In the three months before Nanite went into labor…
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?”
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?"
“Yes,” was her answer, and she was overcome with joy.
Sentinel did some soul searching with his grandfather, Lancaster, who advised: “I think you need a break. I mean, when do you ever rest? Go on a date. Do they still call it that?”
Kirk thought of Becca. “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.”
“Son,” Lancaster
Later, Kirk visited Miles Hudson, whose recovery had advanced to the point that he had been released to his home. Miles was happy to see Kirk and more lucid than he was on Kirk’s last visit. The two men watched a ball game in Miles living room, and later Miles proudly showed Kirk his medals, memorabilia and press clippings from his Liberty League days in World War II. Miles talked a lot, thankful for the company.
Kirk felt this wasn’t the right time to talk about Dr. Swastika and what he had done to Miles.
Days later, Kirk 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.
[Respond, Sentinel?]
Later, Sentinel met with Symbiote and Director Grey, and discovered that MEDUSA had taken possession of Vanguard Omega. Kirk looked surprised, angry and frustrated. He said to Grey. “… Do you realize that this represents the very sort of treatment that caused the Omega heroes to turn in the first place?
Grey said, “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
[Reply Sentinel to any and all of the above]
Menagerie watched in awe as 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. Frank’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?”
Menagerie bowed. To meet the grand embodiment on Nature itself was overwhelming. He 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.”
“Yes,” she said. “I know,” as moonlit insects soared around her in a halo that was hard for the eye to hold.
“In death am I still Franklin Donovan or am I more?”
“More,” she said as silver flashing fish swirled around in the cool deep darkness of the lake beneath her feet.
“You said I am a Seeker but what should I seek? You said I am a Questor but what is my Quest?”
“An ancient one,” she said. “In times of great trouble, a champion is brought forward; a Druid, who has pledged his life to the protection of The Land. Each was different, defined by the manner of his death.
No, you are not the first, Franklin Donovan. But I fear… you may be the last.”
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?”
[Responses, if any, Menagerie]
Avatar dodged the rocky fist of Sgt. Stone and the two men finished their beers.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.John was a bit suspicious of this. Sentinel and Menagerie searched John’s inventory of books and antiquities of the mythologies of the world. It took a day and at the end they found nothing that emanated magical power. Any number of books or artifacts could have “mystical importance” to someone, depending on their beliefs.
Symbiote recommended tracking the buyer during confirmation of the buyer’s funds. This could only happen after a price was determined. All three knew this was, at best, a warrantless invasion of privacy.
John contacted Sotheby’s and named a price that pushed the limits of credibility, and the price was accepted.
With Strike’s powers, Symbiote, hacked into Sotheby’s accounts and saw that the mysterious buyer was a buying agent with many clients. He reported his findings to the group.[Responses, Avatar]
Clone said to Symbiote and Sentinel, “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.” “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.”[Replies, Sentinel, Symbiote, Clone]Lightning Strike disappeared for a few months.
He 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?]
Symbiote: “Military Espionage Defense United States of America Symbiote replied: “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?"
In time, the written response came back. Grey read: “The Entity entered Omega Earth through the child of Nanite and Slingshot.” He looked at Symbiote and Sentinel. “The death of the child ended the invasion.”Later, with the help of Shelly, Hal 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. He suggested 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?"
Shelley agreed. She came back from their Dad’s place and said to Hal. “Dad thinks he’s up at the lake.” Hal remembered that Ralph and Hank used to go to a cabin in upstate New York
[Reply Symbiote, and Sentinel]Slingshot had arranged an encounter with Silas Caine."… 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?”
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 turned and left.
Hours later, Scott called a "mandatory" meeting for the team, including Shelley. He related 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.Scott made sure to mention 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.
[Reply Vanguard]Vanguard, who had stayed over in the HQ after the team meeting, woke up that night from Nanite’s yelling.
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.”
Avatar heard her cries and was ready to manifest Athena and Hestia if there was a need.
“It is being time!” Clone 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. “It’s time, it’s 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?”
Scott, Avatar and the Clones helped move Nanite into Hal’s electronic “blind room” Infirmary that was prepared during the Vault reconstruction. Specially designed for this moment, it was entirely cut off from the internet and outside electronic communication, powered by a self contained generator. Everybody entering it removed their CHESS communicators.
Symbiote arrived with a bag of unique equipment, like an information age exorcist, if the worst should happen.
He duplicated Clone’s power and became a team of brilliant physicians.
Sentinel entered with his energy and shields at full power and was ready to assist and reinforce any way he can do so. He used his energy sense to monitor Nanite and the baby. He tried to provide moral support and calm.
Clone, Team Symbiote, Shelley, Sentinel, Avatar and Doc Rocket were in the birthing room with Nanite and Slingshot. Nanite had requested Clone be there.
Another Clone, Lightning Strike, Menagerie and Sgt. Stone were right outside, with the base on alert for anything that might come from Silas Caine. Stone paced around, waiting for any news.
Nanite looked up at the superheroes who surrounded her. They were armed for bear, ready for an invasion. She focused on Scott, Clone and Shelley.
The labor lasted for hours and Nanite did great. At 2:35am she began pushing and at 3:58am, their son was born! He was perfectly healthy and normal. Sentinel’s energy sense told him there were no signals emanating from or to the baby, and that the baby was an extranormal.
Shelley placed the cleaned child into Nanite’s arms. “He’s beautiful.”
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.
OOC:
Actions please. You are all at full hit points and powerpoints, minus power activation costs and charges.
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Slingshot:
OOC: Holy cripes! Yeah.. let's see where this goes. Why do I have this "Prince of Darkness" feel?
First move:
Scott looks at his son with obvious mixed feelings. He obviously resolves himself and says, "Everyone, please." He advances calmly towards his child, "Ethan, my son, this was unexpected." He gives him a big, firm, hug. [OOC: any response?, Can I tell if he's made of skin or anything else?] Slingshot then motions him towards a chair. "Ethan, I'm not sure if you can understand me yet, do you want anything to drink, or eat?"
[OOC:]
I have a bunch of ideas floating in my head. Most of them depend on the "kid's" reaction. I would like to have Symbiote scan his powers, just so we have something to use later, but since it's a technological device, I'm not sure what that will entail. Obviously, if this is indeed IT, then we are in trouble and I can't help but feeling that will only help Silas, if it gets out.
[/OOC]
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Menagerie:
OOC: First I meet The Lady of the Lake and then find out I am from the 'line' of Merlin! Too Cool!
OOC: What is Menagerie's nature sense telling him about Ethan, Nanite, the room, and the vault?
Wonderful Issue
Tom
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GM:
OOC: Thanks, Tom.
I'll assume Clone reports to the outside group what's happening.
Menagerie can detect that a disruption in the Natural Order has occurred, on the other side of the "blind room" wall.
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Lightning Strike:
OOC: I am still trying to dig up my Avengers 200 which reminds me of this issue. I am actually planning on responding this issue as my database migration should be done on Saturday, which should mean I can work human hours again.
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GM:
OOC: Claremont took such umbrage with that issue that he wrote Avengers Annual # 10, just to rebuke those thoughtless heroes!
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Menagerie:
OOC: That was such a powerful Annual too. I can visualize the scene where she is letting them have it and it has been 20 years since I last read it.
Tom
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Symbiote:
OOC: Did Rogue and Binary/Warbird/Ms. Marvel ever bury the hatchet? And, I mean, not in each other? (I haven't followed lately).
Anyway, IC:
Assuming Jeff allows it, I'll say that Hal was split into three clones: One to deliver the baby, one to monitor Nanite's life signs, one to monitor equipment in the room.
The Equipment Monitor will quietly move towards the gear Hal brought in to (hopefully) counter IT. I would suggest it's some sort of EMP weapon that will presumably destroy or at least seriously damage any manifestation of The Entity in our world. Unfortunately, it would probably also knock out all the power in the room. Sentinel, be ready with a construct for light, if nothing else. He'll have the equipment ready but for the moment take no other action.
The Nurse will continue to monitor Nanite and assist with post delivery care. He'll be ready to throw himself across her body to protect her if fireworks start.
The Doctor will turn away from his position sitting in front of Nanite, stand up, and quietly place himself between Ethan and his patient. Other than that, he's delaying action and listening and observing carefully. Until this being shows malicious intent this is still Slingy and Nanite's son, and he'll let Slingy take the lead in dealing with him.
Viva Vanguard,
Greg (and Greg and Greg).
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Sentinel:
OOC: I’m with Greg, this is Slingshot’s ballgame unless things take a turn for the sinister.
IC:
Kirk follows the lead of Slingshot and Symbiote trying to be ready for anything to assist. One thing he does to help with his action this round is he taps into the surface thoughts of Ethan , to add those perceptions to his energy readings to be as alert as possible to the Entity asserting itself and taking the team unawares.
He thinks to himself, “This is precisely why we needed access to Vanguard Omega. We don’t know if the Entity asserted himself through Ethan immediately or later. We don’t know how he used Ethan. We could have been much better prepared here. We could have expected this and been ready.”
…..
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.
…..
Grey fairly bristled. “Kid, how come you got no problem with spiriting crooks away to a secret location like CHESS Castle, or covering up boneheaded moves of yer teammates? You’ve got no problem with secrecy… as long as you’re on the right side of it.”
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?”
OOC: I’m assuming at this point that whether he admits it or not at this point, although Grey knows of their existence, he would have minimal access to their operations and information.
IC:
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?”
Kirk waited for a reply knowing Grey’s position and that what wasn’t said may speak louder than what is actually voiced at this time.
Kirk won’t push Grey further for a direct answer if it isn’t given knowing he feels he cannot give it (but hopefully will get a feel for the truth about MEDUSA or at least Grey’s true perception). He will make a formal request to question them specifically about the birth and the Entity (which we knew to be the next upcoming threat) which I’m assuming won’t happen to fit in with the continuity set in play (if you’ll allow).
…..
“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. . . 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. Here is also the internet references and other intel I could locate about him from over the years.” Kirk shares whatever he found and at this point and compares his access in the CHESS systems to what Clone got.
OOC: I’m assuming that on this sort of subject there really is no difference. If there is something different I guess you can let me know before disclosures to decide. Kirk would certainly give him access to all his personal research.
Kirk will let Grey know about Clone’s asking about Doctor X and ask again if there is anything more available that Grey can provide from above their security level to assist.
But Kirk added, “If this is something you need to pursue Alex, we understand and we’ll help. But don’t forget who you are and become overly anxious about this. You are one of the most beautiful people I know. And anyone that matters sees it already.”
…..
Shelley agreed. She came back from their Dad’s place and said to Hal. “Dad thinks he’s up at the lake.” Hal remembered that Ralph and Hank used to go to a cabin in upstate New York before he and Shelley were born. Hank kept the cabin. “Dad wants to know if he should go see Hank. I said I’d check with CHESS,” she said, guilty at having lied to her dad.
Kirk 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.”
…..
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.
Kirk was all smiles to hear the happy news and gave Slingshot a big bro-hug and said, “Just try to keep me away.”
He’ll break out some bubbly to toast the happy couple and wish them happiness. (Hey, we need something good to celebrate given everything else we are dealing with … )
Seth
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GM:
OOC: Re: Shelley and Sentinel:
:-O
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Clone:
OOC: LMAO You're too funny Jeff!
Now things are REALLY getting interesting around here - great stuff Seth!
IC:
Clone, Sentinel and Symbiote Section:
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. Here is also the internet references and other intel I could locate about him from over the years.” Kirk shares whatever he found and at this point and compares his access in the CHESS systems to what Clone got.
In a tone filled with pious respect, Clone says to Sentinel, “Thank you comrade, you are truly being good man and I am being thankful to God for having such friendship as you.”
But Kirk added, “If this is something you need to pursue Alex, we understand and we’ll help. But don’t forget who you are and become overly anxious about this. You are one of the most beautiful people I know. And anyone that matters sees it already.”
Alex listens carefully to what Kirk has to say like a young boy learning a ‘life lesson’ from his father. Humbled by his friends words, Clones looks down at the ground for a moment and then back up at Sentinel and says, “Thank you . . . I am being sure to always be remembering these words.” With eyes welling up with tears he then reaches out and gives Kirk a gentle hug. Alex takes that moment to silently compose himself and then seconds later turns his attention back to what Sentinel had brought up on the computer for him.
The ‘Silas Caine Encounter’ Section:
Sitting quietly between Avatar and Sentinel, Clone listens carefully to what Slingshot has to say about his meeting with Silas Caine.
( OOC: When Scott mentions to everyone that Caine is waging a PR War. )
As Slingshot continues to give his briefing to Vanguard on his meeting with Silas Caine; A worldly innocent Clone tilts his head slightly and whispers to Sentinel, “These ‘PR’ must be most dangerous of enemies if Comrade Slingshot is talking of having war with them. Are you knowing of them?”
( OOC: As Scott continues )
“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.”
Clone then raises his hand as if he were sitting in a classroom and asks Slingshot, “I am not understanding, why is this Silas Caine doing of all of this? I am thinking that I am leaving this all behind when I am fleeing Soviet Union with family. We are all risking of life as bullets are being shot, only to be coming here to America – land of free, hope and brave.” The look on his face then changes slightly as he starts to speak in a more matter-of-fact tone, “I am thinking maybe this man; Silas Caine, is not belonging here in America – maybe it is that he should be going to Russia. He will be most at home with much of people inside of Kremlin I am thinking.”
( OOC: As Scott continues )
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.
The expression on Clone’s face turns to one of pure joy as he turns to Avatar, hugs one of his shoulders firmly and shouts, “Are you hearing Comrade?!? We are having wedding!” An overjoyed Clone then turns his attention back to the other members of Vanguard sitting at the table and continued, “I am insisting on helping with all that I am to be helping with!” He then seems to get lost in his own thoughts as he continues on endlessly about what has to be done to prepare for the wedding and what he can do to help, “ . . . and then it is that I can be all of waiters for tables of guest, oh – the guests – we are needing to be getting list together of all guest! This is most important of job! I am going to be sitting with Nanite and discuss of all about guest . . . and food! FOOD! We are going to have to be thinking of food, perhaps it is that I am getting to get my mother to be helping with making of food. There is so much to be doing!” The excitement and enthusiasm in his voice is paralleled only by the length of what he has to say about this subject. He eventually excuses himself from the table and runs off like an overzealous wedding planner to find Nanite and discuss the event with her. Seconds later Clone bursts back into the room and runs over to Slingshot, hugs him, kisses him on the cheek, and before he runs back out of the room he says to Scott, “I am almost forgetting . . . I am being so much happy for you! You are making good husband!”
( OOC: More Studynets anyone? lol )
Child Birth Section:
* Inside the Birthing Room
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.
Scott looks at his son with obvious mixed feelings. He obviously resolves himself and says, "Everyone, please." He advances calmly towards his child, "Ethan, my son, this was unexpected." He gives him a big, firm, hug. [ OOC: any response?, Can I tell if he's made of skin or anything else? ] Slingshot then motions him towards a chair. "Ethan, I'm not sure if you can understand me yet, do you want anything to drink, or eat?"
Filled with compassion and understanding for the situation, Clone stays where he is and watches on as Scott tries to comfort his son. Placing himself in Ethan’s shoes, Clone finds himself sympathizes with him as he recalls all the times he was scared and confused throughout the course of his life. Worried that perhaps the sight of someone in a strange looking mask might be upsetting him; Alex removes his mask and looks at Ethan with a warm and friendly smile on his face ( OOC: no teeth of course lol ).
* Outside the Birthing Room:
With a wide smile on his face; Clone suddenly shouts out, “We are having a baby boy!” As everyone outside the birthing room starts to express their happiness and joy to each other, Clone walks to the front of the birthing room door and positions himself there as if to block anyone from entering. With a neutral and almost administrative look on his face he raises his hands and says to everyone, “The happy parents are needing of a few minutes before they are to be seeing anyone inside. Please to be staying seated where it is that you are and they will be opening door to us most soon.”
OOC:
I so hope I had Clone do the right thing with not telling anyone outside the birthing room about what was going on inside.
Oh – and for some reason I can’t help but always think of Martin Short’s character from the movie ‘Father of the Bride 2”; Franck Eggelhoffer, whenever I think about Clone trying to help Slingshot & Nanite with their wedding and baby plans lol
Talk to you all soon,
- Kev
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Avatar:
Assuming that John is not manifesting anything as of yet, he'll prepare himself to act offensively if anything happens. He'll just observe for now.
OOC: Jeff, at this point I'll balk on selling. Gotta think about this some more.
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Menagerie:
Lady of the Lake Section:
"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."
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"
Silas Caine Section:
Menagerie sits silently during the discussions. He only speaks up once, "It is interesting that Caine always has the perfect bodyguard for the current threat at hand. It is his protection and possibly his weakness as well. Find out why he has to have the Patriot now, it could point us to the path. As Luddite did before."
Wedding Announcement
Menagerie will smile. Wishing Slingshot and Nanite eternal happiness. He will then walk away silenty doing his best to hide his worry and concern about the upcoming events.
Outside the Birthing Room Section:
With a wide smile on his face; Clone suddenly shouts out, “We are having a baby boy!” As everyone outside the birthing room starts to express their happiness and joy to each other, Clone walks to the front of the birthing room door and positions himself there as if to block anyone from entering. With a neutral and almost administrative look on his face he raises his hands and says to everyone, “The happy parents are needing of a few minutes before they are to be seeing anyone inside. Please to be staying seated where it is that you are and they will be opening door to us most soon.”
Menagerie heightened senses were telling him something was wrong with the Natural Order and it was coming from the Birthing Room. Menagerie looked at Clone blocking the door. Menagerie walked over to Clone and stood in front of him, looking him in the eyes. With the hood drawn over his face all Clone could see were the eyes of a predator staring at him. "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 and gave him time to respond.
"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 ...
Menagerie smiles.
OOC:
In Lady of the Lake Section: Menagerie wants to show respect and gratefulness to his patron. He is embracing his calling as the Druid for this time. He wants to bond to his guide and show himself to be a willing student.
In Silas Caine Section: Not sure how much of Vanguard's history is available to Menagerie. If he wouldn't have the knowledge to make his comment then have him sit silently the whole time.
Wedding Section: Menagerie is happy for Slingshot. He is worried about Nanite. Is she part of the natural order or not? He is greatly concern about the upcoming birth because of the Entity's success in the Omega Universe.
Outside the Birthing Room Section: While Menagerie will not attack Clone, he is channeling his inner Talon. He will turn into a Honey Badger and charge into the room at any hint this has gone terribly wrong.
Tom
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Clone:
Seeing a wildly strange and threatening look in Menagerie’s eyes Clone recoils a bit and the responds, ”The baby is having many powers it is seeming, Comrade Slingshot and Nanite are having only minor moments of difficult adjustment period I am thinking.” He then lowers his voice to a whisper that only Menagerie can hear, “Having no worries Comrade, if there is anything of problem I am sure to be let of you know.” Clone then looks side to side as if looking for some as of yet unseen enemy and continues with his whispering, “Besides, it is as Comrade Slingshot was saying before . . . it is best to avoid ‘PR War’, so for now I am thinking that is to be best that Comrade Slingshot and his family is working of things out in private.”
"Clone, you do know what a Honey Badger is, don't you?"
Clone nervously shakes his head from side to side to express to Menagerie that he has absolutely no idea what a Honey Badger is.
Menagerie's eyes then look down below Clone's stomach as if he is looking for a target and then ...
Menagerie smiles.
Clone looking confused and embarrassed, gasps and then says to Menagerie, “Oh . . . err . . . 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.”
OOC:
WOW! Holy Not-The-Response-I-Had-Expected-To-Come-Out-Of-Menagerie Batman! :O
Clone's got the Soviet Union sending its super-soldiers after him, he's having trust issues with the Director of C.H.E.S.S., he's trying to find a girlfriend in New York City without having a car or a job, and now Menagerie is giving him the 'hairy eyeball'! SHEESH!
I mean gee-wiz you’d think that Clone had physically absorbed his psycho evil future twin, absorbed some of his time traveling doppelgangers’ evil memories, adopted that same evil twins costume, brought each of Vanguards team members some mysterious food, then didn't tell the other members of Vanguard that Slingshot's and Nanite's newborn baby had just 'Hulked Out', and then physically blocked the only door into or out of the birthing chamber . . . I mean really . . . its almost as if you think Clone may have turned evil behind everyone’s back, and that Jeff and I were secretly exchanging e-mails back and forth behind everyone’s back just to keep you guys guessing about it or something . . . I mean really . . . . would we really do something like that? ;)
lol
Talk to you guys soon,
- Kev
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Symbiote:
As for Clone, and the hunt for Doctor X, Symbiote will begin researching the man. It appears...intriguing. A Soviet Bloc version of Hal himself--a man who has researched metahuman powers. Only this man seems intent on using the research for nefarious means. Hal doesn't like this idea at all. He considers metapowers to be a gift of evolution, and will look dimly upon any who abuses the study of them.
He does have good chuckle with Sentinel after the scene outside Clone's room. "Of all the bits of American pop culture he had to pick up," Sentinel says, shaking his head.
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
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Lightning Strike:
OOC: Hi all,
OK, you shamed me into it. I do have to admit that I haven't read all of the e-mails as closely as I should have (Other than Sentinel turning this into a Romance comic).
Anyway, here is my action.
IC:
Strike was finally getting somewhere in the investigation of Caine. If Jim Harrik (OOC: He must go back to one of the first issues of the Freedom Force. Didn't we fight him in the Museum of Natural History?) is acting as Caine's bodyguard, then there must be a connection between Caine and Homicide for Hire. It might be time to audition as there next hitman. In order to infiltrate Homicide for Hire. Strike will try to hone his pseudo-magnetic powers (OOC: used in an early issue of Vanguard to avoid a bullet I think), so that he can manipulate metal/bullets to basically fire them without a gun. This would make him a valuable assassin since he could enter any structure without a gun and still have a weapon. (OOC: I assume this is like an alternate persona or some other type of skill that may require an invention/luck point.)
When it comes to Strike Omega, I will try to think like him and determine the most likely places he would hole up in. There are only so many places that could suit our unique needs. Although, I don't think he is completely evil, Strike Omega is capable of almost anything and will attempt to right the perceived wrongs from his dimension.
The birth is definitely outside of Strike's area of expertise. Given that there is no imminent threat (other than an adult sized infant), Strike will not make any threatening motions at the baby but will certainly be ready. The safety of everyone in the room is paramount.
Take care all,
Tony
PS Made the deadline by two hours!! Wow!!
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Slingshot:
OOC: I have little more text IC to add on as it is more about how the "child" will react.
The main theme is Slingshot will give as much options so he doesn't have his son become IT or his emissary.
But if he seems him turn, then he will restrain him.
A couple of the things that he will do in no particular order:
Scott 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.
Assuming that Ethan is an android/partially computer, and is seeking information (and not able to get some from the lack of computer communication devices). He will allow his son to download some of Scott knowledge and history (even directly) if that is an option. The assumption is that since Nemesis was able to counter his "father's" wishes because of the experience he has had with us, that Ethan would be able to do so through acquiring ours. Maybe Nanite can help there as well.
Scott will show Ethan the picture of himself in his mother's arms, if need be 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.
And if he attacks, then Scott will grapple/entangle him down.
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Menagerie:
OOC: Just say the word Slingshot and its Honey Badger Time!!!!
Kev, LOL! I spent all night trying to think a reply and can't so the only thing for Menagerie to do is turn into the Honey Badger or Turkmenian Ratel as he is known in Russia.
Tom
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Clone:
OOC: Keeping in mind what is already in Clone's head regarding Menagerie's 'intentions' - do you really think it wise to transform into a fuzzy little rodent creature??? I mean . . . err . . . good luck trying to get the whole 'giant gerbil from hell' thing to translate its intentions properly! You'll mostly like just scare and confuse him even more then he already is LOL
Talk to you guys soon,
- Kev
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Slingshot:
OOC: I can provide duct tape if needed.
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Clone:
OOC: LMAO!!!
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Menagerie:
IC: After turning into the Turkmenian Ratel if Clone still doesn't understand that Menagerie is going to charge into the room to protect the Natural Order (only thing stopping him, is he doesn't know what has happened to the baby). He mentally sends to Clone, "You are watching way TOO much Rachel Ray. I will speak to Sgt Stone about him arranging a hook up for you." He will then walk between Clone's legs and smell at the bottom of the door to try to figure out what has happened."
OOC: It was very difficult not to go crude on this. "All the girls I know are dogs" and "Do you need a some quality time with little snowball?" keeps wanting to get into my IC response so bad but I didn't want to derail the blessed event with an episode of Seinfield in the middle of it. If Jeff disagrees, he is welcome to take any OOC as use it.
Also:
"Other than Sentinel turning this into a Romance comic" is definitely one of the best quotes of 2011.
LOL
Thanks
Tom
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GM: Private to the Son of Nanite:
You are surrounded by people expressing fear and uncertainty.
Your uncontrollable shape is mimicking all the adults in the room, who are predominantly male.
Your color is the blend of all the colors in the room, and its hospital white walls.
Your first skill absorption will be English, which you will begin picking up from those in the room, as well as from months of hearing your mother’s voice in her womb.
Everything else beyond that, is up to you.
Welcome to the game!
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Son of Nanite:
Private to GM:
OOC: I'm very excited about all of this, I love the cosmic awareness search bar on the blog, I've read every mention of Nanite and IT now, so I'm probably a little further ahead knowledge wise than he would be. Not sure if he could have captured some of that from Nanite or not prior to birth, I like the self aware aspect of birth... thought I might build on it.
IC: Slate tilts his head slightly to the right, and looks at everything in the room slowly turning his face as he examines each one thoroughly before moving to the next, seemingly trying to view from every angle, without moving.
He spends as much time viewing the electrical devices in the room as he does the individuals. This continues until he comes to his mother. As he looks at her, his eyes change from a glowing white to be silver like his mother’s, reflecting everything in the room.
He speaks 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.”
OOC: How's that for a start?
Viva V.
Jon
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GM;
Private to Son of Nanite:
OOC: It's awesome.
This one turn is kind of unusual, due to your isolation from the PCs.
Could you give me some If Then statements?
If anyone attacks you, or tries to harm you, what do you do?
If someone tries to restrain you, what do you do?
Also, I don’t think he should have absorbed info about Nanite during pregnancy, given his weakness and personality of having never experienced anything. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Son of Nanite:
OOC: Private to GM:
I'm good with the lack of knowledge, I was actually saying that I feel comfortable as a player, knowing the background info. I'm good with him being ignorant of his past.
OK, for If Then statements (asked like a programmer...)
If someone attempts to attack him, initially he would just stand there, head cocked to one side. He's never really been hurt before, so it would be an experience for him. So he would probably spend some time looking at the affect of any damage, feeling around it, etc... no attempts to defend himself at this point, other than his innate abilities.
Pretty much the same for being restrained, since his only experience to this point has been a womb, it probably wouldn't distress him too much, but I think he would be curious as to the reason for the restraint, continued restraint could cause him to "wish it would end." (See below)
I've been thinking about his disintegration attack, and I'm kind of picturing it less like a blast, more an effect. His eyes would go staticy, and whatever the object of his ire simply ceases to exist, being highlighted with the "static" effect, then disappearing. Of course that wouldn't happen to living tissue, similar to the power description, but the static affect would still be seen. I don't think it's a blast per se. Let me know if that works for you. I was really thinking about doors/walls, etc.. until he gets used to the fact that you don't destroy things just because they prevent you from getting to where you want to go...
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GM:
Private to Son of Nanite:
OOC: Aw! I was hoping Slate would fight back if anyone attacks him, kinda like the Silver Surfer when he first shows up. He's got the mind of a toddler, in some ways, after all.
The way you're describing his Disintegration is fine by me.
Best,
Jeff
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Son of Nanite:
Private to GM:
OOC: Hey I don't officially take over until the next episode, feel free to use dramatic license, but I don't think he'd get far with the bazookas in that room loaded for bear. Not quite at the Silver Surfer power level...
