Spacefurry

OOC for Here

Mid-August, 2023 After sunset / before midnight Liberty Park “…And in an update on other unfortunate news. The body of local small business owner Donald Greuber was found. The body was found in the waters of Liberty Park, just a hundred feet from the spot local news correspondent Vincent Lancaster and his cameraman Andrew Peterson disappeared from three days ago. The latest victims to fall prey to what people are calling the Liberty Park Demon.” A young anchorman reads from an offscreen teleprompter. “Freedom City Police have repeatedly insisted though that after serious investigation, there is no actual proof of supernatural involvement.” Anywhere else in the country and that may have been meant as a joke to lighten the mood. But in Freedom… “City Hall has been under pressure after it had been revealed police had been downplaying attacks around Liberty Park that have been increasing over the last year. No connections have been made between the known victims and police still have no suspects.” The young man folds his hand solemnly. “We will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.” the camera switches to a cheerful looking young anchorwoman. “And when we return…” **** *ring ri-* “911, what is your emergency?” “Ya, ah, I want to report a, ah, a body.” “A body?” “Yes.” “Can you tell if they’re alive?” “Nah, they not moving, and I ain’t getting any closer.” “That’s okay sir. Can I get your name?” “I, ah, rather not.” “That’s okay sir. Where did you find the body?” “Near the Foster St entrance of Liberty. It’s, ah, it’s hangin over the wall.“ “Hanging over th-“ “Look, I can’t talk anymore. I ain’t getting involved.” “Sir-“ *click* **** Street lamps illuminate the police tape that cordoned off nearly a hundred yards in every direction into the park from the Foster street entrance of Liberty park. Agitated police personnel swarm the area looking for clues while keeping late night rubberneckers at a distance. Several reports argue with the police refusing to let them past the barriers until they’ve finished. Despite the efforts of police, civilians are still active in the park. It’s been a sad, but constant struggle for authorities. Some are heedless of the danger, some possibly hoping for it. Some hoping to take advantage of it and some just because they tragically have no where else to go. There have been rumors of federal involvement at the behest of local government. And pictures on social media have show individuals in suits speaking with local police, though no official statement on it has been given. All said and done… there seems little optimism that an end is in sight.

Predator Jean watched with hardly an eyebrow raised as the young billionaire showboated his way into the assembled hall with all the subtly of a falling meteor. An unfortunate comparison she’d have to admit given the end result. The explosive shower of sparks and debris did have her tense. But it wasn’t until the light came up and the smoking remains tumbled to the ground that she was on her feet. Her hand went to her ear, all pretense of un-involvement tossed aside. “Secure all exits!” She called over the comms to the Iron Talon teams. “Lock the building down and alert any outside forces to watch for and stop anyone attempting to leave the building.” She knew they would get a lot of push back and some would get past security, but it was worth an effort. She hoped they had their own protocols in place and local authorities were nearby, if not in the building. “Knight.” She called back over the comms. “Agreed, there are injured in the crowd. And if we don’t do something, more with be injured trying to flee.” “Echo. Can your abilities calm the crowd?” She asked as she pushed through the crowd towards the closest injured attendee.

Edit: Note to self: need to read IC before OOC

Notice: 16 Sense Motive: 11 guess she’s a little distracted by the bad comedy routine.

@Nerdzul @Supercape @Avenger Assembled Everyone still interested?

Leon laughed as he walked around to the passenger side, tossing his bags into the back seat. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and tossed them across to Luke with a grin. “I got it here. You can take the first shift driving.” He opened the passenger door and dropped into the seat. “We should pop in for snackadges and gas before hitting the highway.” Checking his phone he smiled as he texted his girlfriend the typical ‘love you’ and ‘don’t do anything I wouldn’t do’. Also to let her know Chewy’s new favorite hiding spot was the space under Luke’s dresser.

Blackstaff Blackstaff shook his head. “Force isn’t going to be the answer. They out numbered us and could easily overwhelm this ship and any other that happens by.” He waved a hand in the direction of the yacht not all that far away. He had been paired with their type before. Hired guns that thought a bullet could solve all their problems if you just fired enough of them. The captain’s idea was at least less violent but it was still problematic. All it would take was one slip up and the deep ones would swarm like piranha. That red chested one in particular seemed sharp. Blackstaff got the impression he would be looking for the con. He took a deep breath. “I can try to get you time. Maybe I can convince them to wait for the… ‘compensation’ until they’ve fixed their temple. If you can get a ship out here to recover the wreckage quickly. They don’t care about it or the module. I bet they’d just like it gone.” He rubbed his chin. He still wasn’t sure what to do about the sacrificial offerings that were looking for. He glanced in direction of the yacht thoughtfully. If he did need to come up with something sooner there might be something useful on that ship.

Predator Jean’s arrival had sparked its own small series of photos and requests for ‘a few words’, to which she responded with a polite smile and an ‘Only here to observe’. Luckily this only lasted until the next big name on some list walked in and she was able to move on unobstructed. She was ever thankful for the fickle nature of tabloid journalism. She had attended enough gatherings of important people that she already had clothing to choose from. The charcoal slacks she worn were tailored out of necessity. With a matching charcoal button up shirt and Persian blue vest, they contrasted nicely against her red-orange fur while completing her black ear tips, hands and feet. Jean mingled through arrivals, acknowledging the various guards she made eye contact with, but never approached one so as to maintain the illusion that she was there for the gathering and nothing else. She ‘no commented’ any inquires of Mr Cardenas funding her heroing. Her research had not shone a favorable light on his ‘donations’, but she was not one to spread accusations without proper citation. She spotted Agent Echohead at one point, but made a tactical decision to keep from making contact at this point. Instead, she continued to mingle until dinner was served. Mr Cardenas had yet to appear, but that was what was expected. Dinner was also as expected for this type of gathering. “Shall I remind you to pick up something after the operation has concluded?” Cynthia’s voice sounded softly in her ear through Jean’s earbud. It was nearly invisible through the fluff and shape of her ear. And the directional mic in her collar easily picked up her low reply. “That would be appreciated.” He told the AI. “Done.” Cynthia replied as the night’s entertainment began. Entertainment Jean managed to remain stone faced through with ease. It was most certainly not her type of humor.

Leon gave a small chuckle. It was hard not to notice the two were in a rough spot, but he was supportive and never brought it up with his roommate. “I don’t know how well that would’a ended.” Leon teased, thinking his friend was lamenting the little ‘trip’ they had taken one night over a year ago. A trip Leon had more than once himself wished out loud they could have brought something back from. He gave Luke a smirk as the other boy shouldered a bag without bothering with a shirt. “Show off.” He chuckled as he flicked his wrist and a few sheets of paper became a pair of those novelty slotted sunglasses. “Go ahead and laugh.” Leon grinned. “But I can make this look cool.” *** In the schools parking lot Leon gave a smug smile as he presented Luke with a pearl blue 1960 Chevy Impala. It wasn’t in cherry condition, but it was obviously not something the 19 couldn’t afford. But Leon dropped his bags in the back seat and spread his arms proudly. “Well? I will now except your praise and worship.” …and just what is that suspicious little hole near the rear fender?

Ah, I always for forget to look at the other books for feats. Don’t have that one so roll with the penalty. Computers check: 19 Need to add that to her feats later.

What feat are you looking for? Predator has Skill Mastery with Computers. And Jack-of-all-Trades for any skills she doesn’t have ranks in.

Gauging interest. Aiming around PL10 but I can adjust up or down. Heroes looking into a series of disappearances & deaths around the area of Liberty Park. People go missing all the time, but over the last year the rate has been slowly rising. Sometimes bodies are found with strange wounds and their throats torn out. police have no leads and are keep a lid on it so as not to cause a panic. But when a local tv reporter goes missing with his camera man police finally issue a statement advising citizens not to stay in or around the park after sunset.

“Ask me no questions…” Leon joked about the car as he shot Luke a grin. He got up off the bed and crosses to the only shelf of books left un-emptied. Pulling one of his favorite books off, he opens it and pulls out a photo. In the photo, a younger Leon smiles back with another boy and girl. He gives it a sad look before tucking it back and flipping pages. This time he pulls out a few bills he’d set aside just for the trip. Ever since they had decided to do this, Leon had tucked away a little here and there from odd jobs. “They might be overdone, but that because they’re more fun then bank jobs. Now those are overdone.” He smirked at Luke as he stuffed the money into his pocket. He grabbed a small gym bag and shouldered his backpack. “Now,” Leon grinned. “You ready to meet the hot, older lady we’ll be traveling with?”

Leon entered the room he shared with Luke (at least for a little longer). The mischievous grin on his face nearly Cheshire-like as he spread his arms. “Behold, and be amazed. For our automotive aspirations have been acquired!” Luke would know right away his best friend was really proud of himself. He was alliterating… badly. The 19 year old was graduating this year along with his roommate. He stepped around the boxes he had already packed to drop onto his bed. Most of what was packed was books and papers, to noone’s surprise. His closet was half packed and his dresser was half empty, but he had no plans for where he was going after school was officially over for him. But none of that mattered right now. What mattered now was planning their upcoming road trip. “This is gonna be awesome. Viva Las Vegas.” He sat up and looked over at Luke. “Are we still ruling out the whole Ocean’s bit?” The smirk he shot his roomie said he already knew the answer before asking.

Chimera stared to react as Beanpole pulled the line out. That had to have stung. She’d give him this, he either had a good pain tolerance… or was still under the effects of whatever painkiller they had given him. She shot the doctor an apologetic look as she moved up beside Beanpole. The poor medical profession was obviously trying to humor him. She was a little surprised when he asked about her plans. “Don’t worry about it.” Chimera wave off his insinuated debt. “I, ah, suppose a change of clothes and another large coffee before starting a very long day on very little sleep.” She tried not to sound as tired as she felt. “That’s what heroes do, with or without capes.” She gave the doctor a smile and nodded respectfully. “Now, let’s get you to the pharmacy and let the good doctor get on to other patients.” She took Beanpole by the elbow. “What about your mother? Is she in town? I’m sure she would help you.” She asked as she helped him along and tried not to think about how much Jamie was going to go off on her for being out this long.

Chimera followed the doctor to Beanpole’s room. She gave the man a relieved smile, the techno-organic mask still covered her cheeks and nose. It was one thing for the doctors to say he was fine, but another to see it with her own eyes. Walking in she moved to stand next to the bed. “I promise not to say anything.” She reassured him, trying to hide a smile. “But, if the doctor tells you to eat a little more, it’s probably a good idea to do that.” She looked up at the doctor when the man asked if he could leave. She nodded in understanding and looked back at Beanpole. “Is there someone you can call to pick you up? Somewhere you can go to rest up?”

Predator With each follow up meeting with Mr Cardonas, it was more and more abundantly clear he was not the man of intellect and innovation PR attempted to paint him as.At least Mr Lawrence was more helpful. Even though his itinerary seemed like it was arrange to allow every possible attempt on his life, the Iron Talon were taking it seriously from the sound of it. She conferred with Lawrence and Scarlet on her list of potential meta-treats, working with them to evaluate the legitimacy of each and locating them if possible. At his invitation to attend in ‘plainclothes’ she had to give the man a smirk. Plainclothes would do little to hide her amongst the crowd. It was a disadvantage of her appearance, but give the public image of her as a technological hero she suggested her presence as an independent observer to the fundraiser could be hand waved as professional curiosity. She reassure Mr Lawrence she would still attend in ‘plainclothes’.

Predator would try to dig into Mr Cardonas’ online social presence to see which way his opinion of meta humans leans. Since she looking online I wasn’t sure if it’s be like Computers or Investigation, maybe even Sense Motive?

Chimera was standing by one of the tall windows lining the wall, her own cup of coffee cooling in her hand. Her own wounds had long since healed, but she had to reassure several passing medical personnel given the state of her attire. Her mask had pulled away from her mouth enough to sip from the styrofoam cup. When the tired looking doctor approached her she turned to face him. She could only give a small shrug at Beanpole’s name. But she was glad to hear he would be alright. She gave the doctor a wry smile at the mention of stranger things happening in Freedom. “I’m starting to learn that first hand. I hear the necromancy finals are brutal.” Chimera chuckled. She suddenly realized she didn’t really have any contact information. “I think he has a mother in the city, but I don’t know how to reach her.” She admitted. “His, ah, employer mentioned they recently opened a restaurant. The ‘Pasta Palace’. Might be able to reach them for emergency contact information.” She reasoned. It probably wouldn’t take long for Blowfish to learn of Beanpole’s condition, but she should at least make an effort to contact him. “Is he awake?” Maybe they could ask him directly, though she was fairly sure he was probably sedated for his own good right now.

Chimera gave Beanpole a brief awkward wave as he was escorted into the hospital. As the doors closed she exhaled and sagged slightly. She dreaded the next thing on her ‘to do’ list. She pulled her phone out again as she sought out a private area. She hit speed dial and waited as it rang. It didn’t take long before Jamie’s deceptively cheerful voice came over the line. “Hey Jen, it’s late, where are you?” “Hi Jamie. Long story, short: I’m standing outside the hospital. Don’t freak out, I’m fine.” She said quickly. “What happened?” “It a long story. I promise I’ll tell you later. I’m going to stay here for a little while. I just wanted to let you know where I was.” There was a pause on the other end. “You sure you’re okay?” Jamie asked. “Ya, you know me.” Jennifer tried to sound upbeat. Jamie made a noncommittal sound but exhaled a small sigh. “Just remember to call me if you need to.” “Of course.” “Text me when you coming back.” “I will.” “Just so you know, I’m not waiting. I’m just gonna get something delivered.” “Gotcha.” Jennifer chuckled. “Just save me something.” “No promises.” Jamie teased. “Be careful.” “No promises.” She teased back. Chimera turned back to the ER entrance. She supposed it was only right for her to stay until she heard something about Beanpole’s condition. She had promised to see to him should ‘something’ happen. “Ya, ‘something’. Something like I turn out to be completely wrong and he really does turn into one of the walking dead.”

Chimera was just happy her passenger wasn’t flailing around in fear and screaming. Still, she felt a little bad for him and was glad when she was finally set him down in front of the emergency intake. She allowed her wings to shrink and reabsorb so they wouldn’t be in the way. She coughed and cleared her through as the doctors looked to her. “He was, ah, bitten not long ago by an animated corpse, raised by a voodoo gang member.” Wow. Saying it out loud… When did her life reach this particular milestone? “He may be in shock.” Chimera tried to sound professional. She wasn’t sure how many of these doctors have dealt with ‘hero’ incidents.

Chimera inhaled and exhaled a short breath. She’d rather not consider Beanpole’s wrap sheet, but he made a valid point. “I suppose it doesn’t help that I look like some kind of boss fight waiting to happen here in the graveyard.” She looked around one last time at the insanity and shook her head. “Well then.” She mused. “We should get you to a doctor. I didn’t drive here and they didn’t leave you a car. So, I hope you don’t mind flying.” The image would be incredibly comical if anyone else were there to see it. The shorter Chimera scooping Beanpole into a princess carry. It was just the only way she knew how to carry someone and still use her wings. She’d carried Jamie like this before at her insistence. “Try to relax.” Chimera tried to sound confident. Once she had him, she crouched for a moment as her wings spread again, then with a leap her wings thumped the air and she was once again flying. She circled a bit as she got her baring, then angled toward Freedom Hospital.

Chimera gave Blowfish a raised eyebrow, resisting the urge to smirk. She was sure those guns were questionable, but the men hadn’t actually broken any laws she could think of off the top of her head. Even the discharging of firearms could be chalked up to ‘self defense’ in court. She was sure she hadn’t seen the last of the mobster. She watched them as they loaded up and drove off. Turning back to Beanpole she took in the man. He certainly lived up to his name being a good nine inches over her but couldn’t be more then 10-20 pounds more then her. She but a hand on his arm, trying to sound reassuring. “I’m sure no one ever means to get bit by something.” She paused and tried to lighten the mood. “Unless they’re one of the idiots online trying to get views. You can call me Chimera. What should I call you?” She asked, not sure if he actually liked the nickname ‘Beanpole’. Chimera realized she was still holding the knife. She tucked it into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She dialed 911 and waited, watching the zombies around her carefully.

Chimera watched Blowfish, but it wasn’t until he closed the folding blade that she realized she was tensed and relaxed. “Of course.” She nodded. Maybe there was a good man buried somewhere deep inside there. Very deep. She eyed the offered knife and nearly turned it down, but she then she understood it was more than a knife he was heading over. It was the responsibility. Beanpole was one of his men and he was going to do what he thought was necessary, even if Chimera thought he was wrong. But she stepped in. She was assuming responsibility for Beanpole and whatever happened next. She met Blowfish’s eyes as she reached out and took the knife with a nod. “Deal.” She looked at the knife and her fist tighten around it. “If it comes to that, I’ll tell you myself. And I’ll tell her too if need be.” It was a very heavy knife in her hand.