Thevshi

GM "Of course Praetorians, conditions here take some getting used to." Officer Lo-rid replied as he pressed some buttons on a bracer he wore on his left arm. Suddenly the platform beneath them all shifted slightly and then the entire platform, including the Kavaca began to lower down into the structure of the facility. Down below the exterior roof was a large hanger like space, filled with a number of other spacecraft and atmospheric vehicles. Dozens of beings filled the hanger, busily going about their daily routines, from refueling and maintenance to prepping vehicles for lift off. By the time the platform had reached the hanger floor, exterior doors had slid back into place overhead. While it was cooler down in the hanger, it was still warm and the air was not entirely free of the smoke and smell from the harsh conditions outside. The security chief led the Praetorians out of the hanger, the hallways beyond being a bit cleaner, and certainly a more agreeable temperature. As with the hanger, the halls had a steady flow of personnel going about their business. A short while later the Praetorians were in the Regulas Corporation's security offices. They were a bit tight, but at a facility such as this, space generally was at a premium. The air quality was much better in the offices, and officer Lo-rid lead them into a small conference room that would allow them sufficient privacy.

Synapse Foreshadow could almost hear Synapse smirk over the mental link. You sure about that now? She replied as she moved slightly closer. Luckily you have other redeeming qualities that cancel out the bullheaded ones. She joked as she focused her gaze on the hulking blond figure that Foreshadow had just attacked. A blast of red psychic energy flashed across the space between the two, striking the Battle Brother in the head. He grunted slightly, but otherwise remained on his feet as he began to turn toward the two attacks that had just failed to register any effect on him. There is something odd about these buggers, almost like there are two minds there. Synapse replied as she braced herself for whatever sort of counter attack the villain might make.

Synapse will configure her power reserve to boost mind blast (and configure her array the same) and then mind blast Jack! Jack gets a 29 for his will save! So, he is fine. Hound is up Cape!

That will totally hit, just won't hurt him any.

So, made a notice check to see if Jack spotted Foreshadow (yeah right) and/or Synapse (much more likely) as they came up, but no, he gets a natural 1 So, on to Round Two 32 Foreshadow (unharmed, 1 HP) 29 Synapse (unharmed 3 HP) 26 Hound (unharmed) 21 Malcom (unharmed) 17 Bloody Mess (unharmed, 2 HP) [2d round of Boost] 14 Jack (unharmed) Foreshadow is up!

GM Freddy's powerful legs sent him flying up into the night air, arching over toward where the Caddy had disappeared into a smoke cloud. He landed on the roof of the Caddy with a heavy *THUMP* The second battle brother was a bit further from the smoke cloud that had formed, and just moved around the edge of the cloud, scanning the area apparently on the lookout for anyone that might emerge from within. But he was clearly not the most observant of villains, failing to spot Freddy's small form drop down from the sky into the cloud, or notice the approach of Foreshadow or even the glowing form of Synapse, who had raised her forcefield.

We will say it is.

GM The smoke canister dropped from the back of the Caddy, bouncing off the other car underneath and then falling with a faint clatter to the pavement below as it began releasing a cloud of smoke. The cloud quickly formed around the Caddy and the car it was sitting on top of, not the largest cloud, but at least enough to slow down the Battle Brothers for a few moments. The African American Battle Brother was the closest to the Caddy, and he moved forward into the smoke cloud, coughing a bit as he did. "You really don't *cough* think this will help do you?" He called out, as he blindly felt his way forward until his hand touched a car, he then worked his hands up along the metal until he found the Caddy. "Ah, there it is."

Cape, Hound is up!

Synapse Synapse had been about to comment on the amount of blood she and Foreshadow had found when the squealing tires and crash of a metal drew her attention over toward the nearby scene. Foreshadow quickly moved toward the scene, even as he mentally relayed that this was probably a distraction set up by the mysterious mastermind they were looking for. Well, as long as we are going into things knowing some is pulling the strings. She replied as she started off after Foreshadow. Coming to a halt a short distance behind, she quickly took in the scene, noting the two powerful figures that seemed to be the cause of all the ruckus. Powers just seem to come out of the woodwork over here don't they?

If Giang was bothered by the chilling cold that waited for the pair outside, she did not show it, as she started off along the path that led toward the center of campus. While she was not bothered by the cold, she clearly noted that Zhu was, so she kept a good pace as they moved along the cleared path past the accumulated snow. <"Do not be so hard on yourself, or give up so easily on your goals."> Giang replied with an understanding nod. <"A large number of people find that they hesitate or freeze in stressful situations such as combat. Training and experience can help reduce or eliminate such reactions. Not that that is likely much consolation, as you may look at other students who seem much more confident in such conditions. While I was here it seemed there were quite a few of us whose backgrounds involved years of intensive training to prepare us for combat."> As the two had talked, their path had taken them over toward the school's gym. "While I cannot promise instant results, I can share some techniques that I learned which help me keep my focus during combat.">

"That is quite alright Miss Xieng." Headmistress Summers replied with a small smile. "Seeing as I still have a number of things to attend to, I shall leave you in Giang's capable hands." Giang gave a slight bow of her head to the Headmistress as she departed, then focused back on Xhu. <"Not with academics, from what I have heard."> She replied, staying with Mandarin. <"But I am very happy to be what help I can. Claremont is a very special place, and I will always look back fondly on my time here."> With a small gesture Giang led Xhu to the entrance to the building and back outside into the cold January weather. <"Now, I have spoken with the Headmistress, but I am interested to hear what you feel you might need help with.">

Claremont Academy Freedom City, New Jersey Wednesday January 17, 2018; 3:28 PM "Thank you for taking the time to come and meet with one of my students Giang." Callie Summers said as she walked down the hallway of a Jasmin Summers Administrative Building. Walking alongside the school headmistress was a twenty-two year old Asian woman with shoulder length black hair. Standing about five foot three, the young woman had a lithe build and moved with an easy grace. She was dressed in dark blue jeans and wore a jacket much to light for the cold weather outside, a red windbreaker with a Del Mar Lifeguards crest on the left front breast. "I am always pleased to help Headmistress." Giang Trang replied. "And it is always nice to have an opportunity visit once again." "So you will be finishing your degree this Spring correct? Settled on any plans for the future?" "Nothing definitive. There are a few offers for research projects I could work on for the short term. But I likely will take a bit of time off to visit Lord Zandar and his family in the Lost World, and likely spend a bit of time in Atlantis with Thaelia." "I trust those destinations were not choose just because they are beyond the reach of your father?" Headmistress Summers asked, glancing over at the young woman beside her. Giang gave a small smile. "No, although it is much easier to relax when one is not looking over their shoulder." She paused a moment and then asked, "so, is there something in particular you are hoping I can help Zhu with?" "Well, beyond just being a well-grounded, non-teacher young adult that she might feel more comfortable talking to and confiding in, she does have some confidence issues and has frozen up in stressful situations." "Not exactly uncommon for most teenagers, although here it is somewhat less so and certainly is a problem in situations many of us tend to end up in." Giang stated with a nod. The two continued to talk a bit more as they began descending down the building's central stairway. A short while later they arrived down in the main lobby of the building, where Zhu Xieng had been instructed to meet the pair. Quickly spotting the teenager, Headmistress Summers moved over toward her. "Good afternoon Miss Xieng, may I introduce one of our somewhat recent alumna, Giang Trang." Giang gave Zhu a small formal bow as she was introduced, along with a warm smile. The Asian young woman possessed something of a serene presence, combined with a casual confidence. <"I am pleased to meet you Xieng Zhu."> Giang said in Mandarin. The Mandarin style she used, along with her accent, was a bit formal, but perfect.

GM "That should not be too hard with this path." Soreen replied, looking around at the trampled shard grass with a slightly awed expression. Moving along the cleared path proved much quicker and easier than hacking their own way along. As the group went it became clear that they were following the path of a herd, as smaller paths branched off slightly from the main one, only to intersect back a short distance later. Thankfully the path the group was following was generally heading in a northeastern direction, occasionally shifting more east for short distances. The group had travelled several kilometers along the crushed path, when Starshot called a halt. Up ahead around a curve in the path, he could hear what sounded like stalks of shard grass crashing into each other.

GM The most significant problem with the plans discussed by the Praetorians was whether there would be enough time to implement any of them. While Sitara was pushing the shuttle for all it was worth, it was not nearly as fast as any of the Praetorian vessels. The planetary defense ships had pulled well ahead now, the cruisers taking up position as the fighters flew towards the flanks. The comet had passed the near moon orbit and was crossing the distance between the moon and Kembel at impressive speed. By the time the Praetorians were able to intercept the comet, they likely would have only a small window of time to do anything in time to even divert the comet away from the planet. Out ahead, the cruisers began opening fire on the comet, as did the fighters flying in from the flanks. The hail of laser fire struck the comet squarely, but appeared to have little or no effect as it continued onward.

GM After the farewells, the Ul-Mor mounted their lopers once more and started back deeper into the desert. Turning to face the next leg of their journey, Starshot took the lead as he and his crew made their way into the shard grass. It was tiring work hacking a path through the tall grass, but it certainly was preferable to being sliced to ribbons by the sheath that surrounded each grass stalk. After several hours under the hot sun they had only travelled a half dozen kilometers. But then Starshot hacked down another dozen stalks of blade grass and saw up ahead a clearing. A few more hacked stalks later and the group had moved into the clearing. It was over six meters wide and extended to the southwest and generally the northeast like a corridor through the shard grass. The shard grass inside the path had been completely flattened, as if by a huge weight. There were also broken shards all over the ground and a few stalks as well.

Well, we will say that Foreshadow is able to spot Harry in the car that the battle brothers tossed up on to the parked car. As for the battle brothers...they seem to be looking for a fight and appear almost as if they were expecting Harry.

Round One 32 Foreshadow (unharmed, 1 HP) 29 Synapse (unharmed 3 HP) 26 Hound (unharmed) 21 Malcom (unharmed) 17 Bloody Mess (unharmed, 2 HP) 14 Jack (unharmed) Okay, Foreshadow is up!

GM In another section of the Main Plaza… While the tense discussions took place within the council chambers at one end of the plaza, the other inhabitants of CoVic Station went about their normal routines, even if many were still unsettled by the presence of the Khanate battle cruiser near the station. Among those going about their business were two Praetorians that had been away from headquarters when the Khanate ship had arrived but after the general alarm was cancelled, had remained away while continuing to monitor the situation as best they could. One was one of the newest members to the group, Maybelle McQueen, also known as Queenie. Since her first encounter with some of the Praetorians in her home system, she had been involved in a few missions. This was her first real opportunity to see some of the interior of CoVic Station beyond the Praetorians' headquarters. The Main Plaza was a large and wide open area with low buildings that generally reminded Queenie of the area around the National Mall in Washington DC, just a number of times as large. Large sections of the ceiling high above had been replaced with plexisteel, providing stunning views of the nearby nebula and neutron star that were the aftermath of an ancient supernova. Accompanying Queenie, as both a guide and translator, was Liora Sylestrin, also known as Spectra.

GM The silvery fog created by Queenie quickly threw the alien criminals into disarray, preventing the Jaas from using its mental powers and making their ranged weapons nearly useless as well. Of course there were some that were prepared to try to fire blindly into the fog, but after a few stray shots that hit nothing but the walls, Magnetar used his magnetic control to pull at the weapons out of the criminals' hands. Seresk used the opportunity provided by the fog to move over and grab hold of the Jaas, subduing the alien. Paradigm meanwhile flew over and quickly overpowered the large alien just as it was climbing back to its feet. In short order the fight appeared to be over. "Well done Queenie." Paradigm stated in accented English. "I believe you can drop the fog effect now."

Veronica Danger Power Level: 10/12 (180/180PP) Trade-Offs: None Unspent Power Points: 0 In Brief: Globetrotting teenager from a family of explorers who picked up some magic along the way. Catchphrase: "Did I ever tell you about the time that…" Alternate Identity: Veronica Danger (Public) Birthplace: Nice, France Residence: Claremont during the school year. Danger Manor when not in school or off with her parents. Base of Operations: Claremont Occupation: Student Affiliation: Claremont; Danger International Family: Veronica is the oldest child of Rex Danger II and Jaqueline Giroux Danger. The Danger family tree grows more convoluted every year, especially with the predilection towards adventure that seems to run in the family. While Veronica's parents are normally off in some far part of the world, they regularly visited Freedom City at least a few times every year (occasionally only once if they were in some very remote location), so Veronica had plenty of interaction with her many cousins and is close with those around her age. She is also reasonably close to her Aunt Rachel (her father's sister). [Janus Danger] (cousin) Description: Age: 16 Apparent Age: 16 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5' 4" Weight: 115 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Veronica has a slim build, as might be expected of someone who has spent her life being physically active. Her brown hair comes down to about the middle of her back and is usually in a ponytail to keep it tougher and out of the way. She generally dresses in cargo shorts or pants and solid color T-shirt over which she wears a button up shirt, either long or short sleeve depending on the temperature. Her normal footwear of choice is well broken in hiking boots and thick socks. Veronica is rarely without her bronze colored amulet, which she wears on chain necklace. The amulet is covered in unusual writing and there are four empty oval sockets spaced around its surface, which could hold small gemstones. In addition, Veronica is almost never without several chains from which hang several dozen small charm like trinkets she has picked up from around the world. History: Veronica's father is the second son of Rex Danger (Ace's younger brother). Rex II took after his grand-father, travelling the world and exploring remote locals. While his aunt, and later sister, were busy handling the day to day operations of the family business, Rex was out there representing its interests in the field. It was during these travels that he met French archeologist Jaqueline Giroux on a Danger International sponsored excavation. It was not long before the two were married and began traveling the world together. After Jaqueline became pregnant with their first child, the pair settled briefly in Nice, France. It was there that Veronica was born, and after she was about a year old, her parents once again set off on their world spanning travels, taking Veronica with them. Over the years Veronica has searched for endangered gorillas in the jungles of central Africa, rode camels across the Sahara, explored lost temples in India, dove to submerged cities in the Aegean Sea, walked among the monuments of the pharaohs in Egypt, and climbed to remote villages in the Himalayas, among other adventures. From an early age, she began a habit of collecting small trinkets (like jewelry charms) from the various places she has visited. As one might expect, along the way she has learned a number of different skills and languages, in addition to being provide a more formal education by her parents. Recently, Veronica was at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, when she came across a small jewelry vendor on one of the back streets of the bazaar. Veronica's attention was grabbed by a small circular amulet of what appeared to be bronze. It was a bit dirty and battered, but was covered with markings in a language she did not recognize. There were also four empty sockets that once appeared to have held gemstones. Despite the amulet's poor appearing condition, Veronica bought it and took it home to add to her collection of trinkets. It was not long after this that Veronica began to realize she was able to sense magical energy in both the amulet and the other charms she had collected over her life. She was able to learn that the amulet she had purchased provided her with a variety of protective magic. She also determined that the small charms she had collected each contained a small spark of magic, which she has been able to figure out how to link together to create a number of magical effects. When Veronica went back to the Grand Bazaar to try to learn more about the amulet from the street vendor, she was unable to locate the man, finding the location she knew his stall had been at, but there was no sign of the stall's presence. After the appearance of these new abilities, her parents decided it might be best to send Veronica to Freedom City to attend Claremont Academy. They also felt it might be good for the girl to spend a bit of time among peers her own age. The fact her cousin Janus was going to be starting at Claremont as well made the decision even easier. Personality & Motivation: Veronica is pretty much what one would expect of a Danger: adventurous, inquisitive and daring. She loves exploring new places and seeing new things, and if she could be one of the first to see it, so much the better! But she also has embraced the spirit of her family’s humanitarian efforts, wanting to help those in distress and improve the lives of all. Now that she has discovered her magical abilities and her unusual amulet, she wants to learn more about them. Powers & Tactics Given her abilities have just recently manifested, Veronica is still learning to use them. Her magic sight provides her considerable details about anything magical she studies, and it is difficult for anything magical to be hidden from her sight. The amulet she recently obtained in Istanbul provides her considerable protection. Currently she believes there is magical power that resides in the small trinkets she has collected over her life and that she is able to link them together to create various effects with them. Currently, she is rather limited in what she can do with those trinkets, typically setting them for one effect at a time. Complications: What's over that hill? Like many members of her family, Veronica constantly feels the urge to explore any unknown place and solve new mysteries. Unfortunately this often results in her getting into things she probably should not and being too nosey, particularly in a place like Claremont, where many students have things they would rather keep secret, Fame: Although there are a lot of perks with taking on some of the face of Danger Media, sometimes being a public figure can cause real problems not only for Veronica, but those whom she calls friends. Responsibilities: As a member of the Danger family, Veronica has not only inherited some of the considerable enemies that the family has made over the years, but she also, in addition to school, has whatever responsibilities to her family or their business that might come up. Ancient Artifact: Veronica's amulet is in fact an ancient magical artifact, reduced in power due the removal of the gemstones that once were part of it. There may be those that are searching for the amulet for their own purposes. Just fell into my lap: The amulet ended up in Veronica's possession under some mysterious circumstances. There may be more to this than just happenstance. Abilities 4 + 8 + 6 + 8 + 8 + 6 = 40 Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 18 (+4) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat 12 + 10 = 22 Initiative: +8 Attack +6; +8 Ranged Defense: +10 (+5 base, +3 Enhanced, +2 Dodge Focus); +4 flat-footed Grapple: +8 Knockback: -5/-4 flat-footed Saving Throws 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 Toughness: +10 (+3 Con; +5 Protection; +2 Defensive Roll) Fortitude: +10 (4+ 3 Con +3 Enhanced) Reflex: +10 (4 + 4 Dex +2 Enhanced) Will: +12 (4 + 4 Wis +4 Enhanced) Skills 96 Ranks/ 24 pp Acrobatics 7 (+11) Climb 8 (+10) Concentration 6 (+10) Craft: Art 4 (+8) Diplomacy 5 (+8/+12 w/ Attractive) Drive 4 (+8) Kn; History 5 (+9) Kn: Arcane Lore 4 (+8) Kn: Theology and Philosophy 4 (+8) Kn: Physical Science 4 (+8) Languages 7: (English native) (French, Arabic, Hindi, Latin, Turkish, Read: Hieroglyphics, Ancient Greek) Notice 7 (+11) Pilot 1 (+5) Riding 8 (+12) Search 4 (+8) Sense Motive 6 (+10) Survival 6 (+10) Swimming 6 (+8) Feats 18 Attack Focus: Ranged 2 Attractive Artificer Beginner’s Luck Benefit (Security Clearance: Danger International; Fame; Wealth 2/Rich) [4] Defensive Roll Dodge Focus 2 Eidetic Memory Equipment 9 [From Veteran Award] Improved Initiative Jack-of-all-Trades Luck 2 Move-by Action Equipment 9 Danger-Cycle (Vehicle) [36EP] Size: Medium {0EP} Strength 20 {2EP} Speed 6 (500 mph)/ Alt: Flight 3 (50 mph) {13EP} Defense: 10 {0EP} Toughness: +10 {5EP} Features: Alarm 2 (25DC), Autopilot, Disguise, Ejector Seats, Hidden Compartments, Navigation System, Nitro Injectors, Oil Slick, Smoke Screen, Remote Control, Tire Inflators; Power: Communications 4 (radio, 1 mile) {16EP} First Aid Kit (+2 Medicine checks) [1 EP] Survival Kit (+2 Survival checks) [1 EP] GPS Receiver [1 EP] Multi-tool [1 EP] Survival Knife (+1 Dam; Cri 19-20; Piercing; 10’ range) [4 EP] Binoculars [1 EP] Flashlight/chem lights Powers 17 + 1 + 1 + 25 + 16 + 4 = 64 Magic Third Eye Super Senses 17: Magic Awareness/Detect (visual) [3]; Analyze [1]; Counters Concealment [2]; Counters Illusion [2]; Counters Obscure [5]; Penetrates Concealment (Power Loss; lead (-1)) [3]; Extended (100’ increments) [1] (magic) [17 pp] Speed 1 (training) [1 PP] Leaping 1 (training) [1 PP] Magic Gadgets 5 (25 PP Variable Power, Any Power, Multiple Powers at Once; Flaws: Hard to Lose; Action (Full Round); Duration: Sustained)] (magic) [25 pp] Sample “Gadgets” Blast 10 (Feats: Accurate) {21/25 PP} Healing 10 {20/25 PP} Telekinesis 10 (Feats: Accurate) {21/25 PP} Amulet Device 4 (20 active points; hard to lose) (magic) [16 pp] Protection 5 {5} Enhanced Defense 3 {6} Enhanced Save: Willpower 4 {4} Enhanced Save: Constitution 3 {3} Enhanced Save: Reflex 2 {2} Climbing Axes Device 1 (5 active points; easy to lose; extra weapons (1)) [4 pp] Enhanced Feat: Climbing 4 {1} Strike 2 (Feats: Mighty, Split Attack) {4} Stats 40 + Combat 22 + Saves 12 + Skills 24 + Feats 18 + Powers 64 = 180/180 Notes: Right now her combat caps are only met by using her variable magical gadget pool. Currently she believes that she is able to harness the magical power in the small trinkets she has collected over her life, but in reality the power truly comes from her and those trinkets are merely a focus. In time she will lean she does not need the focus, and her gadget pool will become a more traditional magical array. In addition, her amulet is an ancient artifact, which is missing four enchanted gemstones. If she can locate those stones and get them reattached, she will be able to unlock additional powers in the amulet.

Okay, I think we are on to initiatives Cape, we will say that the Caddy is a move action away from Freddy with the speed of his current form. For Foreshadow and Synapse, it (and the battle brothers) is actually closer to them.

GM Before Synapse could response to Foreshadow, the quite of the night air was broken by the sound of an engine reeving up nearby and tires squealing as someone started off in a hurry. Glancing off in the direction of the sound, the two spotted an old, beat up Cadillac speeding down the road in the general direction of the warehouse. A short distance behind it, were two hulking figures dressed in matching dark costumes. As Harry began pulling away, he quickly glanced in the mirror and saw the battle brothers begin to run forward a few steps, before launching themselves into the air with powerful legs, causing them to disappear from his view. The large blond battle brother suddenly landed just ahead of the Caddy, on the driver's side. Harry did not even have a chance to react when he was up next to the battle brother, who quickly reached up underneath the Caddy and smoothly lifted it up into the air, the vehicle's wheels spinning uselessly. "You think you're going somewhere?" He asked as he looked at Harry through the driver’s side window. With casual ease, he tossed the Caddy through the air, the vehicle flipping over as it went, to be caught by the African American battle brother, who had landed near the sidewalk of the street. "We have unfinished business." He stated, before he also tossed the Caddy, this time aiming it at a parked car. The Caddy landed on the parked vehicle with a loud *CRASH*, now trapped, unable to move. Freddy was just about to make his way up to one of the windows to take a look inside when the sound of the Caddy and the other commotion caught his attention and he saw the battle brothers playing catch with the Caddy, with Harry and his body still inside!

GM The landing platform was located up on the upper level of the facility, several other landing pads spaced out around the area, some empty, others holding transport shuttles. Standing off to the side of the platform, between other landing pads, was a lone figure who appeared to be waiting for them. Once the Kavaca was down, the figure began moving over towards the vessel's exit ramp, so once the three Praetorians were making their way down the figure was waiting for them a short distance from the ramp. The figure was a male humanoid, with dark grey skin and a hairless head. He was dressed in a dark blue uniform and from the blaster at his hip appeared to be part of the facility's security detail. The air on Pilor II was thick and heavy with smoke and heat, breathable, but just barely. Ash floated around seemingly everywhere. It was very likely that long term exposure to the air would not be particularly health, for those that needed to breath anyway. "Welcome Praetorians." The figure waiting on the landing pad said as the three reached the end of the exit ramp. "I am Maar Lo-rid, I am the head of security for the Regulas Corporation here on Pilor II."

GM Foreshadow put his arm around Synapse’s waist and pulled her in close before swinging the two of them down to the ground level. He guided them down to one of the darker sections of the street, where the nearby lamppost was burned out. Once down they were able to move closer to the strange trail and examine it. Now that they were closer, it soon became apparent that it appeared to look and smell like blood. Further down the street Freddy managed to get up close to the warehouse without any incident. There were no guards visible around the exterior. There were some interior lights visible through some of the dark windows of the building, but there was very little in the way of light around the exterior. In the Caddy Harry was still waiting in the Caddy with Fred’s shriveled up body. He could not make out anything up the street where Freddy’s homunculus had gone. As he was sitting there nervously waiting, Harry just happened to glance up into the rear view mirror of the Caddy, and there he saw two hulking figures walking down the street toward the car, figures he had seen before.