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GM AEGIS central command, "The Iceberg", inderneath the Federal Building in Freedom City, NJ, USA.ò The infirmary. Bed 22. July 5th 2016 "Mz. Hino." Sakurako had been floating in darkness for a long time. The voices were pretty frequent, and added variety to the inchoate shapes that slid by. Sometimes they were her parents, sometimes her friends. Once, she had seen and heard Hannah looking down from some white void and whisper that she was coming for her. "Mz. Hino...time to wake up..." This time, there was the gentle tug at her shoulder. This had happened a few times before, she had woken up and gone home to her happy parents and favourite flying jellyfish with the fifteen finger puppets. Once, there had been a dog. That was weird. "Alright Turinsdottir, we do it your way. Fire her up." Then very suddenly the black void was wrenched away, Sakurako was staring out at a room drenched in red, white and blue, curtains shielding most of it from view. Next to her were two severe, military-looking women in scrubs, hair caps and face masks, one holding a silvery syringe and nonchalantly removing a cylinder of something blue. And wriggling. The other looked very apologetic. "Mz. Hino, do you feel any pain? Do you know who you are, what happened before you came here?" By now the glare was dying down, and the wet, warm feeling she'd had was revealed as submersion in some strange, greenish liquid. Instead of a normal bed, it more resembled a flattened bathtub, covered from her neck down by a pale blue plastic sheet. Her whole body felt like it had been used to beat carpets but otherwise felt fine.

Monday, June 13th, 2016 AEGIS Headquarters, City Center, Freedom City 8:21 AM A Monday morning. Nobody likes Monday mornings. Not even the men and women at AEGIS. No matter how much they liked their job, they also liked sleeping, and Monday mornings generally didn’t allow for the latter, even more so when employed by the American Elite Government Intervention Service. Among the many employees currently working, both in the Federal Building, and the actual headquarters below, were Agents Ethan Stone and James Warne, codenames Upgrade and Adept. After a run-in with an upstart hero a month ago, the two of them had been working to get the permission for a formal AEGIS Investigation. Not an easy task by any means. The company was spending a lot of money on their legal team, doing the best to make sure AEGIS would not come after them. Amongst them, Jonah Cullstone. Harvard Law. He had been making sure that any progress was denied, every little vulnerability covered. And not only was there opposition from outside. Many people inside AEGIS also believed that it was best to allow Neutron Industries to continue what they had been doing, they were important to the government. World needs power, and so long as they weren’t doing anything illegal that could be proven, there was no reason to interrupt. Not that that had stopped the two agents. They continued doing whatever they could to gain permission. And they were not alone, a variety of people all across AEGIS gave them their support. When James Warne entered his office that Monday, he was greeted by a familiar face. Vincent Clarkson. Clarkson had been assigned to the last assignment dealing with Bonfire and Neutron Industries, and had helped the agents with their efforts to get permission. His face showed exhaustion, and a smell of coffee accompanied him. In his hand, a file, only a few pages of paper inside. “We’ve got the Go-Ahead.“

OOC for this Currently, Clarkson's in Warne's office together with him. Upgrade has already been informed and can arrive whenever it feels appropriate!

Upgrade Power Level: PL10, 150/160PP. Trade-Offs: -1 Attack, +1 Damage; -1 Defense, +1 Toughness. Unspent Power Points: 10 In Brief: An agent of AEGIS pilots a walking tank in defense of truth, justice and the American Way. Residence: Freedom City. Base of Operations: Lonely Point Navel Base. Catchphrase: “It's time for a little shock and awe.” Alternate Identity: Ethan Stone. Identity: Classified. Birthplace: Eglin Air Force Base (roughly three miles away from Valparaiso, Florida). Occupation: AEGIS agent tasked with piloting the XO-9 Armored Mobility Platform. Affiliations: The USAF, AEGIS, DARPA and the DoD. Family: Meryl Stone (wife), Lilly Stone (daughter). Description: Ethan Stone is a tall, athletic man with bright blue eyes, cropped black hair and an easy smile. When on duty as Upgrade he pilots the XO-9 Armored Mobility Platform, an enormous powered exoskeleton designed to showcase all of the very latest in American experimental weapons technology. Age: 35. Apparent Age: Mid-thirties. Gender: Male. Ethnicity: Caucasian. Height: 6’1”. Weight: 185bs. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Black. Power Descriptions: The XO-9 AMP has been equipped with a staggering array of cutting-edge weaponry, nearly impenetrable armored plating, reactive defenses, strength augmentation, supersonic flight and an autonomous repair system – all powered by a uniquely compacted LFTR thorium reactor. History: Seven years ago USAF pilot Ethan Stone was shot down over enemy territory and spent three weeks trapped behind enemy lines. Despite overwhelming odds he managed to evade capture, sabotage multiple enemy installations and eventually commandeer the aircraft with which he made his escape. His escapade resulted in a recruitment offer from AEGIS and his competency there made him worthy to serve his nation in a new way: as the pilot of the XO-9, soon to be known to the world as Upgrade. Personality & Motivation: Ethan has dreamed of flying since he was a very small child and his choice of a career in the Air Force was no surprise. Fittingly, Ethan has a light, breezy personality that is backed by a steely, patriotic determination to see things through. As Upgrade he serves as equal parts a superhero and piece of living propaganda designed to show the common American that their government doesn't have to rely on supernatural powers: a man and his machine are more than enough. Powers & Tactics: Although Ethan doesn't have supernatural powers of his own, he is a highly skilled agent of AEGIS and his training makes him more than a match for most mundane opponents. As Upgrade he has access to an indestructible war-machine equipped with state of the art weapons. In combat Upgrade will position his substantial bulk between his enemies and any noncombatants in the area before attempting to overcome his foes with all of the force afforded to him by superior firepower. Complications: Accident: The XO-9 is more of a vehicle than a suit and its size can be disadvantageous. Honor: As propaganda, Upgrade is expected to conduct himself in a way befitting of a hero. Responsibility: Upgrade's actions are beholden to the whims of the Department of Defense. Abilities: 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 30PP Strength: 32 (+11) / 16 (+3) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 5 + 0 = 10PP Initiative: +2 (+2 Base) Attack: +9 Melee, +9 Ranged / +5 Melee, +5 Ranged Grapple: +37 / +20 / +8 Defense: +9 (+5 Base, +5 Dodge Focus; +3 Flat-Footed) / +5 (+5 Dodge Focus; +0 Flat-Footed) Knockback: -12 / -3 Saving Throws: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10PP Toughness: +11 / +7 / +3 (+3 Con, +8 Protection; +3 Impervious) Fortitude: +6 (+3 Con, +3) Reflex: +6 (+2 Dex, +4) Will: +6 (+3 Wis, +6) Skills: 44R = 11PP Acrobatics 4 (+6) Computers 4 (+6) Diplomacy 4 (+6) Disable Device 4 (+6) Escape Artist 4 (+6) Intimidate 4 (+6) [+2] Notice 4 (+7) Pilot 4 (+6) Search 4 (+6) Sense Motive 4 (+7) Stealth 4 (+6) [-4] Feats: 12PP Benefit 1 (AEGIS Agent) Dodge Focus 5 Equipment 5 Move-by Action Equipment: 5PP = 25EP Communicator (0EP) Tactical Vest (4EP) Arsenal (21EP Container) Base Power: Tear Gas Grenade (18EP) Alternate Equipment: Blaster Rifle (1EP) Alternate Equipment: Fragmentation Grenade (1EP) Alternate Equipment: Smoke Grenade (1EP) Powers: 81 = 81PP Device 20 (100PP Container; Flaw: Hard-to-Lose; Feats: Restricted 1; Tech, All Tech) [81PP] Density 4 (+8 STR, Weight Multiplier x2, Immovable 1, Impervious Protection 2, Super-Strength 1; Extra: Continuous; Flaw: Permanent) [12PP] Growth 4 (+8 STR, +1 Size Category [Large: -1 ATK/DEF, +4 Grapple, -4 Stealth, +2 Intimidate, 10ft Reach]; Extra: Continuous; Flaws: Permanent, no CON bonus) [8PP] Primary Array (22PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 3, Dynamic Power 3) [30PP] Base Power: Healing 10 (Extra: Total; Flaw: Self-only; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Blast 11 (110-1,100ft) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Flight 11 (25,000mph, 220,000ft/rnd) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Snare 11 (110-1,100ft) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Super-Strength 11 (up to 90 Effective Strength) [22PP] Secondary Array (12PP Array; Feat: Alternate Power 1) Base Power: Autofire 11 (Blast Extra) [11PP] Alternate Power: Penetrating 11 (Blast Extra) [11PP] Enhanced Trait 5 (Attack Bonus) + Enhanced Trait 5 (Defense Bonus) [10 + 10 = 20PP] Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Protection 6 (Extra: Impervious 1) [7PP] Super-Senses 2 (Darkvision) [2PP] Drawbacks: (-4) = -4PP Normal Identity (Common, Major) DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Blast 11 110ft DC 26 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Energy) Blaster Rifle 8 80ft DC 23 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Energy) Frag Grenade 5 50ft DC 15 Reflex Blast Explosion 5 Smoke Grenade ––ft DC –– Reflex Obscure (Visual) 1 Tear Gas 4 40ft DC 14 Reflex Dazzle 4 + Nauseate Explosion 4 Unarmed 11 Touch DC 26 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Unarmed 3 Touch DC 18 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Totals: Abilities (30) + Combat (10) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (11) + Feats (12) + Powers (81) + Miscellaneous (???) - Drawbacks (-4) = 150/160 Power Points.

Player Name: Sophistemon. Character Name: Upgrade. Power Level: PL10/11 158/166PP. Trade-Offs: -5 Defense, +5 Toughness. Unspent Power Points: 8 In Brief: An AEGIS agent pilots a walking tank in defense of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Residence: Freedom City (Lonely Point Naval Base). Base of Operations: Lonely Point Naval Base. Catchphrase: “It's time for a little shock and awe.” Alternate Identity: Ethan Stone. Identity: Secret / Classified. Birthplace: Eglin Air Force Base (roughly three miles away from Valparaiso, Florida). Occupation: AEGIS agent tasked with piloting the X-09 Armored Mobility Platform. Affiliations: AEGIS, the USAF, DARPA, and the DoD. Family: Meryl Stone (wife), Lilly Stone (daughter). Description: Ethan Stone is a tall, athletic man with bright blue eyes, cropped black hair, and an easy smile. As Upgrade he pilots the X-09 Armored Mobility Platform, an enormous suit of chrome powered-armor designed to showcase the very latest of America's experimental weapons technology. Age: 35. Apparent Age: Mid-thirties. Gender: Male. Ethnicity: Caucasian (European-American). Height: 6’2”. Weight: 185bs. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Black. Power Descriptions: The X-09 AMP has been equipped with a staggering array of cutting-edge weaponry, nearly impenetrable armored plating, reactive defenses, strength augmentation, supersonic flight, and an autonomous repair system – all powered by a uniquely compacted LFTR thorium reactor. History: Seven years ago USAF pilot Ethan Stone was shot down over enemy territory and spent three weeks trapped behind enemy lines. Despite overwhelming odds he managed to evade capture, sabotage multiple enemy installations, and eventually commandeer the aircraft with which he made his daring escape. The escapade resulted in a recruitment offer from AEGIS and his competency there made him worthy to serve his nation in a new way: as the pilot of the X-09 AMP, known to the world as Upgrade. Personality & Motivation: Ethan Stone has dreamed of flying since he was a very small child and his choice of career was no surprise. Fittingly, he has a light and breezy personality backed by a steely, patriotic determination to see things through. As Upgrade he is intended to serve as equal parts a superhero and piece of living propaganda. The AMP is designed to show the American citizen that their government doesn't have to rely on supernatural powers: a man and his machine are more than enough. Powers & Tactics: Although Ethan Stone doesn't have super-powers of his own, he is a highly skilled agent of AEGIS and his training makes him more than a match for most mundane opponents. As Upgrade he has access to an indestructible war-machine equipped with state of the art weaponry. In combat Upgrade will position his substantial bulk between his enemies and any noncombatants in the area before attempting to overcome his foes with all of the force afforded to him by superior firepower. Complications: Accident -- The X-09 AMP is more of a vehicle than a suit and its size can be disadvantageous. Honor -- As propaganda, Upgrade is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting a hero. Responsibility -- Upgrade's actions are beholden to the whims of the Department of Defense. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 20PP Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 12 (+1) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 12 (+1) Combat: 20 + 20 = 20PP Initiative: +10 (+2 Base, +8 Improved Initiative) Attack: +6 Melee, +6 Ranged Grapple: +8 / +16 Defense: +5 (+4 Base, +1 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -7 Saving Throws: 4 + 6 + 4 = 14PP Toughness: +2 / +15 (+2 Con, +13 Protection) Fortitude: +6 (+2 Con, +4) Reflex: +8 (+2 Dex, +6) Will: +6 (+2 Wis, +4) Skills: 72R = 18PP Bluff 4 (+5) Computers 4 (+5) Craft: Electronic 4 (+5) Craft: Mechanical 4 (+5) Diplomacy 8 (+9) Disable Device 4 (+5) Escape Artist 4 (+6) Gather Information 4 (+5) Knowledge: Technology 8 (+9) Notice 8 (+10) Pilot 4 (+6) Search 8 (+9) Sense Motive 4 (+6) Stealth 4 (+6) Feats: 18PP Accurate Attack All-Out Attack Benefit (Agent of AEGIS) Dodge Focus Fearless Improved Aim Improved Defense Improved Grab Improved Grapple Improved Initiative 2 Improved Overrun Improved Pin Luck 3 Move-by Action Power Attack Powers: 73 = 73PP Device 18 (Hard-to-Lose, Limited to Group (Training), All Technology, 90PP Container) [73PP] Power: Primary Array (32PP Array) [37PP] Base Power: Healing 10 (Extras: Action 2; Flaw: Personal; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) [32PP] Alternate Power: Corrosion 10 (Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Damage 10 (Extra: Area Cone, Selective; Feats: Homing 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Blast 10 (Extra: Autofire 1; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Blast 10 (Extra: Penetrating; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Snare 10 (Extra: Backlash; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Power: Secondary Array (16PP Array) [19PP] Dynamic Base Power: Flight 8 (Max speed of 2,500mph) [17PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Super-Strength 8 (+40 STR carrying capacity, +8 to some checks) Power: Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Disease, Poison, all Environmental Conditions, & Suffocation Power: Protection 13 [13PP] Power: Super-Senses 12 [12PP] Danger Sense: Vision, Darkvision, Direction Sense, Extended Type: Vision (-1 per 100ft), Infravision, Radio, Radius Type: Vision, Tracking: Infravision 2 (normal movement speed) Drawbacks: (-5) = -5PP Disability -- Oversized Build (Uncommon, Minor) [-1] Normal Identity -- Activation Sequence (Common, Major) [-4] DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Strike 2 Touch DC17 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Bludgeon) Corrosion 10 Touch DC25/20 Toughness (Staged)/Fortitude Damage/Drain (Technological) Damage 10 Touch DC25/20 Toughness (Staged)/Reflex Damage (Technological) Blast 10 100ft DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Technological) Snare 10 100ft DC20 Reflex (Staged) Snare (Technological) Totals: Abilities (20) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (14) + Skills (18) + Feats (18) + Powers (73) - Drawbacks (5) = 158/166 Power Points. Movement Notes: Flight -- 2,500 mph / 22,000 ft per round. Jumping -- Running Jump 12 ft, Standing Jump 6 ft, High Jump 3 ft. Throwing Distance -- 22.4 tons 5 feet, 100 lbs 2500 feet, 10 lbs 1.9 miles. Carrying Capacity Notes: Light Load -- 7.5 tons. Medium Load -- 14.9 tons. Heavy Load -- 22.4 tons. Maximum Load -- 44.8 tons. Push/Drag -- 112 tons.

Squadron Power Level: 10 (150/150PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: None In Brief: Ace pilot granted superhuman physical power by an extraterrestrial collision turns military superhero. Alternate Identity: Captain Hank Taggart (Public) Birthplace: West End, Freedom City. Residence: Star Island, Freedom City. Occupation: USAF Officer. Affiliations: US Air Force, Star Island Space Control Centre, erstwhile ally of AEGIS. Family: Jack, father, deceased, 2010. Diane, mother, 60 years old, lives in early retirement in Florida. Tom, brother, 33 years old. Mickey, brother, 31 years old. Adrian, brother, 28 years old. Benny, brother, 26 years old. Jonathan, brother, 22 years old. Two nephews, two nieces by Tom. Two nephews and a niece by Mickey. One niece by Adrian. One nephew by Jonathan. Description: Age: 35 (DOB 1981) Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 6’0 Weight: 173 lbs Eyes: Electric blue Hair: Black Hank looks like he could have stepped off of a piece of wartime propaganda. His features are almost blandly handsome, with little to mark him out from the pack beyond his easy smile and square jaw. Though originally brown, his eyes are now a vibrant electric blue colour. He keeps himself in excellent shape, and has the lean yet athletic build of a middle-distance runner. He keeps his appearance to an immaculate, presentational standard befitting an officer, his hair cut close and his face clean and closely shaven. When not on the job, Hank dresses without much flair or regard for style. He is a man of simple tastes, and likes to limit himself to jeans, slacks and button-down shirts of various plain colours and simple patterns. There are places where Squadron’s techno-organic body is not covered due to the extensive damage he received in the original accident. In particular, there is a large patch of gleaming chrome muscle running from his upper left arm to his chest, and another similar patch running from over his right knee to the top of his ankle. Squadron’s costume is a combination of airman’s flight suit and more conventional spandex superhero outfit. A tight-fitting one-piece garment made of thick, warm material, it covers from his ankles to his wrists to his neck. It is a bright shade of blue, accessorised in white with gloves and boots, belt and a white star symbol on the chest. He wears a US flag patch on his left upper bicep. History: The eldest of six brothers, Hank Taggart was born to a warehouse worker and an office typing pool secretary in one of the more modest tenements of Freedom City’s West End district. Hank’s family were a loud, vibrant bunch, and the house was one where yelling from room to room was commonplace, roughhousing between the brothers frequent and love constant. As the eldest, Hank was pushed and strived in equal measure to be the model to whom his younger siblings could aspire, and he grew into the role admirably. By the time high school rolled around, he was the archetypal big man on campus: academically high-achieving, socially popular and a gifted track and field athlete. After 18 years spent kicking around the rail yards and abandoned warehouses, Hank longed to escape Freedom City and see the world, yet he felt he had a duty to his family to stay and contribute. It was Hank’s gym teacher, an Air Force veteran of some 20 years service, who pushed Hank into applying to the Air Force Academy on graduation. With the promise of the life of adventure and the chance to do his duty to family and country, Hank leapt into the challenge head-first, and found his enthusiasm rewarded. Though he was never the top student, his dedication and professionalism carried him through what raw skill alone could not. It was also at the AFA that Hank discovered a gift as a pilot. Though too professional to ever embody the model of a cocky fighter pilot, Lieutenant Taggart nonetheless demonstrated nerves of steel under pressure and proficiency behind the stick of an F/A-18. His determination earned him promotion to Captain, and he likely would have advanced further and faster had it not been for what came to pass in the skies over Afghanistan one twilit evening in 2011. A damaged exploratory probe from a distant and advanced alien civilisation had entered Earth’s atmosphere with all the speed of a meteor. Hank was on a return flight from a solo mission along the Pakistan border and the probe hit his plane like a bomb, sending him wrecked into the desert. Made of technologies far beyond the capabilities of Earth, the probe had a sophisticated techno-organic design. Possessed of only limited artificial intelligence, the probe sought to self-repair using the nearest available material, Hank’s critically injured body. Only moments away from death, Hank’s entire body was rebuilt from within by the alien craft, reinforcing damaged tissue, remaking skin and bone, replacing damaged organs and even repowering his heart and brain. Recovered from the wrecked plane by an Air Force rescue team, Hank was taken to the nearest field hospital to receive treatment. There, the fusion processed between living man and alien machine was completed before the doctors’ very eyes, with the probe completely integrated within him, powering him and granting him life. Following his rescue, extensive psychological and physical tests were carried out. It soon became apparent that he had not simply been repaired by the probe, he had been almost completely rebuilt from the skin down, “better, stronger, faster” as the old TV show went. After months of study, Hank was cleared once more for military service, though he would return to the field in quite a different role. Now more valuable for his powers than his piloting, Captain Taggart was retrained to become a superhuman operative within Air Force Special Operations Command. In situations too dangerous for ordinary infantry, Hank acted as the ultimate ground support. His versatility was such that he earned that he earned the nickname “Squadron”, a joking reference to how his superiors seemed to expect him to replicate the work of an entire squadron. Time spent on tours abroad and at air bases outside of his hometown meant that Hank had not returned to Freedom City in years before an unexpected mission brought him back. The military airfield at Star Island Space Centre had requested additional security for an experimental spaceplane, and Hank was selected. When the plane’s hangar was infiltrated prior to the launch by a crew of industrial saboteurs looking to delay the plane’s development, Hank fought and defeated the saboteurs, but was caught on camera doing so. The public revelation of what had until then been a confidential asset was sufficient to get higher-ups within the Air Force thinking. Superheroes had been allying themselves with the military since before the war, there’d been more super-soldier projects than you could shake a tube full of mysterious serum at, why couldn’t they use a pre-existing military asset as a superhero? With a costume inspired by his previous calling as a pilot and his joking nickname repurposed into a statement of power and purpose, Squadron was born. Officially a part of the USAF attachment providing security to Star Island Space Centre and a sometime ally to the city’s AEGIS group, Squadron continues to do his duty to his service and his city by fighting threats wherever they may arise. Personality & Motivation: Steely and determined, Hank is a man who knows himself inside and out, who knows his strengths and weaknesses, limits and capabilities. Experienced, and possessed of the special kind of confidence that comes from being partway indestructible, Hank is a calm, efficient professional who can remain graceful under fire and thrives under pressure. A man of rigid self-discipline, he accepts no excuses from himself and expects no excuses from others. He has an adventurer’s spirit, a love of pushing his own limits, of going above and beyond and riding the adrenaline which comes with such excitement. In spite of this, Hank is not as inflexible as he might sound. He has little patience for laziness, self-indulgence and ignorance, but he is considerate and compassionate of others’ feelings. His moral code is unapologetically old-fashioned and rigid, and he upholds all those gilded values of honesty, liberty and shared dignity. His patriotism and sense of duty is beyond doubt, as far as he is concerned. Along with his love of adventure, Hank is motivated foremost by this dedication, by the responsibility he feels to use his life to the betterment and defence of his ideals. Powers & Tactics: Squadron is most comfortable when pressing the offensive advantage, using his speed and mobility to lead charges, drawing fire with his enhanced durability. With few options for ranged attacks, Hank instead focuses on hitting the opponent with precise, high-impact physical assaults. Squadron’s combat experience and military training have made him a confident, capable fighter. His fighting style is technically very proficient, he has little time for flashy kung-fu tricks or for brawling, street-fighting tactics, and instead fights like a boxer, squaring off directly with super-strong punches, avoiding and absorbing damage when necessary. Power Descriptions: Hank’s powers are derived from the fusion of his critically injured body with a damaged techno-organic extraterrestrial probe. The probe used its own alloy and fully integrated itself with almost all of his body has used something similar to titanium- highly durable, flexible and strong- to reinforce, rebuild and enhance his body from his musculoskeletal structure to his epidermis. The process has not been perfect, and there are points in Hank’s body where his skin was damaged beyond even the probe’s repair, revealing metallic “patches”. Internally, he has been rebuilt extensively, with modifications to his nervous system and his organs, including modifying his digestive tract and changing his body chemistry, eliminating his need for both food and sleep, as well as providing an overall boost to his physical fortitude. Complications: Man Or Machine: To X-ray vision and metal detectors or even just by making him wear gym clothes to expose the metallic “patches” on his arm and leg, Hank has only limited ability to conceal his empowered nature. Even aside from the practical considerations, his cyborg nature also raises further questions: Is he even human any more? Could it be that he is simply a robot piloting a dead man, convinced “he” has the memories of the original Hank Taggart? Such concerns are rarely at the forefront of his mind, but they are perennial and nagging. Secret Origin: The purpose of the probe which constitutes the base of his cyborg components, its original mission and the alien culture who created it are unknown to Hank. He can be exploited in this way, as individuals with sufficient knowledge of alien races and technology may literally know his own body better than he does. Hank has little knowledge of his own internal processes, with even the power source of his cyborg components unknown to him, which makes getting medical treatment when injured virtually impossible from a conventional doctor. Good Soldier: Dedicated to his position, Hank is an airman first and a superhero second. He follows orders, and places his duties to his brothers in uniform, to the Star Island Space Centre and his current posting ahead of anything else in his life as a superhero or civilian. Inter-Service Rivalry: Squadron’s public profile is that of a superhuman airman. There is still sufficient inter-service rivalry between the different branches of the US military to mean that such heavy identification with the Air Force can mean that he is in for ribbing, hazing or even outright obstinacy from the other branches of the US military. Add in AEGIS, and there are all kinds of members of agencies and groups who could choose to get in Hank’s way for kicks. Big Brother Can’t Always Be Watching: The eldest of six brothers, all of whom still live in Freedom City, Hank feels like he missed out on a lot during his time away from home, and has tried to reconnect with his family to the fullest. This attempt at connection presents its own complications. With Squadron’s identity being public, his brothers and their young families may very well be in some danger themselves, and while Hank might try to reach out to his brothers, finding time in his schedule is quite another thing. Abilities: 6 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 34PP Strength: 16/30 (+3/+10) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: 16/30 (+3/10) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 12PP + 12PP = 24PP Initiative: +3 Attack: +6 base, +10 melee (+4 Melee Focus) Defense: +10 (+6 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Grapple: +25/+13 (+10 melee, +10/+3 Strength, +5/+0 Super Strength) Knockback: -8/-1 Saving Throws: 0 + 4 + 4 = 8PP Toughness: +3/+10 (+3 Con, +7 Enhanced Con) [8 Impervious] Fortitude: +3/+10 (+3 Con, +7 Enhanced Con) Reflex: +7 (+3 Dex, +4) Will: +7 (+3 Wis, +4) Skills: 64R = 16PP Bluff 4 (+7) Diplomacy 6 (+9) Intimidate 8 (+11) Skill Mastery Knowledge (Tactics) 8 (+10) Skill Mastery Languages 2 (Native: English, Arabic, Pashto) Medicine 4 (+7) Notice 8 (+11) Skill Mastery Pilot 10 (+13) Skill Mastery Sense Motive 8 (+11) Survival 6 (+9) Feats: 17PP All-Out Attack Attack Focus (Melee) 4 Benefit (Airbase Security Clearance) Challenge (Fast Startle) Dodge Focus 4 Leadership Power Attack Skill Mastery Startle Takedown Attack Uncanny Dodge (Auditory) Powers: 28 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 10 = 51PP Descriptors: All techno-organic probe modifications. Enhanced Traits 28 (Strength 14, Constitution 14) [28pp] (Better, Faster, Stronger) Impervious Toughness 8 [8pp] (Man of Steel-like Unknown Alien Alloy) Immunity 2 (Starvation and Thirst, Need for Sleep) [2pp] (Internal Organ Reconstruction) Leaping 1 (Running Long Jump 40’, Standing Long Jump 25’, Vertical Jump 10’) [1pp] (Superhuman Strength in Legs) Speed 2 (25mph, 100’ per move action) [2pp] Super Strength 5 (Effective Strength 55; Heavy Load: 24 tons) [10pp] Drawbacks: (-0) = 0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed w/no powers Touch DC 18 Toughness Damage ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed w/ powers Touch DC 25 Toughness Damage Totals: Abilities (34) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (8) + Skills (16) + Feats (17) + Powers (51) - Drawbacks (0) = 150/150 Power Points

The inevitable OOC thread!

GM Federal Plaza, City Center. Wednesday, August 10, 2016. 10:00 am. As hokey as he knew it was, Deputy Director Jack Spaulding had a soft spot for naval metaphors, a perhaps inevitable side effect of a life spent on the sea. His immaculate office on the 23rd floor of the Federal Building had an impressive view of City Center, and he liked to think of this office as the 'crow's nest' of the USS AEGIS, where he might spy a threat long before the rest of the ship was in danger. Of course, the nautical decor didn't help any, such as the model of a Los Angeles-class submarine on top of his bookcase, the turned brass desk lamp next to his computer monitor, or the print of the Battle of Mobile Bay on the wall. In truth, he still had the look of a captain about him, the pale blue eyes and distinguished steel-gray hair granting him an air of command. But Naval Intelligence was long behind him; now he scanned the horizon for an entirely different sort of threat... His phone chimed, and he swiveled away from the window to press the intercom button. "Yes, Sarah?" "Agent Black to see you, sir." "Excellent, send him in."

Hi all! So I'm looking to run a thread involving Handyman and Grim, and I was wondering if there are any well established AEGIS NPCs, especially in commad positions, that I might use as his superior?

Monday, July 11th 2016 AEGIS Headquarters, City Center, Freedom City 8:21 AM A Monday morning. Nobody likes Monday mornings. Not even the men and women at AEGIS. No matter how much they liked their job, they also liked sleeping, and Monday mornings generally didn’t allow for the latter, even more so when employed by the American Elite Government Intervention Service. At least, that was usually the case. It did not always apply, especially for the people working in the less public Headquarters, down below Federal Building. Here, many people were working tirelessly, shifts upon shifts, 24 hours, 7 days a week. A few hours ago Field Agent Yves Zermeño had gotten a call by the agency. Early, on a Monday morning. That usually meant something urgent. While the caller had refused to talk about details on the phone, he had sounded rather calm. Which already set off some alarms. AEGIS would not call at 5 AM on a Monday if the matter was something that had time. Yves had just arrived on the floor she had been summoned too. She’d been here a few minutes too early, her handler for the mission would only arrive in a few minutes.

OOC for this

En Route to Star Island Lonely Point, Freedom City, New JerseyFriday March 4th, 2015 The Star Island Space Control Center was known for its cooperation with the Freedom League and the Lonely Island Naval Base. What was less spoken of was the close relationship between AEGIS and the facility. The frequent number of alien attacks prompted Director Powers into commissioning a black project with the assistance of the SCC some weeks ago. Since then three AEGIS/SCC scientist have gone missing during the course of the project. Stewart Bonham has personally seen fit to explore these strange disappearances. Knowing full well the very public figure couldn't comb through the facility without alerting a possible perpetrator that AEGIS was on to any wrongdoing, he saw fit to ask Argonaut to accompany him posing as "personal security" for the Chief AEGIS Administrator of Freedom City. Titan was brought using the cover of being the US military liason to AEGIS just keeping an eye on Bonham as he took a civil tour of the facility. Stewart Bonham was dressed in his AEGIS blues. A half glass of wine cupped closely. The three were traveling on the director's personal yacht. An AEGIS agent at the helm of the wheel. Leaving the three undisturbed in the dining area below to talk business before docking on Star Island. "Your predecessor. Major Chulpak wouldn't have liked the subterfuge. She'd prefer for me to make this an officially sanctioned investigation. Pour on the heat. Director Powers hardly agreed with her on anything, but they respected one another. As the current US military liason to AEGIS here, how would you handle this situation?"

Ace Danger Power Level: 15 (233/250PP) (PL 10 combat caps) Unspent Power Points: 17PP Trade-Offs: +1 Attack / -1 Damage, ± Defense / ± Toughness In Brief: Daring Boy Adventurer who grows into a Superspy and Immortal Playboy. Catchphrase: Theme: Alternate Identity: None Birthplace: Freedom City Residence: Danger Manor, North Bay, Freedom City Base of Operations: Danger Manor, North Bay, Freedom City Occupation: International Man of Mystery Affiliations: Allies of Freedom*, Danger Industries, Liberty League*, AEGIS*, Freedom League*, The Jungle Patrol* (*Former Ally/Member) Family: The Danger Family Description: Age: 90 (July 4th 1925) Apparent Age: 22 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 6' Weight: 185lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Blond Ace has a sturdy six foot frame not overly muscled but certainly well defined in an almost careless way that suggests given effort he could develop quite the physique. His head is topped by thick blonde locks that are maintained in a perfect semblance of disarray. He retains much of his fathers classic lines but softened slightly, a strong jaw and chin, but not quite chiseled, his bright blue eyes always have a slight twinkle of mischief dancing in them. Despite his advanced age he appears an attractive man of 24. He dresses well socially though favors a somewhat beaten down Fedora and bomber jacket while "on duty", and favors a kind of retro chic look without looking like he can't keep up with the times. History: The first of the Danger children was born on July 4th 1925, named Ace after Ace Adams his godfather also his father's pilot and close companion through many an adventure. His early childhood was fairly normal despite his father's extended absences with two more siblings following A brother and a sister (the youngest) over the next five years. The family relocated to Africa where his famed father made his fortune in diamonds of dubious origins by today's standards. Once Ace reached the age of eight his father decided to make up for lost time and Ace joined him on his various adventures throughout the 30's and into the early 40's despite the dangers Ace enjoyed this time though he was always felt he had fallen short of his fathers larger than life expectations of his first born. As Ace came of age his brother was included in more and more of his father's travels and Ace found himself at loose ends. While he could certainly claim a unique education it was perhaps even worse suited than he was to academia. Eventually, wishing to prove himself on his own merits he lied about his age and signed up with the army his skills, and family name, earning him placement with the sometimes empowered special forces operating often behind enemy lines. After the War it wasn't long before his maverick stylings and controversial activities had him discharged (honorably thanks to family connections) to his father's deep disappointment. After his socially disastrous, if technically successful, military career Ace fell to the baser accusations of his father and became the exact layabout his father claimed him to be and dear old dad seemed to just give up and instead focused on his second born Rex. By 1950 Ace had earned quite the reputation as a libertine and despite the efforts of Little sister Donna to control the rumors he was steadily eroding the family's reputation. Her answer was simple and with some maneuvering of family money and contacts she neatly made him someone else's problem as he was inducted into service with the CIA where he was the very picture of the dashing spy later immortalized in print and film. He roamed the world much as he had with his father only now it was a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Soviets rather than thwarting Nazi schemes. He was well suited to the work and relished the risk. Due to his unique contacts and knowledge from his days traveling with his father he was assigned to the more esoteric missions no simple spying on ambassadors for Johnny Dangers son when there were communist backed voodoo cults in Havana or Soviet researchers developing doomsday devices in the himalayas. His fast and loose interpretation of regulations kept him fairly stationary in the organization despite his successes but at least he wasn't bored. It was during this time that his training with Shambala monks and blessings from witch doctors and voodoo queens led to some of his more extraordinary abilities though he carefully hid these from his antsy employers given the political climate. It was only natural that when the fledgling AEGIS organization cropped up he was optioned off to it though that barely lasted a year before he was drummed out for disrespecting a superior officer. The family stepped in once more to keep the specifics quiet but he was still blacklisted form government work. By this time his sister and her children were fully running Danger Industries and his father was retired having passed the torch to Rex who continued to live up to all of the Danger elders expectations. Ace for his part also prided himself on living up to every claim his father made. He with pride says that his actions alone supported the fledgling tabloid industry through the sixties and early seventies and it's not far from the truth. He publicly partook of much of the worst the decades had to offer and was the center of most major scandals of the era. Likely he much like the rest of the country would have continued on the self destructive course they were on if not for the Big One. The Terminus invasion was a rather brutal wake-up call for everyone but it was particularly so for Ace. His brother Rex had recently spirited him away from yet another party gone too far when the call came in. The city was under attack. Rex being Rex immediately spun the car in the direction of the trouble and told Ace to stay out of the way if he could. They never even had a chance as the burning lance of energy sliced through the car. Ace's last memory was his brothers scream as they were both vaporized. Ace woke up still in the tangled wreckage of the car after it was all over. In the end Rex was yet another in a long list of Heroes who fell in the invasion, Ace was sure to embellish the story the press got, to everyone else Rex went out like a Hero should. His brothers death affected Ace strongly, he had experience and more than a few tricks up his sleeve, he would do what Rex would have wanted. He became a Hero too, though granted still with his own specific idiom. In hero work a handsome smile and flare for the dramatic turned out to be as much a benefit as it had been a hindrance in his days at the agency. Of course he still had his father's globe trotting tendencies and soon was swept up in events throughout the world. His niece Rachel is fairly supportive of such activities but has slowly convinced him to stick to freedom city for now on and with Ace Danger is back in town the funs sure to start soon. Personality & Motivation: Ace has really been training for the Hero gig almost since birth and despite some unorthodox methods he's good at it. He's a larger than life personality from a larger than life family and lives it up as such. To most appearances he's a shallow attention grabbing playboy with too many toys, and that's not entirely inaccurate but he does have a strong sense of justice and feels a responsibility for the people of freedom. Rex's death pulled him out of a pretty self destructive spiral but that hasn't kept him from having fun while doing good in the here and now. Coming up and living his long life in the public eye as a hero or sidekick as the times have called for has left him distinctly out of touch with those less immersed in the world of high adventure. He knows no life but the absurd one that he calls his own and knows a certain loneliness drawn from that. Even other Heroes often have downtime or off camera moments, for Ace every day is another day on duty and privacy, though not secrecy, is all but unknown. Powers & Tactics: Every person who asks how Ace got his talents gets a different answer each more unbelievable than the last some of them are probably even true. He has been blessed by mystics of many traditions for long life and that's likely the actual core reason for his immortality, He most often will say however that he's to pretty to die. In his travels he has also picked up more than a few tricks. He has learned many martial arts forms from various groups through the years that has left him a capable hand to hand fighter though no specific style really take preeminence and his fathers wicked left hook is still his most signature move. He has also trained with various yogi's and mystics throughout the world to hone his mind and has picked up on the tricks that he most liked granting him a suite of mind tricks harnessing the power of his mind. He has also made some upgrades to his home to better fit with his new "super" lifestyle, using daka crystals he has pulled it off the grid and installed a communications and computing suite made it in his mind the perfect luxurious base of operations. He augments his training and vast collection of super tech and mysterious curios with some special items from his days as boy adventurer and super spy. The famed Danger!Mobile and it's suite of counter pursuit addons and specialized equipment for operation in the skies and seas is the most famous certainly but the Danger!Jet and it's cloaking and VTOL capabilities have gotten him into and out of some hairy situations. The S.S. Danger! seems at first glance little more than a pampered dilettantes luxury yacht, yet with but a few small adjustments and extensions it can vary it's appearance from Junk, to sailing yacht, to commercial fisher and more, for truly stealthy endeavors of course the craft can convert to submersible mode with advanced cloaking devices rendering it all but undetectable. Power Descriptions: Most of Aces powers are of a subtle nature, mental techniques and skills or his immortal nature are not obvious in nature. He has however a long life of adventures steeped in the science and magic of a thousand cultures and even worlds. This results in a motley collection of devices, talismans, techniques, and maneuvers that he can call upon when the situation demands, Whether it be calling forth his inner fire to melt an icy prison, assembling a makeshift lathe to craft a weapon upon, or drawing forth a treasure or relic of power from his past adventures Ace has a long life of interesting times to draw upon. Complications: Disarmed!: Aces Interesting Times VP isn't able to be taken away completely but if he is stripped of his assorted gadgets he can't put the points into devices without some kind of work around for the missing items. Fame: He's THE Ace Danger Code of Honor: Hero code: don't kill or main, no torture, protect innocents etc. Ace follows it as much as he seems to be reluctant to. Reputation: Wastrel playboy and worse. Abilities: 14+8+16+8+8+14=68PP Strength: 24 (+7) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 26 (+8) Intelligence: 18 (+4) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 24 (+7) Combat: 12 + 12 = 24PP Initiative: +4 Attack: +6 base, +7 Melee, +11 Unarmed Defense: +10 (6 base + 4 Dodge Focus) (+3 flat-footed) Grapple: +14 Knockback: -5 Saving Throws: 0 + 4 + 6 = 10PP Toughness: +10 (+8 Con, +2 Defensive Roll) Fortitude: +8 (+8 Con) Reflex: +8 (+4 Dex, +4) Will: +10 (+4 Wis, +6) Skills: 108r = 27PP Bluff 15 (+22) Distract, Skill Mastery, Taunt Diplomacy 7 (+14, +20 with Wealth) Connected, Skill Mastery Disguise 13 (+20) Skill Mastery Drive 1 (+5) Gather Information 7 (+14, +20 with wealth) Contacts, Skill Mastery, Well-Informed Intimidate 3 (+10) Skill Mastery Notice 16 (+20) Skill Mastery Perform: Acting 3 (+10) Perform: Dance 3 (+10) Perform: Singing 3 (+10) Perform: Oratory 3 (+10) Pilot 1 (+5) Ride 1 (+5) Sense motive 16 (+20) Skill Mastery Stealth 16 (+20) Skill Mastery Feats: 56pp Attack Specialization: Unarmed 2 Attack Focus: Melee 1 Beginner's Luck Benefit (Security Clearance: Danger International, Security Clearance: AEGIS, Wealth 3/Filthy Rich, Fame, Status: High Society) Connected Contacts Defensive Roll Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 4 Equipment 10 Fast Feint Fast Taunt Hide In Plain Sight Improvised Tools Inspiration 5 Jack of all Trades Leadership Luck 3 Quick Change 2 Redirect Set-Up Skill Mastery 2 (Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Gather Information, Intimidate, Notice, Sense Motive, Stealth) Sneak Attack Taunt Teamwork 3 Uncanny Dodge (mental) Well Informed Equipment [45 equipment points] Danger! Vehicles (Alt Equip 2) [24] Danger!Mobile [24] Size: Large [1] Strength 25 [1] Speed 6/Swim 6/ Flight 3 [7] Defense 9 [0] Toughness 12 [5] Features: Alarm 2 (DC25), Autopilot, Disguise, Ejector Seats, Oil Slick, Smoke Screen, Communications(radio), Navigation system, Tire inflators Danger!Jet [24] Size: Gargantuan [3] Strength 40 [0] Flight 7 [14] Defense 6 [0] Toughness 11 [0] Features: Autopilot, Ejector seats, Concealment(Radar), Concealment(visual), Communications(Radio), Computer, Navigation Systems S.S. Danger! [24] Size: Gargantuan [3] Strength 50 [2] Swim 4 [4] Defense 6 [0] Toughness 15 [4] Features: Autopilot, Submersible, Concealment(Auditory), Concealment(Visual), Concealment(Radar), Communications(Radio), Computer, Hidden Compartments, Navigation System, Disguise, Living Quarters Danger Manor [total 24] Toughness 20 [3] Size Large [2] Combat Simulator [1] Communications [1] Computer [1] Dock [1] Defense system (Stun 13 [Crazy Purple Knockout Gas; Extra: Sleep](Gas, Poison)[1] Fire prevention system [1] Garage [1] Gym [1] Hangar [1] Infirmary [1] Library [1] Living space [1] Personnel [1] Pool [1] Power system [1] Security System x 3 (DC 30) [3] Think Tank [1] Powers: 6 + 4 + 10 + 6 + 22 = 48PP Comprehend 3 (Polyglot; Speak any language one at a time, Read and understand all languages) (Training) [6pp] Immunity 4 (Aging, Disease, Poison, Starvation/Thirst) (Magic)[4pp] Regeneration 8 (True Resurrection 7 [1 minute], Recovery Bonus 1; Power Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) (Magic)[10pp] Super Senses 6 (Mind Like the Moon; Mental Sense, +Accurate, +Acute, +Radius, +Ranged) (Chi, Training) [6PP] Variable 2 (Interesting Times; 10pp Any Combination of Traits; Extras: Action 2 (free Action), Power Feats: Variable Descriptor 2) [22pp] Variable Pool sample Configurations Drunken Style Kung Fu (Attack Specialization [Unarmed 2], Fast Feint, Fast Taunt, Dodge Focus 2, Protection 2, Improved trip, Instant up) Rocket boots and flight helmet (Device 2 {Hard to lose; Restricted 2; Flight 4, Immunity 2 (suffocation)}) Jury Rigged Hand Cannon (Device 5 {25PP Device; Easy to lose, Unreliable (50% fail chance); [Damage 10 {Ranged; Accurate 5}]}) Ghost dust ( Super Senses 2 {Visual counters concealment}, Damage 6 (Flaws: Limited [Undead], Power Feats: Affects insubstantial 2, Mighty, Accurate 2) (+11 attack +13 Save Damage) Warding Chant/mudra/rune (Mind Control 10, Area, Limited {supernatural type}) Jungle patrol Pistol (Device 3 {easy to lose; Power Feats: Accurate; [Damage 7 (Extras: Ranged, Power feats: Variable Descriptor)]}) Drawbacks: DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 15 Toughness Damage Sneak Attack Unarmed Touch DC 15 Toughness Damage Totals: Abilities (68) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (27) + Feats (56) + Powers (48) - Drawbacks (0) = 233/250PP

Adept Power Level: 10/13 (179/202PP) Trade-Offs: None Unspent Power Points: 23 In Brief: Telekinetic Man in Black Residence: Series of military bases or government-mandated hotel rooms Base of Operations: The Federal Building, AEGIS headquarters Catchphrase: Anything punctuated by a cloud of cigarette smoke Alternate Identity: James Warne (pre-adoption: Kevin Roeser) Identity: Public Birthplace: Washington, D.C. Occupation: AEGIS agent Affiliations: AEGIS, United States Army, FBI Family: Parker Psion Jr. (Father, deceased), Laurel Roeser (Mother, deceased), Gwen and Carrie Psion (Sisters, unknown to both Adept and the Psion family) Description: Age: 36 (DoB: September 29, 1979 Apparent Age: 40s (Bad skin due to smoking) Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 188 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Salt-and-pepper black Agent Warne (codename: Adept) isn’t a sight most people want to see, this black-suit government agent with rough skin, opaque sunglasses, stern frown, and often a cloud of smoke clinging to him like an aura. He’s just past the halfway mark of his thirties, yet stress is already bringing out the gray in his hair, and his complexion and teeth show the marks of nearly two decades of smoking. His guttural voice rarely has anything pleasant to say (although occasionally he spouts dark, deadpan humor). Dark circles typically line his eyes from nights of more alcohol than sleep. In those eyes is the thousand-yard-stare of a man who has seen some s---. Less-than-attractive though he may be, Adept has an athletic, muscular build, and moves with grace and confidence. He does not, keen observers should note, carry a gun, a strange occurrence in his profession. Then again, he doesn’t need to. Power Descriptions: Adept’s signature trick happens silently and unseen; enemies or objects just move seemingly of their own accord, or lift into the air as if by magic. Unless he wants to scare someone, Adept usually doesn’t call attention to his ability. He doesn’t need to wave his hands or any other such activation methods, so he can easily sit at a distance and perform his manipulations without implicating himself to non-psychics. His protective field, on the other hand, bends the air around him like a heat wave as he “pushes” in all directions with short-range yet firm and continuous force. By similar technique, Adept can even pick himself up and fly, albeit at slow speeds. History: This story begins in the middle of someone else’s, and near the end of yet a third. In the late seventies, Parker Psion Jr. came to Washington, D.C. on a family errand. By his father’s orders, he met with multiple unidentified politicians to blackmail them with information gathered by the Psions. These favors may’ve had far-reaching consequences, but few people can say, as the congressional representatives (predictably) declined to bring the matter to federal attention. And yet, Parker’s visit did not go unnoticed. AEGIS was still gathering its momentum, and had more pressing issues toward which to direct its early super-powered agents, but they already cast suspicious glances toward the Psion family. Parker was under cautious surveillance throughout most of his time in D.C., although the agents had strict orders to not risk engagement without violence on his part. So they watched, first as he ran his errands, then as he celebrated, savoring his rare independence with a little bar-hopping, which ended in the home of Laurel Roeser, twenty-two-year-old clerical assistant. AEGIS investigated her after Parker left the city, wondering if perhaps Laurel was connected to the Psions, an informant or follower, but their meeting was eventually noted as random. Her pregnancy, they watched with greater interest. The original plan was to entice and monitor this illegitimate Psion by offering Laurel discrete employment (as an unwed mother at such a time, she found her other prospects depressingly limited), nudge her son toward schools of their choice, and eventually groom him for a military career. Instead, fate simplified matters with a fatal mugging just two years after Kevin Roeser was born. Army First Lieutenants Miranda and Ronnie Warne quickly adopted him, paperwork shoved through the system so fast that now-named-James barely saw an orphanage, and thus began a lifetime of Army bases and endless psychic testing. He knew early on that something was amiss, even with only other military children to compare his life to. His parents were attentive yet distant and professional. And the tests—as soon as James displayed telekinesis, all other aspects of his life became secondary. He continued to receive a standard education, plus cadet training, but the adults around him clearly rushed toward the talent that none of his peers possessed. They tried to bring out other psychic abilities, were disappointed when none came, and settled for honing his telekinesis like a knife. Captain Warne retired his Army commission at age twenty-four, transitioning to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the next decade, and has recently gone onto AEGIS, to best put his power to use. His career has taken him all across the globe without ever feeling any sense of home. Now, at his latest post in Freedom City, a rare place he’s never visited, perhaps he’ll discover more about himself than he expects—and more than his government handlers would prefer. Personality & Motivation: Cynical and suspicious, Adept is the career agent stereotype. He knows from firsthand experience that his “side” can do some very un-democratic things in the name of democracy, and freedom can look a lot different when the world’s most powerful military thinks you’re standing in the way of it. Having said that, he’s not entirely unpatriotic, and remains loyal to his country and agencies. This is a man who’s seen real chaos and corruption, the kind that make senator sex scandals, white-collar crimes, and America’s street gangs seem childishly quaint by comparison. He, quietly, enjoys some measure of pride in preventing such turmoil in his home territory. A lifetime on one side of the law does give Adept a very dim view of criminals; he exploits them freely for information and feels no sympathy if they suffer in the process. “Reformed” convicts can expect nothing but mistrust, and let’s be honest, everyone’s guilty of something. Adept considers it just a matter of discovering the details in most cases. Still, there’s wrong and wrong. He’s often willing to ignore lesser transgressions in exchange for tips on whatever big fish he’s chasing down this week…until he comes back in the future, to keep cashing in more favors. It can’t be blackmail if the government does it, right? Adept does have lines he won’t cross, murder being the foremost among them, no matter how convenient it often might be. He’s a very rare case among his profession; this refusal puzzles and occasionally frustrates his superiors. But he can feel something dark, deep in his soul, and privately worries that ending a life, rightly or not, will bring it bubbling up. It already feels so good to grab criminals with his mind and just squeeze… Powers & Tactics: On a good day, Adept tries to get by with his impressive skills. He’d rather talk his way through most situations if he can. On a great day, he can direct other agents under his command, with further backup just a phone call away. On the bad days, though, special lobes in his brain light up like Christmas trees, and then the screaming starts. He can crush cars like aluminum cans, toss people casually into walls, protect himself with a telekinetic field impervious to almost everything the average gangster might have, lift an incredible amount of weight, and in moments of desperation, “push” at everything around him, the aftermath resembling a bomb detonating on his position. Unlike most psychics, however, he has only one trick at his disposal, even if he’s very good at it. Complications: “Eff You, Cop!”: Adept is clearly a government agent, even before he introduces himself as such. Most people feel nervous talking to him, and many refuse to do so at all without…encouragement. “GET OUTTA MY HEAD!”: Adept’s training, from early childhood until recently, often included other psychics. They’d infiltrate his mind attempting to unlock other abilities, or to strengthen his resistance to such attacks, or to assess his honesty and loyalty. He absolutely hates it; with very few exceptions, mind-reading (that he’s aware of) elicits immediate violence, whether or not it’s appropriate. “How High, Sir?!”: Technically Adept doesn’t have to take orders from his old Army commanders, though those connections can still come into play. AEGIS, however, signs his checks, gives his assignments, even arranges his hotel rooms, and of course, says when to jump. In the Family: Only a few of Adept’s superiors and handlers know about his lineage, and they aren’t keen on sharing it with him. He’s constantly being evaluated for any signs that he might follow the Psion path. Furthermore, in light of the (apparently-deceased) Parker Psion Sr.’s schemes for his offspring, it’s considered of the utmost importance that none of the remaining Psions learn about their wayward relative. Smoke Break: He’s a two-pack-a-day man. Someday this is going to kill him, exercise regiment or no, but for now, GMs can level penalties to just about any rolls if Adept has to go more than an hour or two without a cigarette. Trustless: As a career agent, sometimes bordering on a full spy, Adept accepts suspicion as a fact of life. He’s well aware that his superiors don’t fully trust him (although he doesn’t know the real reason why), and he treats other people similarly, in and out of his organization. Even long-term partners aren’t above scrutiny. Combined with his talent for intimidation, Adept usually approaches witnesses, suspects, and “innocent” bystanders the same way. When all you have is a hammer… Abilities: 6+6+6+6+6+6=36PP Strength: 16 (+3) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 16 (+3) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 6+8=14PP Initiative: +11 Attack: +3 Grapple: +6 (+20 Psychokinesis) Defense: +10 (+4 Base, +6 Dodge Focus, +2 Flat-Footed) Knockback: -5 (-1 w/out Force Field) Saving Throws: 7+7+7=21 Toughness: +10 (+3 Base, +7 Force Field) Fortitude: +10 (+3 Base, +7) Reflex: +10 (+3 Base, +7) Will: +10 (+3 Base, +7) Skills: 35PP=140R Bluff 7 (+10) Diplomacy 2 (+5) Disable Device 7 (+10) Drive 2 (+5) Gather Information 17 (+20) Intimidate 17 (+20) Investigate 7 (+10) Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 7 (+10) Knowledge (Civics) 7 (+10) Knowledge (Current Events) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Streetwise) 7 (+10) Knowledge (Tactics) 17 (+20) Knowledge (Technology) 2 (+5) Language 4 (Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish) Medicine 2 (+5) Notice 7 (+10) Search 7 (+10) Sense Motive 12 (+15) Stealth 7 (+10) Feats: 20PP Benefit 6 (AEGIS Agent, Knowledge (Tactics) 3, Security Clearance, Wealth) Connected Contacts Dodge Focus 6 Improved Initiative 2 Luck 2 Master Plan Well-Informed Powers: 2 + 7 + 44 = 53PP Flight 1 (10 MPH/100FPM) [2PP] Force Field 7 [7PP] Telekinesis Array 20.2 (42PP, PFs: Alternate Powers 2) [44PP] BP: Move Object 10 (Effective STR 50, Heavy Load 12 tons, Extras: Damaging, Range [Perception], PF: Precise, Subtle) {42/42} AP: Strike 10 (Extras: Area [Burst], Selective, PF: Knockback 10, Progression (100' Range), Subtle) {42/42} AP: Move Object 20 (Effective STR 100, Heavy Load 12.5K tons, PF: Precise, Subtle) {42/42} Drawbacks: 0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch Toughness DC 18 Damage (Physical) Psychokinesis Perception Toughness DC 25 Damage (Energy) Totals: Abilities (36) + Combat (14) + Saving Throws (21) + Skills (35) + Feats (20) + Powers (53) - Drawbacks (0) = 179/202 Power Points Telekinesis Lifting Capacity: Light Medium Heavy Psychokinesis (Effective Strength 50) 4 Tons 8 Tons 12 Tons Move Object (Effective Strength 100) 4,000 Tons 8,000 Tons 12,500 Tons

Argonaut Power Level: 10/14 (206/212) Trade-Offs: +3 Attack/-3 Damage (Power Pike), -2 Defense /+2 Toughness Unspent PP: 6 In Brief: Omegadrone Agent of A.E.G.I.S! Alternate Identity: Yves Zermeño, Yvejskrujanharbh'aar Identity: Secret Birthplace: Lor-Zul Occupation: AEGIS Field Agent Affiliations: AEGIS Family: Carlos Zermeño (Husband), Luz Zermeño (Eldest Daughter), Anna Zermeño (Middle Daughter), Sophia Zermeño (Youngest Daughter) Description: Age: 50 (DoB: Born March, 16 1968) Apparent Age: 30 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Lor Height: 5'2 Weight: 210 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Yves is a slightly muscular brown skinned woman with no visible natural body hair. The missing hair on her head was replaced with a very expensive lace wig. The wig is styled into a short bob. She often dresses in modest fashions that leave very little skin showing. Hiding the various scars throughout her body that she actually opted not to have surgically removed. Never wanting to forget the monster that she was. As Argonaut, Yves' MEGA-MAX bears a recolored Shocktrooper Omegadrone Armor. The face plate retains an all too familiar skull like design. The armor does not have wings due to having a far sleeker design than Steelgrave's original bulky model. The back does, however, have secondary thrusters to to aid the jet boosts propulsion outside of atmospheric conditions (although the secondary boosters are currently damaged), The rocket boots can maneuver through the air with no issue having lost no air superiority. The Armor's left breastplate has the AEGIS emblem engraved. History: In another world in which the Lor's First Age never came to a close, the Lor Republic stretched to every corner of explored space. The military existed primarily for the purpose of exploration and further colonization of Lor Space. Quality of Life for citizens of the advanced civilization was such that only a sci fi novel could compare. Yvejskrujanharbh'aar was a freshly graduated university student with a future as a star faring diplomat in all but certain. Her life was pretty much uneventful. She had friends, family, loved ones and her personal tragedies were no more exciting than a lost pet here or there. Having never left her home planet, her dream was to engage in interplanetary relations perhaps to eventually take a seat as a Senator. The Lor citizens born on the planet of Lor-Zul are known for being born with two very distinct features. The first being a long life span in which they maintain a youthful appearance, only showing signs of aging during the last quarter of their lives. The second a natural affinity with languages their mind able to comprehend all spoken and written word as if they were living ciphers due to a unique psionic mutation. It was only the first trait that appealed to Shadivian Steelgrave after the Terminus came. With no enemies to oppose the Lor the military was nowhere near qualified to handle the unified front of the combat drones that swept their world. The Lor were crushed and in the end there was only the Terminus. Life as a conquered slave with the Hundred Worlds was far different for the Lor. Gone from Spacemen to cavemen one had to let a piece of himself die just to survive. In Nihilor only the strong survive. And what she lacked in physical might, Yvejskrujanharbh'aar made up for with sheer willpower and luck. Engaging in brutal gladiatorial fights until she scrapped by on top of her opposition. Her prize? Her mind was torn asunder as she underwent the unspeakable acts that defined the Omegadrone conditioning. Brainwashed by the Omegadrone conditioning Yvejskrujanharbh'aar had long faded she was merely a servant of Omega. Serving on the front lines as an Omegadrone Shocktrooper. Many people remember the Terminus Invasion of 1993 differently. Most of those memories are not looked back on too fondly. But for Yvejskrujanharbh'aar it was her first real memory since her first shot at life had ended. As one of those very invaders, she found herself barely clinging to life by the time the battle had come to a close. Her armor was skewered onto a steel rod at her abdomen. Recovered by AEGIS field agents, she was given medical treatment as the organization wasn't out to just let people die. Even those part of a foreign invasion force. Of course if it brought about the opportunity to learn more about the Terminus forces more power to them. It took a think tank of the top AEGIS psychologists and doctors to match Daedalus efforts in deprogramming the Omegadrone conditioning. They even crafted a new identity for her to live, monitored by a field agent, just outside of their Baltimore offices. Yvejskrujanharbh'aar or Yves as she had now come to be known just had to agree to surrender her armor to them as well as acting as a consultant whenever the need struck the agency. When Dr. Doris Volk joined AEGIS in 1997 amongst the many projects she pursued was the development of MAX series Power Armors. Shorty after completing the designs on the Super-Max armor Dr. Volk had already begun considering the process for advancing upon her design. Searching through old AEGIS files for inspiration Dr. Volk eventually came to learn about the deal AEGIS made with Yves. It took a decade to combine the technology of the Omegadrone with that of a SUPER MAX armor creating the first flight capable power armor, far before the distinctly more well known models used by Subjects V and V2. The most problematic bit of integration was that the armor's neural interface would only respond to omegadrones like the armor's previous pilot, Yves. A neural interface was originally designed to reinforce the Omegadrone conditioning and improve Nihilor's Mixed Murder Arts by recording combat data and aiding the pilot adapt in all situations. Dr. Volk's attempts of repurposing the interface to aid field agents in saving lives could not completely overcome the fact that only a mind whom had gone through Steelgrave's brainwashing was the only one capable of conceptualizing such an idea. So she requested Yves assistance in improving the combat data of the interface as Dr. Volk attempted to overcome the flaw in the design. An offer that went through a very long series of refusals before Yves finally relented with some trepidation. Spending weekends as a test pilot for the tongue in cheekily named MEGA-MAX armor. Breaking away from the training simulation when the armor caught the transmission of a nearby alarm system in which a shoe store was being robbed by three heavily armed men. Within the comfort of her armor she was able to easily able to deal with the crooks. Disappearing before AEGIS latest line in experimental technology could be shaken. Upon her return she wasn't admonished for taking off with government property as she expected. Instead there was a congratulatory fanfare and applause and she was offered a real job with the agency. After weighing her options and the sense of satisfaction that came with actually doing something good with the armor she took the job. In her personal life, Yves and her handler had wed some years back. Together they were raising three girls from his first marriage. Although at this point the eldest was studying at FCU, so the children did not exactly outnumber the parents in the household. Eventually the Zermeños requested a change in duty station from Baltimore to Freedom City. Marking her return to the city after 20 years as the armored hero Argonaut. After Argonaut returned from a mission off planet. Dr. Volk claimed to have attained enough data to begin work on the MEGA-MAX series of prototypes. AEGIS set about fully repairing Argonaut's Shocktrooper armor and upgrading both it and her pike with the information on display. Personality & Motivation: Yves may not have been quite herself when she worked as a soldier of Omega. But she remembers every waking minute of that nightmare. Every slash, every stab, every atrocity committed in the name of the Lord of the Terminus. She tries not to let it weigh on her conscious too much and for the most part succeeds with bravado and gumption (albeit a silent gumption), but the memory is always there gnawing at the back of her head. Despite that one would be hard pressed to find her without a smile on her face. Whether it is forced or not. Outwardly confident, albeit carefully spoken, she works hard at covering up her own insecurities of not being qualified for being a 'hero' due to her past a Terminus soldier. Despite the fact that AEGIS already has a solid history of working with reformed criminals. Yves is very good at seeing through people's intentions. Above all else, she feels as if she has seen enough death in her lifetime and will go through absurd lengths to try and save everyone she can even if it cost her life in doing so. In her daily life, Yves can be downright domestic. Attempting to portray the image of a perfect mom next door type, while still keeping conversations as short as possible. Yves is not a talker by any measure for those outside her family. But, when she does speak it's usually either snark covered or blunt with absolutely no sense of tact. A self described realist through and through Argonaut does not mince words or paint optimistic pictures. Powers & Tactics: Yves relies on the Argonaut armor to do all her heavy lifting. Even with her now rusty training in the mixed murder arts, she is quite effective at using her power pike for close range combat. At a distance, Argonaut fires bolts of cosmic energy at her foes from her pike. Her Shocktrooper armor has multiple thrusters throughout potentially allowing her to fly through the air with ease. The rear thrusters allow her to traverse the atmosphere with much more force than she can muster inside the planet without risking damaging the surroundings. Taking a cue from Omega himself, Yves can compress the entropic energies of her Blast blade creating a small endothermic reaction that releases in a bright flash of light to blind her foe. Lastly, AEGIS has created a sort of funnel exhaust to allow Yves to release the entropic energies of her power pike from the middle of the shaft. Specifically forming it into the shape of a shield with AEGIS’ symbol on the center. Seeing as the pike is both collapsible and kept on a wrist sheath underneath her arm this can make it appear as if her only weapon is the shield itself when not wearing the armor. The Shocktrooper Nanites in her body use a "stim pack system". Using a chemical delivery system with a variety of entropic fueled stimulants designed to appeal to an Omegadrone's implants. This activates the whenever she successfully slices matter with her entropic blast blade. In turn creating a sort of painkiller effect in the heat of battle to keep fighting. This allows the mindless drones to push forward in the heat of battle with even less care for their well being. For a freed Omegadrone like Yves, it means having to combat her baser urges every time she fights. Yves body contains tiny nanofibers that are far stronger than human muscle fibers of equal size. The tiny nano muscles allow her to perform feats of strength above what is humanly possible. In fact her very physical condition is improved well above what should be humanly (or rather Lorly) possible. Her neural implants allows her to react with split second timing. When not in use the Omegadrone armor is stored in a portable suitcase Complications: AEGIS Defend!: Yves has an almost unhealthy obsession with pursuing redemption. Nominally this just presents in her wanting to try and protect as many lives as she possibly can. Which on its own is not a problem. But ,Yves runs blindly into action without thinking of the consequences if she thinks it can help someone. Theoretically making her an easy target for a villain's manipulations Broken Arrow: The Terminus did the former Omegadrone no favors. Matters related to Omega and his Annihilists, are a possible trigger for Yves' PTSD to flare up. Flashbacks, hallucinations, and panic attacks are among the many possibilities of how this can manifest. While distracting all on their own, it can be real inopportune in the midst of a high stress chaotic combat zone. Calling for Pegasus: Her identity as Argonaut or even as a former Omegadrone is not common knowledge. AEGIS keeps its secrets well guarded. Her would be allies could even assume her to be a criminal due to the design of her armor looking as if it was a riff on Omegadrones. Local law enforcement or overly enthusiastic civilians may try and attack the Azure Omegadrone mistakenly believing themselves to be attacking a villain. Shield Cracked: The neural interface on the Argonaut armor connects her mind to the machine. This means that , Argonaut's brain can be "hacked" by means that would normally only affect machines while connected to her armor. GM's can feel free to have not only be affected by attacks meant to "mind control" technology but even have her auto fail it. Shields High!: Yves is given a lot of autonomy as an AEGIS agent, but still she has to formally request permission to activate her Omegadrone Armor unless the situation is exigent enough for her to do otherwise. Shield Wall!: Argonaut's Vampiric Damage Effect doesn't really heal her. The Vampiric effect is only a temporary stimulant release for sedation. The GM can at any point in time have any healed injuries return. Furthermore, the stimulant release was not designed with a conscious person in mind. The GM could apply any number of new conditions (such as nauseate, paralyze, etc) with or without the prior healed Damage condition to show her body is suffering from adverse effects from the entropic energies flush in her body. Abilities: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 10 + 2 = 36PP Strength: 16/24 (+3/+7) Dexterity: 16/24 (+3/+7) Constitution: 16/24 (+3/+7) Intelligence: 16 (+3) Wisdom: 20 (+5) Charisma: 12 (+1) Combat: 8 + 8 = 16PP Initiative: +7 Attack: +4/10Armored Ranged, +7/13Armored Melee Grapple: +16/+17 Defense: +5/+8 (+4/7 Base, +3/ Dodge Bonus), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback: -9/-10 Saving Throws: 3 + 0 + 2 = 5PP Toughness: +12 (+7 Con, +2 Density, +2 Armor, 7 Impervious) Fortitude: +10 (+7 Con, +3) Reflex: +7 (+7 Dex) Will: +7 (+5 Wis, +2) Skills: 104R = 26PP Acrobatics 1 (+8) Computers 12 (+15) Skill Mastery Craft (Structural) 2 (+5) Craft (Mechanical) 2 (+5) Disable Device 7 (+10)Skill Mastery Diplomacy 4 (+5) Drive 1 (+8) Gather Information 1 (+2) Intimidate 9 (+10)Skill Mastery Investigate 2 (+5) Knowledge (Behavioral Sciences) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Civics) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Cosmology) 10 (+13) Knowledge (Current Events) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Galactic Lore) 5 (+8) Knowledge (Streetwise) 2 (+5) Knowledge (Tactics) 2 (+5) Medicine 1 (+6) Notice 9 (+14) Pilot 8 (+15)Skill Mastery Search 2(+5) Sense Motive 10 (+15) Stealth 3 (+10) Survival 5 (+10) Feats: 10PP Attack Focus (Melee) 3 Benefit (AEGIS Security Clearance) Dodge Focus 1 Favored Opponent (Omegadrones) Fearless Interpose Skill Mastery (Computers, Disable Device, Intimidate, Pilot) Startle Powers: 6+ 8 + 20 + 1 + 1 + 29 + 50 = 115PP Communication 4 ( Radio [1 Mile]; Power Feats: Selective, Subtle ) [6PP] Comprehend 4 ( Codes & Ciphers, Languages [Read All, Speak Any One at a Time, Understand All ) [8PP] Device 6 ( 30PP container; Feats: Restricted to Omegadrones, Subtle; Flaw: Easy-to-Lose ) [20 PP] (Collapsible Power Pike) Concealment 4 (Normal Sight; Flaw: Passive ) [2DP] (Cloaking) Terminus Blast Array (25PP Array; Feat: Alternate Power 3 ) [28DP] BP: Damage 10 ( Extra: Ranged; Feats: Affects Insubstantial 2, Incurable, Precise, Split Attack) (Entropic Blast) {25/25} AP: Damage 0 ( Extras: Penetrating 7, Vampiric 7 ; Feats: Affects Insubstantial 2, Extended Reach [5'], Improved Critical 2, Incurable, Mighty, Precise, Variable Descriptor 2 [Any Technological] ) (Blast Blade) {24/25} AP: Deflect 5 ( All Ranged Attacks; Extras: Redirection, Reflection ) {25/25} (Shield of AEGIS) AP: Dazzle 10 ( Visual Senses ) {20/25} (Blinding Blast) Feature 1 ( Temporal Inertia ) [1PP] Immunity 1 ( Aging; Flaw: Limited to Half-Effect ) [1PP] Device 8 ( 40PP Container; Feat: Restricted to Omegadrones; Drawback: Full-Round to Don the Suit [-4] Flaw: Hard to Lose ) [29PP] (AEGIS Upgraded Omegadrone Armor) Enhanced Attack 6 [12 DP] (Combat Computer) Enhanced Defense 3 [6DP] (Combat Computer) Flight 3 ( 50mph, 500 ft./rnd; Feat: Move-by-Action ) [7DP] (Jet Boots) Immunity 4 ( Disease, Poison, Sleep, Starvation & Thirst; Flaw: Limited to Half-Effect ) [2DP] Immunity 6 ( Environmental Conditions [Cold, Heat, High Pressure, Radiation], Suffocation[All] ) [6DP] Protection 3 [3DP] Super-Movement 1 ( Space Travel [Interplanetary] ) [2DP] Super-Strength 1 ( Effective STR 39 [Heavy Load 2.8 Tons] )[2DP] Omegadrone Shocktrooper Nanite Enhancements ( 50PP Container ) [50PP] Density 4 (x2 Weight, Flaws: Permanent, Feats: Innate, Subtle) [14PP] Enhanced Constitution 8 [8PP] Enhanced Dexterity 8 [8PP] Enhanced Feats 2 ( Affects Insubstantial [Unarmed] ) [2PP] Impervious Toughness 5 [5PP] Speed 1 ( 10 mph, 100' per round ) [1PP] Super-Senses 10 ( Analytical [All Vision], Darkvision, Infravision, Microscopic Vision 3 [Molecule Size], Radio, Tracking [Infravision/Half-Speed] ) [10PP] Super-Strength 1 ( Effective STR 34 Heavy Load=2.8k lbs ) [2PP] Drawbacks: -2PP Vulnerability (Magnetism; uncommon, Major, +50%) [-2PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE DC EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC22 Toughness Damage (Physical) Blinding Blast Ranged DC20 Fort/Reflex Dazzle (Light) Blast Blade Ranged DC22 Toughness Damage (Technological) Entropic Blast Touch DC25 Toughness Damage (Cosmic) Totals: Abilities (36) + Combat (16) + Saving Throws (5) + Skills (26) + Feats (10) + Powers (115) - Drawbacks (2) = 206/212 Power Points

GM AEGIS Stealth Fighter En Route to Hong Kong Sunday, February 22nd, 2015 6:05 PM On October 10th 2014 Agent Henry Hand, an ex-special forces officer turned AEGIS agent, betrayed the organization. Exposure to Daka crystals had turned hand into a madman. That was only the start of AEGIS' troubles. Hand's capture did nothing to prevent various exotic stolen artifacts that the man had acquired from entering the black market. It was the heroine Terrifica who made the first great strides in following chatter of some sort of secret underground auction occurring in Hong Kong. AEGIS efforts to collaborate with local law enforcements had been stymied behind walls of political red tape. Despite the high level of autonomy Hong Kong managed, the city state had to let the MSS (Ministry of State Security: China's premier intelligence and security agency) take point. The MSS agent in charge of the proceedings only relented in allowing AEGIS to conduct their operation in Chinese soil if AEGIS agreed to bring Terrifica in as an outside third party. Apparently impressed with her investigative efforts. So it was that AEGIS sent a stealth transport plane to Hong Kong in the hopes of recovering some of their stolen artifacts. The US Government also saw the need in keeping its ducks in line. Wasting absolutely no time in sending their special liaison to AEGIS on the flight. Special Agent Lazenby stood in the middle of the craft holding a small laser pointer as he readied himself to brief the small four man party on board, consisting of Terrifica, Captain Henry Thompson, Special Agent Yves Zermeño, and Agent Alyssa Wild (an Israeli woman who spent most of the flight cleaning the parts to a sniper rifle). "If there are no questions may I begin the briefing?" Agent Lazenby openly questioned.

Player Name: HG Morrison Character Name: Argonaut Power Level: 10 (162/163) Trade-Offs: +1 Attack/-1 Damage (Blast), -2 Attack/+2 Damage (Strike), -2 Defense /+2 Toughness Unspent PP: 1 Progress to Gold Status: 26/90 (24PP pre-bump [PL8/144PP > PL10/158PP], 4PP post-bump; Silver Status earned with Foreshadow II) Bronze Reward: 10PP of Equipment for Foreshadow, 5PP gone into shared Vanguard HQSilver Reward: 3rd PC [Argonaut] at PL10/150PP In Brief: Omegadrone Agent of A.E.G.I.S! Alternate Identity: Yves Zermeño, Yvejskrujanharbh'aar Identity: Secret Birthplace: Lor-Zul Occupation: AEGIS Field Agent Affiliations: AEGIS Family: Carlos Zermeño (Husband), Luz Zermeño (Eldest Daughter), Anna Zermeño (Middle Daughter), Sophia Zermeño (Youngest Daughter) Description: Age: 47 (DoB: Born March, 16 1968) Apparent Age: 30 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Lor Height: 5'2 Weight: 105 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Yves is a slightly muscular brown skinned woman with no visible natural body hair. The missing hair on her head was replaced with a very expensive lace wig. The wig is styled into a short bob. She often dresses in modest fashions that leave very little skin showing. Hiding the various scars throughout her body that she actually opted not to have surgically removed. Never wanting to forget the monster that she was. As Argonaut, Yves' MEGA-MAX bears a recolored Shocktrooper Omegadrone Armor. The face plate retains an all too familiar skull like design. The armor does not have wings due to having a far sleeker design than Steelgrave's original bulky model. The back does, however, have secondary thrusters to to aid the jet boosts propulsion outside of atmospheric conditions (although the secondary boosters are currently damaged), The rocket boots can maneuver through the air with no issue having lost no air superiority. The Armor's left breastplate has the AEGIS emblem engraved. History: In another world in which the Lor's First Age never came to a close, the Lor Republic stretched to every corner of explored space. The military existed primarily for the purpose of exploration and further colonization of Lor Space. Quality of Life for citizens of the advanced civilization was such that only a sci fi novel could compare. Yvejskrujanharbh'aar was a freshly graduated university student with a future as a star faring diplomat in all but certain. Her life was pretty much uneventful. She had friends, family, loved ones and her personal tragedies were no more exciting than a lost pet here or there. Having never left her home planet, her dream was to engage in interplanetary relations perhaps to eventually take a seat as a Senator. The Lor citizens born on the planet of Lor-Zul are known for being born with two very distinct features. The first being a long life span in which they maintain a youthful appearance, only showing signs of aging during the last quarter of their lives. The second a natural affinity with languages their mind able to comprehend all spoken and written word as if they were living ciphers due to a unique psionic mutation. It was only the first trait that appealed to Shadivian Steelgrave after the Terminus came. With no enemies to oppose the Lor the military was nowhere near qualified to handle the unified front of the combat drones that swept their world. The Lor were crushed and in the end there was only the Terminus. Life as a conquered slave with the Hundred Worlds was far different for the Lor. Gone from Spacemen to cavemen one had to let a piece of himself die just to survive. In Nihilor only the strong survive. And what she lacked in physical might, Yvejskrujanharbh'aar made up for with sheer willpower and luck. Engaging in brutal gladiatorial fights until she scrapped by on top of her opposition. Her prize? Her mind was torn asunder as she underwent the unspeakable acts that defined the Omegadrone conditioning. Brainwashed by the Omegadrone conditioning Yvejskrujanharbh'aar had long faded she was merely a servant of Omega. Serving on the front lines as an Omegadrone Shocktrooper. Many people remember the Terminus Invasion of 1993 differently. Most of those memories are not looked back on too fondly. But for Yvejskrujanharbh'aar it was her first real memory since her first shot at life had ended. As one of those very invaders, she found herself barely clinging to life by the time the battle had come to a close. Her armor was skewered onto a steel rod at her abdomen. Recovered by AEGIS field agents, she was given medical treatment as the organization wasn't out to just let people die. Even those part of a foreign invasion force. Of course if it brought about the opportunity to learn more about the Terminus forces more power to them. It took a think tank of the top AEGIS psychologists and doctors to match Daedalus efforts in deprogramming the Omegadrone conditioning. They even crafted a new identity for her to live, monitored by a field agent, just outside of their Baltimore offices. Yvejskrujanharbh'aar or Yves as she had now come to be known just had to agree to surrender her armor to them as well as acting as a consultant whenever the need struck the agency. When Dr. Doris Volk joined AEGIS in 1997 amongst the many projects she pursued was the development of MAX series Power Armors. Shorty after completing the designs on the Super-Max armor Dr. Volk had already begun considering the process for advancing upon her design. Searching through old AEGIS files for inspiration Dr. Volk eventually came to learn about the deal AEGIS made with Yves. It took a decade to combine the technology of the Omegadrone with that of a SUPER MAX armor creating the first flight capable power armor, far before the distinctly more well known models used by Subjects V and V2. The most problematic bit of integration was that the armor's neural interface would only respond to omegadrones like the armor's previous pilot, Yves. A neural interface was originally designed to reinforce the Omegadrone conditioning and improve Nihilor's Mixed Murder Arts by recording combat data and aiding the pilot adapt in all situations. Dr. Volk's attempts of repurposing the interface to aid field agents in saving lives could not completely overcome the fact that only a mind whom had gone through Steelgrave's brainwashing was the only one capable of conceptualizing such an idea. So she requested Yves assistance in improving the combat data of the interface as Dr. Volk attempted to overcome the flaw in the design. An offer that went through a very long series of refusals before Yves finally relented with some trepidation. Spending weekends as a test pilot for the tongue in cheekily named MEGA-MAX armor. Breaking away from the training simulation when the armor caught the transmission of a nearby alarm system in which a shoe store was being robbed by three heavily armed men. Within the comfort of her armor she was able to easily able to deal with the crooks. Disappearing before AEGIS latest line in experimental technology could be shaken. Upon her return she wasn't admonished for taking off with government property as she expected. Instead there was a congratulatory fanfare and applause and she was offered a real job with the agency. After weighing her options and the sense of satisfaction that came with actually doing something good with the armor she took the job. In her personal life, Yves and her handler had wed some years back. Together they were raising three girls from his first marriage. Although at this point the eldest was studying at FCU, so the children did not exactly outnumber the parents in the household. Eventually the Zermeños requested a change in duty station from Baltimore to Freedom City. Marking her return to the city after 20 years as the armored hero Argonaut. After Argonaut returned from a mission off planet. Dr. Volk claimed to have attained enough data to begin work on the MEGA-MAX series of prototypes. Keeping the old Argonaut armor, AEGIS set about fully repairing Argonaut's Shocktrooper armor (At her request). Her thorough cybernetic modifications allowed the armor to once again return to storage within her body. Personality & Motivation Yves may not have been quite herself when she worked as a soldier of Omega. But she remembers every waking minute of that nightmare. Every slash, every stab, every atrocity committed in the name of the Lord of the Terminus. She tries not to let it weigh on her conscious too much and for the most part succeeds with bravado and gumption (albeit a silent gumption), but the memory is always there gnawing at the back of her head. Despite that one would be hard pressed to find her without a smile on her face. Whether it is forced or not. Outwardly confident, albeit carefully spoken, she works hard at covering up her own insecurities of not being qualified for being a 'hero' due to her past a Terminus soldier. Despite the fact that AEGIS already has a solid history of working with reformed criminals. Yves is very good at seeing through people's intentions. Above all else, she feels as if she has seen enough death in her lifetime and will go through absurd lengths to try and save everyone she can even if it cost her life in doing so. In her daily life, Yves can be downright domestic. Attempting to portray the image of a perfect mom next door type, while still keeping conversations as short as possible. Yves is not a talker by any measure for those outside her family. But, when she does speak it's usually either snark covered or blunt with absolutely no sense of tact. A self described realist through and through Argonaut does not mince words or paint optimistic pictures. Powers & Tactics: Yves relies on the Argonaut armor to do all her heavy lifting. Even with her now rusty training in the mixed murder arts, she. Preferring to use her Power Pike at a distance, Yves will pelt away at her foes with the entropic energies of the Terminus contained in the blast blade. If need be she can close the distance and strike at her foes with the actual pike itself. The Shocktrooper Power Pike has a "stim pack system". Using a chemical delivery system with a variety of entropic fueled stimulants designed to appeal to an Omegadrone's implants the Pike can actually deliver a sort of painkiller effect in the heat of battle while filling an Omegadrone with a sort of bloodlust. This allows the mindless drones to push forward in the heat of battle with even less care for their well being. For a freed Omegadrone like Yves, it means having to combat her baser urgers every time she fights. Yves body contains tiny nanofibers that are far stronger than human muscle fibers of equal size. The tiny nano muscles allow her to perform feats of strength above what is humanly possible. In fact her very physical condition is improved well above what should be humanly (or rather Lorly) possible. Her neural implants allows her to react with split second timing. When not in use the Omegadrone armor is stored in the hollow parts of her bones. Complications: AEGIS Defend!: Yves has an almost unhealthy obsession with pursuing redemption. Nominally this just presents in her wanting to try and protect as many lives as she possibly can. Which on its own is not a problem. But ,Yves runs blindly into action without thinking of the consequences if she thinks it can help someone. Theoretically making her an easy target for a villain's manipulations Broken Arrow: The Terminus did the former Omegadrone no favors. Matters related to Omega and his Annihilists, are a possible trigger for Yves' PTSD to flare up. Flashbacks, hallucinations, and panic attacks are among the many possibilities of how this can manifest. While distracting all on their own, it can be real inopportune in the midst of a high stress chaotic combat zone. Calling for Pegasus: Her identity as Argonaut or even as a former Omegadrone is not common knowledge. AEGIS keeps its secrets well guarded. Her would be allies could even assume her to be a criminal due to the design of her armor looking as if it was a riff on Omegadrones. Local law enforcement or overly enthusiastic civilians may Shield Cracked: The neural interface on the Argonaut armor connects her mind to the machine. This means that , Argonaut's brain can be "hacked" by means that would normally only affect machines while connected to her armor. GM's can feel free to have not only be affected by attacks meant to "mind control" technology but even have her auto fail it. Shields High!: Yves is given a lot of autonomy in her identity as Argonaut. Mostly because Dr. Volk judges any superheroics she pursues as still useful for data gathering purposes. But she still is an AEGIS agent and as such does still have certain obligations expected of her that can come into conflict with other heroes. Shield Wall!: Argonaut's Power Pike doesn't really heal her. The Vampiric effect is only a temporary stimulant release for sedation. The GM can at any point in time have any healed injuries return. Furthermore, the stimulant release was not designed with a conscious person in mind. The GM could apply any number of new conditions (such as nauseate, paralyze, etc) with or without the prior healed Damage condition to show her body is suffering from adverse effects from the entropic energies flush in her body. Abilities: 6 + 6 + 6 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 18PP Strength: 16/30 (+3/+10) Dexterity: 16/30 (+3/+10) Constitution: 16/30 (+3/+10) Intelligence: 10 (+0) Wisdom: 10 (+0) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 16 + 8 = 24PP Initiative: +10 Attack: +8 Base, +9 Ranged, +11 Power Pike Blast Grapple: +18 Defense: +78(+4 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -6 (Outside of Armor), -9 (Inside of Armor) Saving Throws: 0 + 0 + 2 = 2PP Toughness: +12 (+10 Con, +2 Protection, 7 Impervious) Fortitude: +10 (+10 Con) Reflex: +10 (+10 Dex) Will: +2 (+0 Wis, +2) Skills: 76R = 19PP Computers 10 (+10) Skill Mastery Disable Device 5 (+5)Skill Mastery Intimidate 10 (+10)Skill Mastery Knowledge (Cosmology) 10 (+10) Knowledge (Galactic Lore) 5 (+5) Notice 8 (+8) Pilot 5 (+15)Skill Mastery Sense Motive 15 (+15) Survival 8 (+8) Feats: 8PP Attack Focus (Ranged) 1 Benefit (AEGIS Security Clearance) Dodge Focus 4 Fearless Skill Mastery (Computers, Disable Device, Intimidate, Pilot) Powers: 6 + 17 + 1 + 1 + 25 + 44 = 964PP Comprehend 3 ( Languages [Read All, Speak Any One at a Time, Understand All ) [6PP] Device 5 ( 25PP Container; Feats: Restricted to Omegadrones, Subtle; Flaws: Easy-To-Lose ) [17PP] (Power Pike) Concealment 2 ( Normal Sight; Flaw: Passive ) [2PP] (Cloaking) BP: Damage 9 ( Extra: Ranged; Feats: Accurate, Alternate Power 1, Improved Range, Incurable, Precise ) (Entropic Blast) [23PP] AP: Damage 4 ( Extra: Penetrating 2, Vampiric 12; Feats: Extended Reach 1 [5 ft.], Improved Critical 2, Incurable, Mighty, Split Attack ) {22/22} (Power Pike Strike) Feature ( Temporal Inertia ) [1PP]Immunity ( Aging; Flaw: Limited to Half-Effect ) [1PP] Omega Armor 5 ( 25PP Container, Free Action, Sustained Duration ) [25PP] Flight 3 ( 50mph, 500 ft./rnd ) [6PP] (Jet Boots) Immunity 9 ( Life Support ) [9PP] Impervious Toughness 7 [7PP] Super-Senses 3 ( Darkvision, Radio ) [3PP] Omegadrone Shocktrooper Nanite Enhancements 8.8 ( 44PP Container ) [44PP] Enhanced Constitution 14 [14PP] Enhanced Dexterity 14 [14PP] Enhanced Strength 14 [14PP] Protection 2 [2PP] Drawbacks: -3 = -3 Vulnerable (Magnetic; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Major ) [-3PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Entropic Blast Ranged DC24 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Entropic) Power Pike Strike Touch DC27 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Piercing/Slashing) Totals: Abilities (18) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (2) + Skills (19) + Feats (8) + Powers (94) - Drawbacks (3) = 162/163 Power Points Note: Argonaut was originally bought as my 3rd PC with my Bronze Reward as a PL 8 (120/120). This Rebuild switches her over to my Silver Reward as a PL 10 (150/150). Seeing as this counts as a roundabout bump, Rollover from her time as a Bronze Character Slot has been applied. The Bronze Reward is instead taking the place of my Silver Reward (15 Equipment points. 10 Spent on Foreshadow, 5 on Vanguard HQ).

GM 12.45 PM, 1st of May, 2014, Liberty Park, Liberty Perk The harsh winter hadn't yet given up its hold on the west Atlantic. There were still occasional snowfalls, and the air was chillier than any mid-spring noon had any right to be. The clouds reigned over Freedom City. Still, that made things like steaming-hot coffee all the better. One of the reasons Mega Howell had been invited to the busy coffee shop. The other was the man who had invited her there, Freedom City's Director of the American Elite Government Intervention Service, Stewart Bonham. His chair tipped back downright perilously, a mug filled with one of the shop's better blends in hand, and gazing at the bustling streets and busy park like a born sovereign, the handsome, cheerful Chief Administrator was nobody's idea of a secret agent. Dressed in a snug blue sweater and scuffed jeans with a Blades baseball cap over his curly brown hair, he looked more like a off-duty athlete than a government spy and soldier. "It's great to see the people you're fighting for, Velocity, catch a glimpse of the lives that need saving. Gives you some perspective, you know?" tossing back a mouthful of the rich liquid, he savored the taste with closed eyes. "That, and it's safer. People see us talkin...well, they won't think it's business." Regarding a passing schnauzer on a leash, and the old woman coaxing it along the cold sidewalk, Stewart added "You didn't have to come, so I'm encouraged you did. Tell me," he glanced up at the famed speedster and superheroine across the table from him, his normally bright blue eyes crinkling a little against the sun blazing between the clouds "If I told you 'AEGIS needs your help with a doomsday cult'...what would you say?"

For Out-of-character discussion and posting rolls/resolving conflicts. Megan Howell IS Velocity in...Conspiravision.

GM Continued from OVERTHROW in City Hall! The Iceberg, headquarters of AEGIS, Freedom City September 12th, 2012, 2.15 PM The walk to Director Powers' office was a short one, made longer by that sense of unfamiliarity coming from new environments and the unceasing hustle and bustle of the American Elite Government Intervention Service going on all around them, reports of events happening around the globe the subject of constant surveillance and study, dour military officers considering tactical difficulties and pondering the best way to safeguard the world marching cheek-by-jowl with lean and excited scientists explaining new breakthroughs in cybernetics and the tantalizing results of new tests done on metals from another dimension, and they quickly opened ranks to accept the neat and professional shapes of the direct agents of AEGIS, who opined on new ways to undercut and overcome the forces of evil and villainy. They quickly stepped to the side to let Agent Anthea, Agent Silas, and the heroes of city hall past, giving them stern but warm words of welcome, and more than a few quiet waves and thumbs-up as they went by. For their part, the guiding agents looked neither right nor left, acknowledged only a few close friends and followed the dark purple line that led them straight to the office whose thick oak door was marked H. Powers, Dir. of AEGIS with a smaller sign below it saying "Do not disturb, bureau business" Knocking three times on the panels, Anthea called in "Mr. Powers! The fine people you wanted are here." From within there was a brief sound like shuffling papers, and then the door was abruptly opened to reveal the towering, eyepatched, confident and vigorous master of the agency, Harry himself. Dressed in a neat black AEGIS uniform, the man oozed command from every inch of his being. "It says do not disturb, agent" he snapped, shutting the door behind himself and briskly taking the lead down another corridor following a green line "Do you think I put it there as a test? Dismissed! You and Silas are due for another assignment in four hours in India, get ready" he said crisply, folding his hands behind his back and leading the team in silence to a room dominated by a narrow table and large screen. Silas and Anthea saluted and marched off, Silas giving a slight wave before they were out of sight. Tapping a small button on the table, the screen clicked to green life, showing the schematic of a ship, and the layout of a base. Turning to face the assembled heroes Harry Powers said gravely "Good day, I am Powers, the director of this agency, I am pleased to meet you and would like to request your assistance on a delicate mission." turning to Gabriel he added "Of course, I cannot force you to help, and if you would prefer not to act in tandem with us, you may use the information I am about to give you as you see fit." he leaned on the table, his one eye boring into the very hearts of the group who had saved city hall "Any questions before I begin?"

The Pine Barrens Thursday, January 4th, 2012 2:32 PM In all honesty, Cannonade could think of better places to be on a Thursday afternoon off from work. Walking down the Boardwalk, or getting a coffee and snack at the Black Petal. But here he was, flying in a helicopter over the Pine Barrens, looking for strange trees. Then again, he had to thank AEGIS for getting him out of work in the first place. They'd called him up with the assignment, and one call to the steel mill later - apparently cellulitis was the hot thing this year for sick day excuses - he had the next few days off, fully compensated. Which meant he was waiting for the other shoe to drop when Commander Grayston, who'd put him on the Nina al-Darsah job earlier in the year, swung by his apartment. "Aerial surveillance over the Barrens caught these a few days ago," Grayston had said, tossing a folder Joe's way. He'd picked it up and flipped through it. First was a photo from the sky, of a seemingly endless row of the famous pine trees of the Barrens -- only the needles were ash gray, and falling out in clumps on some trees. Next came photos from the ground, depicting the trees in more detail. The branches seemed to have grown in upon themselves, swelling until they burst or wrapping around themselves, and the trunks had turned the same pale color as the needles. A before-after picture, complete with time stamp, showed an AEGIS agent, clad in an NBC suit, taking an axe to one tree -- and felling it with one chop, as a large chunk of the base seemed to turn to dust with the impact. "...so, what, really local forest fire?" Cannonade had asked. "Budding firestarter?" "There was no chemical evidence of a forest fire -- no smoke traces, nothing. And unless this theoretical pyrokinetic could shut off his own fires, the damage would have spread farther than this. No, we've seen something like this before. Farmland around Salem, Massachusetts, 1927. Something fell onto a local settlement, spreading effects similar to the fallout of a nuclear explosion... only much more concentrated and with more mutagenic properties." "Great. Nukes. Mind telling me what this thing was?" "If we knew, we'd tell you. The phenomenon... vanished, just as quickly as it appeared. All any eyewitness could describe it as was a 'color,' similar to the Northern Lights. In any case, this seems to be the highest burst of damage from whatever it is - odds are that was the impact site - but we did find subtle evidence of a trail leading east. It's only a matter of time before this thing finds civilization." "And you want me to go in before it gets there," Cannonade had said. "All right. Mind if I make some calls?" The rest of the Liberty League had come out at the call - well, except for Ace Danger and Bombshell, who were still tied up in some sensitive business in Saudi Arabia - and, attended by more than a few AEGIS technicians, they scanned the Barrens from the air, looking for some sign of whatever was prowling through the woods, spreading blight as it went.

September 1, 2011 Jordan International Airport Freedom City International Terminal This is not why I joined UNISON thought Mark Lucas, keeping his annoyance off his face and a smile on it as he listened to his charge's complaints. "You have a UNISON escort because you're the daughter of a head of state of a UN-recognized nation," said Mark, feeling a little silly in his blue UNISON uniform. At least they hadn't made him wear the helmet on the plane. "and because Dr. Typhoon made the request personally." Princess Nina al-Darsah, the youngest daughter of Typhoon, the arch-nemesis of the Freedom League-turned-Middle-Eastern head of state, was about Mark's age. About to begin her first year as an FCU student, Nina was on her way back to Socotra for an urgent meeting with her father, who had requested not just a UNISON escort for his daughter but the most powerful agent in UNISON's employ. In fact, the man's exact words (as Mark had seen) had been "only the mightiest among your pitiful ranks is suitable to give security to the daughter of TYPHOON!" Pulled out of his camp on the Ivory Coast for this, Mark had spent the last day in the company of a gorgeous young woman with her father's tan skin, black hair, flashing eyes, and with the personality you'd expect from the daughter of one of the most absolute rulers on Earth. It hadn't been his favorite trip. "That's the third time I've made you tell me that, Agent Lucas," said al-Darsah with an amused smile as she folded her hands before her. They were sitting next to each other in the first-class cabin, Mark's uniform and her Socotran dress with its merger of Arab and Indian styles having gotten a lot of attention along the way. "You're very obedient. I was hoping an agent of the United Nations would have a little more gumption. But I suppose you'd have to be good at following orders to wear that uniform of yours." Oh, what the hell. If he was going to spend an entire transAtlantic flight next to this woman, the least Mark could do was try and make it interesting. What was the worst that could happen? "I'm good at all kinds of things, Princess," replied Mark with a warm smile as he turned on the charm. "And my job is to make sure you make it back to your father in one piece. And when we're done, if you'd like to see me out of uniform, I'd be happy to oblige you." He smiled, and actually got a blush from Nina, who'd evidently not expected that comeback. Out of high school and on his own, he'd only recently become aware of how good he was at flirting when he really put his mind to it. "In the meantime, though, the other passengers are arriving. Let's not give them any hint we're anything other than seatmates." They'd boarded the plane through a separate door for security, but since it was a regular commercial flight (Freedom City to Paris with a layover, and then to Socotra's big airport on the main island), the regular first class passengers were about to embark.