The Hunt for Requiem: To Search A Thousand Worlds
By
Aisla,
Posted on: 2006-06-13 08:04 in Roleplaying
Current Operations as at OOC 17/06/06 16:15
Ongoing Investigations
<ul type="square">[*]Doing the Turncoat Twostep: Red Hammer has been contacted again to 'assist the city by removing a council operative'... can this be another mission from Requiem?[*]Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends: Various heroes continue to scout out the myriad dimensions for the placement of the beacons necessary to find Requiem. Grav Mistress is working on a method for cloaking the devices once placed.[*]Here a Clock, There a Clock, Everywhere a Tick-Tock: Lyn-Legend's investigations off world have revealed the location of a Requiem Faction staging area.[*]Come On, Come On, Do the Clone-Commotion: Telepath and Kitmarch of the Fletched Alliance have discovered that Requiem's experiments with Nictus energy have gone past the level of shard-implantation for Galaxy troops, or the production of Warwolves. Soon, it seems, he will be attempting to take the final step, and replicate the process which created him...[*]A Hax0r, A Hax0r, My Kingdom for a Hax0r: Hannah Rolando and Cruxifix Blade seek to wipe out by fair means or foul the images of Miss Ellie's experiences currently spreading across the internet. They are apparently being opposed by a virus created by.. the Malta Group?![*]Don't Panic, Mr Mannering: Arctic Princess's efforts to form a Home Defence team continue, working to develop a way to detect and contain possible counterattacks from off-world.[*]Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Coile and Sword of Truth, while gambolling in Central Asia, come across an unpleasant piece of evidence of the worldwide reach of Requiem....[/list]Next Events
Event: Beacon One: Though I walk through the Valley of the Hydramen, I shall Fear no Hentacles
Mission Goal: Placement of the first primary locator beacon and it's defence.
Current Mission Contact: Dr Temporis
OOC Mission Time: Sunday 18th June - Gather at the Statue at 7pm, depart for Peregine Isle approx 7:30pm
Plot Mission: Supply Raid One: Bootleg Turn
Mission Goal: Interception of a Requiem Faction Convoy
Current Mission Contact: Crucifix Blade
OOC Mission Time: Monday 19th June - Statue at 7pm, Depart 7:30pm
Mission Level and Structure: To be Determined.
Plot Mission: Supply Raid Two: Council Earth
Mission Goal: Disruption of negotiations between the Requiem Faction and a Council World
Current Mission Contact: Lyn-Legend
OOC Mission Time: Wednesday 21st June - Statue at 7pm, Depart 7:30pm
Completed Investigations
<ul type="square">[*]Satellite Shenanigans: Artic Princess & various ZorTel technicians have been attempting to track down dimensional incursions to try to locate Requiem's portal generators. He appears to have some method of hiding some of his portals, and from the looks of it, is moving some of his generators off Striga Isle to locations throughout the NE USA.[*]Crusin' for a Bruisin': Crucifix Blade hit the streets trying to discover useful information, and discovered that a Requiem faction convoy would be moving to a certain dock in Independence Port on Monday 19/06/06.[*]Through the Glass Darkly: Dark Shadowe stirred the pot on Striga Isle, causing the civil war between the Council Factions to hotten up.[*]Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics: Miss Ellie's efforts in collating data have lead to some research breakthroughs.[*]Relegation to the Second Division: Having honed her astral projection abilities, Hikari-Hime has successfully petitioned to be allowed to support ongoing operations.[/list]Completed Events
<ul type="square">[*]Plot Mission: Striga Operation One: Where Have All the Portals Gone: the raid on a Requiem faction outpost did not go quite according to plan, but some disturbing information on a 'Shadowmaker' machine was acquired as well as other information from a council server system concerning the construction of Requiem's apocalypse machine.[/list]
17-06-2006, 10:21am
Looking carefully, Jessica examined the latest crystal she enchanted with a concealment spell. Concealment was relatively easy, but binding it with an item so that yet an other item can be concealed for an extended period of time
that wasnt easy. Luckily, this latest creation seemed up to spec. The spell was stable in its cradle, locked carefully by the on/off command and the crystal should be able to keep it stable for at least two weeks.
Now the hard part was finished, time to move onto the next issue. How to let others trigger the on/off command, but not only that, in a way that even some one like Sebastian himself could use it! Going over the usual means, a talisman reacting to spoken words, some sort of key
she remembered Ellies grinned suggestion make it into a big shiny button.
Locking her work desk with a shield, Jess sped out the door, turned the stairs, going up instead of down. On the roof she saw the determination of the Clockwork at its finest: despite being unsuccessful for years to scavenge this buildings ventilation systems, they still tried. A few quick hand motions deposited the disabled Clockwork in a nearby dumpster, waiting for retrieval by Lyns Free Clockwork.
On the train from Kings Row to Steel Canyon, the Grav Mistress posed for some pictures and signed a number of autographs. Relieved when the train arrived at the station, Grav excused herself and took to the sky as soon as she was clear of the crowd. Next stop: Cookes Electronics.
Good afternoon, how can I help you? said a clerk with a warm smile. His wife had been saved by the Grav Mistress once. Hopefully hed be able to return the favour some how and help this hero with perhaps the latest in reactive armor, or stun grenades or, or,
Hello, I need a few compact remote controls, preferably with only two or three buttons Grav said in a pleasant but serious way.
The clerk blinked. Was this some joke? The Grav Mistress asking for a simple, by the sounds of it very simple, remote? Recovering quickly thanks to years experience, the clerk responded certainly, Miss, we have a wide range of remotes you can choose from, right this way and lead the way to a display stand with various remote detonators and car garage remotes, starting to explain the use of various models, the advantages and disadvantages compared to other models.
Sorry to interrupt, but all Im interested in is the size and shape of the remote, and the buttons, two or three, please Grav interjected.
Before long, Grav had picked a model she deemed useful, a three button model that would fit comfortably in a hand, but not too small to be lost. Ill need about fifty of these and fifty of those small compasses in that display case, can you put them on the tab of the Cirque de la Lune?
Let me just check our inventory, Miss the clerk said as he went to do just that. He had heard of the Cirque de la Lune, and how they repay their tabs. He checked the computer, and it listed there were enough in stock.
We have enough in stock, let me just get them for you
The clerk disappeared into the back, and came out a moment later with two boxes and a slightly nervous smile on his face.
The remotes packed per sixty, the compasses fifty. They are on the house, but if you specifically want only fifty
he said. He had no desire of being scared witless by some scary clown or a voice from the shadows over $60. Hed explain it to his boss as a community service, or pay it himself.
No thats fine, and most generous of you, thank you Grav replied with a radiant smile as she took the box.
You are most welcome, Miss, good day to you. The clerk rounded up, feeling heartened by Gravs smile.
Good day Grav returned with a smile as she turned and walked out the store.
The clerk hardly noticed the disappearance of the boxes into the much smaller pouch that hung on Grav belt, so caught up was he in the consequences of his actions, while staring almost hypnotically at the lightly swaying hips barely visible beneath Gravs cape as she walked out the store.
Back home, Jess examined once again the crystal she had left earlier. Pleased it still held its integrity, Jess made room for the remotes. Taking one out the box, she examined it. With a sigh of frustration she put it down and began rummaging through her desk, and later the rest of the house until she finally found the set of screwdrivers and started to dismantle the remote control. Stripping the insides, she began to replace them with more normal components: magic.
Chuckling lightly she started on her third project of techno-magic: What would Sebastian say if he saw me now?
@ShadowGhost & @Ghostie
The Grav Mistress, Mistress of Gravity
If you have nothing useful to say, you have two choices: Say something useless or stay quiet.
Bell Point Hospital, Marigold Ward - 0600 hours, 17/06/06
The ward was quiet, save for the rhythmic, mechanical fluctuations of a drip-feed and the soft steps of the nurses. It was too early for laughter and compassion, arguably the best medicine on offer.
Strands of light fell onto the bed at the end of the ward, next to the double doors that led out to the fire escape. Although Paragon was in the grip of another summer, this time of morning there was a touch of winter chill in the air: the morning dew had yet to evaporate and form a hazy mist for the sun to burst through and the window had been left ajar last night. The recumbent form in the bed shivered in its sleep...and woke up with a start.
Pain shot through Kata's chest; a searing hot pain that started in her ribs and ripped through bone and muscle to her shoulders, earthing itself down her arms, spine and legs - even her toes hurt. But Kata, somehow, managed to keep herself from crying out and attracting unwanted attention from the nurses. Her rude awakening brought flashes of equally painful memory to mind: She had panicked during battle, lost her nerve. From what she could remember her comrades Was that the right word? Red and Jakob were comrades indeed, but what of the others? had managed to contain the threat with seeming ease. What a stupid girl she was!
Then she remembered Nadia, who had stayed with her as she lay there believing she was at home again, waiting for her father to come home from work at the power plant, in her room. It had no doubt been shock, but she had felt peaceful then for the first time since she was a little girl, ready to be picked up and spun round the room and kissed on the forehead three times.
Kata winced again as her body remembered being gathered into Jakob's arms, all cold from the metal suit he wore, and carried to safety. No, that wasn't right. Something else happened...
The battle suit! Her body jerked involuntarily and this time Kata could not stifle the cry. She heard a rush of footsteps and the curtain surrounding her bed was drawn back.
"Miss Bromovich, what's the matter?" said nurse Evans. "Is the pain too much? Do you need me to get the 'Biofreeze'?"
Kata managed a feeble reply, "I would like to sit up, please."
"Now I can't let you do that miss until the doctor has seen your x-rays."
Nurse Evans looked at the woman with his sympathetic gaze. Poor creature. Another victim of this city's violence. And what was with that suit she was wearing when she came in? She looks too innocent for all that hero stuff.
"I tell you what, Miss Bromovich, I can get you some water if that helps?" He smiled and noticed that she responded warmly; for a moment the pain on her face subsided. That was why he had chosen to become a nurse in Paragon - that and the fact that he got to meet women like Miss Bromovich!
Kata nodded for the glass of water and watched nurse Evans disappear to the staff kitchen. She cursed in Russian as another burst of pain shot through her chest but took comfort in the fact that at least the staff they employed here were nice to look at. Then, when she decided that he'd gotten far enough she focussed her strength, breathing as lightly as possible, and began to launch her legs over the edge of the bed still lying flat on her back. That done Kata braced herself for the somewhat more arduous task of levering her torso into an upright position. She gritted her teeth, which to her alarm felt as sore as the muscles around her ribs, cursed several times again and thrust out her arms ignoring the pain once more which was lessened now the endorphins in her blood stream were kicking in. In fact her strength was greater than she imagined it to be as she rocked on the balls of her feet for a moment then fell towards the cupboard beside her bed. Kata planted her hands just in time on the sturdy cupboard, her body forming an odd angle between her feet and the floor. Tentatively, she tried the door and found it unlocked. Thank heavens!
The suit was there! Oh mercy and good heavens above! Its gleam was gone; scratches from bullets and metal fists had ripped through a few layers of kevlar and fibreglass: The helmet lay respectfully on a shelf above the rack where the suit had been hung up and Kata, despite her initial joy at seeing her battlesuit, was dismayed to note that the comms device attached to the helm had been snapped off.
Kata was conscious that it wouldn't take her new friend too long to fetch a glass of water so, one arm balanced on the cupboard's frame, she pressed an indentation on the left leg of the suit and retrieved two items: the first was the keycard given to her by Grav Mistress the previous evening - the card that had given the whole group easy entry to the Council base. The second was a memory stick, and it contained far more information than her comrades That word again believed she had obtained from the database.
No one had seen her place the memory chip in the console: They had only heard her request the information on Requiem and Nosferatu. Shadowe had inadvertently provided her cover by shouting at the machine for entries on 'Shadowmaker' as she tapped in commands to retrieve all the technological information the database could provide: From schematics for Zenith Hoverbots and Mech-Men to locations of 'retired' Council scientists and old inventions which had never quite made it into production. Kata had stood there, numb from shock, watching the list of files as they poured down the screen, looking back to see her comrades gathered round Richard as he downloaded the 'Shadowmaker' documents. Then she remembered the gasp from the party as she asked the mainframe to, effectively, delete itself. The pain had started to flow at that point so she had not been able to turn round and see their faces but she imagined, in particular Richard's face, would be a picture worthy of a thousand words. Kata had felt guilty of course for deceiving them, especially Red and Jakob, but in a time of crisis it was best that allies and opponents be kept in the dark in equal measure. She had a plan that, if successful, could wipe the Council from the face of the Earth - she corrected herself, This Earth at any rate.
Now of course was the conundrum: How would she get these files downloaded? ZorTel seemed out of the question; the security protocols there were impeccable, quite the best she had seen in fact, and Kata had worked for the intelligence services.
But she had no time to ponder this further. Her ears pricked up as she detected footsteps approaching. With a gasp she almost dropped the precious stick and keycard and, forgetting her condition, she jerked as if to catch them. The resulting pain was unbearable and Kata let out a shrieking howl as her legs gave way and she crumpled to the floor.
Nurse Evans returned with the water to find his patient lying on the floor. He hastily put the plastic cup down on a chair at the end of the bed and, forgetting that this was supposed to be a haven of calm and tranquility, hollered to a group of female nurses congregated at the other end of the ward. They rushed to him, temporarily ignoring the requests of recently awoken patients and helped him to put Kata back up in her bed.
"How did she get out?" the Ward Sister demanded, in hushed yet furious tones.
"I just went to get her some water. She woke up early and seemed to be in pain." He offered pathetically.
"You shouldn't have left her Michael. We have a duty of care, remember? Once patients are awake we must make sure they are monitored at all times. Especially her lot. Bloody hero community thinks it can stick a plaster on a bullet wound and carry on fighting an army!"
His chastisement over, nurse Michael Evans watched his colleagues put Miss Bromovich back into a safe position and marvelled: Hero or not, duty of care or not, she's got some balls, that one!
Nova Prospekt, 17/06, 1200 hours
Jakob hunched over the Nova Prospekt communications array, a sheaf of papers in his hand detailing his researches. Anything connected with this Council informant had to be performed from a seperate, personal connection, the risk of discovery was too great.
He looked at the papers again. The second communication seemed to confirm his investigations were on the right track, but he was going to need help. He patched into GoD-net and left a message. "This is for the attention of all operatives involved in Earth-side operations. As you may be aware, my ongoing investigation into the Council requires me to work against the Vandal and Nosferatu factions. I have uncovered a number of promising leads that could help to frustate Requiem in the Civil war and direct his attention, but cannot act on them myself without risking discovery. If you have leads on the Council from your sources, I will attempt to use the intelligence I have aquired to advise on which incidents are most likely to harm Requiem."
Somewhere under Dark Astoria 16/06 5:00am
There is no light here, they like it that way. Here in this little cave, so far from the world... I used to like it in here. Well, better get this over with, there's more to be done.
"I need a favour... a big one. Don't give me that look, you owe me this. Council.... just give them some trouble, let them know the children of the night are out to get them. Hurt them, make life difficult and tell me anything you find out about their movements."
The reply was a short nod and nothing more.
With the turned vampires out to get them the council are gonna have a tough time getting organised. There may not be many now, but they're good, this'll make things easier.
IC: 18:00 18 June 2006
Doctor Temporis strides through the smoke and flashing steam bursts of a fabrication facility deep below the streets of Boomtown, robotic systems and automaton workers scurrying to complete construction of the first Dimensional Scanner.
The blue form of CIRCE hovers along beside him. "The projections show that the scanner will be completed on schedule, Doctor," she assets in her greek-accented lilt.
"I hope so," he replies, peering at monitor readouts projected into his vision by his monocle. "We have a team going out tonight to secure the area. It's likely to be a tough fight. I hope we get enough support."
CIRCE shrugs. "You always tell me that we make do with what we have."
He grins. "Yes, but I'm used to having lots. Has the call to arms gone out?"
CIRCE nods. "Interested parties have been encouraged to gather in Galaxy City at the usual location between 19:00 and 19:30. We expect dimensional translation on Peregrine island at approximatly 19:45."
Heroes present: Coile (Andre), the Sword of Truth (Nadia)
Time: 2 am, 18.6.2006 (US East Coast) 11 am local time
Location: on a plane to Bikek, Kyrgyzstan
Andre kept his gaze steady. Nadia was breathing evenly with her eyes closed. Andre was glad that she was finally sleeping. With all the refuels and the storm front over Austria this was stretching to be a twelve hour flight. In half an hour they would be in Kyrgyzstans capitol Bikek. The connecting flight to Karakol would leave in an hour after that. Then there would be a helicopter ride to Karakara which was the permanent base camp where there was a canteen, a café and a sauna. By the end of the trip there they would both be beat from all the traveling. Still he himself refused to sleep.
It wasnt that he was standing vigil over Nadia. They were in an airplane and just sitting awake would benefit her in no possible way. He didnt dare to close his eyes because he was afraid. Andre brushed the sweat off from his forehead and bald head with one motion of his hand. When he closed his eyes he saw fingers, fingers that were freezing cold but still burned. The touch of the fake Azure Sting.
He almost let out a shout and recoiled from the memory. Tears were flooding his eyes again and he bent forward almost doubling over. Luckily no stewardesses were near and nearby passengers were all sleeping. He wanted to wake Nadia up so badly but she had earned her brief rest. She had comforted him once already during this flight. He merely put his hand gently on Nadias hand and was engulfed by the anxiety that Ripmind had uprooted.
Past the swirling turmoil regret, shame and repent pushed a blue flower. Andre tried to grasp the image but it was elusive, more an idea of a flower than a real image.
When he next was aware of his surroundings they were starting the descent to the airport.
Time: 4 pm, 18.6.2006
Location: base camp on Karakara, a canteen
Nadia and Andre carried their steaming bowls to the table and sat down. Outside it was raining heavily. Lightning cracked right across the sky with the bellowing thunder following after almost immediately. The storm was right upon them. Andre cleared his throat and dipped his spoon into the stew. So, how do you like it so far?
Nadia blew air into her stew and smiled. A lot more green that I had thought. Andre grimaces apologetically. I guess I didnt tell you much about this trip in advance, did I? Nadia kept smiling. No you didnt, but its okay. Why dont you tell me now?
Andres panicky expression was softening already. Karakara camp is just two kilometers from sea level and flush with nature. Trees, meadows, horses roaming freely. Andre let silence drift in for a moment. Of course you know all this since youve seen it youself already. Nadia nodded encouragingly. Go on, Andre.
This is a staging area for expeditions around the whole area, Khan Tengri, Pobeda Peak, Bayncol peaks and others. Well spend a day or two acclimating around here. Let our bodies get used to the altitude and thinner atmosphere. So, after sleeping a little well go for a walk and then retire for the night. Tomorrow I think we could go hiking further and maybe riding. Or flying.
Nadia ate slowly since the food was still quite hot. She giggled a little at the thought. She liked it when Andre took her along to fly. I assume you want us to practice flying using the ropes and harnesses? Andre nodded seriously. Yes. When we fly to Lord of the Spirits we could be hit by winds that are hurricane strength. My flight field extends only so far. I want to be certain that you keep close enough at all times. I have thought this trip through, Nadia. Again she just smiled. Of course.
Then they ate in silence until Nadia looked up as she remembered something. You told me to ask you about someone named Emmily when we are here. Andres mood darkened immediately. Clear mental images began assaulting him, memories bashed at his senses and the overwhelming feeling of failure and inadequacy knotted his stomach tightly. He opened his mouth in an attempt to make those feelings words but they clogged in his throat. It felt like swelling shut. Andre forced a deep breath and shook his head. He wasnt ready for this after all.
Nadia took his hand between hers firmly and spoke levelly. Andre, you dont have to. The hands were calming him, giving him something good to focus on. Later, okay? When were alone. Its not that I dont want to share it with you, but its hard. Not now. Nadia observed the man closely for a moment. No crying this time, it seemed. Whenever you are ready.
Just to steer the conversation elsewhere Andre brought up a subject that he had meant to ask about already. How did your mission against Requiems forces go? Nadia left the table, brought back two cups of coffee and sat down again. We defeated his men and freed his captives. Two of us sustained injuries. Volt Master and Kata. She was hospitalized for her wounds. I thought of going to visit her after we return if she is still under care.
Staring into his own cup of liquid offered no divine answers. I want to do my part. Protect the people the best that I can. Again she merely smiled at him from beyond her darkened glasses that she had on still. Andre had never seen her without them or the visor, not even early in the morning. Finish your coffee, Andre. We still have to pitch the tents before we can get any sleep.
Outside the rain had subsided. The ground was of course still wet but neither paid it much attention. The scenery around them was breathtaking and the air was so clean and fresh compared to Paragon City. Andre crouched by the heap that was their various gear and pulled out a large wrapped package. This is our tents. Then they headed a bit further off to erect them.
The afternoon sun was greeting them as Andre opened the package and browsed through the contents. Then he frowned and picked up the instructions sheet. Problems?, Nadia queried while she looked around. She loved this place already. Andre didnt reply, only went through the contents again, this time with a frenzied look in his eyes. When he did that for the third time and looked really horrified Nadia became concerned. Andre?
Andre almost jumped at the voice and looked up. He tried his best to look for the right way to express this. We have only one tent. Nothing like blurting out the shocking truth at the unsuspecting victim. Tact or smarts had never been his strong points. Nadia looked at him not even remotely amused. What?
He tried to shrink under the cold edge in the voice. I dont think I ever mentioned to the camping store clerks that we wanted two separate tents. They only knew we were going together. Nadia took her time digesting the situation. We are far from any stores, the helicopter will not return in days and we have only one tent. Am I supposed to sleep with you in that one tent? Andre inhaled sharply. I can sleep outside! Nadia shook her head. Here maybe, not when we go to the mountains.
Slowly the situation sunk in with both. Like it or not, this was the reality and neither could do a thing to change it. In the face of a situation she would have no power over Nadia sighed. It couldnt be that bad. Andre had behaved himself in the apartment. He wouldnt get any funny ideas now only because they slept in the same confined environment. In their undies. She smiled to lighten to mood and said playfully, Maybe this is a conspiracy, Andre?
The sheer terror on his face required no words to explain. Humour in these situations was wasted on him. He took everything so seriously. I know you didnt plan this Andre. You are too much of a gentleman for it. Shall we get the tent ready? I am tired. Andre mumbled something and started putting the tent together quickly. I hope we have at least two sleeping bags., remarked Nadia as she helped to hold the ropes.
Andre muttered a barely audible yeah and remembered what the clerk had said. How had he missed it then? The sleeping bags could be combined to make one big sleeping bag. This was one trivia that he decided to keep to himself.
(A message appears in the inbox of everyone connected with the Requiem campaign)
ATTN:
19/06/06. 19.15hrs. Further assault against the Council - information recieved on Nictus laboratories on Striga Isle. Assistance required - security level 25 minimum. Mission may be dangerous. Assemble at Galaxy Girl statue, 1900hrs.
-AB
Current Operations as at OOC 19/06/06 00:30
Next Update Expected at OOC 20/06/06
Ongoing Investigations
<ul type="square">[*]Doing the Turncoat Twostep: Red Hammer has recieved two missions from his contacts with the taint of Requiem about them. How will he seek to turn this to the advantage of justice?[*]Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends: The strain of constant dimension-jumping is starting to put a strain on many worth heroes and their relationships. On the positive side, Grav-Mistress's cloaking system works well, even if it does give DocT the shivers.[*]Come On, Come On, Do the Clone-Commotion: Telepath and Kitmarch seek assistance to strike against the Nictus-Infusion labs which provide Requiem with his most powerful henchmen.[*]Don't Panic, Mr Mannering: Arctic Princess's recovered information might prove very useful in the construction of defence forces... and for other things. Shadowe investigates further.[*]Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Coile and Sword of Truth, while gambolling in Central Asia, come across an unpleasant piece of evidence of the worldwide reach of Requiem.[*]Shadow Owes Its Birth To Light: The mysterious and evil Shadowmaker Device still haunts the minds of those heroes who saw it in tortuous operations.[*]Bootleg Turn: Logistics Raid One: Crucifix Blade attempts to infiltrate and destroy a Requiem Convoy at a dockyard in Independence Port, seeking to put a dent in the distribution of dangerous Portal technology.[*]Reversal of Fortunes: Evidence gathered by Shadowe concerning the kidnapping of Kheldians is corrorborated in ghastly form by the discovery of a Turned Kheldian working for Requiem in the Hydra Dimension.[*]Putting A Freaky Face On Things: Alfred Bester attempts to perform some informational warfare, trying to convince the press - and Requiem, perhaps - that the current hero activity is related to work against the Freakshow.[*]Behold, a Pale Horse: Information recovered by the WoEE and discovered in the Dimension of the Hydramen shows that Requiem's mad device, the Riptear Generator, continues construction, and is in the test phase.[/list]Next Events
Player Mission: Logistics Raid Three: Out of the Council Base and into the Volcano
Mission Goal: Search and Destroy one of Requiem's Nictus laboratories
Mission Contact: Telepath
MIssion Type: Task Force (Hess TF)
OOC Mission Time: Monday 19th June - Arrive in Port Noble, 7.30pm.
Logistical Issues: Min level 25, max level without exemplar is 30. Task Force: May take a while.
Plot Mission: Logistics Raid Two: Council Earth
Mission Goal: Disruption of negotiations between the Requiem Faction and a Council World
Mission Contact: Lyn-Legend
Mission Type: Portal Mission (Peregrine Island)
OOC Mission Time: Wednesday 21st June - Statue at 7pm, Depart 7:30pm
Completed Investigations
<ul type="square">[*]Satellite Shenanigans: Artic Princess & various ZorTel technicians have been attempting to track down dimensional incursions to try to locate Requiem's portal generators. He appears to have some method of hiding some of his portals, and from the looks of it, is moving some of his generators off Striga Isle to locations throughout the NE USA.[*]Crusin' for a Bruisin': Crucifix Blade hit the streets trying to discover useful information, and discovered that a Requiem faction convoy would be moving to a certain dock in Independence Port on Monday 19/06/06.[*]Through the Glass Darkly: Dark Shadowe stirred the pot on Striga Isle, causing the civil war between the Council Factions to hotten up.[*]Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics: Miss Ellie's efforts in collating data have lead to some research breakthroughs.[*]Relegation to the Second Division: Having honed her astral projection abilities, Hikari-Hime has successfully petitioned to be allowed to support ongoing operations.[*]A Hax0r, A Hax0r, My Kingdom for a Hax0r: Hannah Rolando and Cruxifix Blade successfully stopped the spread of the datafiles of Miss Ellie's captivity[*]Here a Clock, There a Clock, Everywhere a Tick-Tock: Lyn-Legend's investigations of a world full of Council have revealed negotiations between Requiem's faction and these forces: this must be stopped![/list]Completed Events
<ul type="square">[*]Plot Mission: Striga Operation One: Where Have All the Portals Gone: the raid on a Requiem faction outpost did not go quite according to plan, but some disturbing information on a 'Shadowmaker' machine was acquired as well as other information from a council server system concerning the construction of Requiem's apocalypse machine.[*]Event: Beacon One: Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Hydramen, I shall Fear No Hentacles: despite strong resistance from local hydramen, the first scanner unit was successfully emplaced. Evidence discovered indicated that Requiem had learned of and sought to foil the plan, though his machinations - provoking the local hydramen, eradicating a scout outpost, seeking to test his new weapon, and dispatching one of his Turned Kheldians - fortunatly did not stop the assembled heroes from achieving their goal.[/list]
IC - Weekend News Reports
"News channels are alive this weekend with two major items of particular interest at present: the fact that the internet has been suffering a wave of unexpected slowdowns and lagspikes - information technology experts speak of a core war being fought across the networks - and that there are rumours of a massive campaign in Paragon City being formed against the Freakshow. Freakshow personnel commented 'Raar! We'll take em all'.
Back to you, Michael, for the Weather and Sport."
IC 22:00 17/06/2006
Transmission Origin: Alfred Bester from the Fletched Alliance
Transmission Medium: Secure Communications via Rebirth Alliance Grid
Transmission To: All Rebirth Alliance volunteers
"To cover the operation against Requiem, the press have currently been informed that we are mounting a campaign against the Freakshow. If asked, all our stories should collate. The Freakshow have started evil plots, but a group of co-operating heroes has it in hand and there is no danger. A plot to blow up Independence Port was foiled on the 17th of July - this is true, but of course the overall anti-Freakshow campaign is not. Attempt to maintain the cover until we have defeated Requiem."
Transmission Additional: CIRCE from The Laboratory via GoDNet
Indications show that informational warfare methods may be of assistance during these operations. However, we note that no hero currently volunteering for the Rebirth Alliance may be required to violate their personal ethical codes during their affiliation regarding strictures such as falsehoods. In situations where this may bring conflict, silence is our recommendation but naturally not an instruction.
IC 23:30 18/06/2006
Transmission Origin: CIRCE from The Laboratory via GoDNet
Transmission Medium: Secure Communications via Rebirth Alliance Grid, or Direct Delivery
Transmission To: The Workers of Eastern Europe, The Silent Tempest, The Warriors of Darkness
Transmission CC: All other Rebirth Alliance volunteers
Initial examination of the data files recovered from the Striga Isle outpost raided by Alliance forces under the command of Red Commissar indicates that the Requiem Faction has developed a method of concealing their use of Portal Generators which has been codenamed 'Shadowmaker'. This method appears to involve using living beings to filter dimensional energy and mask its signature through overlaying their own energy patterns. The specifics of this method are deeply unpleasant, not to mention eventually terminal to the beings so used.
It is necessary that we develop some method of breaking this concealment since if it is allowed to become widespread the ramifications could be significant. We must also rescue any citizens being used for such a barbaric scheme. Heroes Red Hammer, Subaiku, and Shadowe are requested if their duties allow to lead an investigation into this information further, drawing on the resources of other heroes and allied forces where they feel necessary. Any allied heroes interested in supporting this investigation are requested to liase with the above heroes.
[b}IC, 19/06/06, 8am. ZorTel Industries SubSurface Computer Terminal Room 3A.[/b]
"Hey Hannah, how's things on the island? Yeah, I'll be over in a little while, it's my turn to do the shopping at the house... oh yeah, why I phoned. I think we won the battle against the video upload, I'll ease off some of the attacks but keep the virus spread to mop up anything we missed. 9 varients and counting, Norton are stuggling with just one thanks to that little trick you taught me... yeah, you take care too, I'm off to do that shopping and head home for some sleep. Yeah, love ya too and all that. See ya!"
Anna closed the VOIP connection and leaned back in her chair. It seemed a little odd that the Malta group had given up, but she could keep her eye on any odd movements. Rumaging through her pockets, she pulled out a crumpled list and headed out of the room, waving to the stoic-faced woman standing guard.
"I'm clocking out, see you later." she waved. The woman gave a barely perceptible nod.
18/06/06 - 11.10pm - Max's Office
-beep-
Max started to peruse through a small assortment of case-files on his desk as the computer booted up. It was getting late, and he'd promised Sam he'd be round her place soon, but this, this was more important tonight.
The monitor screen flickered, and flashed onto the OS screen. Max pulled a Tablet PC from his jacket pocket, switched it on, and activated the bluetooth data-link.
The main computer picked up the connection instantly, and started to transfer the data that had been gathered that evening, from the scanners he had placed in the Hydra dimension, whilst the Spandex-Brigaders had been leaving.
An array of graphs and analysis charts popped up on screen, showing all manner of technical readings from the dimensional rift, up until its point of closure by Doctor Temporis.
Max peered at the readings, and a smile crept slowly across his face.
Red Commissar's Red Star Apartment, a few hours later in the early morning....
Red Commissar stretched his right arm and relaxed it. It had healed quite well in the last two days. Modern Medical Technology was a marvel these days. Back in the USSR, Such an injury would have made him a cripple and useless to do his duty.
However, he still was angry. Angry for the injuries the heroes under his command suffered. Angry for the people who suffered on those crucifixes.
He saw Kat in the Hospital a few hours before, happy to hear she was healing well. He had given her the get well card which almost everyone had signed, the one with the cross eyed kitten and some boxed chocolates Alfred had suggested. She had appreciated them both greatly.
He flexed the well healed arm again. It felt quite new, not as worn as everything else in his body. Maybe he should get injured more often. He smiled grimly at the joke.
Now all he had to do was wait for another mission to be part of. He had to work off his anger somehow, but the Hellions were oddly not present on the streets these days...
[ QUOTE ]
Next Events
Player Mission: Logistics Raid Three: Out of the Council Base and into the Volcano
Mission Goal: Search and Destroy one of Requiem's Nictus laboratories
Mission Contact: Telepath
MIssion Type: Task Force (Hess TF)
OOC Mission Time: Monday 19th June - Arrive in Port Noble, 7.30pm.
Logistical Issues: Min level 25, max level without exemplar is 30. Task Force: May take a while.
Plot Mission: Logistics Raid Two: Council Earth
Mission Goal: Disruption of negotiations between the Requiem Faction and a Council World
Mission Contact: Lyn-Legend
Mission Type: Portal Mission (Peregrine Island)
OOC Mission Time: Wednesday 21st June - Statue at 7pm, Depart 7:30pm[/LIST]
[/ QUOTE ]
Damn.... Can't make either of those. It just happens that todays mission falls on a Cirque meeting day! No rescheduling as it has been planned for a while. 
On the wednesday i'm partying so I can't make the council world one! I love that map!!!! 
I hope I can take part in another soon... Steel Guard is yet to have some action and Rachios would like a brawl or two. Plus you know you feel an emptiness when Inago isn't around! 
Oh, I can always do some stuff offscreen if there's anything going. 
(( This is Pyr's diary entry about the meeting last week. It's late, I have been too busy to concentrate on writing Better late than never, eh? Link to her diary in my sig. ))
Hunt for Requiem Starts
Posted on 13.06.2006 at 22:53
Current Location: Galaxy City, skyscraper roof.
Current Mood: Tired sack of bones
Current Music: No Doubt - I'm Just A Girl
Dear Diary,
My head is buzzing and I'm exhausted. I just spend ages sitting on a meeting. It was important, but geez. I could only understand half of what was said if that. Ghost Tiger received invitation, "Doctor Sebastian Macallister requests the pleasure of your company at a strategy and planning meeting to plot the downfall of the villain known as Requiem." and since Zan was busy, I had to go.
To start things off properly, I was late. The meeting was on some station somewhere where I was teleported to (Does teleporting make else's skin awfully dry? I have to ask.) It was very high-tech place, lot of big, impressive looking machinery and holo-displays. Quite different from our little office!
People were gathered around a big table (I have seen basketball fields smaller than that table), the Doctor himself was standing in the middle of it. There was lot of people I recognized but none I could really call a friend. I sneaked to stand behind Bluestrike's chair, she would at least be a friendly face. I felt so small. But I tried to think, at least I am here! Listening to all these famous heroes discuss the latest threat to our world. I have never before been part of saving the world!
There was lot of talk of alternative dimensions and portals and such. Alternative versions of me? What a silly thought! But maybe I get to meet myself sometime! How weird would that be? ...Anyway, back to the meeting. The way I understood it, is that OUR Requiem from THIS Paragon City (a quite crazy but powerful guy) has somehow concluded that if he destroyes all the worlds in all the dimensions (using some "riptear" machine) he somehow becomes God. All-powerful, All-knowing, all the jazz. Why does he think that, never really came clear to me. It's not a thought that any normal person would come up with. It reminds me of one Southpark episode, with little gnomes stealing underpants. His plan makes as much sense as theirs. But even if his plan wouldn't work, our world would still be destroyed. Why can't he wrap his head in tinfoil and be worried of gaygas like any other nutjob?
To prevent Requiem's plans, we need to go to several other dimensions and also clear some of his bases here in Paragon City. The alternative realities confuse me. Scare me too. But Kyo promised he'll come with me so it'll be alright. I want to help the best I can, but honestly, I'm just a girl and I don't know what I can offer when others have army of satellites, or army of clockworks, or can blow up small planets, or is the most powerful telepath on the planet, or is gandalf with fangs, or whatever. I can set a guy's pants on fire, whoopidoo.
Is this how Claire feels all the time? Maybe she could get someone to teach her? Martial arts, magic, or some weird-[censored] tech? I'll ask her if she'd like that.
Pyr
((I'm giving it until 8pm for anyone to turn up for the mission, if not, it's called off until further notice.))
[ QUOTE ]
Player Mission: Logistics Raid Three: Out of the Council Base and into the Volcano
Mission Goal: Search and Destroy one of Requiem's Nictus laboratories
Mission Contact: Telepath
MIssion Type: Task Force (Hess TF)
OOC Mission Time: Monday 19th June - Arrive in Port Noble, 7.30pm.
Logistical Issues: Min level 25, max level without exemplar is 30. Task Force: May take a while.
[/ QUOTE ]
((Cancelled until further notice, since only one person turned up.))
((Darn. I have to make a point of checking the website more frewuently, I'd have been up for that, had I known - Still not done the Hess TF, and I hear it's the best in the game))
IC Monday 19/06/2006 2030 hours: Bell Point hospital, Marigold Ward
Still wrapped in his blue and yellow scarf, Jakob talked excitedly with the nurse as he was led to Kata's bed. A male nurse, for once he thought I can actually talk to him without any rolled eyes.
"Hello, Kata." he beamed, arriving at her bedside, "Do you get the football in here? What a result! Say what you like, but Sevchenko's a hero in my book! But anyway, onto more important matters. How are you feeling today? I see you got our card - we're all wishing the best for you, Kata - we're looking forward to seeing you back in action. Speaking of which, I noticed your battlesuit was quite badly damaged - I could take it and have my crew patch it up for you, so it's all nice and shiny for when you get out. What do you say to that, then?"
IC Monday 19/06/2006 2030 hours: Bell Point hospital, Marigold Ward
Kata looked at Jakob for a moment, unaccustomed to his enthusiasm for football, and smiled inside. She hadn't really been watching the television; Nurse Evans- correction Michael - had wheeled the contraption over and had propped her up into a comfortable position whilst he yabbered on about midfielders and the offside rule. When Jakob went to sit down on the plastic chair beside her bed Kata almost cried out, forgetting that out of his battle armour the man was slight and unlikely to crush anything.
"Well, I feel much better now. The results of my x-rays are back: it turns out my ribs are merely bruised, not broken. The doctors all think I am making an excellent recovery. I had to remind them that I was human though - they assumed that my Hero Licence meant I was some sort of fast-healing maniac!"
They both laughed at this but the dull pain Kata had now become accustomed to flared up and she had to cough to hide her discomfort.
Kata turned the television to mute using the remote placed on her lap and offered her comrade a chocolate. He declined the offer and so Kata thought it best to decline his.
"Thank you for offering to fix the suit but I've been having a few ideas about a new design."
"Oh? But you have not had the thing more than a couple of months. It will only take the boys a few hours to repair it" he replied. Jakob's thick, Russian accent made Kata feel right at home.
"I was hoping that Bluestrike would pop by. She has a reputation for being a good clothes designer amongst the hero community. I feel that it's time for a change."
Sensing that Jakob was not altogether comfortable talking about such 'feminine' issues as these, Kata rallied,
"I liked the card from you all. Very nice. The kitten is sweet."
"Da, Commissar certainly surprised a few people when he produced that at the statue yesterday."
"Oh and could you return this to Grav Mistress?" Kata reached over to her bedside table and opened the draw. Inside was the keycard she had been given by Jessica which was duly taken out and handed to Jakob.
"Ah but of course. Where would we have been without this little thing, eh?" Jakob took the keycard and held it up to the light, admiring its simplicity. "Perhaps I should get the boys to take copies, da?" he joked
Then the pair chatted about home, swapping reminiscences and feeling at the end of it like they had sorted out the World's problems. Then Kata yawned and Jakob looked at the clock on the wall and said it was nearly the end of visiting hours. He asked her if she felt comfortable and she replied yes, then he planted a paternal kiss on her forehead as Kata closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
((
[ QUOTE ]
"I was hoping that Bluestrike would pop by. She has a reputation for being a good clothes designer amongst the hero community. I feel that it's time for a change."
[/ QUOTE ]
Hey, Ellie's the professional clothes designer!! Blues' just a first year student! 
))
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
[ QUOTE ]
Hey, Ellie's the professional clothes designer!! Blues' just a first year student!
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, but Bluestrike:
<ul type="square">[*]Hasn't had her shop burnt down (dissatisfied customer?).[*]Has better taste (tends to wear decent clothes, unlike Ellie's famous fleshbarer creations)[/list]
Ellie's never had any complaints from her customers, and even landed a large contract from ZorTel. Her personal taste in clothes doesn't reflect what she puts her customers into.. Unless they want to look tarty, like Psyonix did!
And it was Requiem & Co who had her store torched...
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
As he left the hospital in Independence Port, Richard cursed silently. Charles had left already, heading back to 'the basement' with copies of the data downloaded from the Council base's computer system.
He cursed for a few reasons. Notably, because Kata had been injured. Richard and Charles were both powerful heroes and should have been able to make sure none of their companions was injured - that Kata had required medical treatment made Richard angry at himself for not keeping a closer eye on his friends.
He also cursed because something about the 'Shadowmaker' process had tickled his senses. It was all well and good to have the ability to sense sources of energy and particle flows at a subatomic level, but completely useless if you can't identify the type of energy involved. About the closest he could come to describing it was that those poor people were pumped full of 'real' energy, and they became more 'real' and then the energy was siphoned from them - plus a bit extra. Even the memory was enough to make bile rise in his throat. Everyone else had thought his reaction was because of the way the victims had been treated, but he knew better.
He was also angry with Kata. He shouldn't be, but he was. Hacking into a computer system held by Requiem, searching for data, and then part way through deleting every single file that referenced Requiem was, in Richard's opinion, rather silly. His mind actually replaced the word silly with a few choice epithets.
He hadn't managed to download the duty logs. He hadn't managed to find anything referencing Riptear devices.
Kata should have a copy of all the files she deleted, though she had restricted her search in some way... There was bound to be something missing.
At least he had the Shadowmaker file. Now all he needed was an eight year old child to break through the encryption.
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.