Council of War ((Open forum RP))

((quick bit background info. This basically came from an idea that cropped up while discussing the invasion, to kick off a few plot pieces, and cover over a few IC problems.

In order to keep this reasonably uncluttered, try and keep it down to RPSG leaders from both hero and villain side.
IC, they would of received some kind invitation (directly or otherwise) from either Britanic or Big Lunk to meet in a back room of Pocket D's.
I was going to send out actual Invitations via PM, but not everyone checks their messages regularly, and it would mean tracking down who's in what SG, and working out if they have a closer connection to either EVIL/Lunk or the millitia/brit.

So if you want to take part, just fudge your way in :P ))


In a plain, white walled, well lit room, some of the greatest beings of the world sit around a great round table.
This room, this outcropping of DJ Zero's dimension, buzzed with activity as people shuffled, and talked among themselves.
At one side of the table sits the infamous mercenary, Big Lunk, to some a hero and a soldier, to others a cold blooded killer and criminal.
Beside him, paragon city's boy wonder, Britanic.
The pair talk amongst themselves in hushed tones, waiting on the room to bring itself to order.

Zortel sat in the room at the table, a pensive look on her face. She leaned back into her chair, arms crossed over her black and white uniform that seemed to be the growing standard for Unity Vigil members, and occasionally whispered into her earpiece.

Catz spins herself round on one of the many chairs. The usual Intrepids torch insignia on her usual costume.
She looks a little bruised from earlier fights but shes managed to keep her clam.
Still leaning back she plays with a little energy ball which is floating about.
Her voice stays quiet as she speaks across the SG communicator. Every now and then whincing since both her arms and covered in bandages from an earlier escapade with a bomb.

She looks worried about something but no-one can probably tell. By the look in her eyes its the fear of something.

It was obvious Britanic was worried sick. As he spoke to Lunk he would stop and stare as each new arrival entered the room. The Rikti bombing had been causing havoc with communications, and he had not yet been able to raise his fiance' Suzi White, or anybody from his own group the Paragon City Protectors. Luckily his current command, the Militia, were mostly accounted for. He silently prayed everybody still missing were ok.

The fact Big lunk's message to Brit about a council of war got through at all was a miracle in itself, and since recieving it he'd worked tirelessly trying to get messages across the city to Paragon's various heroic groups.

Having done what he could to get the word out, all he could do now was wait for arrivals and help chair this council with his good friend Big Lunk.

Buffel Bag over his Shoulder and Hair Pulled Back in a Ponytail, Doctor Henry Rickman Walks in Slowly and Leans Against the Wall Carefully, His Silk Shirt Slightly Creased.

((lets get rolling. hopefully others will take part along the line))

Looking up at the amassed people, the good, the bad... the downright freakish, and slaps his hand a few times against the table.
"People...People... settle down... now... you probably why we called you all together. As I'm sure your all aware, there's been reports of Rikti incursions across the globe, with major strikes both in Paragon City and the Etoile Isles. It was determined pretty early on that these aren't the survivors, but an invasion force from the Rikti-Earth.
We're being attacked, people, and we need a solid plan of defence."

Looking to Lunk, Zortel raised her hand, waiting for a moment to speak. Taking a breath just to prepare herself, she looked about the room at the others gathered.

"I've already made some arrangements. Unity Tower in Skyway City is being used as a shelter for those who need it, as well as making use of its medical facilities if needed. The building is well protected, so the blasts shouldn't do too much damage against it. We can also arrange to have people teleported out of the city to safety. I've already got my members briefed to help and assit those others who need it. I agree though, a solid plan tho best direct those forces would be good, and I'll offer any assitance necessary."

Lunk nods slowly "Its a little harder for us out in the isles, its not as if the average person on the street is the sort of person we want to invite into our homes, but we're doing what we can. We've stockpiled supplies, and the office is underground, so we're pretty secure from the bombings, if any of you from the isles need a place to stay, we can probably arrange something... I recommended anyone who hasn't done so already digs in and fortifies their position aswell."

"For myself, ive got Sentinel Industries on alert to repair essential facilities, roads, and bridges. As for the Militia who im also representing here, we have managed to establish a crisis center at HQ, and I got people protecting, or coordinating emergency services. While this sort of activity will help in the short term. We need to start looking at the long haul, and how we are going to win this war."

"If we want to push the Rikti out then we need to think about putting aside differences, and helping each other out. The Rikti are not discriminating who they are going after, so I think we should start thinking the same way about who we are working with. The last Rikti war devastated the metahuman populace, im pretty sure nobody here wants that to happen again."

"Agreed on that last part, Britanic. I was a veteren of that war, and whilst I came out with my life, I lost a fair bit too. While they've had time to prepare, so have we." Zorielle said with a sigh, a bit of lingering hurt in her eyes.

"I've seen Hellions and Skulls and various costumed heroes fighting side by side on the streets to repel the threat in Paragon City. For all the troubles they give some of us, it is -their- city as well, and luck is on our side as they are now assisting us in our efforts." Zorielle said, pushing her glasses up a little with one finger.

"Something else I'm a bit worried about is while I am certain that the majority of us, whatever our background will pull together and stand united, there will always be certain... let's call them opportunistic parasites for want of a better term, in either or any side, looking to gain advantage from this chaos, or break the rules a little too much." There was something in the tone of her voice and her body language that Britanic in particular might have picked up on, perhaps in reference to an incident during an earlier conversation.

The Militia field commander rose in his seat. A beast three times the size of the average human, covered in blue fur and 'clothed' with patches of brown soil.

"An interesting thing, how great minds think alike. Just this afternoon, after the first waves of Rikti did I summon a small team from the Militia and tasked them to research. I had the distinct plan to call a Council of War tomorrow, noon. Of course, you are all still invited to come. Speak with me afterwards for the details" Mer'de paused briefly, readying himself for the introductory section of his planned speech.

"My name is Igor Noren-ko and I am a Journere, a young offspring from a hidden race of beasts under the French Alps. The last time the Rikti invaded our planet, I alone climbed to the surface to help the humans in their fight. This time, I am again, the only Journere caring enough to help, but fortunately I am now in a position to command a fleet of highly skilled, well trained and gifted individuals; the Militia. I heartedly hope that this gathering of team leaders will give us the chance to work together, allies and friends defending that which matters most; our home! Earth"

Mer'de paused to let the message sink in. He only hoped his little speech was enough to encourage those nervous of the world's state of emergency. He had invited along the Militia's trusted technomaniac; the twelve-year old Wild Child, who now placed a small laptop computer on the rounded table.

"Yesterday, the skies over Paragon City were filled with dark, grey thunderheads. The same occurrence in the Etoile Isles, South America, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and across the globe. Small ships darted through the heavy weather… and there were so very many of them." Mer'de paused again. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't realized it already, the Rikti have returned."

"Since afternoon, the Militia have been gathering information across the globe, most of the work was accomplished by our artificial intelligence supercomputer; Anna. What we have gathered is both reassuring and shocking at the same time. It appears that the Vanguard have indeed suspected the Rikti's approach for quite some time now and have already set up defenses around the Rikti Crash Site, where most of the action seems to be taking place."

"Of course, the Rikti have been fought off before. But this time ladies and gentlemen, they come prepared for super-powered warfare. Aggressive Rikti forces are attacking Paragon City and the Rogue Isle areas at random times and with little warning! The best course of action, it seems, would be for all heroes and villains alike to set aside their differences and co-operate to assist the Vanguard."

"For those of you who do not know what the Vanguard is, they are an all-volunteer force funded by the United Nations Security Council. From the information we have been able to gather, their plan of action is simple; to stem the flood of Rikti and their attempts to salvage their downed Mother Ship."

The laptop suddenly powered up with a silent hum, a cube in the centre of the keyboard glowed green before projecting a three-dimensional hologram of Anna, a woman with blonde hair and a pleasant smile; the human representation of the Militia's supercomputer. As quickly as it had come, the hologram vanished, replaced by a large 'M'. Seconds later, it began to display scrolling information on the Vanguard, then suddenly, it changed to a single image of a costumed woman.

"Lady Grey, leader of Vanguard" Mer'de continued. "Apparently she will be one of many contacts for our resistance. Lady Grey has publicized her plan of action; a series of missions setup for a proven team of super-powered individuals above security clearance forty-five, designed to take the fight to heart of the Rikti Invasion. It appears that this, is a job for the city's most powerful"

Mer'de looked around the room, noticing the rising levels of energy among the heroes, he could feel every single one of them building up courage. He decided to press on. "This isn’t about our history, but about our future. Its an ugly truth, but this is the reality of it; our very existence is at stake. We must join the Vanguard and fight the Rikti!"

Mer'de took his seat and allowed the artificial intelligence to read out her reports. The room echoed with a computerized voice. "The Rikti have somehow found a way to bridge the dimensional gap between their world and ours, once again and are staging raids across the globe, especially Paragon City and the Etoile Isles."

"The Vanguard plan to issue a city-wide alert when zones are being raided. This alert will resound across all radio frequencies, warning us of which zones Rikti attacks are imminent."

"Furthermore, the Rikti bombs appear to be unstable, some do not explode on impact and only embed themselves in the ground. These bombs have been noted to detonate after a certain time, which means they can be disarmed or delayed by inflicting damage upon them."

"More about the Vanguards base: The Vanguard's original base of operations in the Rikti Crash Site has been rebuilt as a fortress, accessible by members of the Vanguard, registered heroes and known villains. Combat within the base has been dampened and heroes and villains have been banned from battling each other, in the hope that they can work together instead. Entry points to the Vanguard bases can be found in the following zones: Atlas Park, Founders Falls, Peregrine Island, Cap au Diable, St. Martial and Grandville."

Anna continues to display a slide-show of visual images, co-ordinated with her presentation.

"The crash site has now officially been dubbed as the Rikti War Zone, for obvious reasons. Upon entering the zone, Levantera, one of the directors of Vanguard, will be the first point of contact. She has been appointed with the responsibility of inducting all interested heroes and villains as honorary member of Vanguard. Other contacts within the base are Borea, Gaussian, Dark Watcher and Serpent Drummer.

"It has been publicaly stated that by joining Vanguard, heroes and villains shall be awarded with Vanguard Merits for their efforts in defeating the Rikti."

"Vanguard reports show that the Rikti have erected energy pylons throughout the area surrounding their sunken ship. However, Vanguard engineers have discovered a way to detect the Rikti Pylons technologically. Apparently, destroying all pylons before the Rikti can replace them will lower the shield on the Rikti Mother Ship in the zone. Following the Vanguard's proposed plan of action, heroes and villains have been asked to plant explosives inside the ventilation systems of the mother ship to cripple the repair effort the Rikti have in progress. However, the Vanguard warns that once enough bombs are planted, it is likely that the Master at Arms will arrive to clear out non-Rikti interlopers! This is the full extent of the Vanguard's current plan of action."

Mer'de rose from his seat. "Thank you Anna. Now, I propose that we join the Vanguard. Tomorrow at noon, a meeting has been scheduled for the Militia and allies in which I plan to present my proposed plan of action. I believe the Militia's best course of action would be to station our Alpha squad in the Rikti War Zone, they can work with Lady Grey. Once business is handled there, they can join the Bravo squad in contributing to the efforts against the mother ship. Meanwhile, both Charlie and Delta squad can be assigned here" said Mer'de, pointing to a specific point on a map displayed in the hologram. "Tasked to rescue operations across the City. Of course, this would not limit Alpha and Bravo to the war zone, their help will most likely be needed in other parts of the City, fighting off the Rikti waves systematically, disarming UXB's and generally protecting civilians. Zortel's team has set up ways to teleport civilians out of the city and Unity Tower is currently being used as a shelter for those who need it. I myself will make sure that Wayne Towers is put to similar use." Mer'de looked around to room, happy to see so many teams represented in one meeting; a council of friends and allies gathered together to plan a resistance in a time of war. "We haven't asked for another alien invasion, but we've got one. The time to act is now and I have never been more certain that I speak for the rest of the Militia, when I offer my allegiance to whatever coalition is formed here tonight."

While Mer'de gave his speech, Britanic looked to Zortel. The more casual observer may have thought Zortel was talking about profiteers, and looter's, but Britanic knew she was talking about possible murderers, or rather one in particular.

Although the Militia had already made arrangements to deal with that particular internal problem, numerous events as well as the invasion itself had put a spanner in those works.

Putting the incident out of his mind for the moment, and looking to the crowd, he tryed to read their reactions just as Mer'de finished his speech.

Zortel looked back calmly for a moment, before turning to watch Mer'de as he made his speech. Her expression was a little unsettled as he talked about joining the Vanguard, which could be considered odd, due to the Unity Vigil's purpose at times being a bridge between various organizations.

Around half way through listening to the leader of the Militia, she pressed a finger to the small commslink in her ear, her expression growing troubled. Ducking her head down for a moment, she whispered a few sentances before looking back up. Her index and middle fingers, hands resting on her knees as she sat, crossed.

Leaning back in his seat, Lunk taps his finger against the table impatiently

"I can tell you, I for one wont joining this vanguard. Our fight lies on our doorsteps, not in some god forsaken spaceship junkyard. I have people to look out for, I wont be wasting my time gallivanting around, playing Flash Gordon."
He smiles cockily "good luck with your Alpha team though"

"I do agree with Britanic though. This is a time we should be setting aside our petty squabbles, and personal vendettas. Any other way would be tantamount to assisting the Rikti. Every person active, and available to fight is one more person who can make a difference. And on this note, I have something that may interest some of you..."

Standing up, he slides a disk out of his pocket, and feeds it into a slot in the table. The central section slides back, revealing a holographic projector, that flickers into life, forming a blue-grey image of an armoured vest

"the KM-Technologies mark three Personal Armour Combat Suite. PACS for short. Light weight, durable, layered plasteel plating. Internal life support system and life sign monitors. And a mediport signal booster, to stop those bastards locking you down when you really need to get outa there pronto. Theyre still in the prototype stage, far from perfect, but they may just save your life. We've already got several suits in operation, and the KM-Tech factory in Oakes is fabricating parts to throw together suits for whoever needs them. I'm sure we can arrange something for you mainlanders through Britty-Boy here"

Lunk leans forward on the table "Five years its been since they struck last, and they wiped out all but the best and the bold. Since then we've lived in fear of what they left behind. Of the possibility that they may return. And now that they have, they'll find us better prepared than ever before. We will destroy all those that raise arms against us, and we shall teach them, that now, it is US who should be FEARED!" He slams his hands down on the table, a look of madness across his face as he slowly calms and returns to his seat.



((PACS informations is there. will be updated soon, but i got an SG calling for help ))

Mer'de watched the prototype designs of Big Lunk's Personal Armour Combat Suite and nodded in approval.

((Oh, I like that! Wait, hang on... is EVIL using the war for BUSINESS?! O.o shame on you!))

[ QUOTE ]

((Oh, I like that! Wait, hang on... is EVIL using the war for BUSINESS?! O.o shame on you!))

[/ QUOTE ]
((oh, the vests are completely free.
And EVIL isn't trying to profit off the war... But Lunk is KM is his own private company.
And just imagine the free advertising when the updated PACS is released on the market after the invasion XD ))

Britanic looked at the spec's on the armour.

<God, I hope Ben doesnt think he's going to get me into one of them.>

"Hmm maybe I can speak to the CEO's of Iron Forge, and Armourworks, two of Paragon's premiere defense manufacturers and see if they will agree to the assembling of PACS vests in Paragon."

"A sharing of equipment, and technology. It's a good start but we need something more meaningful. I was thinking some sort of non-aggression pact, a sort of truce in contested zones, so we can all defeat this menace together."

Coile walked in. For those who had not seen him since the Angel foundation charity ball his brown flock of hair came probably as a mild surprise. On him he had jeans and a leather jacket that had once belonged to Nightsparrow. He had been leaning by the doorway listening a while before coming inside and taking a seat.

"Silent Tempest hasn't got firms or anything, so about all that we can do is just be out there. A few of us are working with the shelters and stuff. The rest are on the streets. Getting people out of the harm's way. I've been also checking out the main war zone." He shook his head.

"I agree, the main concern is now the Rikti, not how much we like each other." He gave a quick glance at Britanic. "Whatever operational bans there were they're lifted."

Then Coile looked at the holographic display and gave a wry smile. "I think I'll stick to my own armor. My granddaughter built it for me and so far it seems to be able to shrug of blasts from Rikti weaponry." He chuckled dryly and made a joke that no one would understand. "I'm unstoppable and immortal anyways."

"Afternoon Mr. Kraft." Zorielle smiled over at Coile, before looking about. "Some of my members wear their own armour, the Vigilants that guard the Unity Tower have the same uniform as this, but if any of my members wish to wear the armour, I'll get orders placed."

"It appears a lot is already being done. We should congratulate our fellows for the swift and efficient responses" said Mer'de, genuinely impressed by what he'd been hearing. "This armor that you propose Lunk, should prove useful and if any of my team are interested I too shall place orders. In the meantime, while we are all still here, I would like to voice my support for Britanic's proposition of a truce between all heroes and villains. We must work together against a common enemy. Beyond a truce, I would like to see a coalition of all forces represented here today. We must form an official alliance and work together in the war outside this pocket dimension." Mer'de glanced to Coile. "Already, I am glad to here your co-operation ban will be lifted and I look forward to working with the Silent Tempest once again."

Britanic let slip a smile. He had been working to try improve Militia relations with othergroups in Paragon's hero community, but a number of event's had soured things between the Militia, and the Silent Tempest. Perhaps working together now would repair that damage also.

There was a slow clap of a pair a hands. Britanic turned to see who it was, and his face dropped immediately.

Stepping away from a shadowed area of the room was a black clad man, wearing a metal brassy gold mask, a simplified version of DaVinci's vitruvian was emblazoned on his chest. Britanic, as well as some others in the room would recognise him as Partisan, leader of the human supremacist terror group Humanity First

"Excellent! Isn't it wonderful that we can all pull together in this hour of need. I would like to make a pledge of my own in support of this monumental cooperative."

Partisan stared around the room smirking under his mask.

"I pledge that for the duration of hostilities with the Rikti I will suspend all Humanity First activities against the metahuman poulace. For a while you may all sleep easy as I turn my Blackshirt's attention to dealing with the invading menace."

Looking around the room, Lunk turns to Britanic, lowering his head slightly and mutters under his breath "Imagine how far back it would set the metahuman community if someone set of a nuke in here..."
Sitting back up, smiling, seeming content with his 'joke', he addresses the room "... as of this morning, EVIL has ceased normal operations, legal or otherwise, in order to combat this threat. We personally wont be conflicting with any of your organisations, or the mainland's legal system. Some form of formal truce would be appreciated... at least until normal business resumes. I am also certain that many others from the islands, such as the TLF, corporation and New Mafia, are also too busy to cause any trouble.
So, can we all agree to a pact not to make the first strike against any other human..."
Lunk looks around the room quickly
"... I mean, Earth-based organisation whilst we continue to combat this threat?"
he raises his hand
"a show of hands for those in favour"

Tower of Power raised a hand at the back of the room. His appearence less imposing as Big Lunk's, but the blue muscle bound hero had the air of expecting respect and obedience without question.

"We work together, glad to have worked that out... What do we work towards has been established as well. Now, HOW are we going to work towards it? As nice and cuddly as this meeting is, there is a war being waged and we're on the defence."

Lifting a hand Coile hoped to get the attention of others for long enough to say aloud his one idea.

"Those of us who've been on the scene for longer aren't in such a shock, especially those who weathered the last Rikti war, or even the Requiem war. But the newer guys can be really lost. Losing confidence and stuff. So, it'd be really worth the effort to cut out from the fighting for an hour or two this Wednesday evening and gather here in Pocket D to exchange experiences. Let everyone see", he looked at Britanic and then at Lunk, "that we all stand together, and that there's a lot of us to help around. Offer assurance to those who need it that they can come to us to talk and get advice."

He couldn't but help wondering what possible advice he could offer but for some reason his team had wanted him to be their leader, so he was probably doing something right. "This Wednesday, from eight on in the evening?" He added more quietly, "I don't suppose that Rikti will vanish in the mean time anyways."

Coile left his hand up to show support in Lunk's proposal for a truce.

Zorielle glanced towards Partisan with some contempt, but kept her face in check after a moment. "How noble of you, Partisan." she said cooly.

"All members of the Unity Vigil are under instruction to help or assist -anyone- needing it. We'll work happily with the truce." Zorielle pledged, raising her hand. "And having lived through two wars, I'll happily attend if possible to help inspire and give confidence to those new heroes."

Zortel looked over to Tower of Power, smiling a little before putting on her buisness face. "We need to strike a balence between protecting the city, and dealing with the Rikti presence in the war zone..."