with powers, Lilibeth. And we'll see on that, if you're skillful enough people tend to think you have them now, as there's no way they could fathom a normal human doing what you can do without magic or mutations. It would certainly have been nice to have a jacket ready on our primary targets, but I suppose research will have to suffice. Anything else we should know, or are we dismissed to start preparing?"

He didn't bother addressing the POST comment, he felt passing the exam would be easy enough, it was more making sure he had a clean cover to do it with. He was actually more worried if other members even qualified, either due to their young age or their inhuman status.

"POST certification should be simple for myself, and I am confident in my comrades. I will get on it." When they were clear of Broyko, Winter Herald just smiled at Captain Justice. "Well, I suppose you have an incentive to learn the official line anyhow. I'm going to brush up, remind myself of a few things, and begin my work. We have differing plans so... we'll work on them. I should be easy to find, should you need me."

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

He appreciated the routine that came with computers. The activation, the delay, the programming check to see if any new spyware or malware had loaded itself up and needed removal, then the activation of wi-fi and the second check to see if any untoward programs were making themselves known, and finally, the order of operations in going online, and visiting his sites in order. Today wasn't Defrag Day, so that made things more efficient.

16:25, Today: Winter Herald rolled 35 using 1d100.  Computer Operations TN 98 with +8 OTN.
16:26, Today: Winter Herald rolled 51 using 1d100.  Intelligence. TN 98 with +2 OTN.

His email box was, as usual, flooded with grift. Promises of New Age crystals, candle scents that would realign your chakras, offers from hucksters to help him see spirits - his attempts to quantify a soul and learn more about this "magic" subject were leading him down very annoying paths. Most of these people spoke vaguely and refused to be plain, and all of them wanted his money or in one case, his interest in their religious views as a means of acquiring his money.

The evidence locker had received something new - a reference to one person of interest, Franklin Emerson. This was not an immediate issue, although having a clear target was appreciated. An existential one, to be assured, but it could wait until he had enough information to strike.

As for the AFF, they were just the latest line of research and needed to be assigned a priority.

For now, his subjects were, in order: the POST Test, the AFF, Franklin Emerson, Major FORCE, societal integration, scientific soul quantification, understanding magic's source and limitations, and refining his abilities to extract information from the unwilling through the use of confidence games. And of course, order of prioritization did not mean that would be the order of results.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 116):

Justicar shakes his head as he leaves, "No. Not Emancipated... technically my mother is still my legal guardian. I'm here in the US on a exchange student Visa.... but I paid, with my own cash for the full four year tuition in advance all cash up front.  I'll make sure the drones will be ready... perhaps I can squeeze in some additional surveillance capabilities that might be useful."

With that Justicar leaves, using the secret exit and entry rapid deployment and entry features of the LESP base and soon he is rocketing over the Center City skyline heading for the Sea Sentinel...

His father Karl, was waiting at the Robot Controlled Yacht.  Hikari immediately got to work.  Uploading the POST requirements and training manuals from LESP he put the material in que along with sending out feelers in his business contacts and legal department for his growing company seeking any and all info on the AFF... tracing the public and business meta-sphere of taxes and contributions to find out who was their head and what contributors were filling their political war chest with funds from 'private' donators and political action groups.  With K2, K3, K-Sea as AI assistants Hikari and Karl, newly in Hikari's first constructed A.C.E chassis went into multi-task mode as they both got to work researching the data and finishing {hopefully} their Force Field work with real-time in lab work.

20:50, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 95 using 1d100.  Hikari - Business Finance [57%]. – [roll=1677199813.27278.355584] {Fail}

21:02, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 92 ((67,25)) using 2d100.  AI Research assistants {K2, K3} - Skill: Research [88%]. – [roll=1677200559.34863.355584] {Succcess!}

20:52, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 47 using 1d100.  Hikari - Mechanical Engineering [67% -40% {27%}]. – [roll=1677199972.72757.355584] {Fail}
20:53, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 13 using 1d100.  Karl - Mechanical Engineering [68% -40% {28%}]. – [roll=1677200017.79554.355584] {Success! FINALLY..Woot! Force Field Tech - Researched}

When Hikari contacts his legal team... they are perplexed.  Their CEO has never shown an interest in 'politics' in fact a distinct disdain for political subject matter.  It catches them completely off foot, as they scramble to search political contact sources None of them have ever cultivated for their employer.  So they tell him they will need a few days to get back to him on anything involving the world of campaign financing and contribution to political aspirant organizations like the AFF.

However, his K2 and K3 AI assistants scoured the internet and data news nets on any and all information on the AFF including a deep background check in news and criminal records for the organizations top 10 officers cutting through hours of research that only the cold uncaring efficiency of AI put to task could perform!  Very quickly ANY source of public record, criminal, and verified News report data was being collected and collated!

In the force field research Hikari kept up his series of tests for a excitable material of the properties needed to create the field effect... growing more frustrated until his made an off comment, "..gah.. Series 104E had the durability to sustain being energized but lacked the generation of the field properties of test batch 73F.. that damn near melted the test rack! Can't get both properties in the same material!"

That is when it occurred to Karl with his years of experienced molecular engineering what was needed was no natural material exciter/emitter.. but a synthetic resonating material.  Looking back through the most promising but failed test results then sorting the materials that could be synthesized with a 3D printer... Karl came up with a material formula and printed it off then reset the test... and the field was emitted finally.. not stably as it burned out quickly but the emitters worked.  What proceeded next was several hours of adjusting and tweaking the material formula and the mix properties to create a quartz/cesium synthetic material ... that maintained a sustained force field effect between the synthetic crystalline-composite emitters!

The AI K-Sea, which normally controlled the Sea Sentinel Yacht, went to work on the Justicar MK IV upgrades almost disassembling the entire Exoskeletal Suit in the process...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:06, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

Some public text.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 120):

...Justicar makes a comment as he leaves, "...yeah, Tech Nazi Says.. 'No Force Field belt for Him'!"

Jacob shakes his head.  El-tee, I am an Immigrant Commie Jew Mutie, he says with a voice full of sadness.  I am everything that somebody somewhere hates.  Except black.  And, until the press conference my publicist has set up for later, they couldn't even tell that.
He shrugs.  Not your fault.  Not my fault.  We're just the ones who gotta deal with it.  Don't worry.  I'll protect that fascist, racist prick, just like I would anybody else.
 Turns ro the lieutenant with a braod smile.  But, if you really wanna feel that guilty about it, you can buy me a round at Hoolahan's Bar later.
This message was last updated by the player at 05:47, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 120):

"Imperialist, xenophobic, and seemingly short-sighted. He might possess superpowers and simply want to control the competition. He'll live if I have a say, Lieutenant, although he merits future research."

Captain Justice carefully listens to the briefing.

"Indeed. We will protect the Senator. He has a right to his opinion even if his opinion is wrong. I will study what I need to learn to get POST certified. "

After the meating he will look up what is required for POST certification in Center City.

09:39, Today: Captain Justice rolled 90 using 1d100.  Computer Operations roll to find Requirements.

Target was 75% so I failed.

It is late before a stable Force Field emitter array is tested and finalized...

Hikari's sour expression reveals his perturbed feelings at his failure to find the solution to get the tech working ~ a fact that Karl recognizes like no mere machine could.

'Don't be like that Hikari. It was a "team effort"... stop pouting.'

"I'm NOT pouting!  I just wanted to to be the one to make the discovery... both phases of the research I did nothing but prove how wrong my approach was.. you solved it all!"

Karl grinned, 'Now, now... scientific research is not a contest... and I have many years of actual lab research to call upon.  That is how scientific research works son... don't be a glory hound ~ that's you mother's pridefulness peeking out!'

Hikari gave the A.C.E. chassis with his father's face a withering glare, "...I think I'm having second thoughts about giving A.C.E. chassis-frames the ability to grin...!"

Karl chuckled, '..And there is your Mother's often Petulance!  It's what made her irresistible!'

Hikari rolled his eyes, "Yep. Subject change now.  I need to read up on these POST requirements and training before bed."

'Don't you want to test your 'science' first?'

Hikari looked at him understanding quickly downing, "Oh..yeah... I do."

In a flash of polychromatic light Hikari switched to his altered energy form... floated over to the test rack of the active force field between the emitters and tried to pass his hand through the field.  The field dead stopped his energy touch from passing through ... like a solid barrier!

"Ha! Take that Theoretical Science!  I was right!  I cannot pass through force fields ~ Awesome!"

'That is good. I'll be doing some more tinkering with this fascinating discovery you made son... don't stay up too late studying.. you need your rest.'

In a flash of black light radiance Hikari was solid flesh and blood again and waved Karl off as he made his way out of the lab and to his office cabin deck and mainframe terminal.

First he reviewed briefly all the Research data on AFF uncovered and collated by K2 & K3.  Wrote the needed forms for LESP submission then annotated all the sources references for verification.  Saved the file and E-mailed it to Detective Broyko, but also to the Sentinel Team's general case file section so All of the team could review the findings.  He also included a private text to Detective Broyko, 'Force Field research completed successfully. Operational tech available for use once practical testbed prototype model constructed and tested.'

Then he actually spend an hour or two reading the POST Training Manual, to others  he would have been considered speed reading... but his comprehension and retention were now superhuman... though he only finished half the manual in that time.

12:03, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 11 using 1d100.  Hikari - Computer Operation 'POST Study' [108% '10% overflow']. – [roll=1677258197.49101.355584]

Going to his cabin he climbed into bed and turning into his energy form once again to sleep floating a foot above the bed, pondered sleepily, 'good thing the ship is docked or even the little drift at sea would leave me floating within walls or half off the ship...!  Will need to install a force field ... fence in here to keep me from drifting if I ever take her out to sea'

He had wondered if while in energy form he aged since energy was neither lost or transformed in this form... only years of sleeping would tell the truth.  His cells did not exist in this form. No DNA telemeres could degrade leading to cell degradation of natural ageing.. he was like a 'transporter signal' from Star Trek.. only time would tell?


Actions -
- Send Research Data on AFF {Research skills 88% [67%, and 25% - results from AI Assistants K2 & K3]} to LESP
- Study POST Requirements

Question -
What was discovered about the AFF?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

"Thought his name sounded familiar. So not only do we have Assassin, the AFF, now we have a bunch of other unknown PWPs who probably also want a piece of him, this is all happening in the same building as a gathering of people in colorful costumes, some of whom will be dressing as real supers? Someone in the Senator's camp definitely wants him dead, and I can't say I blame them. People who run on platforms built on hate tend to get those death threats, and they're easier to pull of when you're already in striking distance. Well, if that's all, I have a keyboard to hammer on."

Spymaster excused himself and headed out to the bullpen, picking one of the desks empty desks meant for the three new members. A dejected sigh and he powered on the computer, already planning his searches but annoyed. The entire reason he retired was because he hated desk jockeying and it was first job as a hero. His first search priority was easy, looking for all the info listed on Assassin, the most definite threat presented.

14:15, Today: Spymaster rolled 31 using 1d100.  Computer Operations tn 65.

With the info gathered, he began to pour over it, analyzing how the Assassin struck, any clues leading to how they were trained, if this was a PWP and how they used their powers. A shapeshifter would be awful to go against, and if they were capable of a more widespread dispersal like a gas attack, this could easily turn into a very dangerous hostage situation.

14:16, Today: Spymaster rolled 10 using 1d100.  Military Intelligence tn 75.

Lilibeth followed Finley out of the detectives office. She rolled a chair over and sat next to him but not so close as to get in his way. "I'm a medic, not a researcher so I'll just watch professional work," she says, smiling cheerfully at him. "Oh! I know a great bakery around the corner, they make the best pastries. I could get us some if you want. I know I work better when I've got snacks."

From across the room, Jacob sees Lillibeth join her new partner (Spymaster?) at a desk as he is working at the computer.  He crosses the room to join them.
Hey, Lillibeth, Runa, he greets the Two-In-One hero.  He then extends a hand to Finley.  And you must be the one called Spymaster.  I'm Chimp Man Zee, or just Jacob Davidovitch.

Lilibeth jumps up from her seat when CMZ walks over to Finley's desk. "Jacob!" she exclaims in greeting, as if they hadn't seen each for months, hugging him before stepping back so that he can greet and offer his hand to Finley.

He returns Lillibeth's hug, a bit surprised.  The last time they had seen each other had been San Sebastien Island, when he still had some hair.  The fact she accepts his new appearance without question makes him smile a bit.  At least I'm not covered in patches.of hair any more, he says as he steps back.  Just not sure how the public, and my millions of adoring fans, he says the last four words with obvious sarcasm, will take the change in how I look.  Been a really long time since I could shave.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

"If I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of research myself. I'd rather be in the field, planting bugs and stealing files, extracting assets for interrogation, you know the fun parts of being a spy. Sadly I'm afraid as the LESP is law enforcement, there are rules we have to follow. So for now, we check what we know, and use it to formulate the best plan of attack. Why I'm studying the Assassin now, as it's the only threat we are certain will rear it's head."

While Jacob introduces himself, Spymaster doesn't look up from his screen and instead raises his hand while he finishes the file he's looking at.

"Charles Finley, Spymaster, I hear you're nigh-invulner..."

As he looks up a brief second of shock hits him, quickly masked by years of training.

"I'm sorry, I thought you'd be taller. I take it a side effect of the last mission? And I think we might be able to fake it for your public, at least until you're ready to reveal it."

Jacob chuckles.  Nope.  Been this height since the middle of high school.  Being bald is the weird thing.  I was born with hypertrichosis, like a couple of my distant ancestors.
He leans down to look at the screen.  Maybe we can get you involved in some undercover work.  What have you found on our appropriately named assassin?

The assignment is given to LESP on Wednesday. The Third Annual Science Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero, and Comic Book Convention will have its Awards Dinner/Masquerade Party and Contest to close out the convention next Tuesday.
This is the same night, and location (two separate ballrooms, same convention center wing) as the fundraiser Senator Bennet will attend.

On that Tuesday, Senator Bennet will arrive at Center City Airport about 6:00pm. He wil be whisked by motorcade to the Convention Center. Around 7:30 the Senator will come in the front doors of the Convention Center. He will proceed directly to the dinner where he will have dinner (with the other dignitaries and celebrities present) and then address the crowd before mingling. After the fund raiser is over the Senator will head back to the hotel and sleep for six hours. It is thought this will be around 11:30. At 8:30 the following morning, the Senator will board a flight back to Washington to attend some foreign policy meetings with the President.

The American Freedom Foundation was created by a group of college students who feel the federal government is slowly descending into fascism, and the decline is being done so gradually that no one is noticing but them. After the organizing and initial fund-raising, the AFF paid for a few political ads, distributed some junk mail, and then the students graduated and left it in the hands of the people that had been assisting them. In similar fashion, those people did a few normal 'political action committee' things before their fancy turned to something else, and other people took over.
At this point, none of the 'official' officers of the committee are involved with it, in any way. The fund-raising continues, as does the occasional political ad or junk mail. Until this point, everything was legal. Now, there has been a sudden, very large, influx of cash while a clear suggestion was made as to what the cash could be used for.

"The Assassin" is the name on a large file that covers a large number of extremely well thought-out and executed murders. There has never been any physical evidence that could tie the crimes to any person. On the rare occasions some video surveillance caught a glimpse of 'The Assassin', they have never appeared the same twice. For this reason, no one knows what 'The Assassin' looks like, except for the fact that they are 5'9", and weigh about 160 pounds.
What is known is that The Assassin is exceedingly expensive, and hasn't failed in almost six years.

"Justice, are you reading this? While I can certainly see how they would draw this conclusion, there is no prior history of this group being radical enough to assassinate the Senator. However, someone felt confident enough to send them a substantial amount of money. Even if this is a distraction, we must discover what happened to that money, who sent it - similar details." Winter Herald had learned a great deal about the organizational structure of the American Freedom Foundation, and was close to learning who was important within it and who was not. "The test can wait, and part of it is on the job training anyhow. Study off the clock. I have faith in you. For now, I need you to read these and look into them if you can."

He assembled his notes acquired thus far:
Primary meeting location for its officers, pending.
Area knowledge of said location, pending.
Method of direct and personal interaction with them, pending.
Support for dealing with them is the LESP, should they be needed.
Additional material needed for dealing with them is pre-mission requisition. OSP is frowned upon.
The time limit to deal with them and acquire information or engage in action is less than one week.
This operation is supervised by Lieutenant Brokyo.
Reason the Assassin would be connected to them, unknown - unless one counted the paycheck.
Militancy levels expected, unknown - current evidence indicates low levels. Future evidence may change this.
Experience is largely in playing the economic and political game. Informal experience with espionage is highly likely, but expectations are little known experience in black operations.
No demands made, unless the death of the Senator counts. Something got the attention of his security at them.
Command structure, pending.

OOC: 03:32, Today: Winter Herald rolled 43 using 1d100.  Computer Operations TN 98 with +8 OTN.
03:32, Today: Winter Herald rolled 37 using 1d100.  Intelligence. TN 98 with +2 OTN.

This should answer any underlined questions, or at least point me to an action I can take that will get them answered. Admittedly, six questions looks intimidating, but mostly I'm looking for stuff I can act on, or that will help me act.

"No not really, if you have a been given a mandate from your parent agency to carry out a specific tasking than that's that." Senor Garcia then figured he might explain why he had this point of view. "I spent about fifty years working for the U.S. Government. Started out in the Navy way back in nineteen seventy, and officially retired from the Diplomatic Security Service in twenty nineteen."

"I take it you wanted to meet and discuss the tasking we received from detective Broyko?"

Alison heard this and turned to see the man who spoke it. For a moment she thought it a lie, but when she saw his eyes she knew. She ducked a little so he wouldn't know where she was. Then Garcia spoke and she gave him her attention.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 135):
Quirking her brow she said, "Two retired spooks here? That's no coincidence. Just let The Company know I'm a good soldier and not a Cape, Okay? I'll meet you in Broyko's office, I need to surprise someone."

The last time she'd seen Jacob she looked like a girl in her mid teens. Now she was a full grown woman.

She made her way around so that Jacob couldn't see her until the last possible moment.

11:29, Today: Paragon rolled 5 using 1d100.  /68% prowl

She shouted, "TEDDY BEAR!!!" as she ran at him and wrapped her arms around him in a bear hug. "I missed you. You're the reason I agreed to this assignment."

Laughing with her joy as she pulled back, "You can't fool me with these muscles and movie star good looks, I know my Teddy Bear anywhere." She looks at him with all the love of a sibling, a familial love born of respect but not attraction. There is clearly history here but it is cordially respectful. "I'm looking forward to catching up with you Teddy Bear, but first I gotta meet with Broyko. Save me a spot, m'kay?" With that she went to follow Garcia to Broyko's office.

Senor Garcia made his way to Detective Broyko, and wondered if now would be a good time would be to tell him the result of the research project, he had conducted for the past week.

"I've determined in this painstaking research that our Assassin is either a group of similarly sized people, a shapechanger, or someone who is a master of disguise, either through classical stagecraft or new age cyber tricks, that is roughly an average sized man, or perhaps a slightly tall and muscular woman. It would help if every image hadn't been taken by a camera from the 40s and then painted by Jackson Pollack for the digital version."

Then he reached into the desk, and pulled out a pen and paper, and wrote a quick note down.

Presume we are bugged as well. They are meticulous in planning, and I would have if I were in their shoes.

"I suppose this goes without saying, but they vary their technique, so we can't rule out any attack method. I'm afraid we have our work cut out for us. Luckily I think one of our new members should be a sufficient counter for them, they'll never see it coming."

He knew that was a bold faced lie, but also figuring if the Assassin had the place bugged it would throw them off, questioning their planning thus far. He scribbled another note quickly.

We'll need to see if there are any new hires at the hotel and convention center staff, as well as check the con staff and volunteers. They'll want a cover that gives them easy access to their target, that requires little vetting. It's a possibility they're on someone's security detail, but 'll be harder to check until we get closer to the event.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

While Hikari slept, Karl settled in to monitoring several of his son's projects that were on-going in coordination with the pool of AI's available... the benefits of not really sleeping anymore.

The first was the fascinating force field tech.  Karl fabricated several alternate configurations for the field emitters to investigate how many different shapes the field could be created in.  Also he noted that an enclosing field could potentially constrain air flow and heat dispersal.  He found that altering the frequency of the field emissions could change the force field opaqueness to visible light.  But the air flow and heat dispersal were still something of a conundrum.

The second operation was the upgrades to the Justicar MK III to the MK IV which was not going to be a short process.  The entire leg servos had to be rebuilt and re-balanced for the speed enhancements, also the battle computer software and suit-wide servo balancer gimbals had to be re-written and replaced for the increase combat reaction speed.

The drones from the previous mission needed repair but it was mostly armor replacement but Drone Delta needed to have all components removed and its entire chassis re-fitted and structurally tested for it frame durability with the extensive damage it had sustained.  Drone Beta just needed a fan thruster assembly replaced a basic decouple remove replace with ah modular part and good as new operation.  Simple but tedious.

The Justicar-Polymer was ready for field use but some added surveillance hardware was being added to its two drones... for the current case...

Karl also read a progress report on the Star Sentinel Spaceplane from the Lookheed manufacturing facility.. the fuselage and delta wings were finally attached and the six engines had all passed their post production testing with fine results and were pending installation.

Karl wished he could contribute more the the current case of the Senator's Convention and the discovery of the assassin... but that even in life was not a set of skills he possessed.  He hoped the research Hikari submitted on the AFF was relevant or useful1

And lastly... the main torso chassis for Hikari's ANGEL agent assistants were finished... the software for their Advance AI consciousness ware still in final testing phase and their neural-net brains awaited the upload of their personality-mental matrix...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

Lexi has always been noticed. It became something she was familiar with, and finally something she ignored. These days, a little mental effort and she noticed the noticing. It was annoying, and necessary. But it easily resolved itself. Any change she made that caused someone to overlook her was a change she was aware of. Adding all of the little things together, and she could go anywhere without being remarked on.
This also made her very aware of her own prejudice against appearance. Over the years, she had cultivated a sort of visual SEP field. She had little trouble identifying her friends through other cues, and this meant she would forget what they looked like as soon as possible. So when she approached Chimp Man Z and said, "I need to tell you something" her ability to recognize him without the hair was a non-issue.
"I've been having these visions about that guy we ran into on San Sebastian Island. The one that was looking for the preacher. He had a pair of automatic pistols, which seems significant but I can't say why."

The sudden weight upon his back,and the attempt at a crushing bear hug are not a problem for Jacob.  He is more surprised by the husky voice in his ear.  That fact that his muscles no longer have any give to them should be rise her.  Alison?  You made it!  He turns as she releases him, and he smiles at the slightly taller woman.  Glad you accepted the invitation, he says, and monkey, not teddy bear.  There is a chuckle in his voice.  We'll get a chance to catch up later.  Have fun with that.
He turns back to Finley and Lillibeth.  Sorry about that.  Old friend.
He listens to Finley's gathered information.  Multiple individuals using one alias, he muses.  That sounds like an interesting possibility.  We've dealt with a shapechanger or two, I think.  But, multiple people playing one character.  Keep up the good work.  See if you can dig any deeper.
Then Bellissima gets his attention.  I would trust your intuition on this.  Look deeper into this.  Find out everything you can about him.  Name, address, anything and everything.

One of the few things that ties together all of the 'hits' committed by The Assassin is that in all cases forensics indicates the executions were performed with a 9mm handgun. One witness has remarked that it 'sounded like one of the HK's, and it certainly had a large magazine.'

The individual Bellissima is referring to is seen here:
message #52 in Sebastian Island Strike Team thread
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:51, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 142):

Hikari did not sleep very long, he'd never needed very much sleep 4 to 5 hours being usually enough to refresh him... so it was still night when he awoke ready to get back to work.  He had not drifted in his energy form and with a thought switched back to physical.  The experience was interesting.. no sleeping on a limb or getting a pain in the neck from bad sleeping position he was energy he had no limbs to sleep on to cut circulation.  He was rested like he had never before!

He got showered, dressed and has the Sea Sentinel's AI K-Sea microwave him a breakfast sandwich and made his way down to the lab... to find Karl... plugged into the Sea Sentinel's power system with the power jack port at the base of his spine motionless at a workstation monitoring Force Field experiments in progress.  Karl had fabricated a vast array of Force Field Emitters and had set them up arranged in various configurations clearly experimenting with shaping various force field configurations.

He walked up and read Karl's research notes and comments pondering the issues his observations had revealed...
Pondering the limitations he came up a solution and pulled over a terminal to enter his changes to the design...

PM to GM

Hikari will also experiment with mono-pole FF Emitter configuration ~ a configured emitter that create a limited single emitter force field to create shaped fields that do not enclose anything but fed back to themselves.

PM to GM

13:28, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 17 using 1d100.  Electrical Engineer - FF Reserch [72%m] . – [roll=1677432523.41836.355584]
13:30, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 57 using 1d100.  Mechanical Engineer  - Force field emitter research [67%m]. – [roll=1677432631.20928.355584]

Karl takes note and ... quite frankly is impressed with Hikari's innovative design changes.
'Those are fascinating ... innovations and precautions I had not considered you should get more sleep… it clearly improves your creativity.'

Hikari smiled, "Well I've invested enough with the FF Research for now.. I need to get to work on this Political Convention and Assassination plot plus my POST Study.  If you would please continue with my experiments while I'm gone.. I'll be at the LESP offices doing my research there... I'll be taking Justicar-Polymer... after some additional surveillance systems installation."

Karl nodded, 'I'll keep an eye out of things.  Also, the main body chassis of your ANGELs are completed.'

Hikari pondered, "Pause on those for now... put the autofac on task to put two more A.C.E. chassis into production. I think some 'added' security for the Sea Sentinel's may be prudent.  The ANGELs will keep."

Hikari made his way to the Armor bay where the Justicar-Polymer waited read from the San Sebastian Isle production.  He entered and K3 gave it’s greetings.  Detaching the Drone Phoebus and Deimos he added a general advanced Surveillance system package for each of them… an easy installation… miniaturized sensor suites are what made him his first lucrative contracts with Lockheed and funded the building of Justicar MK I.

Justicar took to the air returning to LESP it was still dark out with the earliness of his arrival… his appearance was different in the new armor so he raised his visor to greet the officers on duty explaining the new suit.

JUSTICAR-POLYMER Mk VI Exoskeleton Armor


Making his greetings he made his way to the offices seeking the computer room with a blank wall to lean against and accessing the LESP wireless network he got to work…

Coordinating with his AI K3.. he began his search and research analysis, All the data he had already submitted he called it up and put K3 on the task of Intelligence analysis correlating with the LESP files on the new directors of the AFF specifically on the recent donations to the Super-Pac. He will delve into college records of public access and the required public records of funding sources for such organizations ~ cross referencing the identities of the current AFF leadership with corporate and business connections from family and business owned or directed by the individual leaders the AFF.

13:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 57 using 1d100.  K3 - Research [88%]. – [roll=1677432818.61219.355584]

13:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 29 using 1d100.  K3 - Intelligence [86%]. – [roll=1677432790.25171.355584]

On ‘The Assassin’ Hikari will direct K3 to bring up all verified hits the assassin has made with reference to the targets hit and their political or business connections.  If available he will reference any presented data from his fellow Sentinel Investigators and follow up any data leads considering the vague description of the assassin and ‘their’ usual method of operation… to see if there are any similar know assassin that match that description.

13:32, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 28 using 1d100.  K3 - Criminal Science/Forensics [88%]. – [roll=1677432759.87056.355584]

13:34, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 100 using 1d100.  K3 - Photography ‘Technical’ [88%]. – [roll=1677432849.34112.355584]

The few partial photos were just not of high enough resolution to determine new data...

To all who might encounter Justicar he is standing against a wall in the computer center arms raised at elbows with palms down fingers slightly trembling as if he were siting at a keyboard.

Occasionally while K3 is compiling data Hikari will read and study the POST training material... but also upload the POST manual to K3's data files so the AI can also have access to the data.  He actually begins wondering if he could write a program software routine that would allow his K3 AI to monitor all operations in law enforcement to remind him of the 'Regs' while in the field?  The AI could never forget and as an AI it could analyze a situation and be counted upon to offer reminders.  It would take some time to code the subroutine correctly but it could be very useful.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

Captain Justice Gets up and looks over the notes that Winter Herald has written out.

"I suppose that is true. I can do that later. But I am having trouble coming up with an area to research that you haven't already covered. From what you got there It seems like the AFF is a cat's paw to someone else. Although I would like to think that collage students would be smart enough to not use the vast sum of money they where given to hire an assassin. Because at that point it is obvious that you are being used. Perhaps they are meant to be a decoy for the real organization so that we waste our time investigating them...
I'm just trying to brainstorm ideas."

Looking deeper at the research he had, Oliver finally started to piece together some methodology. Many reports didn't include the attack methods, but those that did included the commonality of a 9mm handgun, with a larger magazine. A Glock with an extended clip, mini-Uzi, a wz63, something of that nature, though some reports mentioned sounding like an HK, but in general it was a more promising lead. He could run gun shops in Center City that dealt in more exotic handguns, as well as custom jobs, and perhaps do a back trace on flights into Center City from the Assassin's last confirmed job. He might see if Herald and Justicar could run the second one, as there will be a lot of data to burn through, and it was a long shot without any known aliases to search for. He went back to the database, querying the gun shops that would deal in more exotic fair than your standard 1911, ar-15, and Glock variants, as well as looking into any known local arms dealers who were known to be active or recently deceased, within the last month, particularly if it was with a 9mm gunshot wound.


14:49, Today: Spymaster rolled 51 using 1d100.  Computer Operations tn 65 Arms Dealers.

14:49, Today: Spymaster rolled 91 using 1d100.  Computer Operations tn 65 Gunshops.

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 144):

"I agree with much of that, Captain. They still merit investigation, and there are questions I am having a difficult time answering as long as I am investigating my own. What did they do with that money? Who gave it to them? Why would anyone believe a liberal PAC is going to assassinate anyone? Only the most McCarthyian of investigations would implicate them with the force of law, and that seems to be the expectation of whoever donated that money. In the course of investigating the AFF, we can eliminate possibilities a defense will bring up, or open possibilities for the DA." Winter Herald's hands were a blur while typing and searching online. "An investigation is not accusation. It is the process of eliminating falsehood. Nothing more."

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 141):

Bellissima shakes her head. "We tried that when we got back from the island. I had all his passports, they're still in my desk, and they were all as legitimate as any other passports. His name was listed as 'von' or 'van' Metz, and the passports used various first names. But I'm still getting this premonition. Anyway, I just couldn't get past the idea that you needed to know about the guy."

Bring me a full work up of the research you have on the von Metz fellow, Jacob tells Bellissima.  We'll go over it together, and then take it to Broyko.  I have to meet the other "boot", and then I have an annoying press conference to do about my change of appearance.  We can talk more afterwards.

"That was all I had, Z. All the passports turned out to be people that died in childhood or seemed to appear from nowhere as far as official records were concerned. I don't have anything connecting it to your case, except a feeling."
"Well, I have to get back before I'm missed. This practicum is taking a lot more of my time than I thought it would."

Thanks for the info.  Do me a favor and leave the passport and other info on my desk, with a note about your gut feeling, he suggests.  That way I will remember it later.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 141):

Alison gave a nod and patted Jacob's shoulder. She turned and headed to Broyko's office. Once there she took a seat and listened carefully.

Collecting a file from her desk and dropping it on Chimp Man Z's, Bellissima headed back to class.

Lilibeth positively beamed at the enthusiastically cheerful way Alison greeted Jacob. "See? I knew tour fans would still love you!"

She shifts her wamr smile to Alison before she leaves, "So glad to meet a fellow fan of this big lug"

Actually, when I was earning my criminal justice dgree, I won an opportunity to ride with a TO in New York for a semester, Jacob advises.  Alison was my training officer.

The next day, Mr. Livingstone arrives to brief the heroes on the situation.

"Five days from now, Senator Bennet's flight will arrive at Center City Airport about 6:00pm. The senator wishes a  motorcade to the Convention Center, and refuses to travel any other way. I would like one of your people in the front seat of the senator's car. Let me know who that will be."
"Around 7:30 the Senator comes through the front doors of the Convention Center, again, his idea, not ours. Then he proceeds to room 'F' where he will have dinner (with the other dignitaries and celebrities present) and then address the crowd before mingling. I want at least two of your people in that banquet room circling around the senator with their eyes open. Whoever you decide this will be will need to meet the other floor agents at the hotel the evening before."
"When the fund raiser ends the Senator will be escorted to his room at the hotel, he should sleep, at least, for six hours. It is thought this will be around 11:30. At 8:30 the following morning, the Senator will board a flight back to Washington to attend some foreign policy meetings with the President."

I think Señor Garcia and Bellissima are the best options for being with the Senator, Jacob says to the lieutenant.  Señor Garcia has the experience to know what to look for, and Bellissima has the intuition to sense it coming.  Spymaster should be undercover, and Lillibeth as well.  The rest of us should be back-up.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

"I can be whoever is needed. With time and an identity, you will not know I am there until called upon." Winter Herald was considering the place's layout as he rolled through other ideas. "The AFF. Do we know what they actually did with the funds offered to them? While leads pursuing them are unlikely to stop the assassin themselves, this could provide us with information, or if this turns out to be nothing, at the least it will eliminate them as a suspect organization and provide us with more information."

He also needed some time to see what Hikari wanted already. That iron in the fire could be quickly dealt with once opportunity allowed.

"Bellissima took some personal time, she won't be available."

Alison spoke in a confident but not cocky way, "I agree with you, CMZ, however he said at least two. I also have counter assassination experience guarding judges in Iraq. Additionall I've learned the Zanshi technique, so I'm very difficult to sneak up on. Having a uniformed Federal agent might be a deterant or could flush out a would be killer. In short I'll join the floor detail. I can also be the ride along escort."

Mr. Livingstone's smile says they've forgotten who's in charge, but his response shows there's no ill will behind the smile.
"Before we asked for you, the senator had requested that no members of LESP be allowed at the fundraiser. He says it would make it seem his 'convictions were subject to convenience'. His office specifically requested that Chimp Man Z be outside the conference room. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to that conversation. Many of us in the service have a respectful envy for those that can safely throw themselves in front of the package."
"In any case, what we want is for those that are 'obvious', like your armored man or anyone with an odd form, to be outside the conference room. In addition to security, they'll act as an attraction to the people attending the other event; it should make crowd control easier."
"Inside the conference room, we'll have a number of secret service people in the senator's immediate vicinity, the rest of LESP spread through the conference room, and the CCPD uniforms flanking the doors and along the walls."

"This is the convention we talked about before that island mission right? The science fiction convention? So I get to do cosplay and get paid for it?" She looks at detective Broyko, "I mean, if the idea is to be low profile and all, the fact I would be there anyways in costume shouldn't have any bearing, right?"

"I'm not exactly stealthy or inconspicuous. The best I can manage would be obvious in a harmless way. And Cosplay would serve that end. Perhaps I could dress as King Vultan from Flash Gordon.

I suppose that Room F is for bigwig donors for the Senator. And you wouldn't have the normal convention crowd in there."

Justicar walked into the meeting evident from his open faced visor, as the armor he was wearing was completely different than any the team had seen before. The suit did not have the heavy footsteps of the usual Justicar suit, likely indicating this suit was lighter by a significant degree.  It's 'wings' being more mechanical and functional than feather motiffed and bird-like.

He was carrying a pitcher of hot coffee sipping from a cup of black coffee in hand...

"Good morning everyone. Sorry for my delay.. time got away from me slightly."

He set the pitcher down along with a roll of paper cups.

Addressing Mr. Livingstone, "I was informed of the Senator's wishes Sir, and I will comply though I am Justicar in armored suit, or business formal attire... makes no difference.  There is nothing metahuamn about my suits, in fact, I have shared the tech with the Department of Justice at Stronghold SuperMax-Meta Prison and US Special Forces already. The Senator's narrow-minded views are unfounded ~ I have always sought to share my technology with responsible government agencies."

"Regardless, I do possess two surveillance drones-Phoebus and Deimos that if allowed could be set up within the conference room inconspicuously in the roof rafters utterly silent to monitor and assist should the worse case occur... but their multi-platform sensors can easily monitor every conversation and 'see' through the walls to monitor the entire event even if restricted to the outside.  I only suggest they be set up inside so that if something should occur I can still have a hand in assisting the rest of the team... all toward the goal of protecting the Senator."

Turning to the team,"I have spent most of last night and this early morning collecting and collating data on the AFF and cross referencing it with its members and the donators to its political PAC... I will make sure that wealth of data is uploaded to the LESP investigation files for this case so you can all peruse it.. perhaps it may help your efforts to tease out some more connections? I did not have much to go on seeking intel on a potential assassin... if you have any more data or details on him.. that might greatly improve my research?"

He moves over to stand near CMZ his partner and smiled, mentioning as a side update to him, "..I succeeded in cracking the Force Field tech last night... got a stable field and solid test of it.  But I'm not sure when it will be field deployable... I really wanted to be able to give Captain Justice a Force Field belt... but more testing and refinement is needed first."

But then he quieted down then to listen to the rest of the briefing... sipping his coffee.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

“The floor detail seems the best place for me. I can wear plain clothes, blend in and look like an aging federal agent who's been delegated to personal security details.”

“I’d like to liaison with the advance parties of the Federal Law Enforcement agencies probably already have on the ground  and identify ambush points from the airport to the convention center.”

“The last thing is we may want procure a set of four MP-7’s for the floor detail and others working in plain clothes. The PDWs are compact, and can use armor piercing rounds. If we can’t get them I can probably find a few old micro Uzi’s or Škorpion SMG’s in the local black market.”

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  We know the senator's feelings, Jacob says as he looks up from the blueprint at the liaison.  I am a mutant Jew of Ukrainian and Isreali heritage.  Between being called "Mutie", "Kike", and "Commie", I get it.  The superintendent of my building has to come by on almost a daily basis to repaint my apartment door.  Rest assured, I will stay away from his "Eminence", unless absolutely necessary to save his life.  He leaves an unspoken, "Or, maybe I will stay away no matter what," hanging with his sudden silence.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 165):

Justicar nods, "I hear you Zee...  I swear, if I have to take an active part in saving this narcissist politico's ass because of his stupid disregard of the professional direction and advice from his Veteran stewards like Mr. Livingston here and his Secret Service Advisors.. I plan on making sure he knows Meta-humans and all the Assembled Professional Patriots in this room are the only reason he is still sucking down air to spout his racist, divisive, Un-American drivel!"

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 166):

“Instead of verbally telling the Senator his ideas are wrong the best thing we can do is be professional and show him.”

“Also do not forget that every time a meta human does something bad, or simply blatantly shows off thier powers in public, the general gets scared.”

“Then we get biased opinions from major media outlets which further damage the public’s outlook on meta humans.”

Alison rolled her eyes and sat back in her seat, arms folded and glaring at the Secret Service officer. Jurisdictional pissing contests weren't her bag.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 167):

Justicar shrugs but nods in agreement, "To be certain I have every intention of doing just that.  Words are kind of useless on people who have already decided for themselves what they want to believe. Honestly, I don't think I'll have any need of using my powers... cause we have people like Paragon, Spymaster, and You Senor ~ working this case!  You folks DO this kind of Op for a living... you know this game and know it well.  Far, FAR better then me at the very least. If I have to play the meta-human powers card... something has seriously gone wrong."

He sighs, "But if I need to... I can be at the Senator's side almost instantly without making any mess at all.. the walls of the convention center and presence of his guards are not a barrier to me.  I Really hope I won't have to do that.  But I'll have my drones on station ready to support all your efforts ~ I can also give you telemetry access to their surveillance overwatch. I 'can' set them to voice recognition to follow simple commands if you need them to focus on something you want a clearer view over. I'm mostly here to support Your efforts so you tell me how I can help... or at least how to stay out of your way."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Lilibeth raises her hand "Um...should I be near the senator then? I mean," she looks down at herself and motions with her hands, then back up. "I look, well cause I am really, like a totally normal human. Heck even if I have to call for Runa, she looks normal too. Well for a six foot tall woman with an Olympic athlete body that is."

Her cheeks redden slightly as she continues, "Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather go to this in costume but if it works best for the mission, I can put on a suit or whatever." Her face brightens, as if realizing something. "Hey, that would kinda be like cosplay! Dressing up as a WIB!"

Jacob chuckles.  I'm sure Hikari could whip you up a working Neuralyzer and a Noisy Cricket.

"Interesting. So, I can be in there, as long as I have a cover ID. Z can also be in there. He is currently unrecognizable, although that will change. We know that money went to the AFF, and what they actually did with it is a current unknown." Winter Herald considered this, and asked the room in general. "I need another mind for a moment. Do we have enough for probable cause and a search warrant from the DA to find that information about the AFF? Reaction is playing into an assassin's hands. Preemption will disrupt their strategy."

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 171):

Hikari chuckles," ...modulated photonic emissions at specific intensities and frequency to cause siezures and targeted memory loss... is not my specialty ~ that's more Professor Undorf / Phantasma's field.  I could build something as destructive as the 'noisey cricket'... but it would definitly NOT fit in a suit breast pocket. I have no access to alien technology... sadly."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:01, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Spymaster had been sitting there, merely going over his notes while already figuring what he felt the best placement for everyone was. The senator's feelings not withstanding, having one or 2 agents nearby wasn't an idea he liked.

"I'd respect the senator's wishes on not having any easily recognizable PWPs in the fundraiser. I'd say our best bet is have Garcia with the senator directly, so he can insure the motorcade isn't compromised before the senator even gets in, but have Winter Herald, Captain Justice, and JUSTICAR nearby in a holding pattern out of sight, in case an ambush is planned, because Garcia by himself may not be enough. For the event itself, I'd have myself, Paragon, Runa, and Garcia at the fundraiser, with myself and Paragon covering his entrance. Zanshin is a powerful technique, but it won't help against a sniper, but someone planning a bum rush at the entrance should get picked up easily enough. CMZ will already be at the con, so he'll be nearby enough if this goes sideways. I'd personally also love to have Winter Herald at the fundraiser, because his speed would give a clear edge against an assassin, especially if we can pick him out before he moves. And should Bellissima find herself free in time, her talents can be put to use at the con and fundraiser.

Until then, we run down what sparse leads we have to where we hopefully don't need to protect the senator. On that note Mr. Livingstone, has your team picked up any other actionable threats to the senator? I'm sure his rhetoric is making quite a few enemies, and a few of which can bench press buses, so the more issues we deal with now, the less we have day of."

While it might seem that Oliver had nothing negative to say about the senator, that was merely professionalism. If it were up to him, he'd let him catch a bullet, but he also knew the long term ramifications of that weren't great. Better to save him now, maybe change his mind on metas, or at least push for his opponent to win in the election.

"And yes, Runa, we'll probably spend a day or two staking out the con, so you'll get your time to cosplay. As much as I hate the idea of dressing as character when we're working there, we'll stick out more if we don't wear costumes."

"That sounds like a good plan.
But I also think that Winter Herald is right. We need to follow any preemptive leads that we can. What exactly would we need to search the AFF?

Winter Herald, Jacobs says simply to get the android's attention.  Once he has it, in a display of flexibility, he places his foot upon the table.  On it he wears what appears to be a black, glove-like with strips of rubber attached to the fingers and palm for grip.  Then, the nine foot long, prehensile extension to his spine unwraps itself from around his waist to snake through the air and weave like a serpent waiting to strike at the android's face.
I may now be hairless, but certain other traits remained.  I still can't be mistaken for a "normal" human.

"I have a cover identity as one individual Valkyrie. If I understand correctly, they are not LESP affiliated." Winter Herald smiled, as he continued. "From the AFF, what we need are banking financial records, and then we can ask questions of those members of the organization whose job it is to distribute that money to the correct individuals."

He noted Jacob's old features, and his face was unreadable. He simply kept a tab on the tail, due to its proximity to his face. His autosystems were noting it as a potential threat, regardless of his consensus explaining it to the contrary, and his eyes were changing from their usual grey to a hint of blue as the ion blasters began powering up, despite him knowing they would be utterly useless. "I don't think your judgement has lead us awry yet, Z."

Jacob chuckles as he takes his foot off the table and his tail moves back to sway and hover behind him.  I'm Jacob when not "in the costume," he says with a chuckle.  I only keep "Chimp Man Zee" because it was a name given to me by an adorable eight year old girl who was my biggest fan when I was with the circus.  Not sure if she still uses her free lifetime passes, though.  His eyes flick at Lillibeth for a moment, then back Winter Herald.  Jacob Davidovitch is not exactly a secret identity.
Bellissima has left me some notes about the guy from FORCE that had the two guns.  She has a feeling about him.  He points to a folder he had brought with him and set on the table when he arrived.  Would be nice if she was here to elaborate, but it might be related somehow.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Justicar nodded, "I have some of that info already in my research efforts but I could do a more focused search for a more complete record!"



Hikari regarded the folder, looking to Jacob, "..may I?  I could copy what she has and add a new search to my Intelligence gathering.  Might turn up something... its almost impossible to have no media and or electronic footprint in our global society now."



Hikari nods, "Can do.  Do you have access to a PADD... like Senor Garcia wears on his arm... or a helmet that can display a H.U.D.?  If not I could fashion a set of Data-display H.U.D. Glasses "Shades" so you can have the effects of a full monitoring surveillance truck of all comms and cameras, plus my drones telemetry... and not look out of the usual as you coordinated things.. in plain sight. Might help you keep on top of everything while you coordinate our group efforts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 174):

She shook her head. "That would be a waste of your talents. You should be in disguise and at the party, a waiter or reporter. Runa and I can handle the door."

"I tend to go low tech, so no such luck on those devices. And I fear the shades would get in the way of my own abilities. I'd actually suggest you make those for Jacob. I'm merely a strategist, not a leader. He has a better understanding of each of your capabilities and temperaments, and decidedly more experience dealing with the odd, as well a higher degree of loyalty from each of you. When those snap decisions come in, you're more likely to doubt me, but you'll trust him. Also,for this job, I'll need to be focused purely on the fundraiser room, there will be too many variables in there as it is to also be processing drone sensor data, while also mingling with the rich and impressionable, and keeping tabs for threats directly before me that may not show on the sensors."

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 181):

Hikari nodded, "Fair enough."

Then smiled ~ teasing slightly, "You know there is an adage ~ 'Whoever avoids the crown is likely the head its best suited for and those who seek it above all else are best be kept from it!' Again.. the Sentinels find no one who would be well suited for leadership actually wants to step up and do so."

But his tone is only in jest.

Mr. Livingstone turns to Lieutenant Broyko and asks, "did you really intend to just dump it on me?"
Smiling, Broyko responded, "we both know what a pain in the ass these joint operations are, and we've both learned to modify our own behavior to make these things work. Even the experienced members of this team have never been on this side of the issue. They gotta learn. I guess I'm just used to letting someone else be the bad cop."
Pinching the bridge of his nose, and glaring at the lieutenant, Mr. Livingstone says, "right, I'll have at it, then."
First he points at Winter Herald, "You. I understand your concerns. But this particular operation is exactly what you said, preparing to react to an assassin. Because that's MY job. It's ALL I do."
"I certainly wouldn't bother to get warrants much broader than anything the CCPD could drum up and use those warrants to find that AFF is being lead by a number of on-line presences which have used a number of hacking exploits to garner digital currency which they sent through a dark web clearing house to hire the assassin. I wouldn't have investigated those presences and found them to be dead ends. Why! Doing things like that might suggest my people are competent, or, dare I suggest, professional?"
Before anyone can respond, he turns to JUSTICAR, "and no. I would absolutely LOVE to have your drones inside the conference room. But you, sir, are a foreign national. What do you think my policy manual says about that? As bad as it sounds, I have to ask you to limit your involvement to the periphery."
Turning to Jacob, Mr. Livingstone says, "damn the senator. If you can keep your id hidden, I want you as close to him as possible. Plus my boss wants to know why you won't return his calls. I get it, you're more than a human shield and I KNOW that's all you are to my boss."
"Oh, and could you sign something for my niece. She's a big fan. Spent a year asking for her own monkey 'just like the super one' till she saw you speaking about exotic pets. My sister said she cried for fifteen minutes before they could get anything out of her, and when she calmed down all she would say was they had to save the tigers."
Turning to Señor Garcia, he says, "I'm sure you understand my need to know the where and what of all the assets in play. I'll be with the senator and don't want to juggle two radios. I've heard it suggested that you be the one accompanying us from the airport. If that's the case, it might be best for you to stick with me and coordinate comms with CCPD."
"My people have our new Glocks. The number of VIPs on the floor suggests we don't bring anything heavier. I didn't bring any extra ordinance, but I'm sure the CCPD armory will allow you to use whatever they have."
Finally, he addresses the room. "I think this might work. You seem to understand that me and mine will focus primarily on keeping the senator out of harm's way. That being said, around noon on the day we'll all meet at the conference room. Please take note of my people so you'll understand if they manhandle Senator Bennet."

Winter Herald focused on Livingstone's words to him. Those were what mattered right now. "I did not have that information. It sounds like what you are telling me is that they actually accepted this money from this dubious and still unknown source, invested it in... cryptocurrency..."

He paused to process the reasons to do that, all possibilities suggesting either idiocy, white collar crime, or both. "And then exchanged that currency to parties unknown, after which word of this assassin reached your informational sources. Which is the expected endpoint of your investigation. Your manpower and time are finite. I did not suggest incompetence. I suggested that you were reaching your legal and practical limits. Any further information you are willing to volunteer, should you have it, would save us both a great deal of time. We have a few days to prepare. I can reach any one of them, wherever they may be on the globe, within a day for questioning if I know where they are."

Hikari nods, "I completely understand sir.  Being a superhero and working with local law enforcement to stop public nuisances is far different than being entrusted as a foreign citizen in maters of internal security for your political conventions and government representatives in elections.  Even were I an allied foreign intelligence operative like MI6.. you would still want me at arms length.  I get that.  My Drones will still be able to monitor the interior of the building though not as clearly from the exterior.  I'll help in any capacity your regulations can allow."

Jacob shrugs.  I'm already committed to the convention.  But, they also realize I may have to leave in a hurry for any number of reasons, he says to Livingstone.  The chief and the mayor want me theee for good public eelations with the press and the people.
He looks lost in thought for a moment.  You, or someone you trust, bring your daughter by the booth.  I'll sign something for her, and she can get a photo.
He looks over at the very young man, and gives him a smile.  He then turns back to Livingstone.  I trust Hikari with my life.  Anyone of us can.

Senor Garcia wondered if he should tell Mr. Livingstone that he had during a training exercise in the 1980’s once snuck into the White House, and theoretically killed President Ronald Regan before leaving undetected.

But he chose not to mention that upon discovering he was ‘dead’ President Regan asked for Senor Garcia to stick around for drink to see if the Secret Service had detected him, which they had not.

“Mr. Livingstone, if you would like me by your side the entire time to coordinate communications, I am sure that Detective Broyko will have no issue with that.”

He then continued in an aggressive tone of voice. “But please do not see me as some old geezer. I hope you’ve done your homework on me, and know what I can and will do.”

Senor Garcia then touched base on another subject but with less of an aggressive tone.

“Mr. Livingstone, as you have been advised on our team and it’s make up, it would be very advantageous if you notified LESP of all of your assets.”

“We should know if any of your agents are undercover, if they are augments, or are metahumans, and the composition of your QRF.”

“It would be pretty embarrassing if some old geezer like me, or someone else in LESP snuffed out one of your people because you didn’t tell us about them.”

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 186):

Hikari flushes slightly lowering his eyes, "Thanks Zee. I only try to use my gifts do what is honorable and just in the protection of innocent lives."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 10:34, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Alison didn't like being ignored, normally, in this circumstance it meant she was at least saying something competent that didn't need correction. All of this was really just people spitballing. It would all go to hell when the real crisis hit.

"I would like to interject here, if I were planning this from the assassins' side I'd be looking for a smoke screen. The AFF make a perfect one, they seem ready to jump into this. Whether that means some kind of protest like tossing blood on a rich woman's mink coat or something more...violent...we should be ready for it and ready to realize it for what it is, a diversion. Does that make sense?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:06, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Señor Garcia, I have seen your file, Jacob says to the older man.  As thick as it is, most of it is unreadable because of all the redactions in it.  It has more black lines than a referee apparel store.  You, and Finley, both.  I'm sure there's stuff in there that even the Secret Service isn't allowed to see.
To Hikari, he says, That's all any of us can do.  The best we are able.....
He looks to Alison.  We can look to see if anyone has gotten a demonstration permit from the city.  They give the date, time, and place, as well as the organizaton, or persons, filing it.  Of course, it could something impromptu.  In that case, we will definitely need to keep watch.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 189):

Hikari nodded "I had considered the whole AFF component to potentially be a distraction... but no data I could uncover could verify or disprove that potentiallity, sadly."

Then his sighed,"... and not to make this even More difficult... but I had hoped Bellissima would be involved with this...cause another factor here is FORCE.   I'll be the first to admit... I'd grown use to having the security and certainty of her powers to keep android infiltrators out of our presense. But this event is Specifically the kind of thing FORCE would make a move at.  I can come up with a myriad of detectors that I could just as easily also spoof with tech to fool... and he's been at this much longer than I.  He doesn't even have to go after the Senator... there will be plenty of brass present that any one of them 'replaced' would be a victory for his goals!  Could we perhaps have animal perhaps canine assistance to sniff out android infiltrators? Would that even work?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

She looked at Jacob, "I am thinking more flash mob style; guerilla tactics like BLM you know? I doubt many people know but I might can have a friend at NSA flag phrases on the internet. I'll try that right..." Justicar spoke then and she gave him her attention. "I am new here, what is FORCE?"

"Exactly right, Alison. It's part of why I wanted to stake out the con in the leadup. If there are rumblings of a flash mob of a group of X-Men cosplayers shouting no registration at the senator as he enters, we can know not to focus on them. And it's why I want us covering his entrance. We'll be able to feel actual hostile intent versus general dislike. And no Hikari, I doubt we could get a dog in place, though we have no intel suggesting FORCE as of now, so it would be a poor idea to focus resources on them. Let's deal with the issues we have now, as well as what new ones spring up from our research or any actionable intel Livingstone's team passes on before we add new ones."

One concern he didn't want to voice was as far as he could tell, the AFF itself was a distraction. A classic deep cover trick, claim to represent one side in a conflict, and use that cover to make a move setting them at each others throats. He'd seen it done enough with cartels to fear that play, because that meant men with even more black bars in their files were probably behind this, if they even had files.

"If I'm being honest, my goal isn't just to stop the assassin, it's to make sure the shot doesn't get taken. If we can do this right, the general public won't even know there was an attempt. Our involvement can be played off as the LESP offering additional security because of the heightened risk of metahuman involvement in any attack. And of course, we don't support the senator's actions, but as heroes we save people, regardless of their views."

Lilibeth sat in the office and just listened to the old and new team members discuss what they should do and how, woth which members should be assigned to what task. It was a familiar thing to her, from before she ever joined the LESP. She would sometimes be "voluntold" to attend CUBs (Commanders Update Brief) and BUBs (Battle Update Brief).

According to her CO and the platoon Sergeant, it had been to expose her to the workings of the higher ups, how things got decided. "Pretty sure they just did it because all the other section heads arrived with an entourage and the medics didn't want to feel left out or something. Well that and having a E4 fetch things. she thought to herself.

Since joining the LESP though, she had discovered these briefings weren't actually briefings. They were more like ops planning only not only was no one in charge, no one seemed to know who had what lane. Still it would be rude to walk out and just wait for the eventual plan to be told to her, so she sat quietly, watching and listening.

"Major FORCE is the head of an organization he named after himself. If it is an acronym, it is not in my files what it stands for. As far as I can tell, he intends to replace organics with machines that he controls. He intended for me to be an elite officer assassin for this cause. And yes, the words 'Manchurian Agent' do have meaning to me, and I've done my best clearing that possibility."

Winter Herald had an expression of distaste as he spoke of FORCE. "His highlights involve pointing a nuke at Center City and actually having his ransom demand met. He still has that, as far as I know, and I'm still waiting for the paperwork that will tell me who signed off on giving him his money. That is highly irregular, I suspect the entire scenario was a show of power in more ways than one, but it will take at least several weeks from now for that information to arrive. He is extremely high priority to me, but I am willing to deal with this assassin for now. Much of my investigation has hit a wall."

That is, unfortunately, how a lot of police work goes, Winter, Jacob advises.  That is why officers cultivate CIs.  Confidential Informants.  Criminals to whom we give money, and they give us information.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

"That is one thing I'm going to miss from doing standard spy work, ignoring conventional law to get the job done. No warrants, merely gathering what we need to prove someone is a scumbag and deserves what's going to happen."

Spymaster looked at the layout one more time, he'd be able to figure which conference rooms were holding panels or were used for screening or merch booths from the con schedule, but also letting him know which should be empty or locked at those times. If he had been planning this much earlier, he would have a room at the hotel, for changing disguises as well as storing any gear they might need on hand, but by now he had a feeling they'd be solidly booked. A little computer wizardry could fix it, but that was a bit out of his league unless he was on the hotel's computer. He looked away and glanced over the team, realizing his partner was terribly bored. Couldn't say he blamed her, he hated being briefed as well, he'd rather be doing the planning than be told by a desk jockey what their intel told them, with no consideration of the actual field.

"Lilibeth, does Runa have any insights we aren't considering in her world? Of us, she's the only one truly magical. And if not, maybe take Captain Justice and get him fitted? If he wants to go into the con with us, we'll have to make him a costume, as I don't think off the rack will work."

Alison decided it was time. "I believe everyone has something to do right now that can fill in gaps. Why don't we adjourn for say 10 hours? We meet back here and see if our working plan needs changes based on what everyone learns. Is this acceptable?"


***440xp***
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

Mr. Livingstone responds to Señor Garcia, readily and without rancor, "I wouldn't underestimate you sir, to underestimate anyone is to leave an opening. That's also why I requested we ALL meet at noon. Your people can vette my people while my people vette yours, and we'll all know each other."
"Although we haven't ruled out some sort of distraction, the fact is The Assassin has never used one. This is, also, why we're splitting LESP between outside and in the conference room. Now, I realize that LESP may have their sights set on taking down The Assassin. Please bear in mind that the men with me, and myself, are only interested in keeping the senator safe. That's our goal."

"My file on Valkyrie is incomplete, but if I'm impersonating someone who is impersonating them, then my disguise for the convention is flawless. My disguise for the fundraiser is not so secure. I require an identity. If I have that, I will be ready to go. I shouldn't offend your senator's tastes. I am not superhuman."

"Depending on my success, my partner and I may or may not be able to show up for a reconvening. I intend to keep us extremely busy." Winter Herald smiled at Captain Justice. "You'll pass POST if I have a say. But before field work, Spymaster's right. We need to armor you, unless you are about to tell me you are bulletproof. Can we create something on short notice for my partner?"

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 200):

Justicar nodded, "Certainly! With his high strength many things are possible... and I can manufacture two sets one for 'plain-clothes' or in this case 'black-tie' operations and one for standard combat deployment as needed or desired stylized to his specificactions, of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:38, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

Just don't make him one of those old "Strongman" leotards, please, Jacob chimes in.  Those things were as embarrassing then as they are now..

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 202):

Hikari grins, "Hey, that was Your idea!  I could restyle your... outfit ~ you have never worn, to be less embarrassing.  The objective was to give you a combat harness that was extremely durable to protect your communications and field gear from easy destruction not protect you from harm that's why it weights about 40lbs!  Its made of blast resistant steel compartments and metal mesh.  The only reason it doesn't chaff is..well your invulnerable already."

Lilibeth perks up at hearing her name. She gets up from her chairs and moves closer to Finley so as to not have to talk across anyone. "Runa doesn't have anything to add. She can't see a reason for any of the gods to be involved in this but that doesn't mean someone chosen by the gods couldn't be involved." She tilts her head to the side and grins, "I think what she means is that just like I'm about to be involved, someone else God touched could be there too. No way for her to know."

"That is not all of what I said Lilibeth," Runa reminds her host. Lilibeth's face colors slightly and she hastily continues, "Wait, almost forgot, Runa said she can't know if anyone god touched is involved right this moment but if we run into someone like that, especially from the Sumarian pantheon, she will probably be able to, well, see the touch of the divine is the best way to put it."

Lilibeth becomes visibly excited at the mention of getting a costume for Captain Justice. "You're right!" she exclaims. "If we get some silver body paint he could totally go as Colossus! Oh! Or with some purple he could be Thanos! He wouldn't even need special platform boots! I'll have to put some thought into this."

When Alison spoke and asked for a break, Lilibeth turns and smiles at her. "That's a great idea! That will give me time to work on my costume and Captain Justice there."

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 203):

Yeah, I'd never worn one, and I thought it would be kinda neat because of my circus history.  Then I tried it on, he responds with a grin.  Apparently, when my body bulked up, I gained an inch or so in height, and in girth.  But, my mass went up more than expected.  I am now two of me in weight.
He looks at Alison, then Lillibeth, then at everyone in turn.  Lunch sounds like a great idea.  But, I think Livingston should buy, since this is his operation.

Captain Justice chuckles at the thought of dressing as Colossus or Thanos.

"I doubt the other con-goers would Appreciate me in a X-Men leotard or Thanos form fitting armor. It comes with being barral shaped rather than the superheroic v-shaped chest."

He then considers what he actually needs.

"I'm pretty tough for a human but I am not bulletproof. So Armor for the head and body would be nice. The main thing I would like is gaunlets and bracers that would allow me to punch things tougher than humans without hurting my hands and parry weapons with my Unarmed Combat skills. In a similar vein, I would like armor for my legs to allow me to kick superhumanly tough things without hurting myself.

I suppose that if one put enough effort into it. You could probably integrate communication equipment,  optics and an independent air supply into the helmet. Because while I can fly,  I do have an altitude ceiling because I still need to breath and it is also cold up there.

As for weapons. I can use pretty much anything fairly well. But I am better with old ranged weapons like bows,crossbows boomerangs, slings, slingshots, spears and javelins.
Most of those would be recognized as weapons so I couldn't bring them to the Convention.  Except for the humble sling. That is just a length of leather cord and some lead balls or rocks.
I would like to try out a bow that has a stronger than normal draw weight. Most medieval longbows have a draw weight of about 200 pounds. I wonder what I could do with one that had a draw weight of 400 or 600 pounds.

Oh well. That is for another time. I'll probably need to carry a concealed gun in the Convention.
"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

Jacob walks up to CAPTAIN JUSTICE, which sounds pretty loud, in the deep voice of an announcer, in his head.  He gives a small at the silliness of it when he approaches the much bigger man.  There was a time I could've dyed my hair and gone as Nightcrawler.  But not any more.  He extends a hand.  You must be Captain Justice.  Im  Jacob Davidovitch, or, more popularly, Chimp Man Zee.

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 206):

Hikari regarded Captain Justice and nodded, "I'm certain I could come up with a ... reasonable and disposable Thanos overlay of the armor I would build that would bring the house down in geekdom!"

"With your high strength I can build for you effectively a combat environment suit with subtle offensive and defensive options... but to make it comfortable I'll need some exacting measurements.  A brief trip to my Workship so I can do a full 3D surface modeling would give me all I need to manufacture a suit of armor with all your options that will be comfortable to wear and remove. Whole scanning process would only take about 10 minutes.  I didn't need to take Bellissima or Runa to my shop they are ..not as robustly built as you Captain.. and I need an accurate scan."

"I can easily include a full LESP compliant communications system and vision-enhancement as well as a H.U.D. for navigation in a visor or helm if you choose... along with a emergency air supply as well as a gas mask feature."

He chuckles, "I think a hammer would be .. just your speed but it will be more than 'just a hammer', but I'll keep it something you can stow away... though the armor itself will have some weapons too..."

Looking at Captain Justice's arms, he laughs, "..I'm gonna go out on a limb here but I think your 'guns' will hit harder then any 'mundane' gun... but if you like... Zee joked about a noisy cricket and my mind immediately went places wondering what would be the most destructive handgun I could cobble-together.. and funny enough an idea came to mind. {chuckle}"

"So if you are skilled in Automatic pistols.. I think I can provide you with a ..rather unique and powerful 'sidearm'..."

Nodding to Paragon's suggestion, "And if we are going to convene for a bit.. I could take you to my workship for a quick scanning and get my autofacs on task to start fashioning your your 'costume' and the Combat Armor with only small bit of your time...?"

{OOC: Unfortunately, the Palladium Combat system makes no provision for bows of a higher pull strength.  I looked in Fantasy, Ninja's and Superspies, etc... no where are there any rules for higher pull strength bows of any kind.  Game system just does not address that.}
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 207):

Captain Justice smiles and shakes Jacob's hand with a incredibly strong grip for a human. But it was like a childs grip to the superhuman.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Jacob. My real name is Arnold Hans Vandergrift.
I have heard that you are incredibly strong and practically invulnerable. "

Yeah, that's a part of my mutation, he says with a sigh.  And pretty much Invulnerable.  Those things have not changed.  Well, besides being hairless now,my strength does seem to have increased.  Welcome to LESP.
His grip is firm, but not excessively so.  He feels no need for a display of strength, so his grip is well within the range for an average human.

"Are you comfortable with a firearm, Captain? We have the discretion to decline such weapons in this unit. I carry one," Winter Herald draws attention to the S&W M39 pistol at his side. "because I am extremely proficient with it, and I understand that a bullet fired is going to hit something, somewhere, and life may or may not be along its path. Do not 'guess' you are going to have one and 'maybe' use one. Have one and be willing to use it, or do not have one. It is not always necessary. It might be a liability at the convention."

"I'm sure Lilibeth can think of something for you. I'll likely build a classic like Gandalf. I'm afraid I didn't get much pop culture in my life, one of the perks of being raised by an old Chinese man who said TV rotted the brain. I know broad strokes, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you who anyone is, outside of the most popular characters. And I'm relatively handy with a needle should you need."

The conversation of more durable clothing was slightly out of his wheelhouse, as his chemistry was used more to make things burn, go boom, or making some sedatives out of common household ingredients, but he might have some inroads if he checked at CCU to see if there were any chemists he knew who might be working towards it.

"I do have a guy who could make you something more durable than regular clothes, and a bit more stylish than riot armor, but the negative is it'll be prohibitively expensive to the point you wouldn't want to wear it for fear of damaging it. Though I suppose I could start experimenting on it. A suit durable enough to handle what you do would make relatively effective body armor for the rest of us who aren't invulnerable."

With everybody set to split off to their individual duties for the day, Oliver had a debate. He could start working on costuming, since time was limited before the con started, or he could convene with CMZ and Herald, pull together all the leads they had and go from there.

Justicar closes his visor and does some calculations in his virtual designers while the meeting adjourns.  As he exits he gestures to Lilibeth and Arnold taking up step briefly with them and pulling a Touch screen padd form a compartment in the Justicar... he shows them some designs he has in mind for their 'costumes'.

A 'Cammie' Cos-play outfit is made with specs for his new Sentinel MK II Team costumes, and Captain Justice Team Gear has ingenious disposable apparel to make a very convincing Thanos.. but clearly is made for serious combat...!





He explains, "Don't be intimidated by all the tech.. it is very user friendly and I will explain every function so you are familiar.  Your superhuman strength means you can carry a portable power system to actually run serious electronics and carry some very heavy weaponry."

"But I'll have to make some custom non-lethal ammo for ~ The Hammer.. that's tedious and time intensive but I can provide both of you this armor in say three days time?"

"The Eh... Sandman is as close as I can come up with for a real-world 'Noisy Cricket'.. it certainly will be loud when fired at least and put ANYTHING hit in a deep likely permanent sleep!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

Captain Justice considers Winter Herald's criticism.
"I don't really have formal training with firearms. I tried firing some firearms at the range after the treatment.  I was fairly accurate despite the lack of training and I will probably hit what I aim at. Give me a bow or a slingshot and I know I will hit what I aim at. We can go the range to demonstrate.

I would prefer a long bow. But that is pretty bulky. A sling or slingshot would work. If I did carry a firearm, It would have ended up as a last resort."

He turns to Justicar and addresses the mass of data.
"This is excellent. But I noticed 2 problems. The Hammer and the Sandman might be too much for me to handle. I'm near the limits of humanity with my strength. But not actually superhumanly strong. The recoil looks like it would hurt.

Winter Herald is an android. If I had to guess they probably built him Superstrong.
Why don't you give one of those Sandman guns to him?

A bodyscan would be fine."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

Justicar nods, "Ah.. I see... these are just manufacturing plans of what I have available and what I can easily build.  They are not set in stone.. I can adjust my designs to not require superhuman strength.  Though those particular weapons would not be useful to you or at least dangerous.. a redesign would be required."

"I can still build you the hammer using less robust ... components. The ones I'd included in this design.. were assuming you possessed superhuman strength but since you do not regular mundane firearms are easily at your disposal should you choose so. The Hammer and electric dischargers are meant to give you some energy attack option should the pure physical not be sufficient for a foe."

His expression was hidden behind his visor but the smile could be heard in his tone, "Winter has declined my designs in the past preferring more subtle 'tools'. But if he were interested I'd certainly be willing to provide."

"Now something that has occurred to me, Now we have three members in the Sentinel's capable of flight You, Runa and I..we should schedule to do some aerial combat practice together to get use to some team aerial tactics for handling threats in the air in a cohesive unit.  Not formations but the tactics of aerial combat to neutralize aerial threats."

"But we can worry over that a little later... for now.. say I meet you back here Arnold in an hour, I we can fly to my workship and I can get you scanned?"

His attention in his visor cannot be determined but as he walks with the pair listening the touch screen padd eventually come up with a new design... which he shows Arnold...

"The Hammer" - {Slung Center Back} Total Weight: 10lbs, SDC: 125
Warhammer = 2hd - No, LT - 3'ft, Dam: 3D4+PS{+Electric Discharge}, Wt: 3.5lbs
- << Wired to Electric Discharge >>
+ {Concealed} Ithace Stakeout Shotgun = RoF: 1AT/Single-Shot, Dam: 5D6{2m}/ 4D6{6m}+1D6{1m-spread}/ 3D6{14m}+1D6{2m-spread}/ 2D6{15+m}+1D6{4m-spread}{Buckshot}, Cap: 5sh tubular magazine; Wt: +6lbs
+ Pommel Detachable-Fastener = For Spike & Tow-line Launcher {So hammer can be thrown and 'reeled' back to hand}

He comments, "Oh.. I didn't ask, Sorry. You don't have to go as Thanos to the Convention.. with your beard and all ... King Vulcan of 'Flash Gorden' could work too... all up to you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

Lilibeth recognized the material and the gear as being the exact same equipment that Hikari had already given her. She looks at the certified teenage genius, "The leotard looks great but all of that equipment won't fit the character. That stun gun gives me an idea. Could you make it not a gun? Build it into the gloves? Like a taser glove? Runa is good at breaking things she punches but just stunning them...yah not so much."

In reply to Runa (msg # 216):

Hikari ponders and replies, "There are some subtle differences in the Sentinel MKI designs... in that I realized most of the team carry no means to restrain criminals we apprehend nor any nonlethal means to hinder foes or change the battlefield to their advantage.  The thermal optics of the Mark I and II allow you to see through the normal smoke grenade obscurement.. useful if you find yourself outmatched and need some cover to escape a foe or gain an advantage to hit them from a flank.  Also, with the built-in gas mask you can put on or remove you can render foes with your tear gas grenade at a distinct disadvantage.. assuming they breath.  Options ~ other than .. 'hitting is not working.. so .. hit it Harder?'."

He nods, "I included the stun blaster as many of the team have no means to subdue a foe without inflicting serious injury.. I wanted to give the team another option than overt violence.  But.. I could certainly build your 'Cammie' outfit with contact stun-tasers effects from its stun blasters. I'd just need to redesign the bracers to have the blaster set to contact on punch.  Would you like two such contact blasters ~ one on each fist/arm?  They would still be able to fire ranged stun beams as well if you like?"

He chuckles, "Ah.. silly me.. I'll add some brass-knuckle/slap-glove reinforcement to the bracer/gloves for the 'Cammie' costume as well.. my mistake.. !"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:25, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

Captain Justice nods
"I would prefer going as King Vultan. Since my build allows me to pull that off more easily.

I could fly to your workshop.  I would probably have to follow you to it.

Practicing some aerial sparing would probably be a good idea."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 218):

Justicar nods, "Good! That's just fine I can get that easily done in a disposable costume overlay!"

"Give me an hour and we'll fly over to my workship..."

"That would be amazing!" Lilibeth says, hugging Hikari briefly and then stepping back. "Opps, sorry, forgot I'm still in gym clothes. I'll go shower and change, then I'll be ready."

"Ok. I think our plans are set. We'll meet with the Secret Service people at the conference venue about noon. Señor Garcia will accompany Mr. Livingstone and their team to the airport to pick up the senator. I want Runa and Captain Justice to fly over the route and keep an eye on the motorcade both to and from the airport. While you're doing so, you'll keep in contact with Señor Garcia and myself so we don't get a ringer tossed in."
"Hikari and Jacob will need to be at the other convention until such time as the senator arrives. Once he passes through the doors and gets into the conference room, they'll be joined by Captain Justice and Runa. The four of you would then secure the access points and watch for anything unusual."
"Paragon, Señor Garcia, Spymaster, Winter Herald will be roaming through the fundraiser and watching for any disruptions. I'll have uniforms at the periphery, and manning the doors. I'll be on the podium with Mr. Livingstone and the senator. All we have to do is keep the assassin from his target, the senator, for the fourteen hours the senator is here. I think we can handle it."
"If anyone has other concerns, please see my in my office."

In reply to Runa (msg # 220):

Hikari was clad in his new White and Light Blue paneled Justicar-Polymer Suit not as armored as the Justicar MK III..soon to be MK IV.. so he was not quite as solid as his more common suit. He could certainly feel the soft affectionate hug of Lilibeth and was glad his visor was down to hide his sudden flush of embarrasement!

"Aheh.. yeah. I'm ah.. glad you like it Lilibeth."

Though his expression could not be read in his face under his visor, his posture and extreme care not to return the hug in a unprofessional manner was at least clear to Arnold standing nearby.

Gathering his dignity quickly, "So uhm.. meet back here in a hour.. Winter wants to talk to me.. I'll see you both back here..and then we can head to my Workship."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

I am already going to be at the convention, Jacob responds.  I have a paid photo  session, and an autograph and photo-op session in my booth, and I have a lecture and Q&A in a conference room later.  But, I can make it for the meeting with Secret Service.

Winter Herald glanced at the proposed firearm being shown to Captain Justice. "There are so many things I hate about the design of that pistol, and logically, I somehow know it will be a highly effective weapon only because of who is designing it. I cannot critique the hammer itself. That is outside of my programming. The shotgun, on the other hand..."

Winter Herald momentarily winced. "It will work and fire, and likely be very effective, but I cannot see how or why."

"I'll finish my business with Justicar, and then we can plan, Spymaster."

18:30, Today: Winter Herald rolled 70 using 1d100.  Detect Weapon Quality Pistols. TN 44. There's a lot of obvious design problems to the weapon, even with this roll. He can't figure out how it should work.
18:31, Today: Winter Herald rolled 20 using 1d100.  Detect Weapon Quality Rifles. TN 44. Shotgun's a bit out of his preprogrammed zone. They handle weird, and he's averse to them. That said, he can see exactly how this weapon is supposed to work, but he still hates what he is seeing.

Superhero tech!

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 218):
In reply to Runa (msg # 220):

Justicar returns to the LESP offices...

Awaiting Captain Justice and Runa to arrive for the flight to his Workship...

Lilibeth arrives with a small duffle bag. If asked she will say it's to store her regular clothes after she changes I to her Cammy costume.

OOC
Sorry, pressed for time.

Captain Justice shows up to fly to Justicar's workshop.

"I'm ready to go when you are."

In reply to Runa (msg # 226):

Justicar chuckles, "I don't have it done yet Lilibeth.. I'll need a day or two. I don't really need your measurements Lilibeth I already have them.. but your welcome to visit my workship while I get Captain Justice's specs for his costume. We planned to fly there... its not far do you need to call Runa or would you prefer someone just carry you so your not frivolously bothering the Priestess?"

Regarding Captain Justice, he gives him the thumbs up!

"Oh I didn't think you had it made already," she laughs. "I thought we were going to your workshop to make it. I remember you have all my measurements from before but still wanted to try it on before I need it."

When he asks about Runa, she says, "Its no trouble. She has been wanting to practice with her new wings so this gives her a good excuse."