Darkfang

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so...


Mr.States + Mrs.States................... Mr.Recluse + Mrs.Recluse
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.........Statesman........................Maiden Justice & Lord R.
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................................Miss. Lib + Mr. X
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..........................................Ms. Lib




so...Lord R. is Statesmans Brother in law? and also Ms. Lib's Great Uncle?

oh wow....i need to lay down now...

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Nicely done.

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I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate...

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Maybe if he didn't start fights with Snow Storm like he did in that Skyraider mission the other day... (okay, that one might have been an accident, though I admit I almost wetted myself at the sight... knew what was coming when I saw the animation go off). I've got some 70-80 levels of Storm Defenders and Controllers on me and might be able to help if it's just a tactics/build issue.

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Well, the one time I dropped was a lapse in judgement on my part - I saw a flash arrow go off and cast my debuffs, thinking aggro had just been drawn and I needed to act fast. What else can I say but "oops" And yes, I do lead in with snow storm. However, if the bad guys arent attacking already I will only do this if I have a solid wall to leap behind while I cast. In my experience, this actually buys a lot of time - all the aggro is on me, but by the time they notice, I'm already out of line-of-sight. Freezing Rain doesnt need that line-of-sight, so they're slowly running towards a trap at that point. The risk of doing that with Sky Raiders, of course, would be the porters, but with an average of three per mob and a thunderclap ready to go when they poof in next to me, there's little risk involved in this strategy.

The only real problem I have, simply put, is that anything I can do, someone else can do better. Of course, we're the kings and queens of knockback, but since I'm always teamed with a kin defender the last thing we need is to keep the bad guys out of reach. The powers conflict, which bums me out, but for concept purposes he only works as a stormie. I look at my proposed build and see potential for happier days to come, especially if they fix up some of the problems pointed out by the OP here. Only time will tell I guess.

SUPERGROUP NAME: the Galacto Guard
WEBSITE: Our message boards (updated site to come)
LEADER: Captain Galacto
METHOD OF CONTACT: in-game tell to @Darkfang, filling out an application on our message boards.

DESCRIPTION: ((A roleplay supergroup. Emphasis on science fiction and golden age comics. Space travel, aliens, extradimensional invaders - that's our thing. If you have a character that fits this theme, you'll be right at home in the Galacto Guard!))

EPILOGUE

Captain Galacto and Hydrophidian stood at the edge of the Sky Temple, watching the sky gradually turn from orange to purple. Behind them, Galacto Girl sat next to the Galacto Bot, sorting through the bags the droid managed to salvage from the portal temple below.

"So, is this you home?" Andi asked, still staring out at the land below.
"No," he shook his head, "but we're in the same system." There was a long, but slightly welcomed, silence before Cap spoke again. "Um, Andi... I'm not entirely sure what is supposed to happen next. That Stellar Stone was reserved for the next Captain Galacto."
"Does that make you the last one?"
"I can't say for sure."
"I see," Andi nodded, and put her hand on top of his for comfort.

" Rest assured, the damaged here shall be undone. "

Galacto Girl looked up from the bags. That voice did not belong to anyone there. It was calm and motherly, and came from everywhere and nowhere at once. She looked over at Cap and Andi, who were both suddenly looking up at the sky. Andi looked as confused as Rebecca felt, but Cap seemed to understand what was going on. She followed their eyes into the clouds above. Through the clouds, she could roughly make out the shape of a large planet. "Is that..."
"The Wisest," Galacto Bot responded, "the sentient planet that resides in this system. It was the Wisest that is responsible for the creation of the first Captain Galacto, and has chosen every Captain since. All this was covered in the Galacto Guard history logs I provided for you, Miss Becky."

" The technological being speaks the truth, Rebecca Roberts," the planet spoke. The sensation was familiar, as Galacto Girl had mental conversations with telepaths on Earth. However, the concept of a *planet* speaking to her was a bit too deep. The Wisest turned her... at least it sounded like a her... attention to Captain Galacto. "I see you are filled with concern,"

"While working on Earth," he explained, "I was asked to visit another dimension. The people there....all of them....were dead. Their spirits haunted the land, and seemed to blame me."
"You think Captain Darkstone is responsible."
"Yes"
"You are not wrong. Indeed, Captain Darkstone has survived in other dimensions since last he was defeated."
"And the Rikti?"
"No doubt slaves of his will from one of the dimensions he had been to. He is preparing for war, Captain Galacto."
"What should I do?"
"I am a life as old as time, Captain Galacto, and I know many things. But I do not know everything by far. What you should do next is your decision. That is why *you* are the Captain"
"But," Ezroo, the surviving member of the Stellar Council spoke up in a watery voice, "I know what must be done here."
"Hey," Galacto Girl called over to him, "you speak English!"
"I learn quickly," the alien responded. "As I was saying, the next course of action for the Stellar Council is clear. We shall rebuild, and another Stellar Stone will be forged in time. However, Captain Darkstone is an immediate threat. The temple of portals will need to be destroyed."
"You know what that means, Captain Galacto," the Wisest projected, "If you choose to return to Earth, you will remain there, unable to return of your own will."

Rebecca found herself staring intently at Captain Galacto as he stared up at the sky, realizing after a few moments that she stopped breathing. Andi's gaze shifted around to various spots on the floor. The Wisest's voice came into their minds again.

"Your presence here shall be missed, Captain Galacto."
Ezroo lumbered forward a few steps, "You cannot possibly know his mind..."
"Of course I can. I am the Wisest. Before you are again beyond my reach, Captain Galacto, there are words I have for you and your Galacto Guard."

Ezroo blinked, and seemed to suddenly be in the dark. Rebecca could only guess that the Wisest had blocked him from the conversation. His eye stalks extened a bit, and then he turned to walk away.

"Hydrophidian and Rada," Andi's eyes went wide at the mention of the spirit that shared her body. That uniform may hide you from Ezroo, but I know your standing in the Galacto Guard.""
"I'm sorry," she began, "I know...Cap told me there were laws, but he thought I could help..."
"An honorary member of the Galacto Guard only lacks the title. Besides, laws are made by intelligent beings, and I am just a sphere or rock and plant. What do I know of laws?" There was a hint of humor in the planet's telepathic voice. "Do not worry about your powers. It is merely the surroundings that changed, not you. However, the experience, should you learn from it, has put you more in touch with your abilities." Andi nodded up at the planet, and looked at the electricity dancing over her body with a slight grin.

"Galacto Girl." Rebecca's face flushed a deep red as the attention turned to her, Should you survive your mentor, and keep to your current moral values, I have chosen the title of the next Captain Galacto to go to you. The offer is yours to accept or decline in time."

"Oh, and do use that colorful language of yours with care."

Finally, the Wisest called on Captain Galacto. "The hero Hydrophidian was not invited to this moon by the Stellar Council. It was fortunate that she came, as she was needed against the evils you faced. However, the fact remains that you broke inter-stellar laws to share a sunset with an attractive woman. It comforts me to know I chose a smart Captain." Rebecca giggled at Cap as his cheeks turned slightly red. "Now then, you will find that the portal temple is clear of foes for the moment. The dangers here shall be dealt with. It is time to return to Earth. Be free, all of you." With that, the Wisest went silent, and after a moment to soak in what had happened, The heroes floated down towards the portal that would take them home, and out of sight.

Ezroo looked to the sky. "I do not understand," he gargled, "Earth will survive without him, yet you send him there instead of staying here to rebuild the Galacto Guard."

"We shall survive without him, as well. Captain Galacto has invested so much of his heart in that planet. Let him protect it. That *is* his calling, after all. Yes... the stage for Captain Galacto's fate, and the fate of the Galacto Guard, will be set on Earth. I believe much good will come from this fact."

THE END

PART THREE

The Sky Temple, home of the Stellar Council, hovered high above the treetops of Tedres. The belly of the rectangular structure housed a cluster of old, weathered machines, whiched seemed to hum a melodic tune as they worked to keep the temple suspended in midair. The temple itself was far more magestic in appearance. A tall, thin sandstone tower, that tapered out to a dome at the top, looked over a long, moss-covered plane. Surrouding this main tower was a semi-circle of smaller, cylindrical buildings. The Sky Temple was usually a symbol of peace and tranquility. Today, it is a war zone.

Blaster burns scarred every surface of the temple. Ranks upon ranks of Rikti invaders marched over the open plane, stopping only to move the bodies of the security officers that fell while holding their ground against this massive, unexpected attack.

A team of six Rikti huddle in the corner, poking and prodding the corpse of a particularly strange looking alien with their energy blades. One of the infantry leaned down, gently pressing the security officer's soft, almost gelatinous skin with his bare hand. The alien's body gave way under his palm, much to the fascination of the Rikti. So engrossed was the soldier that he did not notice the limp form of one of his superiors, clad in heavily damaged red armor, as it came tumbling down over his head. The chief solder landed on the low-ranking invader with a loud crack and thud. For a moment, the other Rikti stared down in disbelief, then traced the body's trajectory over their heads, in time to see a large, angry blue mass come barreling down on them.

Captain Galacto did not strike with a enough force to put the soldiers out of commission, but it did drive most of them off their feet. The soldiers brought their weapons up, expecting a fight. But the captain of the Galacto Guard did not fight. He did not even land. Instead, he made a series of sharp turns, plowing through several more crowds of Rikti. As he passed, some of the Rikti gave chase, blades waving above their heads, while others drew blaster rifles, unleashing a flurry of energy bolts after this new victim. Some blasts harmlessly grazed the large target, but most met hit home, splashing off his back, his legs, even his head. However, Captain Galacto continued to bowl over more and more Rikti, seemingly unaffected by the attacks.

If the Rikti were able to see Hydrophidian, they would know the reason their blasts were so futile. Andi flew slightly above Captain Galacto, made entirely invisibile courtesy of the Galacto Bot's concealment technology. Again and again, she pumped rich oxygen over his body, healing the blast wounds almost as quickly as they formed. Cap and the invisible Andi flew the course of the temple's yard, drawing the attention of each and every Rikti they came across.

Finally, satisfied that he had their full attention, Captain Galacto took a steep turn around one of the shorter buildings. The Rikti predictably gave chase, weapons at ready. By the dozens they flocked around the corner, all stopping in their tracks. Captain Galacto had stopped running from them. He stood, his eyes betraying no fear, as they slowly surrounded him, ready for anything.

Within seconds, the trap revealed itself to the Rikti. It was first announced with a flash of light, as a small droid appeared in front of their large, supposedly over-confident target and raised its arms. The Rikti were pulled off their feet, floating inches off the ground and unable to escape. Captain Galacto, and the suddenly visible Hydrophidian, both flew high into the air as the Galacto Bot raced its fingers along a control panel on her arm. The Rikti's eyes went wide as Galacto Girl appeared, face tense with concentration. All around her body, built up energy could be seen pulsing and popping, waiting to be released. The Galacto Bot quickly teleported to safety.

Rebecca's explosion rocked the entire Sky Temple. The walls of the surrounding buildings cracked and groaned as she released all her energy with the force of a small exploding star. The world around her went bright white for a moment, and even from their safe perch, Captain Galacto and Andi guarded their eyes against the blast. As quickly as it began, the fight against the Rikti army seemed to be over. The ground surrounding Galacto Girl seemed to be made of fallen enemies. She took a moment to view her handiwork, and then with a grin, fell to her knees.

The others flew down to meet the exhausted young hero. "That went flawlessly," Cap smiles, pulling Galacto Girl up to her feet, "Now take a moment to gather your strength, Becky. This fight isnt over yet." He passed his sidekick over to Andi's waiting arms, and turned to the Galacto Bot, to find it fiddling with a circuit board through a panel on her chest.

"Galacto Bot?" He asked, and the droid finished what it was doing, closing the hatch and dropping some small tools into a metal belt pouch. "Repair's complete, Captain Galacto," a completely understandable voice answered, "communications module repaired. I am now running at full capacity once again."
"Um...good to hear," he replied, and then looked up at the dome that made up the top of the main temple. "Initiate espionage mode, clearance code Garrath." The droid suddenly went stiff, revealing a set of speakers and a satellite dish that directed itself up towards the tower. The heroes gathered around as a Rikti voice broadcast over the speakers.

"Stellar Stone: Found. Captain Darkstone's plan: reached its final phase. N'kullu and Ghak'turruk: merging with the Stellar energy."

Captain Galacto did not wait to explain. "Bring Rebecca as soon as she is able," he shouted behind him as he launched up towards the temple. Fear filled his eyes, mixed with rage, as he raced faster than ever before towards the base of the dome. The wind howled in his ears, drowning out all noise, save the voice of that Rikti, repeating in his mind.

The floor of the Stone Chamber, a dark, flawless, marble-like surface, erupted in a violent spray of debris, announcing the arrival of Captain Galacto. Andi, Rebecca, and Galacto Bot were close behind, though Rebecca was still shaking off the last of the effects from her attack. The large dome was hollow, and almost entirely featureless, making the two Rikti very easy to spot. N'kullu and Ghak'turruk stood on either side of the Stellar Stone, a large floating crystal shining with an inner light. Swirls of every color imaginable cast themselves on the bodies of the two Rikti. Their arms seemed to disappear into the sides of the stone.

"NO!" Cap shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber. They were too late . A surge of energy pulsed from the stone, knocking all those not connected to it against the far wall. Captain Galacto, Galacto Girl, Hydrophidian, and the Galacto Bot all watched helplessly, pinned to the wall, as the two invaders absorbed the same energy that gave the leader of the Galacto Guard his powers. They began to grow rapidly, their muscles bulging and swelling. As the stone grew darker, the Rikti soldiers began to cast off a glow of their own.

The force that held the heroes against the wall died down, but the damage was done. Standing in the center of the room was a pair of giant, hulking Rikti, grunting and hissing with a madness that only comes with far too much power. The one on the left N'kullu, picked up his twisted energy blade, and snapped it in half, throwing the pieces at the intruders at the far end of the room. The heroes dodged the shards, and Rebecca whimpered as she looked back to see them both lodged in the wall.

"Galacto Bot, code: M'jarat." Before Galacto Girl could ask what Cap meant, the droid blinked out of sight. "Um," she wavered, looking at the slowly advancing Rikti monsters, "we could probably use her help here."
"She'll be back," Cap assured, his fists suddenly glowing with energy. "Andi, Rebecca, be ready for anything. And be ready to run if it looks bad."

That was not the vote of confidence Rebecca was looking for.

Captain Galacto's charge was cut short as a large Rikti hand clamped down on his head. N'kullu spun the captain's body through the air, to Ghak'turruk's waiting fists. They connected with the small of Cap's back, bending him almost to the breaking point and sending him flying in another direction, creating a small crater in the wall of the chamber. Galacto Girl's head spun from Cap's body to the Rikti, who both returned her gaze. A stream of electricity launched over Galacto Girl's shoulder as Hydrophidian launched her attack. The bolts of energy danced across their bodies, but had no visible effect. Rebecca followed her lead, sending a series of energy bolts across the room. Blast after blast of Stellar energy and electricity splashed against the chests of the two Rikti, who did not so much as blink in response. N'kullu grunted, and began to walk towards the two girls.

Captain Galacto sprang to hit feet, charging the advancing creature. His fist connected with the side of N'kullu's head. The punch landed with a flash of light that burst from Cap's body. As the light faded, Galacto Girl squinted to get a better look at Captain Galacto. His entire body was glowing bright white. "Andi, this is bad!"
"I know," Hydrophidian answered.
"He's using all his energy! When it wears out..."
"I KNOW," Hydophidian interrupted her, looking around for a plan. "Cap!" She yelled, "get them outside!"

Several seconds later, the body of Ghak'turruk crashed through the wall of the dome, falling to the temple's yard. N'kullu and Captain Galacto were quick to follow, exchanging blow after blow as they dropped. Galacto Girl stood in the opening, just long enough to release a powerful, long-ranged blast, and then flew down to the ground, Andi close behind.

The moment she touched down, Hyrdophidian began to summon a thick, dark cloud over her head. Thunder rumbled menacingly from its depths. Galacto Girl hovered over Cap has he engaged in a superpowered brawl with the two Rikti. Both his fists came down on Ghak'turruk's head, but N'kullu caught his head with a powerful punch, almost sending him to his knees. Rebecca blasted N'kullu with attack after attack, an effort that seemed to go completely unappreciated by her enemy. Andi, however, seemed to have a little more luck. A massive bolt of lightning sprung from the cloud she created, knocking N'kullu to his feet. The other Rikti turned and charged the new threat.

Andi took a step back as the wind around her began to whip her hair, the once still air churning with the force of a tropical storm. "Andi," Captain Galacto called, "your powers..."
"No choice in the matter," she shouted back, but her words were lost in the wind. Ghak'turruk pressed on, but the winds began to prove too much for him. He slid on his feet, forced back as Hydrophidian pressed forward. N'kullu began to skid across the groung even before he regained his footing. However, the Rikti weren't the only to feel the effects. Rebecca spun in the air, fighting to get away and regain control. Captain Galacto grabbed the side of a building, digging his fingers into the stone as the winds forced him back as well. "Andi, it's too strong!" There was no answer. The swirling clouds around her grew and grew, until she disappeared into the eye of the storm. Ghak'turruk flipped into the air, hurled from the side of the Sky Temple. His body dropped to the surface of the moon, miles below.

The wind screamed in Captain Galacto's ears. No, he thought, peering down to see the logo on his chest glowing yellow, that's not the wind. Andi... He let go of the wall, letting the wind carry him off the floating temple. He quickly got his bearing, flying high into the air. He dropped like a missile, aiming for the eye of the storm. A small body whipped back and forth along the edge of the eye, knocked around violently by her own wind.

Captain Galacto tackled Andi, holding on tight and twisting, so his shoulder crashed into the ground. They slid together for a few seconds, until they were clear of the eye. Andi's hold on the wind broke, and the storm quickly silenced itself. They rested on ground for a moment, both catching their breath. Captain Galacto had returned to his normal self, and the pain of the previous fight hit him hard. He winced, holding his side in pain.
"Thanks," Andi gasped, brushing some hair from her face and looking around, "did I get them?"
"One...I think," Captain Galacto muttered as oxygen poured over his wounds. "There was not much...."
"CAP!" Becky warned from above, but it was too late. N'kullu pounded his violently in the side, sending him sliding across the ground. Moss and stone parted like water in his wake as he dug a trench in the ground with his shoulders. The furios Rikti turned its attention, and its foot, to Hydrophidian, tossing her several feet across the air, and crashing into the side of a building. She groaned in pain, barely able to look up at the approaching monster. A bolt of energy rushed towards N'kullu's head, only to be slapped aside. He spun, and unleashed powerful beams of energy from his eyes, catching Galacto Girl in the chest. She fell to the ground, the wind knocked out of her. The Rikti turned his attention back to Captain Galacto, who looked barely capable of standing. In five forceful strides he closed in on the large victim. "Captain Darkstone's plan: Successful." A large, energy-soaked Rikti fist came down on Cap's head...

And stopped with a large metallic clang.

The Galacto Bot stood between N'kullu and Captain Galacto, where once there was nothing, holding a large, slightly dented metal door. The Rikti's fist was stopped dead in its path, and suddenly Galacto Girl recognized it as the seal from the tunnel. Protected against Stellar Energies, she reminded herself.

Captain Galacto brought himself to his feet, lifting the slab of metal from Galacto Bot's grasp. Even as N'kullu took a step back, he swung it in a backhanded motion, reducing the Rikti's left arm to a limp, shattered mass. N'kullu fell to his side, and before he could stand the slab crushed both his legs. There was a howl of pain that sounded almost human as Captain Galacto brought the weapon over his head, ready for a finishing blow. Watching the helpless Rikti, he took a few deep breaths, and slammed the door into the side of N'kullu's head, just hard enough to knock him out cold. The metal slab fell from his grip, shattering stone as it crashed to the ground next to the Rikti monster. And with that, Captain Galacto dropped to his knees, staring up at Rebecca and Andi. Beyond the pain, and the exhaustion, there was a look of extreme relief in his eyes.

PART TWO

If it weren't for the sudden change in atmosphere, Galacto Girl would have thought she simply passed through the swirling pool of energy into the back wall of the loading chamber. It happened so quickly, so instantaneously, that it seemed impossible that she had just travelled thousands of lightyears. But it quickly became clear to her that she was no longer in the Portal Corporations building.

Rebecca cringed as a sudden blast of very hot air met her face. Wherever she was, a thick steam filled the area. She batted the air in front of her face, but could not break the cloud enough to see a thing. "Cap!" she shouted, "Andi!" She trailed into a coughing fit as the steam filled her lungs.

"We're here," Hydrophidian called from somewhere in front of her. "And we are not alone," Captain Galacto finished. Rebecca froze, suddenly aware of a ominous, almost familiar, hum coming from somewhere in the room. "Galacto Girl," Cap called out, "launch an energy blast, as powerful as you can manage, directly above you." Without waiting for an explanation, Rebecca aimed blindly above her, gritting her teeth as she focused on the power building in her fist. Then, slightly recoiling from the force of her own attack, she released a burst of energy that pierced the unseen ceiling above her with a deafening crack. Dust and debris came crashing down in front of her, followed by an orange pillar of light that clearly defined itself in the thick steam. Just as the air began to thin, Captain Galacto's large hand pressed down on Rebecca's shoulder, leading her to a secluded corner of the room. As her visibility returned, Galacto Girl saw Andi already crouched in the corner, holding a small, limp humanoid form.

Around them, the definitions of the room slowly revealed themselves as the steam poured out of Rebecca's makeshift skylight. The chamber was made of clay and brick, all dripping wet from the humidity. Strange alien runes lined each brick, carved out with great care. They were all huddled in a small alcove, barely large enough for the three of them, hidden from the rest of the room. Around the corner, Rebecca still heard the humming. Whatever was making that sound, it was moving. "What's," she began, but Cap put one of his large fingers to her lips.

Galacto Girl looked over to Andi, quickly recognizing the body she held as the Galacto Bot. As they exchanged looks of concern, Captain Galacto began to trace the brick floor with the palm of his hand. The humming grew louder, closer, as he stroked the floor with deep concentration. Then, finding what he was looking for, Cap raised his hand high in the air, clenching it into a fist. Energy wrapped itself around his bare knuckles - the same energy Rebecca blasted the ceiling with. Then, using tremendous force, he brought his fist crashing down, punching a hole clear through the weakest spot on the floor. He then scrambled, clawing at the hole, making it larger as the unseen enemy hummed ever closer. Rebecca watched the corner, half ready to scream, and half ready to blast whatever came around. "There, quickly," Captain Galacto whispered, "climb down." Without a word, Galacto Girl slipped her body over the wet rock floor, and dropped several feet to a pool below.

There was a splash as Hydrophidian landed next to her, almost dropping the Galacto Bot in the process. Both of them quickly made room for the large body of Captain Galacto to come crashing down. Without a word, he motioned for them to follow, and headed town the dark tunnel they had landed in. The stone passage was large enough for Rebecca to stand in, and Andi followed, only slightly bent over. Cap was in the front, forced into a near crawling position.

After the light of the room behind them disappeared around the bend, Rebecca quickly began to belt out the questions that were screaming in her mind. "Where are we? What happened back there? What were those things? What happened to Galacto Bot? Where...are...we?"

Cap stopped ahead of her, struggling in the cramped space to turn himself around. "We're on Tedres, in an ancient temple discovered a long time ago. I've never been here myself, but this temple has a history with the Galacto Guard, and is home to a series of portals, much like the ones used on Earth. Those things back there were attack drones... Rikti attack drones."
"Wha...Rikti? What are they doing here? And what happened in that room before I got there?" Rebecca went to support herself against the wall of the tunnel, only to discover that her hand slid against the slimy film that covered the surface. She wrinkled her face, and tried to shake the muck off her glove. "What the Rikti are doing here," Cap said through a clenched jaw, "I fully intend to find out. As for the room, Andi can answer that better than I can."
Andi began her answer before Rebecca could fully turn to look at her. "The steam was my fault. When I came through, the sudden change in climate...maybe in planet.... had an effect. The mist I use to hide myself went completely nuts, and the whole room was filled with it almost instantly." She paused, carefully stepping over a large, slimey lump on the ground. "It was kind of a good thing, too. Right before everything went all cloudy, I saw the Bot on the ground, surrounded by Rikti drones. Normally, if they turned and spotted me, I'd have been in trouble. But I guess all that steam screwed up their scanners and stuff."

"Here we are," Cap said, and they all stopped in their tracks. Directly in front of the large hero was a moldy, metallic disk, completely blocking the tunnel. "Andi," he called back, "see if you can call some lightning to break this down."
"Um, Cap," Rebecca began, "why can you just,...or I just..."
"We would never break the surface," he answered, "This barrier is protected against Stellar Energies."
"Why?"
"It was put in place after Captain Darkstone used this tunnel to gain access to the portal room."
"Who?"
"Someone I hope you will never meet," he finished with a slightly nervous tone. "Andi, could you?"
"No problem, Cap." Dropping the broken droid, Hydrophidian held her hand out. Electricity crackled and popped up her arm and danced from her fingertips, striking the metal plug with the full force of a lightning bolt. The disc buckled and bent, and after a few more blasts, it broke free, falling with a loud, wet thud on the ground outside.

The three heroes emerged from the tunnel, standing on the spongy, moss covered surface of Tedres. The air was warm, and moist, and everything was tinted a slight orange from the sky above. Cap immediately bent over the Galacto Bot, pushing and prodding with the small repair tools he kept in the droid's belt panels. Rebecca took a few steps out, brushing her hand over the large, tropical looking petals of a nearby plant. She instantly recognized it as the flower Cap had given to Andi not long ago. "Hey Andi," she looked back with a teasing grin, "this look familiar? Andi?"

Andi seemed a bit too preoccupied, staring at her hand. "Andi, are you ok?" Rebecca took a few steps closer, looking at her hand. Electricity continued to dance around her fingertips. "Um, are you doing that on purpose?"
"No," Andi replied with a bit of concern, "it's not me. It wont go away for some reason."

"BZZZRRRRT!" The Galacto Bot sparked to life in Captain Galacto's hands. It's one, unbroken eye lit up a bright purple.
"Galacto Bot," Cap ordered, dropping the small repair tools into the bot's waiting hand, "run diagnostic and repair mode."
"AckBRRRRTknowledged, Captain. Runing-ing-ing sequence no-no-now." The droid sat up, its unhinged jaw swinging on the bolt that barely held it in place.

"Um, Cap?" Rebecca called over, "we have a bit of a situation." Captain Galacto stood, stretching his limbs for the first time since the tunnel. He slowly turned to look at the two other heroes, and his eyes went wide. "Andi!" He ran over to Hydrophidian, watching the electricity that was now dancing over her entire body. "Andi, are you hurt?"
"No, she said, looking at her own arms in wonder, "I don't even feel it!" Cap put his hand on her shoulder, and as the electricity gathered to meet his bare skin, his hair stood slightly on end. Hydrphidian giggled, "but apparently you can."
"It tingles a bit," he said, still holding her shoulder in concern. Andi leaned over, looking past him at the droid hunched over on the ground. "Is it... she... gonna be alright?"
"Just give her a few minutes," he replied without looking back, "All the Galacto Bots are able to repair themselves as long as they are even remotely functional."
"Cap," Rebecca tugged on his sleeve, "You mention a Captain Darkstone back there..."
"Captain Darkstone," he answered, "is the insane product of an attempt to make another Captain Galacto."
"Hey, an evil twin," Andi cut in, "I have one of those!"
Cap half-smiled, having met Andi's 'evil' twin, then returned to being completely serious, "Darkstone, unlike your twin or the Praetorians we've faced, is from this reality. He's cold, calculating, and has a love of death and destruction. No one knows why, but he was able to survive for thousands of years after his creation." He paused for a second, "He may still be alive today."

Suddenly, the sound of a Rikti blaster caught everyone's attention. "They found us," Rebecca muttered, as her firsts began to glow with energy. "No," Cap replied, stopping her even as she headed towards the sound, "that came from away from the temple. Something is going on over there," he peered through the dense foliage, unable to see any living creatures. "Galacto Bot, progress report."
"Fuelly Fumkshunal, Craptarn." The droid sprung to its feet, saluting the Captain, "Garlactoid Sherloot." There would be time to fix that later, Cap thought to himself. "Alright, let's move.

The hum of Rikti energy could be heard even before the heroes peeked around the edge of a large tree. Rebecca made out several Rikti, some in heavy armor, surrounding a strange, slightly humanoid, bloated creature. It's bulbous black eyes wiggled on wrinkly stalks that sprouted from either side of its head. It groaned in pain out of a large, fish-like mouth. The closest Rikti, covered in red armor, held a large, twisted energy sword up to what would be the creatures neck if it had one. Dark fluid, probably blood, stained it's blue and gold robes, covering the symbol of the Galacto Guard.

"Creature: Apprehended. Interrogation: commencing" The red Rikti chief said, its voice muffled by the helmet. Captain Galacto turned back around the tree, looking at the others. "That's Ezroo, one of the Stellar Council," he said, "we have to save him." Andi and Rebecca nodded. "Alright," he continued, "I'm going to rush them. Be ready to attack, and hit them hard. Galacto Bot, are you combat capable?"
"Remedy and abril, Captoon."

Cap motioned a countdown with his fingers. The second the last finger dropped, he took off, the plants beneath him swaying in his wake. He spun around the trees, straight past the nearest Rikti, and grabbed the sword held up against Ezroo. The chief turned, and got a face full of Captain Galacto's eye beams. The creature stumbled back, it's helmet cracked where the two beams made contact. The other Rikti immediately turned to face the new intruder, drawing swords and blasters. Then the first half lifted helplessly off the ground, courtesy of Galacto Bot's built-in gravity manipulation device.

The remaining Rikti rushed towards Captain Galacto, weapons at ready. Several green energy blasts flew over their shoulders, splashing off the hero's chest. "Andi, now!" he yelled, and Hydrophidian jumped out from behind the tree, reaching both hands into the air.

Nothing happened.

"Andi!"
"I'm trying!" She cried back. "I can't slow them down, it's too warm here!" The Rikti closed in on their target, bringing large swords down on his shoulders and chest. Captain Galacto winces, shrugging off most of the damage but still feeling the sting of the blades. The chief regained his composure, marching angrily towards the captain, pushing his own minions out of the way as he advanced.

Meanwhile, Galacto Girl went to work on the suspended Rikti. She flew in circles over their heads, sending a shower of energy bolts down. They swayed and crashed into each other from the force of the blasts, but could not be shaken free of Galacto Bot's grasp. Finally, one of the creatures broke free, aiming its energy rifle up at the hovering girl. Galacto Bot responded immediately, and the rifle blast bounced harmlessly off a blue force field even as it formed over Galacto Girl. Rebecca giggled in satisfaction, letting loose a devastating blast directly on the Rikti. The rifle fell from his hand even as he dropped to the ground.

"I'll try something else!" Hydrophidian called over, reaching into the sky once more. This time, droplets of water splashed down through the large leaves of the trees, pouring over the Rikti that surrounded Captain Galacto. "Damn," she muttered, "still too warm, they're not slipping." Some of the Rikti looked up, noticing the sudden change in weather, and turned to face her. "Uh-oh. Cap?"
"I'm trying," he called back, unleashing a spinning attack, his fist raking across every enemy it could reach. The Rikti who noticed Andi ignored his attack, advancing on the slender woman ahead of them. "Keep your attention on me, fiends," he growled, unleashing a stream of energy from his eyes. They burrowed into the neck of one Rikti, sending it down. The others continued after Andi.

The Rikti Chief slashed at Captain Galacto with his large, twisted blade. "Target: Captain Galacto. Presence: Expected"
"Glad to hear it," Cap replied, blocking the sword with his arm. He jammed an energy-soaked fist into the chief's face, and followed up with a two-fisted slam that knocked the Rikti off his feet. The other Rikti around him continued their attacks, slashing and swiping with their own energy swords. Despite the protection his powers offered, Captain Galacto started to feel the wounds covering his chest.

Galacto Girl and the Galacto Bot had their hands full with their group. The effects of the gravity device wore off, and it was all the droid could do to just keep their feet rooted to the ground. Several of them lay still on the ground, and another dropped as Rebecca's blasts overwhelmed him. "I'll be there as soon as I can," she called over to her mentor.

Hydrophidian took a few steps back as three Rikti closed in on her. She let loose with a series of lightning bolts, causing one to stand in place, trapped in field of electricity. Another walked with a limp, its leg still trembling from an electric blast. The third, however, remained uninjured as it reached her, swinging the large energy sword to meet her stomach. Andi screamed, and the electricity that danced around her body sprung into action, seemingly as a reflex. The sparks gathered, focusing around the area the sword would strike, and stopped the blade dead in its tracks. Andi looked down in disbelief at the lack of blood, and looked up at an equally confused Rikti. She let out a relieved laugh, and held an open palm up, practically touching the creature's face. The last thing the Rikti saw as the crackle of electricity dancing up her arm to meet his eyes.

Captain Galacto reached inward, summoning the Stellar energies within him. Instantly some of the wounds on his chest healed over, and he was filled with a new energy. He leapt in the air, bringing his one fist down on the nearest Rikti soldier. Before his first target even dropped, he brought a second down with a barrage of fists. Another fell victim to his laser beams, and yet another to a powerful punch to the skull. Only the chief soldier remained. Again and again Cap attacked the creature, but he would not fall. He raised his sword, and brought it down, a barbed edge catching Captain Galacto's left shoulder. "Aaagh," he screamed in pain, as the blade sunk deep into flesh and muscle. He fell to one knee, watching the Rikti bring his sword up for another blow. "Threat: Captain Galacto. Status: Eliminated"
"Wrong!" Galacto Girl called from behind, sending a torrent of energy that danced across the ground before reaching its target. The Rikti was swept off its feet. Captain Galacto struggled to his feet, approaching the enemy as he stood. Hydrophidian stepped over the body of the last of her Rikti attackers, and the Galacto Bot teleported next to Rebecca as they all surrounded the chief. "Failure: Unacceptable," he barked through his cracked helmet, drawing a pistol and aiming it at Galacto Girl. He never had the chance to fire, as Captain Galacto's fist came down on his head, rocking his skull in his helmet. The chief fell limp on the ground.

"Let me see that shoulder," Andi said, stretching upon her toes to get a glance at Cap's wound. "Him first," he replied, motioning towards the cowering member of the Stellar Council. She nodded, and began to focus rich oxygen, something there seemed to be plenty of on this moon, on Ezroo's cuts and bruises. As she did this, Captain Galacto leaned over.

"Glooga m'tar, Emmest ti ugo briem," he said, much to the surprise of Galacto Girl. "He can speak alien?" She whispered to Andi, who only shrugged as she kept healing the large being. Makes sense, I suppose, she dismissed.
"Pidri embard gra liblu," Ezroo replied, his eye stalks squirming in pain, "Jari voosh adray."

Captain Galacto and Ezroo continued to exchange what sounded like complete gibberish to Rebecca for a few minutes, until finally they both stood up, the alien completely healed. Ezroo turned to Andi, stretching his eye stalks forward and making a deep, grumbling noise. "He says 'thank you," Cap translated, to which Andi smiled and nodded.

"Alright," the captain started as he took a few steps ahead, "Ezroo told me some grave news. The temple holding the Stellar Council, and the Stellar Stone, was the main focus of the attack. Their security measures were overrun, and only Ezroo managed to escape. We've got a small Rikti army waiting for us up there."

"I'm ready," Rebecca said, walking up to Captain Galacto's side. "Perparrad fro batteal," the Galacto Bot added.
"I'm ready, too," Andi included, reaching up to touch Cap's shoulder, "but you're not. Save the stubborn stuff for later, and let me see that cut."
"Right, of course," Cap agreed, kneeling down to let Andi reach the injury. "But once I am healed, we prepare for attack." Rebecca followed his gaze up past the trees, and saw for the first time a large structure floating high above them, perhaps miles in the air, yet still obstructing a large portion of the sky. That must be the temple, she thought, And who knows how many Rikti are waiting for us. This won't be fun.

TO BE CONCLUDED...

PART ONE

Rebecca Roberts, who the people of Paragon City had come to know as Galacto Girl, was feeling very short at the moment. She stood in the corner of the very large open chamber that was a Portal Corporations loading dock. The portal itself loomed over her, a massive series of spinning metal rings that gave off an overpowering hum as they generated a swirl of blue energy. Her mentor, Captain Galacto, towered a full three feet higher than her as he poured over research data. Even Rhys, adorable as she thought he was, slightly annoyed her with his full seven inch height superiority. No, no, she reminded herself, It's not his fault for being taller. Rebecca turned to glance up at the portal that, in a few moments, would zipline her lightyears away, to one of the farther corners of the galaxy. I'm just very much on the small side.

"Captain Galacto," the building intercom crackled to life, somehow audible over the hum of the portal. The voice belonged to Tina Macintyre, a colleague of the Captain. "Please meet me in the control booth." The very tall hero passed a clipboard full of papers down to Galacto Girl. "Here," he said with a slight smile, "I'll be right back. See if you can make heads or tails of this, because I dont have the first clue what it says." Then, Captain Galacto turned, and floated across the room to a pair of doors that hissed open even as he approached.

"What's that about?" Rhys whispered over to Rebecca, watching the control booth doors slide shut.
"What?"
"I said," he spoke up, realizing the portal had completely drowned him out, "What's the deal with all the privacy?"
"Oh, you know, top-secret important grown up stuff," Rebecca answered with a roll of her eyes. She then turned in response to a tug on her sleeve. Galacto Bot, the one thing shorter than Galacto Girl in the entire room, peered up at her with glowing eyes.

"Miss Becky," it began in a feminine, yet distinctly robotic, voice, "If Miss Macintyre and Captain Galacto wish to speak in private, then you should respect that as their..."
"Initiate espionage mode," Rebecca cut in, "clearance code Garrath." Immediately, the Galacto Bot stopped cold and faced the control booth. Several panels opened on its chest, revealing a set of speakers and a satellite dish that aimed directly through the thick metal door. "How?" Rhys began, but Rebecca put a finger to his lips, then said with a sly grin, "I have a knack for computers and stuff."

After a moment of static, the voice of Tina Macintyre came in over the speakers, caught mid-sentence. "...hope there will not be any problems, Captain. We've done inter-dimensional travel, but inter-stellar? Especially at this great a distance, the concept is a bit unprecedented."
"Everything will work according to plan," Captain Galacto reassured her, "you followed my coordinates, right? You found the signal the portals on Tedres give off?"
"Of course, but that only raises a whole new series of doubts, Captain. This is alien technology, or magic, or whatever, that we're trying to make our own portals compatible with. I mean, *you* don't even know where these portals originally came from, right?"
"Miss, Macintyre," Captain responded as calm as ever, "trust me on this. Everything will work according to plan. If it will make you feel any better, I will have the Galacto Bot double-check your control settings."

At that moment, the doors hissed open once again, and with a tap on the back of the head, the Galacto Bot's panels slammed shut. "....choice in the matter," the robot finished as Cap walked out of the room. "Well, " Rhys whispered over to Rebecca, "that was not very reassuring."
"What?" she called back over the portal's noise pollution.
"Never mind!"

Captain Galacto stopped next to Rebecca and Rhys, taking the clipboard full of notes back from his sidekick. She realized at that moment that she never bothered to look it over. "Galacto Bot," he gestured over to the control booth, "please scan the Portal Corporation's calculations, and make sure they are absolutely flawless."
"Of course, Captain," the little droid responded, and with a flash, disappeared from sight. That very instant, a startled shriek could be heard from the control booth. "Captain," Ms. Macintyre called over the intercom, "a little warning next time, please!"

"Um, Captain," Rhys chimed in, wrapping an arm around Rebecca, "This is....safe....right?" The Captain looked down, and Rhys suddenly became very aware of how tightly he was holding the girl that was essentially this very large man's adopted daughter. He awkwardly folded his hands behind his back. "You have no need to worry. We'll be perfectly safe. In a few days, Rebecca and I will return, and you two can go back to being....what was the way Andi said it...'snuggle-muffins," he finished with a laugh. "oh...my....GOD!" Rebecca squealed, turning several shades of red.

The intercom sparked to life once again, but this time a young man's voice came through, "Captain Galacto? There is a..um...lady here...a hero," the security guard sounded a bit nervous, or maybe a bit star-struck. Ms. Macintyre explained earlier that he was new. "She says her name is, um, Hydrophidian, and that she has permission to enter. Um...does she?" Becky looked up from hiding her face in her hands to see Captain Galacto smiling widely. "Of course," he shouted to the comm, "send her right down!"

"Hey Rebecca," Rhys muttered over, just loud enough to be heard by her and not the captain, "How come the girl that the big guy over there has the hots for gets to go, but I have to stay here?" There is a flash of light, and the Galacto Bot materializes behind them. "Because," the droid responded, "Miss Andi is a legal adult. There are legal issues involved when taking a minor out of his or her own solar system without a legal guardian present."
"Ah, Galacto Bot, perfect timing," Cap said, hardly looking away from the entrance that Andi was going to pass through shortly. "Did you detect any flaws?"
"Checked and double checked," the droid responded, "and everything is clear. The technicians here were quite efficient."
"Well, in that case, we'll...ah, Andi is here!"

"Am I late?" the familiar voice called as their good friend hovered down from the catwalk. Her normal attire was replaced by the same Galacto Guard uniform that Rebecca was wearing, and she carried a duffle-bag marked with the insignia of the Sodality group: a fan of sun-rays, spreading upwards.

"Andi!" Rebecca called, running up for a tight hug. They squeezed for a moment, and then Hydrophidian backed up, striking a pose, "you like the look?"
"it's badas....er...awesome," Rebecca finished, tossing a glance towards Cap, who seemed a bit too preoccupied to hear her slip, "you will totally pass as one of the Galacto Guard."
"Yes," Captain Galacto included, "you do look nice. Um... I'll... take your bag?" Rhys snickered, and Becky giggled a bit at the tall, alien hero's attempt at chivalry.
"Ugh," Andi shot him a teasing grin, "such a man." Then she dragged the duffel bag over to him, mockingly making it out to be far heavier than it really was, all of which Cap seemed very amused by.

Andi grinned back at him, and then after a slightly awkward silence turned to the portal. "So, this is it? We're taking this all the way to...um...Tetris?"
"Tedres," the Galacto Bot corrected before Cap could say a word. "a swamp moon in the same system as the Wisest, and home of the Stellar Council. It is also where each new Stellar Stone is forged, and kept safe until its power is passed on to the next Captain Galacto."

"Um..." Rhys leaned over to Rebecca, "I have a lot to learn, dont I?" She nodded back to him as Captain Galacto turned up to the intercomm. "Tina?" He called loudly up to the small box on the wall. After a moment, her voice returned the call.
"Yes, Captain?"
"We're all present and accounted for. If you'll activate the sequence now..."
"Understood Captain, and good luck."

A moment passed, and the portal began to hum on a different frequency. Globs of red energy began to swirl into the blue portal, like powder mixing into a pool of water. Soon, the entire portal was deep red. The heroes, Captain Galacto included, took a step back. This was not normally what these portals tended to do.

"Sequence completed, Captain," Macintyre called over the comm, "you may pass through when ready." Captain Galacto looked down at Rhys' hand, which Rebecca seemed to be squeezing to near the breaking point. "Um..Galacto Bot," he called over, "perhaps you should pass through first? Send a communication through the portal when you arrive?"
"Understood," the droid responded, and raced to the corner of the room, where a backpack roughly twice Galacto Bot's size waited.
"Um...what...is that?" Rebecca asked, glancing away from the portal for the first time.
"Essentials, Miss Becky. You may be a superhero, but you are still..."
"A growing young lady," Galacto Girl finished with the Bot. Figures, she rolled her eyes. And with that, the Galacto Bot passed into the swirling portal, and disappeared from sight.

The four heroes stood in silence, watching the portal for some indication. Rhys cleared his throat. Rebecca held his hand tighter. Cap and Andi exchanged glances. Finally, the chest insignia on all the Galacto Guard uniforms flashed yellow, and the droid's voice came through...


"Interstellar travel successful. Arrival on Tedres confirmed. Loca....BRRRRZZZZZT!" The communication was drowned out by the crackle of energy blasts, and everyone's eyes went wide. "Enemy fire....BZZZZCK....unit attack mode initia....RRRZZZZZ...ambush!" The insignia's went back to their original colors as the droid's transmission ended. Even with the hum of the portal, the room seemed dead silent.

"Well, I expected this possibility," Captain Galacto finally broke the tension. "I'm going in. I shall send a communication when it is clear." He took two steps forward before Andi's hand pressed against his chest. "Um, Cap..." she looked up at him, "maybe *I* should go in first." As she said this, the air around her became thick and moist, and a steamy mist filled the room. "Oh," he answered, cupping the hand on his chest, "...of course" Andi turned to leave, and was almost to the portal when Cap spoke up, "Andi!"
"Yah?" She spun around. Whatever he wanted to say at that moment seemed caught somewhere in the back of his throat. "Um," he stammered, "I'll be right behind you"
"Alright," she smiled, "I'm going in." And with that, Hydrophidian hopped through the portal, and far away from Earth.

"I'm following her in," Cap said the moment Andi disappeared. He turned to the two teenagers, "You two say your goodbyes. Take as long as you need. We'll be waiting for you." Then he turned, lifted off the ground, and flew head-first into the heart of the swirling red energy.

Galacto Girl spun to face Rhys. "I don't wanna go!"
"huh?"
"I don't wanna go. I'm such a chickenshit, I know. What if something goes wrong? What if they find out I have some of Cap's powers, and they want to keep me there? What if...what if I'm supposed to stay and be some space officer and never come back to Earth again, and..."
"Rebecca..." Rhys stopped her mid-sentence, looking straight into her eyes. After a moment, some of the fear seemed to leave Rebecca's face. Then he leaned in and gave her a small kiss on the lips. "You'll be fine. I will see you in a few days. I trust Captain Galacto, dont you?"
"Well, yeah, but.."
"Then go."
"But what if..."
"go." Rhys gently pushed her one step closer to the portal. She turned around to face the large, swirling, red gateway and swallowed hard. Then, after turning back to look at the boy who came to see her off one more time, she sprang into the air, closed her eyes, and raced into the unknown.

TO BE CONTINUED...

PROLOGUE:

SEPTEMBER 2004, EARTH TIME...
"Emergency code Garrack. This is Captain Galacto attempting to reach the Stellar Council. Investigations of a potential global-scale invasion of this planet confirm hostile activity. There has been a.... tragic.... turn of events. The Protector One, flagship of the Galacto Guard, was destroyed, shot from orbit by hostile energy cannons. Of the crew, I am the only survivor. I have taken serious injuries, and must make contact with the native lifeforms in hopes that they have the medical technology to help. Until such a time comes when I am able to return to the Tedres base for proper briefing, I shall continue my objectives here on this planet "Earth," preventing these extra-dimensional invaders from gaining a foothold whenever possible."

NOVEMBER 2004, EARTH TIME:
"Captain Galacto to the Stellar Council, second effort to contact. A faction of the hostile invaders of Earth, known by the natives as "the Rikti," has taken notice of my efforts. There has been an attempt on my life, and a civilian was injured. The young female survived, and seems to have gained powers similar to my own. I await your return communication regarding the proper course of action."

DECEMBER 2004, EARTH TIME:
"Third communication. Captain Galacto to the Stellar Council, or any allied planets able to relay this message. Still awaiting your further instructions. Circumstances have required me to train the previously mentioned young civilian to properly use her new abilities. I have also modified one of the Galacto Guard maintenance droids to look after her. My recommendation is that this female, who goes by the names Rebecca Roberts and, more recently, Galacto Girl, be formally inducted into the Galacto Guard. Until I receive the decision of the Stellar Council, I will continue to mentor her."

JANUARY 2005, EARTH TIME:
"This is Captain Galacto of the Galacto Guard, broadcasting to all allied planets. Several attempts to contact the Stellar Council have gone unanswered. I ask anyone who can respond with relevant news to please do so. If the Stellar Council can hear this, I need you to respond. The situation here on Earth requires the ongoing attention of a Galacto Guard division. There are many superpowered champions already present who could volunteer their services if I had the clearance to induct them. Again, this is Captain Galacto of the Galacto Guard, awaiting any news from or regarding the Stellar Council."

FEBRUARY 2005, EARTH TIME:
"Fifth and final attempt to contact the Stellar Council. Something dire has come to my attention. Something that, for security purposes, I cannot broadcast. News of this nature requires a personal audience. Therefore, I shall attempt to use this planet's own portal technology to link with the ancient portal chamber on Tedres. I understand that this is in violation of several interstellar laws, and I will take full responsibility. Galacto Girl and the modified Galacto Bot will arrive with me, in the event that your lack of communication is an ill tiding of the conditions on Tedres."

((The following is a three part story originally posted on the Virtue boards. I hope you all enjoy it))

((The story is rated PG, for violence, interstellar travel, and a talking planet.))

[ QUOTE ]
When "busting heads" is the only thing the game rewards,

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, in the next feature update they will be introducing some non-combat skills, in which your characters will be able to build up their abilities to investigate crimes and things like that. Certain missions will require more than the "Hulk Smash" approach.

The first one is rather bizarre - I have a storm/elec defender who cant control the weather - he is strictly a portal creator.

He hails from an alternate dimension where Paragon City has been swallowed up by a great superstorm. His portal powers activated when the storm first struck, pulling him to safety through a glowing door that brought him to this reality. He cannot return to his dimension (why would he - the storm would kill him), but he CAN bring small chunks of the storm in through portals, and use them as weapons. (obviously, he can also use the portals to transport himself across town...teleport)

My second has an additional power - he is an immortal, who lived on the land long before the first buildings of Paragon City were so much as an idea. There are three unusual characteristics of his race - boney claws, fast healing, and a charismatic aura (guess which one cant be made with a power set) that pleases all the senses of most living things. He's very easy to get along with because of this.