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Ranger Station 5 Tsavo National Park, Kenya 27th January 2020, 9am EAT It was rainy and overcast over the Savannah but it was still going to be a hot, humid day. As the animals and tourists began there days. Most of the Ranger Stations, that were being used, were still opening up but not Station Five which was active even this early in the day. Which was weird because it wasn’t usually used for the reason that trouble very rarely came from the border it was close to, probably one of the safest borders in the entire region. This was the reason that Chief Ranger was nervous because someone very import from that very country had arrived, to help them with there problem. “I’ve never met a real princess before!”

Ace smiled to his Niece and Nibling as well as the Dakanan royals. "Almost there." he jovially offered as he turned back to the console in front of him. "I'm so glad you two and your friends found something to do this summer!" he excitedly exclaimed as he swung the Danger Jet in low over the waters of the Black Sea and engaged the jets stealth capabilities, the residents would not see them coming of that much they could be certain. The rocky shore of the, until recently, abandoned soviet era base was visible ahead and growing rapidly through the windshield. The squat towers of the base and low domes of bunkers almost hidden in the overgrown forest of the remote island in disputed territory. At least three soviet successor states claimed the island as sovereign territory, and the Russian federation still claimed ownership based on the military installation. Not that any exerted real control on the remote strip of land or its dilapidated cold war era buildings. Which is probably why their targets had chosen it as a base of operations in the first place. It certainly had made it all but impossible to get official clearance to investigate the resident organization on the island in the first place. Luckily for the occupants of the jet it this weeks Danger Family Motto was 'Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission' else Arsenal would be long gone after the setbacks in Dakana and Turkey. "You kids have everything you need? All packed?" Ace glanced over his shoulder to ask like a soccer mom dropping the kids off at camp or the mall for the afternoon. "You have coms you just call when you're ready to go and I'll be in to pick you up." he assured them as they broached the islands perimeter. Once assured all were ready he flipped the switch on the console before him and the klaxons rang out as the drop bay began to open in the floor for them to make the jump. The Danger patriarch gave the teens a thumbs up when they were in position signalling them to make the drop when ready. At the sign Kam dove fearlessly through the bay and as soon as he was clear pulled the low open chute dropping neatly into the clearing they had targeted on the west end of hte island where they could make their way to the installation itself unseen the hoped. On the ground he quickly gathered his chute and made for the treeline to wait for the others to complete their jumps.

Utando wa Buibui, Dakana The Buibui Waridi, the Rose Spiders were a small clan that specialized in micro-engineering and nanotechnology, making medical scanners and other surgery equipment using Daka crystals in almost artistic ways. Recently there had been a few disturbing rumors that a few of their supplies of Daka crystal had been disappearing across the border. Such rumors had reached the ear of the Palace, though none had yet taken a look. There home town, Utando wa Buibui, was also on the way the lakeside Summer palace of the White Lions, where the two teenage children of the King were taking friends to enjoy the natural springs and (mostly) crocodile and hippo free waters for a few days of summer. How could they not take a few hours just to take a quick look into things, they had the entire summer to enjoy the lake after all...

March 2018 UC-San Diego The UC-San Diego campus wasn't quite dead during spring break. They had far too many residential students, and students who lived on-campus, for that. But as Mark Lucas sat on the soft green grass of the Warren Mall, he mostly had the place to himself, minus a picnicking couple down the way and a guy doing his best to study despite the occasional gust of wind kicking up the pages of his textbook. He wasn't really paying attention, though. "I've been keeping an eye out and so have our friends, but so far there's been no sign of any assassins. I think maybe this was another empty threat. Listen, I promise I'll Skype you once we get there - yes, my phone has service in Dakana. I'm just waiting for my friend so I can give her a ride. Love you too, babe, and give the baby a kiss for me." Feeling sentimental, Mark hung up the phone and checked the West Coast time - did he had time to pop back over and see his wife and son before playing taxi for Tsunami? Probably not. With a sigh, he slipped his phone in his pocket and waited for his rendezvous.

White Lioness Power Level: 10 [12] (155/190PP) Unspent Power Points: 35 Trade-Offs: +4 Attack / -4 Damage, +2 Defense / -2 Toughness In Brief: Laid back student, who just happens to be the current White Lioness. Catchphrase: "The female Lion is always much more dangerous than the male." Theme: Naughty by Keko Alternate Identity: Sara Kingdom, officially Àjàṣorò Tafari, White Lion Clan (Pubically known in Dakana), Ajasoro Birthplace: Dakana Residence: Dakana Royal Palace, Claremont Academy Base of Operations: Bayview Occupation:Princess & Student Affiliations: Dakana Royal Family Family: M'Balla (Father), Asma'u (Mother), M'Zale (Grandfather), Ubasti (Grandmother), Makeda (Baako's Mother), Baako (Half-Brother) Description: Age: 16 (DoB: 12th April 2002) Gender: Female Ethnicity: Dakanan African Height: 1.67 m (5'6") Weight: 54kg (120 lbs) Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Whilst she downplays it many have commented that Àjàṣorò has inherited some of the beauty of her mother with the intensity of her father, especially the dark intense eye that both twins posse. Before becoming the White Lioness she kept herself in reasonable shape, though nowhere near as athletic as her brother. Embracing the chance to study in America she dresses and acts as a typical teenager, even with a passable East Coast accent. Her clothes are the most recent fashion and her hair done in the latest style, though she keeps it relatively short. The famous White Lion(ess) suit she wears looks like white cloth bodysuit but is actually a hi-tech weave laced with energy absorbing Daka crystals. It has gone through several redesigns, the skirt was quickly abandoned, but has always included the traditional gold accompaniments of her title (though not the headdress as she is not yet Queen). When in the costume she uses her more natural Dakanan accent. History: Àjàṣorò the eldest daughter of King M'Balla and his second wife Asma'u was raised to understand the importance of the job that the White Lion clan did to defend the nation of Dakana from threats. As such her childhood was spent training her body and mind to be the best that she could. But she really wasn't interested in such things, her attention was on those brightly coloured superheroes they had in America, though obviously, she was most interested in her fathers and grandfather heroics. It's not that she isn't proud of her country and people, it's just that it all seemed much more interesting. She even began to adopt the fashions and even the general accent of she saw on the television and internet, much to her tutor's chagrin. Then her father decided the time had come to step down as the current White Lion and focus instead on improving his land. Àjàṣorò had never really been interested in taking on the mantle, oh sure she was concerned about the defence of the Kingdom, she was more interested in continuing her studies and maybe one day go to America. But she couldn't in good faith allow the power of the White Lion to go to her brutish half-brother Baako, she couldn't beat him in the ritual combat directly (The tests of Wisdom and Knowledge were much more her thing) but she could maybe win by being smarter. Instead of fighting him she spent the trial avoiding his blows, showing great grace and athleticism, hoping to wear him out until someone could fell him. She had planned for her brother to do the honours and become the next White Lion, but somehow she'd managed to outwit Baako enough to win the trial with barely a strike on the man. Ironically after the ritual that embodied her with the ancestorial powers of the White Lioness, her father told her that he'd contacted an old friend of the family and she'd be getting her wish to go and study in America. Personality & Motivation: Never expecting to be the Queen her tutoring in etiquette wasn't as thorough as her brother, though she can put it on when necessary, and is general irreverent and doesn't seem to take things too seriously. Friendly and gregarious she tries to be everyone's friend, though never pushy, and whilst actual royalty manages to come across as down to earth. As the White Lioness this all goes out the window and she is the noble well breed warrior that she was raised to be. Whilst she respects her father's views and what he has done for Dakana and the world she has, though she hates to admit this, she does agree in part with Makedo's ideas. Dakana might have equality between the sexes but you don't have too far outside its borders to see women repressed and worse, and she might have a few times done her bit to help those women in need. Powers & Tactics: Whilst all of the White Lion clan have some form of combat training, and Àjàṣorò had more than most, she has never been the most tactical of people. Instead she relies on her speed and agility to get herself out of potentially dangerous situations. Power Descriptions: After passing the trials of Wisdom, Knowledge and Combat Àjàṣorò has been empowered by the spirit of her ancestor the original White Lion. This grants her the speed and prowess of the Lion as well as the senses it possesses. In addition to the spiritual powers granted to her, she supplements it with a high tech body suit, the finest in Dakanan engineering, whose Daka crystal weave helps absorb impacts and reduce injuries. Complications: A real Princess: Àjàṣorò is both a princess of Dakana and the White Lioness, that give her certain obligations that she has to fulfil even if she had other things she needs to do. Enemy of the Red Hyena: Whilst mostly the Red Hyena's are willing to work within Dakana's system some, including her half-brother, take more direct and violent action against the White Lioness. A Normal teenager?: Wanting to experience America to it's fullest she's trying not to draw attention to the fact that she's a Princess of Dakana. Abilities: 8 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 8 + 6 = 50PP Strength: 18 (+4) Dexterity: 26 (+8) Constitution: 18 (+4) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 16 + 16 = 32PP Initiative: +12 Attack: +14 Melee, +8 Ranged Defense: +12 (+8 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed Grapple: +18 Knockback: -4 Saving Throws: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12PP Toughness: +4/+8 (+4 Con, +4 Protection) Fortitude: +8 (+4 Con, +4) Reflex: +12 (+8 Dex, +4) Will: +8 (+4 Wis, +4) Skills: 68R = 17PP Acrobatics 12 (+20) Skill Mastery Bluff 2 (+5) Diplomacy 7 (+10) Gather Information 2 (+5) Intimidate 2 (+5) Investigate 3 (+5) Knowledge (Popular Culture) 3 (+5) Language 1 (Dakana [Native], English) Medicine 1 (+5) Notice 11 (+15) Skill Mastery Sense Motive 11 (+15) Skill Mastery Stealth 12 (+20) Skill Mastery Survival 1 (+5) Feats: 22PP Acrobatic Bluff Attack Focus (Melee) 6 Benefit (Wealth) 3 Dodge Focus 4 Evasion 1 Hide in Plain Sight Improved Initiative Power Attack Skill Mastery (Acrobatics, Notice, Sense Motive, Stealth) Takedown Attack 2 Uncanny Dodge (Smell) Powers: 12 + 5 = 17PP Device 3 (Nyeupe Simba Suti / High Tech Body Suit, 15PP Device; Hard to Lose) [12PP] Damage 2 (Lions Claws, Feats: Mighty) [3PP] Immunity 2 (Critical hits) [2PP] Protection 4 [4PP] Super-Movement 3 (Slow Fall, Sure Footed, Wall Crawling) [6PP] Super-Senses 8 (Enhanced Audio Sense [Accurate, Extended, Ultra-Hearing], Enhanced Olfactory Senses [Accurate, Acute, Danger Sense, Extended, Tracking], Low-Light Vision) [10PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 19 Toughness Damage Lion Claws Touch DC 21 Toughness Damage Totals: Abilities (50) + Combat (32) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (17) + Feats (22) + Powers (22) = 155/190 Power Points

Red Lynx Power Level: 10 (157/166PP) Unspent Power Points: 9PP Trade-Offs: +2 Attack / -2 Damage, -1 Defense / +1 Toughness In Brief: Dakanan Prince taking a more 'personal' approach to aiding the less privileged nations. Catchphrase: Theme: The Message Alternate Identity(Secret outside Dakana) Birthplace: Dakana Residence: Dakana Royal Palace, Claremont Academy Base of Operations: Bayview Occupation: Prince & Student Affiliations: Dakana Royal Family, Claremont Academy Family: M'Balla (Father), Asma'u (Mother), M'Zale (Grandfather), Ubasti (Grandmother), Àjàṣorò Tafari (Twin Sister), Baako (Half-Brother) Description: Age: 18 (DoB: 12th April 2002) Apparent Age: 18 Gender: Male Ethnicity: African (Dakanan) Height: 6'4" Weight: 225 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Dark skinned and powerfully built Kamau looks every bit the part of Dakanan Royalty. With an athletic frame and well defined musculature he evokes a distinct bearing of controlled power and moves with a sure grace. A strong jaw and broad features continue that trend though his eyes have a thoughtful and considering cast. He attempts to school his features into an implacable mask fo royal propriety but is easily given to an all to boyish grin revealing nor at all regal dimples. He wears his hair shorn in a tight fade on the sides with a crown of tight 'locks coiled above. He usually dresses to suit the occasion though when given to leisure prefers utilitarian workout clothes. In costume his augmented suit is a deep almost black crimson with the interwoven daka crystals flaring to a bright red when struck with force. Vitals are covered with hardened plates of lightweight composites that gives the central torso an articulated appearance but leaves his range of motion free. He's stylized the armored helmet with high peaked 'ears' and a feline shape to the visor to better strike fear in the hearts of 'cowardly and superstitious' villains. History: Kamau is the second born of twins, children of King M'ballas second marriage. As such he has been afforded every benefit growing up the wealth and power of his upbringing grooming him to be a leader and perhaps eventual White Lion. It also instilled in him a deep feeling of responsibility for both his nation and his fellow man throughout the world. Unlike his (As she is quick to point out, elder) twin he has always taken a keener interest in his home country and it's heroes the White Lions and other champions throughout the years. As he grew he began training with the palace security in addition to his tutoring in assorted skills believed necessary for a prince and potential White Lion. Kamau excelled in most tasks put to him with a natural talent and easy confidence in his ancestry. Despite this, or perhaps because of it he has always approached his tasks and lessons with a certain careful and collected care. Both to avoid unintended consequence and to ensure success through application of his skills and abilities. When it came time for the challenge of the White Lion he fully expected he'd emerge the victor. Though his half brother was powerful he was reckless and easy to manipulate. Kamau's own sister had little more than passing interest in the title. While evenly matched in many of the trials when the final challenge came Kamau held back unwilling to commit lest Baako seize the power of the White Lion. In the end this proved his undoing. His sister acted unhesitatingly sizing opportunity when presented and carried the day. For some the failure at the trial may have soured their opinion of the winner or caused a crisis of faith or confidence. But Kamau felt something more akin to relief. He had pursued the position out of a default feeling of responsibility not out of any surity he was the right person. In truth he saw almost immediately the wisdom of the trials construction and that his sister was best suited for it took much more than strength of body or mind to be hte White Lion, or in this case the White Lioness. Kamau joins his sister at Claremont, seeing attendance at the Freedom school as an opportunity to not only learn from the americans but help them to clean up their 'crime ridden' streets and corrupt institutions. Personality & Motivation: Kamau affects a friendly and gregarious persona for public events a skill he has developed over the course of many state events from childhood on. In more private settings he's more withdrawn with a more naturally dry wit and quiet confidence until an area of particular interest draws out enthusiastic, and at times exhaustive, discussion of the topic at hand. As Red Lynx Kamau takes on the collected personality of the dark avenger his voice a low growl and a carefully curated body language to evoke fear in criminals and unsettled gratitude in innocents and law enforcement alike. Publically Prince Kamau is a strong proponent of his fathers policies of inclusion and action outside Dakanas borders. The nation has power and wealth and the responsibility to use them for the betterment of the world as a whole. This is not to say he is ignorant of the geopolitics his nations long isolation and how it effects modern attempts at involvement. In part this is why he was eager to leave Dakanas borders. He disagrees with the Isolationist old guard and imperial ambitions of some of the Red Hyena but also feels more must be done on the ground not only through economics and soft power but by citizens of good intention doing what is in their power to bend the other nations toward greater equity. He takes this duty seriously as Red Lynx to strike out against injustice in his adopted home of Freedom where despite the benefits afforded the citizens of the US many still find themselves victims of corruption or criminal enterprise turning ht tools of freedom to personal gain. Powers & Tactics: Lynx fights with a tactical efficiency born of his training with the Dakanan security forces. He approaches a potential conflict with tight focus on ending it quickly and with minimal collateral damage using the environment and keen tracking of his environments to give himself the advantage. Preferring to strike from unexpected directions he avoids direct confrontation until the time of his choosing whenever possible then attacks with single minded determination to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible. Utilizing his superior athletic abilities and training he's willing to stand toe to toe with an enemy to buy time if that is what is required or distract and draw an enemy to a battleground of his choosing denying the enemy the ability to use innocents or property damage against him. Power Descriptions: Beyond his physical training and conditioning Red Lynx utilizes advanced technology from Dakana for his efforts fighting crime abroad. In addition to his armored suit he uses a pair of Marungu. The throwing clubs are similar to those utilized by many Dakanan security forces and made of advanced alloys lightweight and strong, well balanced for throwing or striking. Complications: The Hero Formerly Known as Prince: Kamau is a foreign Royal operating as a secret vigilante on U.S. soil. International incidents are not out of the question. OLDER Sister: His elder twin is the White Lioness, and in his school, here enemies will be his enemies as well as the reverse. The World is a Mess and I Just Need to ... Rule it: Kamau see's the world outside of Dakana as less civilized and a little backwards. This can get him in trouble when he acts unilaterally for the good of "the people" regardless of authority. Keep it in the Family: Kamau's half brother Baako, as well as Ubasti sometimes put their politics into action, with fists. Kamau and his sister are likely targets. Abilities: 14 + 14 + 14 + 14 + 14 + 14 = 84PP Strength: 24 (+7) Dexterity: 24 (+7) Constitution: 24 (+7) Intelligence: 24 (+7) Wisdom: 24 (+7) Charisma: 24 (+7) Combat: 14 + 12 = 26PP Initiative: +5 Attack: +13 unarmed, +11 Melee, +7 base Defense: +10 (+6 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Grapple: +18 Knockback: -5/-3 Saving Throws: 0 + 3 + 3 = 6PP Toughness: +10 (+7 Con, +3 Armored Costume) Fortitude: +7 (+7 Con, +0) Reflex: +10 (+7 Dex, +3) Will: +10 (+7 Wis, +3) Skills: 48R = 12PP Acrobatics 7 (+14) Gather Information 2 (+9) Intimidate 7 (+12) Knowledge: Business 3 (+10) Knowledge: Civics 3 (+10) Knowledge: Streetwise 3 (+10) Language 2 (Dakanan [Native], English, Spanish) Notice 7 (+14) Sense Motive 7 (+14) Stealth 7 (+14) Feats: 16PP Acrobatic Bluff Attack Focus: Melee 4 Attack Specialization: Unarmed 1 Benefit 2 (Diplomatic Immunity, Wealth) Dodge Focus 4 Eidetic Memory Hide in Plain Sight Jack of all Trades Quick Change Powers: 4 + 4 + 5 = 13PP Device 1 (Armored Costume; 5 PP Container; Flaws: Hard-To-Lose;) [4PP] (Technology, Daka Crystals) Protection 3 (Absorptive Armor;) [3PP] Immunity 2 (Shock Plates; Critical Hits) [2PP] Device 1 (Marungu; 5 PP Container; Flaws: Easy-To-Lose; Feats: Multiple Weapons 1;) [4PP] (Technology) Damage 2 (Strike; Feats: Mighty, Thrown, Split Attack;) [5PP] (Bludgeoning) Container 1 (Training and Conditioning; 5 PP) [5PP] (Training) Enhanced Feats 1 (Situational Awareness; Uncanny Dodge [Mental]) [1PP] Immunity 2 (Conditioning; Starvation/Thirst, Need For Sleep; Flaws: Limited [Half Effect]) [1PP] Leaping 1 (Acrobatic Leap) [1PP] Quickness 1 (Efficiency) [1PP] Speed 1 (Sprinter) [1PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 22 Toughness Damage Marungu (melee) Touch DC 24 Toughness Damage Marungu (Thrown)Thrown DC 20Toughness Damage Totals: Abilities (84) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (6) + Skills (12) + Feats (16) + Powers (13) = 157/166 Power Points

OOC thread for this thread. Weekened Man runs afoul of the fearsome Red Lion! @Mafia Whale Please roll what you feel best fits knowing about the famous and jealously treasured daka crystals. I'd suggest Knowledge(Physical Sciences/Technology) myself.

GM Date: Unknown Location: A prison "Do you know the history of Ethiopia, 'Weekend'?" It was the first time the man in red had spoken, his face hidden behind a dizzying shimmer of digital distortion. The voice was deep, yet soft and mild, accented with the rolling vowels and curt consonants of another country. He smelled faintly acrid, like dusty books and ruins. He dressed finely, with an air of not just wealth but aristocratic and elegant bearing. The others hadn't said anything, but even so Roland could feel their presence. That is, they were tightly clustered behind the chair Roland was tied to, thick, gem-studded manacles binding his hands and feet together and behind the chair legs. He could feel and hear their breath, the slight shifting as they adjusted their feet, the rattle and clatter of something metal all of them carried in their hands. All of them started fidgeting the moment the man in red started talking. "Once, the kingdom of Shewa was a power that could defy even the Emperor. Even when Tewodros the Second defeated their Negus the region rose again and again in revolt. The Emperor settled their capital at Barara, the Negus' old seat, to claim that man's power and legitimacy for his own. The prince of Shewa, Menelik, became Emperor of Ethiopia in his own turn, a final insult to the pretender and his brood who thought they could take power with fire and sword." "I tell you this to remind you, sir, that what you have taken from us will soon be returned. My wise sister says "Wait." I say "Now", and no stripling boy untried by arms will defy me, not even in this, the seat of your pallid, wasting, leprous might." "In a few minutes our getaway vehicle will arrive and you will accompany me back to Africa. I cannot promise you such charming accommodations as this, but in time you might learn to accept gnawing, endless hunger and the surety that every chance to escape is a sham of my creation." The man in red held up the suitcase Weekend Man had, seemingly moments ago, been taking from the hands of a bunch of animal-themed robbers who had snuck into an ASTRO Lab wing. "Are you aware of the significance of daka crystals, Weekend?" This time, he paused and waited for an answer.

Dakana International Airport, Dakana 16th February 2015, 13:00 EAT (GMT +3) It wasn’t often that Claremont asked it’s students to travel halfway around the world, even if it was school holidays, but it wasn’t often that the request came on behalf of an actual King. The request was rather enigmatic but seemed to come from an official source of the Kings household. After rather lengthy discussion it was decided that one of the schools semi-official teams, Next-Gen, would have the honor to travel to Dakana. Flight BP66 one of the very modern Airbuses lands almost on schedule at the airport in a long but comfortable flight, whilst you were travelling economy the flight had very generous legroom. With the correct paperwork in hand you breezed through immigration to pick up your luggage that had travelled as diplomatic bags. Everything had been carefully prepared to make thing runs smoothly. Soon you were in the ultra modern clean airport lounge looking for whoever was here to greet you to this small African country.

The landlocked African country of Dakana, home to wonders of science thanks to the mysterious and powerful Daka crystals, lately emerging from centuries of isolationism onto the world stage. They are few, yet still hold the keys to a fantastical future. The submerged continent of Atlantis, a living myth from a vanished age whose people once held sway over half the world with their fusion of magic and technology and the mighty Orichalcum metal, now all but ignored and forgotten by the surface. They are many, but still a shadow of what was. For eons these two have had nothing ill to do with one another, courteous cousins in the great household of nations. Now, though, tensions rise between them, and accusations fly thick and fast of deception and attempted evil! Who could gain from bringing these two into conflict? Who would seek to make these two rivals or even bitter foes? Who plots a war that could spell a cataclysm across the Earth if it came to pass? And who will step forward to stop...the Showdown of the Super-Nations?! (All credit goes to Russoboo, and to Johnathan Hickman for being the guy who's writing the New Avengers series with an Atlantis vs. Wakanda plot) Players: 3-5 Suggested PL: 10-13 Preferences: Characters with some kind of diplomatic standing, establishment with the Freedom League, UNISON or international status(aliens, etc). Focus: Even split between Skills/interaction, with combat a distant third. Tone: Serious, streak of bombast(because the stakes are high!). I seriously doubt I'd be able to pull something like this off, but in the event of nobody else wanting to give it a go I'll get it a-rolling.

Late one crisp Friday in January, the various members of Young Freedom sat around the conference table in their headquarters and listened to the Star of Africa. Edet Chereno was the only Claremont student from Dakana, the richest nation in sub-Saharan Africa, and as he spoke with his faint English accent the daka crystals embedded in his red-tinted body glistened in the light of the overhead lamps. "The White Lion has disappeared." He looked from one to the other of the students there before looking back at Mark, the Young Freedom member who knew the African student best. "The great African hero," Mark murmured. "The King of Dakana. He's a friend of my family too," he added before letting the Star continue. Even Mark looked worried for this one, or at least as worried as Mark ever got. "He was returning from a conference in South Africa, along with the Prime Minister and the Queen, when his plane disappeared completely from Dakanan radar. Two follow-up missions have failed to find him; indeed, one of the rescue missions has now disappeared." Edet swallowed hard. "My country is at peace, but we have many enemies. The other nations tell mad stories about us, that we harbor a secret cure for cancer that is only for the elite, that a king keeps a monster chained up in the mountains, that our wealth comes from trade with the Grue." He rubbed one of the crystals in his skin and said quietly. "We cannot win a war against all our neighbors while at the same time choosing a new king. Even a victory would mean the death of tens of thousands." "And you came to us because teenage American heroes going to Africa will attract less attention than the Freedom League?" Mark had actually not wondered about that question at all; Edet had come to them because they were superheroes, naturally. But Edet had explained it when he'd first approached Edge, and so Mark had decided to bring it up himself. "Yes," agreed Edet. "Even the news of the king's disappearance would be a disaster. We must do all we can to prevent that. And...because it will allow me to come with you," he added. "I would not see my mentor, my patron suffer and be unable to come to his aid. Please, help," he asked them. "Before my homeland falls into a war that none shall win."