All forty Dr. Changes and the Ring of Eon were gone.
Zephyr said in quiet astonishment, “What have we done?”
She looked at the shattered Digital Zone gate, the Datanaut suits, the dinosaur bones, and the impossibly aged wreckage of the Vanguard Vault. She looked at Hal, at Vanguard, and the defeated forms of Vanguard Omega.
“What are we going to become?”
Once contacted, CHESS swarmed in and secured the unconscious forms of Vanguard Omega, and the skeletal remains of Symbiote Omega. Lightning Strike Omega was not found!
CHESS Director Grey lit a cigar and looked at the Tyrannosaurus Maximus bones at the bottom of the three story annihilation sphere and said to Vanguard, “I’m sure there’s some perfectly logical explanation for all this.”
Two days later, Silas Caine announces his candidacy for President of the United States
As the richest man in the world, he is the quintessential job creator. And the oppression he’s faced from the federal government (i.e. Vanguard) with their warrantless invasion of his property (see Issue 53) have made him a powerful symbol of the dire need for smaller government. He immediately leapt to the top of the polls.
Soon after, Soldier requests an official leave of absence from Vanguard. “Gentlemen, it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you. Given the things we’ve learned in the Omegaverse, and Silas Caine’s announcement, there are questions that need answering… and I need to do it on my own,” he said, thinking of his father’s involvement. “I’ll remain in contact, and please alert me if you ever need my help,” he said glancing at his Vanguard communicator. I’ll always be proud of my service here, and of the name Vanguard,” he said with a solemn salute to the team. That night, the extended Vanguard family went out to send Matt off in style.
Later, Slingshot found himself looking at the small, black framed photo of Nanite, smiling, overcome with emotion, holding a swaddled baby. He looked up at the calendar. Three more months.
THREE MONTHS LATER…
Nanite woke up Slingshot in the middle of the night and nervously said, “I think I felt something.”
The luminescent clock read 01:12. Scott rubbed a bleary eye and muttered, “You mean… a burglar?”
Created by IT, the Entity as a living hybrid bridge between his Digital Zone and our flesh and blood one, Nanite was completely compatible with humanity, as her delicate condition can attest. She had been happy, healthy, nervous, tired and busy decorating a nursery in Vanguard Vault. She didn’t want to know the baby’s gender,
She turned on the light in their bedroom in Vanguard Vault, sat up and looked down at her full round belly. The sheets were soaking wet. “Scott. I… Oh my god. This is it. Get the stopwatch. We have to time them. See how far apart… OW!”
Scott’s grabbed the watch and remembered just…
THREE MONTHS EARLIER…
Slingshot was looking at the photo of Nanite and their baby when she walked in the room behind him. He absorbed the photo into his elastic epidermis, unable to bring himself to talk to her about it, about what he had learned of their future in the Omega-verse. Possible future, he kept telling himself.
“Scott,” she said, “with her hand on her six month pregnant stomach, “I… don’t know how to ask you this. It’s getting close. The baby is coming so soon.”
She paused to work up the guts.
“Scott,” she smiled hopefully. “Are you ever going to make an honest woman out of me?”
[reply, Slingshot]
Days later, Scott remembered, Talon quit Vanguard. Loner that he was, it didn’t come as a surprise. But it still hurt. “You wimps holler when you get in over your head now,” he smiled at Vanguard and flew out the hanger doors on the top of the Empire State Building and soared over the steel and concrete canyons of Manhattan
Not long after that, it was Zephyr’s turn. It felt like the team was coming apart. “Guys,” she gulped. “Becoming a member of Vanguard was a dream come true. I’m kind of a fangirl in case you hadn’t noticed. But after what I saw in the alternate future, how easily we changed, I mean… right up until this exact moment in their history, those guys… Vanguard Omega… were identical to us. How do you know that we…”
“It’s strange.” She said. “I feel ashamed of something I haven’t even done yet.”
“Guys, I’m not… I’m not as sure as I once was… Maybe we could be helping in other ways.” She said.
Zephyr resigned from Vanguard and spent more time with her father and brother, and working at REACH.
In these three months, the team spent more time apart than ever before.
Sentinel did some soul searching of his own with his grandfather, Lancaster, questioning everything, even his grandfather! They spoke telepathically in Lancaster Lancaster
“I think you need a break. I mean, when do you ever rest? Go on a date. Do they still call it that?” he smiled.
“Son, take some time off. Time for yourself. You’re spread so thin. Doing so much. Rest, re-energize and you’ll come back stronger for it. Stronger here too,” he said, touching Kirk’s chest, near his heart.
“When you come back, then we’ll talk about me coming out of retirement to help take on what passes for bad guys these days,” he smiled warmly, raising a fist in mock threat toward the evil of the world. “If you think this tired old man can be of service to you, then I’d be honored to help. I think it’s helped Clark (OOC: Doc Rocket) immeasurably to be around you young people. Aloysius too (OOC: Sgt. Stone), don’t let him fool you.
Now, yes, I still talk to my friends from the old days, Miles also… You know, you should visit him more often… But I wouldn’t call it a ‘network.’
“Don’t forget son, you’ve got a network. Vanguard. REACH. CHESS. Do you think I introduced you to Agent Grey by accident? And don’t forget all the people all over the world thankful that Vanguard exists.” He paused a long while to let that sink in.
“Use it. In the 40’s it was the spirit of people, the average person, that won that war. Use it. Use it to its maximum potential. You have more friends than you think. More fans than you can imagine. And I’m proud to count myself among their number.”
[Reply, Sentinel]
Menagerie said to Sentinel, “Yes, we have only traveled the path before us. What if we chose the path unseen?” (OOC: see the replies in last issue for the whole exchange)
Menagerie withdrew. He spent all his free time in meditation in his room or soaring about Vanguard Vault in Eagle form. Something had changed in the fight with Vanguard Omega. Maybe everything.
The T-Rex’s decision to join him was significant and the T-Rex's loss had affected him even more significantly. Towards the end of his meditation he realized he was searching for something. [OOC: cost one luck point]
In the shape of Owl, he flew from the Vault for Central Park , beneath the bright harvest moon.
He landed at the lake’s edge, inside the impossible forest that was surrounded by a mighty city, and took the shape of Earth’s deadliest predator, Man.
Nothing moved. And then something did.
Birds flocked to the moss laden willows that ringed the silent lake. There were thousand of them and they were not nocturnal.
Bubbles rose up from the center of the lake. Followed, miraculously, by a young woman in a white dress. She glowed from within with moonlight, and seemed to stand atop the water’s surface. Menagerie’s Nature Sense told him this was nothing short of an embodiment of the Natural Order itself.
The birds lowered their heads and one said, in the language of birds. “He comes, my lady.”
The Lady of the Lake looked at Menagerie and said, “Seeker. Questor. Defender of The Land. What questions do you have for me, at long last, Franklin Donovan?”
[Reply, Menagerie]
Avatar withdrew from Vanguard as well, exercising in the Vault’s Training Room. After a while Sgt. Stone approached him with an I-beam he had recovered from the damage caused by the annihilation sphere. Avatar looked up and Stone smiled. The two sparred. Avatar’s Sword of Ares vs. Stone’s iron bludgeon. It was one hell of a good time.Afterward, over a beer in an Irish bar on 30th street , Stone said, “Mind if I ask you a question, pretty boy?”Regardless of the answer, Stone continued, “Why the whole loner act? You’re a good looking guy. You seem to catch all the breaks. Why do you want to be left alone so badly?” the granite skinned monster asked. At that moment, Jon noticed the attention Stone garnered from the bar’s patrons. If Stone noticed anymore, he didn’t let on.“Doesn’t make any sense to me. I used ta think that whatever’s giving you your powers is making you, like, a… uh a god or something. Like maybe you can’t relate to normal human beings anymore. Being so different from them. Sure, you wanna save people. Help em. Like a god would or some greek hero or something. But when there’s no fight to be had, you just… shut down. Withdraw.“But now I wonder if those things aren’t just saving your batteries for when yer needed. To make you last longer or something. Now, you can tell me I’m crazy or something but, whaddayou think?” [Reply Avatar]Weeks later, the acquaintance that runs Jon’s antique bookstore for him, Nigel, contacts Jon to tell him he’s received an offer. A buying agent from Sotheby’s, representing an anonymous collector, wants to buy out Jon’s entire collection of books and antiquities.“He said, ‘Name your price,’” Nigel reported excitedly.[Reply Avatar]After Clone expunged the Clone Omega collective from him and Clone Omega joined Vanguard Omega in captivity, Clone also spent time away from Vanguard. Time with his family, with his church, with his Ukrainian community groups, with REACH.Curiously, Clone elected to change his costume to that of Clone Omega which raised a few eyebrows with CHESS. He also tried to find out more about Doctor X, whom he envisioned as some kind of Dr. Frankenstein. Clone felt drawn to him for some reason, perhaps because Doctor X might hold the key (or at least a few clues) to the origin of his powers and know how to make him look ‘normal’. Alex had no reason to believe that this might be the case.Clone’s security clearance was limited due to his country of origin, so he found little new in the CHESS files:Dr. X was the mysterious leader of the Soviet Union ’s extranormal science division called THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM is believed to detect, recruit, train, create and control all extranormals within the empire’s borders, in order to achieve an extranormal balance of power with the West.Since Clone, Mother Russia, and Polar Bear defected to America, Cosmonaut was lost to the Digital Zone, Echo was presumed killed in the Lost Lands, Shatter has gone missing, and Accelerator and the Siberian had been imprisoned in CHESS Castle, THE PROGRAM desperately needed to fill the ranks of the Soviet Super Soldiers, hence the attempt to trade a Clone for Alex’s family.Hammer and Sickle were now the leaders of the Super Soldiers. A new Siberian and Cosmonaut have been sighted inside the USSR There are said to be more new members, but there are no details. There were more files on Dr. X himself, but they were marked CLASSIFIED. If wanted to learn more, Clone would have to request temporary, limited access from CHESS. Which meant Director Grey. Someone he’d been avoiding since his family escaped from behind the Iron Curtain that night in Berlin 
[Replies/ Action, Clone]Symbiote threw himself into his labs, working hours that made even Shelly and Doc Rocket a little nervous. He helped in rebuilding of Vanguard Vault, increasing security on a new Digital Zone portal. He worked closely with Slingshot and Nanite on their pregnancy, if only to monitor the security risk their baby might pose.Symbiote and Sentinel went to CHESS Castle “Transferred,” said Sorikawa, a female CHESS Knight they remembered from the attempted breakout of the Primate from CHESS Castle “Got the requisition form…. Here,” she said as he brought the data up for them on a monitor mounted on the forearm of her powered armor. “All by the book.” Hal and Kirk scanned the information and saw that they had been turned over to a government agency they’d never heard of before: MEDUSA.“Military Espionage Defense United States of America “If I remember correctly,” Grey said, looking at the ceiling to recall, “MEDUSA detected “increased interface of our dimensional plane from potential threats indigenous to hypothesized alternate realities” or some damn thing and practically wet themselves when they heard we captured some real live specimens from an alternate… parallel… whatever the hell you call it… universe.
“Anyway, if you wanna submit your questions in writing, I’ll see that MEDUSA gets em answered for ya.”
[Reply Symbiote and Sentinel]Later, Hal was on his tenth straight hour in the lab when Shelley came in with a ham and cheese sandwich for him, cut diagonal like Mom always used to do.
She wasn’t in her windsuit. Just his little sister again. She looked tired. The wind had been knocked out of her ever since Vanguard Omega. (no pun intended)
“Hal. I know what you’re doing,” she said in a voice much quieter than usual.
“And I think I know why.
“And… I wanna help.”
[Reply Symbiote]Lightning Strike didn’t help devise the new security protocols for the Vanguard Vault, for fear that Lightning Strike Omega might be able to predict them if he did. CHESS also alerted law enforcement to the existence of Lightning Strike Omega, who remained at large. It was a good thing too.
Lightning Strike Omega had infiltrated Riker’s Island Penitentiary in the form of electricity and broke out Detective Hank Archer! Archer had been awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Silas Caine while he had allegedly been under the power of the Black Bat. Navigating the legalities of mind control via the courts had taken months with no end in sight.
There was no security camera footage of the breakout as all electricity in Riker’s went down. Eyewitnesses placed Strike Omega in the prison. Several guards were injured, though none seriously. None were killed.
Lightning Strike continued his years-long, relentless effort to uncover incriminating evidence on Silas Caine, the man responsible for the death of Strike’s wife. He finally made progress. [OOC: one luck point]
Caine had a new bodyguard, He was hard to miss. He wore a red, white and blue superhero costume (see image). Caine said, “The Patriot isn’t an extranormal, just an ordinary man, ready to fight for what he believes in!”
After finding nothing on Caine for years, due to his aversion of computers, Strike tried monitoring the Patriot via public and private security cameras. After months of surveillance, it paid off. While reviewing security footage from the previous day, Strike saw Jim Harrik, the Mercenary, the leader of Homicide for Hire, exit a New York City Big City
Weeks later, as Sparks Malone, he sat in a dive bar in Hell’s Kitchen across from a famed loudmouth Lips Hannigan. Hannigan picked up the fourth drink Malone had bought him and said, “OK. Look. I really shouldn’t tell you this, you can’t tell a soul, but Homicide for Hire is back and auditioning for new talent. Auditions happen in, uh, two weeks (OOC: ten days after Nanite’s due date).
A few days later, via a street camera recording, Strike saw Slingshot enter Caine Tower
[Reply/actions Strike?]
Slingshot entered Caine Tower
“Seems like old times,” said Silas Caine as his personal assistant escorted him in. Behind him was the Patriot, his personal bodyguard, who Slingshot had been reading about in the media. His claim to fame was he was a superhero without super powers. “You don’t mind if I’ve taken extra precautions this time,” Caine said, indicating the Patriot.
Caine and Scott sat down. Tea was served. The Patriot stood behind Caine.
“Now, what can I do for you, Mr. Brock?” said Caine. “Have you come to make a donation to my campaign?”
Scott cleared his throat and said earnestly, “Caine, I want appeal to you as someone who understands what The Entity was, and who fought along us to defend our universe and planet. I want to understand what your design is for your presidency. I want to see if there is anything that we can do to come to an understanding if not an agreeable relationship.”
Caine smiled. (see image for the full effect)“The platform for my presidency is public record. I see extranormals as a threat to democracy itself. A threat to the average person. A threat to their freedom. A threat to our nation, and our way of life. So much power in the hands of so few is unbalancing. Unconstitutional, in fact. Such absolute power cannot help but corrupt absolutely. “And, not to put too fine a point on it, but the greatest threat I see to humanity is your progeny. The child you and Nanite are creating, the first child of two extranormals, is a grave threat to mankind. You are creating a new race. Well, what do you expect to become of the old race? Did you think we would do nothing, just stand by and watch ourselves be replaced?“I’m sorry to disappoint you. I will fight you within the boundaries of the law, and with all my power.This election will be a referendum on extranormals and it may very well decide the future of the human race.”“There. “Now do you understand the designs for my Presidency?“As to what we might do to come to an understanding if not an agreeable relationship, what are you willing to offer? Your first born, perhaps?” he chuckled at his own poor joke. Caine sipped Earl Grey from his china cup and awaited Scott’s reply.[Reply Slingshot]NOW…Nine hours after meeting with Silas Caine, Scott was awoken from a dead sleep by Nanite.“I think I felt something,” she said nervously. The luminescent clock read 01:12.
Scott rubbed a bleary eye and muttered, “You mean… a burglar?”
She turned on the light in their bedroom in Vanguard Vault, sat up and looked down at her full round belly. The sheets were soaking wet. “Scott. I… Oh my god. This is it. Get the stopwatch. We have to time them. See how far apart… OW!”
Scott’s grabbed the watch and called their doctor. The commotion and Nanite’s yelling woke up Vanguard.
[Reply Vanguard]
Nanite finished the contraction, let go of Scott’s hand, and looked him in the eyes. “Thank you for being here. I could never get through this without you.” She wiped a happy tear from her eye. “I love you, Scott.”
To be continued next issue, in: Vanguard: Blessed Event Horizon.
OOC:
Hi. Sorry for the delay. There was more than I expected. So please get started soon. Waiting to the last day isn't going to work for this one. :)
1) Please read everything in this issue, not just your section.
2) Please reply to your section and to Vanguard’s section.
3) Slingshot, Symbiote and anyone else who wants to: what exactly were the plans/precautions for the birth of Scott and Nanite’s child. Be specific please. Thanks.
4) Have fun. J
Replies are due in a week and a half, by end of day, Tuesday, October 11th.
Viva Vanguard,
Jeff
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Avatar:
John considers Stone’s words while sipping at the Guinness in front of him. Some things ring true but others…?
“Sarge, I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know if I know myself. I’ve never been all that social. The bookstore, studies, exercise…these are the things that I’ve concentrated on in my adult life. Not really much different as a kid.” A long gulp of the Guinness while he catches Stone’s eye and grins. “Yeah, I catch a lot of lucky breaks. I’ve dated some pretty hot women in the past but they just bore me in the end. No substance, y’know?” John gets more thoughtful and shakes his head. “Truthfully? I’m not so sure that you’re not right in your thought process. I’ve always felt like I had some destiny to fulfill and anything that didn’t contribute toward the success of that wasn’t all that important. I’ve had that feeling but nothing to substantiate it…until now, I guess. Sorta. Now that I know that I’m so much more than just a lucky, athletic, smart, handsome guy…that there’s something supernatural or, dare I say, divine, about me, I think that there IS some destiny out there for me. I just don’t know but everything that I’ve experienced lately has really caused me to go deeper into the “self-absorbed hero” mode.” John grins again as he downs the rest of the sludge that is known as Guinness.
“I’m glad you got to a point. When you started out with the ‘you’re a good-looking loner” thing, I was afraid that you might be hitting on me!” John prepares to dodge stoney fists or thrown glasses…
Re: the buying agent from Sotheby’s:
John is a bit suspicious of this and does some quick research, getting aid from smarter or more wiley members of the group to see if it’s beyond what it seems to be. If Symbiote or, better yet, Lightning Strike, can be called upon to investigate this, John would be very grateful. If everything seems to be in order, John will name a price that pushes at the limits of credibility and see what happens.
When Nanite’s situation comes to light, John will be prepared to assist by manifesting Heightened Intelligence (Athena) and Healing (Hestia), though he won’t do so unless a problem becomes apparent.
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Menagerie:
OOC: Quick question: Do we know what happened to Menagerie Omega and I missed it? Last I remember he was squashed as a spider but wasn't killed.
Thanks
Tom
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GM:
OOC: Sorry. While unconscious, he eventually fell back into the shape of Man and was apprehended with the rest of Vanguard Omega.
Best,
Jeff
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Menagerie:
OOC: Great, now MEDUSA has another Omega specimen.
Wonderful issue Jeff. You are so correct there is no way I can figure out my replies in a single day.
Thanks
Tom
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Slingshot:
OOC: Ouch... This is going to be a tough one.
No, and unfortunately, there's going to have to be several back/forth regarding my conversation with Caine.
For everyone, I thought that I would be able to appeal to Caine, and see where that would lead and maybe come back to the rest of the team with the results. Obviously, we would then make a decision.
I don't have a good answer to this one, but here's something you all need to think about (and yes, Scott would say this to the team): Caine is a manipulator extraordinaire. So what's his goal? Win the presidency. If his platform is to make us look inhuman, then retreating will only make it worse. With this meeting in mind, Scott's first action is to throw himself into REACH and touch as many people as possible. I suggest most of you do too.
We need to show that we are doing good! Not just for ourselves and fighting with the bad guys, but for everybody.
One quick IC entry:
“Scott,” she smiled hopefully. “Are you ever going to make an honest woman out of me?”
Scott shakes his head smiling, "This crazy life we lead... makes me forget sometimes what is important." He kneels down on one knee and says, "Nanite, will you marry me?"
[OOC: Now, you need to understand that I'm originally from Quebec
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GM:
OOC:
Thanks Tom.
Stephane/Slingshot said: “… unfortunately, there's going to have to be several back/forth regarding my conversation with Caine.”
GM Reply: No problem. I can always push back Blessed Event Horizon for an issue to extend the three month downtime piece. I’m in no hurry. After all, there’s a wedding to plan! ;)
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Sentinel:
OOC: Avatar, Nice IC post/dialogue!
IC:
"John, I think your gut telling you to be suspicious is dead on. An anonymous buyer and 'name your price' and wanting to purchase 'it all' without knowing what 'it all is'. Aside from the financials and making sure that you know the ultimate buyer here, I think you need to double-check your inventory listing and those of us with some knowledge of these things should do so too, some extra eyes can only help... perhaps amidst your antiquities is hidden an item of power or a book of mystical importance. I'd like to go with you and scan the inventory to see if there is any mystical energy readings ... although if my guess is right, I doubt things would be that simple. What do you think?"
Re: Slingshot and Nanite:
Hey, so does this mean since we're concentrating on the birth and already jumped ahead that Slingshot gets to have a superhero wedding without all hell breaking lose? Maybe there is hope for this universe ??? :)
Or are we going to leave it as an 'yet to be revealed currently untold tale of mayhem'? :)
Or are you going to wait until after the baby for the nuptials?
On the Caine meeting - thanks for letting us know you intend to share about it as that was going to be one of my questions. Guess I will wait for the balance of your conversation for my replies ... although Seth (not Kirk) wishes it was Slingshot Omega sitting across from Caine right now :)
Seth
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Slingshot:
OOC: I would like to have some input from all of you, but since Caine is focusing on the birth and he's going to use his PR machine to do his dirty work, we might just have to do ours..
I don't think I have an issue with making the wedding a big affair (a la Will & Kate). Make the birth a semi/full public affair might force the focus there, but also will likely protect them from attack (especially if all the news are watching).
We still need to make sure that they are protected, don't get me wrong, but we might want to make this a PR campaign and roll our dice on this one. Obviously, Scott will make sure he blows all his luck points on this (wish I had leveled, i would have more).
We need to get some info on him. He might be the biggest job provider, but this is purely fascist behavior, although I'm not willing to go that route.
I think we need to focus on Freedom and what the US
Stephane
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GM:
OOC:
Seth/Sentinel wrote: Or are you going to wait until after the baby for the nuptials?
GM: If Slingy and Nanite waited til after the baby for the nuptuals, it would certainly help the continuity! ;)))
But, seriously, do whatever you want. I can adjust!
I knew my flashback stuff was too clever by half.
When Paladin and Venus got married, back in the 80's Freedom Force campaign, all hell broke loose and Paladin actually died in that game session!
I'm almost certain history won't repeat itself here. ;)
Best,
Jeff
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Slingshot:
OOC: I'm not sure that the continuity would be quite that broken.. I read the future scene being a moment alone between Nanite and Slingshot, just before the news crews show up for the public birth! and you didn't mention there wasn't a ring on Nanite's hand.. so it's all good.
:)
Like I said, I don't want to run with this alone, it's going to need a concerted effort from the group. For this to work, we all need to work together for that period of time. otherwise, he will eat us alive.
Stephane
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Menagerie:
Menagerie is all in on helping with the Wedding and Birth however he can. Let me know what he can do to help.
If Nanite would like to have birds holding her train like a Disney Princess, he will beg, bribe, and do whatever it takes for it to happen.
Menagerie would gladly inventory Avatar's bookstore.
Thanks
Tom
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Symbiote:
In regard to Symbiote's own storyline: Hal looks at his sister for a moment or two in shock. But only for a moment. Of course she knows. We've never had much luck keeping secrets from each other, he thinks. He rubs the back of his neck, stiff from long nights looking through microscopes, studying test results. Repressing a smile, he takes on a tone of mock gruffness. "Well, I suppose if you promise not to get in the way," he growls. He lightens his tone slightly as he turns to his keyboard and begins typing. "All the research I have so far is in a file marked 'Hera' on the computer, I'll change the password to the one we use for joint projects," Hal says, nodding towards a coffee pot in the corner. "The coffee was brewed some time this month, help yourself." He pauses again, and then turns to smile at her, happy to have her with him.
"Let's do this thing."
In regard to Avatar's storyline: Hal agrees that something smells fishy about the offer, but isn't sure how he can help. Business isn't really his expertise, magic of any sort even less so. Still, any tomes or artifacts in the shop that he or Menagerie find that seem to be suspicious he'll be happy to help analyze.
In regard to Lightning Strike's storyline: Hal has at best mixed feelings about Hank Archer being sprung from Riker's. He'd heard from Hank and his own father Ralph that it was never a good thing for a current or former cop to be behind bars. On the other hands, if he was in the hands of Strike Omega that wasn't a good thing either.
So, with the help of Shelly, he hopes to go to one person who might have a clue as to where Hank Archer could be--his own father. Ralph worked with Hank for years, he might know of a place Hank would be comfortable hiding. Ralph Harper doesn't know either of his children are or have been superheroes, but he does know Shelly works as a scientist for CHESS (he only knows that Hal still works as a teacher at NYU). He'll ask Shelly to approach their father (a gruff but sharp retired cop saddled with two brilliant but occasionally exasperating children, think of him as Martin from "Frasier") and question him about it. He'll suggest that Shelly frame the questions along the lines of "My contacts at CHESS tell me that the person who broke Hank out may think he's working in Hank's best interests and may, initially at least, take him anywhere he wants to go. But he's also an incredibly dangerous man who could harm Hank or others. If you were in Hank's situation, where would you hide out?"
OOC: The rest of the team still doesn't know Lightning Strike's true identity, right? If I'm wrong and we do I'll include Strike in this plan, and get his approval on it.
In regard to Slingshot/Nanite's birthing plan: Been thinking about this one a while. All of this is pending approval from the happy couple, but here's what I think we should do...
One room in the newly rebuilt Vault (or at another CHESS medical facility, if the Vault won't be done in time) should be adapted into an electronic "blind room"--entirely cut off from the internet and outside electronic communication, powered by a self contained generator. This room will also be a state-of-the-art birthing facility. Everybody leaves behind their CHESS communicators before walking into the room. In short, if the baby is a Trojan horse for The Entity to enter into our world I want us to be able to contain him in that one room until we can remove his electronic essence from the baby--an information age "exorcism," if you will (and Hal is praying it doesn't come to this, but you never know). He'll have some equipment on hand (and a luck point ready) if necessary.
But hopefully, it doesn't come to that. With Clone's kind permission Hal will borrow his powers during the birth, so he can be his own nurse, his own anesthesiologist if the baby has to be delivered by C-section, etc, etc. It'll be good to have a team of up to 40something doctors on hand (another idea I've been thinking about for a while--a trick I'll be using if Vanguard ever encounters a mass casualty disaster of some sort).
Again, with Slingy/Nanite's permission, he'd like to have Avatar on hand (for the heightened intellegence/healing combo) and Sentinel (for the energy sense/telepathy combo). Plus, they're both powerhouses and that'll be handy if, God forbid, The Entity really, REALLY manages to enter our world. And of course, anybody else who wants to be there and Slingy/Nanite allow to be there. And who has a strong stomach.
OOC to Slingshot: I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries here, not trying to dictate your scenario. Think of this as what Symbiote recommends as a doctor and a scientist. If you want to handle any of it or all of it differently that is, of course, your right.
Regarding the captured Vanguard Omega: The biggest question I have is "how did The Entity enter Omega Earth, and how was he defeated? Or was he? What did he do when he entered our world?"
Also, something to think about: If MEDUSA has Vanguard Omega they now have most, if not all, of our secrets. Yeesh.
That's all for now, may reply again as others reply. Good interaction so far, I'm likin' it!
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
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Avatar:
OOC: To clarify here, John would want Symbiote’s involvement (and Strike's) to try different approaches to discovering the identity of the buyer(s), not to look at things in the shop.
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Slingshot:
[OOC: First things first: Do I have any knowledge on Patriot? General abilities and outlook?]
[OOC:Second thing. I want to know if I could have done some research on this man? Does he have progeny of his own? some dalliance? The Luddite? I know it's a little retroactive information, but let me know your decision and I'll work with it]
“Seems like old times,” said Silas Caine as his personal assistant escorted him in. Behind him was the Patriot,
his personal bodyguard, who Slingshot had been reading about in the media. His claim to fame was he was
a superhero without super powers. “You don’t mind if I’ve taken extra precautions this time,” Caine said,
indicating the Patriot.
Scott shakes his head saddened at the response, knowing what comes next. Yet he hopes for some of the decency that is somewhere in this man.
Caine said: “Now do you understand the designs for my Presidency?
“As to what we might do to come to an understanding if not an agreeable relationship, what are you willing to
offer? Your first born, perhaps?” he chuckled at his own poor joke.
Caine sipped Earl Grey from his china cup and awaited Scott’s reply.
Scott is thankful of his black complexion. He can feel himself flush with protective anger. Thankfully, it doesn't show. He controls himself. Scott came prepared to be hit under the belt, figuratively speaking. This is Caine. The would be President knows exactly what buttons to push. He wants to get yet another excuse to point the finger.
"Tell me? Would my first born satisfy you? Would you want Patriot's first born too?"
[any answer?]
"Silas, we are not creating anything. He is not a thing. He is a living individual and will be born an American, just like his father and just like you. He will have the same chances as everyone else. He will have the chance to become whomever he wants to be. Be it a street sweeper or the President of the United States of America
PS:
[OOC} Oh I just reread the text.. You had only 9 hours between the Caine conversation and the start of the delivery. I didn't catch that the first time. My bad. That changes everything. [OOC]
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
Re: "That changes everything:"
Please let me know which parts of your last post still remain.
Also, if you want to use the wedding as a big PR opportunity, which is really smart, it'll probably take more than 3 months to organize, depending on church, venue, guests, et al.
Is Slingy opposed to having the wedding after the birth of his child?
Finally, have a think about Scott's family and tell me about them. This can come after Tuesday if need be.
Thanks,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: The conversation stays the same.. I obviously don't have the luxury to mount a positive extranormal campaign. Or do I?
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Why not?
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: Slingy can handle a post birth wedding. I was just thinking of mounting a positive campaign that would make Caine's attempts against my family difficult, especially after birth. Nothing I can't handle. I'm not interested in going into hiding. I do want to make this a positive experience for us personally and possibly PR wise.. I have to think how I can pull this off.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Cool.
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
* OOC: Clone is going to interact with all the other members of Vanguard during this ‘down time’ period. To make it read a little easier to read, I broke my IC Response’s up into different sections for each member that he comes in contact with.
IC:
As Lightning Strike sat for a moment trying to anticipate Lightning Strike Omega’s next move, Clone walked gleefully into the room. Being raised in a extended family setting on a communal farm in the middle of the Communist Empire, the concept of ‘personal space’ and ‘privacy’ never seemed to take hold in Clone’s head. He was carrying a serving tray, the smell coming from the bowls and cups resting upon the tray seemed oddly familiar and olfactory offensive – it was the smell of Mrs. Oleksienko’s cooking ( Clone’s Mother ). It wasn’t the smell of the food that caught Lightning Strike’s attention though; it was the new costume Clone was wearing. Clone was wearing the same costume as Clone Omega, which of course even raised a few eyebrows among the higher ranking members of CHESS.
Setting the tray carefully on the table next to where Lightning Strike was sitting, Clone smiled and said to him, “It is gift from my mother. She is wanting to thank you for all of your help with my family’s stay here in America
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
* OOC: If you wanted to do some dialogue stuff with Clone while he was in your room just let me know, otherwise he’ll just leave quietly as I mention above.
Avatar: Returning to your bedroom, you open the door and instantly take notice of an unusual smell emanating from a serving tray covered in bowls and cups sitting on a nearby table. The smell coming from the bowls and cups resting upon the tray seems oddly familiar and olfactory offensive – its the smell of Mrs. Oleksienko’s cooking ( Clone’s Mother ). Approaching the table you see a letter propped up against a cup. The letter reads:
Comrade Avatar,
I'm writing this slow because I am not knowing exactly how fast it is that you reading.
This is gift from my mother. She is wanting to thank you for all of your help with my family’s stay here in America
If it is that you are not getting this letter, pleased to be letting me know and I will talk to you of all of this to you.
Alexander
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
Slingshot and Nanite had just finish discussing some of the finer points of their relationship when a smiling Clone suddenly walked into the room. Being raised in a extended family setting on a communal farm in the middle of the Communist Empire, the concept of ‘personal space’ and ‘privacy’ never seemed to take hold in Clone’s head. He was carrying a serving tray, the smell coming from the bowls and cups resting upon the tray seemed oddly familiar and olfactory offensive – it was the smell of Mrs. Oleksienko’s cooking ( Clone’s Mother ). It wasn’t the smell of the food that caught Slingshot’s and Nanite’s attention though; it was the new costume Clone was wearing. Clone was wearing the same costume as Clone Omega, which of course even raised a few eyebrows among the higher ranking members of CHESS.
Setting the tray carefully on a table next to where Slingshot and Nanite were sitting, Clone smiled and said to them, “It is gift from my mother. She is wanting to show you much joy for the coming of your baby.” As Slingshot and Nanite visually examine the food, Clone continues, “It is most traditional of Ukrainian meals . . . ( Clone then starts to point out all of the dishes individually while naming them ) we are having Oseledets, Studynets, and Kefir.” He then picks up a small piece of paper that was folded up on the tray and explains, “I am also taking liberties of writing down small list of good baby names of Ukraine
Without missing a breath he then continues, “Well . . . I’m am seeing that you are both busy, please to be enjoying of the food.” He then smiles and extends both of his arms, pats Slingshot on both of his shoulders, and then pulls him in close for a big ‘man hug’ as he says, “You are going to be making proud papa for baby! I am being so happy for you!” Smiling gleefully at a pregnant Nanite, he then turns to walk out of the room.
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
* OOC: If you wanted to do some dialogue stuff with Clone while he was in your room just let me know, otherwise he’ll just leave quietly as I mention above.
* OOC: I’ve forgotten whether or not the baby’s sex had been mentioned so I just went with the assumption that it hadn’t with the above response.
Menagerie: As Menagerie emerges from one of his deep meditative trances, he takes notice of an unusual and olfactory offensive odor. It takes only a moment to deduce the source of the strange odor; a serving tray covered in bowls and cups resting upon a nearby table. Approaching the table he sees a letter propped up against a cup. The letter reads:
Comrade Menagerie,
I'm writing this slow because I am not knowing exactly how fast it is that you reading.
To show you her much appreciation, my mamma has made for you a most family style of meal. It is traditional Ukrainian favorite of Oseledets, Studynets, and Kefir. Pleased to be enjoying!
Also, pleased to be knowing that you are now having a new friend. I was talking with Ukrainian family that is now moving to new apartment in city and they are telling me of trouble with new building landlord.
They are not living where they did when they are leaving, because the father was reading in newspaper that most of accidents happen within only small number of miles of home, so they are moving. New landlord is not allowing of pets so they are not happy for this. They are needing new apartment, but don’t want to leave they’re little ‘Snezhok’ behind because they fear that ‘Snezhok’; who is having no job, may not be able to pay rent for old apartment. So I am suggesting of you to them. I am telling of them your love for much of nature and for all of God’s creatures, so then we were in all agreement – Snezhok would being in safest of hands with you Comrade Menagerie. I am not sure if Snezhok is being boy or girl; since I am not looking to check, so I am not knowing if you are new proud papa or new proud momma.
If it is that you are not getting this letter soon or this is most unusual of requests for you, pleased to be letting me know and I will talk to you of all of this to you.
Alexander
P.S. Snezhok is meaning ‘little ball of snow’
As he finishes reading the Clone’s letter he suddenly hears a strange noise coming from the far corner of his room. Turning quickly to ascertain the source of the noise he instantly sets eyes upon Snezhok. Still slowly chewing on one of Menagerie’s favorite slippers, the large white goat turns its head and looks lovingly towards its new roommate.
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
Symbiote and Shelley had just finished having their family discussion when a smiling Clone suddenly walked into the lab. Being raised in a extended family setting on a communal farm in the middle of the Communist Empire, the concept of ‘personal space’ and ‘privacy’ never seemed to take hold in Clone’s head. He was carrying a serving tray, the smell coming from the bowls and cups resting upon the tray seemed oddly familiar and olfactory offensive – it was the smell of Mrs. Oleksienko’s cooking ( Clone’s Mother ). It wasn’t the smell of the food that caught Symbiote’s and Shelley’s attention though; it was the new costume Clone was wearing. Clone was wearing the same costume as Clone Omega, which of course even raised a few eyebrows among the higher ranking members of CHESS.
Setting the tray carefully on a table next to where Symbiote and Shelley were standing, Clone smiled and said to them, “It is gift from my mother. She is wanting to thank you both for all of your help with my family’s stay here in America
( OOC: I’m always hate making assumptions, but I going to roll the dice here and assume that Symbiote doesn’t mind stopping by Clone’s room later on at some point )
As Symbiote knocks on Clone’s door it gently opens a bit as if it had been intentionally left unlocked and cracked open. Slowly opening the door, Symbiote’s take a half second to adjust to the dim lighting in Clone’s bedroom. Standing alone in the middle of his room with his back towards Symbiote, Clone says in an ominously aggressive tone, “Look . . . if you had . . . one shot . . . or one opportunity . . . to seize everything you ever wanted . . . in one moment . . . would you capture it . . . or just let it slip?”
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
* OOC: If you wanted to do some dialogue stuff with Clone while he was in your lab just let me know, otherwise he’ll just leave quietly as I mention above.
Sentinel: Returning to your bedroom, you open the door and instantly take notice of an unusual smell emanating from a serving tray covered in bowls and cups sitting on a nearby table. The smell coming from the bowls and cups resting upon the tray seems oddly familiar and olfactory offensive – its the smell of Mrs. Oleksienko’s cooking ( Clone’s Mother ). Approaching the table you see a letter propped up against a cup. The letter reads:
Comrade Sentinel,
This is gift from my mother. She is wanting to thank you for all of your help with my family’s stay here in America
If it is that you are not getting this letter, pleased to be letting me know and I will talk to you of all of this to you.
Alexander
P.S. You are being a most excellent of leader!
* OOC: I wrote a brief description of all three dishes in my OOC Response below.
Vanguard: As Clone wearily lifted his head from his pillow, he noticed the Mickey Mouse clock that he had picked up during his latest trip to Times Square read 1:12am. He yawned and started rubbing his eyes when he suddenly realized the reason he had so unexpectedly woken up so early in the morning. A loud “OW!” came from Slingshot and Nanite’s room followed by the sounds of hurried action.
“It is being time!” he shouted as he leapt from his bed. It took only moments for the multiplying mutant to create as many duplicates of himself and start heading for his bedroom door. The army of replicas quickly spilled out into the hallway and started taking on a wide assortment of tasks. Some started boiling water, others looked for white bed sheets and towels, while others started banging on the bedroom doors of the other members of Vanguard. “Its time, its time,” they shouted, as they raced back and forth through the Vaults hallways. One of the collectives duplicates ran towards Slingshot and Nanite’s room to see if he couldn’t lend a helping hand. “I am very much familiar with helping of babies’ comrades! I was once helping uncle back home with family horse that was having baby also in middle of night – what is it that I am to be doing to help?”
OOC:
***Mother Oleksienko’s Fine Ukrainian Feast!***
Oseledets: Oseledets is a colorful and refreshing salad that is normally served as an appetizer. This pickled herring salad is traditionally served with a vinaigrette accented by onions, black pepper and sunflower oil.
Studynets: Studynets is a very traditional Ukrainian dish ( also known as ‘kholodets’ or ‘drahli’ ) consisting mostly of jellied meats ( and occasionally fish ) and vegetables. The dish commonly includes pigs’ feet, beef shank, carrot, onion, garlic, pepper, celery, bay leaves, and salt. Once the broth used in the dish is brought to a boiled, the vegetables and spices are added to it for additional flavor. After arranging the meats on a tray, the broth is then carefully poured over the dish until the meat is completely covered. The Studynets is then chilled thoroughly until the broth becomes a viscous jelly. Garnished with sprigs of parsley, it is served in either slices or squares.
Kefir: Kefir is a sour, fermented milk drink which is loved and enjoyed by Ukrainians. It was the Caucasus shepherds who accidentally discovered that fresh milk transported in leather pouches would occasionally ferment into this effervescent beverage. Kefir is made by adding Kefir grains ( a combination of yeast and bacteria in a matrix of proteins ) to organic milk; the combination produces a creamy yogurt-like drink with healthy probiotic qualities.
***Kev’s Rant***
*NOTE: This a comical response and not meant to be taken seriously!
OK, as an Irish American I have to say that I’ve unfortunately found something within the Vanguard PBEM that needs my immediate attention and hopefully will be address at Jeff’s earliest convenience. I’m referring to this line in Avatar’s section of this latest issue:
Afterward, over a beer in an Irish bar on
30th street. . .
30th street. . .
For the record the Irish frequent pubs; which is short for Public House, and not ‘bars’. Also if you’re looking for a decent one that fairly trendy and serves a decent pint try Tir Na Nog. Personally, when I’m in the city ( Manhattan
So once again . . . that’s pub, not bar . . . my ‘bangers and mash’ eating leprechaun friend and I, both thank you for your immediate attention to this most grievous of oversights.
Slainte’
-Kev
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GM:
OOC:
Greg/Symbiote: You are correct. Vanguard doesn’t know Strike’s secret identity, and therefore his relationship with Detective Hank Archer.
OOC Replies to Slingshot:
The Patriot is new to the media, introduced recently as a hero who is also Caine’s personal bodyguard. He is known for being a superhero without superpowers; A common man fighting for what’s right, fitting perfectly into Caine’s campaign messages.
Caine is hard to research on the internet. Perhaps he’s hired a firm to control his search results. It’s hard to find many stories in the press as well. Perhaps the media is afraid to cross him.
He is single and childless. He is sometimes seen out with attractive women, but not ostentatiously.
Only Vanguard and CHESS have linked him to the Luddite (the deranged metahuman who ‘killed’ Nanite way back in Issue 28(!) because he saw her as part of an invasion of Earth from cyberspace). Lightning Strike believes Caine was manipulating the Luddite to do his bidding. But charges could not stick, between Vanguard breaking and entering Caine’s property, and Caine’s highly skilled lawyers.
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
OOC: Wow. Amazing response:
IC, in the lab: Hal and Shelly look at the plate of....delicacies in front of them. "That's....that's very kind of you, Clone," Hal says in even, diplomatic tones. He pauses, and then his eyes light up. "Shelly already brought me dinner, " he says excitedly, holding up the grilled cheese sandwich like a talisman against evil. "So I'll probably have some of...this...later. But I bet Shelly would enjoy some!" Shelly gives Symbiote a death stare as he slides the plate in her direction.
IC, Clone's room: As Symbiote knocks on Clone’s door it gently opens a bit as if it had been intentionally left unlocked and cracked open. Slowly opening the door, Symbiote’s take a half second to adjust to the dim lighting in Clone’s bedroom. Standing alone in the middle of his room with his back towards Symbiote, Clone says in an ominously aggressive tone, “Look . . . if you had . . . one shot . . . or one opportunity . . . to seize everything you ever wanted . . . in one moment . . . would you capture it . . . or just let it slip?”
And me without any powers copied at the moment, Hal thinks ominously, trying to make sure there's a straight pathway from the point he's standing to the exit. I think we were all a little worried after that fight with Omega. Boy, do I not need a fight with 42 madmen at this moment.
"I suppose it'd depend on the cost, " Symbiote says very neutrally, hoping to keep the clearly very troubled Crusading Collective calm. "What can I help you with Alexander?"
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
OOC:
Avatar/Harold said: “To clarify here, John would want your involvement (and Strike's) to try different approaches to discovering the identity of the buyer(s), not to look at things in the shop.”
Well, OK. I know next to nothing about this sort of thing, but it's my understanding that in business deals of this nature part of the due diligence is confirming that the buyer actually possesses the funds to make the purchase. I assume this would be done electronically. When John's mysterious buyer does so--and thus, presumably, releasing some information about his identity, his finances, maybe even his wereabouts--could Strike or Symbiote electronically backtrack to the owners locations, sort of like the Atom riding through telephone cables? Maybe we could download some information on Mr. Mystery in that way.
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC: Oh my God! Great response Greg! You had me laughing the whole time I was reading it. I could actually picture the look on Hal's face as he said this:
"Shelly already brought me dinner, " he says excitedly, holding up the grilled cheese sandwich like a talisman against evil.
'like a talisman against evil' - totally awesome response!! LMAO
I'll hold off a couple of days before I write up Clone's response / next move - this way the others get a chance to respond as well ( if they want to ), and can do so without knowing too much about how this whole thing with Clone and Symbiote is actually going to go down.
Talk to you guys soon,
-Kev
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
IC:
Shelley stared icy daggers at her brother and then smiled sweetly at Alex. “That’s so… thoughtful… of you. Thank you. But… I… just… began a three day detox. Only tea.” She smiled.
"But Hal only ate half that sandwich. And I know how hungry he is.
"Hal," she said, gently relieving him of his talisman, "let me save that for you. It'll be in the fridge for later. Enjoy." she said cheerfully on her way out.
-------
IC: Slingshot/Caine conversation:
Slingshot said, "Tell me? Would my first born satisfy you? Would you want Patriot's first born too?"
“Ah,” said Caine politely as he dabbed the corners of his mouth with a linen napkin. “I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to drive a wedge between the Patriot and I. Won’t work, you see, because the fundamental difference between his offspring and yours, is that his child will be human.”
…
Slingshot said: "Silas, we are not creating anything. He is not a thing. He is a living individual and will be born an American, just like his father and just like you. He will have the same chances as everyone else. He will have the chance to become whomever he wants to be. Be it a street sweeper or the President of America."
“That remains to be seen,” Caine replied cordially, the sound of his words serving as a stark contrast to their meaning.
He sipped his tea again. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
“Ah,” said Caine politely as he dabbed the corners of his mouth with a linen napkin. “I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to drive a wedge between the Patriot and I. Won’t work, you see, because the fundamental difference between his offspring and yours, is that his child will be human.”
"That sounds exactly like many other would be leaders have uttered in the past. In some cases, it was skin color, in others it was religious belief. You want my first son? Or will it start with tagging? Then maybe incarceration? Where do we go from there?"
Scott looks at Patriot, "Be careful that you wear those colors proudly. Remember what they stand for. Make sure they don't get lumped in with the swastika in the history books. If you're really interested in making sure that America
…
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Scott shakes his head once more and slowly gets up from his seat non-threatening but also not threatened, "It is really too bad that you've decided upon this course of action. I think that, in another time and place, we would be side-by-side fighting the good fight. You have a lot to offer this world, but it seems that it has to be on your terms only. You speak of absolute power and here you are, so far removed from the average person you seem to speak for. Fighting something that in your eyes threatens your power base. Something that you think you cannot control."
"I hope you come to understand that exclusion is not the solution." He turns and leaves.
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
“Son, take some time off. Time for yourself. You’re spread so thin. Doing so much. Rest, re-energize and you’ll come back stronger for it. Stronger here too,” he said, touching Kirk’s chest, near his heart.
Kirk thought about her. It had been so long ago, but it still felt like yesterday where Gramps pointed, near his heart. They were just kids. He couldn’t make that choice as much as he’d wanted to do so. With that opportunity lost it was easier to bury himself even further in becoming the hero was groomed to be, the hero the world needed. But perhaps Gramps was right; he couldn’t just shut down that part of himself. Still, what if she was the one? What if Becca was the one true love of his life?
If he was going to open himself up again in that respect, he needed answers.
…
“Use it. In the 40’s it was the spirit of people, the average person, that won that war. Use it. Use it to its maximum potential. You have more friends than you think. More fans than you can imagine. And I’m proud to count myself among their number.”
Kirk paused thinking about what Lancaster
“You’ve given me a lot to think about. I am trying my best to use REACH both to help and to inspire and I know it’s doing good. My friends and I, we are doing immeasurable good with both with Vanguard and with REACH. It just seems like despite that, it’s not enough. There seems to be darkness on the horizon coming despite all of our efforts to prevent it.
“But perhaps part of the problem in my outlook does lie with something lacking within me. I’ve done my best to shut down that part of me. I’m not saying that it’s healthy by any means. But the values you’ve instilled in me, that have become part of me, I’m not the hooking up sort. And when I allowed my heart free reign … well we both know how close I came to giving up this life to run off and be with her. Not a good decision for a couple of sixteen year olds.
“But what if she was my Katie*? My soulmate. And why do I feel like I’m betraying her when I start to think about someone else. It seems like if I am going to get on with things I need answers to those questions.”
And then Kirk switched gears. Lancaster Lancaster
Kirk visits with Miles. What is his status; is he living on his own or in a facility of some sort? Is he as recovered from his ordeal as can be or still outwardly coping? At some point Kirk would like to talk to Miles about Swastika and how his possession worked. Was it stronger and weaker at different times? Does he feels completely free of him or does he feel a piece of his influence is still there? Again, this visit might not be the time for this. Kirk would focus on the good he and Vanguard have been doing with REACH. If Miles appears to be in good health physically and mentally, perhaps he would like to be a part of things. Certainly some of the work with older Vets would be enriched by his presence.
* The love of Lancaster
…
Kirk spoke to Shelly.
“We are all reeling a bit from the whole Vanguard Omega incident Shel. Hal and I had some discussion about it all. Personally I don’t feel they were totally identical to us. Similar, for sure, but not identical.
“One thing I do know is we chart our destiny. We choose. I believe that firmly. And whether you choose the path of Zephyr the super hero or Shelly the super scientist, or both, or another path, I know you will be true to yourself, and I know you will choose to do good. And none of us are responsible for the path of our counterparts, nor should we inflict ourselves with having to answer for it.
“Everything you’ve done has always come from a good place within you. Don’t let what happened tarnish or change that. And I do want you to know that I thank you for and appreciate all you’ve done with REACH and if you want to expand your role there it is always open to you. But Shel, it takes something special within a person to feel the need to don a costume and fight the good fight. I don’t think it’s something you can turn off or turn away from; don’t be surprised if the time for Zephyr to take to the wind comes again.”
…
“If I remember correctly,” Grey said, looking at the ceiling to recall, “MEDUSA detected “increased interface of our dimensional plane from potential threats indigenous to hypothesized alternate realities” or some damn thing and practically wet themselves when they heard we captured some real live specimens from an alternate… parallel… whatever the hell you call it… universe.
“Anyway, if you wanna submit your questions in writing, I’ll see that MEDUSA gets em answered for ya.”
Kirk looked at Hal with a surprised expression that grew to anger and frustration and then back to Grey.
“Are you kidding me? Here many of us were concerned about the CASTLE and Cold Sleep and we see how well that all went … and now we find out that there is an entire top secret division that spirits people away. We still want access to them with what they can tell us about thing that may occur here and someone else asking them the questions isn’t going to get the job done (and Kirk pointed at his head reminding Grey that Vanguard had more at their disposal for interrogation than anyone else).
Do you realize that this represents the very sort of treatment that caused the Omega heroes to turn in the first place?
“This I don’t trust. Everything I was concerned about CHESS being and was glad to see it was not is now turned towards this MEDUSA. Grey, answer me honestly here, because you I trust. Do you know about MEDUSA? Do you know enough to trust them yourself? Surely you agree that something that secretive that spirits people away to an unrealized and inaccessible location doesn’t bode well. What do you expect us to think here? What do you truly think?”
…
Kirk is aware of Strike’s identity and will help anyway Hal and Strike want him to. However he will say to Strike,
“I stressed to you that keeping Archer in the dark about your identity had led to no good and would continue to do so... that for both your benefits, you needed to come clean with him and tell him the truth. Did you do it? Or do we now need to worry about Strike Omega being the one to tell him his version of the truth?”
…
In regard to Slingshot/Nanite's birthing plan:
Kirk will follow Hal’s lead and assist any way he can. He stresses that we need to be prepared on both ends … possible encroachment from the Entity as well as something from our world at the behest of Caine.
He suggests Menagerie be available for the birth as his senses akin to the Natural Order might pick up something of a level different from Kirk’s energy sense.
He would suggest a mixing of at least a few of the Symbiote Clones with the outside group and a few of Clones with the delivery group. In this way we have communication available between both parts of Vanguard from two parties in case other forms of communication are cut off. Also it would be wise to have a few Symbiotes with their intelligence and skills available to the outside group in case of an outside incursion.
Kirk will do what he can to add some new levels of computer security should the entity try to take control or breach those within the delivery room.
Kirk will have his energy sense tracking and alert to the area and especially looking for changes with Nanite and the baby on the levels only he can see in case the presence of the Entity or anything becomes known. As previously outlined, he should have a firm reading of ‘normal’ energy levels for all his friends and allies at this time so he should pick up on changes with Nanite and/or the baby.
He will go in with his energy and shields at full power and be ready to assist and reinforce any way he can do so.
He’ll also do what he can to provide any moral support and calming effect as needed as a friend to both Symbiote and Nanite… though he knows he is somewhat out of his league when it comes to the whole birthing process and will look to the experts…
…
Avatar, further:
Kirk would suggest beefing up his security, perhaps tying it into Chess. If this is a sinister party at work, there is a good chance that they will be monitoring things and if they realize they are being looked into, they may just look to have the item of interest stolen before it is discovered.
Kirk would also suggest that Avatar submit the request to Ajay and his team as a possible threat to security allowing them access to try to put together the pieces for him.
…
OOC: Stephane: Nice interaction with Caine. Good stuff. And you held your own!
I think that with both the wedding and the baby ultimately the calls are yours to make here ... whatever you think will offer the most safety and protection to the baby... and whatever you decide with Nanite on wedding... after all, it is HER day. Given that she prompted it, she might have been planning it since she was four years old :)
Kirk will be supportive leaving the ultimate decisions to the two of you and doing all he can to ensure the safety of whatever path you choose.
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
OOC: John will follow Kirk's advice on this.
He'll also go through his inventory and see if there's anything that stands out.
Still wanting someone with investigative skills to see if they can find out who the mysterious buyer is.
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Reading the letter from Clone, Kirk smiled. He was so glad to have someone like Alex here and as a friend. And what a nice family. He envied him to a degree in that respect. A ‘most excellent of leader’, he was glad someone thought so.
He smelled the dishes and something akin to fear rose up in his chest. But it would be insulting not to try it. He surveyed the oseledets and it didn’t seem so bad. He tried it, quite a strong unique taste. Then he got to the entrée, studynets. He examined the viscous jellied substances and could have sworn he heard a cry of distress from somewhere. So nice of Mrs Oleksienko to do this this he had to remind himself. The gelatinous mass seemed to stare back at him, taunting him. Still he thought, ‘I’ll try anything once.’ And he did, separating a small piece and tasting it.
The fork fell involuntarily out of Kirk’s hand loudly clunking on the tray. The assault on him was immediate. He face changed to a hue of green and he felt the thumping of his heart.
He desperately needed something to get the taste out of his mouth. He grabbed the first liquid he saw in front of him, the kefir. As it came closer to his lips, its smell further affronted his olfactory sense. But before he could come to his senses from the assault of the studynets to stop himself he had already gulped down a mouthful of it.
As the taste sensation of the kefir combined with the studynets there was a thud and crash as Kirk jerked his hand downward in a fist knocking over the tray of food. He was now turning purple as well as covered in the Ukranian delights. ‘Perhaps Caine isn’t as a big a threat as we feared,’ Kirk thought to himself in the process of absorbing this new life experience.
In the corner of his room he eyed his salvation. The liquor cabinet. He ran towards it, slipping and spinning on what was Mrs Oleksienko’s finest gourmet. Grabbing the closest bottle he downed a mouthful. Then a couple more. A sense of peace overtook him. He wasn’t sure if it had washed the taste from his mouth or had simply gone numb. He didn’t care.
He looked at the label. Perlova Premium Vodka. Distilled in the Ukraine
It all made sense.
“I’ll try anything once,” he thought, “Once!”
----
After Kirk recovered he made his way to find Mrs Oleksienko to thank her. He thought to himself that he now knew who he’d be seeking first for backup if the Vault ever got invaded again.
“Mrs Oleksienko, that was so kind of you. Duže diakuju for sharing your Ukrainian meal with me. It was a cultural experience I’ll remember the rest of my days.”
And Kirk gave her a hug and continued with his exit strategy before being invited to savor more delights … I was just on my way to thank Alex …
__
‘Alex much thanks for your kind thoughts and for sharing the meal, some of what made you who you are with me. ‘
If prompted further, Kirk will add, ‘it was certainly the best meal of its kind that I’ve ever experienced.’
And Alex, I wanted to thank you for all of your efforts with REACH, especially since our return. But I am concerned for you. We are all trying to cope with our last mission and its effect on us. How are you doing? I have to ask, the costume change, what does it mean? Why have you taken his colors?
OOC:
Nice as always Kevin.
Wish I had your pen for humor. It seems to flow from your postings so naturally and easily. Wish I had that talent but did try to give a humorous post in return.
FYI, I loved loved loved the Menagerie section and look forward to seeing how it plays out.
Seth
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Menagerie:
Menagerie picked up the pickled herring. He looked at it and used his nature sense on it. To his surprise it was not an offense against the Natural Order. He tentatively tried the fish. To his surprise he liked it. He quickly picked out all the herring from the appetizer. He looked at his new ‘little snow ball’. He whistled to it and motioned with the salad. “Menagerie don’t do veggies”, he told the goat.
The white goat cautiously approached knowing it was in the presence of a predator. Menagerie put the salad bowl to its muzzle. He stroked his pet as it ate. When it had finished, Menagerie took the bowl and sat it back on the table.
He divided the Studynets into two piles. The smaller pile he placed into the empty Oseledet bowl. He place the bowl in front of “little snow ball” and sat down next to his pet with his meal. He took a deep drink of the Kefir. He found the drink to be very soothing and enjoyable.
Menagerie absent mindedly scratched Snezhok’s ears as he re-read the note, “You know, Snezhy, I think this is the beginning of beautiful friendships.”
OOC:
Fun Stuff!
Thanks
Tom
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Menagerie:
The birds lowered their heads and one said, in the language of birds. “He comes, my lady.”
The Lady of the Lake looked at Menagerie and said, “Seeker. Questor. Defender of The Land. What questions do you have for me, at long last, Franklin Donovan?”
Menagerie bowed to his Patron. To meet the grand embodiment on Nature itself was overwhelming. Frank found himself in awe and at a loss for words. Finally he was able to speak.
“All my life as Franklin Donovan I have loved the land. I chose to protect it as my career and that is how Franklin Donovan died, a defender of the land.”
“In death am I still Franklin Donovan or am I more?”
“You said I am a Seeker but what should I seek?”
“You said I am a Questor but what is my Quest?”
“I feel I need a guide to become the defender I have been called to become, am I wrong?”
OOC: Sorry, I am so fragmented with my response. I wanted to have this kind of meeting but I was shocked when I was stumped for anything to say.
Thanks
Tom
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Slingshot:
Sentinel & Zephyr
Scott walks into a REACH meeting. He nods to Shelley and Kirk. "Good to see you outside of a fight." He grins. " and let's do some real work." After the meeting, Scott turns to his friends, "I'm worried about Caine. His platform. What we know about our possible future. I think we need to show we are not glory hound supers, but through REACH we are also people that help other people.".
"I will put as much time as I can safely stay away from Nanite, and help as much as possible. Be it building/helping shelters or being a spokesperson. Helping youth or the elderly. Try and touch as many people."
Clone:
Scott looks at the food, noting that the jellied meat might be useful as a regenerating tool, "Please thank your mother for the special meal. I'm sure that the ingredients aren't easy to find in this part of the world". Nanite sniffs at the food and tries the herring salad. Pregnant women taste buds are so weird. Scott tries the milk tentatively.
Nanite speaks softly, "We haven't decided on a name yet. Thank you for your suggestions."
Scott says, "Alex, I'm sure that sometimes it's not so easy being a new immigrant. If you need anything, just ask. We've been through thick and thin. You are a part of this team and we consider you family."
Symbiote and everyone:
[OOC - to Greg: I have no issue with suggestions. I think that you have some great ideas and I'm actually very fine with them. ]
Slingshot listens to Symbiote's suggestions and thinks they make sense. Nanite has veto power on any and all suggestions, obviously.
So the plan will be as follows: Symbiote, Shelley (as originally requested by Nanite), Sentinel and Avatar on hand. Scott would respectfully ask all others to be on the outside of the blind room for more mundane types of assault, knowing what Caine could be capable of.
All members of Vanguard are also required on the post birth celebration. Champagne
[ooc: Here's to hoping that Jeff hasn't read Fantastic Four.]
GM:
[OOC: Does Nanite have a normal name? or does she go only with Nanite?]
To everyone:
Scott will call a "mandatory" meeting for the team to join him after the planned meeting with Caine. He will call in Zephyr as well as courtesy and relate his meeting with Caine. His platform and his intentions for all of us as well as any children that we might have. He will caution anyone not to use brash tactics as it will work right into Caine's hand.
Slingshot will tell Nanite in private.
Scott will make sure that he mentions to everyone that Caine is waging a PR War. It is a campaign we cannot lose. We have to put our best efforts towards making sure that the population knows we are not monsters. We are to help people. REACH will likely be our best way to get that point across, but we have to show that we are not just people that cause property damage and slug it out with other extranormals, ignoring the regular man.
On a lighter note, Scott will also announce to the team that he will be marrying Nanite. The date is set and they are all invited to the wedding. [OOC: on date, Jeff, we need to talk regarding what works best for you, it will be after the birth].
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Menagerie:
Menagerie will gladly guard from the location Slingshot wants him to and assume the best form to provide an element of surprise, if there is an attack.
OOC: I agree, someone take away Jeff's copy of the FF wedding of Reed and Sue and well as any of the FF child birth issues too!
Tom
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Symbiote:
OOC: I don't know why you're all worried. From what I recall of those issues, things went perfectly and smooth, some of the most boring issues in the series history.
In fact, Jeff, they were so boring that there's really no need to go back and double check them. Trust me, I'm a doctor.
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Slingshot:
OOC:
<elbow in the ribs>
:D
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GM:
OOC:
Greg:
Say! These issues are pretty interesting!
Stephane:
Nanite ‘s mundane name is actually Nan .
Big wedding event can occur a month or two after the birth.
Got any names picked out for the baby?
Congrats.
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Stephane:
OOC: Haha.. Thanks. No, I haven't picked one yet, but I better get my act together. I'll get you one by tomorrow. Won't be Nathan or Franklin, if you're asking. :)
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Clone:
*OOC NOTE: In an attempt to try and get this stuff set up for Jeff so that he might be able to slip it into the upcoming issue – I’ve taken a few liberties with some of the groups responses to Clone. I hope I don’t offend anyone with what I did, and hope I didn’t over step any bounds by doing so. My apologies for not getting this out sooner - KEV
IC:
Slingshot & Nanite
Scott looks at the food, noting that the jellied meat might be useful as a regenerating tool, "Please thank your mother for the special meal. I'm sure that the ingredients aren't easy to find in this part of the world". Nanite sniffs at the food and tries the herring salad. Pregnant women taste buds are so weird. Scott tries the milk tentatively.
Nanite speaks softly, "We haven't decided on a name yet. Thank you for your suggestions."
Clone says through a beaming smile, “You are being most welcome.”
Scott says, "Alex, I'm sure that sometimes it's not so easy being a new immigrant. If you need anything, just ask. We've been through thick and thin. You are a part of this team and we consider you family."
Clone nods his head understandingly; looks down at the floor for a second, and the replies, ”Thank you Comrade Slingshot . . . for so long I was away from my family while in Russian prison. Now it is that I am having not one, but two families – I am truly luckiest of men.” Slingshot notices his eyes beginning to well up a bit as Clone tries to hold back some tears. Clone looks back down at the floor for a moment and then wipes his nose as he gives a quick sniffle. He then looks back up at Scott with a forced smile and continues, “Well . . . I am seeing that you are both busy, please to be enjoying of the food.” He then smiles and extends both of his arms, pats Slingshot on both of his shoulders, and then pulls him in close for a big ‘man hug’ as he says, “You are going to be making proud papa for baby! I am being so happy for you!” Smiling gleefully at a pregnant Nanite, he then turns to walk out of the room.
Symbiote & Sentinel
As Symbiote knocks on Clone’s door it gently opens a bit as if it had been intentionally left unlocked and cracked open. Slowly opening the door, Symbiote’s take a half second to adjust to the dim lighting in Clone’s bedroom. Standing alone in the middle of his room with his back towards Symbiote, Clone says in an ominously aggressive tone, “Look . . . if you had . . . one shot . . . or one opportunity . . . to seize everything you ever wanted . . . in one moment . . . would you capture it . . . or just let it slip?”
And me without any powers copied at the moment, Hal thinks ominously, trying to make sure there's a straight pathway from the point he's standing to the exit. I think we were all a little worried after that fight with Omega. Boy, do I not need a fight with 42 madmen at this moment.
"I suppose it'd depend on the cost, " Symbiote says very neutrally, hoping to keep the clearly very troubled Crusading Collective calm. "What can I help you with Alexander?"
Symbiote then notices Clone has his new staff weapon in his hand. After a dramatic pause, Clone responds to Hal’s question with only one word, “Yo!” He then brings his staff up in front of him and spins around quickly to face Symbiote!!!
Bringing one end of his staff to his mouth as if it were a microphone; Alex starts to sing, “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy - There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti - He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready . . .” His eyes then open wide as he quickly drops his staff and stops singing. “Comrade Symbiote . . .” he shouts out as he pulls a pair of ear-buds from his ears. “. . . I am being most sorry, I am not knowing that you are there,” he says in a voice filled with embarrassment. Quickly fixing his shirt and turning on the lights in his room, Clone says with a polite spring in his voice, “Please . . . pleased to be coming in.”
As Symbiote enters the room, Sentinel suddenly appears and knocks on Alex’s open door. Sentinel looks hesitantly into the room as if to make sure that he’s not interrupting a private conversation just as Clone insists, “Comrade Sentinel! Please . . . pleased to be coming in as well.” Making himself welcome in Alex’s room, Sentinel starts to thank Clone for the food he had left him earlier, “Alex much thanks for your kind thoughts and for sharing the meal, some of what made you who you are with me.” Momentarily forgetting that Symbiote is even in the room, Clone smiles and says, “Oh you are being most welcome Comrade. Are you liking of all the dishes? How are you liking the Kefir?” Kirk responds with a smile, “It was certainly the best meal of its kind that I’ve ever experienced.”
As Clone starts to smile with excitement he remembers that he actually had something important that he wanted to discuss. “Comrades, I was thinking at first to only asking of Comrade Symbiote’s help with something, but since it is that you are here now Comrade Sentinel, I am to be asking of you both now,” he says with a look of sincerity on his face. As the two superheroes look back at their friend curiously, Clone starts to explain, “I am needing of help. Are you remembering time that we are spending in dream world of the Crimson Coven?” Before either of them can respond, Clone continues, “While we are being trapped in that place, I was seeing of my face and body in most unusual of ways. I was seeing of myself as ‘normal’ . . . and . . . and I am knowing now that this is what I wanting to be for myself.” As if giving the two world-renowned heroes a tactical debriefing, Clone starts to pace around his room and starts to go into further detail, “I was remembering the time that I am getting my family out of Soviet Union . Director Grey was helping me with information of situation that I am not knowing, but am knowing now. He is speaking of a strange man that I am not hearing name of before – Doctor X. It is my most of hope that I can be becoming to look like all of you, and not how it is that I am looking now. I am thinking that perhaps this Doctor X is having something to do with how I am having superpowers and how it is that I am looking, but I am not being able to get information from CHESS computers about him – security clearance is seeming too low. So . . . I am thinking maybe it is that you two can be of helping to me. I am also thinking that maybe Comrade Symbiote can find medical information about something that Doctor X is doing to me and maybe fix what it is that is needing to be undone.”
( Sentinel / Symbiote response’s? )
As Sentinel and Symbiote start to leave Clone’s room, Sentinel turns to Clone and says, “ . . .and Alex, I wanted to thank you for all of your efforts with REACH, especially since our return, but I am concerned for you. We are all trying to cope with our last mission and its effect on us. How are you doing? I have to ask, the costume change, what does it mean? Why have you taken his colors?” Clone looks at Sentinel firmly and responds with a sense of gentile conviction in his voice, “I am taking on of his costume so that it is that I am never forgetting what it is that I can become and don’t want to become. His costume will be always to be reminding me of this . . . and also . . .” Clone’s expression then changes to one of excitement, “ . . . I am thinking it is making me look very much bad as ass!” As the two heroes start to exit the room, smiles cover their faces as they try to hold back light-hearted laughter. Making their way down the hallway they can hear Clone start to sing, “ . . . You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go . . . You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime . . .”
OOC: The song Clone was singing was Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’. If you’re not familiar with the song here’s a link.
WARNING: NOT child or work safe – strong language!
Youtube link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO2wA0Te0wM
I was telling Jeff just a few days ago that my main purpose with my Clone’s ‘down time interactions’ was to show that Clone is still struggling with his assimilation into American culture, and that most importantly – he’s still struggling with his desires to be ‘normal’.
GREG WROTE:
Wow. Amazing response:
SETH WROTE:
Nice as always Kevin.
Wish I had your pen for humor. It seems to flow from your postings so naturally and easily. Wish I had that talent but did try to give a humorous post in return.
FYI, I loved loved loved the Menagerie section and look forward to seeing how it plays out.
Thanks guys – I had a ton of fun writing it, and much like Seth – I’m dying to see what comes from Menagerie’s new roommate situation. Lol
Glad to see you guys had fun with it all – especially you Tom – thanks for being such a sport about the goat thing lol
As for Symbiote copying Clone’s powers – he would have no problem with it what so ever. He would have one condition though – if at all possible, he would like to assist with the birthing process some how. He’s convinced that his life on the farm ( helping with animal births in the barn ) has prepared him to assist Hal in some fashion.
Talk to you all soon,
- Kev
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Menagerie:
OOC: You're welcome, it was a very unexpected surprise and fun to respond to.
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