Supercape

GM A few moments later... Barrier had (with no complaints from the nervous man) disengaged from the Barman, whilst Paridigm had not (with much complaint) disengaged from Munn. Lexa, growing increasingly irritated with the Fish-mayor, lead them to a silent dome of glass, under the beautiful night sky of Nocturne. In the centre, another small dome, with bubbling thermally heated water, under ultravoilet glare, was the Bloom. It was neither one thing, nor another. Every ten seconds or so, the water exploded into a new form. purples and reds predominated, but every explosion of cellular life was a different hue, sometimes in different parts. It was like crystal, then like leaves, then like a million marbles. "It is beautiful" remarked Lexa, watching the display in a slow circular walk. "I am not a scientist, but as I understand it, the Bloom has evolved to this planet's unique conditions. It hibernates for centuries or more, frozen. When a thermal vent appears, in conjunction with starlight, it grows at an unprecedented rate, so fast that the evolving cells actually use the previous bloom for food. A certain minimal amount of new nutrients and chemicals from the vent, a certain amount of light, plus heat, and a new Bloom will eat the old dead ones. What you see..." The previous Bloom of purple hued spikes died, only to be replaced by a new one of deep aquamarine leaves. "...is the new eating the dead" She paused whilst the Aquamarine leaves died, crumbling, only to be cannibilised by the new bloom, this time of white spiralling tendrils. "It is always searching, always trying to evolve, to survive. Alone and unique" she finished, quite enraptured by the site. Even Munn was silent, his eyes finally drawn away from his idol. "It is my muse" finished Lexa, humbly. "And I dedicate the Night Flower to it. I hope it will listen..."

Synth Fight the Power 12 Posts GM The Night Flower 12 Posts GM posts to Flintlock up to as far as can go (15 I think). Any spare, boosting Synth to 15 Posts, then 1 to Red Rat, Starshot, Steam. Misc I never did take credit for this, which I have updated. If agreeable, then bonus PP to Flintlock.

If that action IC is actually workable then taking 10 on stealth for a result of 26 to hide.

Synth (As ?) After examining the pipe, she tossed it to one side, a hint of irritation creeping in. Still, investigation was a process of elimination. Or so she had read. Trouble was, she was no detective - at least, not really. She toyed, briefly, with the idea of calling the police. But what would she say? So far there was nothing actionable - as far as she could tell. Just some blood, some more blood, and lots of blood. But no way to tell where it came from. She pointed the flashlight down both end of the pipe she had just sundered; just to make sure but without much hope, and sniffing at the gas to see if she could place it. Whatever it was, she was disinclined to light a match, just in case. There was, she reasoned, a way forward. A stakeout. Presumably if she had ripped out the pipe somebody would come looking, and might shed light on the matter. And so, steeling herself for what might be a cramped few hours, she jammed herself into the tightest, best concealed corner of the room...

GM Lexa gave a soft and warm laugh. "Ah! A kind of family, then?" she replied. "Your race is long lived, if I remember. Long enough to start a second family after the first one has gone. Maybe even several. So you have assembled a jigsaw family, from the past, and from the now. A buttress, a foundation". Lexa spoke in a whimsical manner, not always paying attention to whom she was talking too. She seemed to listen intently and then reply to nobody - except, perhaps, herself. "I think you should find the Opera interesting then. And I daresay the Opera will find you interesting too. You project an aura of safety, I feel. You protect, and have the power to do so with certainty" again came the whimsical speculations. Perhaps that was just how she lived; finding meaning in everything even when there was none. "Have you heard of the Bloom?" she asked. "I guess Sphere explained it to you. A monocellular organism that lives in the thermal vents of Nocturne. It grows more rapidly than anything in the galaxy, and dies just as fast. It was the inspiration for The Night Flower. Life and death so quickly. Strength and fragility in one" she explained. "Wrwunderful!" clapped Munn with slightly damp, webbed fingers. He looked enraptured with his idol. Lexa seemed to ignore him with a half smile directed to him without a glance. "The Bloom is in fact being studied here, and I hope will be part of the Opera. Would you care to see it?" she asked Paradigm. "Ooooh Yesth!" fawned Munn, although the question was unambiguously directed at Paradigm - and presumably by extention Barrier.

Repair Bots Power Level: 5 (120/120) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: None In Brief: Robots of the Xeno Ship Catchphrase: Beep beep. Beepity-beep beep. Description: Height: 3’ Diameter Sphere Weight: 40Kgs Color: Titanium The Xeno’s Customised Repair Bots are floating metal spheres, with four short mechanical arms projecting from a front panel, each equipped with a variety of inbuilt tools. Each bot is given a code name from A-E Axel, Backfire, Clockface, Driveshaft, Echo Personality & Motivation The Repair bots are here to serve. They have some self awareness and personality however-and in a manner similar to, say, a protocol droid in a galaxy far far away, are not fanatical or fearless. Powers & Tactics: The Bots are programmed for maintenance and repair, as well as being able to do various chores and ships – steward tasks. They will obey any guest onboard the ship (although the Captain, i.e. Starshot, can override this). They will not seek combat. If pushed, they could use some of their tools as makeshift weapons, but they are not programmed to fight, and will seek to self preserve / flee in a fight unless they are cornered or the “foe” is something relatively insignificant such as a small animal or petty thief. Abilities: 2 + 6 -10 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 4 Strength: 8 (-4 From Shrinking, +2) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: - Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 10 Combat: 8 + 8 = 16 Initiative: +3 Attack: +5 (+4, +1 From Size) Defence: +5, +3 Flat Footed (+4, +1 From Size) Grapple: -1 Knockback: -1 Saving Throws: 3 + 3 = 6 Fort Immune Reflex +6 (+3, +3 Dex) Will +4 (+3, +1 Wis) Tough +5 (+6 Protection, -1 Size) Skills: 12PP = 48 Ranks Computers 4 (+6) Craft (Electronic) 8 (+10) Craft (Mechanical) 8 (+10) Disable Device 4 (+6) Handle Animal 4 (+6) Knowledge [Technology] 4 (+6) Medicine 4 (+5) Notice 4 +5) Profession [Ships’ Steward] 4 (+5) Search 4 (+6) Feats: 6 PP Ambidexterity Environmental Adaptation [Zero Gravity] Jack of All Trades Teamwork 3 Powers: 3 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 30 + 6 + 1 + 5 + 13 + 7 = 82 Additional Limbs 2 (2 Extra Servo-arms, Feats: Improvised Tools) [3 PP] Communication 4 (1 Mile, Radio, Feats: Subtle, Flaws: Limited [One way]) [3 PP] Comprehend 3 (Read all, Speak all, Understand all) [6 PP] Features: Internal computer, Internal compartment [2 PP] Flight 2 (Speed 25 mph, Feats: Instant up, Subtle) [6 PP] Immunity (Fortitude Saves-Construct) [30 PP) Protection 6 [6 PP] Quickness 1 (x2 Speed) [1 PP] Shrinking 4 (-1 Size Category, Feats: Innate, Flaws: Permanent [+0]) [5 PP] Super Senses 13 (Accurate Radar, Radar Sense, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Infravision, Radio, Radius [All Visual], Analytical [All Visual], Ultra-hearing, Ultravision) [13 PP] Tools Array (5 PP Array, Feats: Alternative Powers 2) [7 PP] BP: Blast 2 (Feats: Precise) [5/5 PP] “Laser Cutter” AP: Strike 3 (Feats: Improved Critical 1, Precise, Variable Descriptor [Tool]) [5/5 PP] “Drill/Saw” AP: Stun 2 (Feats: Extended Reach 1) [5/5 PP] “Electric Zap” Drawbacks: -6 Disability (Common, Minor: No Legs) [2 PP] Vulnerable (Electricity, Common, Major: x2 DC) [4 PP} Abilities 4 + Saves 6 + Combat 16 + Skills 12 + Feats 6 + Powers 82 – Drawbacks 6 = 120 PP

Starshot Power Level: 11/15 (250/250) [253] Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: +3 Attack, -3 Damage; +1 Defense/-1 Toughness In Brief: Intergalactic Safari Hunter Theme Tune: Ride of the Valkyries Alternate Identity: Oskar Otto Birthplace: Berlin, Germany Residence: The Starship Xeno Occupation: Big Game Hunter (in Space) Affiliations: None Family: Distant Relatives Only Description: Age: 102 Apparent Age: 30 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 6’ Weight: 95 Kgs Eyes: Blue Hair: Blonde Starshot usually wears a battered military jacket, carries a big gun, and wears a helmet that can extend over his whole face. His left hand is clearly cybernetic, black metal and green lights. If he shows his face, he is handsome man with piercing light blue eyes and a scar down his left side. His body is in virtually perfect physical form. There are a few traces of cybernetics over his body (such as his spine). History: As a capable young man, Starshot served in the German Army in World War 2, although horrified by the experience. He ended up on a suicide mission in the Alps with his no-hoper squad. Ambushed by British commandos, the firefight was brought to a close by a galactic slaver and hunter called Zaul Zeno, an expert in biology and cybernetics. Firing into the battle, he killed most of the combatants but for Oskar, whom he collected as a prize. The next several decades, Oskar (rebuilt by Zeno) served on his ship as a big game hunter. Whilst Zeno was not cruel (just greedy and amoral), Oskar would have escaped if it was not for the explosives wired to his heart. Then Zaul disappeared. Left with money, a Starship, and a profession, Starshot took over as captain, removed the explosives in his heart (he hopes), and set off… Personality & Motivation: Oskar is a complex man, who enjoys his profession but is still scarred (physically and emotionally) by WW2. He had a grey and shadowy existence as Zaul Zeno’s right hand man. Oskar enjoys drink, gambling, and risk, but can also become grim and maudlin at times, lost in recollections. He partially travels for adventure and interest, but always has an eye out to undo the wrongs he had done, and is, at heart, a man of people. Powers & Tactics: Due to genetic modification and cybernetics, Starshot has superhuman strength and endurance, and is immune to many harsh environments. His left hand is detachable and is equipped with inbuilt tools, microjets (for flight), as well as having exceptionally strong crushing grip. Starshot has a high tech helmet that has a range of sensory enhancements. Starshot still uses his old WWII rifle. Or at least, it looks like that. In actually fact, internally, it is a high tech plasma rifle which can also fire “Plasma web” shells to capture his prey. Starshot is a skilled marksman and hunter. He tends to fight as such, sneaking around and sniping his targets. Power Descriptions: Starshots Plasma rifle shoots “Phased plasma”, that has the appearance of bright shimmering energy from purple to red in hue. Complications: War Trauma: Starshot reacts very negatively to war, and particular Nazi memorabilia. He will have flashbacks, becoming frozen, or violent. Bad Reputation: In many corners of the galaxy, Starshot has a bad reputation, having worked for Zaul Zeno for so many years. Captain: Any guest on his ship is under his protection. Allergy: Starshots genetic alteration have made him allergic to several medicines, including penicillin. Primal Challenge: Whilst Starshot is no fool, he has an honourable respect for tough prey. Unless it is quite suicidal to do so, he may choose to forgo weapons and equipment in order to “go primitive” and hunt / fight a noble prey. Restock and Recharge: Starshots helmet only has 2 hours worth of oxygen supply, and its power supply for other functions is limited. Similarly, his gun only has so much power (it is particularly drained by “overburn”) and five “Web” shells. Of course, he has plenty of spare ammunition, power, and oxygen in his ship, and to a lesser extent in his ATV. Abilities: 16 + 12 + 16 + 4 + 4 + 6 = 58 Strength: 26 (+8) Dexterity: 22 (+6) Constitution: 26 (+8) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 24 + 24 = 48 Initiative: +10 Attack: +12, +14 Ranged Defense: +12, +6 Flat-Footed Grapple: +18 (+20 with Cybernetic Hand) Knockback: -4 ( -5 with Jacket) Saving Throws 4 + 4 + 6 = 14 Toughness: +10 (+8 Con, +2 Jacket) Fortitude: +12 (+8 Con, +4) Reflex: +10 (+6 Dex, +4) Will: +8 (+2 Wis, +6) Skills: 108R = 27 PP Climb 8 (+16) Drive 4 (+10) Skill Mastery Handle Animal 12 (+15) Intimidate 12 (+15) Knowledge (Earth Sciences) 4 (+6) Knowledge (Life Sciences) 4 (+6) Knowledge (Tactics) 4 (+6) Language 6 (English, French, Galstandard, German [Native], Lor, Khanate, Galactic Tradespeak) Medicine 4 (+6) Skill Mastery Notice 8 (+10) Pilot 4 (+10) Skill Mastery Sense Motive 4 (+6) Stealth 10 (+16) Survival 16 (+18) Skill Mastery Swim 8 (+16) Feats: 59 PP Accurate Attack All-Out Attack Attack Focus: Ranged 2 Ambidexterity Animal Empathy Benefit 2 (Wealth 2) Critical Strike Equipment 34 + 5 (Free From rewards) Favoured Opponent (Apex Predators) Fearless Improved Aim Improved Critical 1 (Energy Rifles) Improved Initiative Jack of All Trades Minion 8, Progression 2 (Free From rewards) Power Attack Precise Shot 2 Prone Fighting Second Chance (Toughness save vs Tooth and Claw) Skill Mastery (Medicine, Survival, Drive, Pilot) Startle Track Ultimate Aim Uncanny Dodge (Auditory) Equipment 39PP = 195 EP Old Reinforced Military Jacket (Protection 2) [2EP] 10 Masterwork Space Suits [10 EP Base, Progression 3] [13 EP] Ultrasonic Whistle (Communication 2 [100’], Extras: Omni Directional, Flaws: One Way, Limited to Whistle) [1 EP] Machete (Strike 2, Feats: Mighty, Improved Critical 1, Thrown) [5 EP] Vehicle: Safari Ship Xeno Size: Awesome [5 EP], STR 100 [8 EP], Toughness 20 [5 EP] Features: Alarm 1, Computer, Garage, Gym, Infirmary, Masterwork Vehicle, Masterwork Living Quarters [2], Remote Control, Safari Cells 3 [As reinforced holding cells plus can change environment], Workshop [13 EP] Powers: Flight 16 (1,000,000mph) [32 EP], Communication 16 (Radio, nearby star systems, Flaws: Limited [One Way], Feats: Subtle) [9 EP], Super Senses 26 (Analytical Radio Senses [2], Accurate Radio Senses [4], Detect Life [Radio] [3], Detect EM Energy [Radio] [3], Detect Atmosphere [Radio] [2], Radar Sense [1], Extended Radio Senses 5 [-1 per 20 miles] [10], Radio) [26 EP], Super-Movement 3 [Intergalactic, 6 EP]) Total Cost [104 EP] Vehicle: ATV Size: Huge [2 EP], STR 50 [4 EP], Toughness 12 / Impervious 6 [9EP] Features: Masterwork, Navigation 2, Remote Control, Safari Cell 3 [7 EP] Powers: Communication 8 (Radio, 2000 miles, Flaws: Limited [One Way], Feats: Subtle) [5 EP], Speed 5 (250mph, Alt Power: Swimming 5, 50mph) [6 EP], Super Senses 7 (Accurate Radar, Radar Sense, Radio, Extended 1 Radar) [7 EP], Supermovement 2 [Surefooted 2, 50% penalty reduction) [4 EP], Total Cost [44 EP] Utility Belt [21 PP Array, Feats: Alt Power 6) [27 EP] BP: Blast 3 (Extras: Penetrating, Secondary Effect) Linked with Environmental Control 3 (Normal Heat, 25' Radius, Extras: Total Fade, Independent, Feats: Slow Fade 3 [1 hour total]) {12+6 = 18/21} “Thermal Pellet” AP: Environmental Control 5 (Bright Light, 100' Radius, Extras: Independent, Total Fade, Feats: Improved Range 2 [x5, 250’], Slow Fade 1) {18/21} “Flare Gun” AP: Nauseate 5 (Extras: Area [cloud], Range) {20/21} “Gas grenade” AP: Obscure 5 (Visual and Olfactory, Extras: Total Fade, Feats: Slow Fade 1) {21/21} “Smoke grenade” AP: Paralyse 5 (Extras: Alt Save [Fort], Poison, Ranged, Feats: Subtle) {21/21} "Blowpipe" AP: Fatigue 5 (Extras: Sleep [+0], Poison, Feats: Improved Critical 2) {17/21} "Sedative Injector" Powers: 7 + 15 + 16 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 46 PP Cybernetic Hand (Linked Powers) [7 PP] Anatomic Separation 1 (Left Hand) [2 PP] “Detaches!” Flight 2 (25mph, Flaws: Limited to hand only) [2 PP] “Mini Jets” Super Strength 2 (+10 STR, Flaws: Limited to grip) [2PP] “Power Grip” Enhanced Trait 1 (Improvised Tools) [1 PP] “Inbuilt tools” Device 5 (25 DP, Flaws: Easy to lose) [15 PP] “Plasma Gun” Plasma Array (22 PP Array, Feats: Alt Power 3) [25 DP] BP: Blast 8 (Feats: Affects Insubstantial 1, Improved Critical 1, Improved Range 2, Progression [Range] 2) [21/21PP] "Plasma Bolt" AP: Dazzle 11 (Visual Senses, Extras: Area [Cone], Flaws: Range [Touch]) [22/22 PP] "Plasma Flare" AP: Damage 11 (Feats: Affects Insubstantial 1, Extras: Area [Line], Flaws: Full Power) [22/22PP] “Plasma Overburn” AP: Snare 8 (Feats: Affects Insubstantial 1, Blocks Radio Sense, Tether, Reversible) [20/22 PP] “Charged Web” Device 4 (20 DP) [16 PP] “Helmet” Communication 6 (Radio, 20 miles, Flaws: Limited [One way], Feats: Subtle) [4 PP] Immunity 4 (Visual Dazzles, Suffocation [All]) [4 PP] Supersenses 13 (Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended [Visual] 1, Infravision, Microscopic Vision 2 [Cellular], Radio, Ultravision, X-Ray Vision, Drawback: Power loss [Lead for X Ray Vision]) [12 PP] Immunity 5 (Aging, Cold, Disease, Heat, Poison) [5PP] “Cybernetic Life Support” Leaping 1 (x2, Running 30’, Standing 15’, High 7’) [1 PP] “Enhanced Physique” Speed 1 (x2, 10 mph, 88’/rnd) [1 PP] “Enhanced Physique" Swimming 1 (x2, 2.5mph, 22’/rnd) [1 PP] “Enhanced Physique” Drawbacks: -2 Vulnerability (Electricity, Common, Minor [+1]) [-2 PP] “Residual Cybernetics” DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 23 Tough Damage (Physical) Phased Plasma Ranged DC 23 Tough Damage (Energy) Plasma Flare Touch/Cone DC 25 Reflex Dazzle (Visual) Plasma Overburn Touch/Line DC 25 Tough Damage (Energy) Plasma Web Ranged DC 23 Reflex Snare Totals: Abilities (58) + Combat (48) + Saving Throws (14) + Skills (27) + Feats (59) + Powers (46) - Drawbacks (-2) = 250/250 Power Points

Synth (as ?) Her clothes torn at legs and arms, she focused a moment to slip her muscles back into default mode - which was pretty normal (rather than soft as liquid or swollen like rocks). They required little energy when normal, a nice comfort for her. This was, surely, the missing jigsaw puzzle. Somebody had ripped out a pipe and disposed of it. the most obvious explanation she could think of was something was in the pipe - maybe something hidden away. There was also one obvious course to take. She tore off the remains of her denim jeans, wrapped it around her hand (wouldn't help to get scalded), and lithely jumped up to the pipe. Placing her feet on the wall, and one hand on the original pipe, she took a goodly grip on the replacement and tried to tear it off...

GM The Barman gulped. "Ah..." he said nervously, again averting his eyes. "Well, you seem to have answered my question. You must be lonely, at least of sorts. For that, I am truly sorry. Loneliness is a noxious thing, it creeps into the heart and kills it by slow petrification". "Some escaped, yes. Of course. Most did not. And even those who escaped, well, they died - of old age, broken hearts, of emptiness" he explained, again sad. Although there was a hint of anger there, to. As if the history vexed him personally. Understandable, of course. It was a vexatious event. "Some went mad. Left this galaxy. Some stayed. Transformed. If you feel you are alone, singular, then transformation can appeal. A way of belonging. Be it by religion, cult, or affiliation. Or, sometimes, by changing your very cells, your bones and flesh" he answered. "I have seen that, too. I have even..." He paused, pressing his hand to his temples. "Ha. You make me feel alive again. I...don't talk much, you see. Something wrong with me. I am most at ease around these robots, but there is always something missing, even if that missing thing is what also terrifies me. Mph. This is why I need Lexa around. To connect..." he mused. He shoved another Terran Gin and Asteroid Ice towards Barrier. "For you, I think, the years have not yet ground you down with loneliness. Pray they do not. Have you found something to live for?"

Synth This could only be a secret door! Like in those old medieval castles in old black and white films. Well, she only had a black and white TV, and it only showed old films. Kind of interesting reflection on society. She put the flashlight to the ground, its beam still on, a trail of light on a dusty floor, illuminating her from below like some appropriately spooky ghost image. She just needed to wedge the damn thing open. She concentrated a moment, her synthetic muscles altering, swelling, stretching and ripping her clothes, and like a sack full of footballs, she got her fingers into whatever crack she could find...and heaved, exerting her strength with calm and forceful measured breaths.

Synth (as ?) Synth pocketed the Flashlight, just in case. The darkness was comfortable to her, but that didn't take away the fact that she couldn't see. She could only conclude, from the smells and sensations, that blood had been spilt and somebody was covering it up. What was more interesting was that, according to her nose and the rubbish, it was being spilt regularly and in increasing volumes. She would have to risk it. As acute as her senses were, they were no substitute for good old eyeballs. Fumbling briefly, she turned on the flashlight and swung its beam over the surfaces that, until now, she had only felt.

updated Jan 2017

The Rat for BC if it works

Ok so creeping into the cellar and doing some all round sensing. I would imagine blind fight feat means not too many bumps, scrapes, and falls but its up to you! If any notice or search rolls are needed, please feel free to make them on my behalf. For now, just fumbling around! (If there is nothing to be found, I guess try and flip a light switch!)

Synth (as ?) Her features changes once more, only slightly, but enough to be different. The crunching of bones, expanding and contracting over her face was a sharp pain, and she grimaced, eyes watering from the feeling. "Grrnnh" she grunted into the darkness as a darker haired, darker skinned woman walked down the stairs. She could barely see in the dark, for all her visual acuity. Her nose guided her better. That blood...again! Silently she crept into the cellar, alert, every sense heightened and ready. She hoped her eyes were not necessary. She hoped the darkness would be her advantage, not penalty. It would at least conceal her...

GM The small man nodded, head bowed, and promptly whipped up another gin served (as previously) with ice cubes scooped from an asteroid. It was, of course, just plain dihydromonoxide. But it was artistic. The cost was ridiculous, of course, but everything on this strange planet was free. Either you had an invite, or, as was the case for many of the guests, you paid the fee for a ticket. And the fee was eye-watering in expense. Of course, no one actually knew where the water came from. The small man seemed to be calming down slightly. Still edgy, but less jittery than before. As the chrome robots scuttled around, serving everyone else, he had seemed to drum up the nerve to actually speak to someone. Namely, Barrier. "Lyanka? Well, that was a long time ago. Memory...well...yes. It was sad. A planet, a sun. They tried, you know. Tried to save it. Did everything. If only...well...if only they had asked for help...if only they had trusted..." he shook his head. "Ah. Lyanka. Yes, very sad". The man actually wiped a tear from his eye. "Why, you made me cry!" he said, looking at the tear on his finger with a genuine smile, as if he was happy to feel so alive, even if it was alive with sadness. "Tell me, if you don't mind" he asked the tall alien. "Your race is long lived, yes? And very few of you around, now. Don't you get lonely? No family, no kin?"

I forgot to post this; an optional notice roll for Paradigm: She gets a +2 Bonus to this because of her supersense DC 20

Stealth slipping into cellar: 1d20+16 17 for Stealth which is as bad as could be, but I suppose may still work on the unwary. If he does spot her, lets play that out? (Unless you want to handwave etc)

Synth (As ?) Well the barman was as useful as a chocolate teapot. She filled her stomach with the last dregs of her beer. "Good advice. Ill see what I can find. Don't want to miss anything interesting in Freedom City!" she said, slightly pointedly. Perhaps the Barman knew more than he was letting on. She scanned the bar. It was fortunate that it was relatively empty in some ways, although in others, not so ideal. Still, she waited for a moment. Until the barmans eyes diverted, to slip to the side, silent as a fox, quick as a snake, displaying the uncanny agility of Synth! It was time to visit the cellars!

GM "Aha" bubbled Munn Marneen. His vocal chords were filled with the thin mucous liquid of his species, giving his voice an unusual flavour - one which was not always easy to understand. He spoke and understood Lor and several other languages perfectly well. "Yes, I know of you well. Historically as well as currently. A man of my position has to you know" he gurgled. "And let me introduce to you the magnificent and beautiful Lexa!" he fawned, almost dribbling at her. If Lexa was awkward over Munn's sycophancy she did not show it. Cool and warm, hypnotic. Her voice was perfectly modulated, projected and rich. "Thank you" She paused, enough to be cool. Her white eyes with black make up met Amara's, scrutinising her. "I, myself, do not pay so much attention to the Galaxy. At least at that level. But i do known of Paradigm. As a figure. What I don't know is Amara the person. A woman of two ages" she explained. "I wonder what you will make of the Opera. I wonder...." she paused, tapping her mouth thoughtfully. "...tell me, what does a woman with your gravity, your power...what does she love most in the world? I don't mean honour, or duty, or sacrifice, for surely these things are your agenda, but what makes your heart sing?" she asked. "This is the question of art, I think. To find meaning in even the meaningless..."

Synth (as ?) "Yeah, Swede all speaking English the good" quipped Synth straight back. "Sorry" she added, withdrawing her hand. She could have run with the Swedish ritual thing, but best not to push it. Old tap, fresh beer. Except...it didn't add up, did it? A bar this empty, and yet the beer flowing freely. She had done a few bar jobs over the last year. No for long. But even so. It wasn't a huge amount to go on, but it still was enough to say something was up. She finished her beer. It took a fair amount to get her drunk, what with her liver processing every known drug and chemical at superfast speeds. The taste was tolerable, but hardly refined. "So what's there to do around here? What;s going on? I mean, this is Freedom City after all. I half expected jet powered gorilla cowboys and ninja robot pirates. Well, maybe not that crazy, but I heard there is always a mystery and a spectacle in Freedom City..."

Synth (as ?) "No, not from around here. Sweden" said Synth, truthfully. The hair fitted anyway. Being grown in lab in the far northern reaches was the truth of it, but would be wisely omitted. "Just visiting. On a shoestring" she explained apologetically, having no money and letting a slight Swedish lilt creep into her voice. It may have not been the best cover, as it did link to her origins, but then the best covers were somewhat translucent. "How do you keep this place running?" she asked, a touch of insistence creeping in. "Goodwill and tips?" She studied the beer tap a moment. Had it actually been used? If they were this quiet, how could it be empty? that didn't add up. Her nostrils flared taking in the scents, and she stroked the beer tap briefly, her super sensitive skin tracing the marks. Unintentionally (or at least without conscious intent) a hip beautiful woman stroking a bar tap lightly could be misconstrued....

GM the shrivelled bar looked nervously at Barrier but seemed at least to enjoy the brief distraction of racial and palatal analysis. With a little peer and rub of his nose he proclaimed "Lyanka! Why, I haven't seen your kind for..." he trailed off, looking sad for a moment. "I believe you will find a drop of Terran Gin rather satisfying. Bit of a backwater world, not really part of the galactic community. Still using fossil fuels hahaha!" he shook his head in despair at the mere prospect. "That said, they have a plant called the juniper bush. Its berries can be fermented at...." There in followed a precise and exhaustive description of the chemical reactions, temperatures, conditions, and methods of fermenting Gin. Despite the mans clearly excessively comprehensive knowledge of the process, it was - in honesty - a deathly dull speech, and was in danger of becoming a vexatious lecture, if he had not stopped himself, averted his gaze again in a downward manner, and finished off... "...and err...anyway, here is your Gin, madam" In any case, the strange little man had chosen astutely; it was perfect for a Lyankan nose.

Synth (As ?) Dressed in jeans and a black t shirt, her face and body changed, her hair short and platinum, her eyes brown and deep, Synth sat by the bar. "The cheapest beer you have" she said, with a little sigh. Truth was, the cheapest beer was all she could afford. "What's the deal here?" she asked the Barman, studying the scenery. "I mean, this is quiet, even for a Monday night" she commented. There was little to see other than the solitary man staring at his beer. He looked like he was trying to drown his sorrows. Probably succeeding, if she counted the pint glasses right. He probably had a story to tell, but it would probably be a sad or dull one. Or quite possibly both. Maybe she should hear it. But first things first. The Barman should know a thing or two. "What happened here? Someone get shot?"