Dariusprime

Fulcrum, who had remained quiet during the introductions, smiled and asked, "Would you like something to drink, Vicky? We have all sorts of coffees, ice tea and some soda around here somewhere." As for Lou's thanks, she just smiled and patted him on the arm. "Lou is my coworker from Castle Comics. We worked on the Freedom League run for...how many issues? I'd say at least 30. He'll be joining our little gang here if everything works out." Lacking another extra-large chair, Fulcrum simply hovered in a sitting position and glanced at Vicky's offerings. "Wherever you want to start, Vicky. If you don't mind, I'd like to have Louis take a look at your work as well. He shares our good taste," she said with a smile and a wink. "I recommend the zombie novel, Lou. It sounds like a blast. 'Dead Noon' is the name isn't it?" she said, addressing the question to Vicky.

"Really?" asked the little sister just a touch too loudly. Realizing her error, the volume dropped a bit as she replied, "Blasters? I'm...not sure if I'd like that or not. Probably a good thing you shelved it, good batteries or not." She frowned in thought, looking so much like her older sister when concentrating. "Why thank you. Is that the young man I've heard so much about?" came the reply from the kitchen. A woman perhaps Fatima's height, that is to say, petite compared to Viktor, stepped around the counter. Dressed in a purple skirt outfit and matching hijab, Mona's mother appeared for all the world like an older Mona. If the sisters looked somewhat similar, no one could mistake Mona as anything but this woman's daughter. Subject: Afareen Teymourian Age: 58 Description: Affectionately known as "TNT" Teymourian, Afareen is the proprietor of the small but successful accounting firm, Teller & Teymourian Taxes, based in the West End. A charismatic advocate for the West End and cultural diversity, she is best known in Freedom City for sitting on the FC Muslim-American Council as well as the local PTA and Neighborhood Watch. She has announced her candidacy for representing District 6 on the City Council next year. Personally, she, along with her mother, is a naturalized immigrant that escaped Iran during the height of the Revolution. Her first husband, Mona's father, was killed attempting to facilitate the escape of friends. His death left a powerful impression on Afareen, galvanizing her to strive for personal success as well as social justice. Although quite generous, her determination is legendary around the West End. Appearance: Although age has thickened her a bit, Afareen is still a graceful woman with boundless energy. She and her older daughter share the darker, eastern completion that easily mistakes them for Arab. Thus her bright blue eyes make for a startling contrast. She dresses conservatively in skirts, business suits and her hijab collection. Her warm smile and equally unnerving glare are both traits she passed onto Mona. Afareen's face lit up upon seeing them. Offering Viktor a handshake, she smiled and said, "Ah, Dr. Viktor Archeville I presume? A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I wish I could say Mona has told me all about you, but I'm afraid not." The latter came with a mild teasing tone. "Please sit and relax. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Would you like something to drink?" she asked while directing him to the couch.

Fulcrum gave the camera a little wave, knowing full well who was watching. She nodded and replied to John, "Thank you, sir." after which she ducked through the door and down the stairs. "No need to apologize. I'm sorry for springing this visit on you," said the giantess as they descended. "Please don't change your routine on my account. Not like I'm here for some sort of inspection. I'd really enjoy getting to you as individuals as well as heroes." Once the room opened up, she stood her full height and looked around the area. "So my next decision is what to ask first: about your abilities or your lives at Claremont. I'll go with school. How is the school year going?"

The hand tensed and tightened its grip on the edge of the crystal. Hairs stood up on the back of their necks as a sensation washed over them. A feeling not unlike being observed by some unknown entity. As quickly as it came it was gone, and the hand relaxed. The other hand emerged and gripped the crystal. Touching the (her?) hand felt like touching ice. The normal give to skin and bone simply wasn't there, as if the appendage was a living obsidian sculpture. The longer her friends held on, the colder the sensation, and likewise up their arms it spread and the more numbing the effect. Still, whether by their presence or lifeforce, they were having an impact. A reverberating crackle echoed from the crystal. Fine cracks burst across the facets. The temperature of the room, which had equilibrated during the energy bombardment, dropped precipitously. Frost flash froze on nearly objects. Slowly but surely the crystal compressed down upon itself. Consumed from the inside, the Chrysalis collapsed and drew toward the silhouette within. The light-consuming appendages gave way to arms, which in turn slowly blended with wisps of crystalline red. Only a matter of time now. Mona, or whatever rested within, was waking up.

"Thank you," replied Mona with a smile. Walking slowly with the group, and after thanking John for holding the door, she said, "Mr. Summers approved my visit, and my mentoring gave me a level 2 clearance, including the Doom Room. Which means I can see the 'basic' secret stuff." "Of course if you would like to check my clearance, please feel free." Looking around the office, she continued, "I'm looking forward to seeing your styles as a team and individuals. From what I've heard the Irregulars are quite the problem solvers. Not to mention how your simulator works. Since the League's is down for repairs and the Interceptors' is, well, scrap, yours is the only game in town." Overall a look of interest and amusement kept her focused. Perhaps Morgan's antics were part of the reason, and perhaps she enjoyed their obvious talent and enthusiasm. Either way the giantess looked all too happy to be with them this morning. "What will this new program entail this morning?"

Before Fulcrum could much look around, the familiar sounds of Wisp's teleportation turned her attention to the young heroine. She returned the smile and playfully tapped Vicky on the shoulder, "Anytime. Thank you for inviting me. I look forward to meeting your friends." At which point the others arrived, or in Etain and Brian's case, drew her attention. "Good morning. I'm well. How are you all this fine day?" Offering a handshake to each of them, she added, "Yup, it is me in the flesh. You can call me Mona if you prefer. A pleasure to meet you." She paused for a fraction of a second, considering Etain's words and tried to match her with all of the personalities and costumes she memorized in Tian. After a moment, she nodded and replied, "Yes, even in the Heavens villains pop up. Good to see you as well." Addressing the group as a whole, she said, "Yes, in fact I am here for your morning sessions. Since I've been mentoring Wisp, she invited me to meet her team. She speaks very highly about all of you. Mind if an old hero tags along?" At the question, she smiled warmly.

Soon they will conquer the world!

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 Claremont Academy 6:45 am High above the clouds blanketing Freedom City, the superheroine Fulcrum basked in a bit of the dawn sunshine. Soon however her phone went off, the alarm alerting her about the upcoming meeting. A meeting specifically involving Vicky and her team mates, the Irregulars. Pocketing the phone, she dropped into free fall toward the city below. With any luck Bayview would soon emerge from the cloud cover. Mona was still a little...tentative...about meeting the Irregulars. Nothing about them, no. No, she was a bit leery after her first experience with Wander and her team, Young Freedom. Thankfully, her second try at mentoring had gone much smoother, and as a result, her confidence to meet this new team was much higher. Bolstered by that thought, and her genuine interest in meeting new heroes, she smiled in anticipation. The arrangements were simple enough. Wisp had been assigned Fulcrum as her mentor. The two spent time together, Fulcrum helped her out however possible, and scheduled supplementary training sessions. Early meetings, however, frequently brought up her team. Given the team name and the high regards with which Vicky held them, Fulcrum couldn't wait to meet the crew. Which is why this Wednesday morning, the Irregulars' normal morning training would have a guest. While Fulcrum wondered if her arrival was hush hush, she did wonder if Vicky would surprise her team mates... In any event, Fulcrum landed softly next to the gym entrance, ie the arranged meeting spot for the team.

Mona grimaced in sympathy. "Really? One of your best artists turns into a Castle character, and the first thing you do is market him? They have no shame left." "Things will come around in time, Lou. You are a great guy. If anyone can pull off the superhero thing, you can," she added, "If you want." After a sip of coffee, she nodded vigorously and replied, "Absolutely! Archimedia is basically an undersized publishing house. What really makes it tick will be artist-owners. I won't go into the whole shebang right now, but I'd love to have you as a full partner in this cooperative." "Which means...," about which time the buzzer rang. "Actually, that is one of the others lined up," she said with a smile and sidelong glance. "Would you help me out and look over her portfolio with me please?" After his response, she yelled, "Come on in, Vicky!"

For a moment, hope slipped away. Despite the energy input, the dark fissure slowed and stopped. Yet the crystal continued absorbing the energy as fast as the beams emitted. In the silence, a strange stillness came over the laboratory. The steady pulse of the power beams and monitors counted out the seconds. "The emitters are overheating, Doctor!" Dr. Yang brought into the silence, "Emergency shutdown in 30 seconds at current capacity!" Then something moved. The silhouette within the crystal twitched violently and began moving toward the crack. Its shape pooled toward the fissure, as if the being were raising both arms. A jet-black hand as large as Mona's burst forth from the fissure and gripped the side of the crystal. Although barely audible, the small band of technicians, so intent on reviving Fulcrum, gasped.

"Completely," quipped Fulcrum, still watching for the weight, "Sometimes I wish I was a Spark. Although flying and super strength are great." "Expelled huh? I had a feeling something like that happened. Or did you already mention it?" She looked away in thought. Shrugging, she went back to her observations. "Good idea. One of the main reasons I wanted to throw it skyward. Less collateral damage if our aim was good." "Do you have an enhanced senses? See through walls? Ultra-sonic hearing?"

"Thank you. We're not sure. We're taking the whole show slowly. Maybe sometime later this year, or early next. Don't worry, you and Audrey are invited," replied Mona after a sip of coffee. "Feel free to pick out your space," she added, gesturing around the room, "I imagine they still have that life-size Lord Pyre statue in the lobby? Pretty much sums up the situation? Lots of good people, but...yeah." "Please. I'll take all the help I can get." As for the rest, well, she nodded and replied, "Ah, yes, I understand. This should be relatively painless." "Although we'll have to make our own furniture."

Pulling over an industrial-grade, and giant-sized, chair, for Lou, she returned the powerful handshake. "Weird having someone taller than me too!" "I've been well myself, thank you," she said, handing him a large coffee cup prepped just like he preferred. "Hero work is keeping me busy, Mom and sis are still balls of energy, and Dad is still fighting city bureaucracy. Got engaged too." Sipping her coffee, she looked around the main room, "Endless work in progress, just like my old drawing office." Pointing around the room, she detailed her vision, "Open floor plan. Greeter's desk there at the front, if we ever afford one. Then some open floor-plan offices for general and group work. Side offices for full-time artists, a meeting room in the back corner here." "Upstairs is the real business area. Filing, mail room, print shop, etc." Taking a deep breath, she added, "Lots to do." "Anyway, thanks for coming down. I heard your series with the Castle imprint was well received."

Fulcrum stood and offered a handshake to the young hero, "That's the spirit! And you're very welcome. You conducted yourself very well, El Heraldo. You'll be a fine hero and make your banner proud!" "Besides," she added as the first police cruiser arrived, "our job is to neutralize the bad guys and take the big punches." Looking him over, she asked, "Are you sure you'll be alright? I know several discreet doctors that treat superheroes regularly. Your identity would be protected." "But yes, if you want to leave, feel free. I'll take care of the paperwork and media."

"At once, Dr. Archeville," responded Dr. Yang, who quickly disappeared into the sea of equipment while barking orders. The technicians rushed about, and around, the two heroes as the plan was thrown into action. Joining the spotlights were ceiling-mounted laser systems were quickly reconfigured. As they moved into position above the crystal, the air of the room buzzed with electricity as the Mk. VII cells fired up. Within two minutes, transfer beams pulsed energy into the crack. Dr. Yang approached Carrie and put a hand gently on her shoulder. "Ms. Wendle, please back up. This next step could be messy." Although her face was serious, her tone of voice had air of anticipation. As for the crystal itself? Perhaps five minutes after the beams initiated, the crack slowly but surely began increasing in size. The accompanying sounds, were, well, not. The entire room quieted down as if a metaphysical volume control were being lowered. Dr. Yang and others in the room could still hear each other, yes, but yelling didn't amount to much more than a normal conversational tone.

Fulcrum grinned and replied, "You're welcome. We can drop by my Mom's place when we're finished. Believe, she'll find a way. I'm starting to wonder if she is a super scientist on the side." "Most such ceremonies are, supervillains notwithstanding," said Fulcrum with a smile. Watching the weight fly, "Yes, you have lots of time for kids. If you even want children." A whistle followed at the speed and height of the weight. "Ha! We may as well just go to the gym. You already have the full package!"

Fulcrum: 20 A New Day (4) Artistic License (2) Little Big Trouble (7) There's No Equation for This (2) Under Cape and Banner (5) GMing: 1 Attack of the Devil Cat! (1)

"Yes, the compound is very similar," replied Fatima in excitement. "Although this formula doesn't contain the organic solvents of some of the windshield varieties. Remember how the lamented layers reacted to the early fixes? The screens all react like that. Nearly melted my old phone's screen!" Just as quickly, she veered off on the gamma testing tangent. "I'd love to testing for Apple products, or really any type of cutting edge product. To know your critique is the basis for not only new features but future developments? Any day of the week!" Mona smiled and waved to two toward the house with both hands. "Shoo, go on you two. Dad should be home any time, and Mom will be wondering why we're avoiding her." Fatima, apparently used to these situations, opened the front door for Viktor and continued talking. "If I could ask you for any one invention, I'd ask for a long-lasting battery. Even these new lithium ion batteries are worthless." The house's interior was just as modest as the exterior. Mona obviously would be cramped, but the living room looked inviting otherwise. A small gas fireplace had been added against the far wall. Around that feature were a stuffed couch, love seat and a two recliners. The decor was warm and relaxing, with arrangements of flowers and crafts on open surfaces. Many, many pictures lined the walls, including a portrait of Fulcrum in costume. Some looked particularly old judged simply by sepia tone and clothing of the subjects. Immediately to the right was a closet, and past that, a kitchen bar with stools. The sounds of cooking echoed from the area along with that delicious aroma.

Mona didn't waste any time and dove headlong into the dark bay. Using her cosmic senses, she searched in the darkness for El Heraldo. Gently wrapping her arms around him, the two soon returned to the docks. Then the first aid began. Which really consisted of making sure he was breathing and had not aspirated seawater. She sat him upright and patted his back. "You still with me, hero?" she asked with obvious pride. "You'll be okay. That kind of wallop would put anyone out for a while." As the vehicles approached, she waved to them.

Before he could enter or knock on the door, Mona called from inside, "Come in, Louis." Mona stood next to a very high table, slowly stirring together a coffee from the supplies nearby. She smiled when he entered, "Hi, Lou. It's been forever. How has life been treating you?" She of course knew life that been...interesting...for him of late. But for the sake of politeness, asking directly about the transformation was out of the question. He was still her old coworker, and she hoped he was adapting as well as could be expected. The inside of the building was surprisingly roomy. In fact the ceilings were near to eleven feet high and plated in a printed tin designs of the early 20th century. If anything the space, coupled with ample open room, appeared to be the remains of a general store, soda fountain or other similar business. At the moment, the simple white walls and many boxes didn't really say much of what was to come. "Coffee?"

"Yes, Doctor," Dr. Yang replied as she followed him. She offered a tablet computer with readouts to Viktor. "The phenomenon is subtle at the moment, but yes, complete spectral absorbance has been documented. We are even noticing what may be a slight red shift. Incredible." While Viktor and Carrie chatted, she coordinated the technicians still busying around the Chamber. As if on cue to Carrie's approach, a deep rubble, like some great beast waking, echoed from the crystal. The crack doubled in size as squeals of stressed metal joined the chorus. Just as quickly as it came, the sounds died off and only the sounds of machinery remained. The holding frame, from which the sound emanated, looked pitted and dull from whatever just happened. This new development combined with the data suggested the process was accelerating. The crystal would split open in minutes. Stepping up beside Viktor, Dr. Yang asked, "Your orders, Doctor Archeville?"

Silently Fulcrum encouraged the young paragon's powerful attack. That sort of strike was exactly what they needed to finish the fight. Not to mention, knocking out one of the metal monsters would greatly boost his self confidence. One thing a paragon needed was confidence. After all they were on the front lines of villainous wars. Her enthusiasm turned instantly to horror at the devastating counter attack. In that split second, several thoughts raced through her mind. For the sake of the hostages she had to assume he was alive. She couldn't leave the machine alone for any length of time lest it focus on the now-fleeing prisoners and agents. But El Heraldo was still badly injured at least! Those sort of decisions were always the most difficult. If left to her one devices, she picked up her young friend, move him to safety and access his condition. With heavy heart she zoomed forward in the blink of an eye, or in the robot's case, one refresh of its cameras, and planted a knee into it's emblem-embossed chest. If she could destroy or disable it quickly, she could see to El Heraldo and assist the escapees. Which, by the way, she didn't take her eyes off the machine, but she did give a big thumbs up to the woman who wished them luck!

Move: Fly up to Dark Metal 1 Standard: Attack Dark Metal 1 Attack vs Dark Metal 1 (1d20+10=25) DC 35 Toughness

"Not going to happen!" yelled Fulcrum as the shadowy machine dove into her. With surprising agility, the giantess swept upward, rotating at shoulder level perpendicular to the horizon. The movement swiftly dodged her from the incoming assault. Now upside down, her placement put her in an advantageous counter attack position, and she used the opportunity. Winding up a hay maker, out of habit she feinted somewhat from her boxer predisposition and hooked in a left to the machine's midsection. Well, what counted as a midsection on such a contraption, vaguely humanoid or not. The blow landed solidly, and another mournful boom echoed into the night air. From her angle, she could drive the machine into the ground with a solid enough blow. Mentally, she hoped that would happen. Although a flier herself, fighting against nimble, airborne foes was always a challenge!

Nothing fancy, just punchy: Attack vs Dark Metal 3 (1d20+10=24) DC 35 Toughness