[your story starts here!]
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:47, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

It was sweltering inside the large shop even with the large doors open but the man working amidst the well organized clutter didn't seem to notice. Bent over a roaring engine Jeffry or Kludge as most folk called him pressed a length of broom handle to the block and the other end against his ear. Reving the throttle a few times he nodded his satisfaction before moving the handle to another location. Satisfied with the results he let it run down to a low idle to cool down and pulled a greasy rag from his back pocket and wiped his face.

"Hey JYD, I think it's time for a cold something. Interested?" A large black and tan head popped up from behind a milling machine with a >>Groowwff!!<< An impressively sized and battle scared body followed moving on three legs and wagging a stump of a tail. "Are you hiding from the cats again? I keep tellin' ya ya just need to show them who's Boss."

Leading the way to the back of the shop the two entered a small room full of cabinets and lockers, a rumpled cot, a small white gas stove and an ice box. Reaching into the ice box Kludge pulled out two large bottles with flip top stoppers. They fizzed as he broke the seals. Technically they were ginger ale. Technically they were not alcoholic. In truth they were home brewed and naturally fermented. True it would take a dozen to even get you tipsy but you never knew what would set some people off. Pouring one into a bowl he set it on the floor as he took a swig from the other.

"I think Mr. Carter will be more than happy with that engine. I think I coulda got a bit more power out of it but it would've needed constant maintenance. If he's satisfied that could turn into a money maker for us."

Freddy was just considering a sandwich when the bell for the office rang. And rang. And rang. And rang. Muttering several colorful power words he stormed out of the shop as the bell continued to ring every few seconds. From across the yard he could see a nice Buick Roadmaster parked outside the old log building. Old habit and training had him scanning around the yard for anyone who might be concealed. "GUARD" he muttered to Junk Yard before pushing the door open and stepping into the small space. "Push that button again and I'll break your fingers starting at your elbows. He calmly informed the large man in the cheap poorly fitting suit. The bulge under his jacket couldn't have been more obvious without putting up a sign.

With a challenging smirk that revealed crooked and stained teeth the man reached for the button only to have a 2 pound hammer slam into the counter within a fraction of an inch of his fingers. Snatching his hand back the man started to reach into his jacket.

"That would be an impressivly stupid thing to do, trust me. I give one warning and I don't  joke. So, first, what's your name and why are you here?

The man froze with his hand half in his jacket, glanced at the hammer and slowly let it drop. "Ya don't need ta know mah name. Mah Boss told me ta have ya make somethin'."

"Stop right there. Names are Important. I don't work for anyone I don't know. If your Boss wants me to build something then he can come down here and discuss it with me, business man to business man. If we reach an agreement then I will do the work."

"Ya don't say no ta da Boss! An' anyway he's to important ta talk ta people like you!"

"Then I think your boss is obout to be very disappointed and you're the lucky guy that gets to explain that to him. I know it will be hard for you, but think hard. Now get out of my yard."

"You'll regret this!"

"Probably, I'll add it to the list. But your boss probably will too if he makes an issue of it. Now go before I scrap your car."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Mon 11 Sept 2023.

"I can deliver that engine tomorrow at 9 Mr. Carter, it won't be a problem." Kludge listened to the staticy voice over the poor connection and nodded although the other caller couldn't see it "I have a few other pickups and delivers to make so I'll be out with the truck anyway. All the dimensions and diagrams are included as agreed." He listened again. "Cash on delivery would be perfect. If you need any more work done let me know. I have some transmissions that with a bit of jiggering I think could make the most of the power from that engine. I'll see you tomorrow at 9."

Hanging up the phone on its little hook he gave it a gimlet eyeball. "I hate those things, people should talk face to face, not over a bunch of wires." Looking out the dirty window at the darkening sky he sat in silent thought as he considered several options. "Hey JYD," The dog didn't raise his head but his ragged ears perked up. "I'm going to close up the Yard and take The Beast and Stomper out. I've been hearing rumors that some bright boy is trying to run the insurance con over on the East  End. If they are they need to learn why it's a bad idea. Can you hold down the fort?"

The flip of a switch shut off the lights over the gate and another caused the heavy barricade to close. The concrete wall that surrounded the 15 acre salvage yard may have been more appropriate for a prison but the last thing Jeffry wanted was any young explorers wandering the yard. It was dangerous in its own right and then there were his own secrets to keep.

Running on just one of its massive engines and with the mufflers engaged The Beast wasn't exceptionally loud, by some standards it could almost be considered stealthy. Inconspicuous? That was another matter. It looked like what it was, something to get from Point 'A' to Point 'B' by crushing anything in its way, causing carnage, then being able to go home for a fresh gallon of motor oil. It was lacking on creature comforts but had alot of attitude, most of it bad. Painted a police blue with gold trim and a stylized star an the front and sides Jeffry hoped it would inspire people to trust him even if they didn't trust the police, something that was getting harder to do every day it seemed.

Even with hydrolics it was a challenge steering The Beast through the narrow streets, many of them still hold overs from horse and carriage or trolly lines but it was doable, at least until he came across three nice cars blocking the road. Three nice cars in an area where most people didn't own and couldn't afford one. "I think I just got lucky." Parking a block back from the cars Jeff pulled a lever sending the engine power to the onboard generator. Another lever locked all the doors and electrified the shell. After that it was only the work of a few well practiced moments to strap into Stomper. Painted in the same color scheme as The Beast it had a full helmet to cover his face and a good part of his torso was concealed behind the chest and back armor. Disconnecting the power leads he stepped onto the lift and let it raise him to the roof. "Ok, just like you practiced..." Taking two steps he jumped, triggered the compressed springs in  the feet as he landed, and launched off the roof of The Beast.

The dramatic, sidewalk cracking, three point hero landing was pure chance, he was just trying not to fall down. Standing up he heard the whine and ratchet as the motors rearmed the jump springs. Stomping down the streets he looked in each business he passed untill he found what appeared to be a group of junior entrepreneurs trying to do business. Going down on one knee he carefully opened the door.

"GENTLEMEN, ARE THESE YOUR FINE LOOKING AUTOMOBILES?" The resonators built into his helmet distorted his voice nicely. "THIS IS A DANGEROUS AREA FOR NICE AUTOMOBILES. NOW YOU SEEM LIKE GOOD PEOPLE  SO FOR A SMALL FEE I'LL MAKE SURE NO ONE ELSE DAMAGES THEM."

Walter Charles peers down from the roof of a nearby building, Eager to see what this mechanical savant is capable of.

""Wut da Hell?" Pinhead One, clearly the intellectual of the group dropped the bottle of olives he was holding to shatter on the floor, the rest of his choir group only stared.

"OH GOOD, YOU DO SPEAK ENGLISH, I THINK. YOU AND YOUR LITTLE BOY SCOUT TROUPE SHOULD ALL STEP OUT OF THE STORE AND LET MISTER KARMICK CLOSE UP FOR THE DAY."

"Who you think you are comin' into our City an' tellin' us what to do!"

"I'M THE ONE BEING POLITE. YOU WANT ME TO BE POLITE. IF I STOP BEING POLITE THEN YOU, YOUR LITTLE FRIENDS AND THOSE NICE CARS ARE ALL GOING TO GET WRECKED. I AM GOING TO GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE TO LEAVE PEACEFULLY AND TO TELL WHOEVER YOU WORK FOR TO STAY OUT OF THIS AREA. IF HE IGNORES THIS WARNING I WILL MAKE IT TO EXPENSIVE FOR HIM TO DO BUSINESS." Standing back up to his full size he stomped over to one of the cars. Grabbing the back of it there was a brief whine as the hydraulics loaded then the fingers crushed into the metal with ease. raising it into the air he reached underneath and with a savage yank and twist ripped the rear axle and drive line out of the vehicle before letting it fall. "THAT WAS YOUR ONLY FREE DEMONSTRATION AND WARNING.  NOW GET OUT." Turning his back as if he wasn't concerned he stomped back to The Beast. A little more careful jump (can't look stupid with a potential audience) and he landed back on the roof and rode the lift back inside. Leaving the hull electrified he brought the second engine on line in a thick cloud of black smoke then kicked the baffles out on the exhausts. With full boost available to them the engines came alive and roared like angry Gods looking for revenge. Releasing the parking brake he began to creep forward making it clear that if the cars were not moved they would be crushed.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Thu 14 Sept 2023.

"That guy's a lunatic. Let's get outta here."

"The boss ain't gonna be happy."

The thugs adjust their ties, then pile into the two functioning cars and drive off quickly in the opposite direction.

With careful nudges and bumps and a level of finesse you would not expect in such a massive vehicle The Beast maneuvered the mangled auto over against the curb so it was not blocking the street. There were a few accidental scorch marks where he almost welded it to the hull before remembering to deenergize the shell but nothing some rub and buff couldn't fix. Shutting down the second engine he reengaged the mufflers and had his ears ringing in the comparative quiet. Backing Stomper into the maintenance rack he unbuckled and ducked out of the large frame and pulled the leather helmet off of his head. Sweat soaked his hair and ran down his face and saturated the padded undersuit he wore. "Gotta figger out a cooling system for that or I'll cook in no time. Gonna have to work on calibrating the jumper springs. Hydraulics worked good and I seemed to have full motion following on the arms and hands..." Jeffry kept up a running critique as he returned to the driver's seat and began to navigate his way out neighborhood.  Nightly patrols, maybe even a few random ones during the day at odd times seemed to be in order. If he hwas going to take a stand and been seen as a credible threat then he would have to be visible and people would have to know they could count on him being there.

THE FOLLOWING DAY:

Freddy looked over the piles of scrap and frowned. He was several miles outside the city in the surrounding farmlands to possibly purchase some salvage and in a rare occurance, he didn't know what he was looking at. "You said it crashed in your field?"

"Yeah it did. spread itself out over about 5 acres and killed 3 of my cows, put the others off their milk for days. Must be some kind of air plane but it's awful big if you ask me and me and the boys never found anything like an engine or any wings."

"This happened when?"

"Goin' on about two months ago. Contacted the sheriff about it but he ignored me so we drug it all back here and piled it up out of the way. Saw your advertisement in one of the papers, sooo."

Bending down Kludge picked up one of the smaller pieces of scrap and looked it over closesly. It had a dull shine with a slight blue coloring as if it had been heated but showed no sign of blistering or cracking. it was thin, about a 1/16th of an inch with a slight curve to it and one edge was raggedly torn and ripped. trying to bend it between his hands Kludge couldn't even get it to flex. "To be honest Mr. Morris, I have no idea what it is. I'm willing to buy it all from you and haul it away just because it has me curious. If you're interested I can offer you cash for it right here or you can wait until I haul it in to my yard and can get a weight on it all. It is most likely going to take several loads to shift it all, so maybe 5, 6 days for all of it."

"I just want it off my land. Something about it spooks the cows. What are we talking cash?"

Walking around the piles Jeffry eyed them critically, in the back of his head where all of his best ideas seemed to come from he could feel images forming. "$300." Mr. Morris's eyes widened in surprise at the amount. "You might make more selling by the ton, but probably less as its an unknown mixed metal batch. I'll pay you the $300 because I like to play around with stuff like this."

"$300 sounds more than fair. It'll cover the three cows."

"Let's go up to my truck then I'll write you a receipt and we can shake on it and I'll get you your money. I won't be able to do a full load but I'll take what I can today and bring the big truck out tomorrow. Oh, if you could hold off on doing any irrigating along the route I'll take in it would help. No sense getting stuck in the mud if we can help it."

"I think we can do that. Glad your sensible about things. Farm boy?"

"Among other things, and a Marine. I've had enough playing in the mud."

"Tell you what. I'll throw in two dozon eggs just on the strength of it and spread your name around."

"Appreciate that, good word of mouth is the best advertising there is."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Tue 19 Sept 2023.

As you start driving the first haul away an old pickup truck (or what ever the 30s equivalent is) drives up and stops. Unfortunately the dirt road isn’t wide enough for both trucks to pass. A common inconvenience out in the sticks, for sure. As the haggardly dressed residents pile out you realize that there’s an electrical hum coming from under the engine hood instead of the rattle of an old diesel engine like you’d expect. No cloud of black exhaust, either.

The first three that come out…they seem almost…too pink? And the driver, who stays in his seat, has some sort of gas mask on with a tube extending into the dashboard.

The three tip their hats to you.

”I beg your pardon Sir…” one of them says in an Appalachian accent.

”We’re the McKree family. And we got an interest in what you’re haulin. You a business kinda man and we respect that. We’re ready to do some barter.”

One of the other McKrees opens an old wooden box, displaying handfuls of gold coins. Or are they gold bullion?

"Afternoon Neighbor," Jeff eased on the parking brake, checked the air pressure, then shut down the rumbling diesel. "I'm always willing to discuss business if you have something I'm interested in or if I have something you want. I must say, your opening was interesting, not compelling mind you, but interesting. What is your interest gentlemen?" As he spoke Kludge swung down from the cab and offered his rather dirty hand.

The spokesman accepted the handshake as the sun began to lower past the tree line.

”Long story short, our family came from quite a long way away…an’ crashed here in these mountains…we still have some scraps much like this…we just wanna get home, y’see. See Reg-El in the cab over there? He almost never come down this far. Air’s too thick for him. Turns his skin blue! Now if gold ain’t your thing we got this special technique for meltin’ down aluminum…”

At this point, the McKree’s suddenly looked up as two wobbly shapes hovered in the sky shining spotlights down at them.

”It’s th’ SKRULLS!”

They dove for cover and Reg-El leaped from the truck as a a red pulse struck their vehicle, causing an explosion.

the McKrees drew weapons. The masked one carried a longarm that resembled a musket with some shiny jury-rigging. it fired a thundering red orb that struck one of the craft, sending it careening end over end. The others drew similarly modified rusty revolvers that were shooting silver trails of what surely isn’t any kind of bullet you’ve ever seen.

"Son of a Fuckin' Bitch!" Jeff scrambled his way back into the cab of the truck and punched the button for the starters. With a pneumatic scream the two air motors spun up to speed bringing the already warmed engine up to full rpm in seconds. "GET ON THE TRUCK!" Roaring like an angry beast and snorting black smoke it lurched as he engaged the transmission and began to creep forward.

The four climb on Freddy’s vehicle as terrified mooing is hears over the engines. One of the McKrees points to additional saucers over the farmer’s property.

”They’s stealin’ the CATTLE! Greedy BASTARDS!”

"That does it, I can't abide thieves!" Jerking the large steering wheel caused the truck to swerve hard left, down off the side of the road and through the fence. It rocked wildly as the heavily loaded suspension fought with the uneven terrain but proved to be a match for it. Pulling down on the manual throttle controls Kludge brought the engine to full speed as he sent the truck racing toward the saucers. "Shmoe! Get over here and take the wheel! just keep her going straight!" Opening the door he stepped out onto the step and pulled a large shotgun out from behind the seat. Opening the breach he inserted a 4 inch cartridge that was solid brass. "Keep her steady!" He said not even checking to see if anyone was actually driving, then bracing against the door frame and using the cab to support his arm he sighted down the barrel. A childhood spent hunting and 8 years of Marine training combined as he gently squeezed the trigger and sent just under 2 ounces of copper jacketed lead down the barrel at over mach 1. His should felt like someone smashed it with a hammer but that didn't stop him from ejecting the spent case and loading a second one.

One saucer tilted violently, catapulting the levitating cow off to who-knows where. A bewildered farmer ran out of his house with a shotgun ready, but soon he was flailing helplessly as a saucer’s light pulled him into the craft.

Kludge took careful aim on the same craft he had shot the first time and fired again, cursing as in his haste he didn't seat the butt firmly against his shoulder and it kicked him hard. Eyeing the rapidly approaching cow herd he dropped one butt cheek back onto the seat and mashed his foot down on the brake praying he wouldn't be testing the cow catcher on the front of the rig.

"You have guns, use them!"

”Hang onto yer britches! These take time to recharge!”

"I don't know what those things are, but I'm betting you do! Do they have a weak point? Where should I shoot to bring it down?" Popping the truck out of gear Kludge reloaded the shotgun, dreading how his shoulder was going to feel in a few hours. In a combination of good and bad news, he only had four of the heavy loads left and he had the feeling standard buckshot just wasn't going to handle it.

”See where the light’s sucking’ up them cows? Hit that and an you get th’ engine!”

"I want one of those engines!" Using the top of the door to stabilize the shotgun Jeff took careful aim, exhaled slowly, and stroked the trigger. The explosion of the slugs leaving the barrel pretty much masked his groan as his shoulder soaked up the recoil.

The saucer wobbled again and sparks fell out of the aperture. Suddenly it dropped from the air and crashed into the cow paddy.

The other saucers promptly shot away in the same direction.

”Nice shooting, partner!”

The McKries jumped down and rushed the saucer.

”Oh no you don’t!”

The masked one jammed his weapon into the turret on top of the saucer to prevent it from aiming.

”Come out with yer hands up, Skrull! No funny stuff!”

Breaking the shotgun Kludge inserted a 'gentler' round of 00 Buck, palmed several more shells and slipped them in a pocket, then climbed down from the cab. "Son of a Biscut Eater!" Noticing the front driver side tire was flat he turned a steel melting glare toward the saucer. "That is just Bull Shirt! Get your arses out of that Frisbee right now or I scrap it with you in it! Try anything funny and your own Momma won't recognize the bodies!"

Only the sound of frightened mooing comes from inside the craft.

"Ok, how do we crack this tin can?" Jeff asked his temporary allies. "I might be able to use the truck Jack to crack a hatch. I think it's too big for the crane to shift."

”Get some wood and some moonshine? Light a fire under’t, git that Skrull hoppin’ out!”

”That’s mean to th’ COW! I ain’t havin’ it! Try th’truck jack!”

Returning to the truck Kludge opened one of the side bins and removed a long hose with a set of quick disconnects on the ends. Plugging one end into the port inside the box he uncoiled the hose over to the saucer then returned to the truck. Engaging the PTO he started the hydraulic pump then with a grunt from the weight grabbed the large jack and a set of hardened steel points along with a large persuader bar and carried it all back over to the saucer. Stabbing the bar down into the ground so it stood upright he quickly attached the points to the jaws of the jack and attached it to the hose. Looking over what he assumed was the hatch he flipped a mental coin and jammed the jaws into the narrow gap on one side. "This could get messy, keep me covered."

The groan of metal finally snapped the shop open like a crab shell.

A terrified and bewildered cow lay on top of a short green humanoid with wrinkly skin and pointed ears.

”Get…get it off me!”

"Green skin? That man has a serious condition." Jeff looked at his temporary allies. "So do we help the cow or the guy with a skin condition?" Grabbing the pry bar he handed it to one of the McKree boys. "Get in there and see if you can help him up."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Wed 18 Oct 2023.

Two of the pink hillbillies each grab an end of the cow and carry her out of the saucer.

”That Skrull musta broke down ribs or he’d be disguised by now.

the green one groans.

”My ribs…I think I bruised my gizzard…”

"I'm beginning to get the feeling you folk are from a lot farther away than Appalachia. Nobody picks up a full grown cow and moves it that easily. Now, I have no beef with you McKree boys, you approached me openly and honestly. By the way, one of you might want to go gather up all that gold that got scattered around on the road." Turning his attention back to the Skrull he let his displeasure show clearly. "As for you Mr. Skrull or whatever your name is, I don't like thieves, I don't like kidnappers, and I particularly don't like people who shoot at my truck. Your merry little band has manged to do all three. Cattle Rustling is an automatic hanging offense in this state so I could string you up right here, right now. Give me one good reason I shouldn't."

The green prisoner looks up at Freddy in all earnestness as a couple McKries slip out to grab the gold.

”This cow…is my cousin!”

He spits out some green blood from his mouth.

”The McKries been zapping my kinfolk with brain rays and…”

”LIAR!”

The masked McKrie slams the butt of his musket into the Skrull’s bulbous head, knocking him unconscious.

”Never ever listen to a Skrull. it’s lies all the way down!”

"Brutal, but effective. Believe it or not I didn't believe him." Stepping off the side of the Saucer Jeff dragged the Jack and hose back to the truck and positioned it under the front axle and began the laborious process of changing the front tire.  "Considering your truck got blown up if you are interested in riding back into the City I can probably bang together something that will at least get you back home. It'll be rough and ready but it will.get you there."

The McKrie pulls off his mask to adjust the straps. His face is sky blue with a silver beard.

”My kin can pass in town but I can’t. besides, the air’s too thick. I gotta stick to the mountain range up where it’s thinner. Around where the chestnut trees never died out.”

He lays his hand on Freddy’s shoulder.

”My boys’ll go with you. And as an original Captain, with witnesses I, Mar Vell McKrie, do hereby declare you an honorary McKrie. You’re welcome to the Starsteps anytime.”

He gets a sudden cough and quickly straps his mask back on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Fri 20 Oct 2023.

"I need to go and explain to Mrs. Morris that her Husband is missing along with a few of their cows and they have a hole in the fence they need to fix." Jeffry sighed in frustration. "This was just supposed to be a simple salvage buy, not 'Tales From The Weird.' Looking at the masked McKree he asked, "As much as I would like whatever powers that Frisbee I don't have anything big enough to shift it and I don't have time to scrap it right now. If you think you can get it back in the air you can take it. I can send some tools and parts back with your brothers or bring them myself when I come for another load. What ever you decide I wouldn't stick around long, I think people are going to start getting interested in this place."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:02, Mon 23 Oct 2023.

[End of Episode]

Freddy sighed as he swung down out of the truck cab. While his big truck could haul a hell of a load it's ride left a lot to be desired. Maybe he could come up with a ride damper for the seat? He had compressed air... It was something to think about anyway. It had been a hectic five days what with getting the McKree Brothers a way back home, loading and hauling the scrap, then attending to whatever issues had come in while he had been away not to mention doing random patrols through the area in The Beast and stomping around a bit with Stomper just to remind folks that he was serious. But finally, the last load was safe in his yard and unloaded, tucked away neatly behind a stack of crushed cars until it looked like just another pile of waste metal. Now maybe things could get back to normal and he could start tinkering again on some personal projects.

There had been a recent article about something called a jet engine. They tried to treat it like a joke, but there was something there....

Jeff looked up from his paperwork as the door to the office closed. A tall slender man wearing a very expensive suit stood just inside flanked by two other men that may as well have been wearing signs that read THUGS tried to look intimidating. Looking down beside the desk he addressed the large black and tan head resting on a blanket. "Some guard dog you are." Lifting his head the giant Mastiff produced a slobber filled yawn, blinked, then let out a half hearted growl before setting his head back down. "No, it's ok, I got this. Don't trouble yourself. Really." Turning his attention back to the man at the door  he quietly flipped three switches under the desk before resting his hands on top. Raising his voice slightly he politely inquired, "How can I help you?" In the back room several relays clicked in a rapid sequence and things began to happen. The front gate began to clkse and did so at a speed much higher than it's normal rate. The barbedwire that topped the concrete wall around the yard  became electrified, much to the surprise of several birds and a few cats, and the door to the office became very solidly locked in place.

"You said you wished to speak with me Mr. Bender."

"I find that hard to believe since I have no idea who you are."

"I was told you wouldn't build my device unless I spoke to you in person."

"Oh you must be 'Da Boss' of that idiot with the doorbell fetish. He told you wrong. I said I don't work for people I don't  know and if the boss wanted me to make something then he could come down and we would discuss it business man to business man. See, there is a difference there."

"That's another thing, I can't have people threatening my employees."

"Then train your monkeys not to be assholes. Now are you here for a reason? I have business to attend to."

"You are being difficult Mr. Bender."

One of the thugs started to step forward and Jeffery held up a hand palm out. "If any of you want to keep anything functional from the waist down I would stop right there." The thug froze in place, looking uncertain. "Like I told the last idiot, I don't  make threats and I give one warning. Consider this your warning. If any of you come back here, if any of your 'employees come back here, they will never find you, they will never find any trace of you and they will never find your vehicals. You will just disappear. Looking the slender man dead in the eye he let all of the emotion drain from his face and voice. "Don't cross me. Ever. I DO know who you are. You're a small fish trying to make a big splash in what he believes is a big ocean. Remember there are sharks. If you force as to meet again you will die and never see it coming. Now get out" Jeff had to give the man credit, on the surface he kept his cool but he had seen the man's pupils flare and the bead of sweat slide down his cheek.

At a brusque nod from his boss one of the goons turned and tried to open the door only to find it wouldn't budge even when he hit it with his shoulder. Oh, did I forget to mention you were all locked in here with me? You may want to search the fence line, some of your thugs could be unconcious or injured around it depending on how dedicated they were. Remember what I said." Unbolting the door he nodded for them to leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 25 Oct 2023.

Jeffry stood beside the large switch, his eyes glued to the meter in front of him as two pointers swept around the face, one moving slightly faster than the other. Around him four large generators roared as they pumped out power. A small tweak on a nob synchronized the speed of the two pointers and as they both reached the top of the dial he slammed the breaker closed tieing the fourth generator into the output of the other three. there was an audible crackle and snap as the heavy cables crossing the floor whipped and snapped from the current coursing through them. Several steel tools that were too close to the cables spun and reoriented themself to align with the strong magnetic fields.

Looking across the shop to where a strange device was set in a nest of electrical cables. The amount of power being pumped into the device was terrifying but so far it didn't appear to be having any effect on it. If it hadn't been for that little place in the back of his head saying he was on the right path he would have stopped, but it insisted. The device was unlike anything he had ever seen. It wasn't metal, it wasn't any plastic he had heard of and it seemed to be made as a solid unit of matte black material that had resisted all attempts to so much as scratch it. There were no seams, no bolts or clips, just four silvery lugs to which he had clamped the electrical cables.

Suddenly the sound of the generators spiked, there was a loud crackle then snap as all the breakers tripped. two of the generators had smoke rolling out of them. "Well, that sucks." Moving quickly Jeff shut down the generators. One of the control panels gages was showing 2680 volts still being available and it was coming from the device. "Ok, that's interesting, fried meter? A battery or a capaciter? Something else?"

A SEVERAL HOURS LATER

"This is either black magic or some science I don't understand. Fortunatly, I don't believe in magic." Freddy wore a fascinated frown as he studied the array of meters annd gages  before him. While it may have looked cobbled together out of spare parts, (it was) it was still none the less accurate and precise. "If this is correct then I've pulled 4 times the amount of power in pure wattage out of this gizmo than I pumped into it and there has been no noticeable drop in output. If it stays stable I could replace all the batteries on Stomper, reduce it's wweight by almost 300 pounds and increase its strength at the same time. If I can figure out how to work that metal I could increase the strength of the frame by an amount I can't even guess at. I think it's time to go into design mode again."

Freddy uncrouched from the design table, braced both hands against the small of his back and leaned back with a groan as he tried to easecthe cramping muscles. A glance at the clock in the corner showed it was a bit past 8 in the evening and there was a feel of growing quiet as the outer parts of the city started to slow down. "Junk Yard, how do you feel about Momma Kahtz for some dinner?"

Lurching to his feet the large dog fanned the air eagerly with his stump of a tail.

"I thought so, let me grab a jacket and my hat and we can go." It was only a mile and a half to the small diner so the two of them traveled via shanks mare, enjoying the cooling evening air and in Junk Yards case chasing and chewing on sticks.

Momma Kahtz didn't look like your typical Diner. It was located in a solidly built, 2 level brownstone building set back from the street by about 12 feet. There was enough space in front of it for three cars to park if a person was careful and a small parking area on one side if you didn't mind parking on dirt. A green light above the door let those in the know that they were open and there were seats available. If the light was red it meant they were full and if the lights were off they were closed. It was a system the regulars respected. The small bell above the door chimed as Jeff pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Junk Yard, Kludge! Come in!" Momma Kahtz was a big woman,  not fat or overweight, but in shear presence. She filled the Diner but it was with,a feeling of welcome and homecoming. Right here, right now, you could lay all your troubles down. "Sit,sit,sit! I'll be right with you!"

Jeff drew in a deep breath savoring the aromas coming out of the kitchen. A shadow behind the windowed doors showed that Mr. Kahtz was  in the kitchen. He was as reclusive as his wife was outgoing but the two of them worked perfectly together. JYD's claws clicked as he crossed the white and black tiled floor heading for their regular booth. Jeff nodded and smiled to those he knew as he followed. The hardwood benches that made up each booth were former church pews that had been salvaged, repaired and refinished and he felt gave the place a little more comfortable feel.

Bustling up to the table Momma placed a large mug of coffee with Jeffry's name on it along with a glass of ice water. A large bowl of water was placed on the floor. A menu quickly followed. "Do you boys need a minute?"

"I'm thinking a big plate of whatever is smelling so good in the kitchen would be perfect for me. Some trimmings for Junk Yard then a slice of that apple pie you make so well."

"That would be the pot roast. There are potatoes and roast carrots and bone stock gravy to go with it."

"That sounds like Heaven on a plate."

"Then I'll get it right out to you."

"Thank you kindly Momma."

The problem with the food at Momma's was that everything  was so good it was impossible to pick a favorite. The Regulars all knew to just order whatever she recommended and then pray you had room to finish it all. Jeff was eyeing the final forkful of potatoes wondering if he could find space for it when the bell above the door chimed and several men entered.

"Hello! Please help yourself to a table and I'll be right with you." Momma Kahtz cheerful voice came out of the kitchen where she was doing something mysterious and wonderful with spices.

"You're closing now. Clear this place out. We have business to discuss. Everyone can leave their cash and valuables on the tables." Five of the Roughnecks had formed a half circle behind their appearant leader and were smirking with confidence.

My god, are these idiots really this stupid? Looking around the eatery  Jeffry could see his thoughts reflected on the faces of several of the Regulars, many hadn't even looked up from their meals. haven't they ever heard of this place? He signaled Junk Yard to stay put as he quietly released the snap on his holster and eased the 1911 out onto the bench where he could grab it quickly but it was still well concealed.

Momma came out of the back drying her hands on her apron. I'm sorry Dear, but we don't close for another two hours. If you would like to wait I have some fresh pie."

"What flavor Mom?"

"Blueberry Lemon."

"I would like a slice of that."

"I'll bring it right out Bill"

"I said you are closing NOW! Get this scum out of here or my boys here will do it for you!"

"Young man, I have owned this business for 30 years. Not once in all those years have I let anyone come in here and tell me what to do. Not the Bank, not the City, not even the Government. If you think some yapping infant that still needs his nappies changed is going to start then You're sadly mistaken. Now I suggest you leave before someone gets hurt." All traces of Momma's normal friendly and warm voice had disappeared to be replaced by a hardness that was unbreakable.

"you stupid cow!" Raising his arm the man began to swing it in a backhanded slap. "How dare yo..." Before the blow could land the arm slapped into an open palm and stopped cold. Face totally impassive Mrs. Kahtz drove her other fist into the side of the man's immobilized elbow to the sound of a loud gristly POP and cracking. With a scream the man went down, his elbow bent almost 90 degrees in a direction it shouldn't have moved. Distracted by the events in front of them the five thugs didn't even notice as Mr. Kahtz slipped silently through the door and slammed two of their heads together before driving the point of his elbow forcefully into the base of the spine on the third.

"You got this Dear?" A grunt was the  only reply as he blocked an awkward punch from one man and rocketed his elbow back, and up under the ribs of the other. "Ok, have fun. I'll clean up any blood so don't worry if you break one to much. Now Bill, you wanted a slice of pie?" The warm and caring Momma was back. "Let me just wash my hands and I'll have that right out to you."

"Thanks Mom."

and that's why you don't cause trouble at Momma Kahtz Jeff quietly slipped his pistol back into the holster. He would have used it if needed but it would have meant being banished from the Diner. Neither of the Kahtz liked firearms. They didn't mind if you carried but using on in their business and home was a major No-no.

Jeff was just finishing his slice of apple pie when Mr. Kahtz paused at his table. without saying a word he dropped a slip of paper then proceeded to the kitchen. Written in a cramped and uneven hand was the make and model of three autos along with their tag numbers. He had the distinc feeling the owners would not be back for them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Tue 14 Nov 2023.

Walter tucked his napkin in his collar to dig into his apple pie after enjoying the show.

Egg Foo Young followed by apple pie. One really could eat their way through New York. He reminded himself to ask for an extra slice to store in his fridge back on the moon.

OOC: Several days later ...

Kludge crouched inside a heavy metal box that was bolted securely to the shop floor. A periscope arrangement of mirrors let him see out to the middle of the floor. All of the door to the large shop were not only closed and locked but also chained shut. Ths Stomper suit hung suspended two feet off the floor by thick hemp ropes with the overhead crane moved well clear.

The suit looked as if it had been stripped down to its bare bones and those bones were now a crystal metal blue. Heavy hydraulic cylinders and hoses had been replaced by far less bulky tubes and electrical cables. A dozen control cables were plugged into the back of the suit  and ran to a panel at Kludge's feet.

"Ok, time to see if we have a fireball or a miracle." He muttered as he turned a key and pulled up. A large red mushroom button. There was no explosion, which was good. A deep electric hum filled the shop.

One system at a time Jeff put the large frame through its paces, testing the range of motion and speed of each component. When he was satisfied with the individual systems he moved on to testing composite systems, his eyes always glued to the meters displaying loads. After almost two hours and finally satisfied no magic smoke was going to escape he shut it down. "I guess there's nothing left but to suit up and actually test it out."

It took almost half an hour to get the frame standing back on its feet and the external controls disconnected then Freddy went through the familure routine o f securing himself in the core of the exo-suit although it was acbit odd to do so without all the external armor and internal padding in place. "This would probably be a good time to pray... Oh well." Initiating the power he felt the frame come to life around him. It straightened slightly, systems zeroed themselves and stabilized and the whole framework hummed. More than that, it felt light. "Ok, walking. Small steps. Get a feel for how things move..."

"Junk Yard, I don't know if I should shake my own hand and slap myself on the back, or take that suit out and drop it and the schematics for it in the smelter then try to get drunk enough to forget all about it." As food or walks hadn't been mentioned Junk Yard continued to diligently lick his unmentionables as he lay on his blanket beside the bench. "Frankly, this thing almost scares me. I lost a little strength by switching out the hydrolics but the response time is almost twice as fast as before. The reduction is strength is more than ofset by the overall reduction in weight and if I do decide I need the extra strength there's room for more actuators when I can get the materials to build them. The best thing is I'm not hauling around a couple hundred pounds of molten sulfer batteries. I was always sweating a rupture of some kind. On the plus side, without the heat of the sulfer batteries the cooling system even works. With the new armor Stomper is going to look less like a walking scrap heap and more like a something I hope people can trust."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Mon 20 Nov 2023.