Gizmo

Comrade Frost Most of the known Igneous settlements are in North America but the one under Russia is the oldest and largest. There are some theories about the Bering Strait but it's really all guesswork. The Igneous aren't nearly as technologically advanced as the surface but when you're a race of geokinetics living underground you don't really need to be. They do make use of piezoelectric crystals and geothermal energy, however, and they aren't stupid nor naive. They've negotiated some mutually beneficial trade agreements for ore and processed metals but for the most part just want to be left alone. They aren't particularly trusting of outsiders and are very, very slow to have their minds changed about anything. Each city, so far as Frost knows, has a council of members from each major noble house and guild who vote upon any matters of import. There seemed to be a fair amount of backroom wheeling and dealing to insure that votes go one way or another when Frost was dealing with them but that's more of an impression than a first hand observation. There were definitely some members who held more sway than others, anyway. Frost knows that the Igneous' geokinetic abilities are mystical in nature but inherited genetically and not something that can really be taught to anyone else. More studied Igneous have more fine control and might become artisans or specialists but raw power can only be 'trained up' so much. He can also let Fleur know that the True North members coming are Canadian Shield, Bombardier and Wendy Go. Frost is familiar with the first two but the latter is a new name as far as he's concerned.

Gaian Knight Tarrant knows he is best at rocks but it seems rude to bring it up just now? Also! He presumably knows anything about the Rocky Mountains that you care to look up, Fox, and specifically that they're headed to the area where Idaho, Montana, British Columbia and Alberta meet, hence the political trickiness. The igneous themselves are slightly hunched over humanoids averaging around 8' tall without colouration ranging from onyx to slate grey to orange-brown. They're characterized by scale-like mineral deposits and there's significant cultural significance to etching patterns into the larger ones. Igneous settlements tend to be deeper than conventional mining equipment can reach and located near significant mountain ranges so interaction between Igneous and humans has been pretty limited, especially since most Igneous find the openness of the surface profoundly unsettling. A spelunker running into an Igneous is about as likely as a sailor running into an Atlantean by chance, which is to say it happens but it's much, much more likely to be a hoax or case of mistaken identity. Igneous all have some degree of geokinesis but the strength of this varies wildly and is most concentrated in the noble families. Funny how that works.

Still need those saves from Temperance when you're able, troll. 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Bruised x1, 1HP 23 - Heka - Bruised x1, Staggered, Dazed, Insubstantial 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 1HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP, Pending Save 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1 11 - Diehard - Uninjured 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

Wail Standard Action: Charge Fetch 2; All-Out Attack 5. (1d20+15=33) That's a DC 28 Toughness Save. Improved Grab: Opposed Grapple Check vs. Fetch 2. (1d20+23=36) Assuming that works, then: Extra Effort: Surge. Move Action: Pick up Fetch 2. Standard Action: Throw Fetch 2 at Fetch 1; All-Out Attack 5. (1d20+13=32)

Feel free to ask for any information you think should reasonably be part of their briefings and make and Knowledge or Gather Information checks you'd like now, before they head out.

Freedom Hall Monday, September 30th, 10:23 AM For all its international presence the Freedom League could sometimes be viewed as American ambassadors in questions of law and often more importantly public perception. Questions of jurisdiction became very muddled very quickly in the wide and wild world of superhuman powers, brightly coloured costumes and brass tacks politicking. When it came to the Igneous, a thriving subterranean civilization with settlements and tunnels far, far below the surface of much of North America and north-eastern Asia, the question of borders turned suddenly difficult. Thus it was that a team of Leaguers, including their resident Russian liaison, had been requested for a joint mission with the representatives of the nationally funded Canadian super team True North to respond to a reportedly tense and escalating situation deep within the section of the Rocky Mountains that crossed the 49th parallel. Besides Comrade Frost, who had had some dealings with the underground culture when the Kola Superdeep Borehole had found a little more than it had expected in the 1970s, the geokinetic Gaian Knight had been a natural choice, along with the famously diplomatic Fleur de Joie. The team gathered about a conference table littered with briefings on the area's geography, past encounters with the Igneous and the members of True North they'd be meeting with, familiarizing themselves with all of them before departing.

Sekhmet Full Action: Heal injured research student. Diehard Move Action: Acrobatic Bluff vs. Temperance. (1d20+10=17) Standard Action: Unarmed Attack vs. Temperance. (1d20+12=14) Give me a Sense Motive or Acrobatics check against that Acrobatic Bluff, troll; is she fails the attack catches her flat-footed and it's a DC 23 Toughness Save. Khania Standard Action: Eyebeam Attack vs. Errant. (1d20+11=24) That's a DC 23 Toughness Save for Errant as well, Absurdist. Let me know how those go and I'll get the IC post up. 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP, Pending Save 23 - Heka - Bruised x1, Staggered, Dazed, Insubstantial 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 1HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP, Pending Save 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

LaMarr had stepped in on far too many domestic assaults over the decades to give a damn whether Runs' clothing had merely been inadvertently torn in the fighting or not. In contrast to his calculated measure of physical presence when they'd arrived the broad shouldered educator's silhouette seemed to loom even larger now simply from the way his jaw visibly clenched and his eyebrows lowered dangerously. It took a concerted effort not to send the robed raptor hurtling out of the house with a bellow but unless it began to look as if they required assistance his anger was secondary to that of Runs and her mother. That restraint, however, was finite. "One way or another, this turkey isn't walking out of here under his own power." The deep bass of his voice reverberated throughout the room, causing shards of fallen glass of shiver against the floor.

Guy Fawkes Sense Motive check vs. DC 14. (1d20+12=17) Not so much, no. 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP 23 - Heka - Bruised x1, Staggered, Dazed, Insubstantial 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 1HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

"Thought that might grab your attention. Thanks, 'City Girl, you're a lifesaver." Giving Megan the intersection of streets they were overlooking, the fencer ended the call and turned back to his reassembled team. "Alright, lords and ladies, you know how much I love asking for help but I'm calling in the cavalry on this one anyway. Velocity was one of the original Interceptors for all of like five minutes and she mostly works with the Freedom League these days so unlike the rest of that bunch she actually turned out all respectable and such." That was something of a double-edged sword coming from Jack and the slight quirk of a smile underlined it. In terms of international respect, public exposure and professionalism, Velocity had clearly been the most successful of any of the seven who had been invited to the brownstone just a few years before. The group the swashbuckler in the royal blue greatcoat had gathered around him just knew that he still considered himself the most fortunate, even if he'd never have put it that way. "Point being, let's pull out the good china for company, yeah?"

His Defense is in fact exactly 23! Guy Fawkes Reflex Save vs. DC 19. (1d20+8=27) Oof. Does she want to surge or use her move action for anything? 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP 23 - Heka - Bruised x1, Staggered, Dazed, Insubstantial 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 1HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

"Be there any sight more wretched," Set mused loudly, bounding with a skip onto the hood and then roof of a conveniently placed vehicle, "than a villain too swine-headed to learn that evil must always fail?" With a snarl, Heka drew himself up even as he continued to hover well above the bulk of the fighting, flinging another bolt of arcane power at the godling's head. "Be silent, duplicitous blasphemer!" Set had noted well the attack that had knocked Sekhmet from her prey, however, and an almost dance-like bob at the waist kept him clear of the sorcerer's wrath. "Bah! I need not sully my hands with your defeat, only play for time!" Heka decided, his form once again taking on the transparent quality that had allowed him to slip effortlessly though Temperance's ice. With a contemptuous smirk he watched as Set's earlier attack spun about and headed back toward him. The youthful lord of the storm pursed his own lips. "Body of the Ghost? Truly?" Raising one hand high above his head, Set snapped his fingers, bringing a second stream of crimson lightning racing downward from the darkened clouds overhead, aiming at Heka from the opposite side like a pair of flanking vipers. "Little man, who do you think invented Body of the Ghost?" Heka had only a fraction of a second for concern to creep into his expression before both attack struck, no more deterred by his phantom form than they would have been by paper armor. With a shriek, the immortal spellcaster shuddered violently as divine lightning racked his body. As the blinding red light faded, smoke rose from Heka's robes and he faltered, wobbling unsteadily in the air.

Heka Standard Action: Mystic Force Blast vs. Set. (1d20+10=11) Free Action: Switch to Ghost Body AP. Set Free Action: Lightning Bolt, Homing Attack vs. Heka. (1d20+7=12) Hero Point: Lightning Bolt, Homing Attack vs. Heka, HP ReRoll. (1d20+7=18) Heka Toughness Save vs. DC 22. (1d20+12=18) Set Move Action: Feint vs. Heka. (1d20+10=28) Heka Sense Motive check vs. DC 28. (1d20+15=34) Set Standard Action: Lightning Bolt vs. Heka. (1d20+7=23) Heka Toughness Save vs. DC 24. (1d20+11=13) 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP 23 - Heka - Bruised x1, Staggered, Dazed, Insubstantial 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 1HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

Character Name: Wendy Go Power Level: 10 (150PP) Trade-Offs: +5 Damage/-5 Attack (Wendigo Form), +1 Defense/-1 Toughness (Human Form) Alternate Identity: Becky Shuster Identity: Registered, Semi-Public Birthplace: Thunder Bay, Ontario Occupation: Student, Superhero Page Affiliations: True North, Canadian Government Family: Richard Shuster (father), Veronica Shuster (mother) Description: Age: 19 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Canadian (Caucasian) Height: 5'10" / 8'3" Weight: 160 lbs / 485 lbs Eyes: Hazel Hair: Dark Chocolate Brown with White Streak Becky Shuster was working a summer job as an airport attendant when a chance encounter with a group of visiting Claremont students ended with her possession by a wendigo spirit in the woods outside of Thunder Bay, transforming her into a creature of terrible strength and unspeakable hunger! Thankfully her new friends were able to subdue her and True North's consulting mystic Daniel Storm spent nearly two years training her to keep her bestial side under tenuous control. Now a junior member of the national superteam, Wendy Go is a young woman doing her best to prove herself in a suddenly much larger, stranger world. Curious and enthusiastic by nature, Becky is eager to learn from her more experienced teammates but her fear of losing control again has added a streak of glum introspection to her personality that matches the streak of white in her hair. Abilities: 8 + 4 + 8 + 4 + 4 + 6 = 34PP Strength: 40/18 (+15/+4) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 30/18 (+10/+4) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 8 + 12 = 20PP Initiative: +2 Attack: +4 Base, +6 Melee, +5 Wendigo Form Grapple: +26/+10 Defense: +11/+10 Wendigo Form (+6 Base, +5 Dodge Focus, -1 Growth), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -9/-2 Saving Throws: 0 + 5 + 8 = 13PP Toughness: +10/+4 (+10/+4 Con) Fortitude: +10/+4 (+10/+4 Con, +0) Reflex: +7 (+2 Dex, +5) Will: +10 (+2 Wis, +8) Skills: 52R = 13PP Bluff 3 (+6/+10 Attractive) Concentration 13 (+15) Diplomacy 3 (+6/+10 Attractive) Intimidate 5 (+8/+10 Growth) Knowledge [Arcane Lore] 2 (+4) Knowledge [Art] 2 (+4) Language 1 (English [Native], French) Notice 8 (+10) Stealth 7 (+9/+5 Growth) Survival 8 (+10) Feats: 14PP All-Out Attack Attack Focus (Melee) 2 Attractive Dodge Focus 5 Improved Grab Startle Takedown Attack 2 Ultimate Will Powers: 37 + 2 + 9 + 4 + 4 = 56PP Alternate Form 8 (40PP Container [Active, Sustained]; Drawbacks: Action [Full Round, -3]) 37PP (wendigo form) Additional Limbs 2 [2PP]Enhanced Constitution 8 [8PP] Enhanced Feats 1 (Favoured Environment [Forest] [1PP] Enhanced Strength 14 [14PP] Growth 4 (Large; +8 Strength, +4 Constitution) [12PP] Immunity 1 (Environmental Condition [Cold]) [1PP] Leaping 1 (x2) [1PP] Speed 1 (10 MPH) [1PP] Enhanced Feats 2 (Improved Critical [unarmed] 2) [2PP] (claws) Regeneration 11 (Bruised [No Action, +3], Injured [1 Round, +4], Staggered [1 Round, +4]; Drawbacks: Limited [Fire, -2]) [9PP] Regeneration 4 (Disabled [1 Hour, +2], Ability [1 Hour, +2], Flaws: Source [Meat]; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) [4PP] Super-Senses 4 (Olfactory; Acute, Tracking 3) [4PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC19 Toughness Damage [Physical] Unarmed [Wendigo] Touch DC30 Toughness Damage [Physical] Totals: Abilities (34) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (13) + Skills (13) + Feats (14) + Powers (56) = 150/150 Power Points

Character Name: Bombardier Power Level: 12 (200PP) Trade-Offs: +3 Damage/-3 Attack (melee), +2 Toughness/-2 Defense Alternate Identity: Paul Bouchard Identity: Public Birthplace: Dorval, Quebec Occupation: Federally Funded Superhero Affiliations: True North, Canadian Government Family: Rosalie Bouchard (mother), Noémie Bouchard (sister), Alicia Bouchard (sister), Coralie Bouchard (sister), Marianne Bouchard (sister), Anaïs Bouchard (sister) Description: Age: 29 Gender: Male Ethnicity: French-Canadian Height: 5'7" Weight: 175 lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Medium Brown Paul Bouchard was a young blue collar worker from Dorval whose chance at an athletic scholarship as a goalie had been cut short thanks to stepping out of the crease to throw down his gloves one time too many. Bouchard's stubborn streak manifested itself in his job as an assembly line worker where he drove himself to learn as much of the engineering principles behind the areospace components he helped build as he could on his own time. Because of that, when a rush order on a limited run of components came his way, he recognized them as pieces of a powered gauntlet moments before heavily armed technology pirates broke into the factory to steal them. Managing to cobble together the concussive blast weapon in the resulting chaos, Bouchard defeated the thieves and saved the lives of his coworkers. An instant media sensation, he was soon tapped to don the full, prototype armor as the one-man air force, Bombardier. Abilities: 10 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 2 + 4 = 36PP Strength: 30/20 (+10/+5) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: 18 (+4) Intelligence: 16 (+3) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 12 + 12 = 24PP Initiative: +3 Attack: +6 Base, +9 Melee, +12 Concussive Attacks Grapple: +26/+19/+14 Defense: +10 (+6 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -7/-2 Saving Throws: 8 + 7 + 7 = 22PP Toughness: +14 (+4 Con, +10 Protection) Fortitude: +12 (+4 Con, +8) Reflex: +10 (+3 Dex, +7) Will: +8 (+1 Wis, +7) Skills: 56R = 14PP Computers 2 (+5) Craft (Electronics) 2 (+5) Craft (Mechanical) 7 (+10) Disable Device 2 (+5) Intimidate 8 (+10) Knowledge (Current Events) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Technology) 7 (+10) Language 1 (English, French [Native]) Notice 9 (+10) Pilot 7 (+10) Sense Motive 9 (+10) Feats: 14PP Attack Focus (Melee) 3 Benefit (Security Clearance) Dodge Focus 4 Improved Trip Improvised Tools Move-By Action Power Attack Takedown Attack 2 Powers: 90PP Device 22 (110PP Container; Flaws: Hard to Lose; Feats: Restricted 2) [90PP] Weapons Array 20 (40PP; Feats: Alternate Power 2) [42PP] Base: Damage 12 (Extras: Autofire, Ranged; Feats: Accurate 3, Improved Critical [19-20]) [40PP] (concussive blast)AP: Stun 12 (Extras: Area [Targeted, Shapeable], Ranged; Flaws: Action [Full]; Feats Accurate 3, Improved Critical [19-20]) [40PP] (concussive barrage) AP: Damage 5 (Feats: Improved Critical 2 [18-20], Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, Mighty) + Drain Toughness 15 (Extras: Affects Objects, Linked [+1]; Flaws: Limited 2 [Electronics Only]; Feats: Incurable) [26PP] (electromagnetic punch) Move Object 13 (Extras: Action [Move]; Flaws: Limited 2 [Direction: Push/Pull, Material: Metal]; Feats Subtle) [14PP]Auxiliary Power Array 7 (14PP; Feats: Alternate Power 1, Dynamic Power 2) [17PP] DBP: Flight 7 (1000 MPH) [14PP]DAP: Super-Strength 7 (Heavy Load: 100 tons) [14PP] Communication 5 (Radio, 5 miles; Feats: Subtle) [6PP] Enhanced Strength 10 [10PP] Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Protection 10 [10PP] Super-Senses 7 (Radio; Direction Sense, Radar [Counters Concealment, Extended 2], Uncanny Dodge) [7PP] Super-Senses 9 (Visual; Analytical 2, Extended 2 [100x], Infravision, Radius 2, Rapid 1 [10x], Ultravision) [9PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVEEFFECT Unarmed Touch DC20 Toughness Damage [Physical] Concussive Blast Ranged DC27 Toughness [Autofire] Damage [Physical] Concussive Barrage Ranged [Area] DC27 Fortitude Stun Electromagnetic Punch Touch DC30 Toughness Damage [Physical] DC30 Fortitude Drain Toughness Totals: Abilities (36) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (22) + Skills (14) + Feats (14) + Powers (90) = 200/200 Power Points

Initiative. (1d20+6=7) And yet not last!

"No worries. I've rarely been accused of thinking too much," Erik assured the mind-reader even as he reflexively stepped back a pace as the ephemeral blade stopped short of striking his chest. Watching the air in front of him for a moment as though not entirely convinced the dagger wasn't about to pop back into existence mid-flight. "I'd, uh, probably avoid eavesdropping on my bonus senses, though. Some of those sounds taste awful." Circling around the floor a bit, he briefly checked to make sure Eden was in no danger of climbing out of her crib, leaning down to plant a light kiss on the laughing infant's forehead before resuming his examination of Eve's manifested weapon. "Hm. Wonder if we can even parry with these? Looks good at least. Heh, they'd love you, but if anyone ever knocks on your door and asks if you want to join the House of Swords, just say no, okay?" Considering for a moment he amended, "Actually, kick them in the nertz first, too."

Guy Fawkes Will Save vs. DC 17. (1d20+6=22) Not so much. 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP 23 - Heka - Uninjured, Demoralized 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 2HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1, Dazed 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

Out from under the vicious lioness, Guy Fawkes managed to pull himself together enough to stumble out of the alleyway and back into view on the street, one arm clutching the stolen android component to his side with the opposite hand held his cracked, clawed mask to his face. The acrobatic arsonist could barely keep his feet under him but even a fraction of his usual surefooted pace had him escaping the scene with considerable haste. Spotting him from his floating position, Heka grunted in annoyance, keeping one eye on Set's seeking bolts of lightning even as he watched Blackfire fall. "Blast it all! Get the automaton wreckage clear, you useless jester! I will not have my plans fail!"

Guy Fawkes Move Action: Run awaaaaay! Remember, Fawkes is the one with the component stolen from the lab. 27 - Guy Fawkes - Staggered 27 - Errant - Uninjured, 1HP 23 - Heka - Uninjured, Demoralized 18 - Set - Bruised x1, 2HP 17 - Temperance - Bruised x1, 3HP 14 - Sekhmet - Bruised x1, Dazed 11 - Diehard - Uninjured, -2 Defense 11 - Khania - Bruised x1, Slowed 10 - Blackfire - Unconscious, Entangled 4 - Glamazon - Bruised x1, 1HP

Midnight grunted in approval of the ifrit's polite deference. --Hm, the Forever Black Stone. Finally we're going somewhere nice,-- he mused telepathically. Certainly anywhere that had shadow legions couldn't be all bad; it beat a faerie castle, anyway. "Execution of duty to be commended, Al-Shahada. Will reach own conclusions." He couldn't say he was surprised to learn that Typhoon had trespassed where he was not welcome before, but theft of power was a different story than celestial murder. He didn't see what the dictator had to gain from deicide, nor would he expect Al-Darsah to plan so poorly as to be immediately captured. With a curt nod, the black clad figure indicated the group was ready to depart.

"Airship licenses need to become a thing so yours can be revoked!" Jill O'Cure shouted out the opened hatch from the right seat at the front of the Pitchoo's cockpit, white knuckles slowly unclenching now that they'd come to a stop. In fairness, chasing the zoomers in the aircraft had been a sound plan and she'd volunteered to ride shotgun but fairness was somewhat drowned out by the sound of her racing heartbeat in her ears. "No good, hermana," she reported through the ship's comms, Willow's communicator crackling to life while Jack was otherwise occupied. "They got away. Again. We'll circle around." Jack gave his wife a grin that radiated confident reassurance along with a strong desire to sit down for a few weeks. "Some idiota whipped up a new style of zoom and it's potent as a kick in the teeth, checkered chica," he continued over the phone. "Heard you got mixed up with something similar not too far back. Either way, we could use a little of the ol' greased lightning and my usual guy's retired for the thrilling life of the academic. You available?"

Ellie let out a silent breath of relief at Josephine's approval. She hadn't doubted Mara's sentiment for a moment but she also hadn't relished the thought of the situation with her girlfriend's mother being any more strained than it already had to be. Her confrontational stance had been a bit of a gamble but it sounded like she'd judged her audience well, honesty being the best policy once again. "I wouldn't get too hung up over the grandchildren thing, with the way we pick up strays. Immortals, dimensional refugees, time-travelers..." Her expression softened as she looked between the two blonde women. "That out of the way, though, you two really do need to have a talk, I think. I'll give you some privacy, but I won't be far, at least until we're sure you're going to stay in one piece, Josie. Fair enough?" The last was directed at Mara, whom she gave a reassuring smile.

"I'll just say you meant Yolanda," Ellie suggested to Mara before addressing Josephine and deadpanning, "Fair. I am known for being a totalitarian pillar of grim literalism and having a dour outlook toward fun of all sorts." Leaning against a workbench slightly she allowed her lips to quirk up in a dryly amused expression. "I'm not exactly tripping over myself to toss alleged Parisian second-storey women in the stockade on general principle. Mara has a nice sofa set but it's not that nice." Considering for a moment, she added, "As for mi mama, there was that time she got Talya Browning bailed out but that may have been more of a one-time thing." Straightening again, she folded her arms under her chest as her expression sobered. "If you're worried about my priorities, though... Nobody hurts the people I care about while I'm staging. Nobody." There was an iron in that last repeated word that replaced for a moment the naturally lyrical tenor of the young woman's voice.

"Commander," Wail greeted with a shallower nod. He suspected the younger humans' manners, effusively friendly and accommodatingly polite it turn, were the smarter ways to go but he was the physically largest of the group, with a few inches and considerable mass over even Cannonade, and if the raptors matched up at all with the various clannish, warrior peoples he'd run into over the years then a minor show of pride might be helpful in the long run. He hadn't considered how a shaved head might be interpreted until Thinks had said something, let alone his grey-streaked beard, so he expected his appearance was going to ruffle some literal feathers regardless. In any case, he felt he'd reached something of an understanding with Fangs-Bared when her squad had crashed into Earth-Prime and hoped some of that remained. "Boy thought a few friendly unexpected guests would be alright," he explained to the Commander in a slightly quieter rumble. The emphasis was slight but his meaning was clear: they knew that hostile party-crashers were a possibility. He stroked his goatee absently with his free hand. "Anything we can do to make sure things go smooth?"