Spacefurry

Craft, Mechanical: 28 Craft, Electronics: 21 Knowledge, Technology: 25

Predator The now armored hero does what she can to help herd the guests out of the hall without further problems or panic. She opens a comm line to their Talon liaison. “Mister Lawrence, I’m afraid I must ask you to join us at the podium as soon as possible.” Switch to another line she calls Captain Scarlet next. “Captain Scarlet, I’m afraid I must request you join us at the podium in the presentation hall as soon as possible.” That done she looks over to see Echohead and what she could only assume was some form of manifestation of Mirror Knight’s creation keeping watch over the remains. She nodded to herself and turned her attention back to the guests. Predator would feel more comfortable continuing once the guests were secure elsewhere and the reps from both the Talons and the local PD were present.

GM Diamondlight The young officer scratched his cheek nervously for a moment. “ I don’t know. I, ah,” He hesitated, looking over his shoulder. “We’re not supposed to..” He trailed off, obviously unsure before biting his lip and looking back. “Who am I kidding? People like you know people way above my pay grade.” He didn’t sound accusatory about it, more like stating a fact. “If you want in, someone would have my butt in a sling if I told you to take a hike.” Officer Haynes shrugged. He glanced one way, then the other before he gave a small sigh and lifted the bright yellow and black tape. “Just, ah, try to keep out of the way, sir.” He tried to make it sound official. ++++++ Sea Devil “There’s a comforting thought.” Detective Pascal grumbled as he pulled a small plastic object from his pocket and clicked it. At her query, he caught another officer’s attention. Pulling the unlit cigarette out he called out. “Bring me the file on this one.” The officer nodded and hurried over to a nearby folding table. The set up obviously meant to be a central area for the search. The detective put the cigarette back between his lips and clicked his little object again as they waited. A moment later the officer returned with a plain Manila envelope. “Thanks.” He grunted as the uniform retreated to his duties. Opening it, Pascal pulled a handful of large photographs from it and handed them to Sea Devil. “These are just from the last victim, but they’re pretty much the same as most of the previous ones.” He commented, giving her time to look through them herself. In the photos Sea Devil can clearly see the wounds on the body. Numerous scratches and lacerations are visible on the corpse, but the bite marks are what the photos focus on. To her experienced eyes, the bites are vicious and obviously lethal. They appear precise, but hasty. Like what ever made them knew exactly where it wanted to bite but couldn’t wait to dig in. They’re singular but deep, like it wanted something buried deep in the flesh and only have one chance to get it. ++++++ Nightscale Luke dodged the few stragglers still loitering to reach the spot he saw the woman. Looking around he can see no sign of her now though. Standing there, the distinct scent of old blood filters through the background smells of city park and people. There was something about her that he couldn’t put his finger on. As he contemplates, the young dragon spots the uniformed officer nervously lifting the police tape for the man remembered from the casino. Further in, he can just see Sea Devil through the other officers.

Predator Checking attendees Jean was glad she could find no serious injuries, but tensions were still on edge. When Echohead began call for people to clear away from the podium and the remains of Mr Cardenas because of a bomb she cursed under her breath. “Calmly, people!” She tried to call over the noise before giving up and deciding it was time to dress for work. There was a shimmer of translucent light around Jean and those nearby could feel the sudden distortion of space as the Predator armor materialized around her. A small buffet of displaced air ruffled clothes and she stood straight. Internally, Echohead’s call came through. Predator growled to herself and switch the external speakers on. They boomed as an amplified voice called for attention. “Please, remain calm! Security will assist you in exiting the hall in a safe and orderly manner!” Switching back to private, internal channels again she replied to Echo’s report. “If he can’t, I suggest covering the remains. Maybe a curtain or something, your jacket if you have to. We don’t need someone getting a look at it and starting another panic, or worse posting a picture before we can investigate it ourselves.”

@Nerdzul just so you don’t have it wait on a reply from me before posting. If he makes the check, Luke can notice a lone woman amongst the civilians. She has a small frame, kinda skinny. Looks rough, possibly homeless, but doesn’t carry herself like one. She catches Luke looking at her then he loses track of her as others pass between them blocking line of sight. Something about her gives off bad vibes.

@Avenger Assembled Nothing with the darkvision or magic. Hearing gets her the mullings and conversations of the police and a few nearby civilians. Nothing with the sonar or tremorsense. Scent does pick up something out of the ordinary. If she’s spend anytime around them, it kinda smells like something from a medical facility. It’s very faint and fading, not something she could follow from here. But distinctly recognizable if she came across it again given how out of place it is in the park.

@Nerdzul give me a Notice check, say DC 25

The sun was high and bright and the wind whipped their hair as the the duo cruised down the country road. The radio was jamming and Leon was leaning into the back seat to grab drinks from a plastic bag. They had been smart and grabbed a few drinks and snacks from the gas station they hit up before leaving the city proper, but with two young men they wouldn’t last long. He passed one to Luke as he settled back into his seat. “I got a great idea.” He said over the Bon Scott’s declaration that there were in fact, no stop signs or speed limits. “Let’s stop at one of those truck stop diners for lunch. Order the greasiest thing on the menu and see who taps out first.” He gave his friend a challenging smirk. They both knew Leon had yet to win an eating challenge against Luke, but as the young thief had explained once before. It was the thrill of the challenge that was the fun. OOC: the usual road trip shenanigans could be fun. I can see them at some point having to deal with some truckers or locals and have to deal with them while keeping a low profile (ie - no flashy powers)

None that I can think of

GM Diamondlight The young officer nodded, chuckling at the ‘bribe’ comment. “Wish my girl thought the same thing.” He gave a shake of his head. “If you could buy us a solid lead, that’d be a big help.” Officer Haynes tries to laugh, but it’s forced and strained. “Honestly,” He says with a sigh. “If you happen to know any capes willing to help out…” He trails off as he glances at a couple of people getting too close to the tape. “Please step back! This is active crime scene!” He yells over at them and the people move away. The officer looks back at August, continuing where he had stopped. “Some of the detectives have said a few capes have poked around, but no one’s found anything.” Officer Haynes shrugs again seemingly unaware of August’s alternate identity. He starts to say something else, but is cut off by the a sudden low, but resounding voice. The artificial buzz of it rumbles from the other side of the scene, closer to the waters of the park’s larger lakes. “The hells was that?” He manages, already reaching for his radio when a voice comes over it. The officer on the other end reassures anyone that the armored individual if here to help. ++++++ Nightscale Luke easily blends in to the civilians that wander within sight of the police tape. As he walks along he can easily spot weak points in the line. Places where anyone with a little practice at being sneaky could slip through. The FCPD have been understaffed for years now. Not too far away he spots a young officer speaking with a good looking man in a light-toned suit. A couple of people wander closer to the police line and the officer takes a moment to call out to them to move back before returning to his conversation. As he watches he can see the people wander off, including a young couple hanging off each other. Something itches the young dragon’s predator/prey instinct. Suddenly, a low booming voice buzzing from across the crime scene. It’s causes a bit of a stir amongst the police, several he can see reaching for their radios. A few moments later they seem to start settling down. But they’re distracted long enough that if anyone, so inclined to do so, could probably slip through. ++++++ Sea Devil FCPD officers gave the black van plenty of room as it drove into the park. When it had stopped to unload its passenger there was an open area for them. The uniformed officers present were obviously tense and nervous. But the detective in charge of the scene was experienced in dealing with capes, or in this case armors. He stepped up as Sea Devil exited the van and stood his ground when she introduced herself. He nodded to her as a nearby officer pulled out his radio and stepped aside to reassure other officers around the park. “We were told to expect you.” He shot the STAR commander a look. “Just not as early as we’d have liked.” “Detective Pascal.” He introduced himself to the armored hero. “I don’t know what you’ve been told. So I’ll give you a quick run down.” He waves Sea Devil to follow him talking as he walks. “Earlier today a body was found in the park lake. Obvious damage suggested some kind of animal attack, but gods know what kind.” He pulls out a pack of cigarettes, putting one in his mouth but not lighting it yet. He leads Sea Devil to the edge of the large lake and stops. “It’s not the first we found in the water in the last few months. But looks like someone finally authorized a, ah, ‘dive team’.” He raised an eyebrow at the armored deep one. “Guess someone is starting to take this serious.”

GM Diamondlight The uniformed officer August addressed as he approached the police tape was young, probably not more the a year or two out of the academy. The name tag on his shirt reads Haynes. When he replied, it was the tired reply of someone who had been repeating himself several times already. *sigh* “Yes sir, very unfortunate.” He started like he was reciting from a cue card, not quite looking at him directly yet. “We are glad that you would like to help, but this is an official crime…“ He trailed off, finally facing him. He gave August an unsure look. “Say, ah, haven’t I seen you on somewhere?” Before August can respond the young man shakes a finger at him. “That’s it! My girl was watching that TMZ or something. Aren’t you that rich guy that owns that fancy restaurant? August something.” He says rubbing his chin.

@Supercape Think I can assume that since you just reactivated him, Diamondlight as a hero hasn’t been very active lately? Maybe August has been focusing on non-hero matters?

No problem glad I can return the favor.

OOC for Here

Mid-August, 2023 After sunset / before midnight Liberty Park “…And in an update on other unfortunate news. The body of local small business owner Donald Greuber was found. The body was found in the waters of Liberty Park, just a hundred feet from the spot local news correspondent Vincent Lancaster and his cameraman Andrew Peterson disappeared from three days ago. The latest victims to fall prey to what people are calling the Liberty Park Demon.” A young anchorman reads from an offscreen teleprompter. “Freedom City Police have repeatedly insisted though that after serious investigation, there is no actual proof of supernatural involvement.” Anywhere else in the country and that may have been meant as a joke to lighten the mood. But in Freedom… “City Hall has been under pressure after it had been revealed police had been downplaying attacks around Liberty Park that have been increasing over the last year. No connections have been made between the known victims and police still have no suspects.” The young man folds his hand solemnly. “We will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.” the camera switches to a cheerful looking young anchorwoman. “And when we return…” **** *ring ri-* “911, what is your emergency?” “Ya, ah, I want to report a, ah, a body.” “A body?” “Yes.” “Can you tell if they’re alive?” “Nah, they not moving, and I ain’t getting any closer.” “That’s okay sir. Can I get your name?” “I, ah, rather not.” “That’s okay sir. Where did you find the body?” “Near the Foster St entrance of Liberty. It’s, ah, it’s hangin over the wall.“ “Hanging over th-“ “Look, I can’t talk anymore. I ain’t getting involved.” “Sir-“ *click* **** Street lamps illuminate the police tape that cordoned off nearly a hundred yards in every direction into the park from the Foster street entrance of Liberty park. Agitated police personnel swarm the area looking for clues while keeping late night rubberneckers at a distance. Several reports argue with the police refusing to let them past the barriers until they’ve finished. Despite the efforts of police, civilians are still active in the park. It’s been a sad, but constant struggle for authorities. Some are heedless of the danger, some possibly hoping for it. Some hoping to take advantage of it and some just because they tragically have no where else to go. There have been rumors of federal involvement at the behest of local government. And pictures on social media have show individuals in suits speaking with local police, though no official statement on it has been given. All said and done… there seems little optimism that an end is in sight.

Predator Jean watched with hardly an eyebrow raised as the young billionaire showboated his way into the assembled hall with all the subtly of a falling meteor. An unfortunate comparison she’d have to admit given the end result. The explosive shower of sparks and debris did have her tense. But it wasn’t until the light came up and the smoking remains tumbled to the ground that she was on her feet. Her hand went to her ear, all pretense of un-involvement tossed aside. “Secure all exits!” She called over the comms to the Iron Talon teams. “Lock the building down and alert any outside forces to watch for and stop anyone attempting to leave the building.” She knew they would get a lot of push back and some would get past security, but it was worth an effort. She hoped they had their own protocols in place and local authorities were nearby, if not in the building. “Knight.” She called back over the comms. “Agreed, there are injured in the crowd. And if we don’t do something, more with be injured trying to flee.” “Echo. Can your abilities calm the crowd?” She asked as she pushed through the crowd towards the closest injured attendee.

Edit: Note to self: need to read IC before OOC

Notice: 16 Sense Motive: 11 guess she’s a little distracted by the bad comedy routine.

@Nerdzul @Supercape @Avenger Assembled Everyone still interested?

Leon laughed as he walked around to the passenger side, tossing his bags into the back seat. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and tossed them across to Luke with a grin. “I got it here. You can take the first shift driving.” He opened the passenger door and dropped into the seat. “We should pop in for snackadges and gas before hitting the highway.” Checking his phone he smiled as he texted his girlfriend the typical ‘love you’ and ‘don’t do anything I wouldn’t do’. Also to let her know Chewy’s new favorite hiding spot was the space under Luke’s dresser.

Blackstaff Blackstaff shook his head. “Force isn’t going to be the answer. They out numbered us and could easily overwhelm this ship and any other that happens by.” He waved a hand in the direction of the yacht not all that far away. He had been paired with their type before. Hired guns that thought a bullet could solve all their problems if you just fired enough of them. The captain’s idea was at least less violent but it was still problematic. All it would take was one slip up and the deep ones would swarm like piranha. That red chested one in particular seemed sharp. Blackstaff got the impression he would be looking for the con. He took a deep breath. “I can try to get you time. Maybe I can convince them to wait for the… ‘compensation’ until they’ve fixed their temple. If you can get a ship out here to recover the wreckage quickly. They don’t care about it or the module. I bet they’d just like it gone.” He rubbed his chin. He still wasn’t sure what to do about the sacrificial offerings that were looking for. He glanced in direction of the yacht thoughtfully. If he did need to come up with something sooner there might be something useful on that ship.

Predator Jean’s arrival had sparked its own small series of photos and requests for ‘a few words’, to which she responded with a polite smile and an ‘Only here to observe’. Luckily this only lasted until the next big name on some list walked in and she was able to move on unobstructed. She was ever thankful for the fickle nature of tabloid journalism. She had attended enough gatherings of important people that she already had clothing to choose from. The charcoal slacks she worn were tailored out of necessity. With a matching charcoal button up shirt and Persian blue vest, they contrasted nicely against her red-orange fur while completing her black ear tips, hands and feet. Jean mingled through arrivals, acknowledging the various guards she made eye contact with, but never approached one so as to maintain the illusion that she was there for the gathering and nothing else. She ‘no commented’ any inquires of Mr Cardenas funding her heroing. Her research had not shone a favorable light on his ‘donations’, but she was not one to spread accusations without proper citation. She spotted Agent Echohead at one point, but made a tactical decision to keep from making contact at this point. Instead, she continued to mingle until dinner was served. Mr Cardenas had yet to appear, but that was what was expected. Dinner was also as expected for this type of gathering. “Shall I remind you to pick up something after the operation has concluded?” Cynthia’s voice sounded softly in her ear through Jean’s earbud. It was nearly invisible through the fluff and shape of her ear. And the directional mic in her collar easily picked up her low reply. “That would be appreciated.” He told the AI. “Done.” Cynthia replied as the night’s entertainment began. Entertainment Jean managed to remain stone faced through with ease. It was most certainly not her type of humor.

Leon gave a small chuckle. It was hard not to notice the two were in a rough spot, but he was supportive and never brought it up with his roommate. “I don’t know how well that would’a ended.” Leon teased, thinking his friend was lamenting the little ‘trip’ they had taken one night over a year ago. A trip Leon had more than once himself wished out loud they could have brought something back from. He gave Luke a smirk as the other boy shouldered a bag without bothering with a shirt. “Show off.” He chuckled as he flicked his wrist and a few sheets of paper became a pair of those novelty slotted sunglasses. “Go ahead and laugh.” Leon grinned. “But I can make this look cool.” *** In the schools parking lot Leon gave a smug smile as he presented Luke with a pearl blue 1960 Chevy Impala. It wasn’t in cherry condition, but it was obviously not something the 19 couldn’t afford. But Leon dropped his bags in the back seat and spread his arms proudly. “Well? I will now except your praise and worship.” …and just what is that suspicious little hole near the rear fender?

Ah, I always for forget to look at the other books for feats. Don’t have that one so roll with the penalty. Computers check: 19 Need to add that to her feats later.

What feat are you looking for? Predator has Skill Mastery with Computers. And Jack-of-all-Trades for any skills she doesn’t have ranks in.