October 3rd, 2020, Freedom Force HQ

Tracking down Mike Columbus was going to take some time.  Michael Thornton has also named Professor Xavier, who he believed capable of tracking any mutant on the planet, but the Professor was unreachable, and Freedom Force were not allowed to enter his private school without a warrant.

While they were waiting for the people at the NSA to do their job, Price had the entire team focused on their studies.  They all had to know the ins and outs of Federal law before they could enforce it.  And ‘knowing’ entailed a six-month, daylong, online course, with periodic tests administered by the FBI.  At least Price gave them enough credit for being responsible adults and didn’t demand they come to HQ for their virtual classes.

So when he DID call them up, they could all be sure that something was up.

The meeting was held in the conference room, as usual (the cracked desk has since been replaced), with Price so unusually anxious, that he decided to skip his morning shot of caffeine.

“Good morning, agents, have a seat” he waited for them to do so, while he remained standing in front of his laptop

“The NSA tracked down a Brotherhood Cell operating out of Brooklyn.  Five members identified, Mike Columbus being one of them.  Our mission is to arrest them, WITHOUT causing any civilian casualties.  A challenging task considering it's a densely populated residential area”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Mon 05 July 2021.

In his usual seat, Frank listened as Price went into their briefing. Brooklyn was, as he said, densely populated. A fight between the Freedom Force and the Brotherhood could easily rack up a body count in the hundreds if they weren't extremely careful. They needed to neutralize the cell without engaging them in an outright battle.

"Who else have we identified?" he asked.

Ana Sofía invites the rest of the team to her new house a few times for combined study sessions and dinner parties by the pool. She clearly didn't go for even a moderate place, splurging on a place in Annapolis with a pool and jacuzzi among other things. The traffic isn't bad since she flies to work - so much safer than driving anyway since she still hasn't earned a driver's license. Of course, with the salaries they've got it wouldn't take long for any of them to buy a mansion in cash... provided they live that long, of course.

---

At the short briefing she listens intently. After Frank's question she follows with some of her own, "What powers have they been seen using? Have they been witnessed with weapons, explosives, or anything else dangerous?"

Danny would often accept Ana's offers, and wasn't shy on bringing contributions to the dinner menu, or the drink.

The team learned, especially during the parties, that Danny was a bit of a daredevil.   He could often be goaded into doing stuff on a dare; and wasn't shy of making challenges of others, either.
He loved a good laugh, and a good challenge.

But when it came time to study together, he was quite adept at 'knuckling down' with the books.
After all, he'd come through Med School well:  combining study and partying in complimentary measures.

_______________________________________

As usual, at the briefing, he sat quietly: listening to what Price had to say, and to the responses offered (and asked) by his team fellows.

Newton was living in the HQ, because it never occurred to him to have it is own place. As far as he considered, HQ was his own place.

He had attended Ana's study sessions and dinner parties, bringing copious amounts of food. He visited Michael Thornton in regular intervals, for his safety and for seeing if any of his copies tried to act. He felt genuinely bad about what happened to him.

He had also tried to contact with Professor Xavier over Dr McCoy in a science conference event. Though it looked to him that Douglas Price wasn't hoping to get anything from that attempt.


Besides that, he was working on his PhD (he had a very unfair advantage on that thanks to his mutation), and doing charity work. He would make a lot of hard physical labour so easy, he felt he was obligated to help people.

_____________________________________________

"Indeed, information about their abilities would help. If they are not too volatile shock and awe is good way to avoid any causalities"

As her new team members get used to seeing Ana Sofía at these study sessions / dinner parties, some patterns become pretty obvious. She likes to cook, mostly serving Mexican alongside mix of American and Diné. While her place came with a wine cellar, it's empty, probably due to her still being underage. She'll happily drink if any is brought along, though. As opposed to those working on their PhD's, she still working on her undergraduate degree, trying to at least finish out the semester at Columbia over Zoom without having to take a leave of absence. She's also flirty without going overboard, and sitting in the jacuzzi suits her quite well on that front; the pool is too cold for a girl from the southwest at this time of year.

“Mike Columbus has been keeping in touch with his mother and sister. The NSA managed to tap into his phone, and following that the rest of the cell’s too.   We haven’t been able to crack the code they’ve been using, but we did manage to eavesdrop on some of their conversations.    We know they are planning something big.  ‘Operation: Justice’, they call it.  The timeline for it is just before the upcoming election – within the next two weeks”

Price clicked on the remote to start his presentation.

“Cell is five members strong.  All residing at the Brooklyner Apartments, downtown Brooklyn”

Click.

The picture on the screen is of a mutant everyone would be right to assume to be Mike Columbus, on account of him having only one eye.   What Michael Thornton forgot to mention is that ‘Mike’ didn’t have any nose either.  Or ears.  Just the eye, and a giant maw.

“Mike Columbus.  Callsign: Basilisk.  We don’t know what he’s capable of, but if we can make an educated guess based on his nickname, then maybe petrification?”

He clicked on the remote yet again tp present the next member of the cell: a statute blonde woman in her late twenties.  Athletic, lithe figure, cropped hair, blue eyes.  Something about her stare was so cold it sucked the warmth out of the room even though she wasn’t present.

“Eileen Harsaw.  Callsign: Phantazia.  She seems to be the leader of the cell.  Powers: unknown”

The next person was immediately identifiable.  It was the portrait of Michael Thornton.  Or more precisely, one of his many clones.

“Jamie Madrox.  Callsign: Legion.  Powers: Create duplicates of himself at will.  We’ve met this guy before, we know what he’s capable of”

Knowing, however, didn’t make handling him any easier.
The next mutant to appear on the big screen was an unassuming man.  Average height, unremarkable face.  Black hair.  The only thing of note about him were the huge lobster claws he had instead of hands.

“Randall Darby.  Callsign: Shocker.  Powers: Unknown.  This guy doesn’t get out much, for obvious reasons.  He’s still part of the cell. While we have no idea what he’s capable of, we should at least assume his claws are powerful enough to snip a human’s thorax”

Last but not least was a young man, not older than the members of Freedom Force.  Blonde, and with a perpetual smirk, he completes the roster of the Brooklyn cell

“John Allerdyce.  Callsign: Pyro.  Powers:  Manipulate Fire and Heat.  This guy participated in the attack on the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in California.  He can manipulate flames at will, shaping their form, increasing or decreasing their size and intensity.  His flames are hot enough to melt steel in a matter of seconds, and he can control them at a great distance.  Consider him extremely dangerous”

Price paused for a moment to give them the chance to process the information

“Question so far?”

"Legion can be easily taken out assuming they are not living with a battalion of his clones. Pyro guy looks like he is need to be taken out first to avoid any causalities. For Basilisk, I suggest tear gas.

If I had to make a plan right now I would say

I create a gravitational field to keep the fight contained.
Then we throw tear gas in.
You guys blast in, take out Pyro with a focused alpha strike.
Then we deal with rest of them.

Thing is, we are lacking some crucial intel, so this plan can go bad really fast. Are we allowed to perform our own reconnaissance or is it deemed too risky in case we alert the cell?" Newton thought a bit more before continuing

"However, facing head on with all members of this cell isn't necessary. If we can grab one or two of them without a commotion, and by we I am talking about you Ana, our raid the apartment would be much much easier. Though this makes timing really tight because we need to commit after capturing one of those guys."

Frank had no questions so far, but he thought it was possibly a bit premature to be making the tactical plans. There ought to be recon on the building before they decided anything.

"What do we know about the apartment building?" he asked.

"Yes, we better do more reconnaissance. Not only what you two mentioned, but also what the plans themselves are. It wouldn't end their operation if they've already planted some devices that someone else will set off, for instance. I would say we need to get going to New York right away. We can read up and get rooms while en route. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can start surveillance of our own."

"The apartment building is the tallest one in Brooklyn.  They Brotherhood are renting five different apartments on the top most floor - number fifty-one.  I will send you the schematics "

"I also agree we should leave as soon as possible, and set up additional surveillance.  Problem is we are on the clock here; the Brotherhood may act at any moment"

Price was somewhat surprised at Newton's suggestion.  Clearly he underestimated his powers:

"You can set up a 'field' that would cover the entire building? That's impressive.  Still, I am concerned.  If they manage to break out the situation can easily get out of hand.  I've got a quarter of a million people living in a half mile radius form the apartment building. I can't afford to put them at risk"

He shakes his head

"Our best option is to lure them out of New-York somehow.  Bait them out.  I don't know how, but fighting in a densely populated area is just too dangerous"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:05, Thu 08 July 2021.

Danny sat quietly, watching and listening.
For the moment, he seemed focused on Newton, as though attempting to peer into his soul.

"So, boss, what's our transportation to New York? Do we have a car, plane, or helicopter waiting?"

Newton wasn't surprised that Price wasn't aware of full extend of his abilities. He was so fixated on controlling his powers, he was barely seen working on large scale applications.

"I was mostly considering locking down a single floor, which shouldn't be a problem. It would be opposite of what I do for NASA from time to time. Instead of flattening the bend of space-time over a specified area to cancel gravity for zero G experiments, I would be modifying the bend to create invisible walls pushing you in a single direction. But I digress, luring them out New York sounds much better.

Newton realised intense stare Danny was giving to him and made a thumbs up sign and smiled. Hopefully everything was ok.

"I can fly us there, if you guys consider to free fall for about 1 hours. It won't be comfortable and I don't promise a nice landing though" Newton said playfully.

"I don't know how we can lure them anywhere," Frank said. He'd been pondering the notion, but wasn't coming up with anything. "We'd need to set up some manner of bait that they'd find irresistible, but we don't really know what they're after in the first place. We know that the Brotherhood went after the facility on Noman's Land... but it wasn't this cell. So we don't know what would draw these guys out."

"Reconnaissance would help in figuring out bait, too. As for flying, I can fly there and land safely, but I'm not strong enough to bring anyone else along. I would worry about rough landings for anyone but Frank, though. If we end up with injuries before even getting to the cell, we're already in trouble... Hmm... You talk about bending space-time. Can you adjust the flow of time? That could also serve as a sort of trap."

Price lifts his hand for everyone to stop

"I don't think I'm ready to fly by falling, and I don't think I ever will be.  We take the cars.  It's not that long of a drive anyways.  Once we get there we will do a little bit of recon, see what we can find out.  We are not going in blind"

He summarized the plan of action

"And Newton - I want to see a demonstration before I even consider your plan.   Too many lives are on the line, AND the future of Freedom Force.  I don't have to tell you what will happen if we screw this up"

"I'll ride with someone. I'm not driving; just as with Newton's method, I cannot promise a safe arrival if I drive. As for demonstrations, boss, do we have facilities in which to rehearse?"

"My landings aren't that bad, I guess... You would most like to eat some dirt but my last serious landing injury happened 2 years ago. Ok that wasn't really encouraging. Uhh, let's change subject, yes, yes, let's talk about affecting time.
Short answer is no.
Long answer is Under certain conditions physics decide to stop making sense. I have a certain level of control over gravity. So, can I replicate those conditions to a limited degree to have any affect on time? Probably. Would I be able to guess result of such usage of my power? No, not at all. So, no time barriers, or violating causality with a finger snap. Manipulating the bend of space time is just fancy and convoluted way for me to move objects." said Newton then shifted his gaze from Ana to Price.

"Definitely sir, I was going to ask for a mock fight to see how reliable I can put those gravity fields, but it became irrelevant with plan of luring hostiles out of New York"

Danny tore his attention away from Newton and responded to Price, “I have my bike.  And I’m happy for anyone who wishes to ride the bitch-seat”, he said with a smirk.
“I’ll race you there?”

"I'll drive," Frank offered. HQ had a small motor pool, but it included a couple of SUVs that were large enough even for Frank's massive frame. After all the time spent cramming his mutant physique into his beaten-up old car, it was a welcome change of pace.

After a few hours of travel, and a few more to settle in, Freedom Force reconvenes in a different meeting room, in different Federal Building at Kew Gardens, Queens.  But being closer geographically didn't bring them any closer toward finding a way to deal with the Brotherhood's cell....

After clearing the remains from the Chinese takeout off the table, Price wiped his mouth with a napkin and cleared his throat, preparing to share with them what he has been thinking about on the drive over:

"-My main concern about sending Windtalker, or Tank, along to investigate is that they might be identified.  You two were on Nomans land island, and even though that attack was carried out by a different Brotherhood cell, we can’t discount the fact that they’ve been in contact with the Brooklyn cell"

He took a deep breath

“But – I don’t see any better option.  We need Windtalker to poke in their minds, see if she can uncover what their big plan is.  But if you ARE identified, do NOT engage. Understood?"

Now that they're settled in and noticeably closer, Ana Sofía is set to go to work. "I'm already on it. Hold on and let me take a look. She pulls out her cellphone to show a map of where they currently are and where the cell is." Her eyes bug out a bit, but she continues nonetheless. "Tell me what apartment numbers they have. Then she quietly concentrates." After a bit she expressed in frustration. "Who decided to put us half way across New York City from our target? I get not putting us in the same building or across the street, but seriously! Lower Manhattan is so much closer. Trying to test my limits?" But she keeps concentrating and informs them of the tiny bit she can skim.

She sends her mental scan toward the building.

d10 Wits
d10 Telepathy
d8 One Step Ahead of You

12:48, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 4,3,7 using d10,d10,d8 with rolls of 4,3,7.  Telepathic search.

Spend 1 PP. Thats a 14 with a d4 effect die.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Mon 12 July 2021.

"This is just the local FBI field office," Frank said to Ana Sofia after it looked as though she was done doing whatever psychic stuff she was trying to do. "I doubt that we're expected to work from here.

"I'm sure they've got somewhere closer for us to use as our operations center. I mean, it's Brooklyn. There's got to be plenty of residential or commercial locations for us to hole up in for a while."

I haven't asked you to do anything, was what Price was thinking, but seeing Ana furrowing her eyebrows he decided against interrupting her concentration.  Instead, he gave Frank an approving nod, and waited for her to report what she's found.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Mon 12 July 2021.

Eventually Ana Sofía finishes her scan. "Looks like they're watching out for trouble. Legion has several versions of himself positioned to observe the building. While we know that those versions normally cannot all trivially communicate with each other, that doesn't mean they don't have radios or other means. One is working as a barista across the street and one is a homeless man on the street corner. If we are going in, we'll have to deal with these. If we're luring them out, we'll need to check on how many copies of himself he leaves behind."

Ana Sofía stops to see if the others have any comments.

"If I could get a lot closer, I could scout the whole place much better. I don't need to be in the building. A few blocks away and around a couple corners would be sufficient."

"Great.  So the Legion is spreading like a virus, and if we don't nail all copies at the same time, he can duplicate ad-infinitum" one thing this job never was, is boring. Or easy.
"We'll get you where you need to be, but I want the rest of the team with you.  A few blocks might be close enough to be detected"

"Works for me. I'd be happy to sit in the back of a parked car with darkened windows or something similar, a few corners away. Maybe a van. Just something nondescript. Someone else please do the driving. If the car is parked, which I know isn't always the easiest in New York, for not too long we shouldn't draw too much attention."

"Sounds like a plan," Frank agreed. It wasn't as though anything more needed to be said on the subject. They all knew how surveillance worked. "Let's do it."

Danny wasn't sure what he would be called upon to contribute by way of surveillance;  beyond any mundane observation skills.
"Sure", he said.

The team parked their surveillance van at the Belltell car park; a few hundreds of feet from the Brooklyner apartment building, and well out of sight of any Legion clones (that you know of).  In case something goes wrong, Price had Danny on the other side of downtown Brooklyn, ready to intercept on his bike at the first sign of trouble.

"Fine.  We're here" Price, at the driver seat,  swiveled around so he can get a better look at Ana, who was riding at the back  "Lets get it over with"

Soon enough, Danny found himself 'on the other side of downtown Brooklyn', sitting astride his mighty steed, and waiting.

Without knowing what was to come, but figuring that any kind of vehicular chase would require enhanced reflexes and agility, Danny focused on his own biology, and began bioengineering himself for that kind of activity.


Action:  Create Asset 'Enhanced Reflexes'
d10 Willpower
d8   Leave no man behind ... especially himself
d10 Elemental Control
d8   Medical Expert
d6   SFX:  Bioengineering.  Add a d6 and step up your effect die by +1 when using MOLECULAR MANIPULATION to create assets.

- rolled 7,6,10,6,4 using d10,d8,d10,d8,d6:  Bioengineer himself for 'Enhanced Reflexes'.
Total:  17
Effect:  d8 d10
Opportunities: -

Please, as I am still getting used to this system:   Is this Asset something that persists during the Scene, or a one-off bonus?

PP: 1

Ana Sofía reaches out with her senses rather than risking trying to touch anyone's mind again, so she can bypass most defenses and search the place before they have a clue. She sends her senses down the street and around the corner to go inside the building. From there she goes to the apartment numbers they have to take a look/listen inside each one.

d8 Wits
d8 Clairvoyant Senses
d8 One Step Ahead of You

09:38, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 8,5,1 using d8,d8,d8 with rolls of 8,5,1.  Look at the building.

That's 13 with a d4 effect die.

+ 1d8 for the Doom Pool, +1 PP.

0 PP + 1 PP = 1 PP

Not all cell members are where Ana left them at last night.  Three are currently missing, probably out and about, those being John Allerdyce, Jamie Madrox (at least one of them, as the lookouts are still there), and Eileen Harsaw.  Randall Darby, and Mike Columbus are the only one present in the apartment complex.


The Watcher rolled 11 using 2d8 with rolls of 8,3.  doom pool reaction to Ana. effect successful.
+1d6 to doom pool from Ana's opportunity.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:28, Sat 17 July 2021.

"I only see two at home: Randall Darby and Mike Columbus. I can keep watch on one of the two and just wait to see what happens. If the one I'm watching talks to any others, I'll see or hear it. The excitement of a true stakeout."

"You are making this too easy. Not that I am complaining."

"You say that now, but you'll be the ones to actually contain and arrest them when the time comes, as I cannot contribute much on that end."

"Don't sell yourself short," Frank said. "You 'contain' pretty well, and you do it without lifting a finger. You make the rest of us look like slackers."

"We're not going to sit here, in this parking lot, until one of them blurts something about their heist Price said in a dissatisfied tone of voice "This could take hours, or days.  And we might never learn of the entire plan before they're ready to execute it.  Any chance you can peak into their minds?"

"OK. That may alert them to our presence, as it's much more intrusive than just looking and listening. I'll give it a shot." She tries to dig into Mike Columbus's mind to pick up on their plans before they even know they're being watched.

d10 Wits
d10 Telepathy
d8 One Step Ahead of You

09:35, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 2,5,7 using d10,d10,d8 with rolls of 2,5,7.  Reading Mike Columbus.

That's a 12 with a d10 effect die.

Still at 1 PP.

The only difficultly Ana faced with reading Mike's thoughts was that he didn't have much of them.  The man was mainly concerned with what he was going to eat for dinner, and who's going to win the world series.  She had to access his long term memories to retrieve the information she needed.  Memories she could only hope were not entirely unreliable...


Basilisk rolled 3,3,3 using 1d6,1d8,1d6 with rolls of 3,3,3.  Reaction to Ana's telepathy.
Wits 1d6, Dimwitted distinction 1d8 (doesn't have coherent thoughts to read), 1d6 Novice Psych
Total 6 vs 12, telepathy action successful.

"You know," came Danny's voice over the comms, "If Newton can create some kind of immense gravitational force JUST on that floor, I think I could enter that area, without being affected".
He wondered if Price would remember an ability Danny had demonstrated to 'the boss' in his office not so long ago.

"It'd be awesome if we could find somewhere for he and I to 'test run' my theory prior ... but it's an option.

If it worked, I could possibly render whomever is on that floor unconscious while they are pinned down by the gravity field.
And if Windtalker can affect those within the gravity field, on a mental level ...."

"Well, Mike Columbus certainly isn't the mastermind behind anything here, more along for the ride. The Brotherhood are going to storm the UN headquarters at the annual general debate of the General Assembly, which is in less than a week. The Brotherhood are planning on giving their own speech, with the entire world watching them. Looks like I'll need to move on to Randall Darby."

Letting Mike Columbus go, she hear's Danny's suggestion. Any sort of nonlethal containment like that sounds good. Then she attempts to find out what she can from Randall Darby while they still don't know what she's up to.

d10 Wits
d10 Telepathy
d8 One Step Ahead of You

08:36, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 8,10,2 using d10,d10,d8 with rolls of 8,10,2.  Reading Randall Darby.

That's a 18 with a d8 effect die.

Still at 1 PP.

Edit: Just remembered I keep forgetting Psych. I need to stop forgetting to use that.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Wed 21 July 2021.

Darby (unknowingly) confirms what Ana already known; that the Brotherhood are going to hold half the world's leaders hostage at the UN headquarters while they make their proclamation.  The Brotherhood cell is unconcerned about security - they are quite sure they can easily overpower any resistance.  Nonetheless, John, Jamie, and Eileen all went to gather some intel before the operation - just to be on the safe side.

Shocker rolled 7,4,5 using 1d8,1d8,1d6 with rolls of 7,4,5.  Reaction to Ana's telepathy.  Wits 1d8, Psych 1d6, Hardened Mutant Guerilla distinction 1d8
Total = 12 vs 18.  Telepathy successful.

"So, it seems the others are out doing intel on the UN. We might as well stake this spot out until they return and see what they might say to each other then. Or at least I could with some backup if others want to start working on related plans."

"Uniform gravity field over a simple shape shouldn't be a problem. You can rely on having that if any of you are making a plan" Newton said. Then hummed a bit, seemingly thinking about something before addressing the team.

"So, bunch of Legion copies are on watch and the main gang is trying to gather some intel. Do we know if they are operating in line if site of each other or is it possible to ambush them one by one? If we can ambush them one by one, we can have Ana hypontise them or something, sorry I lack the proper terminology, and release them until we ambush everyone."

"Please, Windspeaker, what can you achieve?
Are you able to protect others from mental powers?  Can you mentally put someone to sleep?"

"I might well be able to put someone to sleep. I've never tried. I don't think I could make a shield against mental powers, but I might be able to help someone break free of something. I've never tried to be very forceful with mind control, as it bothers me."

"This is bad" Douglas shook his head  "I must make a few calls.   If we fail to stop the Brotherhood this could be a disaster on a global scale.  President Davis  might want to cancel the event altogether.  It would be the safer choice"

It would look very bad, considering many of the world leader's already arrived in New York.  President Davis will also take a big hit on the polls.  But considering the alternative...

"I'm going to step out for a minute.  You guys sit tight till the rest of the cell comes back, see what else we can learn to our advantage.  Windtalker; no more mind reading.  If you think they might be able to suspect you fiddling in their heads, I'd rather not take that risk currently.  Understood?"

"Can the President cancel an event at the United Nations?" Frank asked. He was pretty sure that wasn't how it worked. "Probably the best we can do is to advise the Secretary General and hope he cancels.

"...I think."

“Whatever.  I’m going to call Valerie and let her handle this.  You guys stay put while Ana eavesdrop on the Brotherhood cell.  I will rejoin you shortly, I hope”

Price slips out of the van, leaving the keys in the ignition.  He isn't gone for a long while.  A few minutes later he climbs back to his seat, grumpier than before

“Valerie will check what she can do.  Thing is, there are many VIPs already in New York, and more arriving daily.  If we do manage to postpone the annual debate, the Brotherhood might do something unexpected, like kidnap one of the dignitaries”

He shakes his head

“We need more information. It’s going to be a long night…”

Freedom Force spends the rest of the day in the van, waiting for the three missing members of the cell to make it back to the apartment building.  Fortunately for them, the temperatures at the beginning of October were rather mild.  Having to stake out the building in the sweltering heat of a New York summer, without the benefit of air conditioning (Price had to turn the engine off to save on gas), would have been a grueling experience.  It was already uncomfortable enough, with Ana needing to focus the entire time, and Price shushing anyone who talked above a whisper to avoid breaking her concentration.

Eventually, their efforts do pay off.  Madrox, Eileen, John  - they all make it back and start preparing for dinner (Madrox, being a culinary chef among other things, have them all eating like royalty).  Some friendly banter during dinner follows, but the real interesting bits only start after its concluded.

Transcript follows:

JA: Thanks for dinner Jamie.  The Squid ravioli in lemon grass broth was especially good.  Think I gained like five pounds in the last month
JM: Hah! My pleasure, as always
RD: *impatiently* Well?  Are you going to tell me what’s going on already?
JM: Yes, yes, I was getting to that.  So I caught sight of the ‘Red Guardian’ today.  Part of President ‘Pukin’ delegation.  Another member of his secret service looked suspicious to me also.
RD: First – who the $@#! Is the ‘Red Guardian’, and second – ‘suspicious’ how?
JM: The ‘Red Guardian’?  Russian Super Solider? No? Think Captain America, but with less scruples.
EH: He’s beneath consideration
JM: Right. I mean, probably.  The other was a young woman.  Doesn’t fit the profile of someone  working security - not unless she’s special in some way.
RD: so that’s two.  And the chinaman makes three.  This is starting to look a bit dicey, to be honest.
MC: Are you going to finish that?
JA:  For god’s sake, can you concentrate on something other than your stomach, just this once?
EH: They won’t know what hit them until its too late.  You know that.
RD: Yes, but still.  And if the Avengers make it out...
JA: Use a napkin!!
MC: <unintelligible>
JM: They won’t make it out.
RD: But what if they will?
JM: They won’t.
EH: OK, that’s enough of that.  Legion – you should have everything you need after today.  I’m counting on you.  Everyone else; keep a low profile from here on.  No one is going anywhere without me saying so.  Understood?
JM: Yea, yea.
RD: Yes Ma’am
EH: Mike?
MC: What?
EH: Have you been listening to anything we just said?
MC: Umm…yes.
JA: *sigh*
RD: This is going to be just like Clarksville all over again
<End transcript>

Across town, Danny had an easier time that those in the van.
For one thing (and to avoid suspiciously loitering in one spot) he stayed a little mobile on his bike.  That meant he got to move between the shade and the sunny spots ... and, staying close to his bike, stop for some lunch or a coffee when he wanted one.

"Why, sir, do we not share what we know with these delegations?
Then, if they want to postpone, it's their own choice ... similarly, if things go down, it was their choice to continue.
On top of that, it'd defeat the whole 'They won’t know what hit them until its too late' thing".



Please, this 'transcript' ... do we have the room tapped?   Or is that shared with us by Ana, who is mentally eavesdropping?

Ana Sofía has been relaying this information verbally as she observes with her Clairvoyant Senses, as this isn't nearly so intrusive and potentially obvious as digging into someone's mind.

Danny's question wasn't a bad one, but it was perhaps a little naïve.

"If we start the U.N. delegations changing their plans, then the Brotherhood will start changing theirs, too," he explained into his mic. "Worse, they might realize that someone has them tapped."

"That, and we will also create panic, which would undoubtedly spark an international incident" Price rasped into his own mic "Right now, it doesn't look like we have any good options.  Only bad, and worse. I think our best bet would be to enlist the Avengers. S.H.I.E.L.D.  Whomever we can.  Try to take down the Brotherhood cell right now, before they have a chance to make their move"
He checked the rest of the team on the rearview mirror, though they could all hear him just fine on their headsets

"Any better ideas?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:00, Tue 27 July 2021.

"Not a one."

Frank had a decent idea for a Plan B — that being 'call the X-Men' — but the Avengers made a much better Plan A.

"Me neither"

"Seems like a good plan. I should continue to eavesdrop to see where they might head if we are going to try to contain them."

Newton nodded.

We need to do something decisive again Legion. Rest we can deal with it somehow but this guy itself is a security nightmare.

“The others could be worse. We don’t know what any of them are capable of, save ‘Pyro’, and that guy alone packs enough firepower to level the entire neighborhood.   Allegedly.  But I agree, handling this guy is going to be a challenge.  We got to disable all his clones at the same time, or he will overwhelm us with sheer numbers”

Price started the engine of the van, and with it, the AC.  The members of the cell have each retired to their own apartment.  There weren’t any conversations to listen to until the next morning, so they might as well call it a day

“I’ll ask Valerie to set up the meeting with the Avengers.  And I’ll give Fury a call also.  That bastard owes me a big one”

Freedom Force arrived at the lobby of the Avenger’s tower the very next evening. The majestic tower of steel and glass (owned by Stark industries) loomed over central park - just far enough away that it didn't suffer the same fate as the buildings in closer vicinity to Times Square.

Valerie’s portents of doom were enough to convince Earth’s Mightiest Heroes^TM to meet with them.  Briefly.  The Avengers got requests to stop impending apocalypses almost on a weekly basis; They couldn’t afford to spend more than a short hour on each call for help.

Despite the fact that they were going to be meeting with some of the most important and powerful people on Earth (and possibly beyond), Price didn’t dress to impress.  Same old pair of jeans and a black buttoned shirt.  He did leave his handgun at home though, not wanting to cause problems passing through security.

”Be professional everyone” he told them yet again, the fourth time since they left the hotel ”We’re representing the US government, not ourselves” he gave each of them a stern look, for measure.

"Yes, sir." Frank couldn't help but think that the comment was directed at him more than the others, given what a huge fan he was of Tony Stark. Don't drool on the man, he reminded himself.

Danny nodded.

"Yes, sir." Ana Sofía seems quite content to have others running things right now. Actually, beyond that: she seems very distracted and leans on Frank a bit when they adjust or move. She really doesn't seem to be noticing much going on around her. The issue, of course, is that her senses are following the one of Legion that was in the meeting around since everything's supposed to rely on him, and so much attention there is messing with her senses here. She just hopes she doesn't lose track of him.

Seeing that Ana is ‘distracted’, before the team leaves the van to head inside Danny offers, “I can stay behind here, in the van, with Windtalker … if she’d prefer”.

Price lead his team through the lobby.  Even at the late hour of the evening, there were quite a few people abound.  Stark Industries was the largest tech conglomerate in the entire world, and since Avenger’s tower also doubled as the company’s regional office most of the floor space was appropriated for the use of the business.   Suited businessman, just getting off work, brushed passed them, hurrying outside to catch one of the taxis standing in queue outside the skyscraper.   More men coming in, arriving for a late hour meeting.

Freedom Force’s own meeting with Mr. Stark was in little less than half an hour.  They were early, but like Price said – you don’t keep a man like Tony Stark waiting.  Signaling the team to wait for him, he approached the front desk to announce their arrival, leaving them to admire the opulent foyer; thirty-foot-tall ceilings, polished marble floors you can catch your own reflection in, and the wood paneled walls and a few potted plants for a more natural touch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Sat 31 July 2021.

A short minute later Price returns in the company of an attractive woman in a pencil skirt, and two, less attractive bodyguards, whose muscles threatened to burst through the seams of their jackets.

”Hello, and welcome to Avenger’s Tower” the young woman greeted them with a thin smile ”Mr. Stark is still busy.  But Captain Rogers is available to see you now”
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Sat 31 July 2021.

Muscled bodyguards failed to impress Frank, who could probably juggle them (except for not really being able to juggle). But 'Captain Rogers' was another matter. Just the name was impressive enough to give Frank pause.'

"Captain... America?" he asked for confirmation, just to be sure his ears weren't playing tricks on him. He didn't think they'd be meeting Captain-freaking-America. He silently chided himself for the fanboy response. "By all means, lead the way."

"Would it be unbecoming of us if I want to take photo with Captain America after the meeting"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

"I'll go in if I can hang onto someone's shoulder. Thanks, Danny."

The walks along led by someone. She's not totally blind, more like just not able to pay much attention at all to where she's walking.

Danny was willing to act as Ana's support ... but he understood that she felt more comfortable with Frank, the two having known each other longer.


As the team headed off to Captain Rogers' office, he leaned over and quietly said to Newton, "I dare you to refer to him as 'Stevo' as some point", with a big shit eating smirk on his face.
          1xp     When you challenge someone to do something blatantly stupid or unwise.

The young woman nodded at Frank.  Captain America was Roger's callsign, but she felt it to call him thus in everyday conversation.  She always addressed him as 'Captain Rogers', or 'Sir', just like she used 'Mr. Stark' rather than Iron-man.

"I really can't answer on his behalf" she apologized to Newton.  She was about to divulge that she has never known him to mind, but was cut off by Price before she could do so

"Yes.  It would be unbecoming" he grunted "I'm sure the Captain has better things to do than take selfies, or sign his trading cards"

Price respected Captain America as much as the next guy, but didn't want any member of his team to get too familiar with him.

"Please; lead the way"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

Frank let Danny help Ana Sofia. It wasn't that he didn't care — he was actually very protective of his schoolmate-turned-teammate — but he towered over her. At six-foot-eight he was literally one and a half feet taller than she was, and that made it very difficult for her to do something as otherwise simple as lean on one's shoulder. It was just easier for her to have Danny's help rather than Frank's.

Emily ushered the team to the express elevator - the one reserved solely for the use of the Avengers and their guests.  It was big enough to accommodate all of them, and fast enough to get them all the way up to the 93rd floor in little less than forty seconds.
The doors opened with a soft ‘bling’ to reveal a spacious lounge behind them.  The curved sofa surrounding a round table was big enough to comfortably accommodate all of Freedom Force, with room to spare.  As big as it was, it still looked diminutive inside the great room.  There was a bar, another sitting area, several displays for Stark’s art pieces, and staircases on either side of the circular room leading to the floor above.  As impressive as the décor might be, the most striking feature at the topmost floor of Stark’s tower wasn’t inside the lounge, but outside of it.  The massive glass windows provided a panoramic view of New York city, light blazing from the densely packed skyscraper and every office block.

“Good Evening”

There he was, the Captain, in his brightly colored uniform bearing the American Flag motif.  He was a handsome man, in peak physical shape.  Cropped blonde hair, soft blue eyes.  Despite his renown he was rather humble and approachable, extending his hand toward each member of Freedom Force for a warm shake

"Hi!" Frank said when it was his turn to shake the man's hand. The Captain was shorter than Frank (nearly everyone was, of course) but somehow seemed to fill the room nonetheless. "Frank Guberman, Freedom Force Special Agent... provisional."

He wasn't a full agent yet, of course. That required a bit more training still. But it felt like admitting to Captain America that he still wore diapers or something.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Guberman" the Captain was a strong man, much stronger than the strongest Olympic weight lifters. But he was still feeble compared to Frank. Shaking his hand was like flinging a cooked spaghetti.  The young mutant had to be mindful not to crush his hero's hand, or yank his arm out of its socket with his enthusiasm.

"I've never heard of Freedom Force until yesterday, when Miss. Cooper contacted Mr. Stark.  What, exactly, is your mission statement?"

Danny guided Ana gently to a nearby, appropriate seat.
Then took a seat himself.

He was happy to let Price and Guberman do the talking; no need to throw too many cooks into that kitchen.

"Second Lieutenant Newton Price, sir" Newton shook Captain's hand with enthusiasm.

"Freedom Force is a joint initiative of multiple agencies. We are to be deployed against super powered threats. Our all mutant line up aims to reduce tension between humans and mutants"

The part about an all mutant lineup gave the Captain a pause.  He would have much preferred it if Freedom Force was more inclusive (he certainly didn't think excluding non-mutants helped their cause any), but he also knew it wasn't the decision of any of the people here present.  He shook Newton's hand firmly, and tilted his head with respect:
"-Lieutenant"

Danny and Ana were about to be seated, so he invited the rest of Freedom Force to join them at the table, respectfully waiting for all of them to take their sits before doing so himself.
“I read the files you sent me this morning, Colonel. The Avengers will do whatever we can to help” he reassured Price first, before going into the details “ – but we must have a good plan in place first.  I’m worried what the Brotherhood might do, when we try to apprehend them”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 04 Aug 2021.

After Danny leads her to a seat Ana Sofía says quietly, "Looks like he's just getting ready for bed. I can't stay on him non-stop, I'll keep an eye out for a moment longer in case there are any questions. Otherwise I'll have to resume surveillance tomorrow after sleeping."

“Is it because you are tired?” Danny asked Ana.
“I could give you a boost, if you want to keep trying”, he offered.

"No, not tired yet. Just that if I don't sleep when they're sleeping, I won't be so alert when they wake up."

"Well, Sir... if my last encounter with the Brotherhood is any guideline, there's literally no predicting what they might do. They were rigidly non-lethal, even moral in their actions, right up until the point where one of their members slipped his chain. Then it was kill everything in sight.

"This being mostly different members, we can't say with any certainty what we're in for."

Danny nodded, again, as he listened to Ana.
“If you need help getting to sleep” he said, “I can help with that also”.

"Thank you Mr. Guberman. We should prepare for the worse then" he turned his eyes back on Price "Do you have a plan ready, Colonel?"

"An outline of one.  Newton here - " he nodded at the young man sitting next to him "believes he can create some sort of gravitational containment field around the building.  We didn't test it out yet, but if it does work, we can keep the Brotherhood locked down"

"That does sound impressive.  But before we act, we must know what each member of the cell is capable of.  Any chance we can do that?"

"We're working on that.  Windtalker here is a telepath, but she made it clear that reading their minds might be discernible.  If that is the case, we might need to move out immediately in case she tips them off; before we try to gain any more information I want to have everyone ready and standing by"

"Evening everyone, sorry for being late"
Tony Stark, looking smart* as always, descends down the flight of stairs with a light step and heads directly toward the bar "Getting right down to business, are we?"

*https://mobimg.b-cdn.net/v3/fe...a6bfc76fd61a8fb.jpeg

"Sadly, we have to Mr Stark. We would have loved to meet you in a more fortunate circumstances. However the danger is imminent. And we can only do so much our own if we want to avoid casualties. We want to avoid casualties very much." Newton said.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:02, Sat 07 Aug 2021.

"Yes; danger is always imminent, and it's always New-York that's about to be demolished. Or melted.  Or invaded by aliens.  You'd think other major metropolitans around the world would be targeted just as often, if only to mix things up every once in a while.  But apparently not"

The man gives a slight amused shrug before bending behind the counter and retrieving a bottle of whisky, and a few glasses

"Let me at least fix you up with something while you're talking"

"We're good, thank you" Price spoke quickly, before any member of his team had the chance to accept the offer.  Most of them were underage, and even if they weren't - they were all on duty.

"So - " Captain America resumed where they left off before being interrupted "You will need us to stand as you try to read their minds?  I think we can handle that"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

"Great!" Frank said, bringing his hands together in a single clap. Captain America and Iron Man were going to help them take down the Brotherhood.

He could practically hear the screams of Ms. Cooper's PR team, imagining the credit for the bust going to the Avengers. But there was little they could do about that. Freedom Force just didn't have the manpower to ensure that the Brotherhood could be taken out without collateral damage. Maybe they'd be able to do it, and the Avengers would be superfluous. Or maybe not.

"So... what's first?"

"First we find out how strong Newton's containment field really is.  Hopefully, strong enough to keep them from leaving the apartment building.  Then we set up 'round the block, and let Windtalker do her thing"  Price was happy that the Avengers decided to join them, but for the exact opposite reason than Frank's.  If they ended up causing collateral damage, which he believed was almost impossible not to, then the Avengers would earn (most of) the blame for it, just as they would have earned all the credit.

"We'll give you a call as soon as we're ready"

Tony didn't quite make it to the table.  He was still standing by the bar, holding his glass of whiskey as he observed the exchange.  Freedom Force and Cap reached a conclusion awfully fast. So fast, that they could have held this entire conversation over the phone, instead of meeting face-to-face.  But Cap was rather old-fashioned about these types of things, so here they were...

"Great.  Quick meeting.  Love it" he raised his glass higher for a salute
"It has been fun, but we all got places to be.  I'll catch up with you once you're all ready"

"Wait, Mister Stark," Frank said, getting up from his seat and holding up one hand. "You might be able to help us test Newton's forcefield. Otherwise I think it's just me punching it."

Iron Man was undoubtedly more powerful than Frank, and had onboard instrumentation that would measure just how much energy was being employed on both sides. All Frank could do was punch really hard.

With her attention on the group here now, Ana Sofía says, "Great. Works for me. In the meantime, I should eat and get to sleep early. I want to be alert and ready to go before they've possibly left the building in the early morning."

"I am ready whenever Mr Stark or you are ready Frank. But do note that the gravity field I proposed would contain particles with significant mass only. So photon based weaponry like LASERs would ignore it, unless you guys want me to create a gravity field strong enough to create a black hole. And I had never tried to do anything like that, I don't if I can do anything like that and if I somehow managed to create it I don't if I can control it. What I promise is a fancy invisible walls which throws back whatever you throw at them."

Newton hoped that his force field would work. It would help greatly to avoid casualties.

"That's a 'No' on creating a black hole on Earth"

Stark was sure it would end up sucking pretty hard; if enough matter got pulled into the gravity well it would become a real black hole, ending all life as we know it.  Fun stuff.

"I'll bring my equipment down to your HQ tomorrow morning.  Run some tests."

He didn't need much convincing, since he was quite keen on seeing a demonstration of Newton's power. He did have the videos he illegally downloaded from Freedom Force main server, but those were wholly lacking, from a scientific point of view.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I just might have the time to make it to dinner.  I'll have Ms. Perdue to show you out.  She can also validate your parking ticket"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

I want to jump forward, but before I do, let me summarize the tests the following day.

Newton's containment field turns out to be pretty effective, but not entirely so.  Frank, for instance, is strong enough to bench press a few dozens metric tons. He finds it difficult to push through the field, but he's capable of doing so (though sometimes he tires out before he manages to).  Ordinary humans, and mutants without supernatural strength, have virtually no chance to escape. There are other ways the field may be disrupted, or breached, using enough power.  It remains to be seen which of the Brotherhood mutants will be capable of doing that, if any.


Unless there are any further questions, we will proceed to the next scene.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 107):

I'm good with moving to the next scene.

Two questions, please:
- to confirm: Newton's 'Gravity Field' isn't actually a field of extreme gravity, is it?  It is more a Force Field?
- can Danny move through the Gravity/Force Field by becoming Insubstantial?

Other than seeking answers to those two, I am happy to move on.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 107):

all good

It is a force field but not like glowing transparent wall kind of force field. It is very strong mechanical force pushing you away, like a very strong wind or a river flow. Only it is constrained in a small area in shape of a wall, encircling larger area to trap people. At least that is how I imagine it. Technically unless you are super strong or change your body to something without mass like light or electricity it should affect you. Though we shall wait for the GM for his ruling.

A couple of days later Freedom Force are sitting at the same van, parked in the same lot they did on their original stakeout.   Only now they had Captain America!!! standing ready on a rooftop overlooking the apartment building.  'Iron Man' is nowhere to be seen, but Tony assured them he was 'nearby', in case he's needed.

With everyone and everything in place, the only thing that remains is for Ana to work her magic, hopefully managing to extract more information without alerting the Brotherhood to her presence.


OOC: Danny: Intangibility (at the level you got) can't be used when attempting to pass through the gravity field.  Danny's molecules are dispersed, but they're still there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:09, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

From the van Ana Sofía tries to dig into the mind of the Legion clone she had been keeping a watch on, as he seems to be one a lot hinges around. Hopefully she can get in secretly before they can do much of anything.

Digging into that Legion clone's mind:

d10 Wits
d10 Telepathy
d8 One Step Ahead of You
d8 Psych

07:47, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 3,3,1,1 using d10,d10,d8,d8 with rolls of 3,3,1,1.  Digging into one Legion's mind.

Uh, oh. Things are going to go south very quickly with that roll! That's a 6 with a d4 effect die.

Doom pool gains d8+1, so d10.

+1 PP, so now at 2 PP.

The Legion had lived through a thousand different lives.  At least one of these lives faced telepathic mutants before, and many, many, more received specialized training to counter such probes.  The Legion could easily draw from those past experiences. His reaction was instinctive - avoiding thinking about anything not related to the task at hand, a task currently consisting of little else than taking his phone out, and sending a single digit number to the secret distribution list:

"6"

This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

"We're blown! Containment!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

The sounds of tires screeching, followed by those of shattering glass, car honks and panicked screams alerted the team something went horribly wrong before Ana had the chance to.
The entire cacophony preceding the staccato of the machine gun firing at the distance....

The Basilisk jumped all the way down from the fiftieth floor to the street below, his heels sinking into the asphalt.  A taxi cab veered out of the way in the last second, spinning out of control before crashing into a storefront.  Other drivers, further away, hit the brakes of their cars and left them behind, while others tried to turn around, resulting in one giant pileup on Lawrence street.

The Basilisk decided to be helpful; clearing the congestion by kicking the cars (occupied or not) down the road like they were tin cans

"Rawrrr!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

Newton got out of the van quickly Ana's warning to set up the gravity field around the apartment building. He was worried about this Basilisk guy but hopefully his team was going to deal with that.

d10 Wits
d8 Aggressive Pacifist
2d10 Gravity Control (Versatile SFX)
d8 Combat Expert

Newton rolled 10,3,5,8,8 using D10,d10,d10,d8,d8 with rolls of 10,3,5,8,8.  Gravity field

1 pp spent to add a third die to total
10+8+8 = 26
D10 effect die for Gravity Field

Frank caught a car as it flew past, and set it on the pavement, upside-down. It was empty, thankfully.

"Hey, you!" he shouted at the one-eyed behemoth that had kicked it in the first place. One eye... must be the Basilisk, then. "Federal agents! You're under arrest!"

He didn't wait for the guy to stand down. He charged in and threw the most powerful punch of his life. He didn't hold anything back.

Prowess d8
Brains Plus Brawn d8
Godlike Strength 2d12
SFX - Mighty Blow: Spend 1 PP or add d6 to the doom pool to double Superhuman Strength for one action.
Combat Expert d8
Spending 1 PP to keep 3rd die

Frank Guberman rolled 4,5,6,2,5 using d8,d8,d12,d12,d8 ((4,5,6,2,5)).

Total: 16
Effect: d12
Opportunities: zero
Remaining PP: zero

Can I assume that, like last time, Danny was positioned a block away, on his bike?


Realising what was happening, Danny again focused his senses on his own Life Force: manipulating his reaction time and agility into a swifter form ... as he had done yesterday.
If/When the proverbial hit the fan, if he had to give chase on his bike, he didn't want to endanger any innocent bystanders.

Action:  create personal Assets 'Fast Reflexes'
d10 Willpower
d8   'I don't want to hurt anyone'
d10 Elemental Control
~ SFX:  Bioengineering.  Add a d6 and step up your effect die by +1 when using MOLECULAR MANIPULATION to create assets.
d8  Medical Expert

- rolled 9,2,8,2,1 using d10,d8,d10,d6,d8
Total: 17
Effect:d8 d10
Opps: 1

PP: 2

The Basilisk roared as the challenger approached him. He stomped with his foot for measure to, generating a shockwave so strong that the ground itself wobbled, with the cars, and pedestrians, on top of it.

"Come, little man!"

He soon came to regret the invitation; Tank's punch hit him directly in the midsection, sending the seven foot monster flying backward some good one hundred feet; right through the side of a building, and out again from its opposite side.

Disoriented, the mutant struggled to get up on its feet and get his bearing, swaying from side to side as he clutched his head


Basilisk rolled 13,7 using 3d10,1d8 with rolls of 1,8,4,7.  Basilisk Reaction Role vs Frank.
Monstrous Brute distinction 1d8, Supernatural durability 1d10, Combat Master 1d10, Prowess 1d10
Using 1d6 from doom pool to keep three dice (8+4+7= 19 vs total of 16), attack resisted.  One opportunity available to Tank first.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:07, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

Newton managed to set his gravity field around the building, managing to put more power into it than he did in the training exercise the previous day.  The rest of the Brotherhood members are contained, for now.

OOC: The other members of the Brotherhood are trapped inside the building.
Danny successfully created an asset using bioengineering for Supernatural Reflexes at 1d0 (you need to spend a PP to make it last for the rest of the scene).
Doom pool increased by 1d6 due to opportunities.

The gunfire previously heard originated from the company of soldiers armed with machine guns.  All of them bearing the same face, and wearing the same green Starbucks uniforms.  The men quickly spread throughout the neighborhood, taking positions behind upturned cars and the side of the buildings.  While they were careful not get any innocent bystanders within their crosshairs, they showed the members of Freedom Force no such courtesy, pelting every hero in the vicinity with high velocity lead bullets, and from multiple angles too!


Legion rolled 6,27,5,2,3,1 using 1d8,5d8,1d10,1d6,1d6,1d6 with rolls of 6,8,3,7,6,3,5,2,3,1.  Guns Guns Guns!
Multiple Men, Multiple Troubles Distinction 1d8, Prowess 1d8*5(size of mob), Combat Master 1d10, additional targets 3d6
Total = 8+7+6=21 (-1d6 from doom pool): effect = 1d8 vs Frank, 1d8 vs Danny, 1d10 vs Captain America, 1d8 vs Newton.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

While Freedom Force had to contend with the homicidal Starbuck barista clones, New York's homeless problem was about to get ALOT worse.  The Legion clone that has been living on the street corner this last couple of months got up to his feet.  Every step he took left a shade of himself behind, soon solidifying into a fully functioning clone. Starting to multiply in a geometric rate, each of the clones reached for his own copy of a handgun previously tucked into the grimy underpants.

Brooklyn just became a warzone, in a matter of seconds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:35, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

From her hiding spot in the van Ana Sofía tries to target the group of homeless Legion before it gets very big. She has to stop them before they get beyond stopping. She tries to convince them that hiding as an individual is much more likely to allow them to escape, so they should recombine and hide rather than duplicating.

I don't remember how to do mobs. Hopefully this is close. I might need more d6's.

d10 Willpower
d8 One Step Ahead of You
d8 Mind Control
d8 Pysch
d6 Enthralling Mind (and step up one effect die)
d6 Area Attack (and keep an extra effect die; might need more depending on how big the mob is)

Spend 1 PP to add a die to the total

09:27, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 4,5,3,3,2,3 using d10,d8,d8,d8,d6,d6 with rolls of 4,5,3,3,2,3.  Slowing down Legion.

That's 4+5+3=12 with at least a d10 and a d8 effect die.

If I need more for the mob, I'll have to throw some more d6s in the roller and update the result.

"Stark, we need you to lay down suppressive fire"
Captain America's distinctive uniform only served to make him a very visible target.  He struggled to position his shield between himself and the incoming fire as the bullets came in flying from all directions.  Supernatural reflexes allowed him to do so, but just barely.

"Now!"

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Vibranium shield 1d12, Prowess 1d10, Combat Master 1d10, Enhanced Reflexes 1d8, Resolute tactician 1d8

Captain America rolled 12,4,4,2,7 using 1d12,1d8,1d8,1d10,1d10 with rolls of 12,4,4,2,7.  Captain America reaction roll vs the Legion. Keeping 3 dice, +1d6 to doom pool.

---

"Aw, man," Frank muttered as he saw how many gunmen suddenly filled the field of battle. He could take a bullet, but could he take a hundred of them? A thousand? How many rounds of ammo were just pulled from thin air? Despite his powers, he just didn't want to find out. "Come on, Michael... you were non-violent the last time we met."

He just walked right towards the lead Legion clone, hands out, hoping to keep him from firing.

When the bullets started to fly, he knew he'd failed, and he was standing out there in front of the firing line.

Prowess d8
Gentle Giant d4 (+1PP)
Superhuman Durability d12
Combat Expert d8
SXF - Invulnerable: Spend 1 PP to ignore physical stress or trauma unless caused by mystical attacks.

Frank Guberman rolled 3,1,2,7 using d8,d4,d12,d8 ((3,1,2,7)).

Total: 10
Effect die: d12
1 Opportunity
PP: +2, -1 = +1

I am hoping that is a 1d10  ;-P
Spend 1 PP to power 'Supernatural Reflexes' for the scene

Danny was a block or so away, on his bike when the proverbial hit the fan.   The screeching tires, the busting glass ...*
                                * the painful scream that I heard last.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Mon 16 Aug 2021.

This was bad. This was very very bad. They were aiming for low causality but instead hell broke lose in the middle of Brooklyn. Newton was angry that he was kept away from engaging hostiles with his team but his first priority was always saving innocents. So he gathered whatever unattended objects he saw, including some empty cars, traffic poles and leftover chunks of asphalt from Basilisk's graceful landing, mashed them into wall and placed them around Legion clones give his team members and civilians a cover.

"We need something decisive if we were to avoid bloodshed. Any plans?" said Newton over the com

Create Asset: Debris Shield


d10 Wits
d4 Aggressive Pacifist (+1 PP)
2d10 Gravity Control (Versatile SFX)
d8 Combat Expert

Newton rolled 6,9,9,3,3 using D10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 6,9,9,3,3.  Debris Shield.

Dice Pool: 9+9 = 18
Effect Die : d10
Burning 1 pp to make it last for a scene

“Someone ordered an airstrike?”

Iron-man's powered suit blazed through the street in supersonic speed, the resulting shock wave shattering whatever glass still remained in the window frames.  Computer assisted targeting systems automatically singled out the attacking clones, and a succession of energy blasts scorched each and everyone of them, killing them instantly.  The fly-by attack was so precise, deadly, and lightning fast, that it was over a split second after it has begun.
But even as the Iron-Man ascended back to the skies, the handful of survivors left behind started multiplying once more, ready to pick up right where they left off.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Cutting Edge Tech distinction 1d8, weapon systems 1d12, combat expert 1d8, prowess 1d8, extra targets 4d6
Tony Stark rolled 7,12,8,5,14 using 1d8,1d12,1d8,1d8,4d6 with rolls of 7,12,8,5,5,5,3,1.  Iron Man fly by attack.
Total= 19, effect die: 1d8, 1d8, 1d6, 1d6, 1d6

Legion rolled 23,2,8 using 5d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 6,7,4,3,3,2,8.  Legion Reaction roll vs Iron-Man.  Total = 15.  2 Legion mobs destroyed by 1d8 effect die.  1 Legion mob spawned from Iron-Man's opportunity.  Net loss of 1.  Progress!

---

Frank's plea fell on deaf ears; even if the Legion could have heard him over the deafening roar of the gunfire, it would have done little to sway him.  The clones kept on advancing, targeting any hero in sight.  And while they were careful not to fire at civilians, accidents were bound to happen; a young man who foolishly tried to make a run for it found himself in the line of fire, and was now convulsing with pain on the pavement after a stray bullet went right through his thighbone.  A mother wrapped her body around her panicked daughter like a cocoon, protecting her with her own body from the wheezing bullets flying above them.   And yet another man shredded his forearms into a bloody pulp as he crawled over the broken glass in an attempt to get away while still keeping his head down.

While the civilians were relatively unharmed, the same could not be said of the city's landscape.  Cars, buildings, storefronts; all were riddled with bullets holes. Gasoline was pouring out of punctured fuel tanks, and one little spark was all it would take to set the entire neighborhood ablaze.   A prolonged battle was sure to end in disaster.

It was only a matter of time.

+1d6 to doom pool from Frank's opportunity.

The Basilisk finally recovered from the being tossed through a building.  As dimwitted as he was, facing Tank head on was not a prospect he was looking toward.  Besides, he had another weapon in his arsenal.  Not as fun as smashing things with his meaty fists, but much more effective.
The giant iris inside his single eye focused on Tank, who slowly started to feel his great strength slipping away under the gaze of the monster.

Paralyzing gaze 1d10, Will 1d8, Combat Master 1d10, Despicable me distinction 1d8
Basilisk rolled 4,3,7,3 using 1d8,1d10,1d10,1d8 with rolls of 4,3,7,3.  basilisk paralysis attack vs Tank. total = 11, effect 1d10 (complication: paralyzed)
Reaction roll needed from Tank.  Durability is of no use, but Reflexes (getting out of the way), or Stamina are.

While Newton was busy crafting his protective shield, the homeless Legion started to take position; climbing the fire escapes, moving from the wreckage of one car to the next as they circled around the heroes, looking for any weakness to exploit.

Newton's attempt to create an asset was successful.
Legion rolled 5,16,9 using 1d8,4d8,1d10 with rolls of 5,3,4,3,6,9.  Legion reaction to Ana's mind control. total = 15, Ana's mental attack was resisted

She's still gotta try! Hopefully she can stop them soon or it may be too late!

I don't know how big the mob is now. I'm working with a size 2 mob here. I might need more d6's.

d10 Willpower
d8 One Step Ahead of You
d8 Mind Control
d8 Pysch
d6 Enthralling Mind (and step up one effect die)
d6 Area Attack (and keep an extra effect die; might need more depending on how big the mob is)

Spend 1 PP to add a die to the total.

15:21, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 3,2,6,1,3,5 using d10,d8,d8,d8,d6,d6 with rolls of 3,2,6,1,3,5.  Another attempt at slowing down Legion.
07:59, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 5,6 using d6,d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Missing dice for area affect for mob.

That's 5+5+6=16 with effect dice of d10, d8, d8, d8 (raised 1 from d6).

If I need more for the mob, I'll have to throw some more d6s in the roller and update the result.

1d8 for the Doom Pool.

1 PP - 1 PP for the extra die + 1 PP for the Doom Pool's die = 1 PP.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:01, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

Frank felt weak the instant the Basilisk's eye began to glow. It wasn't just weak, either: it hurt. He needed to shield himself from the behemoth's gaze, and he needed to do it fast.

With a stomp of his foot, he flipped a manhole cover up into his hands. It was a third-rate Captain America move at best, but he really needed it to work.

Wits d10
Brains plus Brawn d8
STUNT: Cheap Shield d8
Combat Expert d8

Frank Guberman rolled 3,5,5,1 using d10,d8,d8,d8 ((3,5,5,1)).
Total: 10
Effect: d10
PP spent: 1
Opportunities rolled: 1 (+1 PP)
PP remaining: 1


It didn't work. Either it wasn't enough of a shield, or he didn't get it in front of it in time, but he could feel the Basilisk's gaze continue to work its mysterious effect on him....

Correcting one the d8 Stunt die to a d10 gave me a 9 instead of the original 5. Thus the new total is 14, which is a success.

Frank felt better the instant the makeshift shield was up. He wasn't sure if it was gaze-to-gaze, or if it was just blocking enough of his body to make the difference, but Basilisk's power had been successfully blocked.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

Captain America made a quick assessment of the situation; he could engage the clones, but that wouldn't do much good when they could multiply faster than he could bring them down.  Leave them to Stark to handle, or someone from Freedom Force.  He was going after the Basilisk.

Landing on his feet after executing a perfect flip over the remains of a taxi, he spun around like an Olympic discus thrower and hurled his shield right at the monster standing across the street.  The Basilisk was tough; he survived being punched by Tank, and hurled though a brick wall.  He should have withstood the impact of the blow, had the heavy Vibranium shield not collided with his sensitive eye

"Take him down, Tank!"

The shield ricocheted back into the Captains waiting hand.  He was going to need it to keep himself safe from the incoming attack of the clones.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d10, Resolute tactician 1d8, enhanced strength 1d8, Vibranium shield (weapon) + ricochet 2d8, combat master 1d10
Captain America rolled 5,5,8,10,2 using 1d10,1d8,1d8,2d8,1d10 with rolls of 5,5,8,3,7,2.  Physical attack vs Basilisk
total = 5+5+7= 17, vs reaction roll of 16. 

---

basilisk gains 1d10 physical stress
1 opportunity available to Tank from Basilisk reaction roll.
+1d6 to doom pool from Frank's opportunity.

This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

"On it, Sir!"

Tank lowered his head and charged the Basilisk, his posture hailing back to his days as a football player. The objective here was to tackle Basilisk and bring him to the ground, hard.

Prowess d8
Brains plus Brawn d8
Godlike Strength 2d12
SFX - Mighty Blow: Spend 1 PP or add d6 to the doom pool to double Godlike Strength for one action.
Combat Expert d8

Frank Guberman rolled 5,1,11,1,1 using d8,d8,d12,d12,d8 ((5,1,11,1,1)). [Oh, dear god.]
Frank Guberman rolled 10 using 1d10 ((10)). (Basilisk's physical stress)

Total: 21
Effect: d8
3 Opportunities (+1 PP)
2 PP remaining
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

Contrary to their best interest, the homeless Legion clones all pull back.  They realize how detrimental it is, but they can't help themselves, having been mentally compelled by Ana to merge back with each other.  They do, and from the dozens of clones, only one remain.  The  squalid man takes one look at his handgun, and then at the rest of Freedom Force.

This was clearly a losing battle, one that he had no intention of seeing to its end.  Best to make his escape now, while he still can.


Wits 1d8*4(mob size), multiple man, multiple trouble distinction 1d8, master psych 1d10
Legion rolled 4,20,1 using 1d8,4d8,1d10 with rolls of 4,3,6,8,3,1.  Legion reaction to Ana's mind control.

Total 14 vs 16.  Mob size reduced from 4 to 1 due to 3 effect die being 1d8 or higher.  The remaining Legion clone attempts to flee the scene.

"Come back here, you coward!!"
The rifle totting Legion clones called out in unison after the deserter running down the alley.  It was as much effort as they were willing to spend to stop him.  They had better things to do: riddle the pesky heroes with bullets!

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d8*4(mob size), multiple man, multiple trouble distinction 1d8, master combat 1d10, Rifle resource 1d8, multiple targets: Captain America, Newton, Tank

Legion rolled 1,19,7,1,1,4 using 1d8,5d8,1d10,1d8,1d6,1d6 with rolls of 1,2,6,1,5,5,7,1,1,4.  Guns Guns Guns! (..again).
Spend 1d6 from doom pool to keep extra dice: 6+7+5=18

---

Total = 18.  Effect: 1d8 vs Captain America, 1d8 vs Tank, 1d6 vs Newton.

Too proud to get out of the way, The Basilisk braced himself for impact, digging his heels deep into the pavement.  Which was a mistake; Tank hit him with more force than a freight train traveling at one hundred miles per hour.  Enough force, in fact, to not only knock him off his feet, but thrust him downward through three feet of concrete into the sewage tunnel running underneath the street.

Yay, more collateral damage!

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Adding 1d10 to doom pool from Tank's opportunity, and another 1d6 from the SFX (which will be immediately spent to use three dice for his reaction roll)

Monstrous Brute distinction 1d8, Supernatural durability 1d10, Combat Master 2d8, Prowess 1d10
Basilisk rolled 11,11 using 2d10,3d8 with rolls of 7,4,4,1,6.  Basilisk Reaction Roll vs Frank.  Total = 7+6+4= 17, vs 21. 

---

Basilisk stress increases to 1d12!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

Back at the van, Price was gritting his teeth with frustration.  The battle was quickly getting out of hand; they had to end it as quickly as possible before there would be nothing left of downtown Brooklyn

"Danny! Now is the time; do whatever you can to bring the 'Legion' down. There are causalities, and we can't evacuate them under fire"

Newton put a chunk of debris he previously gathered in between himself and Legion and created a gravity field to funnel bullets towards it.

"This is so pointless. How does gunning down civilians help our kind?" shouted angrily towards Legion.

Reaction

d10 Wits
d4 Aggressive Pacifist (+1 PP)
2d10 Gravity Control - Versatile
F10 Debris Shield
d8 Combat Expert

Newton rolled 1,1,10,1,8,3 using D10,d10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 1,1,10,1,8,3.  Reaction. [Oof. We are DOOMED]

Dice Pool: 10 + 8 + 3(-1 PP)

Danny came flying around the corner on his motorbike in time to see the chaos, and hear Price's urgent directions
He could see one 'Legion' running off down an alleyway, away from the battle ... but he could also see a small army of machine gun toting 'Legion's spreading out around them.
In this moment, he figured that Price wasn't concerned the fleeing individual;  but he had NO idea how to direct his powers against a legion of Legions.

He also saw citizens bleeding in the street.  And right now, that was something he could react to.

Dropping his bike, he hit the ground running to the wounded man's side, and as he dragged them kid into cover, he willed the bullet wound in that leg to eject the bullet, and heal itself over.


Action:   Heal the wound
d10 Willpower
d8   Leave no man behind
d10 Elemental Control
d8   Medical specialist

- rolled 3,7,4,3 using d10,d8,d10,d8
Total: 11
Effect: d10
Opps: -

PP: 2

Next:   Douglas Price

"You're welcome to retreat, fascist asshole!!!"

The Legion followed his retort with another burst of machine gun fire.  The bullets were all funneled into the gravity field - but not only.  Every object in the vicinity not nailed to the ground was likewise pulled toward Newton; bullet casings, shards of glass, leaves off the trees branches. Cars. People...

Legion's attack resisted by Newton.  +1d10! added to the doom pool from Newton's opportunities.
   
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

While the tide of debris, coupled with the pull of gravity, swept the unfortunate few off their feet, Danny managed to locate the injured young man.  He already lost consciousness due to the excruciating pain, and Danny had to carry him himself all the way over to a nearby alley, where he could safely remove the bullet and will the wound to close.

That was one person saved, but while he was doing all of that other people were being dragged across the street like rag dolls, and electrical power lines snapped off their poles and swayed wildly like whips , threatening to ignite the pools of gasoline, and the gas seeping from punctured pipes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:20, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

"DANNY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Price screamed so hard he turned hoarse.  His face red, he punched the steering wheel of the van with frustration

"TAKE THE LEGION OUT, NOW!"

Standard military protocol was first to eliminate any hostiles, and only then to render assistance to the injured.  Trying to evacuate people under fire endangered not only the solider, but also diverted resources from neutralizing the enemy and preventing further causalities.

He didn't expect Danny to know all of that, but he did expect him to follow his orders.  Compassion on the battlefield was dangerous; to him, his allies, and the civilians they were trying to protect.

Adding his own part to the ensuing chaos, Iron Man's second fly by attack blasted dozens of Legion clones, together with the ground they were standing on.  Fine bits of concrete (together with clone parts) splashed as high as the third floor of the nearby buildings, enveloping the entire neighborhood in a sticky red mist

Iron Man reduced the size of the Legion mob by 2.  New size is (2).  +1d10 to doom pool from Iron-Man's opportunities.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

The Basilisk struggled to pull himself out of the sewer tunnel.  His shoulder has been dislocated when he so unwisely put it in the path of Tank's charge.  A couple of ribs also broken.  His head was spinning from the pain, and he couldn't feel his fingers on his left hand. Only one thing still kept him going: Revenge.

He was going to put the hurt on Tank, or die trying.

Another paralysis attack vs Tank
Basilisk rolled 7,4,4,2 using 1d8,1d8,1d10,1d10 with rolls of 7,4,4,2.  basilisk paralysis attack vs Tank.

Total 11, effect 1d10

This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

Damn, he was doing that thing with his eye again, and he was just too far away to give him a 'Hey, Moe!' poke in the eye. Frank's makeshift shield from a minute ago lay just out of reach, too. He scrambled to grab that, and get it up in front of his face once again....

Wits d10
Brains plus Brawn d8
STUNT: Cheap Shield d10
Combat Expert d8

Frank Guberman rolled 10,6,3,6 using d10,d8,d10,d8 ((10,6,3,6)).
Total: 16
1 PP spent (2 remaining)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

Round 3

Tank edged the manhole cover aside. It felt as if the attack had stopped. Good. He still wasn't sure what the Basilisk's eye did, but he was still extremely reluctant to find out.

"You're under arrest," he said, and punched the Basilisk in the face. He was on his last legs, but without showing any sign of surrender, Tank was just going to have to beat the Basilisk into submission. It was regrettable, but necessary. Hopefully this wouldn't kill the guy.

Prowess d8
Brains Plus Brawn d8
Godlike Strength d12
Combat Expert d8
Basilisk's Physical Stress d12

Frank Guberman rolled 6,6,7,3,7 using d8,d8,d12,d8,d12 ((6,6,7,3,7)).

Total: 14
Effect: d8
Opps: zero
PP remaining: 2

Newton was about to crack a joke about being called fascist, but it was not appropriate. People were suffering and he caused some of that. He had trained for years to control his powers, but still failed in his first real combat mission.

No, this wasn't a moment for self doubt. If he was to paralyse in fear of his powers, more innocents was going to suffer. He hated it still, to use his powers for violence, but he had a responsibility.

He removed the gravity field funneling objects towards his debris shield. Immediately he raised large amount of small pieces of debris previously part of his shield up in the air and rained down hell onto Legion clones.

Reaction

d10 Wits
d4 Aggressive Pacifist (+1 PP)
2d10,1d12 Gravity Control - (Unleashed to double D12, Versatile to split one d12 to two d10)
D10 Debris Shield
d8 Combat Expert

Newton rolled 7,8,8,8,6,6,1 using D12,D10,d10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 7,8,8,8,6,6,1.  Attack Legion.

Dice Pool: 8 + 8 + 8(-1 PP) = 24
Effect die 1: d12 (to first mob of Legions)
Effect die 2: d10 (-1 pp) (to second mob of Legions)
Total PP: 0

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
The Basilisk haven't learned anything from the last two times he tried to go toe-to-toe with Tank; he charged into the (what-was-to-him) a puny man, head first, literally running right into Tank's fist.

The collision between fist and jaw resulted in a very audible 'crack' followed by a whimper, and a 'thump' as the Basilisk went down for the count.

Monstrous Brute distinction 1d8, Supernatural durability 1d10, Combat Master 2d8, Prowess 1d10
Basilisk rolled 9,14 using 2d10,3d8 with rolls of 3,6,8,5,1.  Basilisk Reaction Role vs Frank. Total = 14 vs 14, effect die stepping up physical stress beyond 1d12.  Basilisk eliminated!

The Legion dies a very messy death; impaled by a traffic pole, shredded by razor sharp shards of glass, or crushed under the weight of the cars flung at them.  It was like a scene from a slasher flick, brought to life by Newton unleashing his full potential.

The gunfire has stopped, sirens of approaching ambulances and fire trucks filling the void.

Prowess 1d8*2 (mob size), multiple man, multiple trouble distinction 1d8, combat master 1d10
Legion rolled 10,8,4 using 2d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 4,6,8,4.  Legion Reaction roll vs Newton. total 14 vs 24. All effect die stepped up to 1d12+.  All Legion clones eliminated!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

"Sorry boys and girls, I Just got word that Stark's tower is under attack.  You stay here to mop-up, I promise I'll be right back after dealing with this minor inconvenience"

without waiting for an answer, the Iron-Man blasted into the skies, disappearing from sight.

Price was still sitting in his van a few blocks away, monitoring the team via their body cameras.  While they managed to stop the Legion, and the Basilisk, the fight wasn't nearly over:

"Danny; check what you can do for the injured.  Newton; How is your containment field holding up? We still got four members of the Brotherhood inside that building.  Windtalker: see if you can sense them inside and find out what they are up to"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Carnage he unleashed burned into Newton's mind. He wanted to save lives, but here he ended them. A part of his brain asked if did he really killed Legion though. There is at least a single clone of him under detention, and who knows how many of him were around. Was killing a Legion clone acting in consensus with other clones counted as ending a life? He didn't now. From where he stood philosophy of it sounded hard. Hard and utterly meaningless. He felt terrible.

Douglas Price's words brought him back to real world.

"I... Field... The Field is holding up, sir. I can open a small tear when we want to move in. Until then I am going to clear the street and place wounded on safe spots unless we are to move in right now, sir" Newton said in a flat tone.

"Can you please check the Basilisk guy too, Danny. I can place restrains on him for your safety."

"No, Stark, wait!" Captain America held up his hand, but it was already too late.  Iron-Man was gone, leaving them behind to deal with the remnants of the Brotherhood cell

"Right!" he strapped his shield back on his back "We need to evacuate the civilians, get them off the streets. People in the nearby apartment buildings included.   Set up a perimeter in a three block radius.  I don't want anyone in the line of fire if they put up a fight"

He have Tank a silent nod.  The young man has done well, and he was impressed.  With all of them, despite the devastation they've left behind.  He could only hope no one was seriously hurt.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

Ana Sofía continues to focus on this one homeless Legion clone. It would be really good to hide out in the alley as a homeless man just like before so the police and these heroes don't find me, but I can keep an eye out on what's happening.

Attempting to further influence his mind.

d10 Willpower
d8 One Step Ahead of You
d8 Mind Control
d8 Pysch
d6 Enthralling Mind (and step up one effect die)

17:05, Today: Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez rolled 5,7,3,4,3 using d10,d8,d8,d8,d6 with rolls of 5,7,3,4,3.  Manipulating homeless Legion singleton.

1 PP to add a die.

That's 7+3+4=14 with a d12 effect die.

0 PP left.

Kate had gone to the UN after the shenanigans with Senator Kelly.  If nothing else they had convinced her that it was worth knowing what was really on a politicians mind, and if she was going to really help Zoey change the world then maybe knowing what the world thought would be a good start.

Of course it was only after she arrived that she found out that the sessions were closed to the public and she could have streamed them from home.  Still the building itself wasn't off limits only the meeting itself and so despite having to settle for a much smaller video feed she did manage to get close, close enough to feel the emotions and drifting thoughts of those in the room.

At first things had been rather boring.  Nothing was exciting, nobody was making grand proclamations, it was all just dreary introductions and minutes, and minutia about procedure.  It was dull enough that Kate was considering just finding a corner to curl up in and going to sleep.  Until she recognized one of the interpreters in a wide shot.  He was only on screen for a minute but Kate was certain that was Legion, and he definitely shouldn't have been in there if she couldn't.

So she was already talking to one of the nice men in their silly jackets trying to get him to believe her about the mutant terrorist when things went wrong.  As panic and confusion swept the UN chambers she went in following the security she had been trying to warn, and was far more effective at being a distraction and delaying force for the fleeing delegates than the actual security men on site.

But it didn't take long before there were more Legion than she could handle alone, Zoey wasn't anywhere nearby and so Kate did the only thing she could think of, reaching out psychically to the two minds she knew best, and the only two who she had experience trying to contact from further than a block away.  'Professor, sourceofcookies, Help!  The UN is under attack by Legion and there are lots of him!  I can't hold them all off' Of course being mental in nature the message came through in more than just words, flashes of danger, images of Legion, and the feeling of panic from the delegates and their staff all came alongside the message.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Ana Sofía glances around the van, not wanting to break her concentration on pushing Legion, but most the team isn't with her. Coms! She speaks over their coms, "The UN is under attack by Legion right now! I've got the homeless Legion pinned down so you can grab him if I leave. I can get to the UN quickly, but we cannot all go because of the terrorists in the building."

There was a slight pause as Price processed the new information.  Ana was right; they had to split up to deal with the new threat.

"Windtalker, Danny; both of you head out to the UN headquarters.  Newton, Tank and Cap will stay here to take care of the Brotherhood cell.  If we leave them be, they'll cause even more trouble"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

"The Brotherhood obviously knows we're coming," he said, recalling Basilisk's entrance. "We need to evacuate the building before we engage. Fire alarm would be the fastest way to do that."

"How are we going to deal with a Legion clone slipping away during evacuation. Regardless. I am ready to move in." Newton said as he continued clearing debris with powers. Shards of glasses, chunks of asphalt, wreckages of some cars, and a lone and broken traffic pole floated to an empty corner.

Still over the coms, "Got it, boss. The homeless clone should be hiding out where he had been originally, which is outside of Newton's locked-down zone. You should be able to catch him there easily."


Ana Sofía emerges from the side door of the van. Fortunately athletic wear covers body parts well even from below. Over the coms once more she says, "Danny, I'll meet you there. I can get there pretty quickly." She looks upward and launches skyward. She's just aiming for high enough above the buildings that she can safely fly quickly and directly to the UN, so much faster than her historical subway or walking or more rarely cab routes, especially with the bridges.

Well, everything had gone to Hell in the proverbial Handbasket within a minute.
Danny was still reeling when orders came though to take out the Legion … then deal with the wounded … now, head for the UN.

Quickly fighting his nearby motorbike, he leapt on and gunned the engine.
He knew where the UN was, and didn’t bother following the road laws.

A short few minutes later downtown Brooklyn was brimming with cops, firefighters, and paramedics.  The first responders were overwhelmed with the magnitude of devastation and the number of fatalities (the latter were all members of the Legion).    The entire neighborhood looked like a warzone; streets torn and cratered, buildings and cars shot full of holes, and few apartments having any glass left in the windows.

The first priority was to render assistance to the casualties and evacuate them to the hospital.  Shut down the local power grid to stave off an electrical fire, and the gas pipelines before a single spark will send everyone in a five-block radius to kingdom come.
While all of this was happening, news crews in their helicopters were circling above like vultures, flying dangerously close to the battlefield in an attempt to get the best shot of 'the latest mutant rampage'.

“We delayed for as long as we can” Rogers raised his voice over the buzzing of the rotors above them.

There was not enough time to evacuate all the civilians from the nearby buildings.  It could take hours (or more), and Newton’s concentration was already beginning to falter.  They had to go in – now

“Newton; see if you can open a tunnel for us on the main entrance.  One of us will need to stay down there to make sure they don’t make a run for it, while the others search the building – floor by floor”

"Give me a sign when we are ready to move Captain. Also I can stay behind and protect the entrance. It would help if I didn't split my concentration but the field goes down if I fall unconscious. I am capable of going in however. Just tell me where to go and I shall be there." Newton said as massaged his temples. Familiar tugging feeling in his mind was not the most comfortable sensetion.

OOC: Do I need to roll anything to make an opening? If not Newton is opening a tunnel on Captains sign

Newton standing guard made the most sense, so Tank fell into step behind Captain America.

"One of us works top-down, and the other ground-up?" he asked. "Or should we stick together?"

(OOC: Figuring this is all on coms...)

"Don't forget the homeless clone in the alley, outside of Newton's control zone," reminds Ana Sofía as she takes off.

Oh, right.

"Newt, let me have an exit." Tank marched himself towards the alley where the 'homeless' clone was hiding.

"Give me an excuse," he said. "Give me any excuse...!"

Hopefully he could intimidate the clone into surrender. It would be far too easy for the situation to turn into another swarm. Without Windtalker and Iron Man, mopping up a small army of clones would be a lot harder.

The Legion homeless disguise was nigh perfect, with his filthy, flea ridden, tattered, urine-soaked garments, unkempt hair, and shaggy beard.   He smelled so bad, in fact, that it would be quite a challenge for Tank to keep his last meal down if he stood too close to the man.

Crouching behind one of the dumpsters, the Legion hand rattled with terror as he lifted his tin cup up in the air:

"Spare some change, mister?"

While Newton was considering how (and if) he could create an opening in his gravity field, a figure slowly descended down the side of the building.  Head down, feet up, he came to a stop once his face was aligned with Newton's, his body suspended midair by a thin strand of webbing.

"Hello there.  Your friendly Neighborhood Spider is here" the man-spider was particularly buoyant  " - don't worry, I'm not going for a kiss - you aren't my type. I'm only here to help you out, before you demolish what's left of downtown Brooklyn"

"Hello Spider-man. And sorry about that. Would you mind checking my friend over there" said Newton said, pointing Frank. "He is about to confront a man who might cause another mayhem. Then you can report Captain America to see how can you help"

Newton didn't want to compromise this field right now. He somehow managed to create something much stronger then what he managed in the tests. He wanted to poke it, test it, understand how does it work. Sadly it was not the time for that.

He went to entrance of the building and started to create another field but this time in opposite direction, relatively small and imposed right on top of the building entrance. Hopefully they were going to cancel each other on that small area and create an opening for Captain.

Tunnel

d10 Wits
d4 How does it work? (+1 PP)
2d10 Gravity Control - (Versatile)
d8 Science Expert

Newton rolled 8,3,8,5,2 using D10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 8,3,8,5,2.  Tunnel.

Dice Pool: 8 + 8 + 5(-1 PP) = 21
Effect die: d10
Total PP: 0

Okay, this was unexpected. Legion was either a phenomenal actor, or he was actually scared of Tank. Had his brain been rewired by a telepath or some such, so he really thought that he was homeless? To what end?

He couldn't just leave the guy. He was Legion. He needed to be contained as a matter of course. But Tank couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy.

"Federal agent," he said, showing his ID. "Come with me."

The Legion backed into the corner as soon as Frank flashed his badge.  He tried to look over Frank's shoulder, see if he can get an opening to make a run for it.  But there was no way he was going to get past the big man

"Please..." he whimpered "Please don't hurt me mister"

Netwon carefully manipulates the gravity field and manages to create a narrow tunnel through which the rest of the heroes can enter the building.  It is extremely taxing however, and he's not sure how long he can hold it for...

The Watcher rolled 27,7,8 using 4d10,2d8,3d6 with rolls of 5,7,5,10,1,6,2,2,4.  Doom pool reaction to Newto  17 vs 21, attempt successful.

Tank picked up the Legion clone by the back of his collar and carried him out of the alley. He handed him off to whichever authorities were closer — FBI, police, it didn't matter. Someone would have to take charge of the guy, but he stank. Tank had done his job, now someone else could do theirs.

"Okay, Captain," he said, returning to where Captain America was waiting patiently. "What's our play?"

Spider-Man was scratching his head trying to understand why on earth they would be arresting a homeless man.  The most offensive thing about him was his odor; surely not enough to book him (though some might vehemently disagree).  He let go of the strand of webbing and landed on his feet after executing a perfect backflip

"Umm, you sure you guys need my help?"

"We do - there are terrorists hiding in that building.  And, well - look around you"  the Captain motioned with his hand at what was left of the neighborhood.

"So this is the plan; Newton, you stay here and concentrate on keeping that force field up.  Me, Tank, and Spider-Man will search the building for the Brotherhood"

"I will try to keep the force field as long as possible, Captain. I will contact you if field fails. In same vein, if you need support I can collapse the field and join you. Good luck.

Holy crap — it was Spider-Man. That was cool on the same level as meeting Cap and Iron Man, in Tank's opinion. It was hard to keep from grinning like an idiot.

"Trust me, he's one of the terrorists," he told Spider-Man, regarding Legion. "He's the guy who becomes his own army."

Then Captain America said he'd be joining them in the search of the building, and Tank could have plotzed*.

"Let's go," he said.

---

*= Passed out.

Walking into the main lobby of the Brooklyner skyscraper, the heroes find themselves face to face with four Legion clones, all sitting in a circle on the polished floor, and each holding a hand of cards.   The couple of security guards unfortunate enough to be working the afternoon shift were also present; tied to each other, back to back, duct tape covering their mouths.  Both of them were battered; the stocky, balding one had a bleeding nose, and a nasty bruise graced the cheek of the slim Asian.   None of the injuries were life threatening or requiring hospitalization.  The main inconvenience was the numbness in their hands and stiffness in their shoulders as result of being tied down for as long as they have.

“Legion, you got any fours?”

“Nope, go fish”

“No, wait!! I wasn’t asking you, I was asking him”

“You really need to be more specific, you know”

“Shh, fellows, look sharp – we got company!”

The Legion clone facing the door alerted the others to the presence of the heroes.  As one, all the clones got up to their feet (slowly).  While each of them had a pistol tucked in the waistband holster clipped to his belt, none of them so much as placed their hand over the handles.

“Welcome to the Brooklyner.  We’ve been expecting you”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Fri 27 Aug 2021.

"That's nice," Tank said, similarly not making any threatening moves. He didn't carry a gun, of course, but Legion had to know that he could do a lot more damage with his bare hands. Right now, Tank wasn't so much as making a fist. "I don't suppose you'd like to just tell us where the other Brotherhood folks are...?"

"I could tell you, but are you sure you want to know?" The Legion didn't leave the question hanging, but went on clarifying exactly what he meant:

"There are over one thousand people in this apartment building.  A fight between you and us is one hundred percent going to result in massive collateral damage. Multiple fatalities.   I'm sure you don't desire this outcome any more than we do.  So why don't we reach some sort of compromise?"

"I don't suppose you'd be willing to surrender peacefully?" he asked. Tank was afraid of this. When push came to shove, the Brotherhood would use human shields, even if they were a little reluctant. And it might be only Legion with that reluctance, too. The other Brotherhood members might not give a damn. "Right now we have you on Conspiracy charges only. If you guys make a fight of it, things could be so much worse.

"You must have seen what happened outside. I took out Basilisk without even breathing hard. Now I'm standing here with Spider-Man and Captain-freaking-America. So, please, stand down."

"We were thinking more along the lines of 'you'll let us go, and call it a day'"
He suggested with a straight face "'Cause we know that if we come with you, you're gonna lock us up for good.  Nothing for us to lose, then"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:23, Sat 28 Aug 2021.

Captain America hesitated only for a split second.  He didn't want any more civilian causalities, but what was the alternative?

"Let you go, only for you to plot your next terrorist attack, putting god-knows how many more lives at risk?  We can't do that"

The Legion face hardened
"We tried our best not to harm anyone.  But tell me, what about our rights, Captain? huh?!" his voice rose with indignation
"Why don't you ask your 'Freedom Force' friends what the government was up to in Nomans Land?  Ask them!!"

Captain America's eyebrow furrowed.  Secrets.  What was the US government up to now?
"What is he talking about, Tank?"

"At Noman's Land, they were holding mutants prisoner without due process," Tank replied, reluctantly. "Worse, the administrator was compromised, and was committing atrocities. Basically, the Brotherhood were right and the government was wrong.

"But the Brotherhood took the approach of terrorists. There was a lot of murder." Tank sighed. It had been such a clusterfuck. "And none of that is relevant right now. What's relevant is your attack on the U.N.

"Seriously, we can't let you walk away from this one. It's that simple."

"We're not terrorists" the Legion's lips tightened with anger

"What did you expect us to do?  I had friends at that prison, who never did anything wrong to anyone.  You think writing a polite petition to the president would have secured their release? That the media would have been allowed to cover the story, even if they cared to?"
He shook his head
"We HAD to act"

Captain America wasn't that naïve to think the US government were above using extreme measures to 'control' mutants.  He believed Tank, who had no reason to lie.  And while he could sympathize with the Mutant Brotherhood, he would never condone their actions

"No - your plight doesn't give you the right to harm innocent civilians" he leveled his eyes with (one of) the Legion once more "But I promise you this - stand down, and I will personally make sure whomever is responsible for 'Nomans Land' is brought to justice"

"Not terrorists?" Tank asked, unfortunately stepping on Captain America's little speech before Legion could answer. He'd probably feel bad and apologize later. "Dude, you're attacking the United Nations right now. You, personally. You're a terrorist.

"You might mean well, but your methods are seriously lacking."

"Come on!  If we really wanted to terrorize the American people, we wouldn't have held back.  All we want is to get people's attention"

“Shush.  Be quiet – didn’t you hear the Captain’s offer? “ One of the Legion clones stepped in front of the one talking back to Tank

“We couldn’t ask for anyone better than him to take the mantle of our cause.  I am willing to die to see our brothers and sisters get equal treatment.  I am willing to spend the rest of my life in prison, too, if that what it takes”

“Then you are a fool!”

The missing members of the Brotherhood cell materialize out of thin air.  So perfect was the illusion, that even Spider-Man failed to sense they were anywhere near until the enchantment was dropped.    Now they were standing right there in the lobby, all dressed as if they were going out trick or treating later: the pale white-haired woman who went by the name of Phantazia was in her overflowing purple robes, Pyro in a bright orange form-fitting bodysuit, and ‘Shocker’, whose outfit consisted of a pair of jeans, and a buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up (how he managed to put the shirt on, with pincers for hands, was anyone’s guess).

“ - He’s not going to be able to help us, even if he intends to.  He's too soft”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Sun 29 Aug 2021.

"You have my word too, however worthless it is compared to Captain's. I would very much like to help" said Newton as he entered the building.

"I thought you might need help, and let's say that I've a small interest in this Noman's Land business" Newton said with a slight edge on his voice.

What the heck was Newton doing inside? Had he dropped his forcefield? This could be bad... but it was beyond Tank's ability to control. It would be best not to comment in front of the Brotherhood, so Tank didn't.

"Did you just call Captain America 'soft'?" he asked instead. That would have been laughable if it wasn't such an un-funny situation. "Okay, listen: the man responsible for the Noman's Land vivisections was taken into custody, and committed suicide there. We're still investigating the details. And if Captain America says he's going to help us run down our leads, you can believe it."

"'Investigating the details' Phantazia mocked him "What about the people who approved holding the Mutants in that prison without due process? You're going to go after the director of Homeland Security? S.H.I.E.L.D?" she stopped for emphasis "Freedom Force?!?  Who exactly do you think put those mutants in that prison to start with?"

"Whatever it takes" The Captain remained deadpan serious, despite the woman's sarcasm, and after learning he would pretty much have to take on every government agency in the process  "You have my word"

"See, I don't think you have what it takes, matey. You can't throw down with the weakest of us" Pyro smirked, a flame appearing in the palm of his hand
"... and you're welcome to prove me wrong"

Newton didn't now what to believe. He wanted to dismiss every single word he just heard, but Pandora's box has been already opened. So he contacted to only person he can get some answers: Douglas Price.
"Sir, I need to know. How much of these claims are true?"

There was a short pause on the comms as Price considered whether he should waste time replying to the accusation or not.  A short pause.

"Carlos Pérez was a psychopathic serial killer with the power of making people heads explode.  We couldn't exactly put him in court in front of a judge and jury.  Then there's George Hannaby; objects spontaneously combust in his presence.  We picked him up after a fire in his house consumed his parents, kid sister, and pet rabbit.  Need I go on?"

Because he could list a dozen more examples just off the top of his head.  What about the meltdown in Manhattan? or Ethan Myers?

"Every mutant that ended up in that holding facility was either a dangerous criminal, or lacking in control of his powers.  We didn't have any other choice - there isn't any known way to nullify mutant powers, other than subduing them, and even that doesn't always work"

...just ask Tank

"The vivisections, however, were never part of the plan.  Something went wrong, and we will get to the bottom of it"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Tue 31 Aug 2021.

Tank did his best not to look pissed off, but Newton questioning whether or not he was telling the truth had him incensed. He didn't like that Newton was questioning his veracity, but that was just the tip of it. Newton was questioning him in front of the super-villains, when they most needed to show a united front. It was an amateurish move that could have cost them everything they were trying to accomplish.

"Anyway," he said, trying to steer the discussion back on track, "it sounds to me like Pyro was suggesting a solo combat versus Captain America. Which is brave, considering he's admitting to being the weakest member of the Brotherhood.

"Obviously, we'd need to take that outside, though."

"Why..." Why have you saved me then, he wanted to ask to Price. But words stuck on his throat. Worse, his arguments made sense. He did willingly isolate himself when he was in such position. But it was his choice. Was it though? He didn't know what would be the right thing to do. He lost the ethical north. He was too emotionally compromised for this mission.
"We shall have this talk later, sir. Captain you are our leader here. I will do as your command."

“I don’t want to fight you” obviously, it wasn’t that Captain America was afraid, but that he preferred to resolve things peacefully – if he could help it.

”Don’t worry” the smirk became ever more pronounced ”It won’t be much of a fight”

”Hey, Cap” one of the clones jumped up and down, waving his hand for the Captain to notice him ”You don’t need to fight anyone on our account.  If you say you’re going to help us, that’s good enough for us”

Rogers quirked his eyebrow.  He wasn’t expecting the Legion to be convinced that easily:
”So are you going to stop your assault on the UN HQ?  Let the hostages go?”

”Oh, we can’t do that.  Even if we had the means to communicate with the entire Legion, they wouldn’t listen to us.  They’d never believe you volunteered to help.  Probably think I was brainwashed or something.  But you can definitely count on us four here to come with you peacefully”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:25, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

”The three of you” A Legion corrected ”No offense Cap. I respect what you’re trying to do and all, but I can’t be sitting in prisons while my brothers and sisters are suffering” he tilted his head ever so lightly ” – sorry”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:25, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

"Have you ever considered group therapy?" Tank asked, and immediately regretted it. It wasn't likely to be helpful. "Look, you're all under arrest for Conspiracy as it is, and facing international terrorism charges from at least a hundred other countries besides. If you fight us, you're not going to win, but the list of charges is going to grow to include the endangerment of a lot of innocent lives... or murder, if anyone dies.

"Or you can surrender, plead the whole thing out, and get a lighter sentence on the Conspiracy thing. Maybe we even get the charges waived in exchange for becoming part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.

"Do you understand what Freedom Force is? It's mutants policing mutants, so the rest of the world doesn't come after us. It's mutants keeping mutants safe when they do it anyway. It's not about random acts of violence."

"No" Phantazia's voice was cold as ice

"Let us not lie to ourselves; there isn't going to be a 'lighter sentence'.  We all know what would happen to us; incarcerated at some facility like the one in Nomans land, rendered comatose under the influence of deliberating drugs, our bodies slowly wasting away..."

She looked squarely at Tank:

"Lets get it over with"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:01, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

"I doubt you'll agree to make this an arm wrestling match," Tank said, feeling a bit defeatist at this point. "So can we at least agree to take this outside?"

"I don't know.  Can we?  I don't trust you not to get your hands on me as soon as I step through that door.  And why shouldn't we slip away if we do get out, rather than fight you?"

She asked rhetorically, not expecting Tank to answer, or willing to consider what he would have to say if he did.  Words are cheap, and there is no guarantee any of them can give to each other.

"You are not going to let us go.  Come then, try enforcing your will upon us!"

"The brotherhood are never going to stop, unless we make them. We have no other choice but to take this fight now" Price was as decisive as Phantazia, having come more or less to the same conclusion as her.

"Take them down, but try to avoid causing any more collateral damage.  Remember you are in the lobby of a f*@$ing skyscraper!"

"I never said I'd let you go. I just wanted to do this outside." Tank sighed. This was going to get ugly.

He punched Pyro. He was the one who could bring down the building. The trick was to knock him out without turning his head to pulp, though.

"Take Pyro and Shocker out first!"

Prowess d8
Brains Plus Brawn d8
Godlike Strength d12
Combat Expert d8

Frank Guberman rolled 7,4,10,5 using d8,d8,d12,d8 ((7,4,10,5)).

Using 1PP to keep a third die in the total.
Total: 22
Effect: d8

Frank didn't put all his strength into the fist.  Not even close.
But it was still enough to knock Pyro back some thirty feet, and break a couple of his ribs in the process.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d8, Mutant Terrorist 1d8,Combat Expert 1d8, 1d10 from doom pool
Pyro rolled 8,1,1,4 using 1d8,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 8,1,1,4.  Reaction roll vs Frank.
Total 12 vs 22. Extraordinary success step up effect die to 1d12!!

---

Pyro takes 1d12 physical stress.
Frank: +1 PP from using 1d10 from the doom pool as part of the reaction

Newton decided to follow Tank's initiative. There was no place for second guessing since they were in combat now. He threw a nearby sofa towards Pyro.

It felt meaningless though, everyone here wanted the same thing, yet they were fighting with each other.


Sofa Attack

d10 Wits
d4 Aggressive Pacifist (+1 PP)
2d10 Gravity Control - (Versatile)
d8 Combat Expert
D12 Pyro Stress

Today: Newton rolled 2,2,8,8,8,4 using D12,D10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 2,2,8,8,8,4.  Sofa attack.

Total: 8+8+8(-1PP) = 24
Effect: D12

Pyro barely had the time to get back on his feet after Tank punched him to the other side of the lobby.  Perhaps he could have leapt out of the way of a flying sofa if he wasn't crippled, but it was doubtful.  The Chesterfield was hurled at over one hundred miles per hour.  All Pyro had the time to do was lift his hands to cover his head before the impact; not enough to protect himself from serious injury.

The sofa landed right on top of him, crushing him like a bug.  There was a short spasm going through his body; legs and arms twitching underneath the massive piece of furniture.  The tremors continued unbated for a few seconds more before coming to an abrupt stop.

Pyro was done for; he would no longer pose a threat for Freedom Force.  Today, and likely ever again...

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d8, Mutant Terrorist 1d8, Combat Expert 1d8, 1d10 from doom pool.
Pyro rolled 1,5,3,2 using 1d8,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 1,5,3,2.  reaction vs Newton's attack. 

---

Total 8 vs 24.  Effect die (1d12) stepped up three times!!  Pyro is eliminated, and not long for this world.
+1 PP for Newton for using a dice from the doom pool.  Doom pool not reduced.
 

Phantazia didn't so much as turn her head to check what happened to Pyro.  She focused all her attention on Freedom Force, and friends.  Her mastery over electric fields gave her the ability to disrupt cell function on a molecular level.  Pain, paralysis, were the result of  blocking of cell signals.  Loss of consciousness, too, as she could similarly impair the electrical impulses of the brain.

Nothing could have prepared Spider-Man, and Captain America for such an assault.  Nothing they could do stop it; their physiology was still human, and they couldn't manipulate energy fields  on that level (or any level).  The Captain vainly attempted to hold his vibranium shield up, hoping it would somehow protect him.  It wouldn't.  And the last thing he saw before losing consciousness was Spider-Man wobbling, and dropping at his feet.

This is going to be nasty:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Phantazia rolled 8,4,20,6,13 using 1d8,1d8,2d10,1d8,3d6 with rolls of 8,4,10,10,6,3,6,4.  Bio-Electrical Disruption vs everyone!
Total: 10+10+ 8 (-1d8 from doom pool to keep extra die).
Total = 28, effect 1d8 vs spider man and captain America, 1d6 vs Frank, Newton.

Prowess 1d10, Resolute tactician 1d8, combat master 1d10, enhanced stamina 1d8
Captain America rolled 1,2,1,8 using 1d10,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 1,2,1,8.  reaction to bio electrical disruption .
total 10 vs 24, effect die stepped three times (1d12+) - Captain America eliminated!

Prowess 1d10, friendly neighborhood hero 1d8, enhanced stamina 1d8, combat expert 1d8
Spider-Man rolled 6,1,3,3 using 1d10,1d8,1d8,1d8 with rolls of 6,1,3,3.  reaction to bio electrical disruption
Total 9 vs 28, effect die stepped up three times (1d12+) - Spider man eliminated!

---

Need reaction from Frank, Newton.  Total 28, effect die 1d6 vs a paralysis complication
Available powers for defense: Stamina only.

Reaction

D8 Prowess
D8 Combat Expert
D8 Aggressive Pacifist

Today: Newton rolled 1,8,3 using D8,d8,D8 with rolls of 1,8,3. Reaction

Tank staggered. He didn't know Phantazia's powers when he decided Pyro needed to go down first. Pyro could have set the building on fire, but Phantazia could...! His knees buckled, and the room swam around him. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep from toppling over.

Prowess: d8
Brains plus Brawn: d8
Combat Expert: d8

Frank Guberman rolled 5,5,7 using d8,d8,d8 ((5,5,7)).
Spending 1PP to keep a 3^rd die in total.

Total: 17
PP remaining: 1
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

The man with lobster claws for hands didn't use them to chop limbs off (though he could have, considering their size).  His power was the ability to generate electric lightning with enough current to to fry people from the inside:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d8, bioelectric lightning 1d10, mutant terrorist distinction 1d8, combat expert 1d8, Tank's stress 1d10
Shocker rolled 4,3,3,8,6 using 1d8,1d10,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 4,3,3,8,6.  shock! Tank.

---

Total = 14, effect 1d10 (physical stress attack vs Tank)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

The single Legion clone that decided to defy Freedom Force shook his head.  His gun was no good against the invulnerable Tank, or against people who can use their mind to bend a bullet's trajectory.  Best to make a run for it, while the rest are occupied.

He started toward the door, but didn't make it very far:

"Oh no, you stay put. Captain's orders!!" the three Legion clones tackled the defiant one, bringing him to the ground, and pinning him under their weight.

"No use fighting.  Keep still!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

The jolt of electricity was painful, but not very. Tank could shrug things like that off all day.

Prowess: d8
Brains Plus Brawn: d8
Godlike Durability: d12
Combat Expert: d8


Frank Guberman rolled 3,7,8,5 using d8,d8,d12,d8 ((3,7,8,5)).

Total: 15

They needed to end this, and fast. Hopefully between Tank and Newton they'd be able to take Phantazia out of the fight. Still, Tank had never actually punched a woman before. Killed one, yes... but never punched one in the face.

"I can do this," he muttered to himself as he dragged himself forward.

He had to do it. He swung with all he was worth. But he was conflicted, and at the last second, he fought with himself to pull the punch. And really, it was not a great punch.

Prowess: d8
Gentle Giant: d4 (+1 PP)
Godlike Strength: 2d12
Mighty Blow: Spend 1 PP or add d6 to the doom pool to double Godlike Strength for one action.
Combat Expert: d8

Frank Guberman rolled 2,4,4,10,1 using d8,d4,d12,d12,d8 ((2,4,4,10,1)).
Spending 1 PP to keep 3^rd die in Total.

Total: 18
Effect: d8
1 Opp (+1PP)
1 PP +2, -2 = 1 PP remaining
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

A part of his mind screamed to Newton for what he did to Pyro but he was going to deal with the fallout later. He needed to do something about Phantazia lady before she got him for good. He can't barely move after her first attack.

He grabbed two more furniture with his powers and threw them towards Shocker and Phantazia.


Sofa attack MK 2

D10 Wits
4D10 Gravity control (Unleashed Versatile)
D8 Combat Expertise
D4 Aggressive Pacifist
D6 Push die

Today: Newton rolled 3,3,6,2,2,6,1,1 using D10,D10,d10,d10,d10,d8,d6,d4 with rolls of 3,3,6,2,2,6,1,1.  Sofa attack MK 2. Not my day.

Total: 6+6+3 = 15
Effect die: D10 for Phantazia, D10 for Shocker
Total PP : 0 (Will be 1 after you buy 1 rolls)

Phantazia didn't have any difficulty evading the sluggish attacks of Newton And Tank.  She did give them credit for still standing on their feet - most humans succumbed instantly to her power.  She pushed again, just a little bit harder, intending to bring the 'fight' to a quick end

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Prowess 1d6, Terrible Goddess distinction 1d8, combat expert 1d8, 1d10 from doom pool:
Today: Phantazia rolled 5,5,1,10 using 1d6,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 5,5,1,10.  reaction to Newton's attack. Spend 1d6 from doom pool to keep extra die.  total 20 vs 15, attack evaded.

Today: Phantazia rolled 2,6,3,10 using 1d6,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 2,6,3,10.  reaction to Tank's attack.  Spend 1d6 from doom pool to keep extra die. total 19 vs 18, attack evaded

Today: Shocker rolled 5,5,3,7 using 1d8,1d8,1d8,1d10 with rolls of 5,5,3,7.  reaction to Newton's attack. spend 1d8 from doom pool to keep extra die.  total= 17 vs 15, attack evaded

Phantazia rolled 3,2,10,8 using 1d8,1d8,2d10,1d8 with rolls of 3,2,3,7,8.  bioelectric disruption vs Tank, Newton.  spend 1d8 from doom pool to keep extra die
Total = 18, effect die 1d8 vs Tank, 1d8 vs Newton

---

Attacks evaded
Doom pool reduced by 2d6, 2d8.
Newton and Tank: each get +1 PP from adding a doom pool die to the reaction roll.
Reaction needed from Newton and Tank: Total 18, effect 1d8
Opportunities available for heroes.

Good night
Reaction

D8 Prowess
D8 Combat Expert
D8 Aggressive Pacifist
D6 Push Die

Today: Newton rolled 3,1,2,2 using D8,d8,D8,D6 with rolls of 3,1,2,2. Reaction

Total PP : 2 (after you buy the 1 roll)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Sat 04 Sept 2021.

This was it. He was the last man standing. He needed to resist this attack or it could all be over.

Prowess: d8
Brains Plus Brawn: d8
Combat Expert: d8

Frank Guberman rolled 3,5,4 using d8,d8,d8 ((3,5,4)).
Frank Guberman rolled 7 using 1d8 ((7)). [Push die]
Spending last PP to keep a 3^rd die in Total.

Total: 16
It was over.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Sat 04 Sept 2021.

Tank sank to one knee. He was made of jelly. His muscles didn't want to move at all. But he needed to win this, or they were toast. Maybe even dead.

Growling, he forced himself back to his feet.

"Ish that the besht you got?" he slurred as he staggered forward to attack Phantazia one last time.

Prowess: d8
Brains Plus Brawn: d8
Godlike Strength: 2d12
SFX Mighty Blow: Spend 1 PP or add d6 to the doom pool to double Godlike Strength for one action.
Combat Expert: d8

Frank Guberman rolled 4,3,10,9,4 using d8,d8,d12,d12,d8 ((4,3,10,9,4)).
Spending 1 XP for 1PP. Spending 1PP to keep 3^rd die in total.

Total: 23
Effect die: d8

"How?"
Phantazia wasn't much of an athlete; she was too slow to move out of the way, and even though Frank couldn't bring his entire strength to bear, even a tiny flick of his fingers packed enough force to send the woman flying backward.

Prowess 1d6, terrible goddess distinction 1d8, combat expert 1d8, 1d10 from doom pool, 1d12 from Frank's stress:
Phantazia rolled 3,4,3,4,6 using 1d6,1d8,1d8,1d10,1d12 with rolls of 3,4,3,4,6.  Phantazia reaction.
Total 10 vs 23, effect die stepped up to 1d12.  +1 PP to Frank from use of doom pool die in Phantazia's reaction

"Get off her!!"
His first electricity blast failed to hurt Tank, but maybe, with enough power, it could.  The man seemed to be on his last legs anyways.  One little push might do the trick.

....or not
Shocker rolled 4,3,3,3,4 using 1d8,1d10,1d8,1d8,1d12 with rolls of 4,3,3,3,4.  shock! Tank.
Total = 7, effect 1d12
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Sat 04 Sept 2021.

"I...can't...let. it. happen"

Stretching her hand in desperation from her supine position, Phantazia put everything she had behind the last ditch effort to stop Frank.  She didn't want to end up in a holding facility, incapacitated for the rest of her natural life, or until some crazy doctor decides to cut her open.  She had to win, or all of them would be lost...

Phantazia rolled 3,7,3,1,11 using 1d8,1d8,1d10,1d8,1d12 with rolls of 3,7,3,1,11.  bioelectric disruption vs Tank
Total 18, effect 1d10
1 opportunity available to Frank

Prowess: d8
Brains Plus Brawn: d8
Godlike Durability: d12
Combat Expert: d8

Frank Guberman rolled 6,2,11,2 using d8,d8,d12,d8 ((6,2,11,2)).
Total: 17

The electrical blast was nothing to Tank. He ignored it. The problem was the E-M blast Phantazia was hitting him with. If he couldn't shake it off, he was done for. He let loose with a primal yell as he threw everything he could muster into his resisting the blast.

Prowess: d8
Brains Plus Brawn: d8
Combat Expert: d8
Phantazia's Physical Stress: d12

Frank Guberman rolled 4,2,4,2 using d8,d8,d8,d12 ((4,2,4,2)).

It wasn't enough. Tank went down in a heap, twitching.

"Ur... undrr... urrsst."

Slowly, the heroes regained control of their bodies.  But by that time, it was already far too late.  Phantazia, Shocker, even Pyro - they were all gone.  The only one who was left behind was the Legion, who slowly came to next to them:

"Sorry, I tried to stop them" he mumbled.  He tried to get up, but his legs were too stiff, and he ended up right back on the floor

"Uff.  This is brutal"

"Damn it," Tank muttered as he came to. He'd lost. When it was all left up to him, he let the team down and, well... tanked. He tapped a fist against the floor, not even a punch, but still managed to crack the marble tile. "They got away."

He really wanted to hit something. Really hit something. But that would bring the building down around their ears as easily as the Brotherhood could have. He just needed to bottle that rage back up and deal with it later, as constructively as possible.

But that didn't help the feeling that he'd let the team down.

"Let me help you" said Newton and offered him a hand to get up.

" We can't win every time. It doesn't mean we are not going to try though. But you can't do everything right and still fail. It is called life. As long as we live..." Newton failed to continue dispersing his wisdom to Frank when he remembered Pyro.

" Legion, what happened to Pyro? Is the guy still alive? We could've let Danny check on him. They took the body, so he was hoping that the guy was still alive. Regardless, he tried to focus on things under his control.

"Where do we go now, Captain?"

Tank accepted the hand up, trying not to crush Newton's hand in his. He was still getting a handle on his recently increased strength, and the last thing he needed was to cripple a teammate by accident.

"I know, I know," he grumbled. "I just hate letting the team down. What's the point of being a human tank if someone can still pull a stunt like Phantazia does?"

He sighed.

"We'll get her next time," he promised.

Newton went to help Legion after getting Frank up. He liked Micheal Thornton and Legions were not really so different then Michael.

"I do like possessing a weakness. It humbles me, tethers me to rest of the humanity. Can you imagine what kind of people we would be without our weaknesses?

You've seen what can I do. And I don't now where my limits are, and if there are any limits. Every time I use my powers I feel like I can push it a bit more. And it terrifies me. My years were spend solely on learning to control them. But what if I actually had no weaknesses. I would declare my godhood, and would I be even wrong?

As it is though, we are just two guys. One of us can move objects in a funny way, other can casually bench press elephants. But a funny looking lady just just trivially beat us. I find it comforting.

"That's an interesting way of looking at it," Tank said, nodding as he digested the concept. "I think I like it."

He helped Spider-Man to his feet next, dusting him off as he stood. The guy was barely half Tank's size, but he was such a major hero. Raw strength wasn't the reason, so what was it? It certainly wasn't an undefeated record. What made him such a popular hero, then? What could Tank learn from him?

"Hey, listen," he said as he turned back towards Newton, "I don't wanna make a big deal of this, but try not to question if I'm lying or telling the truth in front of the suspects again. There's no upside to the question. If I'm telling the truth, all you've done is plant the idea that I'm lying anyway. And if I'm actually lying, they'll never trust any of us again.

"See? Nothing but downside. We need to present a unified front at all times."

Had he accused Tank of lying? He didn't think so. But it didn't matter in the end.

"I... I apologise. Assumption was that there was a deliberate suppression of information from higher ups. It is either that or utter incompetence explains why I lack info about this 'Noman's Land' business. And suppression makes sense, because they know I would sympathise with the enemy then. But they should've known I couldn't let civilians to get hurt.

Nonetheless, I am going to be more discrete in my inquiries. You are indeed right, and I apologise once again.

Spider-Man accepted the outstretched hand
"Man, I was sure we were goners" he stretched his neck from side to side, then his wrist, to get the blood flowing again
"Why didn't they kill us?  They know we're going to go after them, don't they?"

Captain America was the first to get back on his feet.  He spent the last minute looking for his shield, but that was nowhere to be found.  Must have been picked up by one of the Brotherhood mutants when they made their escape.  His money was on the Legion.

"Is everyone alright?" he first made sure, visibly checking on each of them
"We need to get back to Avengers tower.  Talk with Stark.  Plan our next move"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:26, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

"Wow.  Avengers tower?" Under the mask, Peter's jaw dropped "I'm invited too, right?"

"Why would they? They want to make a public statement about how mutants are treated. It wouldn't do any good to them if they leave a trail of corpses behind them." Newton replied to Spider-Man. Then he checked rest of the team once more. Everyone was well more or less. Though it was weird to see Captain without his shield. That gave him an idea.

"Captain, I believe I can offer you a temporary replacement for your shield, if can provide me a regular metallic shield, or a manhole cover if you are not picky, but we can talk about that on the way. I want to Legion to come with us too if it is alright with you Captain."

"I can understand why they didn't kill us," Tank said, as much to himself as to the others. He was just thinking out loud, really. "They claim to be the good guys. But stealing Captain America's shield? That takes some serious chutzpah."

He lapsed back into silence. Cap's shield getting stolen was just one more thing that wouldn't have happened if Tank had just stayed on his feet one minute more.

"Sorry, sir," he said eventually. It didn't seem enough.

"Don't worry about it; it's only a piece of metal" The Captain tapped Frank on his shoulder "The important thing is that we're all alive and well.  I hope the same could be said about everyone else"

"I'm sorry, Captain.  I'm pretty sure it was me who swiped your shield. It's only that I always looked up at you, ever since I was a child.  Fighting the Nazis and all that.  I saw every one of the movies they've made about you too.  Your shield would have been a very cool memorabilia.  I shouldn't have done it though; I'm probably already regretting taking it."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

"Really, it's fine" the conversation left the Captain perplexed; why was this duplicate apologizing to him, if he wasn't the one who took his shield?  "Lets just get back to the tower and figure this all out"

"Yea, umm, about the Avengers tower" The Legion's hand reached for the back of his neck, and he tried his best to avoid the Captain's eyes "I was sorta supposed to blow it up.  There was this rocket launcher that Phantazia hidden for me with her powers.  And every time I create a clone, I also duplicate whatever I'm holding"  he waited for them to put two and two together

"But nothing Iron-Man can't handle, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

"I hope you're right," he said to Captain America, regarding 'everybody' being alive and well. "I'd feel pretty bad if Pyro didn't make it. We were trying to capture, not kill." Tank paused, and checked to see if his earpiece was still in place. "Do we know what's happening at the U.N.?"

He was worried about Ana Sofia most of all. It seemed like every time Legion popped up, they all turned to her to keep him in check. It didn't seem like the best plan, but it was the only one they had. But how long could she do that before she slipped, and the Legion made it through to her? One bad day would be all it took.

Or was he just being pessimistic because of his own failure? So far, she'd been doing fine.

He looked at the Legion clone. What had he just said about Avengers Tower??

"You were supposed to what?"

"Blow up Avengers tower" He took a small step back, fearing Frank was about to punch his lights out "Not all of it though!" he quickly corrected himself "Just the topmost three floors.  The ones solely in use by the Avengers. We figured it would distract the lot of you.  Give us enough time to complete our main objective at the UN"

"Mr. Stark is most likely to set up necessary defences. Though we should hurry. Meet me outside when you are ready"

Newton hurried out of the lobby and summoned a manhole cover from aftermath of their fight outside. Crudely fashioning a grip for Captain via jamming some bent metal into the manhole cover he created a primitive shield. Now he could truly start what he was up to.

"Null Gravity Shield"

D10 Wit's
2D10 Gravity Control - Versatile
D8 How does it work?
D8 Science Expert

Today: Newton rolled 10,2,10,6,2 using D10,d10,d10,d8,d8 with rolls of 10,2,10,6,2.  Null Gravity Shield. Heh. I needed those rolls yesterday.

Total: 10+10+6 = 26 (-1 PP)
Effect Die: 10
-1 PP to create the asset for rest of the scene
Total PP: 0

"We'd better get to the tower ASAP." Tank started for the door. "Wait. You duplicate anything you're holding? Anything?"

An army of Legion clones armed with Captain America's shield? That would be a big-ass problem.

"We're going to have a serious fight on our hands."

"Yep.  Pretty much everything I'm carrying; clothes, weapons.  That's why Magneto wanted me on that 'Devil's Canyon' mission.  If I can get my hands on some plutonium, I could easily duplicate enough of it to blow up the entire planet" realizing it might make some people a bit uncomfortable, he quickly added:

"Not that I would.  You know, blow up the entire planet.  I live here too"

The Captain looked at the Legion from the corner of his eye as he tested the new shield.  It was surprisingly light, and well balanced, for a manhole cover.  It would do quite well, for now.

"I think I heard enough" he managed to maintain his cool "We got enough of a breather.  You're all ready to go?"

The Watcher rolled 8,3,3 using 2d6,2d10,1d12 with rolls of 6,2,2,1,3.  doom pool reaction to Newton. total 11 vs 26.  Null gravity shield asset created
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

"Ready, Sir." Tank stopped short of saluting. He probably wouldn't do it right, anyway. "Let's go."

"Ready as I can be Captain. A warning about your new shield however. For it and its immediate vicinity gravity is not a thing. So if it goes up for one of your trick shots, make it sure that there will be something for it to bounce back to you.

Sadly this state is metastable, so it will be act as a normal manhole cover in due time. Maybe we can do something with Mr. Stark later if you like to have a shield like this. But it is not time to discuss that. Let's go"

"Good.  Let's head out"
Captain America tapped his earpiece
"Colonel Price; what's the situation out there?"
A long silence followed,  as no one answered over the comms
"Colonel Price?"

"Damn it!"

Tank began to run for the van where Price had set up their control center.

Tank didn't have to run very far.  The van wasn't in the parking lot, but right around the corner - smashed into the side of a building.  What's worse, it was very much on fire, the flames already burning so hot that they melted the hood of the car.

Nearby, the police officers who were likewise paralyzed by Phantazia struggled to get up.  Those that did manage, wobbled from side to side as if they were three sheets to the wind.

"Price!"

Tank didn't need to wait for the Fire Department to put the fire out. He was nearly indestructible, and could ignore the fire in order to get close enough to the van. He ran in and began to tear it open with his bare hands.

Newton run after Tank. He wanted to help, but he was afraid he would do more harm then good. They needed Danny. If they can bring Price to Danny everything would be alright.

Undeterred by the scorching heat, Tank yanked the twisted remains of the door off its hinges to find Douglas Price still sitting in the driver’s seat.   He was gripping what remained of the steering wheel. engulfed by the fire, his skin blistering and melting off his face.  Despite the excruciating pain, and the fact that he was still alive (if barely), he hasn’t made any attempt to leave the vehicle.  He was still paralyzed by Phantazia’s power, and all he could do was sit as he was literally being burned alive, unable to move so much as his pinky finger.

Or scream.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

Price was half-melted into the vinyl of the driver's seat. Pulling him free would leave half of his skin — what was left of it — behind. And his hands were gripped so tightly around the steering wheel that he might lose his fingers if Tank yanked him free. So Tank grabbed the driver's seat with one hand and the steering wheel with the other and pulled it all out with Price.

Phantazia would pay for this.

Newton requested Danny's location over the comm as he ripped off a fire extinguisher with his powers from nearby car and used it on Price and Tank.

"We need to bring him to Danny. He can heal Price." He had to...

"I am going to fly to UN HQ with Price. if you got anything to say, say it now."

"Godspeed," Tank replied, handing Price over to Newton.

Newton had always struggled with flying. It was complicated he thought. Constantly manipulating gravity to have stable flight was beyond him, he thought. He even watched Magneto's combat footage to learn something, assuming he was flying like Newton, I.e, controlling factors that create force unlike telekinetics who directly apply the force. But he got nothing. Guy was natural in the air.

Well, he got his own brand of flying. Uncomfortable for sure. Hard to use it in combat, certainly. But it was simple. He was going to fall upwards, then fall sideways until the UN building. And Price was going to get better. He had to...

Newton gently levitated Price. Gave a node to Tank and shot up. It was time to fly.

" Fly go go go. Idk if dice rolls are necessary but I think they are

D10 Wits
4d10 Gravity Control Unleashed Versatile
D4 Aggressive Pacifist
D8 Science Expert

Today: Newton rolled 4,4,6,4,7,2,3 using D10,D10,d10,d10,d10,d8,d4 with rolls of 4,4,6,4,7,2,3.  Fly.

Total: 6 + 7 + 4 = 17
Effect die : d10
Total PP: 0

This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

"I'll see you guys at the Avengers tower"

They couldn't afford to waste any more time.  Newton was taking care of Price, so there was no reason to 'stick' around.  He aimed his wrist up in the air, and shot a strand of webbing at the very top of a nearby building.  He tugged it lightly first, to make sure it was properly secured, and having taken a short running start he jumped up in the air, swinging with his feet forward up some five stories high.

The Watcher rolled 2,16,3 using 2d6,2d10,1d12 with rolls of 1,1,6,10,3.  doom pool reaction to Newton's action. total 16 vs 17, action successful
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

"I have my motorcycle nearby. You guys can make it there yourself?"
He was hoping to hear a 'yes'.  He wasn't sure his bike could carry Tank and himself, and even if it did, he didn't want to leave the Legion clone unsupervised.

"Don't worry Cap.  I'll get us an Uber or something" he looked sideways at Tank
"Unless you want me to hotwire a car? I can do that too, no problem"

"My ride's nearby," Tank replied. He'd driven himself and a couple of the others in a Freedom Force-supplied SUV.

To Legion, he added, "You're with me."

It turned out to be impossible to reach Avengers tower by car.  The roads were all congested due to the city wide terrorists attacks.  Police blocks were set all over New York, and Tank and the Legion couldn't so much as leave Brooklyn, not to mention make it all the way over to Central Park.

"We should probably tell Cap we're not going to make it" the Legion let out a sigh.  He was the one responsible for this entire mess, and he wasn't completely remorseful either  "Good thing I didn't go along with Phantazia's plan of blowing all the bridges up.  This way Cap still has a chance to make it on his bike"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:00, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

"Where would you go?" Tank asked Legion as he pulled over to the curb. It wasn't a legal parking spot, but the vehicle had federal agency plates, so they wouldn't get ticketed or towed. "We blew your hideouts, and you ran. Where would Phantazia and the others go, when everything was all over?"

"We did have another hideout in Jersey, but we abandoned it months ago.  And I doubt she'll go there anyways" The Legion did, in fact, have a pretty good idea what Phantazia might do.  But he wasn't sure it was going to be of much help:

"They'll head for the sewers.  There's an entire underground community of mutants living deep underneath the city.  Recluses, that can't pass for human. They call themselves the "Morlocks", and consider themselves an independent nation, of sorts.  I wouldn't go down there uninvited; they can turn hostile real quick if we 'violate their sovereignty'

The last thing Tank wanted to do was get into some solo battle versus an unknown number of mutants. But he was out of ideas. What the hell was he supposed to do with no field command, no team, and no way of getting to the action?

He was screwed.

If this was a movie, he'd flash his badge and commandeer a conveniently passing motorcycle. But this wasn't a movie, and there was no motorcycle nearby to commandeer. Worse, he'd never actually ridden one, so if he tried he'd just wipe out before he'd have even gotten down the block.

Nope. Definitely screwed.

"So what's the plan?  Do you want to make it on foot?"

The Legion couldn't stand the silence.  Usually, he would create a duplicate whenever the conversation got too stale.  But something told him Tank wouldn't appreciate riding in an SUV filled with more of him.  He was on thin ice as it was

"It won't take us more than an hour. Maybe two, if we don't hustle"

"I guess we'd better," Tank agreed. He could jog that far, he supposed. Jogging had always been part of his football training, and he did several miles a day. It just seemed like an hour or two was forever right about now. "Come on."

The Legion turned out to be in pretty good shape. He could keep up with Tank, no problem, at least for the duration of the one hour jog.  As it happens, the UN headquarters was on the very same route to the Avengers tower.  Actually getting through though was going to be problem.  Police presence was heavy, and even though Tank flashed his badge they the officers made him wait as they called their supervisors for approval before letting the two pass through.

"You know" The Legion edged closer to Tank as the officer was busy on his radio
"I suddenly get the feeling like I really shouldn't be here.  My 'brothers' were pretty active today, and I could easily be mistaken for one of them.  The Police will likely try to arrest me if we actually make it to the UN headquarters, or the Avengers tower"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Sun 12 Sept 2021.

Damn it, he was right. But Tank didn't just want to let him go, either. It would be too easy for him to fall back into the Brotherhood's ways.

"I think we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it," he said after a few moments' thought. There really wasn't any way around it. "As long as they don't try to shoot you on sight, we ought to be okay. And since you'd be standing right next to me, they probably wouldn't try anything that stupid."

"So you're saying my life depends on Police officers not being very stupid?  That's not very reassuring!" with a sigh, he started walking again, only this time, a step behind Tank.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Sun 12 Sept 2021.

"Yeah, I get that." Legion having a low opinion of the Police was no surprise at all. It might not even be far from wrong, some days. But they needed to try something. "Don't fall behind."

A few police stops later, Tank and the Legion finally made it to the Avengers tower.  Or at least, what was left of it.  The top most floors have been completely obliterated, having sustained a barrage of dozens of high explosive rockets all launched simultaneously.  Even Stark's defenses couldn't hold against a firepower of that magnitude, particularly considering that the rockets in question where of his own design.

Huge slabs of concrete were scattered on the streets below - over the wreckage of pulverized cars and cratered roads.  The sounds of dozen of car alarms wailed in a loud cacophony, interrupted by an occasional high-pitched sonic burst from one of Iron-Man's repulsors as he stepped between the dead clones, looking for any survivors from his counterattack.

Making sure 'his' Legion clone was behind him, Tank waved to Iron Man, hoping to catch his attention. As he waved, he kept one eye out for Spider-Man or Captain America, but neither of them were immediately in evidence. Distracted along the way, most likely, by additional attacks.

"I realize that you treat your own clones as disposable," he said to Legion, "but I never thought I'd see Iron Man kill. You guys really pissed him off."

"Frank, right?" Iron-Man pushed a smashed car out of his way, as easily as Tank would have done it.

"Well, as it happens, we were just thinking of redecorating the place.  Never cared for that carpet.." as he talked, he lifted his hand and blasted a clone struggling to get up, instantly turning him into red mist.  It wasn't vengeance, or anger -  the Legion simply didn't have the decency to just lie there after they've been defeated. He made the mistake of sparing them a few minutes back, only for his benevolence to be repaid with a fresh swarm of rocket-armed clones.

"Cap is delayed by the way.  Stopped by to check what's going on at the UN headquarters.  As you can see - we have things under control here"

As Iron-Man got closer, the semi-cooperative Legion clone pressed against Tank's body.  He wasn't quite ready to die for the cause, else he wouldn't have broken with the others.

"They don't make for very good pets, you know"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Tue 14 Sept 2021.

"Frank Guberman, yeah," Tank confirmed. "I also answer to 'Tank' while I'm working. And he's not so much a pet as he's a... um, yeah, I don't know. Spider-Man would have had a quip. But the guy is willing to help, while his other clones are ready to cause nothing but chaos.

"We passed the U.N. on the way up here. I guess we should have stopped there."

Because of course.

"I don't suppose you've got a faster way for us to get back there than to jog it again...? At this point, I'd take those rocket skates you used to wear^*."

---

* = Truth!