Matthew was awakened by the buzzing of his cell phone.  Through bleary eyes he saw through the 62nd floor window of his penthouse, that the sun had barely cleared the horizon, as his phone buzzed a second time.  The sun's rosy glow colored the surface of Stark Lake.  The phone buzzed a third time, as he found himself in a tangle of sheets and limbs.  He heard the soft breathing of Nikita on his right... or was that Kristen?  The fourth buzz of his phone caused Jessica on his left to stir... no, her name is Kelly.  On his night stand he could see the the name of the caller, Agent O'Brien, as it buzzed a fifth time.

"Uggg.." Matt grumbled, picking up the phone and trudging over to the bathroom. It continued to buzz a few more times as he shut the door and took a seat on the closed toilet.

"And a good Saturday morning to you Agent O'Brien." he answered, a snarky tone to his voice. "And here I thought that the government was off on the weekends like everyone else." He kept his voice down so as not to be heard by the women in the bed outside.

"Agent Dimas, the SCPD reported a theft at the New Port Docks.  There were casualties and they're thinking it was MAKO behind it," O'Brien stated in his customary formal tone.  But, try as he might, Matt could tell that he got under his superior's skin easily this morning.  O'Brien's voice was a little higher pitched than it normally was, which always indicated he was pissed. O'Brien loudly cleared his throat.  "I have Skarka in route already.  I need you there to assist him in the investigation."

A quick calculation told him that from his place, which overlooked Jespersen Cove, to the New Port Docks in Geartown, would take no less than an hour and a half to get there.

"Well, it's just your luck that I'm up and was about to go for a morning run." Matt chided O'Brien. "A little superheroing sounds a lot better than a jog to get the blood flowing. I'll suit up and meet Skarka there. Roger, over and out."

Matt smirked as he thumbed the phone off. O'Brien wasn't a bad person, but his constant insistence that everything be done according to some official protocol was annoying.

He woke the sleeping beauties, ushering them out with compliments of an enjoyable evening and handing them each small roses that he folded out of tissue paper and turned to silver.

Finally alone, he suited up in one of his Alloy costumes; a specially designed running suit that, when turned to metal, wouldn't hinder his vision or movement. After checking himself in the mirror, he headed out to Geartown, hoping that the casualties that O'Brien mentioned were other criminals and not innocent victims.

Alloy sped down 41, making his way towards Geartown.  Traffic was a little lighter than he expected, but then again it was Saturday morning and Alloy hadn't witnessed many mornings lately.  Especially those of the Saturday kind.  41 ran south down the shore of Stark Lake, with the skyscrapers of the city creating a wall to the west.  Sailboats dotted the lake and just on the horizon, he could make out a container ship heading to Geartown itself.

His phone rang again.  This time it was a number he didn't recognize.

Matt answered the phone, "Jim's Meat Packing, you kill 'em we chill 'em. How can we help you?" He waited to hear the unknown caller's response.

On the other end of the phone Matt hears the voice of a man whose use of the English language is very formal and precise.  English certainly isn't his first language.  "I'm so sorry, I'm trying to reach Mr. Dimas.  I must have the wrong number."

"Hold on there. Who is this and how did you get this number?"

"This is Jason DeMarkos, curator of the Stark City Museum of Science and Natural History," the man explained.  "As far as how I got this number, it did take a little effort, but a phone number is not the most difficult thing to acquire should one have the proper motivation.  It does seem my efforts had lead me astray as this is... what did you say?  Jim's Meat Packing?"

"No, this is Matthew Dimas. When I see an unfamiliar number I'm a little wary of who may be calling. You'll have to excuse my little joke. What can I do for you Mr. DeMarkos?"

"Oh!  Well... very humorous.  Mr. Dimas, the Museum would like to like to commission a piece with some very specific parameters.  While this work will only allow for a small amount of artistic expression, the unique aspects of this project could be of interest to you.  I'd like to set an appointment with you to discuss our needs.  Are you available tomorrow at 11:00?"

"I'm intrigued. I'd be happy to meet tomorrow and discuss. Right now, 11 works for me. I'm interested to see how my artistic vision could be of assistance to you in whatever piece you are looking to create."

"Great!  I look forward to our meeting Mr. Dimas.  Have a wonderful day."  Jason hung up, which kicked on the radio once again.

... clothing line, so you can look just like me, Diamond!  Don't forget to pick up my autobiography, "In the Rough" by me, Diamond.  Available at your local bookstore.

Now the news, brought to you by WSQY's very own Tiff Pierce.

Fire crews responded to a structure fire at three am this morning in Gerrisburg.  Uncle Tony's, a favorite diner of the locals, was a total loss and the bodies of eight individuals were found among the ashes.  It is feared that owner, Tony Farone, is among those dead.  Tony was loved by many in Gerrisburg as a visionary who worked on many civic improvement projects and chaired several non-profit boards.

The SCPD Chief of Police, Jesus Ramirez, had this to say.  "The SCPD is saddened by the loss of one of Stark City's greatest residents.  While there is no indication at this point that this was the attack of an arsonist, we are not ruling it out."

Ramirez had no comment when asked if this could have been an attack by the Geartown Dragons.  It seems that the gang is growing and has aspirations of becoming larger players in Stark City's organized crime.

This is Tiff Pierce reporting, now back to you Herb.

Thank you Tiff.  Up next we have Incubus, Alice In Chains, and Jane's Addition...

The radio began to play music as Alloy pulled his vehicle onto the road that runs between the docks and the warehouses that lined the shore.  Just ahead Matt saw Agent Skarka standing next to his vehicle, waiving.  Just beyond his vehicle was a police vehicle with its lights flashing.

As Alloy put his vehicle into park next to Skarka's vehicle, he saw that two police officers had half a dozen ninjas, clad in dark grey except for one is a deep purple, bound.  The officers stood a safe distance from the ninjas, weapons drawn but they look fatigued.  Scattered around the huddle of ninjas among bullet casings, lie seven bodies covered with blankets. Casualties that Agent O'Brien spoke of.

Agent Skarka came up to Alloy's vehicle and said, "Hey rookie!  These poor boys have been here all morning.  They have a call in for a transport, but you know how spread thin the SCPD is.  Agent O'Brien requested that you lead on this one.  Let's find out what's going on."

"Jesus," Matt commented to Agent Skarka as he noticed the bodies. "Do you have any idea who the ninjas are, or who the victims were? I'm guessing you're gonna tell me this is some sort of gang violence."

He walked over to the officers who were keeping watch over the perps. "Excellent work, gentlemen. Once the transport arrives, I'd say you've earned yourselves some well deserved R&R."

Matt pointed at the violet clad ninja. "You there. Purple Rain. You want to tell us what on Earth could justify you and your crew going on this murderous rampage, or are you okay with a possibility of a death sentence for your little murder 1 party?"

Matt had no idea if what he said made any sense within the bounds of the legal system. He thought it sounded like something the lead detective on  one of the popular crime shows would say and he hoped it would get the leader of the group talking. One thing he remembered from his training was that getting the perp to talk was a good thing. The more they talked, the  more likely it was that they would say something useful.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

"Yeah right, it's a damn mess," agreed Skarka.  "I've not run into ninjas before.  But, nothing surprises me about Stark City these days.  Three of the dead are ninjas, while the other four victims appears to be professionals, judging by their body armor and weapons.  I only took a quick peak before you got here.  I don't see anything here that makes me believe that MAKO is involved, but hell, how can you be sure?"

As Alloy made his way over to the officers, he surveyed the scene beyond just the carnage.  The fight took place at the area where the dock met the abutment.  The bodies were scattered before stacked shipping containers that were piled down the length of the dock, creating a maze of narrow corridors.  One container stood open, it's cut chain lying before it.  In the shadows within, Alloy could make out that it didn't contain much.  There seemed to be one small crate, about the size of a large briefcase, that laid not far from the ninjas with it's lid askew.

Like the ninjas sitting before them, the officers' uniforms were stained with sweat.  The cop on Alloy's left nodded to Alloy, "Sure could use a drink."

Alloy turned his attention to the purple ninja, her eyes met his with without emotion.  "We have been touched by death and survived.  The will of our master protects us.  This city shall fear the Qing Ri," she said with a heavy accent.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:10, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

"Your master, huh? You care to tell me who this person is that leads the Qing Ri?" alloy asked the lead ninja. He commented to Skarka and the two cops. "Do we know what they were fighting over? Have you inspected that crate yet?"

Alloy walked over to take a look for himself, careful not to disturb anything as he knew enough to know that the forensic folks would later be combing this place for evidence.

Both police officer shake their heads in response to Alloy's question about the crate.  The officer on the left said, "We zip tied the ninjas, covered the corpses, moved all weapons to the truck of our car, and then called for a transport.  Been standing here for a couple hours since."

"I don't have any idea rookie," Skarka commented.

Opening the crate, the Shroud found a piece of stone, packed in Styrofoam peanuts, that was covered with several symbols.  The symbols, some like blocks, other's like swirls, still others like objects.  Maybe some Chinese and Egyptian hieroglyphs?  The bottom and right edges of the stone were carved smooth, while the left and top edge were rough.  Not like it was broken.  The rough edges had indents and knobs that were perfectly cubed.

"It is not for me to reveal the master or his plans," hissed the purple ninja.

OOC:

As Alloy was bent over the crate, examining its contents he heard a hurk sound come from over his left shoulder.

"What the!?! I thought you had them secured!" Skarka shouted.

Turning around, Alloy could see the purple ninja dashing towards Skarka and the vehicles.  The chatty officer was on the ground, bloody hands clamped around a throwing star lodged in his throat.

BLAM! The silent officer released a round at the purple ninja, but the shot missed.  Skarka fumbled at his holster, trying to draw his pistol.

"Damn it!" Alloy cursed as he regarded the disastrous scene. Still holding the lid of the crate, he dashed towards the purple ninja. Alloy's powers turned the wood in his hands into solid aluminum and when he closed the gap with the ninja he swung the chunk of metal at the villian


OOC:
Making a prowess roll to strike assuming I'm in range.
09:55, Today: Alloy rolled 13 using 1d6+8 with rolls of 5

Skarka gave up on trying to draw his pistol, and threw his arms up in front to himself to protect himself from the purple ninja's attack.  Flung towards the ninja like a Frisbee, the now metal crate lid barely caught her on the side of the head.  Due to her previous injuries, it was enough though.  She crumpled to the ground, skidding to a stop right at Skarka's feet.  Blood began to soak her hair where she took the blow from the lid.

"Shit," Skarka quietly muttered as he relaxed.

The standing officer ran over and knelt by his partner.  "You're going to be alright Ed," he said as he pulled the radio off his shoulder.  "Officer down!  New Port Docks, pier 78.  We need an ambulance immediately!  Where the hell is that transport!"

OOC - I wasn't trying to throw the lid...I was running up to her and swinging it at her as an improvised weapon. Notice my post said 'Swung the chunk of metal' not 'threw the chunk of metal'

Alloy quickly searched the downed ninja, looking for anything on her person that would reveal who exactly her master was. After that he went back to the crate to make sure that the strange tablet was still intact.

Skarka helped Alloy roll the ninja over as they searched her body.  Cleverly tucked into a fold, Alloy found a shuriken and a small, stoppered vial that appeared to contain a gas.  Skarka put handcuffs on the ninja and dragged her over to the SCPD car.

Alloy could see that the characters carved into the stone had clean, sharp edges, yet it gave him this feeling that it was still quite old.  No weathering, wear, or tear at all.  None of the symbols were known to him though.

Alloy heard a vehicle pull up, the transport.  He looked over his shoulder, nope, it was the local news.  Somehow Dirk Hargrove, a reporter known to Alloy, was able to learn of this incident and arrive before SCPD and himself could get things wrapped up.  Hargrove worked for WKBR 7 Action News, and was bent of proving that all metahumans were to blame for the state of lawlessness in Stark City.  Dirk and his cameraman were rushing to get set up to film all that they could.

Confiscating (and pocketing) the shrunken and vial, Alloy approached Dirk and his cameraman.

"Sorry boys, there is no story for you here today. Well, I mean there is, but I doubt you want to report it. That is unless you're interested in profiling non metahuman gang violence. You know, non powered humans committing crimes and attacking local law enforcement. You could also tell your viewers how a metahuman helped prevent further violence, but that's not the story you want to cover now is it? So, unless you want to tell the city how a metahuman helped quell the lawlessness of gang violence I suggest you two pack up your things and let law enforcement do their job."

"Woah there," Dirk disdainfully looked Alloy up and down, "Alloy is it?  Small time freak trying to do the work of the real heroes."

"Almost ready boss," the cameraman said.

Dirk nodded to the cameraman and turned back to Alloy and said with venom dripping in his voice, "All I see here is a deviant standing over a pile of corpses, one of which is a officer of the SCPD.  Looks like you didn't prevent a damn thing.  I'm going to expose all of you aberrations for what you truly are, tyrants crushing the simple folk under your boots."

"I'm rolling boss," stated the cameraman.

Dirk turned quickly to the camera and pulled swing the microphone in his hand up to his face.  In a voice sounding grim, like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, "Dirk Hargrove, WKBR 7 Action News, reporting live from the New Port Docks in Gerrisburg.  I have with me the superhero," the last word said with heavy sarcasm, "Alloy.  Can you tell us what happened here, Alloy?"

"It's an unfortunate situation, Dirk." Alloy began. "The boys in blue here arrested these individuals after responding to reports of violence here on the docks. You know how it can be in the city, Dirk. All the gang violence and crime. The cops arrived too late to prevent the deaths inflicted by non-metahuman gang, but they did manage to arrest the perpetrators. Unfortunately, one officer was injured in the arrest but luckily I arrived just in the nick of time to stop the perpetrator from causing any more carnage. I really want to commend the police for their excellent work."

Dirk smirked at Alloy's comment.  "Can you tell our viewers what these ninjas were after?  It looks like they broke into a shipping container.  Have you determined where it's from or who was to receive the shipment?"

Alloy shook his head, "It's an ongoing investigation. I'm sure the police will release more information when they ar certain that it won't jeopardize the case."

Alloy could hear sirens in the distance, but by the amount of blood, the chances of the officer making it until the ambulance arrived were slim.  Alloy could see his partner's lips moving as words of comfort fell flat on ears that knew the truth of the situation.

"Does this have anything to do with the rumored mermen out of Stark Lake or the terrorist group known as MAKO?" pressed Dirk.

Alloy saw Skarka standing next to the purple ninja over by the police cruiser.  The agent waived at him and then held up his phone, pointing to it.  He then held it out towards Alloy and mouthed O'Brien.

"No comment, Dirk. As I said this is an ongoing investigation."

Alloy turned away from the reporter and headed back towards Skarka. He took the phone and said, "Agent O'Brien, the situation here has been secured."

Skarka walked over towards Dirk and started shouting at him.  "Get you ass out of here! You're contaminating a crime scene!"

"That's good to hear.  I'm going to pull Skarka off this and leave this case to you," O'Brien told Alloy over Skarka's phone.  "Have you found any connection to MAKO?"

The volume of the siren indicated that the ambulance was getting close.  Alloy saw the slumped shoulders and hung head of the officer as he held the limp body of his partner in his arms.  Too late and another cop dead, thinning an already depleted force.

Allow frowned, watching as the officer grieved for the loss of his partner. It reminded him why he decided to become a superhero as opposed to a full time artist. Maybe, just maybe he could make a difference and prevent a small measure of death in the city.

"The ninja gang claim to report to a 'Master'. Don't know who that is yet, but there is definitely someone pulling the strings. They were trying to boost an artifact of some sort. A stone tablet with ancient writing. Maybe a piece of a larger whole. Are there any mystics or archeologists we can call in to inspect this thing?"

"Hmm... Normally the rank and file of MAKO refer to their superiors in military terms.  We know very little about the leader of the organization, but we do know that he is referred to as MAKO Commander, not master," O'Brien explained.  "Unless we're dealing with something new here, it doesn't sound like this is a MAKO operation.  Mystics or archeologists... The first name that comes to mind is Jason DeMarkos.  He is the curator at the Stark City Museum of Science and Natural History.  He'd be a decent place to start.  If you find out there are no links to MAKO, I want you to turn over your findings to the SCPD.  I don't want to tie up BMA resources on something that is unrelated to our primary objective."

During the conversation with the BMA Agent in Charge, Alloy saw Skarka continue to berate Dirk and his cameraman.  The ambulance finally arrived and was pulling a stretcher out of the back of the vehicle.  Still no prisoner transport vehicle though.

"Jason DeMarkos it is then." Alloy didn't mention his earlier call or the fact that he already had a meeting set up for tomorrow at 11.

"I'll check with him about the tablet if the transport ever arrives to take these ninjas away. Where can I secure the tablet in the meantime? I'd leave it in my apartment, but I think it would clash with my décor." he quipped, knowing that his levity would rankle O'Brien.

One paramedic shook her head as she checked the officer for vital signs and the other was checking the bodies that the officers had already covered with sheets.  There was an unnatural hush that seemed to fall over the scene of death.  The flashing lights on the ambulance seemed like they were the only thing alive.

Half hearing O'Brien talking about the safe at the BMA office, Alloy watched the SCPD officer's face shift from resignation to absolute fury.  He suddenly pulled his firearm from his holster, but to Alloy it seemed like it was in slow motion.  "The bitch deserves to die for what she did to Smitty!" the officer yelled as he stalked towards the unconscious purple ninja slumped against the SCPD squad car, with his pistol aimed towards the woman who killed his partner.

"Calm down friend," Skarka said in a soothing tone but Alloy could hear an edge to it.  Skarka was keeping it together, but barely.  All the death and nearly being taken out by a ninja had shaken the veteran BMA agent.

"Damn it Alloy!  Are you even listening?" Agent in Charge O'Brien screamed through the phone still held at Alloy's ear.

Alloy snapped at O'Brien. "I am, but you haven't said anything. I heard something about a safe. Look, the cops here are on edge and Skarka is barely able to keep them from losing their shit. Is there anything else you want to tell me or can I go help Skarka keep one of the cops from capping out lead suspect?"

Alloy could hear O'Brien get control of himself by the way he breathed before he said, "I'll meet you at the office in two hours."  Boop!  The call ended when O'Brien hung up.

Agent Skarka was shielding the purple ninja from the policeman.  Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.  "This is not something you want on your conscious.  Please holster your weapon and let us take it from here."  Despite Skarka's efforts, the officer kept his pistol out.

"I'd be doing the City a favor!" the office spat out, choking on emotions.

Down the road that ran between the warehouses and the docks, Alloy could see a transport vehicle, lights flashing on its roof, finally making its way to the scene.  In the foreground, Dirk and his cameraman continued to film.  Dirk giving play by play commentary as the story developed.

Alloy put away the phone and approached Skarka and the officer, careful not to startle or upset the already emotional lawman. "He's right," Alloy calmly commented. "Think of your family as well. What would happen to them if you were hauled off to jail or worse, executed. People depend on you, people who are still alive. Don't disappoint them by doing something you'll regret. She'll get justice for her crimes, don't worry about that."

The barrel of the pistol lowered and the officer slowly holstered his weapon.  Dead-eyed indifference washed over his face.  Alloy could just barely hear him repeat his words, "She'll get justice."  The cop turned and watched the transport vehicle pull up.

The transport vehicle rolled to a stop and two haggard officers climbed out wearing riot gear.  They wearily began loading up the ninjas.  At the same time, the paramedics were zipping up the last body bag.  "What a mess," one said to the other paramedic.

Skarka walked up his car door and opened it.  Before getting in, he turned to Alloy, "I'm off to Stark Lake Naval Station.  O'Brien wants me to try to cozy up with Rear Admiral Marshall and get some intel on their Thunderstrike program.  Watch yourself Rookie.  You and I both know that O'Brien wants to see you crash and burn."  He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to give a reassuring smile.  "You did well today."  Alloy could tell he meant it, but Skarka was trying to get a handle on himself after today's events.  At the moment, optimism was something that was hard to force.  He climbed in the car and started up the engine.

"Thanks Skarka, I appreciate it." Alloy replied, closing the car door and watching as it headed off. As the last of the prisoners were loaded aboard the transport, Alloy returned to the crate, setting the now metallic lid on it to cover the contents before picking it up and carrying it back to his car. He refused any questions from Dirk as he headed off to the Stark City Museum of Science and Natural History. Hopefully Jason DeMarkos would have some idea of what the strange artifact was about.

The Stark City Museum of Science and Natural History, Platinum Coast, Stark City
Mid-Afternoon, Saturday

Alloy looked over the map display of the The Stark City Museum of Science and Natural History. It was a massive building that had one main hall and four wings as well as the newly constructed Tesla Technology Center.  Each section contained a wealth of historical artifacts and interactive exhibits, with guided tours led by those well versed in the area's history.  The map didn't show where the administrative offices were, just what type of exhibits were in each of the wings of the museum.  A little way from the entrance was the reception desk, hosted by a old lady wearing a cat sweater.  To reach her, Alloy would have to pass through a metal detector being manned by two sleepy-eyed security guards.

"Gentlemen," Alloy greeted the guards carrying the crate with the artifact tucked neatly inside. He took off the 'once wood now metal' lid and set it on the ground before carrying the rest of the box through the metal detector. The irony of the situation stuck Matt as amusing and he quirked a small smile at the guards as he passed.

Making his way over to the reception desk, Alloy politely said, "Good afternoon. could you direct me to Mr. DeMarkos' office? I believe he's expecting me."

The security guard nodded to Matt as he went through.  "Third floor.  Take a left out of the elevator.  His office is at the end of the hall."

---

A man looked up from his laptop when Matt walked through the door.  He looked to be in his late forties, with a full head of black hair that had gray on the sides of his head.  He wore a brown jacket of a beige dress shirt.  Around his neck hung a medallion, a pentagram inside of a larger star.  The desk at which he worked was had ordered piles of documents and small objects that looked quite ancient.  The book shelves along the walls were stuffed with worn, leather bound books.  His fingers continue to furiously type away a the keyboard.  "Is there something I can help you with?" he asked with an Italian accent.

"Mr. DeMarkos, we spoke earlier on the phone. I'm Matt Dimas otherwise known as Alloy. I know you wanted to speak to me about a commission, but I'm afraid I had an urgent criminal matter that just arose that I'm hoping you could assist me with."

He set the crate on the small side table, opening the lid and pulling out the strange stone artifact. Matt held it aloft as he continued, "Some gang members were caught boosting this artifact. Evidently it is important to some wannabe mastermind in the city. You've been identified as the expert on artifacts such as this and judging from that fancy occult looking pendant you're wearing I would have to agree."

He flashed a winning smile at DeMarkos as the man briefly glanced up from his typing.

"So, I'd appreciate if you you could take a look at this tablet and offer up any information you might have as to what it is, what it does, and more importantly who might be looking for such a thing."

When Jason DeMarkos looked up from his typing, his expression changed from annoyance to surprise.  "Mr. Dimas, you hold in your very hand one piece of the commission that I was to speak with you about tomorrow.  Although, I was expecting delivery of that item later this afternoon, among many others.

"You hold in your hand the Osiris Tablet.  Rumored to contain the recipe for immortality among the ancient Egyptian people.  I do have a theory that it is only one of four stones that combine together to create a powerful artifact.  This museum houses one already, the Ancelm Stone.  Another is in the possession of a private collector here in Stark City, which his lawyers are very good at assuring us was obtained legally.  The fourth piece is still lost.

"Delivery of the shipping container was to be handled by security staff of mine.  Please tell me they are alright."  Concern shadowed his eyes.

"There was an incident," Matt replied. "I'm afraid that your security team was attacked and killed. However, the perpetrators were apprehended at the scene and have been turned over to law enforcement. You'll have to talk to the police if you want any more details."

Alloy took a seat opposite DeMarkos, setting the crate down on a nearby table.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news."

Jason's body and spirit slumped in grief.  It was several long minutes before he made eye contact with Matt once more.  "They were more than my security team... they were dear friends of mine.  I've lost so many over the years."

Quietly, Jason continued, "I was not expecting this, and because of my lack of foresight more are dead.  Do you know who did this Mr. Dimas?  You mentioned gang members.  Are you thinking the Geartown Dragons?  The Anarchs?"  Jason paused in thought, then shakes his head in rejection of those ideas.  "From what little I know of those gangs, the Tablet doesn't seem like something they would be interested in."

"You don't strike me as an police officer Mr. Dimas.  How is it that you ended up with the Tablet?"  A hint of suspicion crept into Jason's voice.

Matt pulled out his badge and slid it across the desk to show DeMarkos. "Bureau of Metahuman Affairs. I'm afraid the details of the case are under investigation. If you want to help us though, you can tell us everything you know about this tablet and why someone would want to steal it. Exactly what power is supposed to be granted by the four pieces of this artifact?"

"As I mentioned, myth has it that it grants the person who unlocks its mysteries life unending.  I've been around long enough to know that things are rarely as they seem.  Look here," Jason pointed out a hieroglyph.  "This is clearly an ancient Egyptian symbol, but it has this extra accent or flair to it.  The Ancelm Stone also has some hieroglyphs on it, that are have more to them than the standard characters found on Egyptian artifacts.  And look here and here, Jiaguwen, an ancient pictograph system of ancient China... again with a little extra.  This here is Mapudungun, from the people who inhabited ancient Chile.  And finally this..." Jason points to another character, "which I have no clue what it is.  Seeing the Osiris Tablet helps support my theory that these stones are part of a whole.  These same four systems of written language are also found on the Anclem Stone."

"If you could tell me more about this gang that was involved in the..." A deep sadness washed over his face again after the distraction of sharing his knowledge was spent.  "In the death of my friends, I might be able to help more."

Matt shook his head, "The assailants were dressed as ninjas. Grey outfits, except their leader who was dressed in a dark purple. They referred to their 'Master', clearly the individual intent on getting their hands on the four fragments if, as you say, they comprise a more powerful artifact. Does any of that sound familiar to you?"

Matt listened to Jason's response before replying, "I suggest that you secure the Osiris fragment and the Anslem stone in separate and secure locations as I would expect that this Master will make another attempt at securing the relics. The extra security should only be necessary until this individual is apprehended, hopefully sooner than later."

"Ninjas?" Jason asked, his face screwed up in thought.  "Well that's unique.  Isn't unique good when there is a problem to solve?  Off the top of my head, I don't recall any ninja sightings in Stark City recently.  Has there ever been any ninja sightings?  This is something I can look into, but I have the pressing matter of getting the remaining contents of the shipping container to the museum and identifying..."  He couldn't bring himself to say the remains.  "Agent Dimas, I truly appreciate your assistance.  Might I suggest we retain our meeting time tomorrow?  Perhaps more details will be revealed overnight and it is the security of these relics that I wished to discuss with you."

"Certainly, assuming nothing pressing pulls me away. Be careful Mr. DeMarkos. It seems that someone wants to take possession of these artifacts and they will not hesitate to use whatever means necessary. I'll see you tomorrow at our prearranged time."

And with that, Alloy headed out of the museum, back to the streets. He texted O'Brien and let the agent know that the tabled had been safely delivered to the museum.

BUZZ  BUZZ  Matt's phone alerted him of a message just when he was getting to his car.  He saw his last message to Agent John Gerald O'Brien and then his superior's reponse.

OOC - Okay, I am confused. I see this line - Half hearing O'Brien talking about the safe at the BMA office, Alloy watched the SCPD officer's face shift from resignation to absolute fury. , but honestly I the player didn't understand that it meant that O'Brien wanted the tablet to be stored at the BMA office. I thought there was no answer from O'Brien as to his question.

Alloy would have taken the tablet to the BMA instead of leaving it at the  museum. Can we just say he did that?

OOC - That works for me. Let's go with it

Alloy texted O'Brien:



True to his word, he made his way over the O'Brien's office, assuming nothing waylaid him enroute.

It was a clear blue sky as Matt made his way through Stark City to the office of the Bureau of Metahuman Affairs.  He played out the days events in his mind and tried to piece it all together.  Music droned on the radio...

Gloria sent me pictures of my boy
Got my pills 'gainst mosquito death
My Buddy's breathin' his dyin' breath...

We interrupt this song to bring you breaking news.  Its was a bad day to be in Mercy Park.  Doctor Arctic was sighted at a park at Sherwood Park.  Four unnamed capes battled the villain but he escaped.  SCPD report that one civilian was injured during the confrontation.  And just a few blocks away, zombies were dispatched by two capes but disappeared before authorities were able to arrive on the scene.  Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

Music just started to play again as Matt rolled into a parking spot in front of the office building.  Since it was late on a Saturday afternoon, dark were many of the other offices that shared the same building as the BMA.  A couple poor saps could be heard beating away at their keyboards as Matt shuffled down the hallway to meet up with the Agent in Charge.

Before Matt could open the office door far enough to step through, O'Brien began his assault.  "Well you've certainly made a damn mess of things.  Handing over evidence to any Tom, Dick, or Harry that you come across.  I told them putting a damn meta on my staff would be a disaster.  Every move you make proves me right!  Hell!  I've already missed my goddaughter's birthday waiting for your ass to show up.  Tell me Dimas... tell me about something you've done right."

Matt quietly listened to O'Brien's diatribe, his anger building as the man ranted on. Between gritted teeth Matt replied, "I prevented a squad of police officers from being slaughtered by a gang who, by the way is likely being backed by a supervillain. Oh, and I followed your damn orders in taking the artifact to DeMarkos to examine. I suggest you put a team of agents on the museum to watch over the two fragments that they now house, because according to the expert the four fragments of the tablet unlock the secret to immortality."

He took a seat in a waiting chair opposite O'Brien's desk, scowling over at his boss as he angrily continued. "You tell me how many lives you saved today, hmmm? I know I'm not an academy trained agent, so I'm sorry if my liberal arts educated ass isn't up to your level of approval. I never wanted to be a cop, didn't ask for my powers, but I'm trying to do the best with what I've got. You want to reject my help because I don't fit your idea of what an agent should be then fine. I'll go back to my art and hit the talk show circuit explaining to them how I was fired because of anti-meta discrimination. Ironic, isn't it that the Bureau of Metahuman Affairs doesn't want any metahuman help."

Matt calmed a bit, sitting back in his chair. "So, are you just going to keep on complaining or are you going to do anything to actually help me?"

O'Brien leaned back in his chair and adjusted the knot of his red tie.  He tried to look collected but the throbbing vein in his neck, as well as the scarlet shade of his complexion, betrayed his posture.  He slowly reached out to align a pencil with a blue pen that rested next to his mouse pad.  "Team of agents?" O'Brien asked sarcastically.  "Eight agents work out of this office, Dimas.  Two of which are in this damn room.  This office's primary task is to investigate the high number of MAKO attacks in Stark City and finding their origin point.  Right now, you have nothing to prove that this artifact is... or isn't linked to MAKO activity.  So, I'm not going to pull you off this assignment.  But I sure as hell, won't be pulling the other agents off their assignments either!"

O'Brien took a deep breath.  "Here's some helpful advice.  Go out there and get your hands dirty investigating this case.  You find MAKO entwined in this and then I'll see what I can do about providing you with additions resources."

Matt threw up his hands, rising in frustration as he spat back, "Fine. If that's the way it is going to be. Why should I even bother working for you at all? Maybe I should just find some other metas and deal with this myself."

And with that, Matt stormed out, not even bothering to look back as O'Brien began another angry reply.

Too be continued in Issue #1: Sins of Stark City!