It isn't really early, just past nine in the morning, but there are already numerous busboys positioning and setting tables. Only LESP has arrived, the secret service aren't there, yet.
The detective suggests the team sit at the tables and go over their assignments.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Fri 02 June 2023.

The Day of the Convention, Hikari made sure that both Arnold/Captain Justice and Lilibeth/Runa had their Comic Convention costumes and accessories … delivering them personally if they had not contacted him or replied to his e-mail.

Coordinating with the Comic Convention Administrators, Hikari made sure a landing zone was cordoned off at the entrance to the Convention Center where the Comic fans would enter… and just before the Comic Convention portion of the event opened Hikari flew in … piloting the Justicar-Paladin over the heads of the comic fan crowd to land the 24’ft tall Mecha as a guest appearance... landing on its whining fan thrusters to strike a posse for the crowds.  All its weapons system were safety locked and its heavy ordinance unloaded for safety purposes.  Then Justicar-Polymer exited the mecha’s chest cavity to meet and greet with the comic fans and sign autographs.

The Paladin also bore a cargo… something Karl had whipped up from one of the now idle autofacs aboard the Sea Sentinel.  Much to Hikari’s shock … Toys!  Karl had run off diecast metal 2’ft tall robot figurines of the Justicar-Paladin with a similarly diecast metal ‘action-figure’ of the Justicar MKIII in the toy’s chest… both fully pose-able and combine-able.  Hikari smiled at his father’s creativity… though they were only a run of one thousand Karl had made; the fact he was so thoughtful and generous with his time was a surprise to Hikari. The first thousand Comic fans at the entrance would have a unique souvenir to remember the event!

But Hikari was not at the Comic Convention; he himself was on in his Justar combat costume near the entrance of the Conference Rally in fact he was sitting in one of the external monitoring Vans of the local Center City Police Security.. not with the Secret Service as they did not want his presence. Oddly, Hikari was wearing some wrap-around optical headband crown-like device and dividing his attention between watching the police van camera’s {not much}, and watching whatever was being displayed on his headband gadget.

In truth the device was a miniaturized version of his telemental helmet and he was directing and occasionally speaking through the head-mic from his Justicar-Polymer suit with the assistance of K3 the sophant A.I. onboard the battlesuit with the Fans at the Comic Convention.  He was having K3 do all the autographs while he spoke through the suit to the Comic convention fans and both took turns monitoring the deployed drones ~ Phobos and Deimos high above with their now enhanced sensor suites monitoring the proceedings, running facial recognition software and a dazzling array of directional mikes, sound samplers, and high-resolution optical and electronic image enhancers.  Hikari was effectively two places at once occasionally stepping outside the van to soak up some sunrays and fill his body with solar power… but made every attempt to make no displays of metahuman power and as best as possible stay out of sight and out of the way of the regular security.

It was hard staying attentive to the Conference Security when he knew most who were gathering for it were pushing bigoted hatred of his metahuman status.  Hopefully the Assassin would be NOT be spotted by his intentionally unwanted “help” and whatever went down would be someone else’s fault not his.  He really did not want to ponder what he would or could do with how tied his hands were to assist IF he actually spotted someone suspect or something suspicious.. likely any warning HE gave would be ignored anyways!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Fri 02 June 2023.

The detective spreads a map of the convention center on one of the tables, and explains, "This is how I think we'll be distributing LESP. In addition to those listed, each of the exits within the banquet area will have one of LESP's uniforms on it. Before anyone asks, Januchowski wanted to be in the communications van out front so, thankfully, he's not here."
"As you can see, the secret service wanted this rear exit as their own. As soon as their crew gets here, you can all familiarize yourself with their agents so you won't shoot any of them. This brings up another point. It is imperative that we don't discharge any weaponry towards any group of civilians. Any assassins that show up are to be captured alive unless it is the only means to prevent their escape. Those are orders from above, and I don't know why."

Broyko waits while people discuss the assignments and make their plans.

Justar regards the layout of the deployment plan with a shrug... "Are you sure you want ME, of all people, out front at the main entrance where everyone can see instead of off to the side and out of everyone's way?  The Senator's going to have to walk right by me there ~ unless he wants to 'sneak in through the secret service back entrance/exit?  Not a very 'Inspiring' look.  I set Justicar-Paladin and Justicar-Polymer at the Comic Fan's entrance as, sort of, an Obvious distraction."

Pointing out on the layout, "I'd like to have Drone-Phobos high-surveillance over the Secret Service's rear exit or at least at the back of the Convention center covering from there while Drone-Deimos flies a loose large figure-eight patrol patern over the top of the entire convention center lengthwise."

Then slowly draws his Stun Gun Blaster from the waist holster at the small of his back directing his question to Det. Broyko, "..is this also off the table?  It fires an invisible electrolaser beam... totally non-lethal, but effective in incapacitating targets.  Also.. I personally can control and induce static electrical fields in my surrounding to entangle clothing and hinder targets... its also mostly invisible.. and completely non-lethal.  My Static Electrical Control powers 'Can' disrupt electronics IF I will it so.. or inflict minuscule damage if I choose, but I am Fully in control of that intensity and area affected.  Can I use those abilities if needed?  Otherwise I'm reduced to punching folks and you got plenty of Police for that."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Fri 02 June 2023.

Winter Herald had to send a notification and his picture identity to the team an hour before his arrival on the site, due to the changes he was making to his own appearances, insuring at least Broyko would know what he looked like now, and trusting the others would simply receive the information as needed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
02:12, Today: Winter Herald rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.  Disguise roll. TN 94.
02:17, Today: Winter Herald rolled 5 using 1d100 with rolls of 5.  Imitate voice. TN 97.

Winter Herald arrived, looking nothing like any form he was associated with. His voice became soft and cultured as he spoke, with a hint of Southeastern accent and dripping with elitist arrogance. "My primary blade is in storage for now. I am, as always, a living arsenal with concealed backups, but you can refer to me as Harold Frost. A simple name, close to another one you might know, because I need you to remember that name when the time comes. I need to be exempted from metal detectors upon entry, because it is embarrassing to be scanned by security. I will not be leaving once I am in, but few keep track of the bathroom habits of others, so it should arouse no suspicions that no one sees me exit."

"Now, I am going to be completely submerged into this act until the assassin reveals themselves, so depending on how you talk to me, it might get awkward. I am simply a middleman, a stand-in for another, and that needs to be remembered. So, how am I doing so far? I felt the artists at Star were good at listening to my instructions for facial obfuscation."

In reply to JUSTAR (msg # 4):

"The senator will be coming through the hotel entrance. Zee and Drifter will just be a couple of guys staying out of the way of the secret service surrounding the senator. I highly doubt The Assassin will be obvious till they've acted. Once they have, it's important we don't press them till they're away from potential hostages. The secret service will be using the rear exit as their 'duress exit', those in the banquet area will secure that exit and allow the secret service through while attempting to detain the assassin if they go that way."
"In my opinion, once the deed is done the assassin will go out the front. The hotel is liberally supplied with security cameras; the convention center will be liberally supplied with law enforcement. Exiting immediately to the street will be their most likely option, and that's where REcycler and JUSTAR will be waiting. If they attempt to go to the convention and adopt a new disguise, Runa and Captain Justice will have been alerted and can watch for anyone coming into that area."
"Remember, it's important we don't shoot anyone. Even the assassin needs to be taken alive, if possible. One of the reasons we're here is because I told the city council that your abilities mean you can stop these guys without killing anyone. Prove me right, and we'll be making the world a better place."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Fri 02 June 2023.

Paragon/Alison is no longer even semi-casual. She wears charcoal colored cargo pants and turtle neck, over which is a hard armor vest which displays an insignia of the US Marshal's Service on the front with her "hero" name printed in very small letters beneath; likewise on the back is clearly printed in yellow "UNITED STATES MARSHAL'S SERVICE." She carries one of the HUD helmets that matches her motif under her arm (or now on the table in front of her), and a facemask bunched around her neck for easy pull up to cover if necessary. Her sidearm arm is still on her hip, and she carries an AR-15 carbine slung combat style at her chest. Her hair is pulled up and tightly braided to make getting into and out of the helmet easier. Her ensemble is finished off with a pair of work boot style hard toed shoes.

Alison looked over the map and gave a nod. "Those of us in the main room should either be like me, highly visible as a deterrent, or like Spymaster and invisible. I assume Garcia, as he is riding along with the Senator, will enter with the Secret Service. I will post up between the right hand staircase leading to the podium and the rear exist so as to cover it and provide secure exit." She pointed to the spot she indicated. "Harold, you look rather dashing. You might consider keeping the look, it suites you." Turning to Broyko, "As your liaison, I assume I am on sight point of contact for the Secret Service. Let me know when they arrive and I will be there to meet and greet. You can rest assured, my arms are for show. Push comes to shove, I'll engage hand to hand. I've no questions, does anyone else?"

Hikari listens as the adults plan and direct noting the armaments and makes one 'last' attempt to contribute something relevant, "Uhm, none of you need bear just lethal weaponry.. I can provide a Stun Gun Blaster for any of the team that would like the option?"

Not expecting to be paid attention to from then on.. he will take his assigned post and continue monitoring...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Fri 02 June 2023.

Alison turned to Hikari, "That isn't a bad idea actually. I'll take one if you have one on you." She nodded thoughtfully at the young man. There was more to him than she had originally surmised.

Hikari brightened.. almost literally.. the direct sunlight made him.. very attractive especially when he smiled.

He nodded, "Yes, I do indeed...!!!" to which he went and retrieved a ..  gun chest of impact resin and characteristic rounded edges.  With a thumb-print scan he opened the chest to a dark foam interior with a set of 10 of the energy weapons inside the 'New' smell of the foam was tinged slightly with the hint of ozone.  There was a foam space for each pistol to have 2 spare E-clips.

Stun Gun {Blaster} = Ra: 100’ft, Dam: Special [Victims are dazed, - 10 to strike, parry and dodge, for 2D4 melees – Save Vs Toxin],
RoF: 5/melee, charges: 10, Wt: 1lbs, WP: Energy Pistol [$4,000 + $1,000 E-Clip]

He immediately went into a tech instruction on their operation, "These are energy weapons they have no recoil.. so it will take a little to get use to that.  Those proficient with handguns I'd suggest aiming a tad lower than you normally would with a handgun.  They can only discharge 5 pulses in the space of a 15 second cycle period of the homopolar generator inside to refill the internal capacitors. Avoid head shots.. the electrolaser could potentially have some permanent nasty side-effects on the optic nerve ~ they have not been tested on such sensitive nerve clusters, as yet.  Each holds enough power for 10 pulses before a new E-clip must be replaced.  They have dual side safeties.  Do not fire underwater.. they will work but YOU are not insulated from their pulse.  Avoid firing near powerful magnetic fields as the beam will attenuate... and could possibly damage delicate control electronics.  Each weapon has two spare E-clips."

"These are a limited run Model MkI.. I've not had time to implement the Advanced Model upgrades with laser sight, select-fire pulse, extended e-clips, electronic night sight, Ammo/Charge readout, close-range taser setting, and the hardened melee/handguard construction ~ all integral. Maybe I'll get to it in the Model MkII"

Then he sighed, "Technically.. I'm a 'Foreign Consultant'... so let's just say these are 'on loan' ~ I'm not giving them to the agency... but I 'May' forget to ask for them back... y'know absent-minded geniuses these days..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Fri 02 June 2023.

Alison is much more interested in the weapon than in Hikari on a personal level. She picked one up and admired it. She sighted it before slotted the E-clip. "Lower? So belt buckle rather than chest or navel? Either way it's ingenious. Light weight too, so I can carry it in my hip holder." She took out her Glock 29 and replaced it with the stun gun. She slid her pistol into the waist of her pants at the small of her back.

Uncharacteristically, the detective grins. "I knew it. This is what I kept telling them, sophistication in lethal weaponry implies the same in non-lethal counterparts. I'll be borrowing one of those, myself. If we can rely on these sorts of weapons we'll turn the usual law enforcement mindset inside out."
"Thank you, Hikari, this is exactly where I wanted to go."

In reply to Paragon (msg # 11):

If the young genius has any notions of personal "interest" in the stunningly attractive US Marshal... it is not apparent in his reaction or gaze as he is the perfect gentleman eyes on her face and his bearing the consumate professional.

Hikari nods, "Yes, Paragon... between navel and belt-buckle will be quite effective!  The stun blaster does have a high pitch buzz when fired but its not very loud... in crowded areas like this.. weapon discharge likely will go unheard."

He turned to Detective Broyko and smiled handing him a blaster and two spare clips, "..Thank you Sir.  Just trying to be helpful and protect lives.  I have some working plans on a stun-nullifier that can be worn to shield Law Enforcement from such Stun Weapons but it is still in the development stage."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Fri 02 June 2023.

As if on cue, Spymaster arrived, his standard suit actually buttoned instead of loosely worn, a flag pin on his breast.

"I hope I've dressed the part. I debated between this and my Ranger dress uniform, but I feel the Ranger uniform would draw too much attention to myself. I presume I'll handle the east, Harold, the south, it'll put you at the back of the room, where you should be able to outpace anyone trying to flee, no matter the door. Hikari, I love the initiative with the stun blasters. If you don't mind I'll have one as well."

Spymaster took the gun, and slid it under his jacket around the back, not moving his normal .45 from his shoulder. It didn't exactly conceal well, but for now it was held. An easy fix later, but for now he looked around the room.

"Our most immediate move is to scan the room as it stands. It doesn't seem to be his play, but our assassin may have left a few surprises. While we have the time, better to be on the safe side."

OOC: 17:56, Today: Spymaster rolled 97 using 1d100 with rolls of 97.  Concealment for stun gun.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Fri 02 June 2023.

Winter Herald studied the pistol, matching it with other ballistics he was familiar with and finding a zero match. "It does appear to be an effective weapon. Unfortunately, I do not trust my aim with it. But I shouldn't need it, any more than I require the pistol. My primary role for this operation is observation. If the target appears, attempt to keep up, radio location information, and engage with non-lethal force to save lives or to enforce compliance with an arrest."

"And thank you, Agent Paragon. It was the best I could do on short notice. Lite Star are the real heroes. I just gave them my specifications - they were willing to invest in me for this assignment, as long as it was clear they were not endorsing any political views."

Hikari nods and smiles cheerfully as he hands the Stun Gun Blaster with two spare e-clips to Spymaster.

He makes no comment or reaction to Winter Herald's refusal, his expression neither surprise nor disappointment...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Sat 03 June 2023.

Lilibeth strode into the convention center in her 'Cammy' costume with a positively beaming expression on her face. She knew that the real reason for her being here was to be part of a PSD (Personal Security Detail) but that wasn’t enough to damper her enthusiasm and excitement in the least bit. “Do try to remember we are here for an important task; protecting life,” Runa commented in their shared mind. “Of course! I will totally be alert and all that but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy myself until something happens, right?” Runa gave the mental equivalent of a snort but said nothing.

So it was that when Lilibeth entered the room where Detective Broyko was giving his assignment briefing, the blond woman had a beatific smile on her face. She leaned forward attentively as the detective detailed who would be partnered with whom and where. When he was finished, she raised a hand and then pointed at where she was to be on the map. “Not that I have any problem with being paired with Captain Justice,” she nods at the giant of a man, “but I thought you wanted me paired with Spymaster? Or did I just imagine that from a few days ago?”

She removes her hand from the map and folds her arms under her breasts while waiting for the detective to respond.

Senor Garcia arrives wearing a blue suit, with a light blue tie. A pair of aviator sunglasses can be seen in the left side pocket of his suit jacket and a clear radio earpiece is visible in his left ear.

All in all, he looks like a shabbily dressed old Federal Law Enforcement agent who is way past retirement age.


13:14, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 47 using 1d100 with rolls of 47.  Surveillance Systems 113% (check out cameras inside convention center).
PASS, how many security camera are there inside the convention center?

13:13, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 67 using 1d100 with rolls of 67.  Wardrobe & Grooming 62%.
FAIL

13:16, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 81 using 1d100 with rolls of 81.  Disguise 105% (just some old Federal LEO)
PASS

This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Sat 03 June 2023.

wringing his hands Drifter briefly gets a confused expression crossing his face.
 Drifter wonders.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Sat 03 June 2023.

In reply to Runa (msg # 17):

"I had second thoughts on that. Both of you can fly, so you're the aerial component of a chase team. If you're informed the suspect is escaping you two are to take to the air and mark his position, follow as best you can till you can get him pinned down"

When Captain Justice got his email from Hikari, He immediately replies with a query on where to meet up. He then flies straight to that location. It is obvious that he enjoys the costume/armor that Hikari made with how he praises it's flexibility and construction.

He arrives at the Convention Center a few minutes earlier than ordered in his full King Vultan costume/armor and practically struts in. Obviously method acting for his cosplay of King Vultan as played by BRIAN BLESSED

He contains the ham for the first few minutes, Nodding with the instructions to be in the room with Runa.

And then the HAM comes out
"INDEED! Our Arial Forces will easily outmaneuver anyone on foot. Unless they can outrun a helicopter. Or a Jet in Runa's case. But how likely is an Assassin to have superspeed on top of the probable shapeshifting or superhuman disguise skills?"

Hikari greet Captain Justice cheerfully.. and smiles at his unbridled HAM.. taking pride in how well the 'King Vultan' components to the costume work. He will take a moment to demonstrate for Arnold how the plastic mock pieces on his hammer that provide the appearance of 'King Vultan's' hooked beak-like war Scepter can be easily released and discarded for actual combat.

To his question Hikari replies with his assessment of the Assassin's potential tactics, "Honestly Captain, I don't think the Assassin will be fool enough to stage a direct attack upon the Senator.  I'm thinking he will slip in to set up in some innocuous location that he knows the Senator will be in proiximity at some point of his appearance with a lethal trap that will be triggered either by the Senators innocuous action or remotely when he knows the Senator must be near his trap... so he 'the Assassin' need be no where near the kill. For instance the dias the Senator will likely be ascending to give some pompous speech at a podium... the steps up to the podium could be rigged with a dart launcher containing a lethal toxin... that his steeping on will sting his ankle quite unobtrusively killing him before he finishes his speech.  Or since this particular assassin likes to use .45cal ammo exclusively.. the very microphone at the podium could be rigged with a close range single shot .45 cal Zip gun to shoot the Senator in the head at a timed or remotely triggered signal."

"I think It would be the height of ego for the assassin to plan some disturbance expecting the Secret Service to try to rush the Senator out of the Convention hall specifically to open an opportunity to personally get near to shoot the senator and escape in the confusion... but that seems a 'rookie' kind of move for an assassin this cunning to attempt considering his reputation of 100% success.  I'd put my money on a remotely triggered or innocuous trap so he need never be anywhere near his target."

"No. I don't think this assassin will be making a physical appearance.  But What do I know?"

Lilibeth nods her head in understanding of Detective Broyko's reasoning. "Sounds good!" she says cheerfully and then looks up as her partner for the mission makes his big entrance. "Good to see you, your majesty!" she says to the faux King Vultan, giving him a polite curtsy.

In response to the talk about whether or not the assassin would manually attempt the murder or rely on remote devices, Lilibeth shrugs. "Well as my first platoon sergeant was fond of telling us, 'this is a binary solution set; either he will or he won't.'" Her voice had gone deeper for her last sentence, no doubt in an attempt to mimic her former platoon sergeant. "We could spend hours, days if we really put our minds and egos to it, playing the 'he might do this' game and still not figure out what's actually going to happen. So lets not overthink things, keep our eyes and ears open and do our best."

"I for one find the whole deal suspicious.  The whole idea of assassination is to work in secret behind the scenes. Yet somehow it is discovered or leaked that an assassin is going after a Diplomat!  One known to be adamantly against people with extra ordinary talents.

May as well go after sport stars or special force operatives while they are at it. I would not be surprised at all to find that the whole building is the target.  Just how long
have people known of this Convention or that a large number of... non human freaks like us Heroes were going to conveniently show up?  What is that phrase?
dammed if we do and dammed if we don't.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Sun 04 June 2023.

"Harold Frost" practiced blinking and breathing, devoting a minor subroutine to both, as he continued to lightly refine his dialect. "For someone to attempt a high profile assassination against a hardened target requires either confidence, idiocy, or both. Someone has an objective of 'sending a message.'"

He had a sour look on his face, one that became introspective as he wondered if his persona might not be better served believing that nonsense to be a good idea. "Let us hope we put more work into this than the adversary, even though I do not expect that. Runa has the correct outlook. I do not believe we can put more planning into this, because all we know is that the most likely assassin, if in fact singular, favors firearms, which implies an MO that at least requires a line of sight and a projectile capable of delivering a reliable deathblow. We have finite resources, finite time, and no one can be strong everywhere. Let's hope we left the weak points we want to leave, because it is sink or swim."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Sun 04 June 2023.

"Both of you are right, every attempt at stopping this before hand met with nothing. Though you aren't wrong Hikari, his preferred method is a 9mm pistol, but he has used other weaponry. A zip gun in the microphone would be hideously unreliable though, a good old fashioned explosive charge in the podium would be how I'd approach it though. It needn't be large for a single target, your detonator can be a cell phone, or a simple object someone wouldn't question like a pen, or a key fob."

Spymaster crosses over to the podium and looks it over, looking for anything that could potentially hide an explosive charge, or if there was a detonator he could spot.

"And there is a simple reason for an assassination Drifter. In your travels, I assume World War 2 happens in many worlds, and the incident that starts that awful war is the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, at least by our history. So, my fear is this a Franz Ferdinand situation, if he's killed, people will blame metas like you for it, and will lead to... interesting times. Stronger metas can hold their own, maybe even carve out a portion of the world for themselves, but weaker ones will wind up dead. And that's not counting the loss of life of innocent unpowered civilians, caught in the crossfire. The attempt might even be enough to set it off. The real question is, who stands to gain by starting it?"

19:21, Today: Spymaster rolled 43 using 1d100 with rolls of 43.  Detect Concealment tn 85. SUCCESS

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 26):

Hikari shrugs, "I'm just spit-balling ideas here.  I'm not saying the Assassin has done such ... but I would think the obvious explosive placements.. like under the stage/dias or in the very podium would be prime-target places for our professional secret service men to inspect and they have more than likely already done so ~ Repeatedly!  I only mean to suggest that certain objects and locations that would on the surface seem perfectly innocuous... like the three aluminum metal steps up to the stage or the very microphone he'd use could be made into lethal traps... and such places WE might do well to thoroughly examine."

"I'm no assassin... but I know I could place a weapon of assassination small enough to fit into a microphone and still be quite lethal ~ I could make a gun the size of one of Your finger's Spymaster and load it with explosive ammo; the effect on a human cranium the same as a targeted pumpkin!  Miniaturization has always been my tech-specialty ~ so I tend to look for threats I could manufacture."

He turns to look at the gathering crowd and waves his team off, "Anyways.. I'd best get to my post.  Good fortunes to us all."

Justar took up position at the main entrance and was taken aback by the Comic and Superhero fans already present.  He almost immediately had his hands full answering questions about LESP and the exploits of the Sentinels and his Justicar suits - Polymer and Paladin.  Clearly his public Id as the Justicar was known by almost all those present and the footage of his battle in the Paladin against the Bronto-Bear had gone viral.  The comic fans and superhero groupies were fascinated to learn that the Justicar-Polymer was being piloted by an AI ~ 'K3' of Hikari design... and that Hikari was also a mutant genius.

Some even had recent footage of him using his mutant powers flying across the city..confirming for Hikari the LESP HQ was watched ALL THE TIME.. not only by law enforcement but also superhero fan Groupies.  He'd have to be more careful... but the fact of his mutant powers was not going to be a secret for long... and he refused to outright lie.

He misdirected the conversation one persistent fan kept trying to find out the nature of his other energy powers by returning to his ideas abut how AIs like the one in his Polymer Suit could be fairly and equitably be integrated into society.  Earning himself a rather stimulating conversation with many of the fans and Sci-Fi thinkers gathered there ~ some for some against.  It was... distracting to keep his mind focused on watching for threats... but K3 helped a great deal through mental communication with the telemental crown/headband...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Mon 05 June 2023.

Senor Garcia listened to the conversation regarding the assassin, and figured now would be the time to bring up something so preposterous that....well unless he had evidence would be dismissed.

Except he did have evidence.

It wasn't until JUSTAR left, that Senor Garcia motioned and pulled Detective Broyko, Spymaster, Winter Hearld, and Paragon aside.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Mon 05 June 2023.

looking around at the sites aimlessly browsing
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Mon 05 June 2023.

Spymaster continues examing the podium until Justar, Runa and Captain Justice leave the room.

Lilibeth looks at Captain Justice, "Guess that's are que to find our position," she tells 'Vultan'.

"A moment." Still in the Harry Frost persona, he followed.

Captain Justice as King Vultan  acknowledges Runa's curtsy with a nod.
He listens to the reasoning laid out by the others.
He responds to Runa with Unbridled Hammy Enthusiasm.
"Aye! It Is Time go out into the Public! Let us go Lady Cammy! No doubt the public shall seek the King's favor with pictures and poses. But the beautiful Lady Cammy shall be even more Busy due to her Feminine Charms.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Fri 09 June 2023.

Lilibeth smiles brightly at Captain Justice AKA Vultan, as they walk together to their post. She claps her gloved hands together excitedly at his words. "Yes! Taking pictures of people cosplaying is like half the reason I go to cons! The other half is me getting to cosplay. I love it when people ask to take a picture with me. It's how I know I did a good job with the costume. Hey! I know, when people ask you to pose, we could show them how strong you are by lifting me up with one hand! And I could balance on your palm! Like strike a total Cammy pose!"

The false Vultan's smile becomes even wider and he laughs a hearty boisterous laugh.

He speaks with much Ham and Enthusiasm.

"That would be Glorious! It shall be Done and All Eyes will be upon Us!!"

As the others are speaking, a cosplayer dressed as CMZ, yellow tracksuit with badge and LESP, hairy gloves and a mask that looks remarkably like Jacob had before, before he went bald joins them.  He stands silently for a few moments before Jacob takes off the mask to greet his friends and coworkers.  It's pretty sad I have to cosplay as myself in order to blend in with the crowd.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 36):

Justar chuckles at his partner, "hahah... don't worry CMZ...you'll always be my hairy Hero!  I didn't bother with a costume other than my own.  I'm sort of the "official" presence of the LESP Sentinels here... as everyone else is either too new for anyone to recognize or they are incognito and not obvious.  So.. I'm kind of the "distraction"... the burdens of a public Id."

He shrugs, "I usually try to draw fire from the rest of the team in combat.. why should now be any different?  Oh.. by the way.. in direct sunlight.. I regenerate ~ so my risk is not so great.  I don't think that will matter the assassin should likely try to stay far away from the 'obvious' LESP Sentinels here at the Convention Center.  You and Drifter just keep your eyes open for anything or anyone suspicious... lol."

I've known the burdens of a public identity far longer than you, Hikari, Jacob says with a small smile.  Trust me.  It can be fun, but not always.  The fans are great.  Then, there are the haters.  In my case, there are quite a few.  The anti-semitic.  The anti-mutant.  The anti-communist, and the anti-immigrant sentiments.  Neither of which I never undertood. Hell, I just spent an hour in a Q-and-A getting asked all kinds of personal questions about all the physical changes I've been through, and dealt with a of those haters.  Had a photo-op with a very dismal showing before that.  Seems as much shit as I got from people for looking different, that seems to version of me that they prefer.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 38):

Hikari whinces, "Gah! Now I feel like a total Ass... sorry man your right you have had to deal with public Id Far longer and more toxic than I ever have or likely will!  So much to unpack with that... some people are stupid ignorant bigots who are probably only one generation from walking on all fours and living in caves!  Don't let them get to you... You know who You are ~ Screw them!  But I can guess it gets old... and really tiring to deal with all the time."

"Honestly, I ... never tried to hide my identity.. cause I was trying to goad my mother... into changing her what I always thought were her criminal ways.  'sigh' But I was mistaken... manipulated by a real Villain!  I'd thought all these year my mother was the world class supervillaness Polaris, but that was misinformation my ... half-brother, who I never knew I had; a real Meta-Human, Neo-Nazi, bigoted, White Supremacist, Supervillain named 'Magnetor' had fooled my whole family with! Yeah, A LOT was learned in my visit to Japan..."

The Youthful hero looks partially angry but more frustrated by the revelations as much as the current situation, "..we'll talk about it more later.  I expect my half-brother will not leave me alone now that I know the truth.  Let's deal with one villain at a time..we have an assassin to {not} help catch."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Sat 10 June 2023.

While listening to all sent her way, Alison took up her self-designated placement.

Agent Livingstone and his crew arrive, show themselves to the LESP detachment, and then disperse. While some of the agents go to the kitchen area and doorways, the rest, including Paragon, leave with Señor Garcia and Agent Livingstone to be part of the motorcade.
While the senator is being retrieved, the rest of the event seems to run smoothly.
None of the people in the convention center appear to be androids, and at about 7:15, a number of workmen set up the dais. Around 7:45 the senator arrives and once he is seated, dinner is served. Nothing noteworthy happens till around 9:00 when the senator goes to the podium to give his speech. One of the dignitaries sitting near the front leaps to his feet, and begins to shoot at the dais with a pair of automatic pistols! The podium shatters, sending splinters everywhere. The senator flies backward and gets caught in the curtains.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 41):

The sound of gunfire is not missed by the Justicar Drone-Phobos & Deimos sensitive sensor suite and K3 warns Justar immediately!

Not waiting for any orders... Justar switches to his Pure Energy form and flies into the Convention Center through the non-air tight doors and barriers as a humanoid cloud of radiant energy ignoring the rising panic... and physical objects in his path harmlessly 'ghosting' his way in. He flies directly at the gunman triggering his Static powers to fly through the assassin and deliver his Joy Buzzer Shock attack to attempt to make him drop his firearms reflexively from the static shock.

23:40, Today: JUSTAR rolled 18 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 9.  Justar - Strike 'Touch' fly-through Gunman from behind [+9]. – 18

Joy Buzzer Shock: = Ra: Touch, Dam: 1 SDC ‘startling’, Dur: Instant, Attacks per Melee: 1 AT/jolt
‘Startling’ {loses initiative, 1-50% chance drop anything he/she is holding, or release an object/person being physically, restrained, entangled, pinned or otherwise held}

23:42, Today: JUSTAR rolled 22 using 1d100 with rolls of 22.  Joy Buzzer [50%] chance drop held items. – 22

As soon as Justar had flown through the gunman he switches back to human form landing before the dias hopefully to block any further shots at the Senator his body being the shield and drew his Stun Gun Blaster to fire at the gunman...

K3 is also not idle.. taking direct control of Drone-Phobos... flies the drone into the Convention center from the rear entrance smashing through doors and flying over secret service men's heads to take up position in the convention hall stationary behind Justar on the dias; extending three of its utility arms/limbs to erect and emit three Stationary Force Fields in a slightly overlapping their edges for a 30'ft barrier composed of the three 10'foot square shimmering blue energy screens to protect anyone on the stage from gunfire.

{3x} Phase-1 Force Field Projector = 10’ft x 10'ft square ‘Overlappting Edge Wall {3 screens}’, SDC80, 1/2Dam vs Energy
- Physical damage less than SDC negated, Energy Damage reduces SDC of FF

23:44, Today: JUSTAR rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Justar - Initiative [+6m]. – 15
This message was last edited by the player at 08:40, Sun 11 June 2023.

Harold Frost had made a point of being transactional when talking to anyone - posing as a mysterious representative of a client who had influence over very zealous voters who liked where the Senator was going with this "forced metahuman conscription" idea of his. He smiled when he was expected to smile, although he had to roll with their idea of "humor", and they seemed to find him a bit off putting that he wasn't engaging in full-throated laughter with them.

03:06, Today: Winter Herald rolled 87 using 1d100 with rolls of 87.  Trust/Intimidate TN 65.
03:06, Today: Winter Herald rolled 83 using 1d100 with rolls of 83.  Charm/Impress TN 50.

He unfortunately came on a bit too strong with callous inhumanity, dogmatic ethics, disdain for social change, a willingness to defend the existing social order down to the last member of the lower classes, blatant imperialism and botched subtle supremacy. Turned out quite a few people here would rather withdraw from the world stage, arrogantly believing they can ignore the world, than insure American military might was unmatched and omnipresent. Well, if he had miscalculated, he stayed the course, and his table was largely avoided as a result. They felt he was a new convert trying too hard.

At 2100, the Senator was attacked. Amid the surge of panicking people, he knocked his table down "on accident", "stumbled down" behind it, and began activating his sensory protocols. The rest of his unit was moving into position, and his job was simply to track and look like another panicked spectator.

Of course, he was trying to keep a tab on people who might be a bit too calm, as well.

SENSORY SUITE
Amplified Hearing: 360 feet (?); 5x better than a human, same as Heightened Hearing
[74%] Estimate sound distance
[64%] Estimate speed and direction of approaching sound
[54%] Recognize voice/sound through concentration without programs
Nightsight, infrared, thermal, and ultraviolet visions
Micro-radar: 1 mile; Can identify up to 15 targets and simultaneously track six. Rate of travel, direction, and location are indicated.
Motion Detector: 60 feet; Registers vibrations in the air indicating movement.
Radar Detector: 4 miles; Registers radar waves to indicate radar surveillance.
[84%] Track radar emission to source
Radiation Detector: 60 feet; Registers and pinpoints radioactivity.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 41):

with little enthusiasm Drifter goes and checks on the Senator.  not sure how he can help other than taking him to a Hospital Emergency Room.

Taking one of The guards along for the ride... the closest one naturally
This message was last edited by the player at 08:38, Sun 11 June 2023.

Lilibeth had been having a great time. Being here, seeing all the incredible costumes, was amazing. Sure she was stuck in basically one spot guarding a guy but it was still great...right up until the part where the guy she was supposed to be guarding got shot. Repeatedly.

In an instant, Lilibeth is gone, replaced by Runa from one stride to the next as she rushes to the downed senator. She brushes past Drifter, and summons the spark of the divine within her as she lays hands upon the senator.

OOC
Transforming into Runa while rushing to get to the senator. The second she is there, touching the senator's head and chest and attempting to heal him.

Power Points: 2000/1880

Spending 120 points to heal 40HP or 60SDC

The city attorney general was at the front table next to the assassin as the gunman took his shot. That worthy has currently decided to run out the door. This is important because the gunman looks just like the city attorney general, down to the suit both are wearing. After firing his paired automatic pistols at the senator, the assassin discards the weapons as he spins in a circle and sidesteps while joining the crowd on their way to the nearest exit. As he moves, the crowd jostles each other and mills until the assassin is on one side of the city attorney general's date and the city attorney general is on the opposite side, or vice versa. JUSTAR stands with his back to the protective force fields, and realizes he'll have to fire into the crowd to get the assassin with any ranged weapon.


mechanics
The assassin walked up to the table, produced and emptied two automatic pistols at the senator and then starts to avoid any attacks directed his way (multiple dodge). Winter Herald can tell which of the two is the assassin and which is the attorney general because the attorney general appears to have a heart murmur. JUSTAR doesn't manage to shock the assassin as they sidestep his attack. Those that have familiarity with that sort of thing recognize the assassin is moving as if practicing tai chi chuan.

To speed things up, I rolled initiatives.

ooc Er... sweet :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Sun 11 June 2023.

Justar, still wearing the Telemental Crown-Optical Headband targets the Assassin AND the City Attorney General and electronically 'paints' them signaling Drone-Phoboes to hand off that telemetry to K3.

"K3, sending you tracking intel and sensor returns from two targets to track.  The Assassin I'm indicating.  Track and pursue... do not engage. Update all Secret Service and police on their locations... task Drone-Deimos to assist."

Hikari holsters his Stun Gun Blaster and makes no attempt to pursue the Assassin into a crowd.  The secret service security men and the special forces/counter-insurgency trained members of the Sentinels were far better than he at such a type of pursuit.

He triggers the LESPradio2 channel...

Instead of pursuit, Justar turns to Drone-Phobos, "Phobos, Voice-Control. Shield 1 Entry."

To which the center screen flickers off the shimmering blue field vanishing as Hikari ascends the stage to stand nearby Runa as she works then the field reappears.  Then Hikari commands Drone-Phobos, "Phobos, Field Box Defense ~ On my position. Engage."

At which point all the shimmering fields disappear as the drone moves to position itself next to Justar then extend two of its limbs to 'stand on' and extend five other utility arms and suddenly a 10'ft Cube of blue shimmering force field barriers is emitted surrounding Runa, Justar, and the Senator.  The field edges do not touch so there is a 1 to 2 inch gap between the 5 shimmering blue force walls protecting from all sides... save the floor.

Hikari will open the field for any properly credentialed paramedic or Secret Service Agent.  He will also suggest to a Secret Service Agent to retrieve the assassin's discarded pistols as material evidience... with all due handling proceedures.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Sun 11 June 2023.

As he strides to the podium, Lieutenant Broyko is speaking into his phone, he taps it and broadcasts a message. [Language unknown: OUANSS ARD LIUNAT! El ivil allsomion adany le staec tipoei ticardeve.]
The detective then commandeers the PA system to shout "NOBODY MOVE! EVERYONE FACE DOWN ON THE GROUND, NOW!"

Justar will regard Runa his expression somber, asking,"...will he live? Could you save him Priestess?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Sun 11 June 2023.

What others saw as Harold Frost remained behind the false attorney, shadowing them. A crowd was a good choice to hide in, and as long as he had singled out heartbeats, he ran a subroutine seeing if there was something distinct about who he assumed was Kurt Von Metz.

14:26, Today: Winter Herald rolled 38 using 1d100 with rolls of 38.  Recognize Sound TN 54.
14:25, Today: Winter Herald rolled 96 using 1d100 with rolls of 96.  Biology TN 64.

While he wasn't capable of pinning anything about the assassin's physiology down just from the heartbeat, at least he was able to recognize it well enough to fingerprint him a bit.

14:30, Today: Winter Herald rolled 36 using 1d100 with rolls of 36.  Prowl, TN 89.
Can only benefit XP from two rolls, but eh. I need to execute this one.

But he was just another face in the crowd right now, keeping his array of senses focused on the assassin.

Captain Justice was also having a great time Hamming it up and Showing off. Until he heard the rapid unloading of automatic gunfire. He immediately rush towards sound of gunfire. He pulls off the plastic hooked beak of his war scepter to reveal the Hammer made by Hakari. As he runs, He powers on his armor's systems too.

He vaults over the croud as they exit in a display that looks to the uninitiated like parkour

As he entered the next room with the Senator in it, he received info from Justar's network that paints the Assassin in the crowd.
(I am assuming that Justar would leave the armor systems connected to his network to better allow Captain Justice to better coordinate with him.)

He flies over the crowd and attempts to grab the Assassin and pull him out of the Crowd.



OOC:
Going for a Grab
15:04, Today: Captain Justice rolled 17 using 1d20+9 ((8)).

In reply to Detective Broyko (msg # 49):
looking around the room to asses response to the Laws Officers command

In a whisper he hopes Detective Broyko can hear Drifter mutters.
"really now Detective you are giving contradicting commands here!
How is anyone supposed to get down on the floor if they are not permitted to move?

Could you not reverse that order? For example...
Everybody down on the floor then FREEZE   NOW!

I am not even going to mention your speaking some foreign language just now.  But we will get back to that later...if you don't shoot me first?

Does that include you the security forces and any police in the area?

Err from some of the activates that are going on it looks like some people are not abiding by your command... So I will put my trust in you and comply with your orders after all"

getting down to the ground and not moving.  After all he could be an imposter,
like some kind of shape shifter.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Sun 11 June 2023.

Chaos, absolute chaos, as predicted. Spymaster was kicking himself. How could he have not noticed there were two attorney generals? Blame later, action now. Hikari and Lilibeth had the senator under control, if she couldn't heal him conventionally, Runa could magically, and if that didn't work Hikari probably had a super science solution under his belt. Herald is tracking one, Justice going for a flying grab, that must be our man. He entered the stance of Chin'Na as he advanced, attempting to be a bit stealthy, but having to push his way through too many vips who felt their night was ruined. But he kept his eyes on the target, his Tai Chi Chuan stance telling in his movements. His right arm shot out, trying to get a nice jab into the assassin's leg and stop him in his tracks.

"You're done running. Give up before anyone else gets hurt."

OOC:
15:45, Today: Spymaster rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,4.  Paralysis length if it hits.

15:40, Today: Spymaster rolled 17 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 9.  Fingertip Strike to Assassin's Left Leg for Atemi.

15:39, Today: Spymaster rolled 69 using 1d100 with rolls of 69.  tracking tn 80 SUCCESS

15:38, Today: Spymaster rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Prowl tn 77 FAIL

Paragon drew her side arm and focused her attention on the assassin and the man who looked like him. Unknowingly she focused her karmic power on them, reversing their fortunes. To herself she began to whisper,
"There once was a man named Chuck,
Whose luck was always stuck.
He tripped and fell on his way,
And spilled his coffee every day.
Poor Chuck just couldn't catch a break,
Bad luck was his constant fate."

HU2 P.279 Left column 4th paragraph under the Note
-6 roll w/ punch, fall, impact
-2 strike
-4 parry
-3 disarm
-2 initiative
-3 auto dodge
-6 sv vs poisons/toxins/gases, psionics attacks & possession
-4 sv vs magic
-20% sv vs coma/death

Additionally HU2 p.287 Right hand column under number one
No initiative and 1/2 all combat bonuses, attacks per melee, and speed

To speed things up, I rolled initiatives.

Winter Herald kept within the stampeding crowd, and simply chose to observe. If the subject was apprehended successfully, he still had a cover to maintain and people who were going to need help. If they escaped, he would have to track the target.

So for now, he watched.

Captain Justice flies to get ahead of the Assassin and then lowers down to ground leven to block the Assassin's path. He squares up like a boxer and rushes in. But it is a feign to maneuver the Assassin into a hip throw and slam him into the ground.

OOC:
10:03, Today: Captain Justice rolled 26 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 17.  To hit with Body Flip/Throw.

10:04, Today: Captain Justice rolled 22 using 1d6+20 with rolls of 2.  Damage if I hit.

Justar concerned, crouches down to check the Senator's vitals ~ reaching for his wrist to check for a pulse and see if he is still breathing...

Hikari looks for blood? He can see both of the automatic pistols with their slides locked back empty indicating both of their magazines were completely emptied into the hapless foolish politician...

He'd 'hoped' the Secret Service had at least convinced the stubborn bigot to wear a kevlar vest... but being an armor engineer himself.. he knew the limitations of concealable armor if the Senator's pristine suit he wore was any indication.  Heavier armor was hard to conceal and looks did not belay any such heavy Kevlar under the Senator's clothing.  The precision of the Assassin's, this Karl Von Metz's shot grouping he Seriously doubted the Senator's vest if he even was wearing one would be sufficient to spare him mortal injury!

10:01, Today: JUSTAR rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Hikari - First Aid [67%]. – 26
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Thu 15 June 2023.

Runa rushes to repair the damage done to the senator, hoping to save a life. Drifter looks on, clearly puzzled. As Hikari pushes by the secret servicemen to check on the senator's condition, he is probably curious as to why the senator's protectors didn't try to stop him. The looks on the faces of the secret service agents mirror Drifter's.
The assassin has avoided every attempt at catching him; his extreme skill at evasion is obvious as he dodges through the crowd towards the east door. Everyone stops, however, when the senator leaps away from Runa, Drifter, and JUSTAR. With one hand, the senator grabs one of his bodyguards and throws him out into the center of the banquet area! Then the erstwhile lawmaker speeds through the room towards the west door!

Harry grabbed his neck momentarily and winced, concealing what he was doing. Otherwise, he simply tried to remain within the crowd - no change in course or action.

Juster's eyes go wide as he looks upon the evidence of spilled lubricant oil and coolant... but specifically NO Blood!

He regards the superhuman strength as the Senator bodily hefts one of his Secret Service 'guards' and hurls him to the convention hall center he addresses the Closest Secret Service personnel ~ loudly, "The 'Senator' bleeds lubricant oil and servo system coolant but NO BLOOD?  So he's either more Cyborg than man .. or he's a full on Android?!?  Did none of you know this?  If not ~ he is likely been for some time a FORCE Infiltrator Bot.. OR Worse ~ a FORCE Collaborator with a Transferred Intelligence into the Machine Serial Immortality that FORCE offer's to recruits of his Terrorist Organization!"

Yes, Hikari is Intentionally being loud enough for ALL those present in the room to hear as he has NO obligation to protect the Senator's secrets or his bigoted credibility ... and Hikari could care EVEN less about turmoil in American politics.. he's here to save lives not protect the Core of lies and secrets in government or the secret service. He has pondered the impact such a reveal will have on the public view of Androids.. but the weight of the danger of just this sort of misleading infiltration and or replacement IS a clear and present danger to all humanity.. and the Truth Must see the light of public discussion.

"I don't need to point out that THIS revelation puts the 'Assassin's' attack upon the No-longer a Senator's 'life' in a new light of motivation?  Was Kurt Von Metz trying to remove a Terrorist Collaborator; a turncoat working for FORCE?!?"

He sighs and switches to Energy Form... ready to follow and pursue the fleeing Senator Life Model Android...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Fri 16 June 2023.

With all the chaos occurring, and the Senator running off, now identified as an android, Senor Garcia looks around for Agent Livingston.

[Language unknown: "Sheivetic Erosittrho rom oun fo io neos'icmo p latstiing rut e ouroneest k milost rito fi."]

While standing at his position, CMZ, dressed in a costume of his old hairy self, happens to be accosted by a pair of anti-mutant bigots emboldened by the presence of the senator.
After a few minutes of being called "Mutie Lover", a few other insulting names, being asked if he can do any "monkey tricks", and one of them commenting that "his hero" no longer looked like his costume, he turns to the youths and asks them a question, muted slightly by the mask.
Do you know the great thing about a convention like this?
One of the bigots gives him an appraising look and a snarky attitude.  "You get to hand g out with other human freaks while pretending to be an inhuman one?"
Nope, comes the response.  He immediately does a backflip, revealing thathis is not wearing the usual fuzzy hand-like shoe covers that come with the costume, but a pair of glove-shaped water shoes.  He also reveals that the attached  long, fuzzy tail that is usually filled with a stiff, but bendable wire, is, in fact, filled with an actual prehensile tail.  Which is used to pull the fuzzy mask of himself off his face.  He smiles, showing he still has the elongated and sharp canines as he continues.  It means I can disguise myself as me, and nobody will recognize me.
As the boys jaws drop in surprise, he pulls a chain out from under the top of the faus tracksuit to reveal the real version of the fake badge printed on the costume.  Now, you boys run along before you get charged with a hate crime, okay?
That's when the gun shots ring out and all Hell breaks loose.  Tapping the communications band of the armored unitard he is wearing under the cheap costume, he hears the influx of radio chatter.  He turns to the nearby security guard, a large, bald black man who had been watching the situation with the bigots with growing amusement, and orders, Active shooter across the hall!  Get these people to safety!
He listens to the chatter, then sees rapid movement, more purposeful than the panicked fleeing of the convention goers.  He begins to run that way, hoping to intercept the assassin.

Spur of the moment tactics relayed, his attention now was focused back to the assassin. Maintaining the chase, he kept trying for a nerve strike to the leg, hoping to slow him more making it easier to close him in.

"You do realize running now is worthless right? Better to surrender now than be brought in tired, beaten, and possibly with a few less teeth."

OOC:16:43, Today: Spymaster rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,5.  Paralysis length if it hits.

16:43, Today: Spymaster rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15.  Fingetip Attack for Atemi.

to hear is to obey... this time.

with a step and a prayer Drifter tries to intercept the Android. If successful his Destination will be outer space... at a location Drifter has seen on TV like the Sea of Tranquillity perhaps, you know the flag makes for a good point of reference.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Sun 18 June 2023.

Justar moves to pursue the fleeing Senator Bennet-Android as a human shaped cloud of crackling energy...

Openly he speaks his voice sounding like organized speaker feedback as it ionizes the air, "On it Spymaster ~ keep in mind my electronics and radio are non-operational in this Energy Form..."

"Drone-Phobos. Pursuit mode. Subdue the Senator Bennet-Android."

With that Justar takes flight flying through the masses far faster then the Senator Bennet-Android is currently moving and completely unhindered by physical obstacles in his path.

Hikari is uncertain how effective tangling the Senator Bennet-Android's clothing and attracting debris in the environment to entangle his movement to slow his foot flight will be but it is the least destructive thing he can attempt.  With his superior movement rate and unconcern for physical obstacles ~ unlike the fleeing Senator Bennet-Android getting ahead of the fleeing android is little trouble.
The inertia-less acceleration of an energy form in flight has no mass to accelerate so his full speed is available to Hikari on mental command.

Zipping ahead of the fleeing Android as the crowd of attendees seem to not want to flee toward the strangeness of the fleeing Android gives Hikari some space to unleash his powers and he targets a 30'ft Area of the West door and hallway outside with his Static Charge Attack!

3. Static Charge: = Ra {60’ft plus 10’ft/Lv}: 80’ft ’96’ft’d, Area of Effect{20’ft plus 5’ft/Lv}: 30’ft, Dur{3 min plus 1 min/Lv}: 5min,
Attacks per Melee: 2 AT/to put into Force {1AT per Static cling effect},
Dam: None, All those in the area of effect lose initiative and two attacks/actions every melee that the static charge is in force.
- Charges the air with static electricity, causing hair to stand on end and bristle, paper to rustle and fly into the air, and clothing to cling and undulate.
The charge creates a very uncomfortable, chaotic and distracting environment where things are moving into the air, across the floor, and along one's body. It can also do all the things that can be done with Static Cling, above, only on a larger scale.
- On the more menacing end of the spectrum , static cling can be used to manipulate clothing, like capes, jackets, scarves, ties, shoelaces, and hats, to cover, untie, and/or enwrap a person's head or wave in his face, temporarily blinding and/or distracting the individual. Likewise, the clothing and shoelaces can encircle
the legs, causing the person to stumble (reduce speed by 25%), or around the arms, impairing movement
- combat penalties: ‘entanglement’ {loose 1 AT and initiative}, ‘Head completely covered’ blind {-8 on all combat moves}
- Victims require = 1D4 melee actions/attacks to completely remove/unravel the clinging article of clothing

The visual affect is that papers, clothing, wall hangings in the area begin to rattle and shift .. somewhat like a wind gust without any wind was rushing through the 30'ft area.. anything made of metal in the area lightly emits what looks like small static electric jolt of lighting somewhat like a Van de Graaff Generator machine.  Involuntarily many in the crowd have their hair begin to stand on end harmlessly...

08:52, Today: JUSTAR rolled 26 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 17.  Justar - Strike with Static Charge Area Attack [+9]. – 26

Addressing the Senator Bennet-Android, "Sen~ Mr. Bennet, you will not escape on foot ~ be reasonable.  You have NOT committed as Far as Yet ANY crime, it is not "illegal" to be a cyborg or even a human Intelligence Transferred into a machine body.  Heck, it might not even affect your political career... but we DO need to ask you for security purposes where you obtained that artificial body?  You do not need to be harmed in such questioning and again.. you've currently broken NO 'laws'.  Please Surrender.  Right now, the 'rule of law' is on your side... but the longer you continue to be uncooperative the greater and more serious you expose yourself to prosecution in resisting arrest."

09:17, Today: JUSTAR rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Hikari - Trust/Intimidate [30%]. – 98
'Shrug' made the attempt at least!

In response to his Voice Command, Drone-Phobos retracts four of its five Force field emitters and flies over the heads of the crowd for the west door exit and fires its Stun gun Blaster at the fleeing Senator Bennet-Android locking on the target with its integral laser targeting!

09:25, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  Drone-Phobos - Stun Gun Blaster at Senator [+5]. – [roll=1687094733.23575.355584]

Stun Gun {Blaster} = Ra: 100’ft, Dam: Special [Victims are dazed, - 10 to strike, parry and dodge, for 2D4 melees – Save Vs Toxin]

Moving to interdict, the drone will try to get through the West door first taking up a blocking position - Stationary and activate its Force Field Emitter to create a 10'ft shimmering blue screen sealing the doorway from any physical exit.

Phase-1 Force Field Projector = 10’ft ‘Open Edge Cube {6 sides}’, SDC80, 1/2Dam vs Energy
- Physical damage less than SDC negated, Energy Damage reduces SDC of FF

Actions -
Justar:
{8 Actions}
Flight 230mph
2 Actions - Static Charge AoE Attack
<6 Actions - Saved>

K3:
{3 Actions}
Flight 100mph
1 Action - Stun Gun Blaster Attack
1 Action Erect - Force Field to block West Door exit
<1 Action - Saved>
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sun 18 June 2023.

Captain Justice replies to Spymaster on his armor's integrated radio.

Captain Justice goes straight for the Senator. Which also happens to have him barral through the Assassin in a tackle.

OOC:
11:03, Today: Captain Justice rolled 13 using 1d20+9 ((4)).

Runa follows Captain Justice as they chase after the android senator.

OOC
Sorry gang, long night with a puking 5 year old AND we are on vacation so don't have the usual set of resources. Best I could come up with for a post right now.

Doing the same thing and repeating the rhyme.

JUSTAR pursues the senator, activating a cloud of static electricity focused on the fleeing android. It's a good plan and might've been a safe way to slow down the senator. Unfortunately, there's a crowd. People, even the VIPs at a charity banquet, will often expose their evolutionary heritage under unexpected stress. As you may have guessed, the crowd around the fleeing senator, already rattled by the sudden violence, react to the static field like a troop of monkeys reacting to a panther in their midst. They scatter, panicked, going through and over their fellow VIPs. As a trio of the uniformed officers, led by Januchowski, wade in and attempt to restore order one of the wealthiest men in the city backhands his wife to get past her. The unfortunate Januchowski  sees this and promptly pepper sprays the rich and powerful John Barron, and perhaps a few of the celebrities around Mr. Barron. Although none of those in Januchowski's overspray act as if anything happened, Mr. Barron does drop to the floor and begin crying while moaning loudly "oh God it hurts". This means Januchowski has to stand over Mr. Barron and keep the crowd from trampling him.
The assassin continues to spin and move through the crowd. His evasion of Captain Justice involves a one-handed table vault combined with a spin and one-footed landing. As Spymaster goes for his leg the assassin vaults another table, leaving a business card on the table top.
Drifter begins to create a portal to step through and appear in front of the senator. Fortunately, Drifter sees several of the non-combatants running to leap throught the portal as it forms. He'll have to use some other form of movement to catch the android.
As Señor Garcia is looking for Agent Livingstone, the latter shows up where Garcia is. He has an odd, determined look on his face as he nods to Garcia and motions for the latter to join him. Then the agent steps back to the wall beside the podium setup and waits. It's probably a little odd that Livingstone isn't involving himself in either the pursuit of or the protection of the senator.
Runa is chagrined at again 'healing' a target. She joins Captain Justice in pursuit. JUSTICAR's drone hits the fleeing senator with some sort of beam, but the senator is unfazed by the attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:58, Sun 25 June 2023.

Winter Herald, still trying to pass for Harold Frost, did not take what he interpreted on short notice as bait in the form of immediate evidence planted. His role was straightforward. Observe and report for now.

In the meantime, he was speaking with others around him, he did his own efforts to restore order. "Never mind the metas, we don't want to end up like Barron. Cooperate with the law and get out of here. We'll talk another time, maybe. Meantime, double file at the doors, remember your dignity."

15:49, Today: Winter Herald rolled 47 using 1d100 with rolls of 47.  Trust/Intimidate TN 65.
15:50, Today: Winter Herald rolled 84 using 1d100 with rolls of 84.  Charm/Impress 50%.
15:50, Today: Winter Herald rolled 31 using 1d100 with rolls of 31.  Recognize Sound TN 54.
15:51, Today: Winter Herald rolled 30 using 1d100 with rolls of 30.  Disguise roll. TN 94.

While he looked a bit rough from the crowd jostling, his voice carried command under pressure, and he was still able to keep at least an ear on Kurt, even if his eyes were having some difficulty following his strange movements.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Thu 22 June 2023.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 71):

It is more important for The Detective to be free to run his officers then to stand watch over one victim in a mass of potential ones.

"Yo! Detective I will take the Politician you get in and run your crew... You ok with that?" Drifter gathers the professional liar up before he flies up to assess the mess and to work out the best route to get the Senator out of harms way... Of course it is an easy choice just to take Senator to Heaven... not for a permanent stay, lets just call it a scenic tour.

that should be safe enough! right?

Secret Service had said no mutants near the senator.  That is perfectly fine with CMZ, the putz can have it his way.  He begins chasing after the assassin.  Watching them run, he is reminded of Free Running, or Parkour without the martial arts involved.  He can be seen to jump, slide, frontflip, somersault, and carthweel to get around obstacles and people as he runs after the bastard.

Captain Justice continues to chase after the Senator. And tries to grapple with him when he catches up.

OCC:
08:41, Today: Captain Justice rolled 17 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 8.  To hit with grab.

This was frustrating, a chaotic frenzy of civilians, a ridiculously trained assassin, and the senator running off a different way. Spymaster attempts to palm the card as he flips over the table, but he's not quite as dexterous as he used to be, and it just slides on the table a bit as he doesn't get a good grip on it. As he lands he sees Z ignoring his tactical advice, and Januchowski macing a prominent business man.

If Z, Herald, and Paragon can keep on the assassin, the more mobile members can get me back in to the fight once the senator's down. I had hoped Z could be a living shield in case the senator had a suicide bomb, but I think Justar might be able to handle it. My best move at the moment is to handle the crowd. Time for the quicker and messier way.

Oliver flipped back over the table and ran to Januchowski, drawing his stunner and leveling it on the the advancing crowd. Then with an uncharacteristic bark that showed his roots in the army, he spoke like a drill sergeant.

"EVERYONE FREEZE! NEXT ONE OF YOU THAT MOVES GETS EVERYBODY A WIDE ANGLE ZAP!"

Truthfully, he had no way of knowing if the stunner had a wide angle setting, but then again, if he didn't, the crowd certainly didn't either. The question was now if they had devolved so far into panicking sheep that even his yelling wasn't getting through to the herd.

OOC:
14:52, Today: Spymaster rolled 53 using 1d100 with rolls of 53.  Intimidate tn 70.
14:45, Today: Spymaster rolled 46 using 1d100 with rolls of 46.  Backflip Tn 131.
14:44, Today: Spymaster rolled 93 using 1d100 with rolls of 93.  Palming tn 60.

With enough members of LESP pursuing both the assassin, and the fake android version of the Senator, Señor Garcia decided he wasn't needed for either pursuit.

Making his way through the crowd in a non-threating manner, he approaches Agent Livingston. Upon reaching the other man he begins with a statement, followed by a question.

"Agent Livingston, it's pretty clear the real senator is somewhere else."

"You going to explain yourself or try to blow smoke up my ass?"

00:10, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 22 using 1d100 with rolls of 22.  70% trust/intimidate.
PASS Move though crowd in non-threating manner

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 75):

ooc Err is that the Senator that Drifter has taken to Heaven?  Assuming his action to do so was successful?

Agent Livingstone growls into his comms device "retrieve the damned package!"
Then he nods at Garcia, and unplugs his comms. Speaking quietly to Garcia as his men begin their pursuit of the senator, Livingstone's face shows his disgust of the untenable situation.

The drone managed to get to the west doorway and employ its force field, unfortunately there are now several VIPs being pushed into the force field by other VIPs as they all try to run out the door. The senator continues to head in the direction of the force field, less hampered by the static cling of his clothing than the rest of the crowd.
Spymaster and Winter Herald manage, between cajoling and intimidation, to calm the madding crowd. Although this might keep a few dignitaries from being trampled, it does make it a bit easier for the senator and the assassin to avoid the crowd.
Captain Justice and Runa fly into the cloud of static electricity as they pursue the senator, which leads to some distraction and makes it harder to catch the fleeing android.
Drifter leaps to help Januchowski by picking up the hapless John Barron. Carrying the whimpering erstwhile politician over his shoulder, Drifter performs a number of gestures and mumbles words that seem to melt away from the minds of those hearing them. Both Drifter and John Barron vanish.

Runa, seething over being tricked into healing an enemy, and a robot at that, summons her wings of divine energy. Taking advantage of the high ceiling of the hall, she launches herself at the fleeing fake senator, in an attempt to tackle it.

OOC
Today: Runa rolled 25 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 15. Flying Tackle.

CMZ continues to chase after the assassin, using his acrobatics and gymnastics skills to get around the crowd and anything hat might be in the way.

One of the dual pursuits seems to come to an end. As Captain Justice enters the disruptive static field deployed around the senator, he finds himself subject to the same distractions as the others in the crowd. However, it is easily obvious that only the senator is having the clothing issue. Captain Justice has no trouble stopping the senator's forward movement. Runa follows Captain Justice into the static field, deals with the same distractions, and drops the senator to the floor with a tackle.
The assassin continues his serpentine movement towards the east door. Detective Broyko raced around the perimeter of the room and has gathered two of the uniformed officers at the door. Between this trio of officers and Spymaster's actions, the crowd is calming down and no one is going through the door.

mechanics
• Entering the static field causes its targets to lose initiative and two attacks/actions per melee
• Runa did fifteen points of damage to the senator, this is much less than she originally repaired

With Mr Bennet Secured.. for the moment, Justar dismisses the Static field effect. Turning his attention to Drone-Phoebos he addresses it.

His voice still crackling with speaker feedback effects Justar's energy body speaks, "Drone-Phoebos, authenticate any voice commands issued at Units current location through K3 for verification before implementation!"

It had occurred in some horror to Hikari IF Mr. Bennet's Android body was anything even close to Winter Herald's robotic form or the FORCE-Androids he'd examined on the San Sebastian Isle... Voice Mimicry was a Definite possibility within his android body's capabilities ~ just like Winter Herald.  Were Mr. Bennet cleaver enough he could right now imitate Hikari's voice even his energy body's ionizing air vibrations and issue orders to the drone!  Hikari just closed that possibility.

"Drone-Phoebos. Comm-link.  'K3, the assassin is attempting to flee through the East door, Secure that door from exit with Drone-Deimos.'..."

In a electronic voice the Drone replied, "Acknowledged, Hikari."

With that 'K3' directed the drone and flying at it's high speed ~ ceased it's large figure-Eight patrol pattern over the roof of the Convention Center and entered through the front doors of the Building flying rapidly through the halls over everyone's head to position itself outside the East door to the large convention hall... and emitted a 10'ft square shimmering blue force field flush against the outside door providing a solid barrier to opening the doors outward and blocking any path through the door should the doors open inward.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Mon 26 June 2023.

The Assassin, upon seeing the three officers, force field, and various flying and teleporting humans in pursuit, stops running and drops to his knees with his hands behind his head. Kurt Von Metz (if that's truly his name) says meekly "I surrender".
A few seconds later, Drifter reappears standing by the still blubbering John Barron at a chair near the splintered podium.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Mon 26 June 2023.

It was time to melt away. His mission of observation of the assassin had been met, Kurt was either surrendering or going to wish they had if they were attempting a false flag action. Still, continued observation might be essential. Who had been calm, and who had been panicking - Livingston had remained calm, and with the reference from Garcia's list, it was fairly obvious why.

Livingston, however, was no longer here, which was interesting, but not on Herald's priorities at the moment. Observe and report, become the wallflower.

00:50, Today: Winter Herald rolled 2 using 1d100 with rolls of 2.  Prowl, TN 89.

Paragon mused, "That was anticlimactic. Still..." She turned her weapon on the Senator, "Sir, I apologize, but we must have a chat."

Justar floats over to Detective Broyko still in his energy form some 10'ft in the air and spoke as quietly as a speaker-feedback sounding of ionized air molecules could {which is not very}, "...any time you want me to stand down my drones and K3.. I'll be out of here.  Let the real forensic detectives and police take over.  Sorry, I did not want something 'this' flashy to go down... never expected the ...Mr Bennet to be an android. I guess ~ now its clear why his 'Security' was not a priority for him. Not sure legally what his standing is now... 'sigh'. At least no one was seriously injured or killed ~ I'd like to call this a win, for now."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Tue 27 June 2023.

CMZ catches up to the assassin as he surrenders.  He moves to frisk the man, before taking his wrist and ordering him to stand up before handcuffing him.

"Hey Detective Broko you fine and dandy? not wounded, annoyed or anything?

"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Wed 28 June 2023.

In reply to JUSTAR (msg # 88):

The detective motions JUSTAR closer, and pitches his voice to avoid being overheard."Honestly, this is over my head. We need to get the senator back to the podium and discuss this between LESP and the Secret Service that are here. Absolutely don't stand down. The drone's force fields are one of the few control points we have left, and we don't want anyone to leave and start spreading rumors to the press."
With a harried grin, Broyko nods at JUSTAR's energy form, "you've done good, so far. You might help by using your appearance to keep the civilians distracted while we sort out the immediate steps to take."

In reply to Drifter (msg # 90):

Senor Garcia disables his own comms and stays by the Agent Livingstone's side if/when he moves.

In reply to Detective Broyko (msg # 91):

The young mutant moves close to listen carefully to the Detective nodding in agreement, "Understood Sir, I'll get right on it!"

With that Justar hovers over to Drone-Phoebos, "Drone-Phoebos, Comms.  'K3' manually lockdown and lockout the Justicar-Paladin, then enter the Convention Center and take up guard position at the South Main Doors into the Conference Hall F, let no one in or out. The Secret Service Security have the North door secured at the rear of the Convention Center."

Again, the electronic voice from the Drone over radio replied, "Acknowledged, Hikari."

This done Justar floats over to the mass of dignitaries and Conference Attendees his golden energy form glowing like a small sun in the shape of a young man as he actively tries to 'soften' his ionic synthesized "voice" as he addresses them all ~
"Attention Everyone ~ I am LESP Deputy Officer Hikari Stottmeister-Tatsukichi, codenamed Justar. The gunman has been apprehended and the threat neutralized.  Please remain calm, the Secret Service is dealing with Senator Bennet's Well-being now, no one was injured.  The Local LESP Officers and CCPD will be organizing you all to take your Statements.  We will do our best to finish this quickly please cooperate so we can soon release you all in an orderly fashion after all facts and potential supplemental information has been collected.  Thank you for your patience."

00:36, Today: JUSTAR rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.  Justar - Charm/Impress [50%]. – 42

Outside 'K3' did as instructed manually disabling the 24'ft Tall Battle Mecha from an internal disabling switch then sealing the Mecha from entry.  Then 'K3' walked the Justicar-Polymer inside the convention center to take up a guard position at the South double-door entrance closing said doors if they were open and extending its arm-mounted weapons in an obvious and unnecessary threatening gesture but not aiming at anyone.  Clearly guarding the doors from ANY entry.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Wed 28 June 2023.

Paragon made her way to the Senator, weapon in the down but ready position. Despite her normal jovial demeanor, right now she is all business.

Does she sense any chi in the senator?

"Senator, I apologize, there are questions you need to answer."

PM

Everything had finally calmed, the crowd was under control, though they'd get irritated quickly at the waiting. The elite of society tend to have no patience for things like due process and evidence gathering. Spymaster kept his authoritative air, but had relaxed, now speaking loudly to be heard over the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen! My name is Dr. Charles Finley, and I am also a Deputy with LESP. Our fine patrolmen and women will be taking your statements, but since we also have to have them posted at the doors to keep the paparazzi out, as this is still an active crime scene, this will take some time. We thank you for your patience, and the senator should be ready to give a statement for you all shortly, after a brief medical check. After that, we will gather the reporters for a press conference to keep them out of your hair, this has already been a trying enough night without having a bunch of cameras in your face."

Feeling the crowd would probably remain calm after his and Justar's reassurance, Oliver turned toward the assassin, this time collecting the card off the table, as he walked over. He took a moment and thought of the language least likely to be known by the dignitaries, but most likely to be known by the assassin to keep prying ears out. Right wing group, probably know a bit of Spanish for yelling at their gardeners, French for the Au-Pair, Mandarin and Japanese might be spoken by a few businessmen, Italian though, they probably only know enough to order spaghetti.


OOC:15:37, Today: Spymaster rolled 27 using 1d100 with rolls of 27.  Trust tn 70. Success

Runa knew she had damaged the 'senator' when tackling it but felt no inclination to heal it...again. She folded her energy wings, which then disappeared as quickly as they had come into existence. She then picks up the android, maintaining a good grip on its right arm. While her companions had their weapons leveled on it, she uses her grip on its arm to indicate that it should return to the podium.


OOC
Basic escort position on its arm, use that to well, escort it back to the podium.

Agent Livingstone speaks quietly to Señor Garcia.

As Chimp Man Z begins to follow the arrest routine for Kirk Von Metz, the latter gives him puzzled looks, eventually Kirk responds to Spymaster with [Language unknown: "Tersomsan, E onstheiou travenvor com staousundlin."]
As Chimp Man Z starts to pat down his pockets, Kirk Von Metz pulls a translator, a standard commercial device often sold in airports, and presses a button on it before holding the translator in front of him in a hand with an empty cuff dangling from its wrist as he says,[Language unknown: "Esslinast ac ter th."] In a noticeably artificial voice the machine says, "maybe the help is here."
Those that were in the con next door will recognize the device as one used by the representative of Ultimate Costumes™.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Thu 29 June 2023.

Justar watched the unfolding interplay of the Secret Service Agents, LESP Officers, and CCPD as they organized and arrayed the conference dignitaries to begin fact collecting... but a voice in German caught his attention and he floated over near Spymaster.

Again Actively concentrating on lowering the feedback volume in his simulated voice he offered, "Mr. Metz is speaking German, I can translate if you wish Spymaster? I assume there is a reason you did not address him in English?"

Having had his cry, businessman John Barron thanks Drifter on his way towards those waiting to get out the door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:16, Thu 29 June 2023.

Paragon took a step back and trained the weapon on the Senator. [Language unknown: "Hatasters, packus. Set Ithreaset a a wilounsan, iouproons men Onadal i a evilma! Ichure'preessave m padich. O ac herat ceosce in sacath eaula k ieunhi ndevenrut onesonset witlinhou."]

Out of instinct she will slow the android masquerading as a Senator.

Use first attack to Slow Motion Control Senator. Back out of melee. Take aim with weapon. Fire ONLY if it makes a hostile move.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 103):

Justar is addressing Spymaster but is keeping an eye on where the Android-Senator is... he'd assumed with his previous words for Mr. Bennet-Android everyone  had realized he was not human.  But noting Paragon's reaction upon close examination... he can barely hear her spoken words but her gesture of pointing her firearm at the 'Senator' is not missed.  It's not a good look in front of all the other dignitaries... especially up where everyone can see on the stage podium...

So the young mutant floats over next to Paragon again making an effort to lower the volume on his ionized voice, "Hey ~ Paragon, I got this ~ I'll watch him... can you speak German?  Spymaster and CMZ could use a hand with Mr Kirk Von Metz.  I'll watch him... best not to point more firearms at the most recently shot~at 'Senator'..looks bad in front of the Dignitaries."

Raising his synthesized voice, "Captain Justice, Runa ~ would you come to the stage please and help me keep an eye on the ... on Mr. Bennet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Thu 29 June 2023.

At Justicar's request, Runa will escort the android senator from the podium to the stage.

CMZ grabs the man's free wrist.  You are very lucky that is not a weapon, the Jewish hero snarls.  He finishes handcuffing the man, taking the translator from him in the process.  He then places it in his short pocket, tapping the man's chest gently.
You still have use of it there.  I can not guarantee it won't be taken from you in lock-up.  It probably will.
Hearing the call over the radio, CMZ responds.
[Language unknown: Ac urarfo?!  Terei!  San ut Ilun'osst titise'plun!]

Captain Justice nods and follows Runa and the Senator to stage from the podium.

Then something critical occurs to Hikari...

"Gah, I'm an Idiot ~ not thinking!  Runa please stop touching Mr. Bennet and both of YOU stay at least 5'ft distance from him.. his android body may be equipped with a self-destruct or any number of lethal close quarters devices.  I'm immune to such damage in this form.  Drifter would you please stand ready to transport the ... transport Mr. Bennet some place isolated if we should get some warning of immanent detonation?  Captain Justice would you please call on the LESP Comms and ask Re-Sike-Lor to come in here?  I'd like him to scan for the presence of Mr. Bennet's mind with his telepathy to see if Mr. Bennet's mind is actually in this Android body in some way we can detect... not sure if this is a Drone or a Transferred Intelligence like my father."

To punctuate his point Justar moves within 5'ft of Mr. Bennet and warns, "Do NOT try anything Mr. Bennet.  I must stress again.. you are not under arrest ~ machines cannot be 'arrested' they have no current legal rights, you have committed no crime as yet save perhaps identity theft, but we do have questions for you.  I do not call you 'Senator' for I do believe the prerequisites for holding office here in the US is you must be a natural born or repatriated citizen of the US... you were not born you were constructed .. at least in this body you are currently wearing.  There is NO litigation upon the rights of machine intelligence as yet; so your 'rights' to citizenship, due process and even the authentication of your Identity not-withstanding are matters for the courts. We are simply being 'courteous' to the reputation of the man it is yet to be established that you may be impersonating.  Do not try us ~ As machines cannot be murdered or assassinated by current law.  They CAN be deactivated. I personally feel all sentient beings ~ human, mutant, artificial or otherwise deserve legal rights.. but that is not the reality here."

Glancing Detective Broyko's way, "Sir, during the Isle Mission... what became of all the deactivated FORCE infiltration replicant bodies here in America?  I think I need to do a thorough examination of one of them.. they must clearly be different than the Security Drones we battled in the FORCE Terrorist Base ~ more than a casual visual inspection revealed their nature.  Whereas Mr. Bennet's artificial body must be similar to those infiltrator replicants, with a myriad of spoofs to register as human with body heat, heartbeat, breathing, biomemetic synthe-skin and composite non-metallic construction.  There are most Certainly MORE of such secret replicants. I Must devise a way of detecting them electronically."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Thu 29 June 2023.

Kirk Von Metz tosses a puzzled look at Chimp Man Z as the latter pockets the translator and speaks. [Language unknown: Is toseer rores avestrany wheee fiadar ck weicsi.]
After a moment, Kirk holds up his handcuffed hands a gently stabs his left palm with his right forefinger, several times.

The android looks at the forces arrayed against it, and then notices Livingstone and Señor Garcia talking together. Something akin to a sigh escapes the android's mouth, and as it almost appears to deflate whatever light its eyes had becomes dim, and then dark. The android becomes dead weight, and starts to flop to the floor.

Noting that Von Metz was taken care of, and that most of the attention was on the revealed and likely deactivating android, Winter Herald quietly decided to focus his perceptions on Livingstone. He no longer was needed in his role, and since no one had cared for him in any event, he was free to disappear and analyze. Besides, he was curious about what Garcia was saying to him in any event.

12:47, Today: Winter Herald rolled 79 using 1d100 with rolls of 79.  Recognize Sound TN 54.
12:48, Today: Winter Herald rolled 35 using 1d100 with rolls of 35.  Track radar emission, TN 84.

He was reliant on his programs to properly identify who was speaking and could not discern it immediately with his own logic. He'd have to review the conversation at another point. He could, however, detect any intense radio signals emitting from that direction, or towards them.

He kept the rest of his active senses on standby, though. No need to saturate the area with such things yet. Not until he had more information, or at least a means to test Livingstone's sensory perception.

Captain Justice sighs and then picks up the Deactivated Android Senator.

He turns to Mr.Livingston
"Ok. I have a question for you Mr. Livingston. Did you know that the Senator was an Android?"

Justar looks at the collapsed Android body and scowls darkly his synthesized voice dripping with scorn, "...coward!"

He's expression is concerned when Captain Justice picks up the inanimate robotic form ~ that could still have a self-destruct function but he merely nods and turns, "..Actually I think the more important question is ~ Mr. Kurt Von Metz... how did YOU know the Mr. Bennet was an Android? Speak English.. I already know you DO speak English from Bellisima's report when she encountered you on the Isle Mission.  Did you suspect the Senator was a FORCE Infiltrator and why?"

Actually Hikari felt there was a far more important question why did Senor Garcia warn across the LESP Comms that Livingstone could be an android... but discretion saved that question for another more guarded time and place...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Thu 29 June 2023.

"The why isn't the important thing right now Hikari, plenty of time for that back home. I asked in Italian to avoid prying ears, but the important question was whether or not someone would put a bullet in him if we took him out the normal way, which is looking likely. Luckily, we don't have to do that, so we can take him back and question him at our leisure."

Spymaster turned towards the stage and thumbed his radio.

"Well Herr Von Metz, we might have got you a few extra days of life from your employer, if you tell us everything, maybe even a new lease on life. But we'll have that discussion later. Gutennacht."

Spymaster began to walk towards the podium, taking slow measured steps and taking in the situation as he approached. He wasn't sure if Captain Justice just started an interdepartmental dispute, but he was going to be at a bit further out if it did go sideways.

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 114):

The floating energy field in the shape of the young hero folds his arms and ponders, "Perhaps you are correct Spymaster... here and now are not the place for such discussions.. forgive my eagerness to learn some truth.  The first rule of hiring an assassin is Kill the Assassin after he's completed his mission and Especially if he fails ~ Von Metz life is definitely at risk."

Turning to the Secret Service Agents,"I think for the good of everyone Drifter should take the .. android body with Captain Justice to LESP HQ along with Mr Von Metz.  Will you verify that the body Captain Justice is carrying is an android and NOT Senator Bennet ~ so YOU can begin the task of learning when and where he was replaced?  Such investigations are somewhat outside LESP purview here.  That way we are not stepping on each other's toes.  OF COURSE we will not move the Android's body from LESP HQ and not do any detailed examinations without a liaison of the Secret Service present as well.  I just agree with Spymaster here is not the place for a inter-agency debate about jurisdiction.  Of course LESP will cooperate in any possible way to assist your investigation."

CMZ looks at Spymaster.  I'll take him, since I put the cuffs on him and have ahold of him.  Why would he qsk someone else to take him.  Less chance of him to escape if he does not change hands a bunch of times.
CMZ takes the prisoner outside, putting him into the back of the paddy wagon.  He buckles Von Metz in place, then sits across from him as the doors are closed and locked behind them.  When ready, he slaps the wall to the cab to let the driver and the guard know they are ready to go.

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

Justar moves to interpose his partner's exit, "Hey CMZ... not to be an annoyance ..you know this 'police' stuff better than I do but I think Spymaster is afraid of someone putting several LAW rockets into any transport used to get Von Metz into custody!  This is potentially FORCE we're dealing with here.. he does not half-step and would likely REALLY NOT want Von Metz speaking what he knows!  I think Spymaster only wants Von Metz moved in a way that No one can intercept or Trace a dimensional hop is way more instant and unstoppable then some not armored enough security van through the streets of Center City!  Now I'm sure Drifter can take you with him... but taking Von Metz out in the open where any number of attempts can try to 'wack' Von Metz and anyone nearby is unwise! We do NOT know how many other replicants android assassin are in the area or on station to make sure Kurt Von Metz does not leave this building alive!!"

"In any case ~ if You insist on going with him.. I'm coming as well cause Your MY partner!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Fri 30 June 2023.

"we are now talking about transporting 4 people here are we not?

Yes that is possible but is anyone planning on jumping through or sending something else through the portal after us?"

as he speaks a distortion of time and space begins to manifest itself as Drifter folds space... just like a Guild Member of the Space Faring Guild from Dune.

Not really but the idea is similar.

now step lively people I will not be keeping the portal open for longer than I need to.  For reasons I do not think I need to explain.

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 112):

Agent Livingstone, standing next to Señor Garcia, beckons Captain Justice closer. One of Agent Livingstone's men starts to join his boss, but Livingstone waves him away and then deliberately shrugs, brushes his left shoulder with his right hand, strokes his chin, and then scratches his ear. Livingstone's man returns to the other agents and before long they're establishing a perimeter to keep the civilians away from the senator and LESP. Finally Livingstone tells Captain Justice, "our job is to protect them without considering who they are. It's the only way to do the job."

The assassin says "Vu must slow dovn for mein Englisch is veak. Vat vu zaid is not Hunderstanting me."
[Language unknown: "Wa witthiday a ure fina san stireaivetheove p iladckta tioameameest?"]
[Language unknown: "Li the paet Nc pemaec Houoerati eipail ect I ome a, dinol Ck reavirith conurelar m ti strll iv Linel the m."]
Some understanding dawns on Von Metz as Spymaster speaks, and the assassin responds to Spymaster in English, of sorts, "ach, bleaze, zere is nein Hembloyer. I vork for me und zo does mein traffel agent."

Drifter can just manage to open a rift between the convention center and the LESP building. As it happens, his rift leaves its passengers in the 'situation room' set up for the security detail. Not five minutes after they arrive, two uniforms come to the room. They explain that Broyko called them and gave them instructions. One of the two will lead Captain Justice to a storage area that is in the process of being converted into some sort of workshop. The other is there to get Kirk Von Metz through booking.

Justar hopes he's not upset his friend CMZ but if he moves to 'escort' Kirk Von Metz through Drifter's portal.. he works fast switching back to his solid human form.

Instantly the mixed Asian/Germanic youth is standing next to Captain Justice and begins issuing orders on his telemental crown as he follows...

"K3, stand down.  Recall drones. Exit convention center. Board Justicar-Paladin fly it back to Sea Sentinel.  Raise security to maximum there then fly to LESP HQ enter Ready Room and await further instructions on Standby."

Hikari follows Drifter, CMZ, Captain Justice with their 'passengers' ~ Android Bennet, and Kirk Von Metz... through the portal back to LESP HQ...

Before the portal is closed Justar asks Detective Broyko, "Sir do I have permission to start some Robotics Forensics on the Bennet Android to start looking for a means to detect them through their camouflage?  We REALLY need to get ahead of this or No One is safe or trustworthy!"

<< EXIT: To LESP Offices >>
This message was last edited by the player at 12:51, Fri 30 June 2023.

At the mention of a portal, CMZ balks for a moment, then changes course for the more instantaneous form of travel.  When the assassin speaks Mandarin, CMZ responds in kind.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Fri 30 June 2023.

Winter Herald spoke, quietly and softly, into the comms.

Then, like a ghost, he followed everyone else as fast as low-collateral movement would allow.

Alright, not exactly my intended goal, but after this, I feel our more mortal members probably need a stiff drink. God knows I need one. Just need to smooth things over with the Secret Service. How hard can that be?

Oliver thought to himself as he stiffened up from his more wary stance, and began to walk towards the podium's stairs. As he came onto the stage, he straightened up his suit, having come a bit rustled during the fracas, and extended his hand to Agent Livingstone.

" Livingstone, I must admit, this has gone a bit messier than I intended. But as it stands, our assassin is detained, and already safely out of here, so no chance of someone ending him before he talks, along with our senator, who will get a full once over by one of the finest minds I've ever met, so perhaps we can avoid another situation like this in the future. Though I must admit part of this falls on me. While working the crowd, I failed to notice I had two attorney generals, an absolute rookie mistake. All the damn desert combat made me rusty on a standard civilian mission, I've been out of the peaceful intel gathering game for too long. I knew I should have had Alison do that part, as a Marshall she would have noticed it, but her uniform is far more striking than mine."

He wasn't about to mention that Livingstone's own men had failed to see it either on screening the guests. Put the blame solely on himself and the LESP for the moment, no need to make enemies of the Secret Service, especially with the information Garcia had given them earlier. Livingstone could be a powerful ally if they had to take down his boss.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Sat 01 July 2023.

Agent Livingstone looks at Spymaster and shakes his head no. Quietly, he speaks to Spymaster and Señor Garcia.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:10, Sat 01 July 2023.

Runa felt a most unpleasant shiver course through her body as she watched Drifter use his magic to open a portal. She felt it again when some of her comrades stepped through it but Lilibeth was there, in her mind, to calm her. "Hey, it's OK. He is a good sorcerer.".

Runa relaxed her muscles with an act of will and then activates her radio,

Paragon backed away from the android as is collapsed and became inert, "I didn't do that, I didn't do..." Hearing the conversation she sighed in relief, "Yes, the Senator needs to be moved to a medical facility. We need to make sure the civilians are alright and in a safe location. Once that is accomplished someone needs to make a press statement and then we can be about our tasks in relation to this." She moved over to Livingston, holstering her weapon, "Livingston we need to question this man. I understand jurisdictional conflicts, but we are here to help. If we can just get some time with him I think we can make this work. Remember he is enhanced and your agents might not be able to handle him, we can." She thought a moment, "How about you take him into custody at our facility?"

10:40, Today: Paragon rolled 95 using 1d100 with rolls of 95.  /75% Charm or Impress.

hangs head in shame...

Agent Livingstone uses his radio to instruct his people, and his people begin to expand their perimeter as the civilians are processed out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Sun 02 July 2023.

Captain Justice walks though Drifter's portal and takes the deactivated android Senator to the indicated storage area.

"Unfortunately, an Android is a little to advanced for me, so I won't be much help here beyond helping hold him down in case he wakes up."

Detective Broyko calls dispatch and sends the uniforms to the various exits. The entire room is festooned with crime scene tape, and finally Broyko suggests that LESP meet in the office to fill out incident reports and debrief as necessary. It takes a few hours to process the civilians, and the uniforms will remain at the perimeter till the CSI's have finished. LESP won't be needed for that, but anyone that wishes to remain and make the acquaintance of and help the CSI's are encouraged to do so for less than thirty minutes at the most!

With the departure of some of the LESP back to the office with the prisoners, and Detective Broyko's all clear, Runa pulls back from the warrior part of her duties and embraces her duties as a priestess. Yes, it was a near certainty that none of the people present worshipped Inanna but they were still people that had just gone through what was likely the most traumatic experience in their life to date.

"I'm not saying you shouldn’t speak to the civs but it might be considered interfering with an investigation," Lilibeth says to Runa but without any real conviction.

"Perhaps but my duty to heal doesn't end with the battle,", Runa responds, moving to where some of the civilians were Huddled together, awaiting questioning by the investigators.

She approached with a warm smile, her demeanor as disarming and inviting as a mother seeking to comfort her frightened children. She speaks softly, offering encouragement and reassurance, listening, genuinely listening to their fears and concerns and offering soothing words and touches.


OOC
Runa isn't built for investigation at all. She is decent at medicine and motivation though so that is what she does. ^_^

Runa rolled 38 using 1d100 with rolls of 38.  Performance 55%. SUCCESS

Runa rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Trust/Intimidate 60% SUCCESS
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Sun 09 July 2023.

Although many of the politicians are unfazed by the events, as if the only trauma they could be expected to notice is their own personal trauma, many of the guests aren't politicians and sorely need the help. As she's doing her best to soothe the crowd, the press shows up. Technically it's a news crew from channel eight, but the result is the same. After interviewing whatever civilians they're allowed to and getting the official statement from Lieutenant Broyko the news crew focuses on the human interest side of the story. This is why they approach Runa just as a previously tearful debutante hugs the warrior priestess and skips away happily.
Then the talking head begins, "This is Vaida Stecky reporting from the Municipal Convention Center, where intervention by the city's new LESP unit has prevented what could have been a serious act of terrorism. But that's only part of the story. Standing here is a member of LESP, who's been acting as an angel of mercy for those traumatized by the incident. Some have even proclaimed the woman to be an actual angel, claiming she grew wings and flew over the crowd to protect it. Thankfully, Lieutenant Broyko gave me her name and ensured me she 'didn't bite'."
"So, Runa, first I want to thank you for keeping the city safe, but the question on everyone's mind is 'are you an angel?' As a journalist, I feel I must act. As a person, I'm not sure I want to know. So, are you an angel?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Sun 09 July 2023.

In reply to Agent Livingstone (msg # 99):

“Of course I can look into it, I’m a nobody now, but I was once somebody.” Señor Garcia let those words sink in, it was fairly reasonable that Agent Livingston may have been read into some of his past exploits, but maybe not all of them.

Taking note that the androids posing as the Senator apparently deactivates Señor Garcia remains silent. There is not much he wants to say here in a public setting.

---

When Captain Justice questions Agent Livingston, Señor Garcia says nothing. Having been on protective details himself, he knows all too well that the principal could be up to all sorts of unethical (but yet not illegal) acts, One examples of which would be a married man elected to a very high political office receiving fellatio from an unmarried female intern.

---

As Spymaster asks his questions of Agent Livingston, Señor Garcia is again silent. As Agent Livingston outlines the idea/plan to have the Senator listed in critical condition and under guard he nods to Spymaster, and any others present, at this point it is best if the world thought the Senator was still alive and not identified as an android.

Señor Garcia does not take advantage of the dimensional divide to return to LESP HQ, doing so would just identify him as one of the ‘superheroes.’

When the media arrives, Señor Garcia blends in and disapears within the crowd of people.

Runa was feeling, if not quite happiness, satisfaction at being able to help the crowd of people. They were not warriors, nor had they come to this place expecting to witness a battle. Walking among them, soothing their fears and worries, felt right.

When the reporter comes up to her and asks her if she is an angel, she hesitates, though she isn't sure why. "What's wrong, you are totally an angel," the voice of Lilibeth says in her mind. "No, I am a merely priestess of Inanna...aren't I?"

But even as she thought that, she knew that wasn't true. She was more than a priestess, even one blessed by the divine. Runa was confused but saw that the reporter was looking at her intently, expecting an answer, soon. She mentally shook off her confusion and smiled at the other woman, Vaida Stecky, she had said. "Greetings to you Vaida Stecky. As I understand your language, you might call me an angel. I am a warrior priestess of the Goddess, Inanna. The Goddess saw fit to bless me with a portion of her divine power, transforming me into one of exalted messengers. In that way, you could think of me as an angel."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Mon 10 July 2023.

"However you came about it, you've been an angel to the people here. But my viewers are terribly curious about the LESP unit. Can you tell us anything about that?"

Runa continues to smile at the reporter. "The warriors of the LESP were here to protect the lives of the people. An assassin attempted to slay one of your leaders but by the grace of the goddess and their skill, might and courage, he was thrawted and captured. I am honored to be included in their company."

"Thank you, Runa. I think I can speak for everyone present when I say we're happy your on our side."
While smiling at the camera, Vaida moves closer to it and then makes a chopping motion with her hand. The cameraman does something, then the red light on the camera goes dark. Vaida asks the cameraman, "how did it look? Was that ok?"
The cameraman nods as he fiddles with his machine. "So, what are you doing now?"

"Sending the files to the cloud."

It was clear to Runa that the reporter and her cameraman had gotten what they wanted and were now moving on. "Good day to both of you, may the blessings of the Goddess be upon you," she says in parting. She turns away from them and surveys the room and people in one more time assuring herself that no one else is in distress or injured.

taking a turn right when he should have gone left leaves Drifter in the surreal land of Hos

Odd place Hoz

Seeing that no one needed her aid, Runa leaves the room where the assassination attempt had taken place. Without her wings, she is easily mistaken as just another convention cosplayer. In fact she sees some costumes with wings though of course they aren't glowing with divine energy.

It isn't long before she sees Drifter. Her eyes narrow for an instant but then she relaxes, remembering that though he was a sorcerer, he had been accepted by the LESP and so was not an enemy. "You've really got a thing about sorcerers huh?" Lilibeth says in her mind. "Yes, ever since...", "Ever since what?" "I...can't remember," Runa tells the former Army medic and now constant companion. "Well whatever, walk over and say hi or let me go." "What?," Runa says aloud, apparently startled by Lilibeth's last sentence. "I said walk over there and say hi or let me out so I can do it."

"Oh, very well, I will do as you ask," Runa says, walking over to Drifter. When she is close enough, she says "Hello again, Drifter," managing to keep her face neutral.

In reply to Runa (msg # 142):

"Oh hello Runa.  To what do I owe this pleasure?"]
The vagabond inquires as he adds a little bow to the vision before him.

Despite her feelings, Runa's lips quirk into a smile as Drifter bows to her. "Now that our task here is complete, Lilibeth wanted to explore. She enjoys this kind of event." The priestess gestures at the crowds of costumed people, the vendor stalls and people lining up to pay for some celebrity's autograph. "We saw you and decided, why not enjoy it with you?"

In reply to Runa (msg # 144):

"Well that should be easy enough to achieve. So just what facet of reality would you like to see?

One of the
Mystical realms where magic reigns
or a Material realm where super science far superior to this world, holds supreme
or even one of the worlds where Mental powers hold sway.  Like Darkover or perhaps The Many Coloured land with The Tanu and Firvulag. Situated during The Pliocene Time line?

Or do you have some other setting in mind?"
looking around a little before he adds
"so will your friend Lilibeth be joining us soon? I do not think I have met that individual yet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Wed 19 July 2023.

Runa shakes her at the suggestion to visit other worlds. If nothing else, Inanna had sent her to this world, no other and so here was where she was meant to be. When the wizard mention when Lilibeth would join them, she actually laughed. "Oh stop, its not his fault he doesn't know about our...situation," Lilibeth says in Runa's mind.

"Forgive me, your comment struck me as humorous since Lilibeth is always with me and I her. You see we are....call it soul bonded. I will change places with her now, bide a moment." The tall priestess walks away from Drifter and walks into a nearby women's restroom. A moment later out walks a much shorter woman with long blond hair, dressed as a popular video game character; Cammy. With a bright smile on her face, she walks right up to Drifter, holding out a hand. "Pleased to meet you in the flesh. I've been watching you since you got here," the young woman says. Almost immediately her smile falters and her cheeks turn the color of strawberries. She waves both hands in front of her, "Not in like a creepy way or anything! I just meant, well, its not like there is much to do when Runa is out except, well, watch what's happening."

In reply to Runa (msg # 146):

trying to get a grasp on the reality just handed to him, Drifter feels like he has entered a schism of some kind.

Gingerly taking the offered hand he Asks
"Are you two always in the same time space or have you been divergent by mere nano seconds?"

PM

Lilibeth reextends her hand to shake Drifter's, her smile returning as the blond recovers quickly from her unintentional verbal clumsiness. "Um...I'm not sure what a nanosecond is but I'm guessing it's smaller than a microsecond," she giggles and then continues, "We've been, um, together, since Iraq. It was my first deployment, well only deployment really. I got out after that and came here."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Thu 20 July 2023.

In reply to Runa (msg # 149):

taking the hand that is offered Drifter give the two a warm, friendly shake.

"I am so delighted and happy to meet you both Runa"

Lilibeth giggles again, "No, I'm Lilibeth, the tall, beautiful goddess looking one is Runa. That's OK though, I know it can be confusing. Just think of how I feel! All these memories and feelings that are mine but aren't? Like I had no clue how to speak Arabic before but now I do."

In reply to Runa (msg # 151):

"Oh... so am I wrong in thinking you and she are both part of a Dual person?...

what a pity. That puts an end to my plan to visit the Home plane of your other self."

Lilibeth kept smiling though her eyes communicated a sense of confusion. "I don't know about dual person but yah, we share this body. We are about to get into a TIC, excuse me, sorry, my Army slipped out there," she giggles and waves a hand, "That means Troops In Combat, so whenever we are about to get into trouble, Runa comes out and I take a backseat. I'm kinda like her own personal cheerleader that point, only without the pom poms and cute outfit. Most of the rest of the time, I'm out and about and she is the one looking over my shoulder, encouraging me to be more..." The short blonde woman puts a finger to her lips, obviously searching for the right word, "aggressive lets say. Lately though she has been out more. I've been kinda taking a break from the hustle of day to day life and letting her explore the modern world more. She was out of service for a while, missed out on a lot."

Her voice had become noticeably somber a she went into more details but then she gives herself a little shake and is all smiles again. "So what about you? Runa says you're a sorcerer, is that right? Like Gandolf or Merlin? People keep confusing what Runa can do with magic but she hates that, says its not magic but divine power, blessed upon her by Ishtar. I don't understand the difference really, its all just so miraculous to me."

In reply to Runa (msg # 153):

"Well no that is not the truth of the matter.  I admit I have encountered worlds full of magic but I am just a Trader that can cross Dimensional barriers.  This world in not even my homeland."

falling silent Drifter for a moment before continuing

My home world died along with all my friends and associates.  I was on friendly terms with the Detective Broyko of that Realm and now he is dead!

The sad thing is that world died due to the actions of Heroes just like us!

I have yet to find the nerve to cross back over the dimensional barriers to check it out.  I am hoping to find another group of supers who have more diverse powers to go see if we can offer help to any survivors or if it is even needed.  I know sooner is better but I am just one person.  What if the energies that took out a whole world are still running rampant.

Opening a portal is a two way door.  I do not have the right to bring this world to ruin just for idle curiosity.  The only way I would even consider doing so, is if I could find a reality that is already defunct and lifeless.  Even using some place like Utgard is out of the question for even Evil beings deserve the chance of redemption.


Oh and Runa I do understand the difference between Divine Power and Magic. Not totally but well enough.

Paragon strolled over to where a couple of her teammates were talking, "Well that was strange, yea? Some robot is a Senator and then just shuts down. This world keeps becoming less recognizable to me. Anything I can help you two with?"

Lilibeth's eyes widening, "You're not a wizard? So how do you go places? Oh wait, are you like Hikari? Like a super tech genius? I think I remembwr watching a movie or something that said super technology can be confused for magic."

When Drifter mentions his world being destroyed, Lilibeth looks sad and steps forward to give Drifter a hug. When Paragon arrives she releases the hug and turns to save her. "Oh hi! Good to see you again," she opens her arms to hug the other woman.


OOC
Lilibeth is a hugger but not pushy about it. If someone rejects it, she doesn't try to still hug them
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

Alison held up a finger, "Not on a first date darling. Well...maybe...but you gotta buy me dinner first." She smiled so Runa knew therewere no hard feelings.

OOC
Giving Drifter a chance to reply

In reply to Runa (msg # 156):

"my abilities are! as far as I know! part of my biology

 So no I am not a Wizard, Witch, Wicca, Azrael, Robocop or Crowly

 I am simply me."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

On the edge of the downtown area, a lone armored figure flies along the street. As it passes the buildings, blasts of energy from its gauntlets destroy visible antennae and obvious communications devices. Several hundred yards behind the armored man, a cell tower sits damaged, the top 20 feet hanging down exposing the destruction of two of the four supporting legs for that section. FIST is on some sort of rampage.
There is a police helicopter several hundred yards above FIST, obviously observing and not interfering, probably as such helicopters wouldn't have the firepower to confront the flying infantry shock trooper armor once in development by the Marine Corp. Fortunately, the officers in the helicopter are the only other humans around, the streets have emptied as citizens received warning about the armored terrorist.

Justicar nodded despite being solo,

Returning his attention tot he Drone's visual and himself still out of sight... he brought up his ordinance stores for the shoulder-mounted 5.56mm LMG, and switched select-fire single-shot sniper fire and switched to his own custom "Tracer" rounds.  The internal ammo belt drums switched and to the few select ammo.  He had actual 'tracer' ammo.. but that was the standard leading fire tracers... not his tracking gel rounds.

"K3 launch Drone-Phobos, gonna need a slight distraction so he doesn't notice the tag."

The drone detached and fly away using the cover of the surrounding buildings and terrain to hide from direct observation... Hikari taking over direct control of the drone... moving very close to terrain features to make it impossible for Radar to track it's progress.  Moving toward F.I.S.T. but not getting close.

10:18, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 74 using 1d100 with rolls of 74.  Justicar 'Controlling Drone' - Prowl [78%]. – 74

First observing the situation ~ Questions:
1. What is the situation around F.I.S.T.? Where is he {residential, business, middle of street?}
2. What is F.I.S.T. currently doing?
3. Are there innocent bystanders around and how many?
4. Are the police present and how are they handling the situation?

Justicar will call the police copter and inform them he is on his way to the scene, but he does not reveal he is already there or his location... yet.  He will suggest they stay well out of firing range of the F.I.S.T. suit blasters and to switch to the LESP secure channel as he does not know if the F.I.S.T. suit can monitor uninerypted police channels.

"Police chopper CC-P023F, this is Justicar of the LESP, I am on my way to the F.I.S.T. suits rampage. Please keep your distance from his blaster's range. I'd request you call your dispatch to send your communications to LESP so our communications can be repeated on LESP secure radio channels. I am unsure if the F.I.S.T. suit can monitor police channels. No further communication and coordination will be done on open police channels."

First he will do is do a detailed scan of the F.I.S.T. suit... trying to learn is it emitting any radar pulses of an active sensor array. He will also call up from K3 what is already known about the suit's capabilities.  He is specifically looking to know what sensors it possesses. Does it have any enhanced optics like Thermal vison or enhanced hearing?

13:31, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.  Justicar - Read Sensor Instruments 'scannung FIST suit' [102%]. – 42

13:33, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 87 using 1d100 with rolls of 87.  Justicar - Research 'looking up what is already known of the FIST Suit' [67%]. – 87
 {FAIL}

Second he will, trail him with stealth directing his Drone-Phoebos progressing at ground level to his right flank staying between buildings out of sight but flanking and folowing.

As for Justicar he will keep following from above staying out of sight himself using building tops and cityscape cover...

13:40, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 35 using 1d100 with rolls of 35.  Justicar - Prowl [78%]. – 35

Third Hikari will scan the damaged communications tower trellus. Trying to Dicern how he may patch it to keep it stable enough that it will not fall before a proper repair can be done.

13:47, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 96 using 1d100 with rolls of 96.  Justicar - Mechanical Engineering temp repair radio tower'  [78%]. – 96
 {FAIL}

K3, chimed in ~ 'Sir? Should I initiate jamming the F.I.S.T communications and sensors?'

Hikari shrugged, "If you can K3?"

'ECM Enabled'

14:10, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 11 using 1d100 with rolls of 11.  K3 - Research FIST suit abilities [88%]. – 11

14:14, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 20 using 1d100 with rolls of 20.  K3 - Read Sensory Instruments [80%]. – 20

14:17, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 44 using 1d100 with rolls of 44.  K3 - Radio: Scrambling [80%]. – 44
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Sun 10 Sept 2023.

Most of what FIST has destroyed is obsolete, deprecated, and left in place as emergency backup; FIST is having little impact. As Hikari watches, it's obvious that this FIST doesn't fly. As it lands on a rooftop and blasts some antenna, it begins to run across the rooftop till it leaps. Flying though the air, its trajectory purely ballistic, it begins to slow as it reaches another rooftop. Watching it land, Hikari notes a puff of what could only be exhaust from the robot suit's hips. It is only just as FIST appears to have finished his business that Hikari realizes the suit hasn't been improved^*. It's the same exact design Frank Streeter used with the original suit. FIST leaps once more, this time dropping between buildings to land in an alley. Just as the suit begins to drop between the brick walls of the buildings aside it, FIST seems to look back at Hikari.

---

The original FIST suit is fully armored, amplifies the users strength to superhuman levels (increased to 30). Amplifies the running speed to be three times normal. Includes a jump jet system and ion blasters on each wrist.

Justicar ponders the situation... thinking its possible FIST is trying to lead him into an ambush?  Which in itself is odd as well, {Is he working with someone else as backup?}

He does not bite ~ though is curious how he was spotted certain his prowling was successful thinking, {Perhaps there is more then meets the eye here?} Instead noting the FIST Suit's hip-jump jets and the unrefined crude nature the servos of this 1st gen model, Hikari tunes the Justicar-Polymer's amplified hearing and sound filters to tune out the surrounding noise and focus on the blasts from the hip-jump jets and the whir of the FIST suit servos.. keeping his distance he will use his superior flight speed and sensors to track FIST wholly out of sight of him to circle a wide path of the FIST and get ahead of him.

All the while his Drone-Deimos piloted by K3, trails FIST from the side keeping out of any direct sight and only using its extension utility arm sensor whiskers to peek around corners to follow and track the FIST suit's progress.

Scanning the city maps of FIST progress Hikari will move to an ambush position along his travel... but the position will only be for a distance shot to hit FIST with a tracer while his Drone-Provides a brief detraction so the hit from the tracer is not noticed.

19:57, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 35 using 1d100 with rolls of 35.  Navigation - Land [122%]. – 35

19:58, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Justicar - Read Sensory Instruments [102%]. – 98 [Auto-Fail]

20:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 39 using 1d100 with rolls of 39.  Justicar - Prowl [78%]. – 39
This message was last edited by the player at 11:27, Sun 17 Sept 2023.

Finally coming to the edge of the warehouse district just off the docks, the FIST armor punches a hole in the roof (firing both blasters as it comes down) and drops into the warehouse. It's not really a problem for JUSTICAR as the tracer was easily attached to the armored suit.

Justicar will access the city records to find the warehouse schematics covering if there are any underground exits or tunnel access to the warehouse that FIST might use to slip out of the building unobserved.  Then scan the building with Thermograph, Penetrating Radar, the attached tracer and his amplified auditory pickup.. to get as close an approximation as possible to where FIST is moving/located in the building.

Hikari will wait for confirmation from K3 that the drone sensor corroborate his scans...

K3 will direct Drone-Deimos to circle the warehouse from a block away monitoring it so see if FIST tries to slip out of the building from some unseen angle to throw off pursuit.

Hikari will wait 5 minutes tracking the FIST suit's movement and sounds to make sure FIST is not leaving the building first.

Then he will call LESP to report FIST's location and begin coordinating a cordon to encircle a four block area... preparing with SWAT to hopefully raid the building and catch FIST by surprise.. for a minimum of conflict in FIST's apprehension.

01:15, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 22 using 1d100 with rolls of 22.  Justicar - Computer Operation 'Get warehouse floor plans' [113%]. – 22

01:18, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Justicar - Read Sensory Instruments 'scan warehouse-locate FIST' [102%]. – 98 [Auto Fail]

01:22, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 59 using 1d100 with rolls of 59.  K3 - Read Sensory Instrument [80%]. – 59

01:23, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 71 using 1d100 with rolls of 71.  K3 - Surveillance Systems [82%]. – 71
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Sun 17 Sept 2023.

The FIST armor sits in the center of the warehouse, stock still. There have been no infrared signatures indicating a warm body went through any portion of the warehouse, and there's no warmth in the FIST armor.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 167):

Justicar looked and the sensor readouts and smiled..darkly chuckling.  "Yeah don't know how that might scream TRAP any louder, but I guess its possible?!?  This whole exercise was to draw me out."

Hikari got on the LESP Secure channel...

Justicar held position and had K3 pilot Drone-Deimos to make its way to the warehouse roof near where FIST blasted a hole in but keeping under total cover.  Then calling K-Sea, the sophant AI on the Sea Sentinel he coordinated with K2 in the Justicar MK IV, "K2.. I need to you pilot Drone-Beta ASAP to my location.. I have need of its chemical analysis and sniffer sensors."

'Acknowledged Hikari.  ETA 5min.'

While Drone-Deimos got into position... Hikari called the local CCPD and told them ~ "...there was a potential bomb threat in the cordoned area.. and I will be doing a broad jamming effect to squelch any remote detonator signals {and drone control transmissions as well in fact}, here is an alternate frequency to switch your communications to that is low enough in stability that neither drone or remote triggers can use.  Communication will be a little static-filled but still possible until the threat was assessed. Please stand by."

With that Hikari initiated a full broad communication jamming of signals of course leaving the LESPRadio frequencies and of course his own drone encrypted transmission signals as unaffected as possible.

19:30, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 51 using 1d100 with rolls of 51.  Justicar - Radio: Scrambler [67%]. – 51

19:30, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 10 using 1d100 with rolls of 10.  Justicar - Read Sensory Instruments [102%]. – 10

Signal jamming in place, Justicar took note of Drone-Beta's progress to his location and then pilot control of Drone-Deimos directly.  Calling up the warehouse floor plans Hikari took note of the structural support beams and pillars of the warehouse and controlled the drone to extend one of its utility arms out into the hole made in the roof to monitor any movement from FIST.  Then extend a second utility arm and look for any electronic signals or visual ques to any demolitions lodged/set on the building's structural supports.

If nothing is initially spotted Hikari will pilot the drone into the hole and begin a sweep of the building looking for any set explosives always a single arm watching FIST for any movement but staying well away from him.. using whatever cover is available from any blaster fire from FIST.

If no demolitions set to the building are noticed, Drone-Deimos will move to a position within 30'ft feet of FIST and setting its arm anchors it will erect a Force Field Barrier and hold stationary behind the energy field cover.

If at ANY point Hikari detects or suspects the building itself is rigged with explosives he will call back his drones and report to the CCPD of the situation and ask if they want him to maintain his jamming?

When Drone-Beta arrives, Hikari will have K3, replicate the same scanning search pattern he just performed ~ using Beta's chemical sniffer sensors looking for the chemical telle of explosive material.  Again if none is detected Beta will take cover behind the Deimos Force Field and pause.

Justicar is taking his time being methodical and thorough in his search and scans...

Hikari will then call the CCPD and give them an update in whatever he discovered in sweeping the building for demolitions... and ask if he should proceed to try to detect if FIST is itself contains explosive materials?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

As Drone-Deimos moves into position, the FIST armor turns its head to watch. As Beta takes cover behind the same force field, the FIST armor nods. A compartment on the armor's chest opens, and the armor removes an envelope which it sets at its feet. Facing the drones, FIST places the left thumb in the center of the armor's face before hooking the right thumb on its distal left finger. Then FIST wiggles its fingers.
Kicking the envelope so it slides across the floor to the force field, FIST extends its arms straight up and launches itself towards the ceiling. Once close enough, it blasts to weaken the ceiling and then smashes through it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:16, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

Justicar, watching the display transmitted from his drones narrows his gaze... in a scowl hidden under his visor.

He ticks off the relevant points about the FIST suit mentally...
- Remote controlled, clearly by some means his radio scramblers are Not able to squelch
- Still in operation
- Not US Military property
- Armed with particle beam weaponry
- Moving on to continue rampage
- Unmanned

It was very clear to Hikari what his response with that last point would be...

Justicar shifted position out of cover when the FIST suit smashed through the roof again he laser targeted it and dual-fired his shoulder-mounted weapons underbarrel M203 40mm grenade launchers with HE ordinance at the FIST Suit ~ to destroy it!

10:51, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 30 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 15.  Justicar - Shoulder Mounted - Underbarrel Gr Launchers [+15; +12weapon sys, +3 laser tar]. – 30

10:55, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 12 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,6.  Justicar - 40mm Grenade L. damage [1d6x100 ea]. – 12 {12x100 [1,200 SDC]}
{OOC: Damage as per CoCW, p.114}

The shoulder weapons barked their dual-retort ~ CHOFF!-CHOFF!
... followed by a thunderous double explosion, a near perfect shot!

K-KTHOOM-THOOM!!

When the FIST suit raised its arms K3 took control of Drone-Beta and extended an utility arm to pick up the envelop and stow it into a storage compartment as the projected Force field of the stationary Drone-Deimos did not touch the concrete floor but left a 6" gap. Then Beta tucked in closer behind the protective force field.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 171):

The two grenades slam into the armor, the explosions smack it back and forth so quickly the G forces inside the suit would've been enormous. FIST armor flies by means of hover-jets controlled by a pilot. Whatever was controlling the hover-jets has ceased to do so, and the FIST armor falls back through the hole it smashed in the roof and drops to the warehouse floor. There, it remains inert.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 172):

{OOC: Damage Adjustment - 5d4x10! 'Which is TOTALLY fine by me ~ I'd rather NOT be on the same receiving end of the Rules as listed!'}

09:21, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 23 using 10d4 with rolls of 2,2,3,3,3,3,1,3,2,1.  Justicar - 40mm Grenade L. damage ['10' 5d4x10 ea]. – 23 {23x10 230 SDC}

Justicar watches the result of the weapons fire. He cuts his radio jamming seeing as its not stopping whatever means is being used to control the remote FIST Drone.  Drone-Beta detected no explosives in the building so Justicar takes flight flying to the hole in the roof to hover above regarding the ... crashed FIST suit.

Getting on the CCPD Radio, "Justicar reporting. That twin-detonation was me disabling the FIST suit's flight systems.  The FIST suit blasted an entrance in the roof of an abandoned warehouse and was waiting for my arrival.  I suspected a trap so scanned the building for explosives and it does not appear to be rigged to explode.  I did not enter and the FIST suit attempted to leave. My sensors revealed it was unmanned and there were no innocents in the building.  So I took the chance to disable it with ordinance.  It is back down in the building.  Proceeding with caution to finish neutralizing it."

Entering the roof hole Justicar lands 30'ft away from the FIST suit waiting a few seconds for any reaction... before walking over charging his arm-mounted mini-lasers to cut the arm mounted blasters off the FIST suit if it moves...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Sun 01 Oct 2023.

The suit lays inert and quiet. As JUSTICAR approaches, the FIST faceplate levers up and open. It reveals a mechanical face, or sorts. Within the metal skull there are photoreceptor eyes and some sort of mechanical tongue, but nothing else. The light within the skull flickers and goes out.

Justicar examines the automaton and... attaching his multi-tool hands crouches down and disables the FIST suit power system to make sure it is inert!

00:22, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 82 using 1d100 with rolls of 82.  Justicar - Electrical: Engineer 'Id/locate FIST power systems' [77%]. – 82  {FAIL}

The damage is extensive and the wiring .. uncertain...

For expedience... Hikari just removes the power pack... with brute force if needed...

00:24, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 15 using 1d100 with rolls of 15.  Justicar - Robot: Electronics 'Just remove the power pack' [97%]. – 15

Holding the now detached power pack Justicar turns to his drones behind Drone-Deimos' force screen, reasonably certain the FIST is now fully deactivated and walks around Drone-Deimos' force screen to retrieve the written letter from Drone-Beta and reads it...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Fri 06 Oct 2023.

As he detaches the power supply, Hikari realizes most of the damage isn't to the FIST suit. Apparently, the suit was placed on a robot of minimal construction. The grenades, in slamming the robot back and forth, destroyed the robot without doing more than superficial damage to the suit.

Getting on the Radio, "Justicar here. CCPD.. I believe the threat is neutralized, the FIST suit is down. I'll stay here on standby while your forensics team sweeps in, but I think LESP should keep possession of the FIST suit  for examination and investigation to find its origin.  But I'll be hold here to wait for confirmation."

On the LESP Radio...

Hikari reads the letter...

K3 deactivates Drone-Deimos Force Field and recalls the drone to dock with the Justicar-Polymer...

Drone-Beta holds on standby out of the way... Justicar-Polymer has only two drone docking ports for Deimos and Phoebos.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Sun 08 Oct 2023.

Justicar ponders the letter with ... mixed emotions.  He's not certain he believes all of it but... the tone was not what he would expected were everything he'd been told were the full truth.  And he's... unfortunately certain, that Full Truth has yet to be revealed from his parents.  In self-reflection, he considers why should he be surprised?  Truth and his parents has ... always been somewhat sketchy.

The young hero sighs, folds the letter and puts it away.  Like ALL things in his life it seems.. he must always 'seek' his own answers... but those are matters for latter.  Best answer he has for now is keep an open mind and do not let his desire for Justice.. or even Familial connection blind him to the facts before him, for now that must be enough.

Getting on the Radio, "Justicar reporting. Situation resolved.  Awaiting the Police Forensics Team to sweep the scene.  I'll stay on station until they are done then take the FIST suit to LESP HQ for analysis."

When the police arrive Justicar does not move from his out of the way position monitoring the procedures until he's given the 'ok' to confiscate the FIST suit and its droid pilot.  He will take his leave and return to the LESP HQ.  There he will take the FIST suit to the analysis room they most recently used on the Senator Android ~ and the reality of the difficult situation dawns on him.  He will remove the android pilot from the Fist Suit and stow the FIST suit itself in the evidence 'room', but will make his way to Detective Broyko's office.

[EXIT To: LESP Offices]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Fri 20 Oct 2023.