Over the Lost Lands, Antarctica. Morning.
VROOOOOM! Piloted by Mother Russia, the Soviet Star headed north with the survivors,
American and Soviet. They had located the source of the silent signal that emanated from Antarctica: Nemesis, the synthetic superhero who had gone missing with the Freedom Force! Discovered by Slingshot, the silent signal was found to be emanating from everything that held a computer, including Nanite.
Slingshot entered the cockpit. The wounded white giant, Polar Bear, eyed him warily, ready to act if he must. Whereas Accelerator just got out of the pliable powerhouse’s way.
Scott put what he hoped was a comforting hand on Mother's shoulder and said tentatively, "spacebo".
Mother Russia’s reply was genuine enough. “You’re welcome… tovarisch.”
Slingshot’s engineering background told him the jet had much in common with the lost Manta Craft, albeit with Russian markings. There was no mechanical reason Vanguard’s jet should be disintegrated in mid air and not theirs. The gentle giant headed back to watch over Nemesis with Sentinel.
Sentinel had transmitted a coded message when Slingy was in the cockpit, from the cabin on the jet’s left side. He reemerged with Nemesis into the cargo area and sat down.
Then Sentinel began to read the Soviet Super Soldier’s minds! Accelerator was an open book. The craven American convict was wondering when the niceties would end and everyone would begin killing each other. “What are they waiting for? We’re bringing them to the Kremlin.” He was also relieved to be out of the Lost Lands. Without Avatar to rally their morale, the Soviets had been overcome with skincrawling dread upon entering the valley and that fear had informed their every decision, including the quick retreat. What they found in the Lost Lands was clearly unexpected.
Then Sentinel read the mind of Cosmonaut and found the space age superbeing thought in the Russian language. In time Kirk succeeded in “translating” emotions and mental images: The Soviet Union was an Orwellian society that Kirk could not begin to understand. Their whole life, they had been fed propaganda that distorted their understanding of the world and its history. These people suffered deprivation and tyranny that bordered on slavery. Siberian was a cruel master. Cosmonaut willfully ignored much of that, given the resources made available to him to continue his amazing feats of engineering. But deep down he knew he was expendable, as was every citizen of the USSR. They were a true collective. There was no individual. All that mattered was the state, and the Iron Tsar. He mourned Echo, but only for a moment. She sacrificed herself for the common good. She was a hero of the motherland. There was a mental flashback to when he first knew she was dead: His sensors knew Forester and Sentinel were telling the truth about her fate because it could hear their heartbeats from twenty meters away. Cosmonaut had informed Mother Russia and Polar Bear, his two closest teammates, of this.
Sentinel kept his shields up and defended the motionless Nemesis.
Clone entered the cabin that held Siberian after standing guard outside the door.
Avatar surreptitiously reviewed Sentinel’s encoded message. His archeological training told him that Sentinel had captured a recording of some sort; pictoglyphs carved into the rock that formed the walls of the Temple of Terror. Given time, and a larger image, John might be able to decipher it!
Symbiote entered the cockpit said, "Mother...on behalf of Vanguard I respectfully request that you land this ship in Japan and drop us off. And just to avoid any misunderstanding I'll make it clear now, we will be taking Nemesis with us--he's a sentient being and an American citizen, we're taking him home. If the purpose of your mission was peaceful scientific research I promise we'll share any research that reveals how he got there and the nature of that strange temple, you have my word as a scientist. But it's time we went home--we still have an injured teammate to try to revive, as well as Nemesis himself,"
Mother Russia said evenly, without taking her eyes from the controls, “We too have had injuries. And a death. What will become of us if we return home with nothing to show for this loss? We are going directly home.”
Symbiote said, "Frosty the Communist back there threatened to kidnap me, take me back to the Soviet Union and pry all the secrets out of my brain. I've always wanted to see your country--Andrei Sakharov was an inspiration to me as a scientist--but not from the inside of a KGB interrogation room. No sale."
Polar Bear and Accelerator tensed.
Mother Russia said, each word measured carefully, “We were once allies, your people and mine, against the Nazis. The Soviet Union withstood the majority of the casualties then too. I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you. And we must also examine the American technological weapon, code named Nemesis.”
Soldier and Talon slowly removed their flight straps and stood.
Symbiote said: "Mother Russia, we have two injured, tired teams here who don't need another fight. But if you want one, we'll give it to you. It's tough to say who would ultimately come out on top but regardless we won't find out today because if we start a battle right now the first casualty is going to be the Soviet Star. A battle between us will tear this ship apart and then most of us will fall to our deaths, freeze to death, drown or die of some delightful combination of all three. Do you really want that?"
Mother Russia said, “No. And neither do you. Which is why you will not attack us onboard this craft. Americans are not famed for giving their lives to a cause bigger than themselves. And.., there are normal humans among your number. Surely they would be most endangered by any such hostilities, no?”
Slingshot stood up and positioned Sentinel and Nemesis behind him. A battle was inevitable.
Lightning Strike prepared to turn into living electricity when suddenly…
Siberian emerged from his cabin, holding a soviet Pulse Pistol to the head of an unconscious Clone!
(No one knew that their identities had been reversed, and that Clone’s impossible plan to defect had succeeded so far! Clone knew Siberian had remained unconscious. There were two parachutes in the cabin. Clone discovered that under his uniform, Siberian’s ice devices were woven into scarred flesh and bone, and his face looked improbably young for his age.
Clone saw the jet was over South Africa, on a straight flight path to Moscow, and had made his move!)
Cosmonaut implored with “Siberian” in Russian, “What are you doing? You’ve sustained a head injury, comrade! Clone is on our side!” Then: “Are your devices damaged? Why are you using the pistol?”
“Siberian” said, loud enough for Symbiote to hear from the cockpit, "I am remembering, once, Peter the Great had problem like this,” as he moved to the airlock in the rear of the cargo bay!
But the airlock would not be opened! “Siberian” knew the correct code sequence but it would not budge!!
Lightning Strike, assuming combat would begin, transformed into electrical form to enter the ship and seize control of it! SHAKA-BOOM!! But the electrical avenger was forced back in a burst of sizzling sparks! SHAKOW!! He returned to human form, completely surprised! The ship was charged to repel him!
Lightning Strike could not enter it! Nor could he control it!
Soldier’s combat senses detected danger! The hair went up on the back of Talon’s neck!
Mother Russia barked to Vanguard, “What have you done? The ship is changing course!”
Sentinel and Lightning Strike scanned the ship for electrical and energy patterns! They detected the silent signal that emanated from Nemesis was interacting with the entire Soviet Star!
Strike deduced this was the cause of the ship repelling him!
BOOOOOM!! The jet broke the sound barrier. Everyone who wasn’t strapped down fell over!
Mother Russia cursed in her native tongue as she tried in vain to control the ship!
Shelley Harper, holding Slingshot’s scanner, detected that an additional signal beam projected from Nemesis to the front of the ship and beyond! “The signal! It’s pointed to the horizon! I don’t know how long it’s been broadcasting!”
Mother Russia yelled: “The nav computer has a new destination… New York City! This is your doing, Americans!!”
The Soviet Super Soldiers began to stand. They were yelling Russian to each other but their intention was clear. Vanguard had hijacked their ship and they were going to take it back by force!
“Siberian” felt “Clone” stirring next to him on the floor, gaining consciousness!
The Soviet Star accelerated again! VROOOOOOOOOOMM! It hurtled northwards!
Vanguard’s communicators suddenly crackled to life. “Vanguard, this is Doc Rocket. Something’s happened here at Vanguard HQ! It’s urgent that you know. Nanite is moving. She... she’s waking up!”
Then Mother Russia yelled in Russian, “Comrades! ATTACK!”
To be continued in Vanguard’s 100th issue!
VROOOOOM! Piloted by Mother Russia, the Soviet Star headed north with the survivors,
American and Soviet. They had located the source of the silent signal that emanated from Antarctica: Nemesis, the synthetic superhero who had gone missing with the Freedom Force! Discovered by Slingshot, the silent signal was found to be emanating from everything that held a computer, including Nanite.Slingshot entered the cockpit. The wounded white giant, Polar Bear, eyed him warily, ready to act if he must. Whereas Accelerator just got out of the pliable powerhouse’s way.
Scott put what he hoped was a comforting hand on Mother's shoulder and said tentatively, "spacebo".
Mother Russia’s reply was genuine enough. “You’re welcome… tovarisch.”
Slingshot’s engineering background told him the jet had much in common with the lost Manta Craft, albeit with Russian markings. There was no mechanical reason Vanguard’s jet should be disintegrated in mid air and not theirs. The gentle giant headed back to watch over Nemesis with Sentinel.
Sentinel had transmitted a coded message when Slingy was in the cockpit, from the cabin on the jet’s left side. He reemerged with Nemesis into the cargo area and sat down.
Then Sentinel began to read the Soviet Super Soldier’s minds! Accelerator was an open book. The craven American convict was wondering when the niceties would end and everyone would begin killing each other. “What are they waiting for? We’re bringing them to the Kremlin.” He was also relieved to be out of the Lost Lands. Without Avatar to rally their morale, the Soviets had been overcome with skincrawling dread upon entering the valley and that fear had informed their every decision, including the quick retreat. What they found in the Lost Lands was clearly unexpected.
Then Sentinel read the mind of Cosmonaut and found the space age superbeing thought in the Russian language. In time Kirk succeeded in “translating” emotions and mental images: The Soviet Union was an Orwellian society that Kirk could not begin to understand. Their whole life, they had been fed propaganda that distorted their understanding of the world and its history. These people suffered deprivation and tyranny that bordered on slavery. Siberian was a cruel master. Cosmonaut willfully ignored much of that, given the resources made available to him to continue his amazing feats of engineering. But deep down he knew he was expendable, as was every citizen of the USSR. They were a true collective. There was no individual. All that mattered was the state, and the Iron Tsar. He mourned Echo, but only for a moment. She sacrificed herself for the common good. She was a hero of the motherland. There was a mental flashback to when he first knew she was dead: His sensors knew Forester and Sentinel were telling the truth about her fate because it could hear their heartbeats from twenty meters away. Cosmonaut had informed Mother Russia and Polar Bear, his two closest teammates, of this.
Sentinel kept his shields up and defended the motionless Nemesis.
Clone entered the cabin that held Siberian after standing guard outside the door.
Avatar surreptitiously reviewed Sentinel’s encoded message. His archeological training told him that Sentinel had captured a recording of some sort; pictoglyphs carved into the rock that formed the walls of the Temple of Terror. Given time, and a larger image, John might be able to decipher it!
Symbiote entered the cockpit said, "Mother...on behalf of Vanguard I respectfully request that you land this ship in Japan and drop us off. And just to avoid any misunderstanding I'll make it clear now, we will be taking Nemesis with us--he's a sentient being and an American citizen, we're taking him home. If the purpose of your mission was peaceful scientific research I promise we'll share any research that reveals how he got there and the nature of that strange temple, you have my word as a scientist. But it's time we went home--we still have an injured teammate to try to revive, as well as Nemesis himself,"
Mother Russia said evenly, without taking her eyes from the controls, “We too have had injuries. And a death. What will become of us if we return home with nothing to show for this loss? We are going directly home.”
Symbiote said, "Frosty the Communist back there threatened to kidnap me, take me back to the Soviet Union and pry all the secrets out of my brain. I've always wanted to see your country--Andrei Sakharov was an inspiration to me as a scientist--but not from the inside of a KGB interrogation room. No sale."
Polar Bear and Accelerator tensed.
Mother Russia said, each word measured carefully, “We were once allies, your people and mine, against the Nazis. The Soviet Union withstood the majority of the casualties then too. I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you. And we must also examine the American technological weapon, code named Nemesis.”
Soldier and Talon slowly removed their flight straps and stood.
Symbiote said: "Mother Russia, we have two injured, tired teams here who don't need another fight. But if you want one, we'll give it to you. It's tough to say who would ultimately come out on top but regardless we won't find out today because if we start a battle right now the first casualty is going to be the Soviet Star. A battle between us will tear this ship apart and then most of us will fall to our deaths, freeze to death, drown or die of some delightful combination of all three. Do you really want that?"
Mother Russia said, “No. And neither do you. Which is why you will not attack us onboard this craft. Americans are not famed for giving their lives to a cause bigger than themselves. And.., there are normal humans among your number. Surely they would be most endangered by any such hostilities, no?”
Slingshot stood up and positioned Sentinel and Nemesis behind him. A battle was inevitable.
Lightning Strike prepared to turn into living electricity when suddenly…
Siberian emerged from his cabin, holding a soviet Pulse Pistol to the head of an unconscious Clone!
(No one knew that their identities had been reversed, and that Clone’s impossible plan to defect had succeeded so far! Clone knew Siberian had remained unconscious. There were two parachutes in the cabin. Clone discovered that under his uniform, Siberian’s ice devices were woven into scarred flesh and bone, and his face looked improbably young for his age.
Clone saw the jet was over South Africa, on a straight flight path to Moscow, and had made his move!)
Cosmonaut implored with “Siberian” in Russian, “What are you doing? You’ve sustained a head injury, comrade! Clone is on our side!” Then: “Are your devices damaged? Why are you using the pistol?”
“Siberian” said, loud enough for Symbiote to hear from the cockpit, "I am remembering, once, Peter the Great had problem like this,” as he moved to the airlock in the rear of the cargo bay!
But the airlock would not be opened! “Siberian” knew the correct code sequence but it would not budge!!
Lightning Strike, assuming combat would begin, transformed into electrical form to enter the ship and seize control of it! SHAKA-BOOM!! But the electrical avenger was forced back in a burst of sizzling sparks! SHAKOW!! He returned to human form, completely surprised! The ship was charged to repel him!
Lightning Strike could not enter it! Nor could he control it!
Soldier’s combat senses detected danger! The hair went up on the back of Talon’s neck!
Mother Russia barked to Vanguard, “What have you done? The ship is changing course!”
Sentinel and Lightning Strike scanned the ship for electrical and energy patterns! They detected the silent signal that emanated from Nemesis was interacting with the entire Soviet Star!
Strike deduced this was the cause of the ship repelling him!
BOOOOOM!! The jet broke the sound barrier. Everyone who wasn’t strapped down fell over!
Mother Russia cursed in her native tongue as she tried in vain to control the ship!
Shelley Harper, holding Slingshot’s scanner, detected that an additional signal beam projected from Nemesis to the front of the ship and beyond! “The signal! It’s pointed to the horizon! I don’t know how long it’s been broadcasting!”
Mother Russia yelled: “The nav computer has a new destination… New York City! This is your doing, Americans!!”
The Soviet Super Soldiers began to stand. They were yelling Russian to each other but their intention was clear. Vanguard had hijacked their ship and they were going to take it back by force!
“Siberian” felt “Clone” stirring next to him on the floor, gaining consciousness!
The Soviet Star accelerated again! VROOOOOOOOOOMM! It hurtled northwards!
Vanguard’s communicators suddenly crackled to life. “Vanguard, this is Doc Rocket. Something’s happened here at Vanguard HQ! It’s urgent that you know. Nanite is moving. She... she’s waking up!”
Then Mother Russia yelled in Russian, “Comrades! ATTACK!”
To be continued in Vanguard’s 100th issue!
OOC: Immediate actions, please!
Fyi, Missed attacks in close quarters have an 8-16% chance to create an unexpected result, depending on the attack form.
Current Conditions: (most of you had a chance to heal power points)
Fyi, Missed attacks in close quarters have an 8-16% chance to create an unexpected result, depending on the attack form.
Current Conditions: (most of you had a chance to heal power points)
Avatar: Hit Points: 40, Power Points: 82, Manifestation: none
Forester: Hit Points: 23, Power Points: 69, Arrows Used: Parachute, Scentx2, Sonic, Acid, Flare, Impact
Lightning Strike: Hit Points: 25, Power Points: 74
Sentinel: Hit Points: 18, Power Points: 40, Creation Points: 80, Shields: 80%
Slingshot: Hit Points: 36, Power Points: 89, Invulnerability: 8
Soldier: Hit Points: 43, Power Points: 81, Invulnerability: 8
Symbiote: Hit Points: 51, Power Points: 90, Charges: 11, Copied Talon: S:20 E:27 A:24 I:25 C:13
Talon: Hit Points: 28, Power Points: 76
Clone: Total Bodies: 1. Hit Points: 8, Power Points: 52, Total Hit Point Pool: 8
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Avatar:
OOC: Can Oration or Diplomacy skill have an immediate affect (perhaps halting the actions of others briefly while they listen) or would they take time that we wouldn't have?
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OOC GM Replies to Avatar:
Depending on the speech, and the dice rolls against the skill values, it could have an immediate effect.
Talk is free in V&V and comic books, so they'll hear it.
Best,
Jeff
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Avatar:
OOC: Could I activate the Oratory skill and speak or would actions/attacks have already been made by the time I summoned up the power and started speaking?
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Symbiote:
Well, I hope I was wrong about the sturdiness of this jet, Symbiote thinks to himself. Then he launches into battle.
"Somebody stop Accelerator before he reaches any momentum!" Hal roars, hoping that in the confined aircraft the Mountebank of Momentum will have little chance to build up a head of steam anyway. He then dives for Mother Russia, palms out, hoping to absorb her powers.
If he can't copy her powers for whatever reason he'll slash her with Talon's claws.
If he can, and he has time for an action afterward, he'll attempt to grapple her, hoping to immobilize the Bombastic Babushka before she can throw a punch that might end up ripping a hole in the aircraft. If he can get her into a full Nelson or some similar immobilization hold, even part way, he'll continue to try to reason with her. "Did you hear that voice, Mother? That's Doc Rocket--a man who fought alongside your country in the Great Patriotic War against the Nazis," Hal growls at her. "He's telling the truth--we're not doing this. Something has taken control of this ship. We must stop this fight!"
Well, I hope I was wrong about the sturdiness of this jet, Symbiote thinks to himself. Then he launches into battle.
"Somebody stop Accelerator before he reaches any momentum!" Hal roars, hoping that in the confined aircraft the Mountebank of Momentum will have little chance to build up a head of steam anyway. He then dives for Mother Russia, palms out, hoping to absorb her powers.
If he can't copy her powers for whatever reason he'll slash her with Talon's claws.
If he can, and he has time for an action afterward, he'll attempt to grapple her, hoping to immobilize the Bombastic Babushka before she can throw a punch that might end up ripping a hole in the aircraft. If he can get her into a full Nelson or some similar immobilization hold, even part way, he'll continue to try to reason with her. "Did you hear that voice, Mother? That's Doc Rocket--a man who fought alongside your country in the Great Patriotic War against the Nazis," Hal growls at her. "He's telling the truth--we're not doing this. Something has taken control of this ship. We must stop this fight!"
OOC: Reasoning with these people so far has been like trying to reason with a stone so I have little hope of this working, but still, Hal feels obliged to try. If nothing else he at least gets to wrestle with Mother Russia. Jealous, Denny? ;)
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Sentinel:
OOC: Kirk may also speak before the melee breaks out (if I get time to post what's in my head).
But can you confirm
(1) just where are we geographically as the fight is about to erupt - we did have some time pass, so are we out of the frozen waste yet and above or close to land
(2) on the signal emanating from Nemesis - does it contain any of the unearthly type of energy like that from the temple? Or is it something different?
Thanks.
Seth
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Avatar:
"A fight is going to rip this ship apart! If that happens, we ALL lose something, maybe our lives! Get control of yourselves!
We need to band together and figure things out, not be trying to kill one another! Are we all a bunch of savages? Act like rational beings!"
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Slingshot:As far as stopping Accelerator from gaining momentum, I've got the perfect power for it. I'll just squish him against the windshield with an enlarged palm. The problem is that I'm abysmally slow. He would have a million phases to gain momentum before I react to squish him.
Unless Avatar's Oratory skill keeps him spellbound until I react..
So I've got two things I'm thinking about doing:
1-Since I can glide, I was thinking of protecting our civilians and the "unconscious" Nemesis. I could extend a "finger" to each of them and "rope up" Nemesis. Leaving me with at least a fist for combat and possibly do the parachute thing if we need a fast escape.
2-Just expand. I'll squish everyone against the walls and I'm not sure how much I'll be able to take as far as damage.. there's a whole lot of heavy hitters on Russia's side.
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Sentinel:
Kirk was still reeling from his perceptions of the Soviet society as he heard Avatar trying to reason with Mother Russia to prevent the battle which would destroy their transportation.
He added,
"So your team doesn't want to go to New York anymore than we want to go to Moscow. We get it.
We have a truce based on the mutual threat we discovered, a threat to both of our countries. A battle here won't stop that threat and may prevent both of our teams from conveying needed information.
Think, these aren't the days of the Iron Patriot*, and you don't have * and * by your side.
From what we've seen, outside of your Soviet borders and its reprisals, half your team is likely to desert for their own agendas if it looks this battle is going our way, and we don't need even need to win this battle, we only need to take out the member of your team that may have the technical expertise to turn this ship around (Kirk looks at the Cosmonaut).
Let us leave this craft peacefully so you can try to regain control of it."
* Kirk uses his heroic lore skill to recall the name of their first and greatest loyalist superhuman, I used the Iron Patriot, but you can switch to whoever you had in mind which would predate Mother Russia. Then the second group of names would be Iron Maiden's closest associates from twenty year's back. Kirk is playing on the fact that having been away from the team for twenty years and just getting back to them, their make-up has changed, and she can't count on her team if things get tough (with a hired thug (Accelerator) and unstable personality (Shatter), etc)
Kirk is hoping that if the Battle is prevented and they get Nemesis off the craft an incident here can be prevented here. Whether Nemesis or the force working through him will allow his leaving the craft prior to it reaching New York is another issue at this point.
If the battle does break out, and Kirk has a choice, he will try to take out Cosmonaut since he is likely the one that has the skills to take back control of the guidance system.
If the hull is breached and Manetti and Shelly aren't in the safe control of one of his teammates Kirk would use movement of his energies to encircle them and prevent their freefall. If a battle does start and he has an idea of where the parachutes are kept on the craft, he'll use his movement to try to get chutes to them and other non-flight members of the team.
Best,
Seth
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GM:
Hey,
Please weigh in:
What is the name of Vanguard's base?
It's atop the Empire State Building.
Let me know your thoughts! Thanks.
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Symbiote:
I'd propose "Vanguard Pinnacle."
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Talon:
Hey Everyone,
OOC: Adam will leave the diplomacy to those best suited for negotiation. He will keep his eye on Cosmonaut since he's the SSS closest to Talon. If a fight breaks out he will focus his attacks on Cosmonaut, but if Polar Bear or another come from the cockpit, he will turn and meet their oncoming attacks.
IC: Adam looks at Cosmonaut and says, "You keep those gadgets where they belong, and I won't have to tear up the rest of that pretty suit!".
As for the name of the Vanguard HQ, I will have to recommend "The Heroes Aerie". Seems fitting for the suggestion of a bird-man. :)
Viva Vanguard,
Denny
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Slingshot:
Thinking of something that would go well with a group called Vanguard:
Outpost
Lookout
Beacon
Observatory
Watchtower (I know).
Vanguard Vigil?
I personally like "The Beacon" a lot, but I also like "Vanguard Vigil" as it has the VV thing going for it.
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Certainly the Beacon of Liberty would have an affinity for the HQ being called the Beacon.
Before reading suggestions of everyone the 'Zenith' came to my mind.
My only problem was the reference to the TV company from my younger years ... and to my surprise, Zenith TVs are still around - I'd thought they disappeared years ago. Does that association sour the name?
Seth
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Slingshot:
I like Zenith.
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Symbiote:
I could easily live with Zenith.
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Avatar:
Vigil sounds best to me, so far. Always liked alliterative superhero names.
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Clone:
OOC: I was working on my response and I had a question for you - how much does Siberian's mask alter the sound of Clone's voice ( if at all )? It looks like he may have some kind of a respirator on it thats why I ask. Hopefully it makes him sound like Darth Vader ( lol ), and Clone will be able to speak aloud without anyone ( especially the Soviets ) knowing its actually him and not Siberian. Thanks, -Kev
PS: I hate to make what might seem like an overly obvious and rather simple suggestion, but how about calling it - 'The Vault'? or even - 'The Guard Tower'.
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Slingshot:
Well.. technically The Vault is already taken (it's the blog site), which is not a big deal. Watch Tower/Guard Tower are good options too.
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Clone:
I was suggesting 'The Vault' for that exact reason actually - figured it was the games home ( the blog ), why not make it the groups home. I can see how it might not be the best idea going, but I agree with you - I like 'The Guard Tower' as well. I thought about 'The Watch Tower' also, but I think that might remind folks too much of DC Comic's Justice League - if not - I'm down with that too =) They both make me think of some kind of protective citadel hovering tirelessly and vigilantly over the city/country/world. -Kev
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Lightning Strike:
Strike fearing that this conflict was inevitable steeled himself for another battle. He would try to convince them one last time before heading into combat. "We are not behind this takeover of the plane. You saw for yourself how it repelled me when I attempted to enter the electrical system. Some force greater than our own is leading us like puppets and you people are allowing it to happen. If we combine our forces, we may be able to find out what is behind this. Vanguard is clearly not." Lightning Strike says. Should combat begin, Strike will target Mother Russia as she clearly is the leader and the others might fall in line if she goes down.
------------------------------------
Soldier:
Finally hearing enough, Soldier rises from his seat and speaks. "You've got to be kidding me. Are you people insane! Stop and think about this for a moment, what in God's name could we possibly gain by this? We're not behind this, nor do we know who is. Surely you can see some outside power is behind this. We don't want to fight you. We have to work together to solve this, if we don't we're all going to die." He'll wait for the SSS response, and while he's willing to talk, he's not going to be anyone's punching bag. He'll prepare to defend himself.
OOC: Hmmm....The Vault. I like it, it's simple, but has the right "feel" to it.
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Clone:
As Vanguard tries to keep the Soviets calm, and the Soviets begin to talk among themselves, Clone ( while disguised as Siberian and employing the voice altering nature of the masks respirator ) will chime in ( in English ), “Enough of this bickering! Until The Kremlin relieves me of my duties, I am still in command! Soviet Super Soliders . . . hold your attack!”
Clone then begins to think to himself ( in Ukrainian of course ), “I hope I said that correctly . . . my English isn’t as good as I would like it to be.” If everyone seems convinced that Clone is actually Siberian and the Soviets ‘fall in line’; Clone will bark in Russian “Mother Russia! Cosmonaut! Get back into the cockpit and see if you can’t figure out what is going on – I want us back on our original course immediately!”
Although he realizes that he’s probably asking them to do something that they most likely won’t be able to accomplish, but he needs to keep up his disguise and behave as Siberian would . . . for the most part ;) If everyone still seems to be ‘buying it’ Clone will then say in English,” You sneaky Amerikanskis! Did you think that you could poison my mind with your abilities and take control of our ship so easily?!? Now . . . SIT DOWN!”
Trying desperately to remember every American cowboy movie he saw growing up, he will try desperately to keep his English as perfect as possible. Again – assuming everyone ‘plays along’ ( Vanguard and the Soviets ) and I can continue down this road, Clone will then throw Siberian ( currently dressed as Clone ) at the Americans ( making sure to bump his head good and hard again – can’t have him waking up lol ), “ . . . and keep this treasonous pig with you! We will decide his fate, and yours, when we land in Moscow!” He then throws the pistol at Siberian ( Clone ) as if to discard it as a useless toy. In Russian he will then bark at the remaining Soviets, “ . . . the rest of you keep an eye on them!” He will then walk up to the cockpit and see what Mother Russia and Cosmonaut are up to.
OOC: Now I know I’m throwing a ‘brass set’ around out there, but hopefully Clones little performance will work and a fight won’t break out. He’s also hoping that he gave Vanguard a little more time to work something up on their own - a battle plan, a chance to find out what’s going on, etc. . . With any luck he’s also kept the Soviets distracted with chores so that Vanguard can do whatever it is they feel they might need to do. One thing Clone is definitely concerned with is Siberian – he can’t afford to have him wake up. If he wakes up Clones goose is cooked! Not only would Siberian have him arrested ( or worse ) as a traitor, but his family would be targeted for punishment as well. Clone would rather die then see his family suffer because of his actions. He realizes that he’s dancing on the razors edge, but doesn’t think he’ll get an opportunity like this ever again. His heart is swimming in anxiety and his mind is drowning in fear. If for any reason Clone's act should fall apart and he gets discovered, he'll immediately switch sides and start fighting beside Vanguard. With any luck though his little 'Mission Impossible' stunt will work out *crosses fingers*
Talk to you all soon,
-Kev
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GM:
OK, here are the names that have been proposed:
Pinnacle
Heroes' Aerie
Vigil
Zenith
Outpost
Lookout
Beacon
Observatory
Watchtower
GuardtowerVault
Any and all can be preceded by "The" or "Vanguard" or both. :)
You each get one vote. Cast your final votes please.
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Soldier:
I'm voting for The Vault, as I just like the sound of it.
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Clone:
I'm going to vote for The Vault as well.
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Slingshot:
I'm partial to the Zenith or Vigil.
I think it's a better name for an HQ. Vault feels like the name of a prison more than an HQ of a vanguard "tactical" team. Failing the two above, I'd probably lean towards alliteration and go Vault.
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GM:
"I'm partial to the Zenith or Vigil."
One man, one vote!
Or I'll give .5 points to each of these if you prefer.
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Slingshot:
Fair enough. I'll go with Vigil for alliteration's sake.
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Talon:
I'll go with Vigil.
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Lightning Strike:
I can go for Vault if that is what everyone else wants.
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Symbiote:
I'll go ahead and throw in for "The Vault." Yes, it has connotations of a prison but it also has connotations of a heavily fortified, impressive place. And yeah it's also the title of the archives, but as I recall the Fantastic Four letters page was called "The Baxter Building Bulletins" for years. There's a precedence for this sort of thing.
Plus...alliteration. I'm all about awesome alliteration and assonance....
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Avatar:
Vault or Vigil. Something with a "V".
Vault is probably best.
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Sentinel:
If we are going with the 'VV' idea, I'd go with Vault over Vigil. Vigil has too much of a of an action rather than a place, at least to me.
With the Vault - you get a place and you also have the verb action connotation of vaulting or overcoming. Works as Vanguard's Vault or just "The Vault" too.
If we aren't going that way both Pinnacle and Zenith convey the highest point, along with Vanguard name itself, 'the best of the best'.
But for some reason I couldn't get the Sanctom Sanctorum out of my mind - not for Vanguard mind you, but just shows why Stan was 'The Man'. Hmm, Vanguard Vantorum, who says it had to make any sense :).
I don't think I'll lose any sleep on any of the names put forth.
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GM:
The results:
Vault: Soldier, Clone, Symbiote, Avatar, Lightning Strike, Sentinel
Vigil: Slingshot, Talon
The Vault it is!
Thanks everyone!
