Thevshi

"The Grue possess a telepathic collective conscious, similar to a hive-mind." Paradigm replied. "But those Grue that manage to break free of that collective consciousness are as varied in their behavior as many other sentients." "And yes, their view of us as solids is due to our being in a single fixed form." The Praetorian then added with a small smile. She then turned to face down the passage that led out of the landing pad the four were currently in. "Yes, it would appear so. Let us move further into the facility to see if we can locate the criminals that led us here." With that Paradigm started off into the corridor, followed by Seresk and Magnetar. "Also, be mindful. With the power systems still functioning, any internal defense systems could still be operational as well."

"I am glad to hear Tona has found at least some semblance of stability." The Asian young woman replied. While she had not been as close with Tona or Sam as Blodwen or Mali had, Giang still had been worried about the archer based on what Mali had stated in some emails. She then gave a small grin as Blodwen discussed Thaelia and her tendency to lack volume control. But then Giang was distracted from the discussion by the scenes that appeared on the television behind Blodwen. The Asian young woman's eyes narrowed slightly as she focused on the screen. "Something strange appears to be happening downtown." She stated to Blodwen, as she asked the waitress if they could turn up the volume in Vietnamese.

Dubai Harbor Dee smirked slightly as she picked up a photo a random and studied it. "Any research is better with a seafront view! The proximity to plenty of parties certainly is a plus as well." She sat the photo down and gave Erick a grin. "See, that's the difference between us. I tend to wear black in orderto stand out." As she talked, she took out her phone and quickly sent off a text message to Agnus, using the prearranged codes. The Englishwoman then set the phone down as she focused back on Erick. "So, no sneaking about, what is the plan then?"

Out above the Persian Gulf, approaching Dubai airspace A sleek Bombardier Global 8000 cut through the skies above the Persian Gulf, rapidly approaching Dubai's air traffic control boundary. The luxurious private jet belonged to one of the richest men in the world, Amir Al-Misri. Seated in the main passenger cabin with Amir were Agnus and Alexander. While Agent Salazar and UNISON had been willing to see about pulling some strings and getting Agnus a short notice performance in Dubai, Agnus had decided that she had a much better means of gaining access to the energy expo on short notice. It was of little surprise that one of Summit Transnational's subsidiaries was involved with the expo, so a simple phone call had provided Agnus with full access to the expo as Amir's guest. With the slight change of plan, Alexander was now part of the entourage as Agnus' bodyguard.

Velocity quickly spotted the man in the somewhat ratty suit who was racing toward a train with an automatic weapon in hand. It took all of a faction of a second for the speedster to react to the situation, moving in a yellow blur after the man. As fast as he was, Velocity was far, far faster. Moving up to one side, the speedster’' hand shot out at hypersonic speeds, producing a loud *CRACK* as it broke the sound barrier. The attack impacted with the side of the man’s chest with a dull *WHAM*, the impact knocking him off his feet and sending him flying over into a column on the platform, where he collapsed in a heap. Velocity skid to a halt nearby, taking a quick look at the man to make sure he was unconscious. "Everyone please remain calm!" She called out to those who had not tried to flee the area yet. "I'm Velocity, and I have things well in hand."

Wow! Way to make me feel that there is nothing to worry about here Tess. Velocity thought to herself as she watched the scene between the two oldest Atoms play out in front of her. But she could not help but smile slightly at interplay between the two. When Tess gave her the okay, the yellow clad speedster gave a small smile and a thumbs up. "Sure thing, this should only take a couple seconds." She stated, before she became a blur of yellow, running into the portal and too the area beyond and back again dozens of times before anyone could fully register that she had moved….

Well, Moon-Moth figures that X'madi likely would not have placed the captive Lor somewhere based on anger. She would likely have them placed somewhere they could be easily contained, likely with at least a small amount of space to contain them all. So, possibly a storage area or maybe mess hall might be good choices, possible one that would be in the secured area for prisoners.

Dee Farrington emerged from the interior of the yacht, wearing a bikini top, shorts and sandals. The dark haired Englishwoman was drying off her hands with a small towel as she came over to where Erick was sitting, taking a chair across from him. "Well, all the grav-cycle's systems check out, so it is ready if we need it." She stated with a small smile as she tossed the towel onto the table and looked over at the photos. "Any new thoughts regarding the doctor's choice in accommodations?"

GM Dubai, United Arab Emirates A few days later… The bright midday sun shone down on the sprawling city of Dubai, the heat it brought causing mirages to shimmer along the sands and pavement across the city. The sunlight dazzled on the faces of the many high-rises that made up the city's skyline, with the Burj Khalifa dwarfing them all. Over in the harbor located near the Burj Al Arab, a large yacht moved into the crowded waters. Much smaller than the numerous mega-yachts about, the yacht blended in with the many "normal" yachts that dotted the area. Seated up on the decks of the yacht, under some shade, sat Erick Sloane. On a table in front of him were aerial photos of a villa located on one of the "fonds" of the Palm Jumeirah that Dr. Bhwarda was renting during the conference and a set of its construction plans.

GM On the surface of Dreeda III The large humanoid that had been accompanying the Lor bureaucrat may have been subdued by Corona's forceful command, but he appeared unwilling to answer any of the Lor officer's questions. The terrified Lor seemed distressed at being treated as one of the criminals. "I...the governor..." But he was never able to finish the sentence, as a faint BOOM echoed from somewhere off among the buildings near the spaceport. Almost instantly, a green blur streaked over toward Kharag, as the four armed insectoid came at the Praetorian, swinging one of his thin arms at supersonic speed. Only millennia of battle allowed Kharag to avoid the attack, rolling away as Procyus continued zooming past, moving around the landing pad the Devotion rested on to circle back around. Meanwhile, another rapidly moving, if somewhat slower, figure sped onto the landing pad, heading over toward Corona, Seresk and the group still around them. Corona heard a hiss as Varlis came into view, aiming a blaster pistol at her and firing off several blast in a moment. Seresk stepped in front of the Lor Officer, two of the blasts striking the Praetorian, but failing to penetrate his scaly hide, as Varlis sped past as well. From where he had positioned himself, Huhunu decided it was likely time to intervene, setting his weapon to sniper mode and turning to track the fast moving Procyus. The Imukarea marine exhaled and fired. The blast was all but invisible, as it struck Procyus on one side, causing the speedster to stagger a half step, but otherwise did not slow him down. Over by Traveller, a rift appeared in the air as the short, vaguely feminine robotic form of Rux emerged. A plasma blade extended from one of her hands, which the Mekirri slashed at the Praetorian. But Traveller was able to dodge aside, as another rift appeared in the air and Rux leapt in, disappearing as the rift closed behind her. Back at the edge of the landing pad, a male humanoid with robotic arms and legs came hurtling through the air after a leap, landing a few dozen yards from Kharag and creating cracks in the pavement as he landed. Standing back upright, Sullek turned his gaze on the Praetorian, as he drew a large sword from a sheath on his back. Back over toward the center of the landing pad, Seresk briefly followed Varlis as the reptilian speedster moved away, then glanced back over his shoulder at the large humanoid still near him and Corona. "In case the arrival of your allies increases your resolve." The reptilian Praetorian stated, swinging his long tail with the mace like ball at the end at the criminal. The tail-mace hit the criminal square in the chest with tremendous force, knocking him off his feet and sending him flying dozens of yards away, where he landed in a heap, apparently out of the fight. Two flying figures approached the landing pad as well, one a female humanoid with dull black skin and short white hair and a pair of black, hawk like wings. The other was a male humanoid with long dark black hair and a long coat. The two approached Dragonid where he hovered in the air, the female sending a sonic blast at the Praetorian, while the male unleashed a bolt of lightning. Dragonid managed to bank to one side, dodging both attacks as he turned to face his attackers. Kharag regarded Sullek for a moment as a faint smile came to his face. "Finally! A challenge worthy of Kharag!" With that, the Praetorian rushed forward, aiming a strike at the criminal's head. But Sullek was ready, easily dodging aside as he moved to one side to create some room between him and his opponent. Another figure came leaping through the air, this one aimed at Paradigm. A female humanoid with dark brown hair and covered in rocky armor slammed into the Naram, delivering a powerful blow that managed to daze the Praetorian, although it did nothing to budge her from where she hovered in the air. Adiri landed on the ground near Paradigm, pavement breaking under her weight as she landed, ready to follow up on her attack.

Rav, I would point out the Lor talking with Corona is not armed (nor were the two large humanoids with him). In any event.... Round Three 48 Procyus (unharmed) 33 Varlis (unharmed) 27 Huhunu (Unharmed) 20 Rux (unharmed) 19 Sullek (unharmed) 19 Seresk (unharmed) 18 Sai'x (unharmed) 18 Amikai (unharmed) 15 Kharag (Unharmed) 15 Adiri (unharmed) 14 Corona (Unharmed, 1HP) 13 Paradigm (Unharmed, 3 HP) 8 Traveller (Unharmed, 1 HP) 8 Large criminals (1 unharmed) 4 Dragonid (Unharmed) 4 Escaped prisoners (6 posing as maintenance workers (2 dazed, 1 stunned), 2 others in nearby hover vehicles) Procyus will speed over and make a move-by attack on Kharag, but misses with a 17. Varlis will run over toward Corona and Seresk, firing a blaster pistol at Corona, hitting with a 21, but Seresk interposes and takes two blasts which fail to get through his Impervious. Huhunu will decide it is probably time to get involved, and use his Sniper Blast to shoot at Procyus, hitting with a 27. Procyus gets a 24 on his toughness save, so picks up a bruise. Rux will teleport near Traveller and slash at her with a blade, but misses with a 14. She then teleports away. Sullek finishes a full round leap, landing a few dozen yards from Kharag. Seresk will try to punch out the large humanoid near him and Corona (in case the arrival of the superpowered criminals makes him hostile again), power attack (-2/+2), just hitting with a 16. The large humanoid gets a 17 vs DC 30, so he is out of the fight. Sai'x flies over toward Dragonid, sending a sonic blast his way, but misses with a 11. Amikai flies over as well, shooting a lightning bolt at Dragonid, also missing with a 13. Kharag will move over to attack Sullek, but misses with a 19. Adiri leaps at Paradigm, hitting with a 21. Paradigm gets a 20 on her toughness save, so is bruised and dazed. Not the best start for the bad guys. Corona is up!

Well, all three of those are about the same roll, we will call it a sense motive check.

Okay, on the Sar-Lan, ether Mater or Moon-Moth can go next (as they have the same initiative), so whoever gets to it first…. I am going to be moving things forward on the ground in the morning….

Paradigm looked over to Queenie as she replied. "I am afraid what little I know of your Freedom League is what I learned during the struggle against the Communion, mainly from stories told by Lor officers I came into contact with, so I cannot speak to all of their exploits. But yes, the Grue are a protean shapeshifting race, but they tend to take the default form of red skinned humanoids when dealing with other races. 'Solids,' as they would refer to us." The Naram looked back around the chamber as Magnetar and Seresk moved to either side, looking for any threats. "This chamber appears to have been used as a landing bay for a Grue vessel. So it is possible they used this facility for surveillance on your world, or perhaps a staging area for their invasion. It would appear it has been several years at least since they were here." She added as she looked around before looking back up at the opening above. "But then, given the exposure to the elements, it might not have been so long." Seresk stated something, causing Paradigm to look over his way before she added, "the life support systems for the facility still appear to be operational however."

TT, the robot cannot beat that, so it goes down. Also, forgot to mention, Cav got a relay back from Menton on a general location for the transmission from the planet's surface.

Orbit above Galor III With the weapons on the port side out of commission for the moment, the pirate capital ship began to bring itself about to bring the Praetorians and Star Knight into the firing arch of its starboard side batteries. For such a large vessel, that required a more intensive maneuver than one might think. As the ship banked, pitching to make the turn as sharp as possible, the starboard guns took another series of shots at some of the planet's defense satellites. A couple more exploded in bright flashes, but the rest withstood the barrage.

Okay, the pirate ship turns to try to bring the guns on the port side to bare, which I will say takes this round. The guns use the time shooting at more of the planet’s defense satellites. We are back to Mater Vyrdna!

The first gunman gets a 9, so goes down hard. The second gest a 14, so he goes down as well.

The interceptor gets a 13 so it is bound and helpless.

Orbit above Galor III Cavalier's strafing run proves successful, as the Star Knight manages to take out one of the capital ship's guns on the port side. The weapon's destruction sent a flickering power surge along that side, temporarily seizing up the remaining weapons on that side.... Surface of Galor III, Yollon City "Well, I go by Shell." The pilot of the large mech added as the machine turned to track the path of the interceptor that Moon-Moth had damaged. A burst of plasma shot from the mech's left arm, striking the pirate fighter on one side, but the ship's plating took the damage with no apparent effect. The fighter banked back around over the city below, another fighter pulling up alongside it as the pair streaked back toward the mech and Praetorian. Blaster fire erupted from the two interceptors, impacting around the two targets and blasting pockmarks in the street surface, but otherwise missing the targets. The two interceptors then zoomed overhead as they finished their attack....

Round Four 28 Shell (unharmed) 20 Pirate Pilots (3 in interceptors, one at -1) 20 Moon-Moth (unharmed, 3 HP) 12 Pirate gunners 7 Mater Vyrdna (unharmed, 1 HP) 5 Cavalier (unharmed, 3 HP) Okay, Shell shoots at the interceptor that Moon-Moth damaged, managing to hit with a 18. The interceptor gets a 29 on its toughness save so it is fine. The interceptors return the favor, one firing at Shell, the other at Moon-Moth (the third at some target off out of sight). 15 and 11, so both miss. Back to Moon-Moth.