Ari

El Heraldo shook himself out of the brief funk he had found himself in when the robots had shown up. He had a mission to guard the Metas and the boat-full of agents to bring to questioning. With that in mind, he flung himself at one of the more human-looking robots, sending a carefully-aimed fist into its chest, impacting with sufficient power to smash its chest to pieces, sending a cascade of metal bits into the water before the main hulk of the machine as it sunk into the depths. The thundering jolt of the killing blow send a reverberation through most of his nervous system, tempered quickly by a glance at the silent monsters that could so easily render him unconscious. With all speed, he flew into the air to deal with the marauders on a slightly more equal footing.

GM The boat sped through the water, kicking up a V-shaped trail as it raced towards land. While the Terminus-powered heroine carried the vessel, a furious skirmish erupted around it. One of the eerie pillars of black steel opened its cannon, sending a jolt of power that made a roar audible from the shore, which thankfully turned a patch of water to a boiling mass far to the wayside that was left behind as they raced through towards land. One of the nerve-rattled metas fired barrage at one of the smaller robots, sending a ray of black light bubbling and searing through its hardened metal carapace, and sending its carcass hissing into the ocean. A lean, academic type with bronzed skin sent a series of blasts racing at another of the sleek black heralds of death, only for his shots to swing wide of his target and sail harmlessly through the air, thudding into the water where their bleak reddish light remained in a hellish glow. One of the stronger robots chanced to be near one of the cannons dotting the boat, and opening its own blaster vomited a pillar of fire at the offending turret. Unfortunately for it, the blast proved insufficient to do more than warm the metal, as the cry of pain from a nearly singed Meta revealed. The owner of the cannon fired at their tormentor, as did their compatriot, both of their shots missing by their own separate degrees.

Boat is moved 800ft. closer to the dock it was launched from, it is now 200ft. from the shore. Alright, Dark Metal 2 shall Attack Fulcrum yadda yadda: 12, misses. Meta 3 shall Attack Deep Eye 1: 14, hits. DC30 TOU check: 29, blown up. Meta 2 will shoot at Dark Metal 3: 12, misses. El Heraldo shall use Accurate Attack to raise by 3 his Attack bonus(to 7), dropping his Unarmed attack Damage to DC21 against Deep Eye 2: 23, hits. Deep Eye 2's DC21 TOU check: 14, failed and destroyed. Dark Metal 1 Attacks Meta 5's Gun Emplacement with their Chest Gun: 19, hits. Emplacements's DC28 TOU check: 33, withstood. Meta 4 Attacks Dark Metal 1: 17, misses. Meta 1 Attacks Dark Metal 1: 5, misses. End of ROUND 1, Beginning ROUND TWO. Order: 1. Dark Metal 3 2. Meta 5 3. Fulcrum 4. Dark Metal 2 5. Meta 3 6. Meta 2 7. Heraldo 8 Dark Metal 1 9. Meta 4 10. Meta 1 Dark Metal 3 Moves to get close to the Boat, Attacks Fulcrum because, :16, misses. Meta 5 Attacks Dark Metal 3: 20, critical. DC35 TOU Check: 36, withstood.

Subito nodded silently, glancing the way he and Kristin had come from Diamond's yacht. He knew that it would be easy for him to sneak along underneath the boat to wherever it went, but Glow would be harder to hide. With a quick, blunt <"Thanks Diego, Kris and me'll put a stop to this business. If you find something else out, wait around here to tell me 'bout it"> Louder he said in English "Sorry you don't have anything at the moment, see you around Mr. Cruz" with that he set off rapidly towards Kristin, long habit keeping him from hising the thoughtful frown that had gathered on his face as he learned of the depths to which this horrible business might have sunk to.

The King of Suits left his cover, walked up to the fallen dabbler looked gloomily down at him, and bending to get at it took the Amulet, looked at it, visibly considered something, shook his head and put it in a vacant pouch on his thigh. Sitting down next to Frederick he began the process of removing the bolas from him, saying as he did <"I don't blame you for trying to better yourself like this Frederick, but I do for taking such a pointlessly destructive bent to it. The fact that you found this powerful artifact that nobody else saw as anything special signifies you have a gift for such things. I beg of you: encourage that gift! Hone your command and dexterity with magic, and you might rise to be greater than anyone dreams you may"> He looked at him glumly <"But first you'll have to answer for defacing the Arch. I'm sorry for the part I played in setting you off: I was hasty and arrogant to make such assumptions, but I was following the trail of a demon to here, and thought you were its agent, I-"> he stopped as he remembered the words of the old woman He stared at the space above Klinefelter's head, a sudden horrible apprehension dawning. Getting to his feet he said sharply <"There will be more trouble soon. I think you might turn out to be one of several, but that's my assuming again"> hoisting Frederick over his shoulders, he raced for the hatch leading to the roof, clambering awkwardly up the ladder.

Sorry for the confusion, I assumed Kristin and Jack Jackson of Jacktown were talking loudly enough for most anyone close enough by to hear, I'll edit that.

The stocky youth's eyes lit up, at Diego's information. In a low voice he prodded the man beside him for more <"Diamond's yacht, is that where the..experiments are done? Where he meets with clients for their results?"> he looked over at Kris and Jack Jackson, surprised at how long she had gone talking with the guy. He couldn't make out what they were talking about, but he presumed she was setting up to send him on a wild goose chase of some kind. Returning to the matter at hand, he continued his questioning <"Questions..I assume where it goes or what he does when it gets there, stuff like that? Have you heard anything specific about what he does?">

As it says, hope you had a happy birthday, and I hope for many happy returns to this day! :toot:

Move Action to go up to Frederick Klinefelter and a Free Action action to remove the Invincible Amulet of Invincibility. Standard Action to remove one of the pair of bolas.

King of Suits :arrow: With the obtained 5DP from buying another Easy to Lose rank in the Armaments Belt Device, I would like to increase the Array to rank 8, and add three APs: Stun, Burst Blast and Snare. :arrow: He's gained 20lbs. Been exercising a lot more. :arrow: Removing the Penetration Extra on the Strike, renaming it to Explosive Ram Gauntlets(and adding it to the 'Powers & Tactics section to explain what they are). :arrow: Added the Complication "Hatred: Conspiracies" :arrow: Buying the Feat Improvised Tools. :arrow: Buying 4 ranks in Craft(Chemical), 2 ranks in Investigate and Notice and 4 ranks in Diplomacy. [b][u]Player Name:[/u][/b] Arichamus [b][u]Character Name:[/u][/b] King of Suits [b][u]Power Level:[/u][/b] 12 (184/184PP) [b][u]Trade-Offs:[/u][/b] +4 Attack / -4 Damage (Unarmed); +4 Defense / -4 Toughness [b][u]Unspent PP:[/u][/b] 0 [b][u]Progress To Silver Status:[/u][/b] 34/60 [b][u]In Brief:[/u][/b] French unpowered crime-fighter come to Freedom City to test and improve his abilities and help anyone he can. [b][u]Alternate Identity:[/u][/b] Marceau Suvou [b][u]Identity:[/u][/b] Secret [b][u]Birthplace:[/u][/b] Aude, France [b][u]Occupation:[/u][/b] Janitor, superhero [b][u]Affiliations:[/u][/b] House of Suits European superhero alliance, [i]Legio de Halberdiers[/i](French magician's group, members include magical artist [url=http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4634]Rene de Saens[/url]) [b][u]Family:[/u][/b] Masud Suvou (Father, dceased), Kioni An-Sallah-Suvou (Mother, deceased), Mossar An-Sallah (Maternal Uncle), Erran An-Sallah (Maternal Aunt) [b][u]Age:[/u][/b] 28 [b][u]Apparent Age:[/u][/b] N/A [b][u]Gender:[/u][/b] Male [b][u]Ethnicity:[/u][/b] Moroccan/Kenyan [b][u]Height:[/u][/b] 6'5" [b][u]Weight:[/u][/b] 178 lbs. [b][u]Eyes:[/u][/b] Blue Hair: Black [b][u]Description:[/u][/b] In his regular attire Marceau is a largely forgettable figure in drab earth-toned coveralls and work boots. In-costume, he wears a 'typical' black and red cape-and-cowl with the insignia of one of the four card suits emblazoned on the chest in attractive white shades. He keeps his hair short and at a remove from his face, giving him a high forehead, which combined with his far-spaced eyes gives him a look of constant apprehension. His nose is also short and blunt, his mouth is thin and often curved slightly upwards at some remembered joke, and he wears a a short, bristling beard. His voice is low, deep and resonant. [b][u]Power Descriptions:[/u][/b] Marceau no longer possesses any powers beyond training and skill and small gadgets, and thus relies on stealth to fight. [b][u]History:[/u][/b] Marceau Suvou was born on north-east bank of the river Aude in southern France to a history teacher named Masud Suvou, and a Kenyan emigrant named Kioni An-Sallah. Unbeknownst to the rejoicing couple, their child was the result of a centuries-long breeding program by a conspiracy group called the Januii, who wished to continue the work of a 9th century astrologer Janus Amblaeth in creating the ultimate super-being. However, their scientific approach was at drastic odds with the more mystical course laid out by Janus in his exhaustive map of who born under which sign was to have a child with who, and as a result Marceau(meant to be the second-strongest super in history) was born under a decidedly unimportant sign and barely had any power at all. Seeing him as a failure, the Januii sent a group of hired killers to kill him so they could start over with a(relatively) clean slate and prevent him from accidentally creating a superbeing with the last link by mistake, something they had little reason to fear due to Marceau being born impotent. However, Masud managed to delay them long enough to allow Kioni to escape to Morocco, where she set off for her relatives in Timbuktu, Mali. In a grim twist of fate, she was waylaid by bandits hired by the men sent after Marceau in France, and after a grueling gunfight around an oasis just out of sight of the city, died of her injuries, having managed to kill all but one of her attackers who fell to the knife of her sister Erran. Taking the child from her dying sister, Erran and her husband Mossar raised him as strictly as they could, knowing that his powers might otherwise turn him into a petty thief or tyrant over those weaker than he. He grew up well, instructed in the use of his powers by the super-group that patrols most of the north African nations, Le Cercle des Amis(The Circle of Friends), and began to try and use his powers like he saw the Circle did, assisting people in need whenever he had the chance. Shortly after he turned ten, Mossar and Erran were themselves attacked by hired killers, who Marceau subdued with his burgeoning strength. Learning from them that Marceau was in peril of his life as long as the Januii knew he lived, the Circle sent Marceau on an immense trip across Eurasia, sending messages to supergroups from China to Greece of his peril and requesting their aid in thwarting the murderers. After the passing of nine years, he had crossed the Gobi desert, fought alongside the disguised Laotian team the Fifty Trumpets to depose a Cambodian warlord, learned several different languages, and gained a mastery over his power, he arrived at the Balkan peninsula after a short stay in Greece. While traveling through Albania, he was attacked and nearly killed by desperate thieves, but saved by the sudden appearance of a thunderous-voiced, constantly-laughing man called the Ace of Suits. Taking the young man under his wing due to noticing his a display of Marceau's power, Ace inducted him into his team: the House of Suits, where Marceau honed his skills and attained the fourth-highest rank of King(Ace knows practically nothing about card games, he just thought it was a good theme to have), and as he had shown little sign of true mastery in either Spades(investigation), Clubs(combat skill), Hearts(diplomacy and relief), or Diamonds(powered agents), he was placed in the generalist Suits division. After two years with them, he left to continue his journey, but still retains his uniform in case he ever returns. In France, he discovered the map Janus had used to chart his genealogies all those centuries ago, bested the(so far) final attempt by the Januii to take his life in a hotel, learned the basics of English and set off for New England. Upon arrival, he attracted a small crowd of various vagrants due to his little-considered acts of kindness or aid, which he has become accustomed to doing. He arrived in Freedom City in 2009, and spent most of the year finding employment and lodging(he works as a janitor in an accountant office building, and lives in the apartment complex of Monkey Towers in the Fens), taking to the streets in late 2010 and early 2011 once again as the hunter of those who prey upon the unfortunate, the King of Suits! In mid-summer of 2011, for some reason his powers vanished without a trace, and his specialized weapons were destroyed in a rather embarrassing accident, forcing Marceau to rely much more heavily on his training and skills, with what small armaments he can acquire until he can replenish his weaponry. [b][u]Personality & Motivation:[/u][/b] Marceau is usually brisk and cheerful, seeing no reason to dwell on misfortune or become over-demonstrative of one's feelings, although he is still as vulnerable as any other human to irrational emotional responses. He tries to deal with the smaller aspects of crime-fighting that are sometimes forgotten such as mundane theft, and is now much more cautious now that his powers have vanished without a trace, something he is ambivalent towards, as while it has given him more time to his training, his people skills have suffered slightly. [b][u]Powers & Tactics:[/u][/b] Marceau's favored tactic is to make his way to a suitable hiding spot and launch a sneak attack against any opponents he can manage, disarming any with firearms he can beforehand. If caught in the open he'll try to escape to a place where he can use his experience with ranged weapons to even the odds. If trapped, he'll use a smokebomb to blind his enemies before attempting to subdue all opponents around him with whatever will defeat them quickest and quietest. He finds lengthy battles increasingly difficult to fight, meaning he relies overmuch on quick defeats to win his battles. New to his arsenal is a pair of chemically-powered gauntlets that use the burst of a small explosion triggered by the puling of two levers on the gauntlet to increase the force of a punch. [b][u]Complications:[/u][/b] [b]Hatred:[/b] Conspiracies. [b]Phobia:[/b] Terrified of forests, as he lived most of his life in them throughout Southeast Asia. [b]Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:[/b] His nerve-wracking months in Cambodia have not failed to leave their mark on Marceau's psyche, sharp clashes of metal, gunfire, and just being near a forest can cause him to suffer flashbacks to those days, often causing him to act in an outwardly irrational manner. [b]Responsibility:[/b] Caring for the needy, especially his 'posse' of sundry homeless, harmless lunatics and underemployed vagrants who have latched onto him as their protector against street-gangs and minor organized criminals. If any threat comes against them, Marceau feels honor-bound to aid them. [b]Secret:[/b] Identity. [b]Struggling:[/b] Maintenance work doesn't pay much. [b][u]Abilities:[/u][/b] 8 + 10 + 8 + 10 + 0 + 4 = 40PP Strength 18 (+4) Dexterity 20 (+5) Constitution 18 (+4) Intelligence 20 (+5) Wisdom 10 (+0) Charisma 14 (+2) [b][u]Combat:[/u][/b] 16 + 16 = 32PP Initiative: +9 Attack: +8, +12 Boomerangs, +16 Unarmed Grapple: +12 Defense: +14 (+8 Base, +6 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback: -3, -2 Unarmored [b][u]Saving Throws:[/u][/b] 5 + 7 + 10 = 22PP Toughness: +8 (+4 Con, +4 Costume) Fortitude: +9 (+4 Con, +5) Reflex: +12 (+5 Dex, +7) Will: +10 (+0 Wis, +11) [b][u]Skills:[/u][/b] 148R = 37PP Acrobatics 10 (+15) Bluff 8 (+10) Climb 6 (+10) Craft(Chemical) 8 (+13) Diplomacy 8 (+10) Skill Mastery Disable Device 5 (+10) Escape Artist 5 (+10) Gather Information 13 (+15) Intimidate 13 (+15) Investigate 12 (+17) Skill Mastery Knowledge (Streetwise) 10 (+15) Skill Mastery Knowledge (Tactics) 10 (+15) Languages 8 (Arabic, English, French [Native], Greek, Hindi, Malay, Mandarin, Russian, Serbian) Notice 10 (+10) Search 12 (+17) Stealth 10 (+15) Skill Mastery [b][u]Feats:[/u][/b] 39PP Attack Specialization (Boomerangs) 2 Attack Specialization (Unarmed) 4 Benefit (Can use Knowledge [Tactics] for Master Plan checks) Dodge Focus 6 Endurance Equipment 6 (30EP) Evasion Improvised Tools Improved Initiative Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Master Plan Power Attack Quick Change Quick Draw Redirect Setup Sneak Attack Skill Mastery (Diplomacy, Investigate, Knowledge [Streetwise], Stealth) Startle 2 (Move Action) Takedown Attack Throwing Mastery 2 Well-Informed Equipment: 30 EP Binoculars [1EP] Concealable Microphones [1EP] Costume w/ Armored Underlay: Protection 4 (Feat: Subtle) [5EP] Gas Mask [1EP] Grapple-Gun: Super-Movement 3 (Slow Fall, Swinging, Wall-Crawling) [6EP] Handcuffs [1EP] Mini-Tracers [1EP] Multitool [1EP] Night-Vision Goggles [1EP] Re-breathers [1EP] Utility Belt 4 (8PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 3) [11EP] Base Power: [b]Blast 2[/b] (boomerangs; 10 20-ft. Range Increments / 200ft Max Range; Feats: Homing, Improved Ranged Disarm, Mighty 2 [as DMG 4]) {8/8} Alternate Power: [b]Dazzle Visual 4[/b] (flash grenades) {8/8} Alternate Power: [b]Obscure Visual 4[/b] (smoke card; 50-ft. radius; Extras: Independent) {8/8} Alternate Power: [b]Snare 4[/b] (bolos) {8/8} 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 11 = 30/30EP [b][u]Powers:[/u][/b] 12 + 2 + 1= 15PP [device][b]Device 4[/b] (Armaments Belt, 15 points; Flaw: Easy-To-Lose) [12PP] Armaments Array 8 (16 points; [i]Feats:[/i] Alternate Power 4)[20PP] BE: [b]Blast 4[/b] (Razor Cards; [i]Extra:[/i] Penetrating [as DMG 10]; [i]Power Feats:[/i] Improved Ranged Disarm, Mighty 2[*] [as DMG 8], Split Attack) {16/16} AP: [b]Blast 5[/b](Explosive Cards; [i]Extras:[/i] Area(Burst, 30ft. radius); [i]Feats:[/i] Split Attack)[16PP] AP: [b]Snare 8[/b](Coil Cards) [16PP] AP: [b]Strike 5[/b](Ram Gauntlets; [i]Power Feat:[/i] Mighty [as DMG 10]) {16/16} AP: [b]Stun 8[/b](Shock rods)[16PP][/device] [b]Immunity 2[/b] (Cold, Heat; Natural, Training, [i]Extras:[/i] Innate) [2PP] [b]Speed 1[/b] (10 MPH / 100 feet per Move action; Natural, Training) [1PP] [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b] -0PP None [b][u]DC Block:[/u][/b] [code]ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 19 (21*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Bolas Ranged DC 14 Reflex (Staged) Entangled/Bound Boomerang Ranged DC 19 (21*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Coil Cards Ranged DC 18 Reflex (Staged) Entangled/Bound Explosive Cards Ranged DC 20 (22*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Flash Grenade Ranged DC 14 Fortitude Blinded Gauntlet Touch DC 25 (27*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Shock Stick Touch DC 18 Fortitude Stunned Razor Cards Ranged DC 21 (23*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical); Penetrating [as DMG 10] *Sneak Attack Totals: Abilities (40) + Combat (32) + Saving Throws (22) + Skills (37) + Feats (38) + Powers (15) - Drawbacks (0) = 184/184 Power Points Suited and Booted by Supercape

Following Cruz's motion, Subito shook his head once, switching to Spanish <"He isn't with us, I'm sure he's just looking for something to do with whoever owns this yacht"> he looked in a direction that was occupied by the forest of masts that comprised much of the dock's skyline, continuing <"We're not leaking this to the press, we aren't plants by the police, we're doing this of our own volition"> shifting his stance a little to more evenly spread his weight between his feet and legs <"We can stop to this without a risk to future immigrants, and we're good enough in a scrap that you won't have to worry 'bout us getting hurt"> He glanced with a sudden, spine-tingling jolt of anger at Jack Jackson.

Marceau gritted his teeth as the blasts raged around his cover and the man ranted on <"Frederick, I'm not the type to laugh at another's misfortune, it's a terrible cruelty to treat people with scorn like they've done to you, but you have to remember"> he said as the man tripped and collapsed from the weighted lines wrapping about his legs <"As hard as it is to face, there's a reason for it, and it won't be negated with power: you're hard to take seriously"> he swung an arm loaded with another whirling pair of bolas, which he threw with a deft snap of the wrist at the dabbling mage <"Why do you think people have done if for so long, if not because it hits a nerve? They know it wears you down, makes you bitter and vengeful..and that you won't do anything about it!"> he slumped against the carefully-made model, his deep, gruff voicing softening as he concluded <"This is an incredible thing you've found, Frederick, but this is NOT the way it should be used. Showing those people who have mocked you for so long that you can only be pushed so far would be an excellent lesson for them, but this destructive passion of yours makes that weapon dull, and all that you could show them right now is that aren't strong enough to build yourself up, only tear others down. I ask you: why sink to that level?">

Alright, going to Attack with the Snare power from the Utility Belt Array: 28 DC19 Reflex save.

Diplomacy roll to get something out of Diego: 21

Subito was getting a bit miffed at how Serge was dwelling on his mistakes. On the other hand, he had a pretty good idea that joining the others in reassuring him wouldn't be all that supporting to what he frankly saw as a deeply illogical way of viewing the world. He glanced at the gleaming lines of the Doom Room, wondering what they meant and did. Instead, he called over to the others "Guys, we should get ready for the next round, don't want to spend all our free time in this place talking' 'bout stuff we'll probably forget about in a few hours" he walked off towards the small waiting area they had arrived at, calling over his shoulder "We don't want to be so scattered next time I bet".

Subito was used to jibes around the docks, and Jackson's was one he had gotten a lot once people learned of his surprising strength(and general aversion to foresight). Still, nobody likes being insulted and he glared at him from the corners of his eyes as he went to talk to Cruz. "Thanks, I know I wouldn't want to talk to that guy" he replied nearly inaudibly to Kristin as he went. "Sorry 'bout that" he muttered dourly when he was close enough to Diego "didn't think he'd be here" he flicked his eyes over at Jack Jackson "Anyway, I'll cut to the chase: me and my friend Kris over there can help with the problem of those deaths, but we need to know more about it. I've asked around and by all account you're the best informed about this mess" He looked at him squarely "Will you tell me what you know?"

The shock from the collision from the inflexible magical barrier caused a hurried recalculation on Marceau's part as to the best way to approach the situation. Clearly physical force from him would be ineffective at best, and at worst would leave him open to attack. Obviously he would to attempt a different strategy... Making an about-face, he dashed behind a model of the Arc, hurling behind himself a bola pulled from the gear strapped to his back, hoping it would at least serve to distract the man while he tried to figure out a more complicated plan of attack.

Well, Free Action to go all :shock: :? and then a Move Action to get to cover and a Standard Action to fling an experimental bola at the J-U D. Attack roll: 15. DC14 Reflex save should that hit.

Marceau raised an eyebrow when the power-hungry man displayed no knowledge of the recent murders(rules him out as a subject he supposed), not to mention the fact that it seemed he had also hadn't had any assistance finding it from any demons. That plus his attitude gave a great deal of credence towards the Amulet being quite legitimate as an artifact. He cursed himself for making such sweeping assumptions without first trying to figure out what was going on. When the man then made a very prominent and unmistakable sign of aggression, the King of Suits leaped forward, slamming his fist into Frederick's lower sternum with all the force he could muster, snapping as he did <"By all means, do so">

Recovery check: 10 No point in an actual attack, but because Marcy has no idea about that, he will anyway. Attack roll Unarmed: 18, DC19 TOU check should that hit(as if it would make any difference!)

GM Captain Mirta stared at the four heroes in evident surprise, saying simply "Well..I'm glad to hear it. It's rare that he doesn't end up antagonizing every other creature he meets, must have been in a good mood that day" she speculated, absently tapping a few previously unnoticed buttons on the table that caused a neat black tablet rimmed with some sort of blue field to slide out of it in front of each of the people seated. Their exits didn't appear to leave even the slimmest gap in the table. Verlee slid a finger down what a looked to be the front, which with a slight sound of humming Lor technology formed an opaque screen, with what at first looked like Venusian continents, but on closer inspection revealed itself to be a menu for food showing Lor salads. Glancing across the table at the other four the Lor captain explained their use "Slide one of your fingers across the tappad and when the screen comes up, announce what kind of food you want it to formulate. We have only a small selection of Earth dishes(a mere 4,677 at last count)programmed into our database, but hopefully there will be something to your liking" As the meal began, the captain launched into the reason for their being in the Mission Room "We've arrived at Sedna, and are preparing to send you down to investigate the complex. You will descend into it with four of our science officers to help with any interactions you wish to make in the safe-guarded sections. Our sensors have detected some kind of energy..shift in the depths of the complex upon our fleet's arrival, and that it seems we can extend out shields into the first twelve levels or so, a vast improvement. The plan is for you to test the security systems on those levels, see if it's a trap to lure you deeper in by opening one of the doors that are obviously locked. If it is, then we'll have the shields take the brunt of the attack, and if not proceed further in. Each level has between six and ten large rooms the purpose of which we still can't figure out, with several dozen smaller ones that appear to be either living quarters, or if the prison theory is more accurate, cells" as he spoke, the monitors nearby displayed the previously-shown cut-away images of the complex, with an odd yellowy shimmer to the first twelve. "We have next to no information as to what that thing is, so you'll have to find that out for us" she glanced over at them regretfully "I'm truly sorry about that. We have a record from the gauging equipment the people it killed got, if that helps any"

Initiative roll: 17

GM There was a pregnant stretch of silence as the three men stopped in their tracks, then looked slowly from Martin to Jay. As this clearly went rather far outside their normal experience, they decided that it would be best to take it at face value. "Your cat talks?" asked their apparent leader, clearly frightened by Jay's simulacrum of a human voice "That's a neat trick" he added, forcing a grin through surprisingly clean and healthy teeth at the young physicist "Would you tell us how it's done, from one artist to another? I'm sure me and my pals could make it up to you.." the implied threat hung heavily in the air, until Martin, realizing what he could make of this, began in a loud declarative voice "A talking cat?! What an absurdity! My friend, what you have just witnessed is my superlative talent for ventriloquism!" he gave the three(craning his neck to meet the gaze of one of the men who had circled around him) a wide smile that very well disguised his fear of what might happen if Jay's secret became widely known. He had no worries about Jay's safety seeing as the guy could most likely outthink , outfight and outrun anything on the planet, but it would be hard to manipulate the Channeler without opposable(OOC: Shut up Spellcheck it's a real word)thumbs and duplicate the effect that had brought them to the past and another universe. With that in mind, Martin swallowed his fear, gave the three men(another neck-straining exercise)a broad grin and announced "So, my friends, as you can see it is no small fancy I bring to Segesta! Few creatures built like my friend there can so clearly give the impression of a human voice! Would you like to see more of such things in the future?" At the hasty agreement that they in fact did, the matter was soon settled: in exchange for an impromptu show for the delectation of the trio of one of the many feats the fastest cat ever born, they would inform their friends and families of the marvel they had witnessed, increasing their potential audience. Recessing into a disused alleyway(even though the other Segestans possessed a disturbingly blithe attitude towards the events unfolding between those five), Martin asked bluntly "Well Mr. Xavier, what do you think would be best for us to do?"

The powerfully-built youth feigned inury at the light punch on the shoulder, clutching it dramatically and crying out in mock pain "Ah! Such a bitter blow befits such a bitter heart!" laughing uproariouslty before he had gotten to the end of the sentence. After slowly recovering, he sobered enough to say "More seriously Kris, sorry for bringing up the flying thing, and thanks for the vote of confidence," he added more lightly "haven't had the chance to make many friends so far, and I'm glad you're one of them" he glanced over at Kristin and asked curiously "I really don't get it: why can't you fly? You seem to do a lot of other stuff way more complicated" His eyes leaped to were she was indicating, and nodded rapidly, increasing his slackened pace "Yeah, he might be around here, they did say he tended to be around richer kinds of boats" coming onto the dock the yacht was moored to, he called out <"Hello! Is there a Mr. Diego Cruz here? If so I and my friend would like to ask you some questions, we're are here to help">

Subito felt a sinking feeling in his stomach when Kristin mentioned being away from her family. It had slipped his mind almost completely that she was practically half-way around the world from her home, and he wondered what it would be like to not have people you knew so well close by. He guessed it would be pretty lonely. He was glad she had brought up other things, as lighter topics did much to lift the risk of falling into winter gloom. "It's an incredible place" he agreed solemnly "Best in summer I think, or late spring, when you can sit on the rooftops and hear the rush and roar of traffic, and watch the birds and superheroes fly above" He grinned a little sheepishly at Kristin's '"But at least my classmates are pretty cool!"', responding "I'm most likely not gonna be one of the cool ones, not when Serge or Mr. Smith-" he said the name of the quiet, efficient psionic soldier with utter admiration "and the rest of those Irregular guys are there too. You should hear the rumors about what they've done already, some of the other students think that they'll end up even better than the old Next Gen!" if nothing else, talking about(and with)the other students seemed a beloved pasttime for him. Through it all, he kept his ears and eyes alert for potential danger.