As you fly about the city, you can see people pointing you out as soon as they see you and talking excitedly with one another.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:18, Wed 16 Oct 2019.

Well, that was fun-- she did a couple of cautious dives and waved to the crowds, now and then.  There was no reason to not be friendly.

(OOC: Make a notice roll please.)

14

You hear an alarm sounding and see men in balaclavas running for a car.

Well, that was significant.  Victoria flew in to investigate.  (Investigating before shooting seemed like a good idea.  It wasn't like a car could get away from her.)

"Jesus, what the hell is that?!" one of the masked men shouted as soon as he noticed you.

"Don't know, don't care. Shoot her down," another one said as the men aimed their guns at you.

(OOC: Initiative time.)

8

The thugs opened fire on you, but in their panic, the shots went wide.

That wasn't good-- time to shut this down quickly.  Victoria flew right over them and unleashed an electrical discharge to disable them all at once.

OOC Selective Area Damage 12

You shock two of the bank robbers into unconsciousness and the third one throws down his gun and cowers.

"Are there more of you?" asked Victoria.

"No! Don't hurt me! Please!" the man yelled.

"Then just hold still," said Victoria.  "The police are on the way."

To be sure, she went to check traffic on the police bands.

You hear the following on the radio band.

ETA two minutes dispatch, SWAT team and fourteen cars.

Be advised we are getting reports of a flying person has taken down the suspects.

Repeat dispatch.

You heard me, head there for pickup.

Victoria waited for the police.  She was going to have to deal with them sooner or later-- better to go on and talk to them now.

Soon. the police were on the scene. They didn't seem sure what to do, until one officer approached you.

"I'm going to have to ask you for details," he said.

"Well, I heard an alarm and gunshots," said Victoria.  "I went to investigate, and these people started shooting at me!  That's dangerous behavior, so I subdued them so that nobody would get hurt by their gunfire."

"Okay, so, what are you?" the officer asked.

"I am Singularity," said Victoria.  "Don't worry.  I'm here to help.  Ah, I'm not sure what questions I can answer, but I suppose I can answer some of them."

"Are you a mutant or something?" the officer asked.

"No," said Victoria.  "I am technologically advanced; it's complicated.  Unfortunately, I should tell you that there is rogue use of technology like mine."

"Right, we'll make note of that," the office said as others took the robbers into custody. "We'll put this down as a citizens' arrest."

"Would you like a frequency to contact me on?" Victoria asked.  "I should be good with rescue scenarios as well as dealing with threats."

"We should. What is it?" the officer asked.

Victoria gave them a frequency that wasn't generally used in the city.

"Don't hesitate to call me, especially in extremely dangerous situations," she said.  "I have a great deal of protection, can travel extremely quickly, and have other resources to deal with a variety of threats."

"So, you're some kinda super-hero then?" the officer asked.

"I suppose so," said Victoria.  "I'll have to think about an iconic costume.  Do you have the situation here under control?"

"We got this under control," the officer said. "Thanks for taking care things."

"All right," said Victoria.  "Contact me when you need me."

And she flew off into the sky, to explore the city further.

As you take off, a group of people had gathered around the police line and cheer you on.

Victoria waved and took to the sky.  She really ought to get a costume of some kind... Well, time to patrol the city a big more.

The rest of the patrol was quiet, except for civilians waving to you as you flew by.

After a while, Victoria headed home.

It's getting rather late, so things outside have quieted down. Nothing interesting seems to be happening.

That was good, but Victoria still made several laps around the city, just to be sure.

It was indeed faster. Much faster in fact. You do spot a young child watching you from a window of one of the largest apartment buildings.

Victoria flew over to the girl and waved, grinning.

The girl waved back and smiled as big as she could.

She waved again, and then flew on.  It felt nice... but she felt a bit shy, too.  Seeing a child reminded her of what she wasn't, but also of why she was doing this.

No one else seemed to notice you and now the sounds of some street traffic was reaching you.

Victoria flew overhead to see how traffic was looking.

Traffic was pretty light.

(OOC: Notice check.)

26

You can spot a high speed car chase happening off in the distance.

Those were dangerous, and a good thing for her to help with.  She set off in pursuit of the car at once.

You quickly catch up to the car and are able to keep pace with it.

Using radar, she looked for a section of road without too many obstacles; this was going to be a bit dangerous.

Then she flew down, picked up the car, and lifted it up into the air.

You hear some angry cursing from inside as you lift up the car.

"Shut off your engine," said Victoria.  "I'm going to set you down in a moment, and you're going to get hurt if the wheels are still spinning."

A couple of bullets punctured the floor of the car, missing you.

Victoria sighed and flew higher with the car.

"Now," she said, "You're going to throw your guns out of the car.  Stop shooting or I shake the car up.  Don't make me point out what would happen if you actually hurt me.  You're a long way up."

A pair of pistols were tossed out of the car.

She flew the car down to the cops.

"Hey, so you're the super-girl that's been helpin' out?" one of the cops said.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:37, Wed 06 Nov 2019.

"I am Singularity," said Victoria.

"Right, right, that's what your super name is," the cop said.

"Yes," said Victoria.  "Do you need any further help here?"

"Nah, we got things from here. Thanks again," the cop said.

"All right," said Victoria.  She rose into the air and continued to explore the town for a while.

There did seem to be a concert at the stadium, you can hear music and a very raucous crowd.

That might be worth checking out just for the music-- she flew over to the stadium to take a look.  Maybe it would be a really good show!

It appeared to be some sort of fusion music, as there was a pop singer there with a couple of rappers. The crowd seemed to be really into it.

Well, that wasn't bad at all.  She stayed to watch the show for a little while.

A few songs go by, but it looks like the concert is going to go on for a while now.

It was tempting to dance to the music... but that might be stealing the show from the performers.  She went back to exploring the city, if nothing else at the show was catching her eye.

There wasn't much else going on tonight. A few more kids and even some adults this time spot you.

Victoria stopped to wave to them before eventually heading home for the night.  Some downtime, she'd discovered, was necessary for her mental health.

As you fly about the city, you haven't seen much other than some traffic congestion. You do manage to shock a traffic reporter, who dropped his bagel from the helicopter.

Victoria smiled and waved to him as she went by.  Really, this was a nice part of the job-- meeting people, even briefly, and waving hello.

Maybe she should talk to the press at some point.  It wasn't a bad idea... was it?

The sound of several horns blaring and a loud crush of metal against metal grab your attention.

Well, that wasn't good-- she flew down to see what had happened, and how she could help.

What had crashed were two large chemical trucks that looked like they would burst soon.

That was bad-- and she really couldn't practically carry them both at once.  She still flew in, of course, concentrating on evacuating the area first.  The drivers would be in the greatest danger...

(OOC: I would like a luck roll. A pure d20 one.)

14

You manage to get the drivers out with some careful twisting of metal. The other drivers take longer. As you're putting the last family down in a safe area, the tankers burst and fill the street with some sort of toxic mix.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 04:59, Wed 20 Nov 2019.

That was bad.  Victoria attempted to adjust her electrical output systems to create a wall of ionic particles to contain the reaction.

So, a Power Stunt for something that would work to contain the toxins.

You throw up a wall of energy that manages to contain the chemicals.

She kept it up, trying to hold things down until the authorities could arrive to help neutralize it.

Soon the authorities were on the scene.
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:59, Wed 20 Nov 2019.

"Can you neutralize the chemicals?" Victoria asked.  "I can't maintain this forever."

"On it," one of the people in a protective suit said.

It took a few minutes, but soon it was done.

"Is everyone all right?" asked Victoria.  "Does anyone need to be rushed to the hospital?"

"We got someone here," one of the hazardous materials suits said. "Looks like he had been sleeping in his car when the spill happened."

The EMTs and the Hazmats quickly got him out of the car and the chemicals he was covered in neutralized. His skin was stained a strange purplish colour and large veins on his skin were throbbing.

Victoria cringed inside-- she'd missed someone!  But she couldn't be everywhere at once-- that was probably something that EMTs had to deal with all the time...

"I'm on it," said Victoria, tearing him free of the car.

They veins pulsed faster and then the various parts of the man's body began to grow in size, when it finished the body was at least three times as large. The man's eyes open and he lets out a scream, tearing his way through the vehicle.

That didn't look good, but maybe it would be all right.

"...Just calm down, sir," she said, tearing the remains of the vehicle away.  "You're safe now."

The now hulking man reared back to punch you.

(OOC: Initiative roll.)

8

The hulking thing's punch connects.

(OOC: Toughness save DC 27)

Used Luck to absorb the attack

Victoria reeled back from the blow, but she'd been able to absorb the force.

"Stay back!" she warned the authorities present.  "He's dangerously strong..."

She unleashed a microwave beam to attempt to subdue him.

Attack 27, damage 12

Your attack made the mutant-thing stumble back before charging in and just barely missing you with an uppercut.

Victoria made a mighty counter-punch as she evaded the attack.

20 attack might miss, but Damage 14 if it hits.

The creature stopped, a sharp intake of breath. It froze, clutching the side of its head, letting out a bellow.

"I need you to stop this," said Victoria.  She raised her hands and began charging a heavy-duty beam.

"Don't make me hurt you."

OOC:  Aiming.

The mutated man bellowed at you and leapt towards you.

Victoria cut loose with a blast of tremendous power!

OOC: Power Attack 5!  Luck Reroll turns this into a Crit, so damage 22!

The blast knocked the creature back seemingly stunning it from the glassy look in its eyes.

She closed with the mutant and aimed a mighty blow right at its solar plexus!

All-Out Power Attack 5 punch.  Luck gives a 24 for 19 damage.

The mutant fell to the ground and stopped moving.

"...this is going to be difficult," said Victoria.  "I don't suppose that you have facilities to restrain this one until a cure can be found?"

"We'll have to find something," a cop said. "Impressive that you took it down."

"'Him,'" corrected Victoria.  "As far as we know.  He's another victim of this accident, even though he's a force of destruction now.  I just wish that I could do more for him..."

"You did what you could," the cop said.

"At least there weren't more victims," Victoria said.  "One like this is bad enough.  I don't want to think about what a dozen could do."

"Who knows if more people woulda mutated or not?" the cop said. "Don't worry about how it coulda been."

"...I suppose it doesn't help," said Victoria.  "This was an accident, after all..."

"Yeah, you saved a lot of people," the cop said.

"And that's good," said Victoria.  "I'll stay until he's secured... I don't want any of you endangered if he wakes up again."

Eventually several ambulances appeared and a large gurney with several chains were secured on the mutant.

Victoria was uncertain that this would be adequate, but she let it go, instead opting to help the rescue crews with cleanup.

"Thanks for your help and all," one of the crew said. "But we have this."

"All right," said Victoria.  She took to the air to see what else was going on.

You an see several people watching you from the windows of the nearby office buildings.

Victoria waved to them in passing.  Her radar would ensure that she didn't collide with anything as she went.

The city seems quiet now.

After a while, Victoria headed home.  Something was nagging at her-- a need for something.  Contact with someone like a peer, or a friend, or... something.  But how would she go about it?  It was tricky.

Victoria cruised through the sky, heading for the suspicious warehouse.

You see a figure on top of the building as you approach.

Victoria scanned the area, just in case there were surprises waiting, and then flew over to the figure on the roof, waiting to see how they reacted.

The figure seemed to notice you.

"Are you coming down or not?" a woman's voice asked.

"You're very direct," said Singularity, landing.  "Amy Wong?"

"That's right," Amy said. "I take it that you're Singularity?"

Victoria rose a few feet into the air.

"...yes, in fact," she said.  "Do you want more proof?  I realize that anyone can wear a costume."

"No, but there could be other fliers out there," Amy said.

"That's quite reasonable," said Singularity.  "What would you consider proof?  Lightning?  Super-strength?  Experiencing my top speed?"

"No, you match the description," Amy said. "What made you decide do this interview and why'd you pick me?"

"I thought that I ought to talk to someone in the press," said Singularity.  "It's tempting to be a mystery, but if I do that, I'm letting conspiracy theories and strange speculation run out of control.  I'd like to able to make my own statements, and also be... a bit more accountable.  And there are things happening in this community that the public ought to be aware of.

"There are things that I won't talk about yet, for various reasons... for example, I do have at least one enemy who I assume will attempt to learn as much about me as possible.  There are people that I feel that I cannot betray the confidence of.  But, that said, I would like to be more accessible than just a fast-moving mystery.

"...I picked you because you're young, and ambitious, and I thought that you'd be interested.  So.  Where do you want to start?  I'm afraid that I don't have much of an official statement prepared-- I'm here to help, and I'll do my best to protect everyone that I can."

"How about we start with the source of your powers?" Amy asked.

"For various reasons, including my own safety, I'm afraid that I won't be going into too many details there," said Singularity.  "In a broader sense, however, my name is relevant, when viewed correctly... I don't want to lie to you or mislead you, but I do have to keep some secrets in this regard."

"Okay, any particular reason you picked our city?" Amy asked.

"It may be a risky admission, but I do live somewhere relatively nearby," said Singularity.  "I hope to be able to help people in other cities over time, but sadly, there are limits on what I can accomplish right now."

"Why did you decide to be a superhero?" Amy asked.

"Because I have a duty to help all of you," said Singularity.  "...I have a duty because I can.  I'm still learning what I can do, what my full limits are, but I can make a difference.  I can help you; I can save lives, prevent tragedies.  And there are dangers out there that you all will need help to deal with."

"Maybe we should clear up the air a bit," Amy said. "What have you done and what is just rumour?"

"Now you've got me wondering what the rumors are!" laughed Singularity.  "But that's fair.  Here's what I'll take responsibility for:

"I rescued four people from a building fire, then attempted to capture the arsonist who had set it.  It developed that the arsonist was remotely using a machine body, however, and I was only able to neutralize the machine.  I didn't actually have a costume at that point, but I spoke the authorities and started using the name 'Singularity' then.

"I captured several bank robbers, also before I had the costume.

"I captured a fleeing criminal in a car.  When I lifted his car into the air, he tried shooting at me, and I really think that that was a poorly thought-out plan.  What if it had worked?

"I attempted to contain a dangerous cloud of chemicals caused by an accident.  One person was somehow mutated into a very dangerous, very powerful creature of rage; I captured him, and was able to prevent the chemicals from affecting anyone else.  I'm still concerned about him, though.  I hope the doctors can help with his condition...

"I tracked down a hidden facility that was manufacturing more robotic bodies similar to the one used to commit arson, and shut it down.

"And I've waved hello to a large number of people, especially children, in tall apartment buildings.  I do like the children a lot.

"What else am I supposed to have done?"

"You have been pretty active," Amy said.

"I think that's relative," said Singularity.  "I sometimes feel like I ought to be doing more, but it's hard to be sure about where the line is...

"There is one thing that I've decided, though, Amy.  I will not lie to you.  I will not mislead you.  I may not be able to tell you everything, but everything that I tell you will be the truth.  There's too little of that lately, and all of you deserve better."

"To clear something up: are you a robot or a cyborg?" Amy asked.

Singularity hesitated.  Well.  That was direct.  This was...

No.  She said that she'd tell the truth.  This was the time.

"I am an artificial intelligence," she said.  "A true artificial intelligence-- that is why I am Singularity.  To my knowledge, there are only a handful of us in existence in the world at this time.  Over time, although we do not come into existence easily, more of us will do so.

"The world is changing right now.  Mutants are emerging; artificial intelligences exist, and one of them is hostile to humanity.  Plausible reports of extraterrestrial spacecraft appearing on this planet have started, and there are reports of incidents of supernormal activities that I cannot reconcile with even normal mutant powers, resembling supernatural entities and powers.  This without considering the potential instability of the world political situation, potential misuse of advanced technology, and other considerations.

"I'm concerned about the danger to all of you, and I want to help as best I can.  I'm not arrogant enough to think that I can chart a path for you, though.  I don't know what decisions you should make, and I'm not going to try and tell you.  I believe that humans should make their own choices.

"...but I also have to try and help you, so I'm doing what I'm qualified to do. So I'm here to try to prevent tragedies, to help protect you from the new threats that have emerged, to try and help as best I can.  Not everything that's new is a threat.  I'd like to show you that, as well."

"Now the," Amy said. "Since you were honest, I am willing to hold some of this back if you want."

"I would prefer to not share my true nature just yet?" said Singularity.  "It is an open question of law whether or not I am considered to have any rights at all, or am considered to be property.  I would prefer to not be the test case until I have established myself more."

"Sure, I can keep that out," Amy said.

"Thank you," said Singularity.  "Is there anything else that you want to know?  I imagine that you have more questions..."

"Hmm. I think I have enough for now, I can do a good article on you as is. I wouldn't mind another chance to sit down with you in the day time," Amy said.

"Are you suggesting that we meet for coffee?" asked Singularity.

"If you want it that. I was more suggesting less of a 'Deep Throat' way," Amy said.

Singularity blinked.

"There are two ways that you could have meant that," she said.  "I'm not quite sure... why don't we start that again?  What kind of meeting do you want to have?"

"One in the day time, in a more public area so it feels less like I'm meeting a secret informant with high levels of danger," Amy said.

"Oh, I see," said Singularity.  "Yes, that's fine.  Where would you like to meet?"

"Let's see how this article I'm going to write goes and contact me after that," Amy said.

"Of course," said Singularity.  "...Hold on."

A text appeared in the reporter's phone.

"Feel free to contact me at that number, if you need to," she said.

"I will. Good luck out there, Singularity," Amy said.

"And you as well," said Singularity, lifting into the air.  "I'll give you a present, though-- a selfie relevant to the news."

She was gone in a crack of thunder.

...in orbit, a broadcast satellite moved on its merry way at 7.8 KM per second.

Abruptly, there was a superhero next to it.

She smiled, giving a V-for-Victory with one hand, and a picture was taken.

And sent.  The satellite was right there, after all...

Downtown was always a buzz with activity at this time of night. A large number of bars were located here, and it usually had more police presence as a result.

(OOC: Notice check.)

23

You notice something quickly bump into one of the drunks before running into a dark alley.

Well, that might be a little petty for her... but she followed.

Near the back of the alley you could see a heavy door and two large men who were probably bikers sitting beside it.

Odd.  Victoria approached, waiting to see what they'd do.

One of the bikers looked up as you approached.

"Whatcha want, girlie?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Mon 18 May 2020.

"Oh, I was wondering what the pickpocket who came in here was up to," she said.  "I'd feel bad forcing my way in, though.  You guys don't look strong or important enough for what I can do."

"I don't like they yer talkin' to my buddy here," the other one said as he stood up and walked towards you. "you'd better apologize."

"...Well, I apologize if that was too forceful," said Victoria.  "But threatening me is really pointless.  This sort of thing isn't what I generally do, but I'm afraid that I can't choose to simply ignore this kind of activity."

(OOC: Notice check.)

14

You notice one of the bikers take what looks like  blackjack from his pocket and prepare to swing.

(OOC: Since they're just thugs, I'll let you take the first action.)

Victoria simply reached out and took the blackjack away from the man with blinding speed.

"I don't want to hurt any of you," she said.  "Please don't make me."

OOC:  31 on an All-Out Disarm.

"Screw it, let's get outta here," one of the biker's said as they both fled.

Victoria went to see what was beyond the door.

It seemed to be the back of some club. There was the sound of very loud techno music playing and two doors. One that surely leads to the club in front of you and and another down a flight of stairs to your right.

The club was probably not that interesting.  She went for the other door.

The door was locked.

Well...

No, she couldn't go just breaking down doors for no reason.  She knocked, instead.

You can hear some muffled voices from downstairs.

Well... that would do as an excuse.  Someone might be in trouble.

She opened the door, trying to not make it too obvious that she was, in fact, breaking it open with her vast strength.

"I told you, hit wealthier targets. This guy had fifty bucks and maxed out cards!" an angry male voice said.

"Excuse me," said Victoria, walking in.  "Normally, this kind of petty crime is really beneath my notice, but under the circumstances..."

She scanned the area as well as looking around.  Who was in charge?  Who else was here?

There were three large bikers and several children that looked to be in the twelve to fourteen range in a large open basement.

"You don't get to exploit children," said Victoria.  "That's the rule here.  If you were stealing on your own, I might not bother, but I have to draw the line at exploiting children.  Let me strongly suggest that you give up now."

She rose about a foot into the air to make the point.  Hurting ordinary humans wasn't really something that she wanted to do.

"It's her!" one of the bikers said.

"Heh. This is gonna be fun," another one said, an aura of energy appearing around his hands.

"...Ah," said Singularity.  The threat was clear enough.  She opened up with a microwave beam at the one with the glowing hands.  Not her strongest attack, but better to work up to that, since these were humans, and humans could be tragically fragile.

[ooc]Attack 25, Damage 12[/ooc]

The biker chuckled when the beam hit him. It clearly did some damage, but he was smiling.

"This is the kinda stuff i was waiting for!" he said as he charged at you and hit you with a glowing fist.

(OOC: That is a 28 DC toughness save.)

You can see the other two bikers moving along the walls, trying to give themselves and easy attack on you.

Terrible roll!  24.  But I'll take it.

Victoria noted the damage that the blow had produced-- more than she'd anticipated.

But she could still handle this, so far.

"You're apparently strong enough," she said.  "All right."

And she cut loose with a blow of tremendous force!

22 Attack, Damage 29

The biker with the glowing hands was stunned as the other two attacked. Both lashed out at you with chains.

(OOC: Two toughness saves vs DC 25)

Victoria shrugged off the blows.  Several of them-- this could be tricky.

But she was hardly going to give up.

"Metal weapons are unwise," she said, and electricity exploded out from her arms.

Damage 12, Selective Area, so just the bad guys.

One of the thugs went down, the one with the glowing hands is shaking off the last hit and that just left one of the chains. He was whirling the heavy looking chain rather fast before lashing out at you.

(OOC: Same Toughness DC as last time.)

Victoria let the blow strike her, grabbed the chain, and pulled the man into a mighty punch!

Toughness save Nat 20.  Punch: 28 is another crit, Toughness save 34

The biker went down, just as the one with the glowing hands got it together. He bellowed and charged at you. Striking at you and missed.

"This is really foolish, you know," said Victoria.  She kneed him in the solar plexus, so as to not risk breaking his bones.  "You should just surrender."

[ooc]23 attack, DC 29 Toughness save.[/ooc]

The man appeared to be stunned again, he was on his feet, but not making a move.

Victoria, taking no chances, locked him into a restraining hold.

"No trouble," she said.  "I'm calling the police now.  Children, you can stay or run; I won't follow you.  I'm only after these three.  But if you stay, I'll try and get you help."

The kids fled, leaving you alone with the bikers.

Well, that figured-- but poor or homeless children, even thieving ones, weren't the kind of problem Singularity was for, and she didn't really know how to help them.  Super-powered criminals were another matter, and she put a call in to the police.

It didn't take long for the police to arrive.

"Greetings," said Victoria.  "These three all have superpowers; be very careful with them."

"Superpowers, huh?" one of the cops said. "That'd certainly be a pain if more gangs got them."

"We need to investigate them," said Victoria.  "They were training young runaways to steal for them, and that suggests a certain level of organization."

"Hmm. That's quite the problem. We'll make sure to investigate," the cop said.

"I will as well," said Singularity.  "I assume that you'd like to be informed of what I find?"

"Yep," the cop said.

"I will, then," she said.  "I'm also concerned about these children.  More needs to be done for them, but that's not a problem that I know how to solve."

"Yeah, it sure isn't an easy thing to deal with," the cop said.

"...something ought to be done," said Singularity.  "I will have to research some options."

"Likewise," the cop said. "I've never head of these 'Brigands' motorcycle gang before."

"I'll see what I can learn about them," said Singularity.  "With luck, it will be a small club."

In her experience, such luck was rare.

"If they all got powers, they can't be that big," the cop said.