KnightDisciple

When the bee didn't impale him on its giant stinger, Carson relaxed. Really, the fact that it talked was such a minor concern next to its size, it barely registered. "Uh, nice to meet you, Ebee-neezer. Stesha mentioned you guys. I guess it didn't quite sink in how...unique...you are." He blinks at the talk of queens, then frowns a bit. "No queen? Huh. Except...what, you mean Stesha's kind of like "temporary queen" or something? As for helping...uh, sure, I guess. You...seem nice. Especially for, um, a bee. Not that there's anything wrong with, you know, being. A bee. Yeah. Nothing wrong with it. So, you're asking that I help Stesha look for your...bee-queen?" Maybe if he acts like nothing's wrong, he can ignore the fact that there's a giant stinging insect hovering nearby.

Carson turned at the movement and sound...And suddenly did his best "deer in the headlights" impression. He pressed his back against the stem of the giant flower as his face went white as a sheet. His hands started to shake, and for several moments, he lost his voice. Finally, it shakily came back. "I...uh, that is, my name is Carson. I'm a friend of Stesha's. She's asleep at her house, so I went out for a flight, just to get a look around and get some fresh air. And....ohpleasedon'thurtmeorstingme! I'm not a bad guy! I'm a friend, and I got hurt fighting zombies and crud and oh God have mercy on my soul, you're as big as a bloody truck." His eyes clenched shut and he tensed, seemingly preparing himself for the worst. Which, considering the size of stinger this bee likely had, could be pretty bad.

Carson flew around a bit, before approaching one of the largest flowers. He flew down to the base, landing and slowly walking around it. He reached out and gently ran his hand over its surface, marveling at what he was seeing. After a full circuit around the "trunk", he took to the air, more slowly this time, taking himself up the height of the flower, stopping when he encountered a leaf, or anything else that provided a break in the lines. He was engrosses, his mind almost overwhelmed at the sheer natural beauty. "Truly a miracle. The Lord does work in mysterious ways sometimes...Perhaps Stesha was meant to bring new life to this place? It certainly needs it." Once more, our reverberant hero was speaking aloud to himself. It helped him think and process, and it's not like there was anyone there to think he was crazy.

Time for Cobalt Templar. First, a minor edit. In the History section, paragraph 5. Currently reads as follows: Would like it to read like this instead: So it was that Corbin Hughes, nearly age 17 traveled to the ancient lands of the Middle East. There, he visited several ancient sites, including Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tel Megiddo, and Masada, to name a few. It was at Masada that his life changed forever. Next, Powers. I have 4 PP to spend. I want to add Protection 4 outside of his Device, and take 4 of the Protection points in the Device and convert them to Impervious Toughness 4. Relevant changes in the code blocks below. Combat section Knockback: -1/-2/-6 (un-powered/without ring/with ring [b][u]Powers[/u][/b]: 50 - 2 = 48PP [b]Cobalt Power Ring[/b] ([u]Device 11[/u], 55dp, Hard to Lose; [i]Descriptors[/i]: Holy, Magic; [i]Power Feats[/i]: Restricted 2 [Only You]; [i]Drawbacks[/i]: [u]Power Loss[/u] [must be recharged every 24 hours, uncommon, 1 point], [u]Power Loss[/u] [failing will saves vs. fear, uncommon, 1 point]) [44PP] [list][b]Holy Fire Control 7[/b] (14 points; [i]Descriptors[/i]: Holy, Magic, Fire; [i]Power Feats[/i]: Alternate Power 4) [14+4=18 pp] [list][u] BP[/u]: [b]Blast 7[/b] {14/14} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Create Object 4[/b] ([i]Extra[/i]: Moveable) ([i]Power Feats[/i]: Progression (5 10 foot cubes), Stationary ) {14/14} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Dazzle 7[/b] (Visual Senses) {14/14} [u]AP[/u]:[b] Strike 4[/b] ([i]Power Feats[/i]: Mighty) {5/14} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Telekinesis 7[/b] (Str 35, Heavy Load: ~1.5 tons; Range: 70ft Increments; Maximum 700ft) {14/14} [/list] [b]Enhanced Attack 4[/b] [8pp] [b]Enhanced Feat 1[/b] [Quick Change] [1 pp] [b]Flight 5[/b] (250 MPH / 2,500 feet per Move action) [10 pp] [b]Immunity 9[/b] (life support) [9 pp] [b]Protection 2[/b] [2 pp] [b]Impervious Toughness 4[/b] [4 pp] [b]Super-Senses 3[/b] (Danger Sense [Radio], Darkvision) [3 pp][/list] [b]Protection 4[/b] ([i]Descriptors[/i]: Holy, Magic) [4 pp] Edits done by Geez3r

Corbin frowns deeper. "My family earned our money. My mother and father worked hard for years to get where they are; they started off a couple decades ago in what were basically entry-level jobs. That's why I seem so "unsophisticated". I'm really not used to life at this...level, if you will. Did she ask if we give to charity? No. She's just making assumptions about what she thinks are facts. I dislike that not only as a target, but also as a historian." He gave a sidelong glance at her hair's efforts to keep her warm, but made no comment about it at this moment. "And if our existence troubles her, she needs to get thicker skin." A sudden thought came to his mind, and a fierce expression crossed his face. "So help me, if she slanders my parents in the paper this week, I'll personally contact one of the lawyers my mom knows. I-" He stops himself, closes his eyes for a moment, and takes several deep, calming breaths. "No, that's what she wants. What they all want. To get a messy public reaction out of me. You're right, let's not worry about it, and enjoy the show." He looked around, trying to spot any part of the operation of said show. "Hm. Maybe they're delayed because they're making sure everything's perfect? I don't mind waiting a couple extra minutes if the payoff is god enough."

Corbin blinked, and lightly frowned. "Did I say something wrong, Ms. Collier?" As she left, he turned to Estelle, his face covered in honest confusion. "Was it something I said? The bit about the photographers?" 'More like opportunistic exploiting sleezebags, but whatever. That wouldn't be polite in this context.' He seems worried he caused offense within a couple of minutes. "I didn't want to upset her, but those photographers were going to far. I didn't want those girls on my arms, or anything. Does she not believe me or something?" 'Surely she doesn't think I wanted those bimbos on me! Besides the disease risk, I can't stand people who are that kind of self-absorbed and flighty. Makes my skin crawl.'

Carson frowned as he surveyed the landscape. "What happened to this planet? How did it get so bad? And just how powerful is Stesha, if she's already changed so much of this place?" Of course, how much of the growth was hers, and how much had already been there, was hard to say. Shaking his head, he turned back inland. Bees or no bees, a quick look at huge flowers sounded interesting...

Carson poked around for a bit, admiring the thought that went into the "holding area" and its construction. "Just how did she get this built here? It's not plant matter, like most of her house..." He floats up to the crystalline dome, examining it fora bit. Once his curiosity is sated as much as it can be without actually asking questions of Stesha, he exits Sanctuary, once more flying above the trees. "Think I'll check out what's up with the ocean, then those giant flowers...." And he does so, flying fairly quickly out towards the gray ocean, landing on its shore and examining it. Barring anything truly notable, he'll eventually take flight again and head towards the field of huge flowers.

Carson wasn't sure how long he just floated there, enjoying the view. A couple of minutes, at least. "Where to first..." A question answered almost as it was asked. Picking up speed, he headed for the gleaming dome first. It was the greatest mystery here, being so clearly artificial. Was it a greenhouse, or something else?

Corbin's eyes widen as the robots turn towards him. He tries to dodge, but fails to move in time. Luckily, he managed to simply shrug off the energy, thanks to the protections of his ring's magic. "My turn, punks!" His large weapon started to glow, then faltered as Corbin's attention slipped for a moment. He refocused, and fired another blast at the same robot. Better to strike at a known weak enemy. Wander seemed to have the larger bot well in hand, for now at least.

Biffed Attack! I shall spend an HP, and reroll. Attack Roll: 11+7=18 Better. Toughness DC 22.

Corbin gave a soft chuckle. "Extremely ostentatious? Yes, I think that applies rather handily. Corbin had the grace to blush a bit at this compliment. "Um...Thanks. I guess that is a good start. Mom would probably smack me upside the head if I was needlessly rude, especially to a lady. Not that I would be, I wager. Just...goes against what they taught me, you know? The only bad part is my expertise isn't as current as some people here. Well, okay. I know a bit about business. But I really like history and such." Then, Joan enters the scene. Corbin blinks. "He wasn't in a uniform or anything. I mean, I don't doubt that his job and such is with the military. But that doesn't mean that "the government is providing the entertainment", not per se. Wouldn't it be better to see if he's here in an official or unofficial capacity, and if he was contracted to provide the entertainment, or if he just volunteered. Or got sucked in by Felix's...exuberance. That way, you can be sure to report the facts, rather than conjecture. After all, the implication of what you said goes deeper than just party arrangements." Corbin has a thoughtful frown on his face as he rolls it around in his head. "AEGIS, though...I bet that's where he got the, ah, "upgrades". Wonder how it came about..." Corbin then looks back at Joan at her question about the photographers. He then looks around, shooting a glare at their turned backs (especially Tex's), before turning to face Joan again. "The guy in a bolo tie nabbed photos of me after a couple...well, less sophisticated women-" 'Brainless bimbo floozies' he thinks privately. "-ambushed me and threw themselves on me, just to get pictures taken. I asked him to delete the pictures, since I hadn't given permission. He said he was getting paid for pics, and had First Amendment rights, and stuff like that. I mean, I can appreciate the Bill of Rights, don't get me wrong. But it feels like he's violating the spirit when he exploits people like that. Victory and my friend Etain kind of helped break things up, but...well, you probably saw, along with half the crowd here. Anyways, I'm just giving Ms.-excuse me, Dr.-de Haviland the company I felt I owed her. I still owe her a dance after a bit. Least I could do after spilling her drink."

Toughness Save: 18+9=27 Success! :D

Carson came back to the living room, looking better. He opened his mouth to ask Stesha where might be a good place to go flying to, but stopped short when he saw her. He smiled softly, then took to floating slowly in the air. The soft *thrum* of his powers meant that he would be less likely to disturb her than by walking around. He cast his eyes about, then saw a quilt over the back of one of the chairs. He moved over, taking it in his arms and shaking it out. He then gently laid the quilt over her sleeping form. 'Rest well, and God Bless, Stesha' he thought to himself. He then floated to the door of the room, gently opening it, moving outside, then closing it. He looked about, taking in the surrounding forest, and even some of the nearby buildings. "Saints above...This is incredible." He increases the power of his flight a bit, pushing himself at a gentle pace as he ascends higher and higher, trying to get a broader view.

"The name's Cobalt Templar. And I figured you could; that's why I just told you to stay on your toes. I think we almost have this tin can!" Cobalt Templar moves himself a couple feet to one side, adjusts his aim slightly, before loosing a searing blast of concentrated blue energy. "Eat that, metal man!"

Shooting at the same one. Attack Roll: 18+7=25 Toughness DC 22.

"Like I said, Stesha, I have a pretty good appetite all the time. Right now is no exception." For a couple of minutes, there's a peaceable silence as Carson heartily works his way through the food, showing excellent table manners, all things considered. After he was done, he set his dishes down and leaned back in his seat. "Again, I can't thank you enough. Even if this isn't a huge burden on your resources, I still appreciate it. I just hope I don't have to work too hard to keep my job..." He shakes his head as he shakily stands, taking several moments to get his bearings. "Give me a minute, and then I think I'll be up for a short trip outside." He heads back towards the bathroom slowly, steadily, and purposefully.

"Robots...Gotta love hero work." the boy in blue armor opined as the fray was entered by Wander. He gave a low whistle of admiration when she knocked the head off of a robot with her first blow. He settled into "business mode" when he saw there were more robots, and they weren't happy. "Not like robots are ever happy or anything else..." He quickly lowered his altitude, adjusting his aim as the fellow below gave a solid hit to a robot that did almost nothing. He pulled the trigger, sending a bolt of searing blue energy at the aggressive construct. "I've got you covered from above, pal! Stay on your toes and we'll be fine!" 'That didn't sound really heroic...no time for that!' His frown at his own awkward words settled into an expression of concentration and resolve as he surveyed the field of battle, trying to pick his next target...

Right then. Move Action: Fly down a bit to get within range. Still hovering in the air, though. Standard Action: Attack the bot closest to Pax, the one that seems to be giving him a dirty look. Using Blast power. Attack Roll: 11+7= 18 Presumably a hit. Toughness Save DC is 22.

Carson sets his glass down with a shaky hand, then runs it through his hair. "Um...wow. Eighty feet. Those are bloody huge bees. I'm glad they're sentient and, uh, non-aggressive. And plenty of territory makes sense. I guess I just haven't gotten over my old fear of stinging insects. Old childhood thing. I, um, think I'll probably give them some room when I go out flying."

At that exact moment, Carson had been taking a sip of Sprite. He very nearly choked on it. When he had recovered, he stared at her incredulously. "Giant...Bees? Did I hear you right when I heard "Giant Bees"?" If possible, he's gone paler. "Uh...how close to here are said Giant Bees? Just...for reference. You know. Information. For edification." He glances towards the window, as if expecting such a creature to suddenly bust through the wall and try to sting him or something.

Carson tilted his head slightly, fascinated at the idea. He shook his head at the inquiry. "Sore, stiff, and even tired, bizarrely enough. But my stomach feels fine, and I can see straight. No headache, even. Just everything below the neck. So you're kind of part plant? I bet that saves on your food bills. Saints know I tend to eat more than you'd think for someone built like me, just to produce enough energy to throw around hyper-condensed sound waves. As for relaxation, it sounds like you've earned it. I'm not sure if I want to relax more, or go for a flight after a little while. Maybe I'll digest a bit, then try moving around more. I hate being sedentary like that for so long."

Corbin's face was grim as he nodded. "I understand. I'll try to watch your back and fight from range, if possible." Blue fire coiled around his right arm, and a strange futuristic cannon of the stuff coalesced. Corbin seemed ready to strike hard and fast.

Let's see... Initiative Roll: 17+2=19 Not bad, generally speaking. And I at least go before the robots! EDIT: Mechanically speaking, Corbin's not manifesting a power yet. If he ends up using a Blast attack (which seems likely), this is what form it will take.

Carson chewed and swallowed thoughtfully. "Soup's good. Why don't you need to rest or eat much? Do you just have more energy than the average person? And how would a sunlamp help?" He seems innocently curious. It's not often he gets to sit back and talk about what makes the powers of other heroes "tick". "Just keep in mind I'm a drama teacher, not a physicist." Here he gives a winning smirk, showing he's teasing, at least somewhat.