Cubismo

Oh well. At least I tried. ? Anyways, Replica's going to see if there's anything interesting about Aaron Treestock the same way she did with Dr. Tweed. Online Research + Computers + Skill Mastery in Computers = 25.

It was pretty clear that Replica stood out like a sore thumb. She didn't mind it personally, but there was the possibility that sticking out would harm her chances of getting information from Treestock. The android could have attempted to go in disguise as a patron, but she calculated that the chances of her being found out were to high a risk. Besides, as Cynthia Wright she could simply go to Treestock and claim she was just wanted to ask follow up questions about his participation in Dr. Tweed's experiment, which wasn't even untrue. Mr. Treestock still wasn't a suspect yet. He was still just someone who could help her on an investigation. Walking up to the aged disco singer pass the crowd of patrons she introduced her. "Hello, my name is Dr. Cynthia Wright. I'm from ASTRO Labs," she said while pointing to her ASTRO Labs ID card. "I just wanted to ask a couple questions, if you don't mind?"

"Not necessarily. Right now I'm just looking for more leads," Replica said honestly. Her scanning of the lab didn't provide her any new insights on who was behind the theft and Treestock was the only thing she had to a lead. Replica surmised that if she was capable of it this lackluster situation would have made her frustrated. Fortunately, she was android and felt no such emotion. That's what she told herself anyway. After receiving the address from Dr. Tweed the android bid the fellow scientist farewell and promised that she'd continue to investigate the theft. After her shift at ASTRO Labs was over Replica went to the Golden Notes club to see Treestock for herself. She decided that taking her costume with her would be more a liability than anything and decided to talk to Treestock in her Cynthia Wright public identity.

Replica ran at the omegadrone that was closest to her. Her postronic brain's strategic matrix flared to life and started to unleash a spew of tactical data on how best to incapacitate her target as efficiently as possible. <Run> <Strategic Analysis> # of Primary Threats [1]: Assessment: [Omegadrone] Strengths: Hardened Battle Carapace and Enhacned Physical Attributes. Other Strengths Currently Unknown. Weaknesses: Physical Damage. Other Weaknesses Currently Unknown. Likely Danger to Replica Unit: Medium to High. Final Assessment: Prevent Omegadrone From Using Strength to its Advantage. Incapacitate Omegadrone Using Submission Techniques That Will Render it Immobile. During Immobilization Continue to Damage Omedgadrone Until its No Longer Functional. <Strategic Analysis> <End> And so, Replica did just that. The omegadrone saw her but was to slow to react, its reflexes apparently inferior to the android's. With the omegadrone incapable of reacting in time Replica was able to take a jump in the air and uppercut the invader on the chin. Not missing a beat after her feet hit the ground again, she saw that the omegadrone was reeling from her blow. Replica saw the opportunity and took it. Quickly grabbing the disoriented omegadrone by the arms the android began to strike its undefended torso with her legs, using the full power of her combat frame to make every strike count.

Replica going to search through the lab, so...Looking around the lab for clues: 1d20+11 12 (Search Roll) And she's going to examine/analyze whatever she finds, so...Examining any clues found: 1d20+11 14 (Investigate Roll)

"Aaron Treestock is it?" Replica said with a notable hmm. Replica knew humans typical added hmm to vocally denote a sense of thinking and she had decided that doing the same would make her more...human for lack of a better word. It was just one of those behaviors she had added to her personality matrix. More to the point though, she was considering the possibility of Aaron Treestock being behind the theft. The dots didn't seem to connect though. Why would an old disco club owner want the mimetic and how could he possibly break ASTRO Labs firewalls. Could it be he wasn't working alone and used Dr. Tweed's invitation to the lab as way of coasting the place so his more computer-savvy accomplice would have the information needed to do the hack? Replica shook her head, another human gesture she had programmed in. There were too many unknown variables and connection failures for her to make a proper theory on who stole the mimetic glass. She'd have to look through the lab itself and see if the robbers left any clues that would betrayal them. She'd also need to know where this disco club was. She wasn't sold on the idea that Aaron Treestock had anything to do with the theft of the glass, but he was still a lead that had to be exhausted. Walking around the lab and scanning the area for anything that seemed out of place, she asked Dr. Tweed for more info without turning her back to look at him directly. It was rude, sure, but she had to multitask. "I'm going to take look at your lab to see if there's any physical clues to what happened here. Do you mean telling me the address of Mr. Treestock's disco club while I work?"

It was as she had feared. There only a few uncorrupted files left and they didn't give her any hints to who could have stolen the data and the glass. The only thing she did find that raised her interest was a video of a singer of somehow manipulating the glass with only his voice. Immediately Replica's ran through possible explanations. The man could have been a metahuman with unique vocal abilities that effected glass somehow? Perhaps his voice could go beyond normal human frequencies? Or maybe the glass was created to be manipulated by voice commands? While going over the possibilities was highly stimulating to Replica's mind it wasn't getting her anywhere. So she simply asked the person who'd most likely have the answer to her questions. "Dr. Tweed. I was able to recover a handful of files on the computers. It's not much, but was able to find one that seemed interesting. What can you tell about the singer you hired?"

Replica's going to use Computers again to see what happened to the lab Computers. She's using her Datalink power to do it because why not and Quickness to do it super quick. Like last time I'm using Skill Mastery to get a 25 on the check.

"No thank you," Replica said, turning down Dr. Tweed's offer. While Replica had a digestive system that superficially mimicked a human's she had no need to eat or drink. Which was rather fortunate since the android's olfactory sensors made it clear that Tweed's donuts had started to go bad. She focused on the scene before her. The lab was disorganized with various items scattered across it. That said, it didn't look ransacked. The glass was gone but beyond that the lab wasn't horribly looted. Perhaps because the thieves knew what they wanted and exactly where to get it without a messy search? It was just more speculation but Replica saved the theory to her postronic brain. Moving towards the computers, Replica took a seat near one of them and went to work. When she tried to activate it there was no response, like Tweed said, but Replica continued to mess with the computer regardless. While did she tried to technopathically interface with the machine in an attempt to determine what had happened. Hopefully Dr. Tweed would just see Cynthia Wright pulling a tech wizard miracle and not ask questions beyond that.

Replica took all the new information in. The glass itself wasn't intend to be weaponized and apparently it wouldn't be highly destructive even if it was. Processing the data, Replica came to the conclusion that the data theft was likely motivated by profit. A glass capable of immediately repairing itself was an idea that easily could make fortunes several times over. If that was the case than likely suspects for the theft were probably rival research facilities or corporations looking for a new game-changer idea. Of course, this was still just unsubstantiated speculation. Replica needed more data and the only she'd get any is by looking at the security breach herself. "Thank you for answering all my questions Dr. Tweed," she said, with a smile that looked rather authentic. Those new face muscle mechanisms were well-made after all. "I think its time for me to see the damage myself. Would be so kind to as take me to your computers so I can make my assessment?"

"Making an opposed grapple check": 1d20+20 24

"I see." Replica began, her voice its usual monotone. "Such a data loss is indeed dire." That was an understatement and Replica, and most certainly Dr. Tweed, knew it. ASTRO Labs had one if not the best network security system on the planet, with advanced firewall protocols and cryptography that many world powers would envy. The fact that someone, or someones, were able to crack it would have been disturbing to the android if she was capable of feeling emotions. Instead, she was both curious and concerned about the situation. Replica had been part of the team that had upgraded ASTRO Lab's security systems and anyone capable of beating her innovations had to be both incredibly talented and determined. Replica began to run her information analysis program in her postronic brain. She'd heard about Dr. Tweed's project through co-workers and while interested in the possible utility of memetic glass didn't pay it much mind. Having a widespread appreciation for the sciences was an ethic that Replica stood by but her interest in glass paled to her focus on information technologies and robotics. She knew that she'd have to ask Dr. Tweed some questions about his project. "I can likely help with recovering the corrupted files and saving what data remains on the computers, but I would likely to ask some questions about your project beforehand" she said reassuringly. "What exactly did you hope to achieve with your mimetic glass? Do you know if anyone outside of ASTRO Labs was aware your project? Do you believe the glass could be used for malicious purposes? I know these are a lot of questions, but they could help with finding out who did this."

Replica Crack the Anvil (2) Glass and Gold (4) GM Knowledge is Power (3)

So Replica's going to see if she knows anything about Mr. Tweed by doing a cool online search about the man using her postronic brain. She has the Online Research feat so she's going to use Computers instead of Gather Information. And with Skill Mastery in Computers I believe she can take 10 and immediately a 25 without rolling.

Replica was running the calculations for a complicated computational problem in her head when she was interrupted by Dr. Tweed. Temporarily freezing the calculation subroutine in her positronic brain for later examination, the android put down the datapad she was using on her spotless desk and gave Tweed a look. It wasn't exactly a cross-examination, and Replica wanted to appear friendly, but she nevertheless looked at him closely. ASTRO Labs wasn't exactly a typical scientific research facility but someone randomly asking a colleague about cyber-crime was concerning to say the least. She was getting better when it came to registering human reactions, so she immediately noticed that Tweed was nervous. Mumbling, mild perspiration, awkward body language. Those were all physiological and social cues to nervousness in a human. Replica decided to play this cool and non-confrontational for now. "Yes, actually. I have quite a lot of experience in computer science, as you no doubt know. While its mostly in an academic sense, I do know much about cyber-crimes as well. So, if you have a problem I can be of assistance, Dr. Tweed." While she talked Replica had a subroutine begin compiling a portfolio on Dr.Tweed. She only knew the man by reputation and felt it was best to learn as much as she could.

Sorry about the wait. Replica is going to try give the omegadrone a punch and immediately initiate a grapple with her Improved Grab feat. Punching the center omegadrone and starting a grapple.: 1d20+12 31

And with the assistance of EP's excellent aid another rolls, Terrfica was able to successfully figure out how to create a sheath destabilizer. Turns out the info Salvo found about the experimental sonic disruptor in Astro Labs computer files was actually applicable to the sheath destabilizer Terrifica was building! What a coincidence. Apparently both the sonic disruptor and sheath destabilizer use the omegadrone vulnerability to certain noise frequencies to disrupt their function, the sheath destabilizer just being a more advanced version and powerful version of the sonic disruptor. Alright, with the plot device created I could conclude this story if you guys want. Salvo and Terrifca can make their posts about their awesome discoveries and Westerman can give them a thumbs up. Or I could continue the thread for a bit longer than that. The choice is yours.

Rolling initiative for Replica. https://orokos.com/roll/635270 1d20+12 20

Replica ran the variables of Black Mamba's plan through her processors. With all three omegadrones guarding the front entrance of the facility it seemed likely that his approach would be successful if all three heroes were able to use the element of the surprise and defeat the omegadrones before they could call for help or flee to the interior of their base. It was risky, yes, but given the circumstances it was likely their best tactic. "Affirmative. I am ready."

Right than. To make the sheath destabilizer I need a Knowledge (Cosmology), Knowledge (Physical Sciences), Knowledge (Technology), Knowledge (Art), Craft (Mechanics) and a Craft (Electronics). I know that's a lot of rolls but I'm sure you brainaics can handle it!

Alright, EP. If ZB and TK are cool with abandoning the bomb plot (which I was admittedly kind of railroading) than we can go with the disable the omegadrone's sheaths plan. Doing so would not only eliminate the drones but also the machinery keeping the portal network connecting Terminus, the midway dimension and Earth-Prime.

Sorry about being gone for a bit guys! First off, having Eidetic Memory does allow you to roll for Knowledge (Cosmology) even if you're untrained. Also, I believe Terrifica can still use her Int bonus when rolling for an untrained since she does have Jack-of-all-Trades. Second, with Salvo taking a look at ASTRO Lab's Mainframe she now knows that the scientists at ASTRO Labs have been working on creating a sonic weapon that temporarily neutralizes omegadrones. Apparently the drones find certain noise frequencies to be utterly intolerable and damaging to their auditory sensors. Unfortunately, they were never able to get the sonic disruptor to work and abandoned the project a few years back. This info doesn't really help with shutting down the portal network but having a weapon that could deactivate several omegadrones at once will surely be hopeful in the invasion. You'd need a pretty good Knowledge (Physical Sciences) and Knowledge (Art) to find out where the ASTRO Labs scientists went wrong. While much of the salvaged Terminus tech was barely intact Salvo was still able to find out what its original purpose was. Turns out it was some kind of code module used to register newly converted omegadrones with unique passcodes. Apparently, Terminus has been upgrading its security systems since any object/person not registered with a passcode that uses a Terminus portal going to the midway dimension gets immediately flagged as an intruder and swarmed by omegadrones on the other side. This might actually be good news! If Salvo or Terrifca were to repair the code module they could register the bomb as an omegadrone and have it sneak past the defensive systems that the Annihilists have set up in the midway dimension. Thanks for making those rolls ZB. Now we just have to wait for EP to see whether you folks were able to make the universe's biggest explosive!

Got a 15 for the Notice check. http://orokos.com/roll/631440

"Forgive my lack of manners," Westerman nervously uttered to Terrifica. He looked up to the ceiling and than to the teenager at the door and quickly said the same thing to the new arrivals, but making a point to thank the floating hero for his willingness to brave the outside if needed. He was never that great at greetings or socializing in general but even he was painfully aware that he wasn't being the most hospitable guest. "Thank you all for coming. This is probably redundant but ASTRO Labs, no, Freedom needs your help to deal with what were calling the Nexus Problem. Basically, the invaders are coming into our dimension and we at ASTRO Labs didn't know how to stop them." An another prong of fear and anxiety hit him when he said that but Westerman did his best to push it aside with hope. "But...but, you're all here know. Terrifica's already made a lot of headway. We know those there's some kind of third dimension that's acting as a link between our world and Terminus. If we can somehow sever it or destroy the adjoining dimension we could, no, we would be able to solve the Nexus Problem and stop the invasion!" Just as Westerman was about to overwhelmed by the thought of success his brain reminded him of his responsibilities as a host. He steeled himself. "Right I'll make sure to get a couple sandwiches from the fridge downstairs. You guys look like you could you use the energy." Looking to the exhausted teenager he added. "And maybe I should get some first aid equipment, too?"

Those are some good rolls! And with them Terrfica now knows that the Omegadrone's radiation-resistant sheath was partially organic. In fact, it was infused with a type of bacteria that is native to Earth-Prime and Terminus. Deinococcus radiodurans, a super-tough micro-organism capable of shrugging off extreme heat, cold, vacuum and of course radiation. The Annihilists must have learned about the bacteria's utility when they were first exploring the midway dimension. With that knowledge in hand you could probably start working on creating your own protective sheaths. You'd need some deinococcus radiodurans, though. Perhaps Westerman knows if some is stored in ASTRO Labs and maybe Solar Sentinel is just the hero to grab for the team... For the Cosmology roll Terrifica has made the brilliant deduction that the radiation in the midway dimension is absolutely lethal to organic life. Even omegadrones would expire in seconds if exposed to it. The radiation there is also quite hazardous to electronics and highly caustic towards most base metals. In other words, its a death zone where nothing can survive in it without the techno-organic sheath or a ridiculous almost of superhuman toughness. Terrifica also knows that the midway dimension is quite tiny compared to Terminus or Universe Prime and that the chance of their being native life in it is less than null. So if you wanted to blow up said dimension with some kind of ultimate nullifier, you wouldn't have to worry about committing universal omnicide. How convenient. Speaking of ultimate nullifiers, you'll need another Knowledge (Cosmology) to wrap your head around how you could even make a bomb in a dimension with vastly different physics than our own and a Knowledge (Technology) to actual lay out its design. After that you need a Craft (Electrical) to build a transdimensional transponder, a Craft (Mechanical) for the reinforced casing, and finally a Craft (Chemical) for the explosive payload. Terrifica's epic Knowledge (Life Sciences) roll ensured that applying the techo-organic sheath to the bomb would be child's play if she got the bacteria, so don't worry about it and consider it part of the Craft (Mechanical) roll. The bomb is totally a plot device so don't worry about invention costs. Since everyone is collaborating to make this thing everyone can try to make all five rolls. The highest rolls for each will determine your overall success. Of course, creating a super-bomb isn't your only option. Maybe looking at the pile of Terminus tech in the lab or looking at ASTRO Lab's computer archives on the last Terminus invasion will give you more options?