Avatar delivered the remains of Otom unto Poseidon, father of all Cyclopes. When his supernatural steed flew him back to the shining citadel that was his home, he summoned Vanguard for their valued counsel in regards to the Prophecy of Otom! (continued below)
Clone shows his happy family all the splendors of America and moves them temporarily into Vanguard Vault! There was a goat running around in the halls, a clothes line hung up in one of the machine shops, a huge pot of some kind of unidentifiable goulash boiling away stinking up the whole base.
Through Sentinel and REACH, Clone volunteers with troubled, inner city youth.
And he generally avoids CHESS Director Grey. (continued below)
Lightning Strike placed his own uncle safely into police custody for the attempted murder of Silas Caine! Caine’s private security pulled the billionaire out of there quick. Hotel security broke up the fundraiser. Early reports had witnesses placing the gun in Strike’s hand, or in Caine’s hand. In time the police announced the arrest of one of their own, the 25 year veteran, Hank Archer. Caine was uncharacteristically silent, but the assassination attempt increased donations for his still vague political aspirations.
Strike picked up his uncle’s data trail in cyberspace and found bar tabs and liquor store receipts suspiciously surging only recently, long after the ‘passing’ of his nephew. (continued below)
Menagerie said his good-byes to Pachyderm and Snow Leopard, wished them the best, and told them to call upon Nature if they ever need him. The mysterious mystic flew to Ranger Llewelyn to let him know the mission was accomplished. The Ranger set up camper and hiker traffic accordingly. Menagerie wished the Ranger the best and told him too to call upon Nature if Menagerie is ever needed.
Menagerie thought about how Vanguard had saved the world from the Animal Revolution. He set off to New York learn more about them. The echoes from that alternate reality grew as he got closer. There was still no threat here, and the emanations led Menagerie to the Vanguard Vault, atop the Empire State Building. He flew to the roof where he was soon met by two CHESS Knights. “Please identify yourself!”
Before long he was speaking to Director Grey of CHESS. With the Canadian government’s report on his recent activities, Menagerie was permitted to join Vanguard! (continued below)
Sentinel described the events surrounding the attack on the Odyssey Club to his grandfather, the original Sentinel. The old man said: “The news about Adriana is painfully tragic. Poor Edward. She had been struggling with mental illness and the two were estranged. This must be a terrible blow to him.”
When Kirk asked about the Odyssey Club, Lancaster said, “Son, when the government turned on her heroes in the 1950’s, many of us were not ready to give up the good fight. So we went underground. The Odyssey Club was the front organization of that secret brotherhood of heroes. As it had organized exceptional men and women in the 1930s, so it continued to do so until superheroes returned to the public view, and government’s good graces, in the early 1980’s.
Lancaster opened a locked shelf and produced an old framed photo from the Odyssey Club that was not hung on their walls. It showed Lancaster circa 1980; Miles Hudson, hale, healthy and happy; Sgt. Stone with an uncharacteristic grin; Miss Liberty, older than Sentinel’s recollection from WWII photos; Doc Rocket with a manic shock of dark hair; Edward Thistlewait; and Kirk’s father who looked exactly like Kirk does now; all in their civilian clothing in the garden behind the Club. Lancaster smiled at the memories. “We swore secrecy, and wore the Odyssey Club ring showing the all-seeing eye of justice from which none could escape.”
“As to poor Adriana, yes, we were a secret, invisible, organization. Powerful friends in government aided us when they could. We possessed amazing powers, as you know, that set us apart from the public. And we operated outside the law, indeed by our very existence. To a besieged mind, these facts could be twisted into something monstrous.
“I confess I am concerned that she was able to sow doubt within you. I have long trained your mind, Kirk. But none can train your heart. This was the first time you faced an extranormal alone. Your resolve will be tested again and again. I’m confident you’ll continue to be steadfast in the face of adversity, son.”
Lancaster’s mien grew darker when Kirk asked about the circumstances surrounding his parents’ death. “When your parents passed… the police investigation produced no sign of foul play. It was my first thought, egotist that I am, that it was an attack from some old enemy of mine… the Ubermensch, the Atomic Brain, the Soviets… to kill my son to avenge themselves upon me… But in all these years I’ve found no evidence to support that, and so I let it go.
“When Dr. Swastika recently resurfaced, and was discovered to have been alive all these decades, and with access to classified information... well, I’ve spent more than a few sleepless nights. But son, even if I wanted to re-open those old wounds, there is no evidence of foul play and never has been. Even now, the Odyssey Club is attacked not by an old enemy, but by a close family member.”
Lancaster turned and quietly put the old photo away. (continued below)
Slingshot was flabbergasted. "Oh my god.." He looked at Nanite and said, "Are you ok with this?"
“I am,” said Nanite hesitantly. “Are you?”
"I'm ok with this too." Slingshot replied, still astonished with the whole idea, "I'm not sure I want to make this a circus, but I'm not sure we should keep this to ourselves either."
Nanite said, “I agree. Um… Doc and Shelley?”
“And Hal?” added Slingshot. Then: “Holy crap, I'm going to be a daddy?”
“You’re going to be great!” said Nanite with a hug. (continued below)
Soldier couldn’t contain his anger any longer. “Father, I’m not sure what the hell’s going on, but I will find out. I saw a true patriot, a man I would have been proud to have served with, give it all up, because he’d given up on the dream. Whatever happened to him, whatever he’d seen, it was enough for him to give up on America. I want you to know this, whatever that was, I’m going to find out what it was, and put a stop to it. And if you’re involved in it, I’ll take you down too.”
General Steele was stunned… speechless. Before he could reply, Matt turned and left, slamming the door behind him. Matt had never spoken to his father that way before, and you know what? It felt good. (continued below)
Symbiote gave a stern warning to Gadget Girl. The ingénue of invention purred, “Hotness, you got me all wrong. Check out the sweet alts I made to your rig. We’d make a great team. Put in a good word for me, willya? You know I didn’t mean anything by it,” she smiled.
Hal ran a full diagnostic on the Harness. Gadget Girl modified the telemetry to be able to access and activate previously stored data (like Mother Russia’s super strength). It was a jury rig executed in the field and wouldn’t last much longer, but it was impressive work. Hal installs old school safes for the Harness.
Hal gives “Zephyr” his blessing and turns her over to the tender mercies of Sgt. Stone.
Symbiote and Sentinel go out to dinner and the topic of Shelley’s new project comes up. Sentinel said: “I know you’re giving your support to Shelly. And that knowing her, she’d do this with or without it anyway, but Hal, really, how are you handling all this?” (Sentinel is still unaware of Nanite’s pregnancy)
Later Hal, Shelley, their father, and Kirk visit with prisoner Hank Archer at Riker’s Island Prison. He is weary but happy to have visitors, especially his old partner.
Kirk secretly scans Hank’s mind and finds faint shadows there that remind him of the Black Bat!
(continued below)
Talon raised an eyebrow at Mother Russia's offer of a drink. "I believe we were getting ready to run these clowns off so we can enjoy a night out together." Adam cut his eyes at the men questioning Mother Russia then took the drink from her with a smile.
The next day, Talon saw Mother Russia in the CHESS offices below Vanguard Vault, escorted by CHESSmen. More de-briefing. She smiled at Talon as they passed. (continued below)
All of Vanguard convened for a team meeting at the Vanguard Vault! Around a circular table each member was seated in a chair engraved with their symbol. Director Grey, Agent Drake and Doc Rocket were in attendance. After warm greetings and friendly small talk, this mighty assemblage was called to order! Sentinel, Vanguard’s leader, laid out the issues that must be addressed by this great gathering!
1) Two new members are introduced by Director Grey! Zephyr is the first. With her permission, Zephyr is revealed to be Hal’s sister, Shelley Harper! Hal stands and speaks tells of her actions against Gadget Girl, in the Lost Lands and the Digital Zone. Hal sponsors her for membership. In what is usually a formality, a vote is called. (Replies if any? And how do you vote?)
2) The second member is the mysterious Menagerie who is introduced to everyone in the room. Menagerie can sense the same disturbance of the Natural Order echoes that he felt around Pachyderm around most of these people.
Grey is his sponsor and tells of his actions against Pachyderm and Snow Leopard in Canada (see last story arc). In what is usually a formality, a vote is called. (Replies if any? And how do you vote?)
3) Everyone has the opportunity to relate their individual adventures. (Does anyone elect not to?)
During this segment, Grey says, “I imagine yer all wondering who our new house guests are?” He then releases the classified report about how they escaped from the USSR. The Soviets had proposed a trade: Clone’s family in exchange for one of his Clones. Grey’s superiors were open to the exchange if Clone was, and he said he was. Doc Rocket hypnotized Clone in an attempt to prevent any brainwashing by the Soviets. In effect, CHESS would be placing a double agent into the Soviet Super Soldiers. “But it didn’t go down that way,” said Grey.
Because the duplicate would carry all his memories, Clone was kept in the dark about much of the mission in case the Soviets broke him. Grey excluded Vanguard because he didn’t want to create an international incident, or spook the Soviets and botch the trade. The Soviets proved less shy.
(Replies to this, or to any other adventures from last arc that are shared?)
4) When Slingshot’s adventures are shared, he and Sentinel propose different systems to identify each other beyond Vanguard ID and communicators, to prevent impersonation. (see last issues)
(Replies? Opinions?)
5) Sentinel asks: “Scott, from our known list of known wanted actives at large, I’d also conclude your enemy was Skin Deep, but do you have any other evidence or reasoning to know it was her and not some new foe? Does the Chess file show any documentation of Skin Deep being able to duplicate the abilities as well as the appearance of others?”
Drake said that they did not, and added: “But we don’t have much on that one.” (Replies if any?)
6) Avatar related his epic tale to them. At its end, he recited the Prophecy of Otom the Seer, which had haunted his dreams since its utterance: “If you are to remain Avatar, then have a care. They can see you now, as I could. They will come to you, as I did. They will attempt to wrest from you the power of the Olympians and wield it to break the World….
The greatest enemy of the Avatar… Your greatest Enemy… is coming for you at last…
Gather what armies you have… make ready what preparations you can…
The Final Battle will soon be upon you!”
Avatar seeks the counsel of Vanguard and asks for their assistance when the time comes.
Sentinel replied: “Whatever may come, you have my personal support and assistance; whatever you need me to do, I’ll be here for you, and I say the beginnings of your army stand before you today here and now, what say you Vanguard?” (Replies? Ideas? Plans? Actions if any?)
7) As thoughts were shared and weighed, Sentinel said: “John… speak to Oracle about this. She’s the only one on our ‘allies list’ that may provide some insight… And I know that her power didn’t sit well with many of us,” and as Kirk said this his head subconsciously looked toward the vacant place previously occupied by Forester, “but even if she doesn’t know anything about it, making her aware of what you know may trigger one of her visions that might help you to understand and prepare for what lies ahead.”
(Replies if any?)
8) Open floor. (Any other topics that anyone wants to discuss?
Last call to wrap up loose ends as much as possible before I launch the next story arc. Thanks!)
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Have fun!
Viva Vanguard,
Jeff
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Menagerie:
Yes, Menagerie will share his adventure with others, if asked.
Jeff, you did a fantastic job running all these stories at the same time. They also read well as a single story when combined. I did that for Menagerie, at first just to figure out my next turn's actions, then keep it going because it was so wonderful.
Thanks
Tom
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Soldier:
Soldier, votes yeah to both new members and welcomes them to the group. He tells them, that while he's one of the newer members himself, if they've got any questions he can answer, he's more than glad to do so. When the opportunity presents itself, he tells the group he'd like to speak with everyone but Zephyr and Menagerie in private. Once everyone but the senior members of the Vangaurd have departed, he tells the group of his recent mission to Venezuela, and about the CHESS tech he saw in the hands of the rebels. He then states that he firmly believes that there's a traitor somewhere in CHESS, and explains that he's going to start using his government contacts to see if he can find out exactly what's been going on. He also explains that he doesn't trust his father, as he's hiding something. He'd like for his comments to stay restricted to the group, as not to tip his hand. He'd also like for eveyone to keep their eyes and ears open for any stange reports or unusal activity.
OOC: I'll be going out of town for three weeks (my National Guard duty for this Summer), and won't have internet access. Feel free to run soldier as an NPC to keep any storylines moving along.
Run Soldier as you see fit, if it would speed the game up. As far as his actions go, he'll do whatever the group needs him to do, as well as starting research on what his father has been up to, and any irregularities in CHESS activities for the last few years. He'll also get working on getting his new system upgrades, and giving them a work out during training sessions. If anyone else wishes to join him in the workouts, they should feel free.
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Sentinel:
OOC:
Hi Jeff.
Will try to reply quickly ... and Grey's total forthrightness took some heat out of any discussion. Wasn't expecting it. Good for him. He's even more of a straight shooter than I took him to be.
The one thing I need clarification on is this section:
4) When Slingshot’s adventures are shared, he and Sentinel propose different systems to identify each other beyond Vanguard ID and communicators, to prevent impersonation. (see last issues)
(Replies? Opinions?)
I have absolutely no idea what Slingshot had proposed. Kirk had welcomed the input too, but I really didn't know this was brought up already by Slingshot. Perhaps it got lost in all my saved emails last week and accidentally deleted. Can you send his comments on it so I know what he had said. Thanks.
Enjoyed the 'full issue' ... and I knew Archer didn't go off the deep end on his own!!!
Kirk's stuff to follow.
Enjoy the weekend all.
Seth
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Avatar:
1) John votes in the affirmative for Shelley. He figures that she might as well be part of the group officially because she’d just be following along, anyway. Get her the training and keep her well-equipped and go with it.
2) John votes in the affirmative for Menagerie. While he knows little about him, more people and more powers, to a limit, seem a good thing. There’s very little ground that Vanguard doesn’t cover through one member or another at this point.
3) John relates his entire story with no embellishments and as objectively as possible. He’s still struggling with the apparent fact that Greek mythology isn’t myth and that he’s actually truly some sort of avatar. This apparent truth, combined with Otom’s revelations, troubles him greatly. He’s not so sure that he’s up to this whole “epic hero” thing.
RE: Grey and Clone’s story: John shrugs at this. While he has concerns, his own focus is on Otom’s revelations.
4) John suggests some secret passwords, hand signs, challenges and responses, etc. for this purpose. He suggests that Hal might be a good one to come up with a fairly basic system that might be secure. Changing of parts of the system based on situations or dates or something might be appropriate.
5) John has nothing to say in regard to this.
6) Nothing to say here until and unless someone responds.
7) John will go at the earliest opportunity and consult with Oracle, relating the whole experience with Otom.
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Slingshot:
OOC: Slingshot's proposals was to have nonsensical phrases to identify each other, especially in a situation where we would have two Slingshots in the same room hand we needed to identify one as being the right person.I guess I didn't do a reply-all on that email. Ooops.
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Menagerie:
After the vote, when Menagerie is asked to leave so the senior members of Vanguard can talk he will walk around the Vanguard Vault. Not really looking for anything but just allowing his senses to get a feel for the place.
He won’t talk a lot with anyone he meets. While he won’t be rude, he is still very unsure of who he is and what he is doing. His mind is still trying to adapt to the concept that he is a collection of 5 deaths and the agent of Nature. This will cause him to give the vague kind of ‘druid’ talk about “Nature’s path and following it call”.
If he meets Talon he will approach to talk as see if there is commonality between them, like Menagerie enjoyed with Pachyderm and Snow Leopard.
If Sgt Stone still wears a uniform, Menagerie will feel a feint connection from his former life in the Park Ranger service.
If he meets Clone and Clone’s family, there is a possible connection between these caretakers of the land and animals (farmers) and him. If questioned about his origin and his beliefs on his creator he will answer “As a blade of grass cannot declare true knowledge of his creator nor can I … yet”
Thanks
Tom
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GM:
OOC:
Menagerie: My mistake. I should have called out that the defense works as per second edition. Thanks for the catch.
And thanks for the attachment! I was originally going to load the stories that way onto Vanguard Vault. I imagine/hope that’s what they’ll do when they collect the Wednesday Comics series. I even worked out titles for the stories, like “Who Weeps for Spider Girucci?” and “Date Night,” rather than the generic ones I used.
Kev: Have a great rest!
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Sentinel:
(1) Zephyr:
Kirk is pleasantly surprised that Hal offers full support (he thought he would get Shelly to at least run through some more basic training first) and certainly offers similar praise and support.
Assuming approval by the rest of Vanguard:
Kirk turns to Grey and says, “One question, if Shelly now considered officially on the Vanguard roll sheet, does that mean she is no longer in Chess employ? Or does she have some sort of dual status? We’ve never had a member transition over from official Chess employment before.”
(2) Menagerie
Kirk is happy to have another member in the fold and votes approval. If Grey approves, he figures whatever can be checked out has been. He appreciates Menagerie’s openness with the group which is refreshing for his someone of his power set and background.
After the formal welcome with the group, Kirk would approach Menagerie one on one to offer assistance in his getting settled in, getting to know personalities, Chess personnel and anything else he needs; even if its just an ear to listen since he, like many of Vanguard, is still learning to deal with exactly who he is.
Kirk also offers the following, “I absolutely appreciate your respect for life beyond just humankind. And the need for humankind to work with respect to the life around them … for mankind to reach their potential, that is a lesson they need to learn. The Primate wanted a respect for animal kind that he hypocritically didn’t give himself … using much of the animal kingdom as fodder in his quest for power. It was reprehensible. I’m very glad we’ll have you at our side should something threaten nature as it did then.
Let me know Kirk’s energy read and perception of Menagerie. Thanks.
(3) Clone
Kirk says nothing more at the meeting at this point, but after the meeting will approach Grey in his office privately for a conversation.
“Grey, we need to talk. I totally respect you. You are the reason that Vanguard exists today. We rely on your experience and expertise to guide us through much of what we don’t know yet and to keep us focused on the bigger things that need our attention. I would never show a lack of respect for you with the rest of the team … but the way you handled the Clone situation can’t be your MO any longer.
From the day that we finished our first mission you’ve been pushing me, telling me that the team needed a leader. It appears that the men comprising this team today agreed with you and whether its “coordinator or leader” I’ve been chosen for that role by them… and I agreed to it.
It’s my responsibility to look out for them now … beyond even that of just being a caring teammate as I would have done anyway. I can’t express how seriously I take that. You simply cannot cut me out of the loop like you did with Clone any longer.
Alex is one of us. He deserved our support and our input that day. Some of us had already vowed to help to free his family. We should have been there. Even if it was just secondary support to be called in if something went wrong. We should have been told. Alex should have had us there. And maybe with our support, even if just moral support, knowing his teammates were there and had his back, perhaps the exchange would have gone the way you really wanted it to go.
You saw something in me from day one Grey. You’ve had my respect from day one because the man I respect more than anyone else on the planet said you deserved it. And in my eyes, all of your actions since have confirmed that you did deserve it. But if you want whatever you saw in me to grow, a mutual respect is needed now.
No more black ops with my men. You need to keep me in the loop. And if you have some concerns over doing that, then I guess it’s time you lay them out to me so we can address them.”
Kirk waited for Grey’s reply meeting his eyes knowing Grey was making an estimation of him … and not wanting to be found wanting.
(OOC more to follow: Kirk will still need to have a discussion with Clone regarding things and possibly about something else brought up just a few paragraphs down…)
(4) Slingshot
Upon hearing what Slingshot suggested, Kirk recommends the systems complimenting one another. Slingshot’s suggestion would likely be much more practical in the field on a mission or in a battle, while Kirk’s suggestions could be used as a follow-up to try to catch a more clandestine infiltration done secretively and perhaps meant to be a mole over time.
Sentinel:
When Kirk asked about the Odyssey Club, Lancaster said, “Son, when the government turned on her heroes in the 1950’s, many of us were not ready to give up the good fight. So we went underground. The Odyssey Club was the front organization of that secret brotherhood of heroes. As it had organized exceptional men and women in the 1930s, so it continued to do so until superheroes returned to the public view, and government’s good graces, in the early 1980’s.
“I knew it! I had my suspicions about something like this. The League and men and women like them simply couldn’t give up the good fight… they might as well have been told to stop breathing.”
Lancaster opened a locked shelf and produced an old framed photo from the Odyssey Club that was not hung on their walls. It showed Lancaster circa 1980; Miles Hudson, hale, healthy and happy; Sgt. Stone with an uncharacteristic grin; Miss Liberty, older than Sentinel’s recollection from WWII photos; Doc Rocket with a manic shock of dark hair; Edward Thistlewait; and Kirk’s father who looked exactly like Kirk does now; all in their civilian clothing in the garden behind the Club. Lancaster smiled at the memories. “We swore secrecy, and wore the Odyssey Club ring showing the all-seeing eye of justice from which none could escape.”
Kirk smiled at the photo seeing them all as they were.
“I had thought that Miles turned on all of you back in the 50’s. Was there reconciliation for a time? Or did I misunderstand?”
“So what became the purpose of the Odyssey Club since the heroes return in the 80’s? Even though heroes became in vogue again, your generation’s voice remained silent … forgotten by most. And what about those rings today … what are their significance among the members?”
“I confess I am concerned that she was able to sow doubt within you. I have long trained your mind, Kirk. But none can train your heart. This was the first time you faced an extranormal alone. Your resolve will be tested again and again. I’m confident you’ll continue to be steadfast in the face of adversity, son.”
“My heart is complete with my mind in what you’ve taught me. I believe with all my being in what we do. I fear my experiences since taking up this mantle have me extra cautious. Shakespeare said ‘truth is truth to the end of reckoning.’ But with Vanguard at every step we’ve seen we need to question where the reckoning ends and the truth stands forth. In our first adventure we discovered that our perceptions of the world had been false, guided by Swastika pulling the strings for years… the damage he did to all of us. Following that we faced the Black Bat, who could also control the actions of his opponents, and found out about Skin Deep, who could assume the form of anyone. When the Primate struck, all of Vanguard lived an alternate life that spanned months and felt as real to all of us, to me, as this discussion we’re having today. When we recently fought the Entity we found out that one of the Freedom Force’s finest was actually planted here along with Nanite as his attempt to secure entry into our world… I’ve been given good reason to always question everything I see and have been told.
But one thing I will never question is who you are at heart and the course that you’ve shown me as the right way.
“When Dr. Swastika recently resurfaced, and was discovered to have been alive all these decades, and with access to classified information... well, I’ve spent more than a few sleepless nights. But son, even if I wanted to re-open those old wounds, there is no evidence of foul play and never has been. Even now, the Odyssey Club is attacked not by an old enemy, but by a close family member.”
Lancaster turned and quietly put the old photo away. (continued below)
I think my mind has shielded me by avoiding revisiting the subject of my parents, both their life and death. The photos make me want to know more … and the fact that Swastika was so close to them and to you disturbs me to no end. But with everything else happening, perhaps that’s a discussion for another day.
I need to talk to you about this gut feeling I have about Swastika. I haven’t voiced it to anyone else but think I need to discuss it with our new ally Clone to see if his personal knowledge might assist. When we began to review the files about the Soviet heroes behind them all seemed to be a mastermind dating back to your time period and seemed to be behind their super-powered program. He was called Dr X. I can’t help feeling, if Swastika could perform long-term control of bodies, wouldn’t it make sense if he was involved with the world power of Germany and involved in our own government secretly, that he would establish the same sort of power base, perhaps an even more overt one there in Russia, our rivals? Could he have be the one guiding their superhuman program? It would have given him a prime opportunity to experiment with little questioning? It would have given him another power base if his other schemes failed …
Kirk waiting to see what Lancaster thought of that possibility … or if he thought Kirk was now just becoming too paranoid.
(OOC: Couldn’t remember the name of the character and used Dr X. Please remind me and correct it in the official entry.)
Later Hal, Shelley, their father, and Kirk visit with prisoner Hank Archer at Riker’s Island Prison. He is weary but happy to have visitors, especially his old partner.
Kirk secretly scans Hank’s mind and finds faint shadows there that remind him of the Black Bat!
(continued below)
Kirk says nothing at that time although Hal may notice that Kirk seems even more agitated than appropriate. After departing the company of Shelley and their father he tells Hal that he needs to speak to him and Strike and that we all need to talk immediately.
Upon getting Strike and Symbiote together, Kirk tells Strike that they went to visit Hank and he followed up his suspicions and checked his mind and found “faint shadows that reminded him of the Black Bat!”
He waited for their response and wanted to discuss how they think it best to proceed at this time. (At the very least, if Strike wants to continue to pursue this on his own, Kirk wants to make Grey aware of things).
Once everyone but the senior members of the Vangaurd have departed, he tells the group of his recent mission to Venezuela, and about the CHESS tech he saw in the hands of the rebels. He then states that he firmly believes that there's a traitor somewhere in CHESS, and explains that he's going to start using his government contacts to see if he can find out exactly what's been going on. He also explains that he doesn't trust his father, as he's hiding something.
Not sure if Grey is included at this time in the above but since security with Chess has been amped up since the whole Swastika affair, Kirk couldn’t help but wonder if this is more of someone with sympathetic leanings towards the cause. Perhaps he could make some inquiries along those lines. If Grey is included, there is the possibility of trying to follow the electronic trail of the weapons … perhaps they would figure out a way for Ajay to try to trace where those type of weapons were lost or stolen along the way and see who was close enough to have helped to arrange it. Again, it would all depend on who he wants to trust here to assist in his investigation.
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Menagerie:
Menagerie thanks Kirk for his kindness and “yes, there are a few things that I do need help with.”
Is Menagerie entitled to private quarters? If yes, he will set it up like a den (think bear or wolf).
Can he have a cat as a pet? He would like to have one living in his quarters, are there any objections?
He will ask if Kirk would work with CHESS to make sure that Park Ranger Frank Donovan’s death has been recorded with the proper authorities and any family has been notified.
“Are there any regular duties he is required to perform? Security Monitor watch, training exercises, or patrols?”
Let me know Menagerie’s nature sense read and perception of Kirk.
Thanks
Tom
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Symbiote:
OK, let's dive right in...
1) The Guile of Gadget Girl: Symbiote is shocked by the changes GG made in the Harper Harness. He'd always had the impression that the vivacious villain was little more than a talented tinkerer. To have made these changes in the harness....remarkable! Hal will speak to the CHESS Castle staff, making sure that she is NOT assigned to work with anything mechanical in prison (ever notice how in golden age/early silver age Superman comics the prison warden would always let Lex Luthor work in the machine shop and invariably Lex would create some gadget or weapon that helped him escape? Hal's trying to avoid this).
At the same time, if she's really this brilliant...Hal would love to see her reformed. He'll research her background, stay in contact with her institutional parole officer, see what rehabilitative programs she participates in. If he could get her out and working at something productive he'd love it. Hal may even visit her in prison once Jeff let's me know what biographical information we have on her.
In the meantime--storage capacity for the Harness! Awesome! Hal will immediately begin reverse engineering Gadget Girl's modifications with a computer simulation in an attempt to figure out how she did it and, almost as importantly, how to make it permanent! (OOC: A possible next level advancement! In the meantime, Jeff, if my memory serves this means the harness has the powers of Hyena, Slingshot, Clone, Morgue, Lightning Strike, Talon and Mother Russia stored in memory. If my list is off please let me know).
The new kids in town: Hal votes yes on both new applicants. He makes his standard offer to Menagerie to help study his powers, though with a magical power source he'll most likely be able to provide few answers.
Hank Archer in the Big House: Hal is glad to be able to visit Hank with his sister, father and Kirk (since all three of the heroes have a secret identity I guess we can give Dad a cover story that Kirk is a favored teaching assistant for Hal at the college, just along for the ride). Assuming Kirk reveals that he finds traces of the Black Bat's energy in his scan of Hank, Hal becomes unusually steely. "In that case, I vote we find the Bat. And I vote we beat his undead @%! until he confesses to controlling Hank."
Also, does Hal know Lightning Strike's identity? If so, Hal will quietly speak with the Voltage Vigilante. "Look, your private life is your business. He's your uncle, but he's also my dad's best friend. And he's hurting--very badly. If you were trying to protect him from Caine...well, I think it's too late for that now. Don't you think it's time you let the man know his nephew is alive?" (If Hal doesn't know who Strike is, just disregard).
Avatar's Adventure: Hal just shakes his head. Still a man of reason and science, a potential war with gods and creatures of Greek mythology was the last thing he expected to encounter in life. Still, after Morgue, the Black Bat, Oracle and other supernatural beings and events he'd encountered, Hal was ruling out nothing. He was prepared to stand with the Soldier of Fortune.
My Dinner with Sentinel: "Thanks Kirk, I'm handling it better than I thought I would," Hal says over a plate of linguini alfredo. "I can't say I'm all that wild about her joining 'the business," but I figure it's time to just stop fighting the inevitable. Plus there's no denying she's earned it. I do have a request, though: As field leader you may be required to split the team up occasionally, especially with as large as we've become. I request that you always put me and Shelly on separate teams. For one thing, it's just good tactics--I can't absorb her powers, better to have me with somebody who I can 'borrow' from. For another, I still have Big Brother Syndrome. I might find myself trying to protect her, second guessing her actions, and that wouldn't be good for anybody.
"As for times when we have to work together?" he says with a grin. "I guess I'll have to get lots of practice in keeping my big mouth shut." He'll also offer any help he can in the Odyssey Club investigation.
And Baby Makes Three (billion gigobytes): Hal and Scott step off the elevator one day, taking a walk to the genetics lab. Unfortunately, this also means walking through a peculiar gauntlet--Clone's family.
"I certainly want to respect your wishes, Scott, but there's a few things you and Nanite should be aware of," he says, as he holds up a laundry line strung across the hallway so both men can step under it.
"My first priority will be her health and the baby's, but you've got to understand, this is unprecedented. I've never run across anything like this, either as a physician or a scientist." Slingshot continues to listen but discreetly stretched out his arm, grabs a pooper-scooper shovel that had been installed along the hallway in the past week and discretely cleans up a goat dropping as the two men talk.
"First, I'd like to bring Sentinel in on this sooner rather than later. His energy sense could help us detect--anomalies--in the pregnancy, probably a lot faster than any conventional test and--uh-oh," Hal says, his train of thought sidetracked by the rapid approach of Tatyana, Clone's pretty-but-entirely-too-young sister. When Hal had given the family their new immigrant vaccinations Tatyana had managed to deduce that he was both single and a doctor. Every encounter with her since had been an exercise in embarrassed deflection of the determined young girl. As quickly but politely as possible, in the pigeon English most members of Clone's family seem to understand, Hal dissuades the girl though he does accept a gift from her--a basket of fresh turnips. How these people managed to grow turnips on the top levels of a skyscraper Hal would never understand.
"Also, we need to keep in mind," Hal started, but then paused when he saw Slingshot was in his own battle. Clone's babushka grandmother was trying to shove a spoon full of suspicious looking ghoulash in the Vulcanized Vigilante's mouth. Slingy was trying to politely decline but the elderly woman managed to slip the spoon in his mouth. Scott's eyes then widens with pleasure--it was actually quite tasty! He gratefully accepts a tupperware container of the stew and insists Hal try it as well.
The two men try to escape the area while they can. Hal continues. "We need to keep in mind--and I hate to even bring this up, Scott, but I feel I have to--that The Entity may be involved somehow," he says. "No parent wants to hear this sort of thing, but we can't rule out the idea that the baby may be a Trojan Horse of some sort, an entryway for him into our world. If that's the case...we're going to have hard decisions to make." (OOC: Any reactions from Slingy?).
That's all I have for now. Looking forward to battling Greek Demigods, The Black Bat, the Entity given corporeal form in our world, or whatever evil Jeff has for us next!
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
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Sentinel:
Loved the post Greg - especially the Slingshot baby/Clone family encounter!
For Menagerie interaction I'll make it quick since I'm nursing my coffee at 5:00am to get my awake to catch our cab at 6:30am to make our flight at 9:00am... and here I thought with a 9:00am flight we'd get to wake up at a decent time ...
"Most of the questions about quarters and such can be directed toward Grey. Although I'd have to think, he said with a smile, with the goat running around you'd get approval for a pet in your quarters. In all honesty although Vanguard is considered a separate entity from Chess officially thus far we've pretty much run under their lead and they handle the administrative things as well as 'monitor duty'. This allows Vanguard to pursue 'hero interests' while still giving us autonomy on decisions which was something of great concern when we formed right after Grey brought us together ... we didn't want to turn into a government super-powered militia. We wanted our choice decisions ... although I suppose with them financing our ops, I'm not sure how things would turn out if we declined a mission. Thankfully Grey hasn't given us anything we wouldn't do anyway."
Kirk introduces him to Ajay and their IT support team to assist with his inquiry about Park Ranger Frank Donavan's death. He notices Kirk interacting with them and the computer systems with unusual ease and gets the idea that Kirk could have easily checked all the info himself but was using this as an opportunity for Menagerie to get to know Chess staff. As they are walking through the halls Kirk is friendly with passing Chess employees, knowing many of them by name. If they run into any of the Knights he introduces them and speaks highly of them afterward to him.
On the training, Kirk suggest that Matt/Soldier has been coordinating things and that since his coming regular workouts in general and well as a team have become more organized and suggests that his joining them would be a great idea.
Seth
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Hey guys,
fyi, Denny/Talon is forced to skip this turn. His new job has eaten into his free time. He hopes to have it sorted out by next ish. Talon, loner that he is, probably high tails it to the wilderness for a spell and misses the team meeting. Or maybe he dozes through it. Denny can fill us in later. ;)
OOC Replies:
Sentinel, the leader of the Soviet Program to create/recruit extranormals is Doctor X.
Symbiote, I think Strike’s identity is a secret even to Vanguard. Tony, please correct me if I’m wrong.
Symbiote: your telemetry list is accurate. Please note you could only absorb some of Morgue’s powers because of his supernatural nature. Whereas, Hyena could be copied. His origin was Supernatural but the lycanthropic condition affected his DNA, which the Harper Harness can sample.
Best,
Jeff
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Lightning Strike:
Strike's identity is not public knowledge for Vanguard and he values it a lot. More post to follow.
Thanks,
Tony
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Clone:
CLONE’S IC RESPONSE
PT.1 Clone is no stranger to keeping his mouth shut and telling government officials what ever it is they want to hear just to keep from becoming a target . . . and the debriefing with Director Grey is no different in his eyes. When Grey makes his speech about what went down ( from his perspective ) in Berlin, Clone just nods his head and says in a monotone voice, “Da . . . what Comrade Grey is saying of me is true . . . I am cause of all of mission failure. It is good of Comrade Grey to be keeping all of things in dark and to be washing my brain. For these things I am firm believer of America. I am thanking you for all that is happened comrade.” He then nods humbly at Grey without making direct eye contact and for the rest of the meeting keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself. The only time he even looks up from the table in front of him is to occasionally make eye contact with Sentinel. After the ‘debrief’ concludes he tries to make himself as available to Sentinel as possible. He hopes that his repeated eye contact with him during the meeting was subtle enough as to not arouse any suspicion in Grey and yet obvious even where Sentinel picked up on the fact that he wants to talk to him privately.
PT.2 Assuming that Clone and Sentinel get the opportunity to speak privately ( or the group has a chance to speak privately; without Grey, as Soldier suggests ) he’ll relate the following to him / them: - ( With regards to Doctor X ) “I am not knowing of this name Doctor X before meeting at Berlin ( note: I’m assuming he doesn’t – if I’m wrong about that Jeff just add in what ever Clone does know about him ). Hammer and Sickle are to be making me think that he is of much power and authority. When it was that Hammer was wanting to kill me, his sister was to making him remember of this Doctor X not wanting me to be killed, so Hammer was changing his mind. What is most strange of this is that if Hammer was to be killing of me, his sister was to be being killed as well . . . this is thing that is making me to start to thinking . . . why is the importance of my life more greater to a brother then the life of his sister? What is this Doctor X wanting of me do you think comrade(s)?” -
( With regards to Clone’s saga ) He’ll relate the whole tale from start to finish – he’ll even add in the details of what was going through his mind at the time of it all – step by step. -
( With regards to Clone’s thoughts on Grey ) When it comes to discussing Grey, Clones makes no attempt to hide the fact that he doesn’t trust him – in fact his mistrust of him is more then evident. “I am of much great concern with Director Grey. His words before were not all true, of this I am certain. He was to be saying before that he is having ‘classified report of escape’, but this is meaning to me that this report is how you say ‘official’. He is telling to me before we are going to Berlin that this is to be going on ‘through unofficial channels’, he is making me promise to remember this. He was again telling me that only he, Drake, Doc and of course me were to only be knowing of this arrangement . . . so how is there to be being an official report on such things?”
“He was also telling me of his plan to having my brain to be washed by Doc, and wanting much the chance to have ‘mole’, as he is saying, inside of Soviet Government – why is he then telling us that I am not remembering of such things? Although I am not knowing of what it is that Doc is doing to my brain, I am knowing that he is doing it.” “This Grey is very great liar comrade(s) . . . if he is not . . . then I am Tsar of all of Russia’s! This is logical conclusion I am thinking, it is like . . . how do you say . . . like shooting monkeys in barrel.” “I am thinking too maybe that he is involved in this story of Soldier’s – Grey is CHESS, and so are weapons that are being found by Soldier – there are many connects to be seeing comrade(s).
PT.3 At some point Clone would also like to ask Sentinel to see if he can scan his mind and pick up anything that Doc may have put in there. I’m guessing that he won’t find anything, but I figure it can’t hurt to try or ask. He’s also concerned at speaking with the group that maybe Doctor X, the Soviets, or God knows who, may have messed with the minds of his family – he would like them checked as well. He explains that he loves them very much, but knows that the possibility exists that someone may have messed with their heads before handing them over. Considering his feelings about Grey, and his concern over the possible mental manipulation of family, that the exchange may have just been a set up and that the real exchange actually did take place and that getting Clone’s family into the United States was the real plan of this Doctor X all along.
( OOC: In case I haven’t made it obvious enough yet – given his background and history with the Soviets - Clone is somewhat paranoid and always looking out for how he might be getting screwed. I know far too many off-the-boat Russians, Georgians, Romanians, etc . . . to know that a lot of the people that grew up in the former Soviet Union actually think like this. Besides . . . Clone has been watching a lot of American day-time soap opera’s lately and they’ve been perverting his innocent little mind lol )
PT.4 With regards to Avatars IC Response Clone says / does the following: -
( With regards to secret identification ) Clone isn’t sure how to respond to this and just sits back as the other members of Vanguard discuss it. -
( With regards to future assistance ) “I am always to be helping you comrade.”
PT.5 As the meeting concludes, Clone looks up at the clock on the wall and an expression of excitement flashes across his pale featureless face,”OH! This is very much of good timing comrade(s)! The true wonder of all great American television is to be on soon - Rachael Ray! She is to be talking to us of most wonderful of recipes of peanut butter!” Through a huge toothy smile he continues,”Are you wishing to join with me in watching this comrade(s)?” Regardless of the response Clone says, “I am very much excited about this – it is most wonderful of thing that I am always wondering about since I have come to be in America.” Before he runs off to put on the TV he splits into two Clones, they do a ‘fist bump with fireworks’ as Clone #1 explains with a smile, “I am learning so much since I am being here!”
CLONE’S OOC RESPONSE
VOTING - Clone votes yes for letting Menagerie and Zephyr into Vanguard.
REACH – Clone is definitely interested in continuing his support of REACH. If need be he’ll even break up into several duplicates to offer as much help to the program as he can. As far as he is concerned the program is a ‘win-win’ for everyone - he’s not only helping others, but he’s also learning about his new country, the social habits and norms of the average American, and he gets to practice his English.
GREG – I absolutely LOVE the way you worked Clone’s family into that response – totally hilarious!! Just two corrections to it – Clone’s grandmother isn’t there , but his mother is – and – his sisters name is Katya – other then that, that whole thing had me in stitches – GREAT JOB! Love the turnips bit lol!
TOM – I was thinking about your animal transformation powers again this week for some reason – might have been my trip through Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week. You and Jeff seem to be working with larger more obvious predators – how about a smaller predator like a mongoose, a weasel, or even a ferret? They’re predators, and their small size and agility might come in very handy – sought of like an animal version of Size Change. A buddy of mine used to have ferrets and I can tell you first hand – if you drop one of them into a cluttered room and turn away for more then a second . . . hope you have a good half hour to kill looking for it lol. Just an idea I had . . .
Talk to you all soon,
-Kev
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Menagerie:
OOC: Thanks Kev, I really like this. Jeff, you have asked about storyline or plot developments to work in. Can this be worked into the story to coincide with Menagerie’s 3rd or 4th level advancement? I know you will need time to stat the new animal as well as integrate it into the story. I don’t have a preference between mongoose, a weasel, a ferret or any other choice of a predator of this size and type. Whatever works best for the story. Thanks Tom
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Slingshot:
New members: Slingshot votes in favor of Zephyr. He'll take the time to talk to her after the meeting is over to congratulate her and let her know that this turn of events didn't surprise him one bit. She has spunk and was instrumental in helping the team with The Entity. She'll be an awesome addition to the team. Slingshot is impressed by Menagerie's handling of Pachyderm. Having been on the receiving end of Pachyderm, he sees the value of Menagerie's talents in the team. (If Menagerie mentions this "disturbance" in the Natural Order to Slingshot (or anyone else) he would be willing to speak to him about it.)
Skin Deep: Scott answers Sentinel. He doesn't have any absolute assurances that this was Skin Deep, aside from the female form that seemed to come out of the misshapen form of his doppelganger. Even if it was to say it was Skin Deep, how would that assure us that it would be and not another mimic? We could go back to the site of the fight and see if there was any remnants of it left there so we could do a genetic analysis on that and possibly have something to start from next time we encounter her/him/it?
Avatar's War: Slingshot says impulsively: "You have my support." Then falls silent, while others pledge their assistance. He looks at Hal and Shelley. He will speak to Avatar after the meeting, "You have my support and assistance, but I have duty to one other which may supersede this one. I hope you'll understand."
While discussing the prophesy, Slingshot asks, "Do you have any information on these people? Anything we can do to prepare specifically?"
At the mention of Oracle, Scott cringes and says to Sentinel, "While that is an excellent idea, I'm not sure I would like to go through that particular experience again."
Soldier: "Understood, I'll keep an eye out on things".
As with most things, Scott relates that information to Nanite. "If there is a traitor in Vanguard, that could spell problem for you and the baby. I don't want to see you go. If there any chance that you can tap into the computer systems and the surveillance system to see if there's anything you can find about this? Don't tax yourself, but keep an eye out, just in case."
Hal and Scott: Scott listens to Hal while dodging Clone's family. He smirks at the girl's huntress attitude and when she moves on, he lets Hal know that he better be careful. She looks like a girl that gets what she wants. At his companion's chagrined faces, he laughs heartily. He will speak to Nanite regarding Sentinel. It is a good idea, but Scott wants Nanite to be comfortable anything regarding the birth. So she has last say.
At the mention of IT, he stops walking and looks at Hal with an intensity that the doctor never saw out of the big lug of a man. With utter seriousness, the pliable powerhouse says to his friend. "I know, but that's the sort of thing that can seriously mess up a child. Don't make this a self-fulfilling prophecy. Remember Nemesis. We all have choices in life. We all have had the choice to be a hero or a villain. We make that choice everyday. So will the child. As a friend, I ask you to be a hero for this child, I certainly plan to be."
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Lightning Strike:
First of all, Strike will vote for both new members.
Strike will describe to everyone how he saved Silas Caine.
Strike also believes that Sentinel is on to something in that his uncle may not have been responsible for his actions and certainly Black Bat has the capabilities of influincing him and has tried to use us in the past to go after Caine. It is time to find out why Black Bat wants Caine out of the picture. It must be more than simply an underworld takeover because Bat's aspirations were always greater than that. Strike would dig even deeper to see if there is any way to determine if Caine is using the occult in any way to get what he wants. This may be the tie in to Black Bat.
Thanks, Tony
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GM:
Hi guys, Here’s the remainder of the outstanding NPC replies and info I owe you guys for Issue 118:
OOC:
Menagerie, Sgt Stone doesn’t wear a uniform. Kev’s mongoose/ferret idea sounds great. If I can work it in, I will. But if I can’t fit it in the next adventure, we can explore it in the next downtime period so you can do it with your advancement.
Soldier: Did you include Grey in the conversation with Vanguard about the Patriot? Thanks.
Clone: Alexi had heard of Doctor X, but never met him. He was said to be the brilliant head of the Program. Doctor X would confer with Soviet Super Soldier leader, the Siberian. Sorry for the lack of clarity.
IC:
Soldier will start researching what his father has been up to, and any irregularities in CHESS activities for the last few years. He'll also get working on new system upgrades, and giving them a work out during training sessions.
Avatar prepares to fly to Greece to consult with Oracle.
Menagerie and Zephyr are accepted as new members of Vanguard.
Grey answered Sentinel’s question before the gathered heroes of Vanguard: “Shelley has a secret identity, and a day job, as a CHESS scientist as long as she wants it.”
Menagerie is entitled to private quarters. He can keep a cat in the building as far as CHESS is concerned. Security monitoring is handled by CHESS and automated systems. There are regular team meetings, training exercises and, I would imagine, city patrols but that’s up to Vanguard.
Fyi, Vanguard’s CHESS Liaisons are Director Grey himself, Agent Sam Drake, Sgt. Stone and Doc Rocket. The last two will work closely with Vanguard in an unofficial, advisory capacity. A modest salary, board, excellent health care benefits, 401k and paid vacation days are outlined. Wrist communicators are given to each member of Vanguard. They transmit scrambled, secure messages on several CHESS frequencies. Tracking transponders can be activated by the wearer. An Identification Card, connecting the hero to Vanguard and CHESS, is given to each member.
Menagerie detected nothing out of the ordinary with Sentinel via his Nature Sense.
Symbiote learns that Gadget Girl’s secret identity is unknown. He begins to reverse engineer her modifications with a computer simulation in an attempt to figure out how she did it and, almost as importantly, how to make it permanent!
Sentinel scans the surface thoughts of Clone and his family and finds nothing out of the ordinary. The novice telepath cannot scan deeper than that.
Zephyr is honored and humbled to be accepted unanimously. She replies gratefully to everyone’s kind words of support. When Clone fist bumps himself she laughs and joins him to watch Rachel Ray. Later, she’ll work with Hal to get the bugs out of her wind suit. “Thanks big brother. For everything.”
Katya entered just then with a big bowl of turnip goulash. “Doctor Hal. I am not feeling well. Maybe you can doctor me, no?” Shelley said, “Gotta go,” and slipped out.
Slingshot and Sentinel go back to the construction site and collect a charred remnant from the doppelganger for genetic analysis.
At Slingshot’s request, Nanite will start monitoring the Vanguard Vault computer systems in search of a traitor!
Lightning Strike begins to dig even deeper to see if there is any way to determine if Caine is using the occult in any way to get what he wants. This may be the tie in to Black Bat.
Sentinel reads Menagerie as an extranormal with an energy trace he hasn’t encountered before. When Sentinel expressed his unhappiness to Grey about the confidentiality surrounding the extraction of Clone’s family, Grey said: “Yer not all wrong, kid. But some things will be above yer security clearance, and Vanguard’s. I can’t say it won’t happen again. But I’ll try to find a better solution next time. Sorry.” Grey held out his hand.
Sentinel said to his grandfather: “I had thought that Miles turned on all of you back in the 50’s. Was there reconciliation for a time? Or did I misunderstand?”
Lancaster smiled sadly at the photo. “It’s not always that simple, son. We’d worked side by side for a long time… in some of the worst conditions imaginable. 25 years was a long time to hold a grudge, even for me. This photo was taken on an anniversary. We tried to patch things up… but it didn’t take. I know why now of course.”
Sentinel asked: “So what became the purpose of the Odyssey Club since the heroes return in the 80’s? Even though heroes became in vogue again, your generation’s voice remained silent … forgotten by most. And what about those rings today … what are their significance among the members?”
Lancaster said, “The purpose of the Odyssey Club and her rings are one and the same now for me, I expect: nostalgia. My generation had its moment. The future belongs to yours now.” Regarding Kirk’s theory surrounding Doctor’s X and Swastika, Lancaster said: “It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. At my age, I don’t know what’s worse: imagining my enemies are behind everything, or imagining they are behind nothing.”
(OOC: Replies/ Actions, if any? Then head over to Issue 119!)
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Sentinel:
Grey held out his hand. Kirk thought for a moment and understood. He had forgotten; seeing Grey as the ultimate authority and forgetting that he has protocols to follow and answers to the chain of command. Kirk had tried to ‘play nice’ regarding all that. It was a concern of the heroes from the beginning. He got the feeling that perhaps Grey was shielding Vanguard from more than they knew. Kirk shook Grey’s hand and said, “I’d forgotten the chain of command, but I do understand now. I know you’ll do your best to keep me in the loop as you can… but if and when something like this happens again, I’ll be back at your door. But in working towards future coordination and perhaps making it easier on you, what can I do to gain trust to work towards a better security clearance so I can protect Vanguard better?”
Regarding Kirk’s theory surrounding Doctor’s X and Swastika, Lancaster said: “It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. At my age, I don’t know what’s worse: imagining my enemies are behind everything, or imagining they are behind nothing.”
Kirk laughed lightly at that and replied, “So imagine how I feel doing it my age. Sometimes I think I’m looking to find Swastika crawling out from under every rock we encounter.” And he paused and added “ Thanks for being here old man.”
Kirk takes the opportunity to reach out to Clone knowing he is apprehensive about things: “Alexi, I’m overjoyed that you got your family out safely and sorry that we weren’t there to help you. Things shouldn’t have gone down the way they did. We should have been able to be there for you and for them. I can certainly see what you feel so strongly about Grey, and certainly from your perspective he’s given you reason. But I think Grey would have handled things differently if the choice was totally his own; I confronted him about this because I thought it was wrong. I hope that you’ll at least give Grey another chance. Grey brought us together and without him there would be no Vanguard today. I had similar concerns as first, questioning whether he could be trusted. And as a group, all of the heroes at the beginning were concerned that we wouldn’t become some sort of government controlled super-powered battalion. But the man I trust most in this world told me that Grey could be trusted. And frankly, in my time with him he has earned my trust based on his actions and overall treatment of us … and his history in general – the man has been there since the original Freedom Force came together. Naturally you need to figure out things for yourself, but one big difference between dealing with this government and its bureaucracy and your previous one, is that if you chose today to walk out those doors, you could do so freely. We are all here on a voluntary basis. Either way, I consider you a friend and as part of Vanguard or not, if I can help you, I’ll be here. And I hope in time I can earn your trust as a friend.”
Kirk continued, “I found no evidence of foul play with your family, but I really am a novice at the whole telepath thing. Hopefully your fears are non-founded. Actually, my concerns for them were the reverse. I think we need to work to get them safely relocated because I think with them staying here at the Tower they may become targets.”
On Doctor X: “It’s too bad you’ve had no personal contact with him,” and then Kirk added, “or perhaps not too bad for you. But was there any talk about him disappearing for great periods of time? Or his appearance changing? Were there any photos of him unmasked over the years so he could be seen aging over time? Or did no one actually know what he looked like? Did you ever hear things along those lines even if unsubstantiated?” (OOC: I suppose the Doctor X question would be more for Jeff at this point to fill in.)
If Alexi wanted to discuss anything further now or later Kirk would be available. He thanks him for all his help with REACH. Kirk joins Alexi and Zephyr for Rachel Ray and afterward introduces him to Guy Fieri and “Diners Drive Ins and Dives “and prepares for him to insist on a ‘road trip’. I think this handles all outstanding Kirk stuff on this issue. If I'm missing anything or anybody, let me know. Seth
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GM:
OOC: Hi Seth/Sentinel. Clone has never met Doctor X, but heard of him, usually in hushed tones. Clone has never seen a photo of him (and neither has CHESS). He would "go silent" from time to time, but whether he was travelling, deep in work or something else was never explained to Clone.
Best, Jeff
