Hiromi is not home, but had left you a few notes.  I have a few things to show you tomorrow.  We can talk over lunch...if not sooner.

Your cell phone beeps late in the night with a text only message that say, Data gathered, will talk

The remainder of the night is quiet (even when Hiromi gets home).

Seeing the notes, Rei warms the Chinese and waits up for Hiromi.

While she waits, she does a search for Sentinel online and wonders if Big Brother might be watching.

She is able to find many entries for the Sentinel in articles from 20+ years ago.  He was a vigilante that relied on gadgets to fight crime.  He had a pension for being in the right place at the right time and providing information that made solid cases against criminals.  [OOC] I will add an entry to the hero/villain thread with picture.

When Hiromi gets home, she is surprised you are up and excited to show you something.  "OK...I'm glad you are up.  Red Monday was when two of the cities heroes (a woman called Nixx and a guy named Joe Public) were killed.  Well...it turns out Nix is in a comma and Joe died.  It seems these 'wasp-man' things took over Navy Pier.  They had done it once before.  The pervious time they had been handled rather easily.  This time they were very aggressive.  Joe and Nixx got to the pier where the police were evacuating people.  The 'wasps' attacked the police and people and when Joe went to cover an officer that was running with a few people, he was hit from behind.  It does not look good.  Nixx seems to have struck out with lightning, and been electrocuted in return by a much more powerful blast.  The 'wasps' had the pier for about 30 minutes before G. Prime and two robots showed up and Waterweird started pulling the 'wasps' into the water.  G. Prime light up the 'wasps' with gun fire.  One of the robots was hurt, but neither seemed damage beyond repair.  It was a slaughterhouse and it took months to get the pier open again."

Rei listens and says, "Good work. See what more information on Joe Public you can get. Then see about getting all the information in Nix. Rousseau North America may have something that could revive her. We need to know who is paying her medical bills. They may have Medical Power of Attorney which could allow us to look at her medical records. If the company could revive a local hero, that would be good for the community and us."

She then turns the laptop toward Hiromi, "Meet Doc in a former life a few decades ago. He's the one that wants to create a local super team. We have some prospects that he would like me to give the pitch to join the team. See what information you can get in Sentinel, but the info on Nix takes priority. We might be able to do something to help her."

She looks at the picture on the screen and nods solemnly.  "I do have a video you need to see.  It is the one that is NOT from news, which were edited.  This is real."

She rotates her phone to you and you see a slightly grainy view of the pier, looking north.  There is no sound.  Nixx is about 35 yards from the camera.  Joe, a police office, and a two civilians double timing it from right to left.  Nixx seems to be shooting lighting in random directions (right, left, right, right again...all just behind Joe and the others).  Then she fires a larger blast as a black and yellow form enters from the right of the screen.  Joe pushes the office and civilians, and they begin to fall.  The black and yellow form seems to have four arms, flying and a 'pop' of light occurs (like a blow torch lighting) just before hit Joe.  It seems pass above him with the arc of light between limbs passing through Joe; hitting him in the back.  It continues to fly on off the screen.  Joe rotates to the right a little, his upper body seems out of position with his lower body, and he falls.  Nixx can be seen screaming and she sends a blast that whites out the feed for a second, but it returns just in time for a second blast that comes toward her, and then it ends.

Hiromi looks at you, "He is asking you to go to war."  She seems scared.

Rei takes in the video and then looks at Hiromi, "If those things come back in numbers, it will be a war. Maybe Dr. Ferrand thinks those things will be coming back. If they do, anyone that can help will be needed, and we can't rely on someone like G. Prime."

She sits back in a little huff, "Why?  He seems able to handle it and he still seems to be around Chicago.  I'm worried about you."

She sighs, "I'll look into Nixx."

Rei sighs, "Look, I know what I'm capable of, and I'm not afraid to say I couldn't have done any better against those things right now. My telekinesis is limited to my blades and a protective field. I don't know how tough this Joe Public was, but if he was only as resilient as I am, those things are beyond any regular person on the street. I wouldn't be able to take them directly."

Then she says, "As for G. Prime, he's wanted by INTERPOL."

"When you do your research on Nixx, use company resources. Don't use them for your research on Joe Public and Sentinel. Nixx will be a work matter since we might be able to help her. The rest is just for us."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

"INTERPOL?  He seemed like a badass from the description, but I had not actively looked up any more information on him.  I saw that he could be on the Southside somewhere.  I understand about Nixx and the others.  I be that won't be very hard...I think there was even something on where she was in one of the articles I skimmed.  I'll just gather information and then look in the services catalog if there is anything we have that could fit.  The article said 'coma', but that can cover a lot of ground.  Is there anybody you want me to bring in on this specifically from the company?"

[OOC] Can you make Hiromi as a 225 character?  I'll run her as a NPC, but I don't want to make assumptions about a critical NPC.

"Once you can look over her medical records we can decide how to proceed and who we need to bring in. For now though, we need sleep."

[OOC: Sent you a private message with Hiromi's stats.]

Hiromi agrees, shuts her phone down and then heads off to bed.  You can tell from her body language she isn't happy.

[OOC] Unless you have something else for tonight, we start the next day (after post #1 of this thread).

While she notices Hiromi isn't happy, she decides to wait until tomorrow to say anything.

One hot shower later, Rei is in bed and drifts off to sleep in spite of everything on her mind.

The next day starts much like any other; emails, voice-mail, and Hiromi following up on items. With the possible exception of the new security protocols, everything is good.

Hiromi sends you a note mid-morning.  I have found Ms. Nixx.  The bill is paid for by an anonymous donor.  I was not able to get a name as my contact could not share that information. It's kept out of the medical records.  The POA is one of her kids.  Contact?

Rei responds Yes. We need access to her medical records before we can determine if we can do anything.

Rei contacts the head of medical development to loop them in on what she is wanting to do.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Tue 03 Nov 2020.

Agreed.  I will try to make contact with the POA through The Foundation and Rush.  Based on the length of time, I am reaching out to a physical therapist with experience in coma patients to check availability and viability in general.

***

Mid-morning, a small package comes in from USPS.  The return address is from a 'Doctor and Shadow Security'.  It looks much like any other mass marketing 'advertising' package.

Rei takes the package and sets it aside for opening at home in private. As she passes the afternoon, she shops for a simple Rasberry Pi system for dealing with offline information.

[OOC]
I do not have anything for the afternoon, unless you do.  Please fast forward.

A Raspberry Pi for you is not even a roll.

After her work day is finished, Rei arrives home and sets up her new dedicated offline system over the next few hours. She then looks at the package.

In the box is a USB drive, with a note, As promised and enjoy.

On the drive you find six full files (much of their contents is not surprising as it matches to your expectations of the agency);

Bear - only public information, with some speculation as to strength and stamina.  It is surmised that he can lift about 5 tons.

Water Weird - the folder has a few clippings and public information, but nothing more.  There are a few notes on the difficulty to find him (?) and his attitude being 'difficult'.

Red Back - much the same as the others, but with a little more speculation as to strength and powers.  Ability to lift approximately 2 tons and the ability to leap a 6 story building.  There is some speculation on 'passive telepathy' and its use in special awareness and a few names listed as NOT her true persona.  There is also a letter requesting more information coming from Washington to the Chicago branch.

Ghost Hand - the folder has a lot of public information and photos.  There is an analysis of his technique (Open Palm Kung Fu) and a name of Bo "Bon" Cheng (brought to the states legally in 2000 at the age of 6).

Penumbra - this file is different.  There are no public items, a request for more information from Washington, an evaluation that is redacted (including the names), and a letter from Chicago that talks about personality and 'fit for service'.

And a file on you that list all of the publicly known information and a letter that recommends 'little or no future contact because of position'.


There are two stub files with zero contents; Paragon and Intercept X.

Rei is glad to know there isn't any information on her that isn't public and the no contact order makes her smile wickedly.

She barely glances over the file for Water Weird. The Red Back file looks interesting, but she sets it aside for now. She lingers on the Penumbra file before settling on Ghost Hand's file.

She goes over the file paying attention to the pics and going over the information looking for anything relevant that will help her elevator pitch. Then she does a Google search for Bo Cheng and Open Palm Kung-fu.

[OOC]
The name is rather common and you can't come to good conclusion based on what you find.

Here is about open palm fighting styles, but not the original article I found.  I'll keep looking, but this gives you and idea on how he fights.
https://www.artofmartialarts.c...-yang-palm-training/

[OOC: Any relevant info on Bo Cheng?]

[OOC]  You find multiple Bo Chengs in Chicago (specifically in the China Town district).  You find 46 different 'Bo Cheng' immediately in Chicago.  If you narrow it down by age, you have a list of 15 people (white pages give ranges for age and not exact age).

Simple searches do not -
- have a Bo Cheng associated with any dojo in the area.
- have a Bo Cheng associated with the police or fire department.

Simple search does -
- find a Bo Cheng at the University of Chicago that is the right age group (GA).
- find a Bo Cheng at IIT that is in the right age group.

All items listed are public.

[OOC: Focus on the two hits. Try to locate them on the school sites then check for social media on both.]

[OOC]
For the Bo at UofC, you find a graduate assistant bio that shows a picture, a education breakdown and an UofC email address.  He is a chemistry GA.

For the Bo at IIT, you find a 'whos who on campus' with a name and a picture (no phone, no email).  It does say he is an electrical engineer major.

[OOC: The IIT is probably the one, but we have to eliminate the other to be sure. Do a social media search for UofC Bo using the email addy. Then whip up a quick fake profile using a stock photo of a young college student and message him asking if he's Bon from that party at that frat house that I met.]

[OOC] The social media search doesn't find much more than a typical college kid; a party or two, a girl or two (although none of them seem to be a girlfriend), and a few of family and friends.  He does not seem different in any way.  You do find that he is working on his master's (the other entry was old) in electrical engineering.

You at Sigma Chi?

I'm not in a sorority. I just occasionally hit the frat parties to drink and destress.

They let you do that.  I have to fight to get in.  Who is this?

I'm a hot girl. Of course they let me into parties. My name is Bonnie. You said your name is Bo, but you go by Bon if you're the same guy I met.

:^) Of course they would LOLZ Yeah, that me I'm sorry I don't remember you from that night I had a few and met a lot of people. You know Spooner? I'm friends with him He and I were able to get it together he trys a lot, but that was my first time there I have friends at phi lamda phi but some were going to sigma.

He sends a photo of a library. It will be a long night. hit me up l8r.

Rei sighs at the idea that it's this easy to find this guy.

She messages him back Sure. I can message you later.

She messages Doc on the burner phone, I think I found Ghost Hand. Two students match the basic description and name. I contacted the one at IIC via a false messenger profile. The second hit at UofC has no contact info, so I can't verify one way or the other, but the Bo at IIC goes by Bon, so he seems likely, but verification would be good.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Thu 12 Nov 2020.

Doc texts you back, I'm not surprised that you have found a possible match so easily.  It seems the younger generation does not value privacy as much as old generations.  It may not be bad in the long run, but it makes me a little worried.  I'll see if Big Brother can find anything else on either of them, now that you gave us a start.  Give me a little time and I'll get back to you.

****

Hiromi texts you a bored emoji and a the word HELP! about mid-day.  She was in one of the security meetings for the up-coming office changes.

Rei texts Doc, Alright.

When Hiromi texts her she responds, All I can offer is sympathy since I have to go through the same meetings.

Hiromi replies with, They are so boring.  I guess needed...but BORING!

POA for Nixx is son, Alex Johnston.  Day trader with Chase.  DR associate looked into it.  Asked to be kept on DL.

They are definitely needed now, but they are boring.

Contact the son and see if he's open to the idea of letting us try to revive his mother.

Hiromi, I'll have the philanthropic team reach out today.  I'll leave my contact out of it.

****

The remainder of the day is quiet.  The new campaign is going well and your father DOESN'T call.

[OOC] Please give us a little of your day.

Rei spends the day in meetings of her own and reviewing a battlefield drug that will be released to the public soon. She goes over the planned PR campaign for it.

Lunch is taken in her office.

The rest of her afternoon and evening is spent overseeing the new security protocols and coordinating with the security department.

As the day goes on, you too become bored with the security people.  Boring by necessary., is echoed back to you at some point.

****

While working and listening to the news in the background, breaking news comes on to report of a fight near on lake front (Northerly Island).  Two unknown combatants are fighting Interceptor X along the beach. The combat is fast and our camera crews are having a hard time tracking what is happening in any detail from the distances we need to keep.  What we can say thus far is that two people emerged from Field Museum underground and immediately made for Northerly Island.  At this time we do not know if or what occurred in the museum or why they were there.  Activity by the two were followed by cameras and police responding to the scene as they headed east.  Interceptor X was seen by many heading south along the lake front on the jogging paths and then onto Museum Campus, to catch-up to the two on the 12th Street Beach.  Immediately several blasts of energy were seen and then any news crews were required to pull back.  We are waiting on a report from CPD and/or CFD at this time.  As the confrontation is on the beach and remaining there, we do not know of any building or property damage.  There was and still an exodus from the area of people, but we do not have reports of injuries.  We'll stay on scene and try to get closer.  The report cuts back to studio personnel and they begin to recap what is happing.

[OOC: Time to establish something. Where is a good place to put the Roussea North America Tower?]

In reply to Mindstrike (msg # 40):

Are you talking like a Chase Tower or Willis Tower, or are you talking just a lot of office space?  Give me an idea what you are looking for with this.  Also, there are a ton of companies that have leadership, legal and finance downtown and most other offices in the suburbs (Oak Brook had McDonald's, Schaumberg, Naperville, Deerfield, etc.).

Downtown, northside or southside?

[OOC: A modern multi-story building and full ownership. Downtown would probably be best because status, but as I'm now thinking a more modest building with more floor space per level for labs and such, it will probably not be Downtown, but it will be in a generally nice area. Maybe what is a vacant area in Real Life ^TM.]

In reply to Mindstrike (msg # 42):

[OOC] I would do the split then as we have already established some downtown presence.  Oak Brook is the biggest for a sprawling complex, but any of the ones listed would work.  Deerfield or Naperville could be 'too far' for some, but all work from a space standpoint.

If you don't want to leave downtown, you can go West Loop, but from a practical standpoint, when you have expensive downtown offices you don't want expensive (90% of downtown) in the West Loop area.

[OOC: Let's have a tower Downtown and a lab facility in Oak Brook then. That would work. Rei is at the Downtown tower. Just need to nail down where both are so I can decide if Rei wants to cancel meetings and go be a hero.]

[OOC] That works for me.

I'm guessing that downtown to the island is a mater of minutes when you have flight

Rei looks at her schedule and sees it's free for the afternoon and evening, so she decides to take the rest of the day off.

She goes to the roof, and as she steps off into the sky, a rosy aura forms over her body replacing her clothing with her skin tight suit and boots as she flies to Northerly Island. As she gets over the island, she starts looking around for the running fight but is unable to pinpoint it.

[OOC: Using this site, https://www.daftlogic.com/proj...ance-calculator.htm#, it's less than 2 miles from Willis Tower to Northerly Island, so less than 2 minutes to fly directly for Mindstrike.

Mindstrike rolled 5 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 2, 3.  Perception 5/4.

I hate RNGesus and the RPOL Dice Roller.]

As you get closer, you start to see 'dust' rising from the far side of the 'island'.  It is only about two minutes to where the plume is located.  You see a helicopter coming in from the north.  There are police cars getting to the scene and blocking the entry road.  There are a few lights closer to the event, but it is hard to tell more till you get there.

[OOC] It was never going to be necessary to roll as there is enough going on for this to be seen.

Mindstrike veers toward the plume with haste. As she does, a rosy aura surrounds her, and she becomes vigilant.

[OOC: I was hoping for a roll that would give me better detail.
Force Field is up.]

As you get closer, you start to see more detail.  There are few security cars and CPD on scene.  They are keeping their distance or getting people out of the parking areas as quickly as possible.  The plume is being caused by sand from the beach being kicked up, small objects coming up from the beach to a person in the air and small fireballs coming down.

As you approach, the person in the air comes into focus.  It is a single man, in black leather.  His ankles and wrists have red/yellow flames shooting toward his torso.  His face is covered by a gator that has the same red/yellow flames (it makes him look like a cowboy in a bandana).  His hair is black and it focused on the person on the beach.  He is throwing the balls of flame at the blur on beach.

On the beach you see a black and electric blue (?) blur going back and forth like a pong player.  'It' is throwing things up at the man in the air.  It seems to be anything found on the beach; each items seems to have a good about of force.  Of the bigger items, you've seen a folding chair and a beach umbrella (that didn't go far or well, but did explode nicely when hit with a fireball).  The blur seems to try to go 'inland' and get stopped as a barrage of fireballs blocks his way.  This happens a few times.

You can tell they are yelling at each other, but between the wind and distance, it is hard to hear.

[OOC] Roll INT vs. OV 3.

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 19 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 10, 9.  5/5]

Edging a bit closer helps you to realize two things; a) amongst the boats in the lake, there is one that is heading directly toward the beach (there are some that are halting in the area to watch what is going on, but not this one for sure) and b) there is something/someone in the park that Interceptor-X (you assume...you can tell it is somebody moving very quickly in the black and electric blue) is trying to get at.

There are a few fires that have started in the grass.

[OOC: I need to know who is who here if possible. At the very least, who is Interceptor-X.]

[OOC]Right now, you do not know who the person flying is (fire based powers, flight, and costume do not come to mind), but from what you have heard, Intercepter-X is running on the beach.

Seeing the fireball tosser is aiming at Interceptor-X, Mindstrike has her target that she zeroes in on. She decides to shoulder check him in midair.

[OOC: Charging Attack against the fireballer. AV/EV 7/6. I'll take nothing from it if I connect with 6 vs RV of 9.

Mindstrike rolled 10 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 1, 9.  Charging Attack 7/6.
Probably a miss.

Oh, and I'm faster than I thought. I thought my Flight was 5 instead of 6, so I could have gotten here in half the time.]

The man in the sky is looking down at the beach and throwing fire as fast as he can to keep Interceptor-X contained.  At the last second, he sees you coming and shoots back from the beach to avoid you collision.  In a Mexican/Spanish accent, "Damn it.  Who the hell are you?"  He then draws fire into both hands.

From the beach 3 odd yards away, "YES!"

[OOC] Init plus you next move please.

From here, you pickup a glimpse or two of somebody in the grasses just beyond the beaches inland edge.

Recovering quickly and remaining wary of an attack Mindstrike replies, "I'm Mindstrike, and you are?"

She hovers just out of reach for now and slightly above the fiery man.

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 28 using 1d10+19 with rolls of 9.  Initiative.

I'll just Dodge for now as I gauge him. Physical OV will be 12 with RV 11 versus Fire.]

He flings a firewall at you and one down to the beach.  The firewall misses you miserably (stinking at the waters edge and leaving a small crater), but the ball heading at Intercepter-X hits him in the back.  It propels him forward into the grasses.  He rolls with it and keeps going.  His back is singed and you see his gate is off for a moment.  It is at this second that you know it is Intercepter-X.  He ignores your question and swears in Spanish.

[OOC] I hold the same initiative throughout combat.  You won.  He is looking to fly down after Intercepter-X.

Seeing the fiery Latino headed for Interceptor-X, Mindstrike chooses to intercept him with a shot aimed for his solar plexus.

[OOC: Dex 7 with Martial Artist 5 as EV. If he attacks with fire, 7/11 is my OV/RV.

Mindstrike rolled 11 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 8, 3.  Melee Attack 7/5.]

You hear the wind come out of him as you kick hits him and sends him on a tilt, but he is still heading onto the shore.  He tried to grab Intercepter-X, the quickster is able to avoid the now clumsy attack without much effort.

Intercepter-X slows and then reaches for what would be thin air, but seems to grapple something and roll to the earth with his 'catch'.

Visible shaken, the man in black and flames, screams.  He rotates to you and stretches out his arms.

[OOC] He is turning back to you for something.  Your move.

Seeing the flaming vaquero turning toward her, Mindstrike flies up for a risky shot of her knee to his chin.

In Spanish she yells, "¡Toma esto!" ("Take this!")

[OOC: Since I have initiative, Press the Attack and Critical Blow. 7 Dex/5 Martial Artist with a total modifier +1 CS OV/-3 CS RV.

Mindstrike rolled 12 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 9, 3.  7/5 Melee Attack.]

Your attack misses, but he angles down and the left.  There is a sudden FLASH, which you see and leaves a noted star pattern behind your eyelids, but doesn't cause you more issues.  He starts to swear, and takes a clumsy swing at you while you two are so close.

You hear a distinct HEHEEEEEEEE horn burst from behind you (on the water).

[OOC] He is taking a swing at you.  It is untrained and a little wild.

[OOC: OV/RV is 7/9 versus a punch. If it's 2 RAPs or less, my Damage Absorption will soak it. 3 or more will overload it and get through.]

You see worry and frustration on his face.  Ahhhh!  His swing is wild.

Down on the "dunes", you see a small fight going on, and then nothing but a big black area.  Maybe a big lack of light in an area would be a good way to look at it...?

[OOC] Your opponent is trying to get a little distance from you and is drifting down and back.

Mindstrike is unrelenting as she continues to stay in the fiery vaquero's face. She unleashes a series of strikes aimed at his head and shoulders.

She yells, "You wanted this fight, so fight!"

[OOC: Press the Attack and Critical Blow. 7 Dex/5 Martial Artist with a total modifier +1 CS OV/-3 CS RV.

Mindstrike rolled 19 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 9, 10.  7/5 melee attack.
I may have just rocked his world.

OV/RV is 7/9 versus a punch. If it's 2 RAPs or less, my Damage Absorption will soak it. 3 or more will overload it and get through.
OV/RV versus fire is 7/11.]

He tries to defend himself, but your trained attack is beyond what he can sustain.  Then you expertly slip a left to the temple and he folds; his eyes rolling back in his head.  As you are in the air, he begins to fall immediately.

[OOC]Between 30 and 35 foot in the air approximately.  Their is beach below.

So as to not seem cruel, Mindstrike grabs his limp form and lowers him to the ground. She then looks to the darkness as she rises up to the air once more for an overview of the scene.

She yells, "X! What's going on?!"

As you fly up a little, you realize that the darkness is deep and is shifting down the beach.  Interceptor-X pops quickly out one side, looks around and says, "Huh?", and looks a little confused (he is not looking up).  He blurs and dives back into the darkness.  You hear him yelling, "You can't get away like this.  Give it up...this is hide and seek until I run into you at random."

You hear another HeHeeeeee from on the water.

[OOC: Is the horn from a patrol boat?]

[OOC] It is a boat horn for sure.  It appears to be a cabin speed boat.  It has come in closer than the other boats.  There are two police boats on the water, but a few have setup a boundary and one is attending to other boats that had people.  A quick glance shows that it looks much like any other cabin cruiser.

The cruiser piques her curiosity so Mindstrike flies to it for a closer look.

The cruiser is out from shore, and is holding its position.  There is nothing special you see about the boat as you approach.  It is maybe 30 yards from shore (the drop off is rather harsh after about 15-20 yards).  The boat is called 'The Haul'.  You reach the boat quickly and see one man at the controls; he seems worried.

***

You hear some yelling from behind you, "Come out, come out...Marco!..." and a few remarks repeated or in the same vein.

Mindstrike asks the worried man, "What is wrong, sir?"

Interceptor-X amuses her with his antics, but she suppresses the smile.

The eyes of the man in the boat get bigger as you approach.  "Ah...ah...it is just a beach.  I and my buds wanted to use it."

As he speaks, you see two more men on the boat; one comes up from below and one comes way from the rear after setting the anchor down (it is a little light bell-shaped thing, not a heavy one that would be for 'permanent' anchor).  The 'anchor man' comes forward with his arms raised like he is being arrested.

There is more general yelling coming from behind you, but a female voice has been added.  "GET AWAY!"  "Ah-ha!!  Have at thee!!!"

Mindstrike shakes her head at the chaos in the darkness behind her and the guy offering himself up to her. To the anchor man she says, "I won't arrest you, but I can't say the patrol boats wouldn't want a word."

She then glances back over her shoulder and says to the boat's pilot, "You may be on the beach here shortly."

Immediately the boat's engine revs up and starts to move in reverse.  The man on deck has opened his light jacket and pulled a handgun.  The man by the anchor is doing the same.

[OOC] Initiative....

In response, Mindstrike holds up a hand before her as a telekinetic blade about a meter erupts from it. She smiles, "Now you can surrender. Your alternative will be to swim."

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 29 using 1d10+19 with rolls of 10.  Initiative.

Intimidation on these fools using Charisma 5.
Mindstrike rolled 9 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 2, 7.  5/5 Intimidation.

I doubt that impressed them. I see them swimming here soon.]

[OOC]General thugs...not that hard to intimidate it seems. 0/8 time seg.  You have initiative for all actions involve these men.

[IC]The boat powers down, and the two that had pulled there guns freeze.  All three of them are looking at you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

With her left hand Mindstrike motions the two with the guns, "Put the guns down and sit down."

With her right hand with the glowing blade of force she motions toward one of the police boats.

She then asks, "So who do you work for?"

The two with guns do move to sit and place their guns down (but within easy reach).  The one at the controls is looking around and looks back to where you are waving.  None of them start to talk...they all seem afraid.

[OOC] time seg - 1/8

Keeping an eye on them, she is more than ready to sink the boat if they try anything funny.

[OOC: Segments? This isn't HERO.]

[OOC] Intimidation works by RAPS = time.  So...based on your RAPs and 4 second rounds, you got 8 time segments for them to be intimidated.  Since you, as the intimidator, have some limited control to exert over them, it is reasonable you can roughly judge you control.  So...that is just a count down....  I had thought about hiding that, but with the control you have and them being low level thugs, I decided to list it.

[IC] The police boats are still at a distance.  You do see an additional boat coming into view, but it will be a while before it gets here.

You hear, "Damn it!" and some struggling behind you.

The men on the boat do not move much; the one at the back of the boat sits and the one toward the driver stands fully up.  Both still are holding their hands in the air.

As she keeps an eye on the boat and occupants she yells over her shoulder, "How's it going, X?"

[OOC: So I'll have to redo the intimidation later. Got it.]

The men on the boat do not seem to be attempting anything.  Although they are observably "squirrelly"  (tense, fidgety, watching you and trying to watch the beach and lake), they do not attempt to do anything.

The noises continue to come from behind you, but you do not get an answer to you question.

[OOC] 3/8 segment

Mindstrike floats around the boat until she's behind it with the beach now also in her view.

The three men on the boat all watch you closely.  It is easy to note that the one in the rear gets a little more nervous as you get close.

On the beach, you see what is left of the action there.  The darkness is gone and Interceptor-X is not holding a large bag and dragging a person in a gray hooded cape behind him.  He is walking at normal speed to get up out of the grass.

[OOC]Roll a INT verses 3 OP.  4/8 Segment.

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 8 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 3, 5.  5 vs 3.
Choked on that one.]

[OOC] The dice roller is a vicious little gutter snipe.  Post your next move we move to 5/8 segment.

[IC]  Interceptor-X looks up to your and waves, "Hey...thanks.  I appreciate the hand.  I had not seen the boat until I had started walking back to the beach. Shut up.  Thanks for taking down the fireball.  It was a stalemate until you put him down.  I didn't want the fire hitting the grass or the bag."  When he says 'shut up', he shakes the person he is dragging.  You can now tell the person is short and thin.  You note that his voice is anonymized (it sounds a little staticky or autotuned).

Mindstrike yells, "I'm glad to help."

To the men on the boat she says, "Behave or you get to swim after I shred your boat."

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 13 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 6, 7.  Intimidation 5/5.

The RPOL dice roller is fickle. I have cursed RNGesus many times because of it.]

The men on the boat seem to settle some.

The person Interceptor-X is dragging is putting up a little bit of a struggle, but there is not a lot of strength in it "Put me down."
He shakes the person, "Stop it...or I'll make you answer questions you don't want to answer."

Suddenly the beach lights up like the sun.  X says, "ARRRRGGHHHH!  Damn it.  I'll be putting you down now."

"AHHH FUCK, DIABLO!"

[OOC]  Flash with no affect.  You get your hand up in time because you see him move at the last second.

Mindstrike sighs as she floats next to the pilot and chops the steering wheel of the boat with a blade of telekinetic blade of force from her hand. She then says, "You boys wait here."

She then flies toward the beach.

[OOC: 8 APs of Claws to hack the wheel off. Do I even need to roll?]

[OOC]Non-moving boat...steering wheel has a body of 2 or so...yeah...I think we can take a 10 there.  :)  Do roll for initiative.

[IC]As you descend and destroy the steering wheel, the captain jumps back and his look becomes less "worried" and more fearful.

As you move toward the beach, you see Diablo getting up.  The person Interceptor-X's hands is covering their face.  Interceptor-X seems unconcerned.

Remembering the guns, Mindstrike whirls around. A second blade of telekinetic force erupts from her left hand, and in one motion, she stabs the two pistols near the men in the back of the boat.

She says to them, "I don't want you getting any bad ideas."

She then turns back around with an eye on Diablo.

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 26 using 1d10+19 with rolls of 7.  Initiative.

Again, I doubt I need a roll to wreck two unattended pistols.]

[OOC]No roll needed for stationary pistols.  You have initiative.  Interceptor-X is second.

[IC]Diablo gets to his feet, but seems a little woozy.  He orients himself on you, bringing his right hand halfway up, and then looks back up the beach.  Finding Interceptor-X, he brings his left hand up.  "Let her go!"

"Hey...keep the flames to a minimum buddy.  You don't want to hit her...or the relic."  Interceptor-X lifts the back on his left shoulder.

With the men on the boat disarmed and unable to run, Mindstrike barrels at Diablo and yells in Spanish, "¡Oye, Diablo! ¿Listo para ser noqueado por una chica de nuevo?" ("Hey, Diablo! Ready to get knocked out by a girl again?")

As she barrels in, Mindstrike aims a knee for the Diablo's head.

[OOC: Zoom in and apply a literal flying knee to his head. Charging Attack. Press the Attack and Critical Blow, so +1 CS OV/-3 CS RV. If Mindstrike didn't announce herself, she might have gotten a Blindside modifier. I'll take no damage from the Charge. She's going for a knee to the head.

Mindstrike rolled 13 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 10, 3.  7/6 Charging Attack.]

As you start to move toward Diablo, you see Interceptor-X make a few steps to the left.  They are fast, but nowhere near what he can actually move; you can actually see what he did!

Diablo rotates towards you, and lifts his arm, but you are upon him to quickly.  You hear a CRACK when you connect.  His legs immediately lose the ability to hold his wait, and falls to the beach.

Mindstrike doubles back and lands next to Diablo. She looks at X and asks, "So what was all this over?"

"Well...this is Ghost and that is Daiblo.  They are international thieves...believe it or not.  Ghost is the burglar and Diablo takes care of the get away and 'firepower' if needed.  And...if I had to guess, the bag has items from MSI's storage rooms relating to Nazis?  I have a few contacts there and they had found a small map and had a key missing.  So, they had been watching.  Really...they got lucky.  Or Ghost and Diablo got unlucky...either way...yeah us!"  He looks down at Ghost and shakes her a little, but she does not respond.

"Ghost isn't much of a fighter...she can manipulate light...bend it...absorb it...but she cannot create lasorz."  He says the last as if he were Doctor Evil.  "So thanks for leaving me the easy part!"

Mindstrike shrugs, "Diablo is more smoke than fire for what I can tell."

She motions to the cabin cruiser, "I think that was their intended escape, but that boat is going nowhere."

She floats up and looks for police hoping to guide them in.

Interceptor-X looks over at the boat and nods his head, "I had not noticed the boat before.  I was watching them...and trying to find her."  Ghost seems to have totally given up like a little child; she isn't even fighting back and is acting 'limp'.

There are few police cruisers coming down the maintenance road, but none of the boats are in the vicinity.

[OOC]Do you want to roll play closing this out or do you just want me to describe a typical apprehension that involves 'specials'?

Looking at X, Mindstrike asks, "So what's next?"

[OOC: Little of Column A and B.]

"Well...these two have more power than the norm for the CPD, but the Special Unit will be on the way.  They have some ability to control and track.  That should take care of the 'Disappearing Princess' her, but Diablo is another story.  Not sure what do to there yet.  The boat and guys there should be no issue."

Interceptor-X takes a step closer to Diablo and gives him a visual inspection, "Nice hit, BTW."

Ghost is still playing at being limp.

You do hear more sirens now, but they are a few minutes out yet...maybe about Lake Shore Drive.  A chuff, chuff, chuff can be heard every so often; there are a few helicopters in the air.

[OOC] All major cities have some 'special units' to contain and control meta-humans.  LA had a robot on the police force and NYC has a cyborg on the NYPD.  Small localities either try to pull on resources from the larger locals (mutual support pacts cover emergency situations) or call on Federal resources.  There is sometime friction between local and Federal resources, so the later is done as a last resort.

Mindstrike takes in the explanation, "Will they need me to ride along and knock Diablo out if he wakes up again? I have the evening free, but there are far more enjoyable things to be doing."

At the compliment, Mindstrike smiles, "Thank you. I've been working on my Muay Thai."

He chuckles, "I do not know if a good amount of sedative will be needed again.  I bet they may have a large wooden mallet in the car though."  You can hear the mirth in his voice, even through the voice masking.

"I'll stick around for a while longer for sure and I suggest you do as well.  They will want a statement from both of us.  And if we have anybody make a break for it, the help would be appreciated it.  So...ah...I know I've seen you before, but I don't know you in person.  So...I'm Interceptor-X.  The fastest thing in Chicago.  Well...the blogs say that anyway.:

[OOC]The sirens, a chopper and at least one boat that is just passing the break-wall are coming your way now.  The boat will be a while yet; it is joining those on scene that had controlled the civilian boats in the little harbor.  You do note that the news choppers and police chopper have been joined by a larger black and white chopper.

Mindstrike smiles, "Mindstrike or Esprit Grève when I'm back in Paris. If you're familiar with Rousseau International, I'm Rei Rousseau, VP of Public Relations for Rousseau North America. My heroism is a hobby that may become more serious here soon."

She then says, "As I said, my schedule is clear for the evening, so I can give a statement and speak to the press. A little good publicity never hurts."

Mindstrike is very much at ease at the thought of speaking to authorities and the press.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

"I neither speak French or have been to France.  So I guess Mindstrike will work just fine.  The last time I did this, it only took about 45 minutes, and with no property damage that I know of, it should be easy for us."  He looks down at Diablo and Ghost as he says his last words.

In another minute, the police start to storm the area.  They are normal patrol, for the most part.  They do not draw their weapons, but one that stands near Diablo has a taser ready (you note that it is larger than most that you have seen).  On officer takes the bag from Interceptor and starts to go through it.  You do note that the is a flash of red and back in the bag, but since the office does not empty the bag, it is hard to tell what it was.

As this is going on and questions are being asked, the larger black and white helicopter lands on the service road.  Out step several men in tactical gear (with odd side arms) and two men in suits; one very tall and built and the other much smaller.  They start to walk their way across the beach.

"This is new."

Mindstrike says, "I cut the wheel off the boat and destroyed a pair of pistols. They can tow the boat."

Mindstike gives a statement and answers all questions as best she can.

With the new squad approaching, she asks Interceptor-X, "Who are they?"

As they approach she greets them, "Bonjour."

As the two men approach, "I'm Agent Flowers and this is Agent Franks of the ATCPE.  Any issues here officer?"  The smaller agent nods to the bigger man when he says 'Agent Franks'; they both show badges.  You note a two other suits get out of the helicopter once the agents have engaged and the 'security' team is out.  It seems there were a total of eight in the copter, not including the piolet and co-piolet.  Agent Franks comes over to look at Diablo.  He is huge and with scared hands, and one ugly face.

"No...no issues here," answers the office talking to the two of you.  He seems a little confused.

Agent Flowers turns to you as he is pulling out a half-size tablet.  "What is your name?"

Another car has come down the access road.  It seems to be an unmarked cruiser of the CPD (it was allowed through and the lights fit).

Mindstrike occasionally glances at the boat to see if they are being dealt with as well.

"Agent Flowers, I'm Mindstrike or Esprit Grève in France. I'm also Rei Rousseau, Vice President of Public Relations for Rousseau North America here." She smiles as she gauges the response.

Agent Flowers seems to type a few things and take a quick picture on his tablet of you.  Agent Franks seems to be focused on Diablo.

"I'm Interceptor-X.  That is Diablo and this is Ghost.  They robbed the MSI."  He says it like he is an old hand at this and has no concerns.

Agent Franks grunts, but Agent Flowers continues to type away. "You are both in the ATCPE database, but both of you have minimal information in the database.  I'll have to ask you a few questions, but this is neither the time or place.  I'll need all of your contact information so that we can have follow-up meetings.  Do either of you hold any law enforcement endorsement, position, or license?"

Interceptor-X just shakes his head.

Two other agents and CPD jointly go to the boat and start to arrest the people on board the boat.  The CPD on site move from the cautious activity they had before to a more "following procedures" mode.  The unmarked car pulls up and two men start to get out.

Mindstrike unzips a small pocket on the inside of the top of her left boot and produces a business card which she hands to Agent Flowers as the shakes her head, "No, I have no police powers. I am just a concerned citizen and member of the community. You can schedule a meeting with my assistant."

Mindstrike notes the new arrivals.

Flowers takes the card and bows his head a little as he receives it.  "We will contact you for further discussions.  As a private citizen we appreciate your help but do not encourage your invention in police and national security concerns.  Situations like this can be dangerous and always have the possibility of crossing into illegal activity."  His voice is cold and emotionless as he says something that seems practiced.  He has taken a lot of pictures and a few notes.  He asks Intercepter-X, "How did you get involved in this?"

"I have contacts at MSI."

Two men from the car start to double time it over to the group, one starts to yell, "What are you doing Flowers?  Nobody called you and this is not a Federal issue?"  Frank's takes notice of the new arrivals and grunts.

A CPD office put cuffs on Ghost and asks Intercepter, "These hold her?"  He shrugs.  The three men on the boat do not give any resistance when arrested.  4 handguns are recovered and the sub-machine gun.  They are rather well armed.

Mindstrike has to consciously avoid rolling her eyes at Flowers' statement but manages to avoid the social faux pas as she just gives a curt nod in response.

Seeing the firearms she missed causes her to inwardly wince as she heavily sighs at the number of guns. Inwardly she just thinks, "Americans and their guns."

She looks at the two approaching men and asks Interceptor-X, "You know who they are?"

"Detective Madison and Detective Dewey!  So good to see you!  I love it when the CPD come to call."

One of them snaps, "Shut-up Intercept.  Flowers...what the hell are you and that beast doing here?  We didn't call you and this all happened with Chicago's jurisdiction.  We can handle the arrests and impound the boat."

Flowers types a little more before responding, "You know that the ATCPE has authority to investigate situations that involve metas and arrest those that are deemed 'out of local potential' to hold.  I am assessing this situation now and discussing the 'potential' of all involved.  We have not touched the boat and have allowed CPD to detain the one known as Ghost already.  Her abilities are documented and he physical threat level evaluated to be low.  As such, she can be held by CPD.  Diablo is an 'unknown' and as such, will be evaluated on-site.  A determination will be made as soon as we can to the threat level of Diablo.  These two will be free to go as soon as we get more information from them.  We were notified of this situation and scrambled from Midway per internal department agreements.  Happy?"  He points to you and Interceptor when he says 'these two'.  Much of what he said is mechanical...but for the last question.  It is a little snarky.

"I'll be happy when you are done.  I don't know why the ATCPE cares now...haven't done much in the past."

"This is a new day Detective Madison.  Or have you not received the memo.  What do you know...if anything...about Diablo?

The question from Flowers irks Madison.  Then, for the first time, Frank's speaks.  "He's playing opossum.  He better stop."

Mindstrike notes the banter from the Detectives and the Agents but says nothing until asked about Diablo.

She looks at Diablo and makes sure he can hear her as she states, "I know I've knocked him out twice already. If he would like to be knocked out by a French girl in front of all these people a third time, I'm willing."

Looking back at Agent Flowers she says, "This is my first encounter with him. All I can tell you is that he's an unskilled fighter with a glass jaw. He can create some sort of pyrotechnic flash. He also seems to have way too much machismo, but that's just my personal opinion."

"Bitch."

At that comment from Diablo, Franks moves like a lion.  A huge fist reaches down and grabs Diablo by the front of his top.  Franks lifts him up so that he is face to face with Diablo.

"You have the right to remain silent...." Franks goes through the whole speech.  Two of the armed agents come over; one carrying a pair of oversized hand cuffs and one point what seems to be a large rifle sized taser at Diablo.  "If you try to break my grip, they will shoot you immediately.  Understood?"

Flowers does not seem to miss a beat in his typing.  "Pyro powers...understood.  Can CPD take care of a pyro?" he asks as he looks over at Detective Madison.

"We have one cell that works on pyrotecs.  We have a pair of cuffs that will hold heat in, but we don't know enough.  I'll call for the carriage now.  He'll be yours.  We can handle ghost, but what we know.  There is still a lot work to do here."  You can tell he hated to say that.

Mindstrike looks at Diablo and makes sure everyone sees her eye roll in response.

She then looks to the Detectives, "Detective Madison, while you apparently know Interceptor-X, I would like to introduce myself. I am Mindstrike." She extends her hand toward him.

Detective Madison looks at you with a side glance and just nods his head.  "Do we have an agreement Agent Flowers?"

"Yes, we have an agreement.  We will have legal keep in contact as this goes forward.  Do we have an inventory of what was stolen?"

Diablo's only reply to Agent Franks is, "Yes.  I want a lawyer."  Franks looks at the agent with the gun and that agent immediately starts to talk into a radio.  Ghost is given her Miranda Rights and leed away.  The two officers with her each keep a hand on her.


Detective Madison waves an officer over and she opens the bag and they start to go through it.  There are several small Nazi flags (maybe off a car as they are a little tattered at the end), a German helmet, a German dress sword (gold and silver in scabbard), a  German bayonet, and two box of papers (they are sealed in plastic).

"I told you, Nazi stuff," Interceptor says out-of-hand.

Seeing Madison is more focused on the jurisdictional quarrel, Mindstrike casually withdraws her hand.

Seeing the boxes of papers she asks, "What are the papers?"

The office pulling items out of the bag replies, "I don't know...I don't read German.  But a lot of it has the German eagle and swastikas."

With a bad accent and a slight air of 'smartass', "Ahhhh...Nazi stuff...yah!"

"That is all I need for the report, for now.  I'll get a full inventory from CPD."

Ghost is handcuffed and put into a normal cruiser.  Once office posts up by the car.  A agent returns from the helicopter with what look like large bowls and leg manacles for Diablo.  Franks is still holding him, but on the ground.

Mindstrike laments a moment, "German is not a language I have any fluency in, unfortunately."

To Interceptor-X she says, "I have family that fought in the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation."

Mindstrike then watches as Diablo is secured.

Diablo lets himself be secured.  He doesn't say anything after his request for a lawyer.  Franks starts to lead him off to the helicopter.

Flowers runs down some questions and gets the basics of what happened here.  "We are not here as law enforcement, but as supplemental support and control for powered humans.  As such, we do not have jurisdiction and I yield to  CPD for any further investigation, and will release all individuals sequestered if asked per process agreed upon.  Someone will be in touch to get more information from you at a later time.  If you have any questions, they can be asked at that time."  Flowers starts to close up his things.

Detective Madison pantomimes 'FINALLY' behind Flowers back.  He looks at you and Interceptor and mouths 'Don't move.'
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

Mindstrike gives a subtle nod in response to Detective Madison.

Everybody stays quiet as Flowers finishes and then heads off to the helicopter.  The CPD car with Ghost is still on the scene.  The boat is being wrapped up.

Interceptor-X waves as Diablo is lead away.

Detective Madison, "He is not in for a treat, that is for sure.  Come this way, so they can start processing the scene more."  He heads over to the access road that is not far from the beach.

Mindstrike follows the Detective, "What more can we do for you, Detective?"

He turns to you both, "Thank you both.  I know that we could not have gotten here in time and then finding them on the lake would be an issue.  Too many little places for them to turn in.  I'm going to ask for a search of all docks and inlets that would allow for a boat of that size, but I don't know what they will find.  Indiana and Wisconsin will need to be in on it for now."

He stops after walking away from the crime area and CPD teams start to take pictures.  He holds his had out to you, "I appreciate it."

Detective Dewey (from her age and letting Madison take the lead) seems like the junior.  "Yes, thank you.  I'll need to get a little informaiton from you," as she holds out her hand.

Mindstrike shakes the hands of both Detectives, "It's nice to be appreciated. I'm glad I could help, and knocking Diablo out twice was quite satisfying."

She then hands each of them business cards, "If you need any assistance that I might provide, leave a message with my assistant. She's my younger sister, so anything you can tell me, you can tell her."

She then asks, "Beyond giving our statements, is there anything more we can do here?"

When you mention knocking Diablo out, both detectives chuckle.  "Well...I bet that being knocked out could be the best part of his new journey.  I'm hearing rumors that Bucker is not cake walk."

Madison shifts topics, "We'll need to get your full story, if you have not already given it to another officer.  We'll need times and precedence of events to the best of your ability.  Detective Dewey will gather that.  Thank you for the contact information."

"And you could be a little more professional...that Franks is a beast with a short temper." as he turns to Interceptor.

Interceptor only shrugs, "I gotta be me."

Mindstrike smiles, "I think I did far more damage to Diablo's pride than anything else. He shook off the knockouts fairly quickly."

At the request of a statement, "Agent Flowers never asked for a statement. I think they swooped in and got what they wanted. I'm more than happy to give a statement of the events."

At the exchange about Franks she says, "I don't care what sort of government agency anyone works for, I can show the entire world your true nature and have it trending in no time. That sort of attention will ruin more than someone like Franks."

Mindstrike then asks, "Could we get scans of the documents they attempted to steal? I have access to translators if MSI hasn't translated them already, and it might shed light on why those items were targeted."

"I'm not sure Franks cares or can spell social media.  As the documents, I need to keep the evidence control clean, but I bet we could talk to MSI for more information.  I know we will need to document it, check for prints and any other evidence we can find, but I'm sure there will be a request for it to be returned in a few days."

He turns to Interceptor with a look of eureka, "What about your contact there?"

He chuckles, "I bet they know what was taken, have the details down to tenths of millimeters, and would have the translations.  What are you thinking?"

Mindstrike smiles, "Franks might not know about social media, but he wouldn't like the results of becoming a very sudden embarrassment of a government agency."

To Interceptor-X she replies, "Context. If we know everything taken and the relevance, then we might be able to figure out why the specific items were targeted and why. That could lead us to who hired Diablo and Ghost. Things like Nazi relics tend to be targeted for something."

Madison gives you the maybe look and shoulder shrug when you talk about embarrassing Franks.

"I can do that.  I suppose that anything I get needs to go to my good friend Madison as well.  OK...jeez.  I'll talk to my people and see what they can get me.  I don't know any things special; I just got a friend that called a burner cell.  Learned that from CSI."

Madison only shakes his head as Interceptor is talking, "OK...as you give statements and contact information to Detective Dewey, I'm going to have a look at the boat.  And call a tow.  Anything else?"

<

Mindstrike says, "You'll have to tow the boat. I cut the steering column so they couldn't escape. I also destroyed two guns on them, but I didn't think they had more. I apologize for that."

Madison does not turn to look at you, but he does grumble as he walks away.

"You destroyed the steering wheel and guns?  How?" Dewey asks.  She pulls out a pad/pen, and her phone.  "You OK if I use the app to record a few of the details?  It helps and logs time/date and recorder...it helps us."

"Well...better than if they used them...the guns that is," Intercept adds.

To answer Detective Dewey's question Mindstrike holds up her hands and manifests her telekinetic blades. After a moment, she dismisses the translucent rose colored blades, "I can create telekinetic blades from my hands. I don't use them on living targets as they are quite destructive."

To Interceptor-X she says, "I missed the other guns they had because I forget just how common they are here. Fortunately I did scare them into being complacent and not using them, but when I saw Diablo get back up, I knew I needed to deal with him again."

Interceptor-X chuckles, "Complacent?  They were scared shitless.  I thought I would hear gunfire and the fact I didn't, surprised the hell out of me."

Detective Dewey just takes notes and asks a few more questions.  Much of it is common place, until..."How do you know each other?"

Nonchalantly Mindstrike replies, "We didn't prior to this incident. This is the first time we've met."

"How did you know to come here then?"

"It was on the news."

As if a light goes on, Detective Dewey say, "Oh...that would make sense and since you fly...I understand.  Please realize a few things if you are going to continue doing this; you are not the police.  You are doing the equivalent of a citizen's arrest.  Please look at the law surrounding citizen's arrest and the discussions you find from lawyers.  Having said that...we try to work together whenever we can, but if you do break a law, we will need to arrest you."  She is smiling and light while she says this to you.

Interceptor-X pantomimes yawning.  Dewey does see him, but ignores him.

"Expect an interview that is very intrusive from the ATCPE.  They will want to know everything they can.  They have changed a lot lately.  That today was only the second time they showed up to a scene like they did, as far as I know, but I expect to see that type of response more and more.  It seems they have added agents in all major cities."

"So are they going to start arresting supers?"

Mindstrike nods, "I am aware of the legalities involved in what I do, Detective. I wish to contribute to the community beyond my capacity as a business leader of the community. As for the inevitable interview with the ATCPE, I will have legal representation present when it happens. I have access to resources the average person does not."

At Interceptor-X's question, Mindstrike responds, "Overall, authoritarianism has been trending upward overall around the globe. I hope it doesn't come to that, but it perhaps could. Should such a day arrive, it will not bode well for anyone."

Dewey looks at Interceptor, "I can't say they will.  But I know that the agency has changed; new agents, more interest, new agreements.  You saw Agent Franks...he is new and he is powered.  I'm sure of it.  I've heard there is a prison being built for those with powers.  Bunker Hill or something...it is down south.  I would assume that Diablo could...would...end up there.  Based on what we know, we would hold Ghost here in Chicago.
 We have advance facilities.  But I don't know.  I know the military has handled many super criminals, but something special needs to be built.  I've not seen the militaries facilities, but that isn't their job.  Maybe a super max prison is needed."  She seems a little nervous.

Interceptor gives her a "brotherly" elbow on the shoulder.  She looks at him and giggles.

After a few more questions, Dewey finishes up.  "You have any questions for me?"

Mindstrike shakes her head, "No, Detective. I have no questions. If you have no further questions, I would like to visit MSI with Interceptor-X."

"I have nothing else for you.  Please don't leave the state for a few days just in case we need more information.  Thank you."  She takes her things and starts to check with others.  The items taken from MSI are still there, but being handled by an officer.  The boat is still just off the beach, but there is a police boat there now and a line between the two.  There is a tug a little further out.

Interceptor looks at you, "We're going to MSI?  Who is paying???"

Mindstrike nods to Detective Dewey, "Of course."

At Interceptor-X's question she dramatically sighs, "I guess I will since I'm the rich one."

The two get to the MSI facility where she lets Interceptor-X get them entry. As they make their way to who they need to see, she asks, "So how do you have connections here if I may ask?"

"I have old friends there...this is the first time they have ever called me to the museum.  We first met on an issue at the lake front a long while ago.  I guess if the crooks hadn't made a mistake, they wouldn't have suspected something and called.  They were watching for something to happen on a simple webcam on a laptop.  They had added it and didn't report it to security, so it would not have alerted anybody.  I'll call ahead, if you want to fly down there.  We can meet on the front steps.  Cool?"

The trip to MSI is short, since you are only about 6 miles away.

Once at MSI Mindstrike takes in everything as they walk through.

You meet on the front steps, but that draws only a little attention as most people enter from the garage.  There are a few that take pictures.  Quickly, as is his nature, he has you fly around to a secure door on the side.  He is tapping at the door when you get there (he is fast).  The door is opened by a middle-aged women and a younger man.  They look the part of 'scientist' in their lab coats, gloves and glasses.

The lady starts to talk as soon as the door is open, "Come in.  Quietly.  You're on camera, but we don't want the public to know what is happening fast than the police and leadership want to let on.  I'm Doctor Brown.  This is soon to be Dr. Philips.  We curate the items in the U-505 collection."

Mindstrike waves to those taking photos and smiles for the cameras before going to the side entrance and entering. Once inside the facility Mindstrike says, "I would like to know more about the documents and items taken and their significance. That might aid in determining who hired the thieves."

The people outside are excited to see "heroes".  A few of the people taking pictures seem to know Interceptor.

You are able to fly around to the side and there is nobody will access to there (area is behind a fence).  Interceptor zips around and jumps over the fence without issue.

****

Doctor Brown starts to answer your question, "They were Nazi documents and artifacts from our U-505 exhibit.  Most of it was not of major significance, but the flag and helmet came from the same division and cannot be replaced.  They both had unit designations, that was un-usual to find.  Some of the papers dealt with common logistics and commands, so not of special value.  We've had reports that other exhibits have lost more."
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:15, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

"What unit were the helmet and flag from, and do you have more information on the other exhibits that have been targeted?"

"Both were from a SS unit.  The 5th Mountain, if I remember correctly.  They were a late unit, that was made from others that saw action on the Eastern Front.  I would have to look into our documentation and do some research to get you more information."

"As to the other exhibits, The Wheaton Collection was robbed of items, the collection at Fort Belvoir is missing items, and the Reichskanzlei Library in Berlin had a break-in.  I don't think they lost any of the collection though...I would have to check on that too.  That is just the recent events that are public.  There are private collections that I wouldn't know about and then thousands of things that haven't been found...to be honest, there is a lot that we do not know as to what is out there."

Mindstrike listens and then says, "If they only took artifacts, it would be less odd as collectors want strange things. The documents make me think there's something more though. Could I get scans of the documents, pics of the artifacts, and a list of the other places you know were also targeted please? I would like to determine if there is any other connection beyond the obvious."

"I can get you a archival info sheet for each item.  The documents we will have created images of and I can share those as well.  Please do not say we shared these things with you as they are not normally for the public; only researchers and those we share with get these things.  There will be a lot.  I'll use a thumb drive."

You're walking in the back halls and the lower rooms MSI.  It is huge and labyrinth.  You actually don't see anybody else, but hear noises from time to time.  You eventually end up in a back room, behind security doors.  "We don't have scan cards for all of these doors down here.  They have been here so long and the wiring or wireless is an issue with this many floors, but they are working on it.  We won't have a log of people that accessed this room.  She had unlocked at least three doors to get you here.  When on the higher floors (and with the elevator), it was a scan card.

"The cameras and motion detectors are the same.  It is just hard and expensive when the building and sub-floors were built well before a network was a thing.  Security saw us come in, but we had called them just before you arrived.  Some here welcome the help, and will definitely appreciate saving the items, but there are a few others that don't like 'outsiders' here.  No matter who or why...but security will follow the lead of the researchers.  As long as we follow protocol."

The room you finally end in is full of shelves, cabinets, map drawers, and things hung from the ceiling.  Every surface is covered and every nook is full.  "Here is the laptop we setup.  We ran a cable across the floor and over the shelves and back to the closest spot we could connect to the network.  It was in the workroom...about 250 feet or so way."  She looks at Phillips and he nods.  He has not said much as you walked along.

Mindstrike responds, "I am capable of discretion despite the appearance contrary."

Looking over the room and shelves Mindstrike is in awe, "Your adaptation is impressive as is this collection. Ghost must be quite good to have been able to get in and out with what they were looking for."

She allows herself a moment to look at items on the shelves. She absentmindedly asks, "Do you have any French or Japanese artifacts?"

"We had some strange things happen in the room in the few days before they actually came, so we setup the laptop.  We didn't know at he time, but it was Ghost, I presume, looking through things.  We had a few items out of place...we had a door left ajar.  We got worried about rats or somebody being careless.  One of the other researchers did the computer setup.  It pinged when motion started in the room and we were all at lunch.  That is when we called Interceptor."

"We do have some items from France, but they would be mixed in with other subject matter.  Christmas trees...jewelry items...the circus miniatures were made by a French artist, I believe.  There is the Japanese garden to the south end of the campus."

Mindstrike smiles, "Perhaps I can look at those another time then."

The then says, "If you can get me the information, I'll take my leave and start reading up on it. If I put anything together, I'll let you know."

Dr. Brown shakes her head and looks at Phillips.  He shakes his head and starts to wonder off, "I'll hit the work room and see what my options are to get the information quickly."

Dr. Brown turns back to you and speaks a little quieter with some concern showing, "I am a little worried.  A number of the documents I recognize as 'policy' or 'doctrine' documents, instead of just orders or logistics reports.  Maybe they are not solely in that category, but I do know a few describe some innerworkings of the Nazi mindset.  And some of the items taken could be considered rallying points or artifacts of import by those that wish to motivate."

"Great...I hate Illinois Nazi," is Interceptor's reply.

Mindstrike responds, "That is concerning. The swell in fascism has been disconcerting these last few years. This almost seems to be an attempt to organize it."

At Interceptor-X's comment she replies, "The German Nazis were more than enough. That's why they forbid them."

"A fear of Nazism is a real thing.  When some of the reports started to trickle in on what and where, many of us had sinking feelings...I mean we study this stuff all day."  She motions with her arms around the room and there is a lot to look at here.

[OOC]Roll Detective vs RV/OV of 5.

Mindstrike nods, "Fascism and those that promote it should cause concern."

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 16 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System system with rolls of 6, 10.  Detective 2/2 vs 5/5.
I see nothink! I know nothink!]

Looking around, the room is not tidy, although organized.  Nothing seems out of the normal.  There are various artifacts on the shelves and low cabinets full of documents (kept flat).

"I mean, you know the Germans had basic 'super soldiers' and some advanced weapons?  We don't have anything like that here...no documents on the subject or items.  But the government does...somewhere.  I'm sure they have the old research on Captain America...no?"

Mindstrike sighs, "As I have been made to understand, every nation has at least attempted to create their own super soldier by some method. Some have tried multiple times using various methods to varying degrees of success and failure. Some have managed to simply draft supers to become soldiers."

She breaths and calms down a little, "I assume many have tried, but as to the success...you're right.  That has been more elusive to most.

I'm just saying that although the items we had would be important to academics and maybe would strengthen the faith of some, nothing we had was so important as a formula for super soldiers or super weapons."

"We are looking at a few places on the campus for any other signs of theft or possible 'casing', but we have not found anything.  Security will now start a formal review of what we have and of areas.  Our head of security is a good person and I think he will make changes...maybe even get better access down here in the vault.  Is there anything else you can think of that you need or want?"

"Would any of the items or documents have any occult significance? There are supers that claim to have their abilities from supernatural sources."

"Occult significance?  I don't think so.  I had one colleague who thought the Nazis hid secrete messages in their documents about their occult and other activities during the war, but he never found anything.  It was more of a hobby theory and not very serious.  We know that critical tactical messages used Enigma, but none of ours were of that nature.  None of the documents from here were anything out of the normal."

"There are a few heroes that claim their powers are supernatural, but you don't actually believe them, do you?"

Mindstrike shakes her head as she shrugs, "I don't know. My own abilities would be attributed to the supernatural if we were unaware of how psionics work. We live in a world where there are many unexplained phenomena."

She then says, "If I can get the information, I need to go."

Taking out a business card she offers it, "If you have any information or would like to discuss possible partnerships for future ventures, please contact me."

Phillips comes back into the room, "He are copies of the artifact entries in the inventory.  They give a basic description, photo and image of any text that may be with the item."  He hands over a folder with a good number of pages in it.  "Sorry that is paper.  It was faster than converting to PDF and I didn't have a USB drive to give you."

Dr. Brown takes your card, "Thank you.  It would be good to have somebody to call in case of emergency."

Interceptor puts his hands on his hips and looks at Dr. Brown.  She makes a small giggle, but stops it quickly.

Mindtrike takes the older and bends it before sliding it into her left boot, "Thank you."

At Interceptor-X's indignant mocking, Mindstrike says, "I think you will be their first call for immediate threats as you can get here faster."

Mindstrike says her goodbyes and then leaves with Interceptor-X. As they walk she asks, "Have you ever considered being part of a super team?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

[OOC]Indigence??  I don't want to miss something there....

[OOC: Stupid autocorrect. I thought indigance was a word. When it wasn't I took the suggestion which I now know does not mean anything near what I meant.
Corrected now.]

In reply to Mindstrike (msg # 168):

As you are walking away, "Who me???" is the only reply you receive.

Once outside and the door is close, he turns to you and starts to talk quickly, "I know Dr. Brown, even if she doesn't know me as this.  We don't date...not that way.  Although I think she is keying into it.  Do you think it was an inside job?  I think...wait...what??"

Mindstrike nods, "There could be merit to your idea the attempted theft was aided by someone here. I doubt there would be a way to know what's going on in here otherwise."

She then says, "Would you like to be part of a super team? I'm in the planning stages with a local backer and currently recruiting perspective members. I think you would be a good candidate."

"Yeah...just looking at the shelves and everything there was a big task.  Plus, you can't even tell if somebody has what you're looking for or if it was taken.  I saw some empty slots.  But, if we take this as a typical collection, it would mean that there would be larger than just the few people we've seen or stopped."

When you bring up team, "Ahh...I've never thought about it.  It has been a while since there was a team here in Chicago.  I don't know.  I've just never thought about it."

From the same place as she keeps her business cards, Mindstrike produces a small notepad and pen. She writes her hero name and the number of her burner cell on it before handing the page along with a business card to Interceptor-X, "Call the number on the page if you want to meet the team backer or have any further insights into this theft."

She then says, "With no easily accessed database for what is being held, any potential thief would need help navigating and knowing what is in inventory. You might bring that up to trustworthy members of MSI."

He takes the piece of paper,  "That is a good point.  But, if these were crimes done with that much support and coordination, why?  It seems like what was taken was random, of limited use, and maybe just pretty on display.  When I first got the call, I had thought a rando crime, but the more we talk about it, the more it seems there is something bigger.  And you have a backer?"

"That is why I wanted the information on what was taken. To see if there is any significance or relation, and I don't have a backer. The team has a backer. You've heard of the local hero Sentinel?"

"Hehehe...yeah...like 20 some years ago...wait...him?"

Mindstrike nods, "Yes. He thinks Chicago needs a new team. I agree. So would you be willing or at least consider it?"

"I would have to think on that.  I've never had anybody ask anything like that before.  It would mean some level of trust and privacy lost...I'm not sure.  You know what happened to Joe and the last time people teamed, right?"

Mindstrike nods, "I do. I also know that the bugs may come back, and should that happen, we need an organized defense against them. I understand the trust required. It took some assurances before I agreed."

"Let me think about it.  Not that 'the group' was the issue, but there was a lot of people hurt.  It is always a risk, but something went wrong somewhere."  He seems nervous.

"On another note, you think 'the patron' can go through the information and find something?"

"Depending on the situation, many people could possibly be hurt, but a team can look out for each other as they help others."

"It would probably be best to get the information to Sentinel. He has some dedicated computers."

Even through the suit you can see a deep breath taken, "I'll have to think about it."  He walks over to one of the fence gates on the backside of MSI and opens it for you.

"After you."

[OOC]I think we are done here, but if not, please correct me.

Mindstrike curtsies before she floats through the gate and then up into the sky. She spins around and gives a wave of her hand to Interceptor-X, "Adieu."

She then heads toward Downtown because she has a lot of information for Sentinel.

[OOC] Moving to new thread.