I. Friends and Lovers
Sentinel spoke to Shelly about her decision to leave Vanguard. “We’re all reeling a bit from the whole Vanguard Omega incident Shel … none of us are responsible for the path of our counterparts, nor should we inflict ourselves with having to answer for it.”
Shelley suddenly burst into tears. “I feel lost,” she sobbed, “like I need to serve penance for something I haven’t done yet.” She hugged Kirk and wept on his shoulder. When she began to pull away, her young face wet with tears, their eyes connected for a moment. And then for another.
Kirk’s felt his heart begin to race. “He had never considered … What if he was misreading things? … She’s feeling vulnerable, would he be taking advantage? … What about their friendship? … What would Hal think? …”
“No, this simply cannot be. Not this way, not now. Not going to happen.”
Then he leaned in and kissed her lips softly.
Shelley kissed him back without a word. Nothing was said of the stress of the last months, the battles, the threats to their lives, to what Vanguard might become, or the world itself. All that was unsaid. Forgotten. At least for now. [OOC: Sentinel, stop or go?]
II. Colleagues
Grey said to Sentinel, “Omega heroes?! I thought you said they were villains. Not like you guys at all, you said.”
Kirk continued, “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?”
Grey fairly bristled. “Kid, how come you got no problem with spiriting crooks away to a secret location like CHESS Castle
Kirk smiled a bit not playing into Grey’s attempt to side step the issue here. He was learning. “Ok, let’s not get into the debate about secrecy verses sidestepping rights and imprisoning people without due process. We have two issues here, one being that Vanguard Omega knows specific details of things that can help us safeguard the future of this world and we need access to it, and the second being MEDUSA itself. For the moment, let’s address the second item. They may be above our pay grade and security level, are they above yours?”
Grey said, “Depends. They’re strictly need to know. I’ll have to show need.”
Kirk knew he couldn’t stare down Grey but he met his gaze and wouldn’t give in and softened his voice and continued, “Grey, I know you have to play your roles here as our government liaison but uniform and superhero names aside, you put the ‘hero’ in ‘superhero’ and you’ve saved the world more times than we’ll ever know. Tell me from your gut, do we have a concern here with MEDUSA? From what you’ve seen and know, do YOU trust them?”
Grey said, “I trust MEDUSA. They’re a government agency sworn to uphold the law.”
Sentinel made a formal request to question Vanguard Omega specifically about the birth and the Entity. Red tape prevented the response from coming before the actual birth (see below).
III. Teacher and Pupil
Menagerie said, “I feel I need a guide to become the defender I have been called to become, am I wrong?”
“No,” she said as golden leaves rained down around her in a gentle maelstrom of fall. “You are not wrong.”
A great old owl in one of the branches turned his head around, cleared his throat and harrumphed in the language of birds: “My Lady. Forgive me, but I humbly submit this candidate is as unsuitable as the last one. He is weak minded, stunned, dumbstruck. His focus is limited. He can perceive but one vein of the path. He will never make it.”
The Lady of the Lake smiled, “Come now, old friend. Was Merlin any different when you began his training?”
"Merlin? Lady of the Lake?" Menagerie thought, "Is it possible the stories of Arthur Pendragon that I loved as a child are possibly true?" He rises and then bows even deeper to her. He turns to the wise owl and bows to him as well. "Take pity on me, ol' wise scholar and teacher. While it may be destiny that has me the last with your insight and council I have hope of not being the least. Only with your eyes may I see the true path, Please teach me."
The Owl harrumphed approval at this show of humility and respect. “Very well,” he said. “I am Archimedes.”
He turns to the Lady of the Lake and bows again, "Thank you for providing such a wise and great guide. I will seek that which needs to be found. I will find the path which will lead us to restoration with the aid of your guide and your blessings"
“I know you will, Menagerie,” replied the Lady. And Franklin woke up. It was dawn.
The Owl was there in his quarters in Vanguard Vault. “Get up,” he said gruffly. “Time to begin your training.”
The two flew out of the city to a remote watershed in the Adirondacks, and there Menagerie began his lessons.
[OOC: The first spurred a small awakening of his true nature that allowed him to cast off his Weakness this Level Advancement, I’ll retro-actively rule if that’s okay with you.]
IV. Creator and Created
Clone said to Symbiote and Sentinel, “I am needing of help… 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.”Kirk walked over to the nearest computer and pulled up his personal research files on Doctor X and said to Alex, “Anything I can do to help, you know I will. You’ll recall that I’d asked you what you knew about him because I had my own concerns and suspicions. There wasn’t much available in the CHESS files on him, and I’m not sure my clearance on this gets me more than yours.”
This turned out to be the case. For Symbiote as well. But there existed files beyond Vanguard’s security clearance! [OOC: Replies, Sentinel, Symbiote, Clone]
V. Hunter and PreyLightning Strike was finally getting somewhere in the investigation of Silas Caine. He planned to audition for Homicide for Hire, in order to infiltrate them. He had the time of the audition, ten days after Nanite’s delivery, but not the location. Lips would have told him if he knew it.
Lightning Strike learns to “fire” bullets magnetically with his electrical control.
[One Luck Point for the breakthrough. What is your new alter ego’s name and appearance? How will he find the location of the audition in time???]
Strike tried to think like Strike Omega to stalk him, to no avail. Strike knew Omega would choose a random location, to prevent Strike Alpha from deducing his whereabouts. Just like Strike had recommended to Vanguard in the Omega-verse.
But he did know that his uncle, Hank Archer, had a cabin in rural upstate New York that he shared with Symbiote’s dad, Ralph Harper, when they were partners on the force. [Actions? And see below]
VI. SiblingsSymbiote, with the help of Shelly, hoped 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 didn’t know either of his children are or have been superheroes, but he did know Shelly works as a scientist for CHESS (he only knew that Hal still works as a teacher at NYU). He asked Shelly to approach their father and question him about it, 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?"
Shelley agreed. She came back from their Dad’s place and said to Hal and Sentinel, “Dad thinks he’s up at the lake.” Hal remembered that Ralph and Hank used to go to a cabin in upstate New York
Sentinel listened and then replied. “Thanks for doing this Shel. I know it wasn’t easy for you. If they are there I don’t think your dad should be placed in danger, nor would it be good for him to encounter Strike Omega and possibly be confused by his lies. That being said, if we don’t act on this quickly, your dad will go no matter what he is told. Hal, what’s our play here? I think we need to arrange to check this lead out immediately.”[Reply Symbiote and Sentinel]VII. TeammatesDuring the childbirth, Menagerie can detect that a disruption in the Natural Order has occurred, on the other side of the "blind room" wall. Clone blocked the door.
Menagerie said, “Clone, I sense something is wrong in there but you can see what it is. Tell me now what has happened to Nanite and her baby." Menagerie paused for the threat to register on Clone.
"Clone, you do know what a Honey Badger is, don't you?"
Menagerie's eyes then look down below Clone's stomach as if he is looking for a target and then smiles.
Clone looking confused and embarrassed, gasps and then says to Menagerie, “Oh . . . err . . . I am being so sorry Comrade Menagerie . . . but . . . err . . . but I am liking of the women. I am to be assuring you that I am not knowing of this ‘Honey Badger’ that you are speaking of with your escalatoring eyes, but not to be worrying . . .” Clone then gives Menagerie a platonically friendly wink and a pat on the shoulder, and then continues, “. . . I am making sure to you that what it is that you are doing in your own time is all of secret with me.”
Menagerie transformed into a Honey Badger [OOC: YEAH!] and walked between Clones legs to smell under the door. He detected an electrical, ozone smell.
[More comedy, Clone, Menagerie and Lightning Strike?]
VIII. Father and Son
Scott cut the umbilical cord, and then picked up a camera and photographed his wife and son together.
It was the photo. Nanite. Smiling. Overcome with emotion. Holding a swaddled bundle. Their baby.
Everyone was smiling, laughing and crying. No attack came from the baby or from the outside world.
And then the baby looked his father directly in the eye with a calm intelligence that surpassed his age.
Then the baby’s body seemed to change. To grow. In mere moments the baby grew to the size of a young adult! He stood calmly beside his mother’s bed and his skin turned to grey, and his features became indistinct. Less human.
Sentinel’s energy sense detected no other change.
Outside the room, Clone’s duplicate knew what had just happened!
Nanite was in shock. Shelley stifled a scream. The son of Nanite was preternaturally still. He slowly looked around the room and at everyone in it and his eyes glowed white.
Static electricity flickered around his surface and his empty eyes.
Avatar touched the hilt of his sword, preparing to act if anything happened.
The Symbiote doctor positioned himself between Nanite and her child. The Symbiote equipment monitor slowly moved toward the EMP weapon he had prepared.
Worried that perhaps the sight of someone in a strange looking mask might be upsetting him, Alex removes his mask and looked at the son of Slingshot with a warm and friendly smile on his face.
Sentinel watched, ready for trouble, and scanned the child’s surface thoughts. He found nothing there! He was processing all stimuli around him, but there was no personality. As if he was just coming online… just becoming self-aware. “Like a blank slate,” Sentinel murmured.
“Remarkable,” whispered Doc Rocket.
Scott looked at his son with obvious mixed feelings. He resolved himself and said, "Everyone, please." He advanced calmly towards his child.
Ethan tilted his head slightly to the right, and looked at everything in the room slowly turning his face as he examined each one thoroughly before moving to the next, seemingly trying to view from every angle, without moving.
He spent as much time viewing the electrical devices in the room as he did the individuals. This continued until he comes to his mother. As he looked at her, his eyes changed from a glowing white to be silver like his mother’s, reflecting everything in the room. He spoke softly without emotion, sounding more like a synthesizer than a human; Stephen Hawking-ish.
“Was that painful for you? It was much more difficult than I had anticipated.”
“Ethan?” said Nanite.
Slingshot said, "Ethan, my son, this was unexpected." He gave him a big, firm, hug. His son’s exterior surface was skin-like.
Ethan didn’t know what to make of the embrace, and cocked his head to one side. “Hello… father.”
Slingshot then motions him towards a chair. "Ethan, do you want anything to drink, or eat?"
Slingshot will ask Ethan about himself and see where that leads. See if he's an infant, a toddler, a child or an adult mentally. That would change the conversation.
He will show Ethan the picture of himself in his mother's arms, and let him understand that he is loved and welcomed. He is surrounded with friends and family and that his coming is more than we could ever hope for.
This snapped Nanite out of her momentary shock. She embraced her son lovingly, and Slingshot as well.
She looked at the Symbiote clone that held the EMP weapon. “You can put that down now,” she said.
[OOC: Replies to any and all of the above, Vanguard!]
OOC:
Everyone, please welcome Jon, a new player to the Vanguard campaign!
He will be playing Ethan, the Son of Nanite and Slingshot, aka: Slate!
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Avatar:
OOC: Cool.
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GM:
OOC: What part? Did you read the issue in 3 minutes?!
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Avatar:
OOC: Yes, I did.
All of it, but I was specifically complimenting you on the introduction of a new character in such a manner.
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Sentinel:
OOC: I agree. You never cease to amaze and throw us a total curveball Jeff!
And Jon ... welcome aboard! Glad to have you in the game and looking forward to your postings and interaction.
Seth
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GM:
OOC: Thanks.
Credit goes to Jon too!
And apologies go to Stephane! :)
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Menagerie:
OOC: Awesome!
Welcome Jon glad to have you aboard.
This is too cool! I love generational heroes books like JSA. It is great to see Vanguard adding another one.
Via Vanguard
Tom
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Slingshot:
OOC:
No worries. You got me good, though, especially with the whole 'Entity came through with the Son of Nanite'.
Jon, welcome to the game. Let me know how you want to play it and we'll work it out.
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Clone:
OOC:
Welcome aboard Jon - great to have you here! =)
Jeff, GREAT stuff as always! ;)
- Kev
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Menagerie:
Teacher and Pupil
[OOC: The first spurred a small awakening of his true nature that allowed him to cast off his Weakness this Level Advancement, I’ll retro-actively rule if that’s okay with you.]
OOC: It is perfectly okay with me.
Teammates
OOC: Can Menagerie hear what is being said in the room. At anytime does he sense an end to the disruption in the Natural Order?
How solid is the door? I am thinking it needs a little Honey Badger hole at the bottom.
IC: Menagerie thought sends to Sentinel. "What is happening in there. I sense a disruption in the Natural Order! Clone won't tell me what is going on and it attempting to block the door. Is IT in there!?!”
Menagerie thought sends to Clone: "Tell me what is happening NOW! or I swear you will never be able to watch Rachel Ray in peace again! The entire animal kingdom will conspire against you and her show!”
OOC: I am perfectly content playing straight man to Kev's comic genius.
Do any other you have the Kindle reader? I have taken all the Vanguard stories and created Kindle version of them (6 Volumes, from beginning through "Destiny of the Dark Avatar"). They are about 4M per Volume except for Vol 5 and Vol 6 which are less because they are text only. None of Jeff's artwork. They aren't perfect but good enough to read.
Again wonderful issue and welcome Jon.
Tom
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Sentinel:
OOC: Tom, Kirk can only read surface thoughts and not project them... and I think you are in the same boat here? You can also only project your thoughts in animal form, right?
If that is so, Kirk will simply say to Clone, "Alex, Menagerie is sensing a disruption in the Natural Order here and wondering if IT is here. I don't know the situation out there, but do what you can to keep him apprized of things and that currently IT isn't here and we have no imminent threat."
Seth
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Menagerie:
OOC: You got it right, so we still need Clone to complete the communication loop.
Tom
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GM:
OOC:
Now I wish I had Kindle.
Thanks everyone.
Slingshot wrote OOC: “No worries. You got me good, though, especially with the whole 'Entity came through with the Son of Nanite'.”
GM Reply: So either Vanguard Omega lied, or it hasn’t happened yet, or the two universes are so different that it never happens. :)
IC:
With his keen animal hearing, Menagerie can detect the murmurs of voices on the other side of the door. He can’t hear what is being said, but their tone is conversational, not the shouts of confrontation or danger.
He still detects a disruption in the Natural Order.
[OOC: Tom, the door is likely steel, given the preparations that were made for this childbirth.]
Sgt. Stone used his big granite shoulder to push himself off the "waiting room" wall he had been leaning on. Still holding a box of cigars for the proud papa, he walked over to Clone and the Badger.
“There a problem, gents? When do we get to see Junior?"
OOC:
Slate's character sheet will be released shortly, as we do with all PCs.
In the meantime, please be aware that Slate has the Weakness, Prejudice, which makes it harder to trust him.
In rules terms:
Slate’s reaction modifiers on the Charisma table from characters on both sides become negative. Heroes subject to prejudice are looked upon by society as dangerous elements, perhaps even criminals. If their Charisma scores are high, then their allies and the people they protect will be convinced that "it's all part of some plot" and in fact the evidence will tend to become twisted to support this theory. The percent chance of another character overcoming his prejudiced reactions to this character equals that character's Intelligence score. Each character encountered may make one check to see through his prejudice, with a failure denying any further attempts by that character until he is presented with better reasons than he had previously.
(fyi, Spider-Man had this Weakness)
In game terms:
Given his alien nature and his uncertain relationship with the Entity, IT, it wouldn't be surprising that there is unease toward him.
Rather than roll dice for your reactions, I'll ask that you each individually handle how your character reacts to him, as you've been doing already.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Sentinel:
OOC: Re: Romance comic:
Jeff, No, I meant the whole Shelly thing was your idea.
I'd mentioned Kirk's relationship with Becca back when I introduced Senator Doyle so that was me ...
... but you had Lancaster get Kirk thinking about things... and Shelly's attraction was all you.
Yes, Kirk could have overlooked it ... but given the personality and background of both characters established it does fit. It would make sense that Kirk would fall for someone who he already considered a friend and cared for as such. In running it through my head I figured he had an attraction to her when they met and buried it because it was Hal's sister and then forgot about it. And there was no indication of anything on her end. At this point they are both emotionally vulnerable and Kirk senses the attraction on her part, so what is he to do? It fits.
No matter what happens here, I do so see this playing out to bite me (Kirk) no matter what. Good thing Kirk is more of an optimist than Seth.
So I guess we can share the blame on turning it into a 'romance comic'. But hey, Vanguard should cover all the genres, no?
I'll do formal posting for the issue, but it’s going to be a 'go' on Kirk's end.
Seth
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Avatar:
OOC: Not sure if I speak for everyone but I look forward to seeing you and Jeff role-playing more and more of the Kirk/Shelley romance. Hopin' it gets hot and heavy!
<was that out loud?>
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Strike:
OOC: I can guarantee you don't speak for everyone. I am hoping what happens in Vanguard, stays in Vanguard.
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Clone:
Creator and Created
Discovering that there existed CHESS files on Doctor ‘X’ way beyond Vanguard’s security clearance only strengthened Clone’s resolve and determination in finding out more about this mystery man. “I am not understanding what this is meaning comrades,” Clone said as he looked back and forth between his two friends and teammates. With a look of confusion in his face he turned to Sentinel and asked, “I am not to be understanding, perhaps it is that Comrade Symbiote and I can not be getting of information of this Doctor ‘X’ . . . but you Comrade Sentinel? You are being most prestigious leader of superteam Vanguard, why is it that you are not being allowed to be seeing of such information?” He then looks at Symbiote with sadness and a sense of pleading in his eyes, and asks him like a patient would ask their physician, “. . . Comrade . . . am I to be always staying like this? Is there nothing that you can be doing for me to be fixing me?” A moment of pause embarrasses the room as everyone tries to absorb what has just transpired, and then with the sound of defeat hanging heavy on his words, Clones bows his head and looks down at the floor and says, “. . . I am just wanting to be normal like all of everyone else.”
Teammates
* Inside Birthing Room
Kirk turns to Clone and says, "Alex, Menagerie is sensing a disruption in the Natural Order here and wondering if IT is here. I don't know the situation out there, but do what you can to keep him apprized of things and that currently IT isn't here and we have no imminent threat." Still marveling at how similar in appearance they both are, Alex manages to pull his eyes away from Ethan for a brief moment and responds, “Da comrade . . . I will be letting him know of this.” He then turns to Slingshot and Nanite with joy and respect in his eyes and says, “Comrades . . . the others are asking if it is to be okay if they are to be coming inside now to see your most beautiful of child, Ethan.”
* Outside Birthing Room
Menagerie transformed into a Honey Badger and walked between Clones legs to smell under the door; he detected an electrical, ozone smell. Sending his thoughts to Clone; Menagerie asked, "Tell me what is happening NOW! or I swear you will never be able to watch Rachel Ray in peace again! The entire animal kingdom will conspire against you and her show!"
Clone’s mouth then drops open in shock and horror at Menagerie’s threat as he gasps his response, “But Comrade, I am . . .” Before he can finish speaking, Sgt. Stone used his big granite shoulder to push himself off the "waiting room" wall he had been leaning on. Still holding a box of cigars for the proud papa, he walked over to Clone and the Badger. “There a problem, gents? When do we get to see Junior?"
Realizing that everyone is probably just anxious to see Slingshot and Nanite’s new born son; Clone say with a smile, “Comrades, pleased to be knowing that Comrades Slingshot and Nanite are having most beautiful of baby son, and everything that is going on inside of room is happy and normal.” He then looks down at Menagerie and says calmly, “Comrade Menagerie, Comrade Sentinel is asking of me to be letting you know that all is okay inside of room. There is nothing that is not going on that is not to be going on, and to be knowing that ‘IT’ is not inside.”
He then puts up his hands and starts to flag everyone back like a police officer trying to peacefully disperse a small crowd. With a tone of joyful calm in his voice he asks, “Please to be having seat everyone, everything inside is being happy and most peaceful. I am asking now when it is that the proud momma and poppa are ready to be having everyone to be coming in. Please to be being patience for just small time longer.”
OOC:
As far as Clone’s reaction to Slate . . .
JEFF WROTE: Given his alien nature and his uncertain relationship with the Entity, IT, it wouldn't be surprising that there is unease toward him.
Rather than roll dice for your reactions, I'll ask that you each individually handle how your character reacts to him, as you've been doing already.
I think given his background, personality and weakness; Clone would probably have no issues with Slate whatsoever. If anything he would probably embrace him with open arms and a warm heart. What do you guys think?
As for this . . .
TOM WROTE: OOC: I am perfectly content playing straight man to Kev's comic genius.
LOL Thanks Tom! It’s often difficult to find someone with a good enough sense of humor that they’re willing to be the ‘straight man’ just for the sake of a good laugh. Often enough I find that the ‘straight man’ is often the real talent behind a comedic duo – telling a joke is easy, setting the stage for one to be told well is often very difficult. I truly appreciate the effort and understanding – thanks buddy =)
Talk to you all soon,
- Kev
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Clone:
OOC: Re: in birthing room, outside birthing room telepathic communication:
Actually the only response we're technically waiting on is the one from Slingshot and Nanite. As soon as they give their response(s) to Clone, he'll convey it/them to everyone outside the Birthing Chamber =)
- Kev
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Menagerie:
Clone then puts up his hands and starts to flag everyone back like a police officer trying to peacefully disperse a small crowd. With a tone of joyful calm in his voice he asks, “Please to be having seat everyone, everything inside is being happy and most peaceful. I am asking now when it is that the proud momma and poppa are ready to be having everyone to be coming in. Please to be being patience for just small time longer.”
Menagerie returns to human form and gives Clone a sour look. "Easy for you to say when you were included and not stuck out here. If there wasn't a Clone in that room, I would bet there would be 7 Clones pacing, 2 banging on the door to be let in, and 1 sitting in the corner pouting."
Looking to Sgt Stone, "Sorry to cause alarm. I sensed a disruption in the Natural Order and couldn't tell if the cause was Ethan or IT. When Clone blocked the door like a Cossack I figured it was trouble but if Sentinel says there is not a threat, then I believe him. The disruption is still there so being patient will not be easy."
Looking at the cigars, "Any chance we could light up a couple of those while we wait? Thats an advantage of already being dead, those things can't kill me."
Menagerie attempts to appear relaxed and unconcerned but his mind is full of apprehension. "What is going on in that room and what will it bring upon our world?" He worries to himself.
Via Vanguard
Tom
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Clone:
OOC: LOL Great stuff Tom, and your IC Response for Menagerie is spot on - if the shoe was on the other foot, 'Clone and company' would probably be going nuts waiting outside ;)
Love the Cossack crack as well - Clone is definitely going to react to that one lol
- Kev
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Slingshot:
OOC:
Avatar wrote: <did I say that out loud?>
Uh, huh...
I remember writing a quick quip between Slingshot and Nanite. It got nowhere close to a kiss, and a couple of issues later, she's pregnant.
Seth, get ready.. :grin:
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Clone:
OOC: . . . err . . . so what does that mean for Clone and Menagerie? Should I be scared? =O
Clone is too young to be a mother =(
- Kev
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Slingshot:
OOC: HAHAHA!
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Sentinel
OOC: Ouch! Now that was an outcome here that didn't run through my head.
OOC: Ouch! Now that was an outcome here that didn't run through my head.
Thankfully you've already run that plotline so I'd think Kirk is safe for now as Jeff wouldn't want to retread... but let's specify Kirk uses protection, assuming they get that far.
I'm hoping for some happiness for Kirk before Jeff twists the knife :)
Seth
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Clone:
OOC: FYI: Clone is using 'protection' as well!!! =O
- Kev
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Menagerie:
OOC: LOL!
Tom
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Sentinel:
OOC:
Strike wrote: OOC: I can guarantee you don't speak for everyone. I am hoping what happens in Vanguard, stays in Vanguard.
I absolutely agree.
:)
Seth
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Menagerie:
IC: Growing impatient Menagerie says, "Clone are you done holding the baby yet? Don't you dare tell me you weren't the third one to hold him." Winking at Sgt Stone, "I bet Nanite said we could come in 20 minutes ago but Clone here knows you will want to be next one to hold little Ethan and he doesn't want to share."
OOC: Too much fun!!!
Tom
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Slate (the Son of Nanite and Slingshot):
Way OOC: Thanks to everyone for the welcome... I have to admit joining Vanguard is a bit like becoming an X-Man for me.
I've been following your campaign for at least a year, probably longer the way time flies these days. I've read all of the back issues, but only lately started to go back and read the posts that build into the issues. I'm amazed at how much I missed, just reading the issues. You guys do a lot of great dialog, in character and out, and I've become a huge fan. Having said all of that, I'll do my best to live up to the Vanguard standard.
Slate IC: With each word spoken sounding less machine-like, and more human Slate responds to Slingshot, "I believe some form of sustenance would be useful at this time. It appears I have utilized all of the materials provided by mother over these past months at an accelerated rate."
As he speaks, his body continues to slowly change, his skin darkens as he speaks to slingshot, and lightens as he looks at his mother, turning grayer. As he looks around the room, his tones and voice seem to becoming almost an amalgam of everyone that he sees or anyone that has spoken in the room. The changes are subtle, and do not happen quickly, but also do not seem to stop like clay being slowly molded by unseen hands. The only thing that does not appear to be changing is his eyes. They are almost duplicates of his mothers. The only difference being something that looks like static dancing around the edges as the changes to his body occur.
At first he does not respond to the touches and hugs of his parents, arms hanging limply at his sides, but as he watches them, Nanite reaching up to caress Slingshot's face, both of them including Ethan in their embrace, he starts to respond similarly, reaching out to touch their faces, feeling their skin and clothing.
He looks curiously about the room at the others, and finally in an almost totally human voice says, "Welcome to my birthday."
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GM:
OOC: Hi.
Yeah, I don’t cut and paste everything everyone does IC into the following issue. With 8 players, the issues would be larger than they already are.
I paste all issue replies under the issue itself, on the game blog.
You may safely assume that everything you write for your character happens unless I specifically say it doesn’t.
Best,
Jeff
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Menagerie:
OOC: Wonderful post, Jon. This is going to be a lot of fun.
Via Vanguard
Tom
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Symbiote:
First OOC: Welcome aboard, Jon! You've certainly made a big impression. We'll try not to be as big a jerk to you as the experienced X-Men were to any new member during the Claremont era (was it just me, or did it seem like every time a new member would say or do anything AT ALL during Claremon's run, up to and including asking a teammate to pass the ketchup at dinner, the established members would bark out "You haven't earned that! You're not an X-Man yet!!" Jeez, two or three rounds of that and I'd be off filling an out an application for the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants).
Second OOC: Kevin, I had a question about this statement from your reply...
He then looks at Symbiote with sadness and a sense of pleading in his eyes, and asks him like a patient would ask their physician, “. . . Comrade . . . am I to be always staying like this? Is there nothing that you can be doing for me to be fixing me?” A moment of pause embarrasses the room as everyone tries to absorb what has just transpired, and then with the sound of defeat hanging heavy on his words, Clones bows his head and looks down at the floor and says, “. . . I am just wanting to be normal like all of everyone else.”
Refresh my memory....what, exactly does he mean by "staying like this?" If I recall correctly (and I very well may not) Clone looks normal enough when he's in "single stage," it's only when he divides himself that he looks normal (blank, waxy face and other body features). How, exactly, does he want to be "fixed?" Does he want his powers removed entirely for some reason? Just wants to live a normal life? Let me know what he's thinking, this will help me come up with a reply.
Great issue as always (and I did NOT see all this coming). Will reply with more later.
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
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Clone:
OOC: No, unfortunately for poor little Alex the damage to his 'front grill' is the 24/7 kind. Here's the wording for his Weakness:
“Unusual Appearance: Clone’s face is smooth, vague and indistinct, as if it were ‘unfinished’ in some way. He has no wrinkles, nails or fingerprints, and his skin is pure white and completely hairless. NPC’s encountering Clone without his mask for the first time will most likely be caught off guard and find Clones physical appearance frightening and unsettling and suffer a -4 modifier to their initial Reaction rolls because of it. A successful saving throw on d20 versus Intelligence will avoid this penalty. Once a character has over-come Clones strange appearance by making a successful saving throw roll, all subsequent reaction rolls are unaffected by this modifier. His unusual appearance unfortunately also makes it impossible for him to have a secret identity.”
The general gist of whats he's asking / talking about is that he suspects; for some unknown reason, that the key to him looking normal again ( something he wants desperately ) rests somewhere with the mysterious Russian scientist known only as Doctor 'X'. He, Sentinel, and Symbiote all tried to check out what the CHESS computer files might have on this guy, but got 'stone-walled' by the old 'Restricted - Higher Security Clearance Required' message when they tried to access ALL the files CHESS had on Doctor 'X'. Given his medical background, Clone is hoping that if there is some useful information out there ( hopefully in the way of medical files ) that Symbiote might be able to use it to figure out how to make Clone look 'normal'.
Hope that clears it up - if not, please let me know what I forgot to explain.
On a side note - its this exact Weakness, coupled with his kind and open heart, that makes me feel that Clone wouldn't have an issue with Slate's appearance or questionable origin.
- Kev
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GM:
OOC: Final weekend before replies are due.
Maybe you could use that extra hour we get this weekend for Vanguard.
Your wives and kids won't miss that one little hour.
Treat yourself.
You deserve it.
Jeff
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Slingshot:
OOC: Nice.
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Avatar:
John is somewhat ambivalent about the situation. On one hand, there is the possibility of some sort of treachery and this must be guarded against. On the other, there's the possibility that this is actually an ally AND you add in the fact that this is the child of a teammate, no matter how odd the circumstance, and this sways things the other way a little. Overall a guarded and neutral feeling.
Later, however, John isolates himself and activates his Cosmic Awareness, expending a lot of Power Points (I forget the description of the power but he'll expend as much as he feels necessary to gain the truth from a question) in the process. The question he asks? "Can I trust Ethan?"
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GM:
OOC:
fyi, John knows this power well enough to know that his question, as it's currently posed, is strictly present tense.
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Sentinel:
I. Friends and Lovers
[OOC: Sentinel, stop or go?]
Go.
IV. Creator and Created
But there existed files beyond Vanguard’s security clearance! [OOC: Replies, Sentinel, Symbiote, Clone]
Kirk was surprised that his previous data searching had not uncovered this information and said, “These files weren’t here previously. Either they are new or until now better hidden. I’m going to speak to Grey about getting us access.”
Although Kirk didn’t have the access to open then he did his best to analyze them regarding whether they were recently created or if their location or flagging had changed somewhat.
V. Siblings Hal, what’s our play here? I think we need to arrange to check this lead out immediately.”
[Reply Symbiote and Sentinel]
Kirk added, “You or Strike could get to the area quickly and do some reconaissance. Perhaps Menagerie could go most inconspicuously to check the area. Although knowing Strike’s resourcefulness I’m hesitant to send anyone alone or even the two of you using the same power set in case he is prepared for our company.”
VIII. Father and Son
[OOC: Replies to any and all of the above, Vanguard!]
After giving Slingshot and Nanite their time with Ethan and it seeming appropriate, if Scott doesn’t do so himself being a bit consumed by the events (and rightfully so), Kirk will approach and look introduce himself and the others.
OOC: And I’m assuming here that we’ve established a reasonable level of intelligence for Ethan at this point.
“Ethan, my name is Kirk. Your parents mean the world to me. And now you do too. I hope in time I can earn your friendship.” Kirk will approach closer as he speaks to the degree Ethan and Slingshot and Nanite are comfortable. If Ethan’s initial interaction includes any physical contact as he tries to learn about his environment Kirk would allow it and in fact, as he approaches his energies move away from the front of him allowing it. Kirk certainly isn’t beyond a hug given the situation if it seems appropriate.
“You are a very fortunate child to have such loving parents. In fact, your parent’s love extends even beyond you; they have dedicated their lives to helping others and making the world a better place. Everyone here in this room with you today has done the same. For me, these people have become my family. Allow me to introduce them...
And Kirk begins the introductions …
OOC: Stephane: no problem here if you want to handle the intros, we can adjust Kirk’s part accordingly along whatever you desire. This is your show.
While the parents are busy with Slate Kirk will quietly talk to Hal stating, “I’ll be damned if we don’t do everything we can to make this day as wonderful as possible for all of them… after all they have been through and sacrificed. After this though I’m talking to Grey about getting the information about IT and about Ethan’s counterpart. And we have to get our heads together as a team and access The Data Dimension and make contact with Nemesis and find out what is happening there. We can’t be caught flat-footed a third time because we remain ignorant of the outcome there. And I think Nemesis deserves to know he’s an uncle.”
Kirk-Slate: Kirk will remain vigilant to the possibility of IT influencing Ethan but ultimately believes that their role is helping to shape him so that if and when the time comes, Ethan makes the right choice. Nemesis and Nanite did. Ethan will too. This is in harmony with Kirk’s free will philosophy and ultimately Kirk is about being non-prejudiced. I have to think he would be among the first to overcome the ‘weakness’. This is what REACH is about.
II. Colleagues
Grey said, “I trust MEDUSA. They’re a government agency sworn to uphold the law.”
Sentinel made a formal request to question Vanguard Omega specifically about the birth and the Entity. Red tape prevented the response from coming before the actual birth (see below).
Kirk lets things go with Grey’s reply at this time and continues, unfruitfully (in harmony with the established timeline) to pursue the release of the information. After the birth of Ethan he visits Grey to speak with him one on one and requests they talk in their sound-proofed no record devices proof room.
The conversation from Kirk’s end will follow as he has three issues to discuss. Don’t have time to put that together yet, but wanted to get other replies in since others are involved. The Grey conversation will follow ASAP and won’t involve other PCs so won’t put a hamper on the game flow. Thanks.
Seth
PS: Just reread Jon's post and it seems like Kirk's response would be in reply to his concluding remarks.
He could reply along the lines of, "Thank you Ethan. This day is a wonderful day for all of us ..." and then get into the rest of my previous post.
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Slate:
OOC Ethan/Slate: I’m writing responses to each of the people in the room, assuming Ethan will have an opportunity to greet them before others are brought in the next issue. As a reminder, Ethan looks like a teenager, maybe 15-16, at this time he is hairless, and totally nude. His skin is dark colors, not really gray now, more flesh tones, but still dark. He is obviously human and obviously male. He does not exhibit any inhibitions or fear, but is obviously curious about everything. As anyone speaks, he will move toward that person, examining everything about them… he also has not real concept of personal space at this time, so he will get very close to some, reaching out to touch their clothing, skin if it looks different from someone he has already touched, hair, or equipment. As he wanders around the room, his hands are always touching something, from the equipment around Nanite, the bags of liquid hanging overhead, to the tables/chairs. He will move away from Nanite and Slingshot toward something that interests him, and then return to them, almost as if he is drawn to them by some invisible chord.
IC Ethan/Slate:
Sentinel: As he approaches, Ethan appears to be looking more around him that at him, fascinated by his shields, very child like, he reaches out to touch his projections… “What is this?”
Clone: Ethan reaches out to touch Clone’s face, “Are you like me?” I seem to remember Clone had created several clones, but going from the map Jeff provided, I only see one in the room, and one outside, so I’m leaving his response at that.
Doc Rocket: “You are like me too,” he says as he stretches the Dr.’s skin tight on his face with both hands.
Shelly: Ethan looks at Shelly, then back at Nanite; touching her hair “You are like Mother, but not? Are you a mother?”
Slingshot: already replied to… see previous response
Nanite: No words for Nanite, but every time he comes within range, he reaches out to her, often holding her hand.
Symbiote: “You are many; you helped me, thank you.”
Avatar: Looking at Avatar’s prepared arsenal, “What are those?” He would be very interested in touching/holding Avatar’s weapons, even in their scabbard/quiver.
Thanks,
Jon
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Sentinel:
Kirk allows his energy to flow around Ethan's touch.
He looks at him and smiles and speaks, 'this energy is one of my gifts and it shape responds to my thoughts.' As Kirk says this he holds his hand open in front of Ethan and his energy coalesces around it rising up six inches or so and forming into an image ... an image that mimics the appearance of Ethan and his movements (ie if Ethan moves his finger towards the image, the image moves it finger towards Nathan).
Kirk hopes to entertain him a bit and perhaps get a feel for how far along he has come ...
Seth
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Slingshot:
OOC: I've reread the turn.. I'm still amazed at Jeff's ability to come up with yet another curve ball. Fantastic job, Jeff.
I. Friends and Lovers
[OOC] Woohoo! Someone else is getting it on!
VIII. Father and Son
Slate looks curiously about the room at the others, and finally in an almost totally human voice says, "Welcome to my birthday."
Scott looks into Nanite's eyes and smiles happily at her.
[OOC: Seth, I'm good with you presenting the rest of the team. I'm sure that Scott's still reeling about the whole event.]
[OOC] Depending on the amount of time that will pass between this issue and the next:
Immediate timeframe: Once we go through a series of tests on Slate, just to understand what he's capable of. While Scott is his father and would put his life down for him, he is also aware that IT is still searching a way in. So opening the door will be a big deal as wireless signals will come in and possibly affect Slate. Eventually it will get done, someone will need to pee. :)
Short time frame (days to 1 week): Scott will try to teach as much to Slate as possible. He will let Nanite (if she's up to it) teach him pure knowledge as I'm sure he won't be able to keep up, while she will. He will try to teach him about the world in a human way. Get him to understand feelings, love. He will teach him about exercise, conditioning and physical training.
He will also start the proceeding towards the wedding. He will get a hold of an exclusive wedding planner, someone known for discretion and start the ball rolling. He'll talk to Grey and see if there is any way to get some support from CHESS.
Medium Term (2 weeks to 3 Months): This will be the biggie. Increase the REACH program schedule. Bring Ethan and Nan along whenever possible. We are rolling the PR red carpet. With Ethan, I'm focusing on the human side of REACH. Giving, Helping, Teaching Coaching, etc.. All the things that make this beautiful world a community. Getting involved. Nan doesn't have to do anything, but just her presence will help spur Scott along. It's not about the photo op, but about touching people. Touching their lives. Taking the time to help them.
IC: Scott spends half of his day doing REACH work. He answers the phones, when he can, he goes to people's home and talks to them just as he's doing right now. He knocks on the door, and older woman answers the door. "Yes?" Scott smiles, "Hi, I'm Scott Brock. You called REACH for help with your son, Tyler?". She nods slowly still suspicious, "Why, yes, we didn't know where to turn to.. where are my manners, come in!".
As Scott walks in, he motions to Slate, "This is Ethan, my son." As they sit down at the kitchen table, "Tell me about Tyler." So she talks about her son. He is wheelchair bound. The list of medical and consequently developmental issues are mounting. Scott listens intently. "We have tried our best to come up with something for you and your family. We, at REACH, try and help as many as we can. We often don't have the funds that we can, but one of the things we do is also connect families with other foundations that might be able to help them. Sometimes, it's financial help, sometimes it is things. So, in your case, we have managed to get you an electric wheelchair to replace previous one. Can we present it to Tyler?" The woman nods.
They move to the next room where the TV is turned on to a superhero cartoon. Scott moves to Tyler and says, "Hi Tyler." The child slowly turns to him and recognizes him. The boy says in a slightly slurred voice, "Mom! Slingshot!". Scott grins, "Ma'am, your son's quick.", he continues, "Tyler want to come with me and see? We found something for you." He picks up the wheelchair in one enlarged hand and walks out to the parking and pulls out the other, brand new wheel chair. "What do you think?" Tyler is beside himself and says, "Mom! Photo!".
He leaves with Ethan shortly after a few (family) pictures are taken with another family happy.
Long Term (3 Months - 6 Months): More of the same above. Pushing along as many team mates to help. I'm not sure how much I can help the others with their own issues, but I will try as much as I can. Scott *is* interested in researching the data dimension. There's a reason he spent a knowledge point in multiverse theory, but depending on how much focus he can give, he will help.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
OOC:
Thanks.
You said you wanted a wedding planner who was discrete. Earlier, it seemed your plan was a big Kate and Will wedding of the century thing to leverage Vanguard's celebrity status to create positive PR for extranormals everywhere, as a counter-move on Caine's PR machinations.
Is that no longer the case?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Avatar:
John will draw away from Slate's advances on his weapons. "Perhaps some other time...Ethan? I'm not sure that I should let a newborn hold a sword before he's dirtied his first diaper."
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Lightning Strike:
OOC:
Sorry for not welcoming a new character (Jon), but had I done that I probably would have been going out of character and out of my norm. Anyway, I always welcome a new player.
IC: Strike's new Persona will be called Silencer (He Kills without Sound). I am sure that has been used somewhere but hopefully not in the Vanguard history.
When asked about why he has not established a reputation, Strike will respond that his powers are newly discovered. In order to establish his mob creds, he will look up a bunch of mid level informants or hit men that are plausibly dead or in custody and claim responsibility assuming the timing is right.
Strike will observe the birth and then assuming that everything appears normal (i.e. no apocalypse), he will continue to dig deeper into the underworld that Silas Caine appears to be digging and will try to establish the street cred of Silencer.
Let me know if I need to flesh out more details (other than our romantic thread).
Thanks,
Tony
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GM:
OOC: Silencer was a member of Homicide for Hire, who fought Vanguard.
Sonic devices that create silent zones. Incarcerated in CHESS Castle now.
Want to take his name, or come up with a new one?
Also, are you following up on the whereabouts of Hank Archer? See issue 148. Sentinel and Symbiote are hot on the trail as well.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Lightning Strike:
OOC: Damn, I knew that name was familiar. OK then no name to make myself more mysterious. Who needs a name when you are killing people.
When it comes to finding Hank Archer, I will pursue every lead available and Strike does not want interference from any other members of Vanguard. This should and will stay in the family and if anyone can find Strike Omega, it should be me!!!
Thanks,
Tony
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Symbiote:
OOC: Good evening everybody. Sorry for a long reply so close to the deadline. Here we go...
IC:
IV: Creator and Created (specifically, Clone's response): Hal looked at the obviosly angst filled Replicating Russian with compassion. You get so busy with other projects you forget about a seriously wounded soul right in front of you, he chided himself. "Alex, you are normal. In every way that counts. In some ways better--you have a gift that few will have and few can truly appreciate," he says. "But I can imagine that words like that are a cold comfort when you'd like to just walk down the street in anonymity some time. I'm sorry, I haven't paid much attention to your situation. But with or without the information from Doctor X, we'll find a way to help you."
At this point, Hal will begin thinking of ways to make cosmetic "improvements" to Alex's face (sort of like the image inducer Nightcrawler used in his early days as an X-man, perhaps). He'll also give Alex a full exam. He's a meta, but has his metagene been tampered with? If so, how? Any clues lie there?
VI: Siblings (I apologize for not responding to this thread last time through): "At this point I think stealth is our best approach, at first," Hal says. "Kirk, if you'll do a flyover of the cabin and scan for surface thoughts. If you get a reading on Lightning Strike Omega or Hank, we go in as fast as we can. All of us. We need to overwhelm him before he harms Hank or escapes. If you get nothing--we still go in and investigate. Just because they're not there at the moment doesn't mean they weren't at one time." (I assume this will be done after the birth, if not let me know).
VIII: Father and Son: The Technician that was holding the EMP weapon will put it down, though he won't completely power it down unless Avatar shares his cosmic awareness insight that Ethan can be trusted (for now, at least). If Avatar does share this info he will deactivate it and step away entirely.
The Nurse will continue to monitor Nan and apply any additional care needed. He will keep an eye on Ethan, however,
The Doctor addresses Ethan after he begins to speak to the rest of the group. He tries to strike the right balance, knowing he is speaking to a very inexperienced but intelligent being, trying to neither overwhelm him nor patronize him. "It's very nice to meet you, Ethan," he says in even, measured tones. "I know this has been quite a day for you, and all of us. With your permission--and your parent's," Symbiote says, nodding towards Scott and Nan, "I'd like to examine you, perhaps run a few tests. I'd like to know more about you, and how we can best make sure you're healthy." He breaks into a broad, reassuring smile that he doesn't entirely feel, meant more for Scott and Nan than for Ethan. "You're the first baby I've delivered since my residency. I want to make sure you're off to the right start." (OOC: This examination will be the world's strangest Well Baby exam, yes, but it will also focus on what powers and abilities Ethan might have and also scan for any sign of IT).
During the later conversation with Kirk, Symbiote essentially agrees. "Yes, we've got to find out what happened in the Omegaverse, and with proper precautions I suppose I'm ready for another expedition into the Digital Zone," he says, casting a worried glance over his shoulder at the new family. "But have you ever seen 'The Manchurian Candidate?' Great film, Sinatra's best role. In that film, Laurence Harvey is the ultimate assassin--because he doesn't know he's an assassin, he's been brainwashed and programmed to attack only at a certain time, under certain triggers. I hate to sound paranoid and I hate to be Captain Bringdown during a joyous occasion, but we may need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that Ethan is completely innocent, absolutely benevolent--and still a pawn of The Entity."
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
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GM:
OOC:
1) Strike doesn't want anyone tracking down Hank Archer but him. Symbiote and Sentinel are about to do just that. What does Strike say to his teammates who don't know Strike's relationship to Archer?
And what is their reply?
2) How does Strike locate the Homicide for Hire auditions? He knows when they will occur, but still not where.
3) Greg, Avatar said he's doing Cosmic Awareness later and in private. How does that change your orders?
4) Sentinel, any reply to Symbiote's Manchurian Candidate analogy?
Thanks all.
Best,
Jeff
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Slingshot:
OOC: Apologies for not being clear. I meant discrete in the sense that they are not easily bought by other people. I want this to become a huge circus and hopefully get the Kate/Will effect.
I guess I want the planner to be trustworthy and damn good at what they do.
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Avatar:
OOC: Jeff:
I'm fine with the question for Cosmic Awareness being for the present.
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Sentinel:
OOC:
Hi Stephane.
Loved the REACH scene.
Naturally Kirk is supportive of all your REACH efforts and assists as he can too.
Seth
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Slingshot:
OOC: Thanks. I should have proofread it, but if I didn't get it done then, it wouldn't have gone out that night. I'll try to get those done more often. I enjoy reading your own scenes..
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Lightning Strike:
Strike will tell his teammates that since Strike Omega is involved, I would be the one who is most likely to determine his course of action. Strike Omega also might not view Strike Alpha as a threat since they can not harm one another and the situation might be handled peacefully.
Strike will find out the location of the audition the old fashioned way, Strong Arming the usual snitches until one rolls over.
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Sentinel:
VI
Symbiote, Agreed. Perhaps my skill-set would work best from a distance for initial approach. My energy sense should let me know if anyone or anything is present and if so, the surface scan may help to identify whom. However, I'd like to have Menagerie with me on the fly-bye. Two of us is safer knowing who we are dealing with plus there's a good chance his senses would pick up a disturbance in nature if Omega Strike is nearby.
VII
Kirk works closely alongside Hal regarding all this. Although he isn't going to alienate Ethan, he does want to be as prepared for anything as possible.
"Sinatra's best role ... sounds like I've missed something great. The situation is indeed grim when you're talking to me about paranoia," Kirk said with a half smile, "but I'm afraid your not being paranoid. We need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. And hope that we can all help Ethan to be overcome things if and when that day does come. Nemesis did. Ethan can too."
Kirk streamed the Manchurian Candidate when he had a couple hours to himself. (not the remake, the original)
OOC: Believe it or not, I don't think I ever did see it despite renting it to many people years ago. If I did, I no longer remember it, although I don't think I'd totally forget viewing a classic like that.
Seth
PS: Oh Greg.
Great post too!
Forgot to mention it.
Seth
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Sentinel”
OOC:
Jeff: Was already planning a reply prior to your requesting it.
I'm assuming that the initial discussion is Kirk, Hal, and Strike as we are the ones privy to Strike's identity and all the intricacies of the Archer situation.
“When it comes to finding Hank Archer, I will pursue every lead available and Strike does not want interference from any other members of Vanguard. This should and will stay in the family and if anyone can find Strike Omega, it should be me!!!”
Kirk was tired of Strike's lone wolf approach and in particular, his handling of 'family affairs' with Hank. Although used to being a defendant of Strike's privacy and giving him space, it is apparent in this discussion that even Kirk is having difficulty continuing to play peacemaker. He has spoken to him IC about his lack of communication with Archer and its effect on them both a number of times to no avail.
Kirk replied, "This 'family affair' involves more than just yourself. Hank isn't only your family here in Vanguard," he said shooting a glance at Hal, 'and the stakes with Omega Strike involve all of Vanguard and the world. I'm sure you've been pursuing this with your own resources as have we also.
We were giving you the courtesy of being included because we thought we had something solid here to investigate. You don't want interference in your investigation ... fine. But don't think for a second here that we won't do everything within our power to pursue our own investigation.
Now if you want 'in' you’re still welcome. If not, we'll let you know how it pans out. And we'd hope you'd do the same for us on your end."
And then Kirk added, "And not to worry, we can pursue Archer as a team when we have a basis to do so, without us revealing your personal interest in things ... it's Omega Strike's interest in keeping 'your' secrets you should be concerned about." And with that, they took their leave.
If Strike changes his tune on things, all the better. We include him now. If not, he finds out about our 'lead' when the rest of Vanguard finds out.
After leaving Strike's presence, Kirk turns to Hal and says, "And we were worried about 'our' paranoia. Glad I've got you to keep me from turning into him."
OOC: Naturally anything Hal wants to add to this conversation would be absolutely fine and if for some reason he doesn't want in on this conversation Kirk has no qualms about speaking to Strike alone (he'll wear rubber boots :) ).
Seth
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Sentinel:
OOC: Hey Ton.
Your most recent response seems more reasonable and milder than your previous reply about the situation.
Did I missread the tone of your last reply? (prior to this one and prior to my email about it) ... if I read more into your stance than you intended then we can lessen Kirk's reply a bit as needed. From your last email on this it sounded like you were coming on much stronger? Which is why I had Kirk reply strongly.
Seth
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Symbiote:
2) If Strike voices opposition to the rest of us going after Strike Omega and Hank, Hal will politely but firmly declare, "Lightning Strike, I'm sorry. I know this is personal to you, and believe me, I despised the Omega version of me, I understand. But Hank Archer is my father's best friend, and was like an uncle to me and Shelly. You wouldn't even have this lead if Shelly and I hadn't hunted it down. Sorry, but I'm going." His expression makes it clear he isn't going to argue.
3.) Then The Technician will put the weapon down and step one pace away--but leave it powered up and ready to go.
NICE posts from everybody. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
OOC:
You owe it to yourself to see the original "Manchurian Candidate" (never saw the remake, don't know if it's good or not). Great movie and Sinatra, a man infamous for taking not taking his acting career very seriously, for whatever reason absolutely delivered a masterful performance in that film.
You worked in a video store Seth? Me too, a Blockbuster for a year and a half in St. Louis. I was grateful for the free rentals, it meant that I didn't have to spend any money on "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." Now if I could just find a way to get that two hours of my life back...
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Lightning Strike:
OOC: As one of the hard asses in the group, Strike has to come across in the harsh tone. Of course we know that underneath that hard shell, there is a heart of gold.
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Sentinel:
Then I say that we play the scene butting heads a bit and you come around in the end. It's appropriate.
Although I'd bet you still ditch us to go there first which is bad news; I don't want you going alone because if he is there either he will have the means to contain you or he is going to give you some sort of revelation about events to turn you to the 'dark side' (or likely both).
Seth
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Lightning Strike:
Strike accepts the fact that work was done to track down where Hank Archer might be, but he will not accept anyone else in the group going out there before him. If this is a deadlock, Strike will assume electrical form and get out to the nearest place to the cabin assuming he can get there before the rest of the group.
OOC: OK, you are getting old Seth. We actually watched the original Manchurian Candidate at your house. When it was released on video you took it from the store and we watched it sitting in your living room!!!
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Sentinel:
OOC:
Do I know my Strike or what?
I figured you'd want to be on first contact and Kirk assumed that ... he just doesn't want that first contact to be you alone. And he'd bet money that if you go with Symbiote in electrical form Strike Omega snags you both.
But I know once Strike decides he is doing something he is going to do it no matter what Kirk thinks ...
Tony, I don't know whether to be happy to confirm that I did watch it so that we saw a 'classic' which was appropriate... or sad that my addled 45 year old brain can't remember. But I do know who I'll be checking with as I continue to try to remember stuff. Glad that your head still works right!
Seth
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GM:
OOC: You must have been brainwashed to forget it.
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Slingshot:
OOC: I just have to say that I'm impressed! That's what? 6 replies from Tony in the same turn?
Be prepared for the sky to fall.
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Sentinel:
OOC: Yes, and even IC stuff.
Perhaps the Omegaverse invasion is worse than we thought ... have these posts come from Tony Omega???
Seth
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GM:
OOC: Thanks everyone.
Last question: Symbiote, do you take an hour to upload Lightning Strike's template, as per your Level Five Advancement, and follow him electrically?
Or do you fly up to the cabin together with Sentinel (and maybe Menagerie?) which would take about an hour in the jet, including prep time.
Tom, is Menagerie joining them?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Menagerie:
OOC: Yes, Menagerie will join them.
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Symbiote:
I'll borrow Slingshot's powers and fly up with the others. If it all takes the same time, might as well arrive in force.
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Sentinel:
Sentinel and Grey sat across from the conference table alone and free from observation.
Kirk started.
“Alex came to Hal and me looking for help with information about Doctor X. He is hoping to find out more about what happened to him and perhaps a fix for his appearance. We came across new files in the computer system beyond our security clearance. They weren't there just a few months ago when I'd researched Doctor X. I was hoping you could get us access to the information.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Anything else?” Grey said.
“Yes, I’d like once again to request access to information regarding the Entity and how he used Ethan in the Omegaverse. More than that we would again request access to the Omegaverse prisoners.”
“You know we’ve requested all of that. A number of times. We can do it again. But kid, what’s this really about?” and Grey indicated the room cut off from the outside world.
“I need you to hear me out and be patient here.”
“With you its always patience.” Grey said with a smirk.
“I spoke to you about my concerns about MEDUSA a few months ago prior to Ethan’s birth and you told me that you trusted them and I let it go then. And I really did try to let it go.
But their stonewalling us these months, not giving us information about what to expect about the birth, with Ethan. It stinks. It’s plain wrong. They knew the threat level presented and our concern, not just for ourselves but for the world. So what could be the reason for the silence?”
Kirk continued.
“Not just red tape. Not with the stakes at hand. No, the only explanation is that they knew that the threat of the Entity using Ethan either wasn’t at birth or had been neutralized.”
So the real question is, why not tell us? Why not give us access to our doppelgangers to get the answers we need to prevent events from their world from happening here?" and he paused, "That’s the point Grey.”
Kirk paused again to let it sink in to Grey, and continued, “It’s because they don’t want us to prevent everything. They want us to be distracted.
Think about it. In the Omegaverse in a very short time the world turned on their heroes, on everyone with gifts. This was very shortly after Caine became president. Too quickly. Almost as if Caine had already laid the foundation for such events prior to his becoming president, as if the machine was already in motion.
Then here in our world, Caine announces his bid for presidency. And as soon as the Omega heroes have been captured, MEDUSA makes its appearance and spirits them away. No access. No explanations.
I think its because they are afraid about what our counterparts may tell us about MEDUSA itself. About their involvement in those horrible events and who is pulling their strings.
And Grey although the Omegaverse was a darker world than our own, before the witch hunt, make no mistake, our counterparts were heroes. They did good, just like the Freedom Force. They worked beside you there just as the Freedom Force did, just as we do here. And when the government turned on them, it wasn’t just the heroes, it was their families, their loved ones. It was their associates. Anyone that knew that what was happening was wrong and resisted were dealt with Grey. You, Drake, the Knights and Chess agents* that knew us, were our friends, and wouldn’t fall in line – the government turned on them too. Long before the heroes crossed the line.
So I’m asking you again Grey, knowing what we are trying to prevent from happening here, knowing what you’ve spent your life doing, and with no witnesses to this conversation and no outside repercussions, what do you truly think about MEDUSA? What do you know?”
*OOC: From memory I believe you specifically mentioned Grey and Drake, not sure about the others, but it would certainly make sense – if not, delete that reference.
For any and all of Grey’s stuff naturally you can adjust the dialogue to fit Grey and adjust his responses if needed – I was just trying to do the ‘scene’ and not trying to take liberty with Grey as an NPC.
Jeff: I’m hoping that in this self-contained environment Grey will level with Kirk here about MEDUSA if he has his own suspicions. Or if he genuinely hasn’t had suspicions or concerns he really considers all that Kirk has said and simply doesn’t dismiss it.
Much looking forward to the next issue, whether this conversation gets worked in or not at this point.
Seth
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Sentinel:
OOC:
WOO HOO! New Comics Day!
Who needs the New 52???
Seth
