The Red Planet (IC)

[EternalPhoenix]

“Well, we do have a hero calling herself Miss Grue on Earth, so they can’t all be that bad.” Queenie shrugged. “Though it’s weird they call us solids, since humans are mostly water. Maybe it’s because we can’t change shape?” She glanced around. Mars didn’t have much of an atmosphere. Maybe Paradigm hadn’t noticed? “I don’t think they’d wear that much on Mars, anyway. There’s sandstorms, sometimes, but that’s about it. This planet is an almost wind free desert. There’s little reason anything would fall apart so much, if it hadn’t been a while.” Seresk’s comment and Paradigm’s translation elicited a sunny grin from her. “Then it looks like we’re in the right place.”

[Thevshi]

"The Grue possess a telepathic collective conscious, similar to a hive-mind."  Paradigm replied.  "But those Grue that manage to break free of that collective consciousness are as varied in their behavior as many other sentients." 

"And yes, their view of us as solids is due to our being in a single fixed form."  The Praetorian then added with a small smile. 

She then turned to face down the passage that led out of the landing pad the four were currently in.  "Yes, it would appear so.  Let us move further into the facility to see if we can locate the criminals that led us here." 

With that Paradigm started off into the corridor, followed by Seresk and Magnetar.  "Also, be mindful.  With the power systems still functioning, any internal defense systems could still be operational as well."

[Thevshi]

GM 

Moving down the corridor that led from the hanger they had entered through, Queenie and the three Praetorians passed two other empty hangers similar to the first.  As they went, the air started to get warmer, and more humid.  There was more Grue technology lining the walls of the corridors, much of it inert, while other elements were clearly active.   

The corridor the group was moving through opened into a larger one that appeared to be a central hub of the facility.  They were standing at what appeared to be one end of the central corridor, which proceeded off toward their right.  A similar corridor to the one they had just been in branched off just to the left from where they stood, and there were other openings further down the corridor.   

As the four reached the central corridor, a loud roar echoed from somewhere within the facility....

[Thevshi]

GM 

Just as the four heard the roar echo from within the facility, a large figure emerged from one of the corridor entrances further down the central hub.  It was a six legged creature, standing about ten feet high at its shoulders and covered in tough, grey leathery skin.  Each of its six feet had three wicked looking talons.  

The creature's large head had a massive maw, lined with long fangs that were clearly visible as it focused on the four, snarling loudly.  After only a brief pause, it started forward, charging toward the four heroes.  

[EternalPhoenix]

For once, Queenie was on the ball right away. Her force field gleamed silver. Her feet floated off the ground. Most heroes, their first instinct would be to blast the sucker. But Queenie was already leery of making mistakes in that area, what with the way Seresk looked and all. So instead she whipped up a pot around the big fella and slammed the lid shut. “Uh, Paradigm? This one of yours? Because every bone in my body wants to blast first and ask questions never.”  Oh, right. There was one other thing. “I’ll let you though if it needs hitting. I can do that and keep it in there as long as it isn’t too strong.”

[Thevshi]

GM 

The creature comes to a sudden halt as the glowing silvery cooking pot appeared around it, trapping it inside.  Letting out a loud roar, the creature lashed out with one of its front claws, slashing the side of the glowing force construct, causing the entire thing to shudder slightly.  The three long claws pierced the sides of the construct, slashing huge gouges and sending cracks along the surface of the "pot," which, for the moment, continued to hold. 

Seresk took a couple of steps forward, placing himself between Queenie and the trapped creature.  The alien's three thick fingers on each hand wrapping into fists, while his long, spiky mace tipped tail lifted up into the air as he readied himself for the possibility that it might break free.

[Thevshi]

Paradigm lifted up higher into the air, but otherwise did not move further forward as the creature was contained, at least for the moment.  "No, it is not associated with the Praetorians."  She replied to Queenie's question.  "It is likely some sort of sentry.  Either left here by the Grue, or perhaps brought by those we are seeking."  The Naram then added.

She looked past the silvery force cage for a moment, before continuing.  "Either way, it has sure to have alerted the criminals we are seeking, so if it cannot be fully contained, we should be subdue it quickly and continue onward."

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie shrugged. “Sentry, huh? Well all right, then y’all have at him.” With a thought, the terrible damage to her pot was repaired. “Like I said, you can get through it just fine. He’s the one who’s stuck.” The creature was powerful, but she could hold it. No problem. Well, probably, anyway. “No need to hold back on my account. I don’t want to make a career out of this.” She flashed a smile. “Already have one I’m very happy with. Though, I do hope it’s from the Grue. Don’t want to have to chase those criminals of yours around again.”

[Thevshi]

GM 

Even as Queenie repaired the earlier damage done to her force construct, the creature inside seemed to hunker down a moment before throwing itself at the glowing walls.  This time it brought to bear all of its considerable strength, and the glowing pot shattered under the impact, freeing the creature.

But the Praetorians present were already moving into action, as Seresk moved forward, his long club tipped tail swinging around to slam into the side of the creatures head with tremendous force.  However, despite the powerful blow, the creature withstood the attack with seemingly little ill effect.   

Paradigm flew up toward it, swinging a fist at it, but the creature ducked its head under at the last minute as she flew past.  Magentar flew up alongside, sending a powerful magnetic blast into the creature's side, but once again it simply withstood the attack, letting out an annoyed roar as it faced the gathered heroes.

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie stifled a curse. She was legitimately not expecting it to be that strong. It hadn’t just damaged her pot, it had shattered it. Well, that was fine. She could always just blast the darn thing. A ridiculously sci-fi looking blaster assembled itself in her hand. Since it was all the same silvery color as the pot, it would never been mistaken for anything real. She took aim, fired, and revealed quite quickly why she wasn’t using a real blaster. She was a terrible, awful shot with them. Missed by a mile. Queenie blushed, embarrassed. “That’s what I get for trying to show off.” The blaster faded, and she drifted back what she hoped was far enough to be out of the creature’s movement range, plus she gained a bit of height towards the same end.

[Thevshi]

GM 

Despite Magnetar's magnetic blast and Queenie's attack, the creature focused its attention on Seresk, as the large Praetorian had managed to hit it already.  Lunging forward, it opened its massive maw to try to snatch up its target.  But it ended up snapping at empty air, as the reptilian Praetorian managed to side step the attack. 

Seresk did not give the creature a chance to recover from its missed attack, as he stepped back in close, reaching up with to wrap his thick arms around the creature's neck.  The creature tried to pull its head free from the Praetorian's grasp, but Seresk was able to not only maintain his grip on the creature, but pull it over and slam it onto the rocky ground.

[Thevshi]

With Seresk managing to at least temporarily subdue the creature, Paradigm realized she had a chance to quickly bring this to an end so they could continue looking for the fugitive criminals.  Pulling her right hand back as she dropped down by the creature’s massive head, Paradigm swung with all her considerable strength, delivering a powerful blow that generated a small shockwave that kicked up small rocks and dust around them. 

*WHAM*

The creature let out a small wail at the blow, but then dropped into unconsciousness, rolling over onto its side to lay still, its chest moving up and down in a steady rhythm. 

The expression on Paradigm's face made it clear that she took no pleasure in having to harm the creature, giving it a slightly sympathetic look before turning back toward the others.  "If they did not already know we were here, they likely do now.  We cannot delay any further if we hope to catch them before they try to slip away once more."

[EternalPhoenix]

It was just was not Queenie’s day. What had started as a simple excursion to see the solar system had rapidly turned into meeting an alien superteam and, instead of being a good ambassador for her planet, getting in their way and generally being inept at every turn. Not only had she let the criminals they were after escape in the first place, but then the Praetorians had handled that creature so well she might as well not have even been here. It was enough to give a woman a bit of a complex. “I’m sorry, Paradigm. I’m not having my best day. I’d understand if you wanted to me to stay out of the way and let y’all handle things.”

Edited March 16, 2016 by EternalPhoenix

[Thevshi]

Paradigm had flow over near Seresk and was picking up the larger Praetorian once more when Queenie spoke up.  The other woman looked back to Queenie as she replied.  "Please do no belittle yourself Queenie.  You managed to initially restrain the creature, if we were more accustomed to your abilities we could have pressed that advantage.  Instead, our hesitation allowed the creature to escape.  Indeed, our initial attacks failed to accomplish much more than anger it further." 

"We gladly welcome your continued assistance."  Paradigm added.  "Now, let us find our quarry."   

With that, the alien paragon flew off down the main corridor, carrying Seresk along with her.  Magnetar quickly flew after as they sped up the search for the fugitive criminals.

[EternalPhoenix]

A different person would’ve argued the point. But Queenie was an optimistic sort on the whole. She smiled amusedly as she flew after Paradigm. Well, she ain’t wrong. None of are batting a thousand today. She wouldn’t doubt herself again, at least not today. She didn’t find it too difficult to catch up. Speed wasn’t a big advantage in tight quarters like these. Speed, huh? “We could always split into teams. I find two cooks cut the time customers spend waiting by a bunch.” She paused for a second, uncertain of her analogy. “Of course, that assumes they’re working together and not competing. Honestly, I prefer dealing with supervillains to chefs and their egos.”

[Thevshi]

GM 

The four heroes sped down the central corridor of the abandoned Grue facility, quickly reaching the other end as Queenie suggested they split up.  But the need for that quickly seemed to be negated, as they reached the openings at the far end that branched toward other parts of the facility.  Off to the left, in a chamber like they one they had used to enter the facility, was the spacecraft that the Praetorians had initially been pursuing. 

In the room were over a dozen individuals, all strange an alien to Queenie.  Eight red skinned humanoids with a roughly androgynous physique and a smooth face that lacked either a nose or mouth were in the middle of loading a number of containers into the spacecraft.  Also nearby were four other aliens, with more typical features associated with humanoids, but each distinctive in appearance, and all carrying some sort of energy weapon sidearm. 

The three figures in the room that stood out the most were a towering humanoid almost as large a Seresk; a insectoid alien covered in dark blue chittin that looked somewhat like a coakroach walking on two legs; and a tall humanoid that carried some sort of staff. 

All the figures turned to regard the heroes as they rounded the corner into sight....

[EternalPhoenix]

Maybelle McQueen didn’t waste any time. She flew into the room and made sure she was just a little too high to be reached by the big guy, even if he jumped some. Once there, she unleashed a silvery blast directed at the one carrying the staff. “Okay, fellas. Surrendering is your best option. You can fight if you want, but you’ll just go to jail beat up.” She flashed a winning smile that offered no doubt about her sincerity. Even if it was highly unlikely any of the opposition could understand a word she said.

[Thevshi]

GM 

Queenie was right that none of the aliens present understood what she was saying, although her actions certainly delivered a message for her, as her blast struck the alien with the staff squarely.  The blast knocked it off its feet and sent it flying backward into the opposite wall, where it collapsed to the ground unconscious. 

The others gathered reacted quickly, the insectoid alien drawing a blaster weapon from a harness it wore over its shell and aiming at Queenie.  A blast of energy streaked through the room, hitting the heroine squarely. 

The towering alien rushed right toward Seresk, who Paradigm had dropped down to the ground as they rounded the corner.  The other alien swung a huge fist at Seresk, who easily ducked underneath.  Seresk wasted no time in swinging his long, club-like tail around to try and hit the other alien.  But the other alien managed to just step back and avoid the club-like end of the Praetorian's tail. 

The Grue drones all dropped the containers they were moving and drew blasters of their own, opening fire on Queenie, Paradigm and Magnetar.  The two blasts aimed at Queenie missed the glowing heroine, while two attacks hit Paradigm, but glanced harmlessly off her.   All three of the Grue that fired on Magnetar managed to hit the Praetorian, but his forcefield managed to absorb all three blasts.

[Thevshi]

"Well done Queenie."  Paradigm commented as the Terran took out one of the criminals with her opening attack.  The Naram then flew over toward the group of Grue that had shot at her.  Although they had not hurt her, and likely could not, they could still possibly be dangerous to Queenie and Magnetar. 

Paradigm delivered a powerful punch that knocked the first Grue backward, slamming into the second and sending them both tumbling to the ground unconscious.  She then backhanded the third Grue that had fired on her, knocking it off its feet as well to slam into the side of the spacecraft the criminals had been loading.

[Thevshi]

GM

Although Magnetar had an attack that could target several of the enemies at once, it was rather indiscriminant and could cause damage to the interior structure itself.  So, the Praetorian simply fired a single magnetic blast at one of the Grue that had shot at him and knocked it unconscious. 

The remaining aliens all drew blasters as well, two of them firing at Queenie while the three others fired on Magnetar as well.  Although one of the blasts hit Queenie, this time her forcefield easily turned it away.  One of the others managed to hit Magnetar as well, but once again his forcefield stopped the attack completely.

[EternalPhoenix]

The alien with the staff crumpled like tinfoil. One down, a bunch to-whoa! Maybelle twisted in midair, attempting to twist out of the way of the insectoid’s shot. However, it struck her anyway. The force of it batted her around in the air, and her return shot was well off target. “Don’t praise me too fast, Paradigm. Swing and a miss. That almost hurt.”

[Thevshi]

GM

As the insectoid alien dodged Queenie's attack, it focused its multifaceted eyes on Seresk, as a faint yellow glow surrounded its head.  A similar glow appeared around the large Praetorian's head, as Seresk seemed to stiffen slightly, but then shook his head and returned to normal.  Seresk then stated something in the language Queenie could not understand, but it seemed some sort of warning. 

Seresk's attention was then taken up by the large alien continuing its attack on him, as the Praetorian dodged a large fist.  As he stepped back out of the path of the attack, Seresk twisted slightly, sending his long tail whipping around toward his attacker, the spiked weighted end slamming into the other larger alien with enough force to stagger it slightly.  But the large alien quickly shook off the attack, staying focused on Seresk.

The four remaining Grue all turned their attention to Magnetar, opening fire on the glowing Praetorian.  Of the four, only one managed to strike him, and Magnetar's glowing forcefield easily turned aside the blast.

[Thevshi]

Paradigm 

With the more minor opponents choosing to focus their fire on others they stood a chance of hurting, Paradigm continued to try to whittle down their numbers.  Flying over to the Grue that had hit Magnetar, the Praetorian slammed her shoulder into the Grue, sending it flying into a nearby wall, where it crumpled unconscious.  Paradigm then flew over to another nearby Grue, delivering a powerful backhand that knocked it back and out as well. 

Glancing back to Queenie, she replied, "be careful, the Jaas has mental abilities."  She warned the Terran.

[Thevshi]

GM 

As his forcefield easily turned aside one of the Grue's attacks, Magnetar took aim at one of the ones beyond Paradigm's immediate reach (as the criminals began spreading out more to avoid being taken down in groups).  A quick magnetic blast and the Grue was lying unconscious near one of its comrades.

But then the magnetic controlling Praetorian found himself under fire by several of the other alien criminals, a barrage of fire flying around him.  Only one shot squarely hit is magnetic forcefield, which again proved capable of stopping the small blaster fire, although this time just barely.

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie nodded. “Then we take him out first.” Four cannons formed around her, made out of that silvery energy. They rotated around her slowly. And, on further examination, they looked like plastic squeeze bottles. The kind that could be filled with condiments, honey, or even icing. “You look like you need some extra flavor, so here you go!” One of the bottles squeezed itself, and an energy blast shot out at the insectoid (who was apparently a Jaas, whatever that meant).