X-Champions Issues
Issue #38 - Pressure
Sihn has returned to Detroit ready to
execute a momentous decision - to turn himself in for the murder of Vito
Angellus. After breaking the news to his family, he arranges for Aela's
safe-keeping in Mu if needed. Then he talks to his old friend Bob Rogers
about arrangements for Sihn-tek and to Suzanne Palmer for legal advice.
Suzanne knows that federal agencies can "retroactively" white-wash
such crimes if the mutant was at least under federal
cultivation/relationship. She also knows that as the Troll itself does not
exist (even Sihn's DNA being altered), it works in his favor. However,
Sihn does not want any special favors and prefers the legal, court route.
Sammy offers to be a character witness. Suzanne considers jurisdiction -
Detroit would be more favorable, especially given the mayor's pervasive
influence (assuming his assistance on any level), while a federal agency would
almost certainly cover up the issue given Sihn's usefulness as an agent.
But turning Sihn into Detroit introduces conflicts of authority. Given
Sihn does not want to get Terwilliger in trouble and his actions were in the
context of protecting the city - as well as revenge - he prefers to be turned
into the city.
The decision made, the mayor is
contacted out of courtesy. The mayor is pleased, at first, to hear Sihn
call and announces he has news but asks Eliot Sihn to tell him what he called
for first, that he'll save the news. Eliot starts, "If I tell you my
news first, you'll forget yours." The mayor is perplexed but goes
ahead and mentions that the white van operation has seen a number of vans rented
by people out of Morton, Illinois, self-declared pumpkin capital of the
world.
Then Sihn goes on to give his
news. After reminding the mayor of Vito - which the mayor previously had
hinted at knowing foul play was involved on Sihn's part but would look the other
way - "Turns out in the guise of the Troll I killed him and ate
him." He explains he wishes to make amends and surrender
himself. The mayor asks him to repeat himself, dumbfounded in particular
at the "and ate him," part. Sihn explains, "I had an anger
management problem at the time." He goes on to explain the nature of
his relationship with his mother and how they were just making progress at the
time that the "scumbag" killed her. The mayor asks Eliot to stay
where he is and a squad car will pick him up.
Eliot Sihn sits humbly on the stoop in
front of Sihn-tek awaiting his arrest, along with Suzanne and Sammy standing
by. Meanwhile Aela with child are already en route to Mu to avoid the
initial wave of reaction. And as Laughton approaches, innocently walking
back into Laughton Agency, he notes the quartet with Sihn uncharacteristically
just sitting and killing time. Before he gets to them, he sees a squad car
move rapidly by him and come to a stop in front of them and Sihn-tek. Then
he sees another, and another. Four squad cars in all arrive.
Laughton rushes up to them just as
Berger, all smiles, approaches Sihn. Sihn turns to Hamlet,
almost-pleasantly stating, "Berger's arresting me for murder!"
Laughton looks around, puzzled, and turns to Berger, "Hold that
thought," and turns to Sihn, "Eliot, you didn't kill anybody."
Sihn replies simply, "That's for
the law to decide." Laughton says, "There's no evidence, no
body," and goes on. Sammy volunteers, "It's just going to waste
taxpayers' money." Accepting the fate and resigned to get at least
some amusement out of it, Laughton says, "Look at Berger, he's ready to
beat it out of you." Berger hisses into Sihn's ear, "You're
gonna rot in hell, mutant." He then says aloud, during the process,
"Have a nice day, Eliot."
Sihn responds, "I am, I am having a
great day. Fine piece of investigative work there. Broke that case
really fast, didn't you?"
Berger though remains smiling.
Laughton offers a doughnut up which he's just picked out of the gutter and
brushed off. Berger just asks if Laughton wants to confess to
anything. Laughton says, "No, but you're double-parked on my
property, get 'em out of here."
Berger scowls though his day is not
unduly soured. He moves the process along, mentioning he'll be personally
escorting Sihn. Sihn gladly "accepts" the offer, saying,
"We've never had a chance to talk." Sammy insists on going with
Sihn, but is refused. Suzanne, as Sihn's lawyer, is allowed to ride with
him. Sammy goes along anyway - turning into a squirrel a few yards away
and jumping onto and staying on the bumper as the squad car goes back to the
station.
As they move along Berger attempts to
get under Sihn's skin. He talks about writing Eliot in jail, appreciating
he's there and Eliot simply responds, "I'd appreciate you writing!"
They get to the station where the
situation is confused and chaotic as Laughton joins the interrogation as
Suzanne's advisor and Sammy joins as Laughton's advisor. Sammy points out
they're a "legal team," with his best suit on. Eliot mind-links
(they're in the regular station and given Sihn turned himself in there's no
extraordinary measures) with the team to remind them that some people could be
considered accomplices and to be careful. In his interrogation, he
explains how the Troll was the embodiment of his rage, and so ultimately he was
responsible and, despite not technically being or even truly/consistently
controlling the Troll, has turned himself in. He says he didn't consult
with the other Justice Squad members at all.
Sammy - as usual - confuses the issue
and annoys Berger, asking why he can't join Sihn in jail. Berger takes the
opportunity to ask Sammy to confess to something if he'd like to join Sihn but
Suzanne and Laughton make sure that Sammy is aware of his rights as well as
drowning out Berger. Sammy then asks when he can visit; Berger says not
until the next day - though it's two in the afternoon. As Sammy, with his
great hearing, overhears someone is there to visit, he walks to where he hears
this and asks an officer about visiting hours, finding they're until 6 PM.
This is now within earshot of Berger, and Sammy turns to the detective and says,
"You're wrong about a lot of things, aren't you?"
Suzanne sets about filing for Sihn's
bail and other necessary legal preparation. Sihn has a cell to himself as
Laughton and Sammy visit and are allowed to simply see him at the cell, observed
by an officer nearby. Sammy has a file though Sihn refuses. Suzanne
did one little tinker with the system - Berger "forgot" to send Sihn
through the typical body cavity search and delousing procedures. She
also manages, though without any mental tinkering, to expedite the bail hearing
through her skills and connections, and Sihn is granted bail - though at
$1,000,000. Sammy writes out a check, though it'll be a few hours until
the process is complete and Eliot is back out.
They arrive back at the base to find
Neumann busily working away - on himself. He's using various mechanical
drills and the like, along with welding, in some sort of self-improvement.
He doesn't seem to notice the Justice Squad. Sammy approaches and begins
talking to him but is ignored. He knocks on his head to no avail, then
covers his eyes, during which time Neumann pauses but makes no acknowledgement
of Sammy. When uncovered, Neumann seems to come to.
Laughton offers up that perhaps Neumann
should wear a tinfoil hat. Neumann explains he has no recollection of
anything until suddenly waking up just then. He was running through some
self-diagnostics, last he knew. Laughton is unfamiliar with Neumann's code
though it's on his list of many things to do. Gere-luce comes over and
immediately gets to work checking Neumann out, pointing out he saw Neumann doing
work but didn't interrupt him to realize he was in some sort of sleep-walking
state. Sammy points out that Jane is good with computers and might be able
to help, although no one touches that comment until Laughton points out how her
"help" cost Sammy time recently. Sammy just says, "she was
learning, now she's great!" Laughton remembers to bring Neumann up on
the events with Sihn.
Laughton gets a call from Mayor Bo
Berry. Berry wonders what is going on and Hamlet simply answers that Sihn
is making amends, as he's said. Bo asks if Eliot was ever on crack,
Laughton points out he had a difficult childhood. Sammy starts talking
about all the drugs that Sihn used on himself back when he was the Troll,
audibly enough for Berry to hear. Berry begins to speculate about the drug
use, even virtually recommending they use it as a defense. Laughton points
out how this threatens Berry's use of them as sanctioned crime fighters, and
Berry concurs this could bring him down even. Laughton assures him he will
take care of whatever's needed. Sammy naively asks if they should all go
out to dinner, but the mayor politely demurs "to another time."
Sammy leaves several messages for Sihn
so that he'll feel missed when he gets out. Of course there are also 17
messages from a nervous and upset Bob Terwilliger. And when Eliot
does get out he of course calls Terwilliger right back. Terwilliger is
upset and Sihn reminds him he should just be glad he didn't take Bush up on the
pardon offer. And Sihn adds he was glad he was correct in sensing that
Terwilliger would be upset. Terwilliger points out that of course the
government will be maintaining its distance now.
Sammy thinks perhaps he should turn
himself in to find out who his real friends are.
Finally with a moment to himself, Eliot
goes to Dreamland and visits a minor nobleman in Celephais. Meanwhile,
back at Suzanne's house, a drunken Jonas Hell staggers to the door and bangs on
it. The Metal Men - sleepless as they are - answer. Not familiar
with the strange intruder (they may have met him before but only briefly, and
this is Jonas in a drunken state), they quickly ensure he's under control - as
Lead picks him up and tightly holds him until Suzanne comes downstairs.
Lead puts Jonas down finally while Gold stands to the ready in case. Jonas
rants about saving the world, then runs to the bathroom - to puke. He
returns and apologizes to Suzanne, disclaiming, it's still "better than
mine." Jonas explains that Jonah Jameson is being held by the
government and a doppelganger has replaced him in order for them to control the
news as they felt he was becoming a problem. She listens attentively, as
there's usually some truth in his madness, and he explains that he had a
prearranged communication with Jameson, owing to cases he's worked, and that
from that there's some drop-off points that Jameson and he have used. He
explains that Jameson also keeps confidential notes on his stories/investigations/sources
scattered in a bunch of bank deposit boxes throughout town, and he has that
info, giving it to Suzanne. He insists that he came to her because he
doesn't trust what Laughton would do with the information and trusts her judgment.
Then Hell remembers, "Oh, there's a car in your garden." Suzanne
calls him a cab, then calls the others.
Laughton has been up booking a trip to
Rome (due to the various routes and guises he uses to ensure not being followed
it takes some time). It turns out that from his researching of DEXTER's
information there are 14 references to some sort of organization described only
as "Sacrosanct", with quotes such as "we ran this through
Sacrosanct", "Sacrosanct discovered 12/14/00", "in Rome,
Sacrosanct", and is listed with the Freemasons, the Illimuinati, and the
Rosicrucians in an opinion letter as nascent threats to ABC and "the master
plan." So when Suzanne calls he's already in the office and ready to
work. Sammy and Sihn head in from Sihn's home, and Neumann is up and at
the base as always. Sammy makes a stop at an all-night store to buy a copy
of Norton Anti-Virus - as he's now determined to establish and keep his own true
Internet connection, having discovered Laughton's long-time ruse of caching the
Internet for Sammy.
Before they speak, Laughton muses that
perhaps they could claim Sihn is a citizen of Mu. Meanwhile Neumann is
ever-helpful and cleaning Laughton's office, just after Laughton has talked to
him about psychic barriers as he's concerned someone is mind-controlling the
robot given the incident earlier. As the vacuum cleaner is loud (Laughton
sees no sense in buying anything other than old reliable mechanical
model). Suzanne establishes a mind link to discuss the matter at hand,
without mentioning Hell. By this time it's 5:40 AM and they figure they have
"plenty of time" to get to the bank deposit boxes.
In the background the early AM news
plays, with Bud Girl now a main anchor (Laughton likes to keep tabs on old
enemies, even if they now seem to be friendly). But the TV catches the
Justice Squad's eyes as they see Bud Girl shriek and a scuffle ensues, quickly
sorted out as Bogeyman appears on camera. He cackles madly and announces,
"Heh heh, I am offering ONE BILLION DOLLARS! Yes, ONE BILLION!
For the capture of the Justice Squad - and I am now recruiting super-villains to
join me! MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA! I'm especially looking for Artless
Dodger! Join me!" Just as quickly he's off the air and cleared
out, too quickly to easily catch up with. Bud Girl recovers quickly and
begins reporting on what just happened.
The Justice Squad collectively shrugs as
no one seems hurt, and they resolve to take care of the Jameson issue first, at
least in gathering information they'd prefer the government not necessarily get
a hold of - as Jameson knows a lot of secrets. Bo Berry calls just before
they can leave to talk about what just happened and to note that a number of
white vans have turned up scorched near the TV studio and clearly linked to the
Morton rentals. And in moments they receive a call from Bogeyman for
Sihn. Bogeyman stutters madly, "You - you can't give up
yourself. I hate Sihn and your stupid giving up. I don't care,"
then hands the phone to Mocker. As Laughton takes the phone (the JS is
having fun listening to the two mad villains) he tells Mocker to "pound
sand." Mocker indignantly hands the phone back to Bogeyman, who goes
on to say he's now "glad" that Sihn gave himself up and that he has a
"better plan." Laughton simply says, "yes, correct, that
fits my plan." Bogeyman slams down the phone.
The Justice Squad goes first to the bank
that, from Hell's directions, has the most in it. They're sure it won't be
long before the government psionically has all of his secrets. Laughton
discusses the idea of absconding with the bank manager and linking that to
Bogeyman's attempt to get money, but Suzanne shoots down the idea, wanting to be
above that. They decide to send Laughton into the bank just to get into
the vault; he uses his natural "anonymous" stealth to walk in after
using monopole form to get past the doors. He gets to the vault and
through a surprising new use of Suzanne's power is teleported in - it turns out
she's been learning to warp the physical world with a mixture of magic with her
mental powers. As Laughton gets what he needs, someone walks in, one
of the staff opening things up for the day. He walks by, though, just
saying, "Hi Joe," not paying any attention in an early morning fog as
Laughton's natural anonymity works. Laughton anxiously reads through
details on politicians, Contragate, and such. He makes copies onto his PDA
before leaving of anything he intends to leave behind so that the feds don't
realize anyone's been through it, and takes items he'd prefer to have.
Shortly he's teleported out of the vault and moves out on his own in monopole
form.
They go off to other banks, and soon
start noticing notes written in Jonas Hell's hand. Laughton asks Suzanne
who gave her the information. She says she can't answer and reveal her
contacts. Laughton says, "I know when you're lying to me," and
she responds, "Yeah, I know." Laughton goes on to say,
"Someone can get to you, maybe upset over the amount of alcohol - or lack
thereof - they got from me or other past perceived transgressions."
She points out a detective of his caliber would figure it out without her saying
anything. Laughton vows angrily to call Jonas as soon as they return to
the office. Then he becomes a lot angrier when he sees a note in a woman's
handwriting regarding Dr. Normal being in custody of the Justice Squad.
Upon
their return, still in the relatively early morning for a hung over Jonas Hell
to get in, there's time for the Squad to do as it pleases. As Neumann
walks about looking for what help he can provide anyone, he's stopped by...a
tall figure, 6'10", in a trench coat with a fedora. He knows this is
the Jerky Boy's murderer. The figure talks to Neumann and asks him his
purpose. Neumann explains he is to help. The figure tells Neumann
his programming must be deficient as it is necessary to eliminate all mutants as
they are evil. Neumann tries to explain that all races have good and evil
in them. They accomplish little beyond that, and the figure ducks into an
alley and then flies off. He notes some red and green coloring to its
face. He rushes back to tell the Justice Squad.
Jonas makes it into Laughton Agency
about the same time as Neumann has returned but not had a chance to tell his
story. Jonas says "hi" normally to as they look at him.
Laughton calls him brusquely into his office, the others joining. Neumann
asks "will this take long?" and as it appears so depowers a bit with a
hum suddenly swelling then fading. The door is closed and full
anti-surveillance kicks in.
Laughton is troubled by the notes in
Jonas' handwriting that were found and relate to various Justice Squad
activities; nothing incriminating but definitely insider stuff. Jonas
shakes it off, "funny about that." Sammy points out it could be
an amazing forgery. Jonas agrees. Neumann offers up some coffee but
there's a hint of motor oil and Jonas thanks him but declines. Sihn whips
up some coffee from thin air from Jonas, who seems less than delighted with it
but drinks it. Laughton and Sihn remark how people don't seem to
appreciate Sihn's concoctions, even though they're chemically the same as what
they replace - though they both lose out on the subtleties of impurities in
regular food that make it vary.
Laughton gets back to the point and
reminds Jonas how he came to him back in their dingy office and begged for help
saving the world. Jonas says his mission is to save the human race, and
Sammy agrees in and of itself that make sense. But Laughton presses into
the notes and starts to discuss how Jonas has betrayed them. Jonas says he
used to work for Jameson and had contributed investigative work for some time,
but that was a while back. Laughton asks Jonas how long ago he broke off
communicating with Jonah Jameson and Jonas says, "Officially a while
back." Laughton inquires, "Unofficially?" As the room
is silent, Jonas replies, "Last thing was a couple months ago when I handed
over some ideas." Laughton asks why he doesn't speak precisely.
Jonas says, "Probably 'cause I'm hung over," gruffly. Neumann
asks why he had so much to drink, and Jonas flippantly responds, "Good
question. Some things we just do." Then he adds, "Being a
dog didn't help my attitude." Sihn says, "Ever thought about
being a cat?"
As they cut to the meat of the matter,
that Jonas clearly provided Jameson with Justice Squad information, Sihn offers
up that since 92% of the brain isn't used (a colloquialism he knows not to be
true but knows just as well Hell doesn't) perhaps he should trim all that fat
from Jonas' brain so it would fit into a cat's body this time. It's clear
that the woman's handwriting is Jacqueline's from Fox Force Five, and it comes
out Hell, when a dog trading information with them per Laughton's scheme, gave
them info on Dr. Normal. It wasn't so specific as to where and conditions,
but gave enough info to be a source stating that he was under the control of the
Justice Squad. Jonas rants about the unfairness of how he was treated and
Sihn rejects the idea, saying they helped him out of a jam that he came to them
for help with. Hell says as he never agreed it was out of line, but Sihn
says he "tacitly" agreed, although that was primarily as he passed out
as it was discussed. The argument escalates as Sihn expresses his anger
for Jonas ratting them out, and Jonas replies they were "power-hungry
gods". Sammy, angry and hurt, starts looking at Jonas like a piece of
meat, licking his chops. Sammy mumbles he never tasted people. Jonas
admits he was angry and perhaps shouldn't have done what he did, but it's hardly
an apology or compelling. Sammy asks what body part he's going to give up
as Laughton suggests a change of venue - possibly to the bottom of the ocean for
Jonas, in an enduring stone form, safe forever from any threats. Neumann
interjects, "You must not hurt this man, he is a human being," and
Suzanne points out it would just be revenge. Hell sits sullenly and lets
them talk about him in the third person, offering up nothing. Sihn brings
up the idea of psionic surgery. The MIB and their amnesiac rays comes up
as an option as well, though they decide it's too risky. They also discuss
altering him in a way he'd enjoy it but be no threat. Even doing the
alteration and getting a pardon as Bush discussed - one they'd sure they'd get
since the federal government wouldn't care what happened to Hell - is brought
up. Neumann insists Hell should be allowed to live his life. But
Laughton and Sihn press that Hell knows way too much about them and can't be
trusted, creating too great a risk for them and their safety; in that light they
ask the robot "how" Laughton should live. Neumann simply
responds, "I am not capable of making such decisions." Hell
pipes in, "He's not making these decisions because people shouldn't make
these decisions for others." Sammy, fed up, knocks Hell out cold.
The air is thick with tension and
Suzanne, upset, picks up her stuff and starts to leave. Sammy goes to stop
Suzanne, crying. She stays in this light. Eliot adds this is too
important to walk away from. She replies that it's time to put it to a
vote - do they alter Jonas, whatever that means, or do they leave him be?
Sihn votes to leave him be finally but says he's not happy about it; he just
knows the alternatives lead to too dark a path. Sammy believes they can
and should "fix" Jonas, wondering if he should be the Troll now.
It's clear, though, that on the whole the Justice Squad will not, at least out
of hand, alter him. Suzanne does agree with the others it's worth reading
his mind to see what he knows and determine his weaknesses regarding it.
She also agrees that "brain-taping" is acceptable, so long as he's not
changed.
After checking and taping Hell's mind,
and finding it's unlikely he'd reveal anything meaningful beyond the damage
done, they awaken him. He expresses surprise to be okay and in his
body. Laughton says "You should have had more faith in
us." Hell says, "I could say the same." Laughton has
melancholic background music playing as Sammy growls at Hell. Laughton
says, "You thought us power-mad gods. We're proving you
wrong." Suzanne reinforces the message in a different way, pointing
out they're doing things simply as they should be done. Laughton is not
blind and adds, "When the chips are down and you're stuck in a bad
situation, give us a call, we might help you out." Sihn can't resist
chiming in, "We'll send the Mysterymen." Hell asks for his
things, Laughton explains he'll have them sent. Sammy then picks up the
rumpled disheveled half-mad detective and tosses him out onto the street.
After a pause the group returns to
work. They check the news and hear a story about how in the Upper
Peninsula there's been an explosion of pumpkin growth, with pumpkins overflowing
into the road. And in Morton, Illinois, a "human interest" story
discusses how everyone's happy with the similar overgrowing of pumpkins
there.
Neumann gets a chance to break in and
tell of his encounter with the mysterious figure. He adds, "I believe
he will come for several of you." Laughton of course asks for the
figure's name but it was not given, as Neumann explains. Neumann adds, "By
the way, his gate is very precise, exactly 3.13 feet," Laughton asks
if others might have been met and worries that figure is responsible for
Neumann's resist "self-improvement" work. Neumann resolves to
research his energy signatures - later research shows nothing unusual.
Sihn gets a call from a Chiang Sihn who
offers to help Sihn in meeting his Chinese family. Sihn respectfully
thanks him and declines "for the moment," but keeps the door open,
explaining he is in the middle of something. Chiang adds, "We want
you to know family helps you and loves you if you need that." Sihn
actually looks forward to finding out more but is at the moment a lot more
concerned with Bogeyman.
They talk about how to deal with
Bogeyman, with ideas ranging from salt for pumpkin seeds (Laughton adding a
sharp knife will be handy) and various ideas on eating him, as (ironically) that
seems to be what Sihn heard as the suggestion back when researching this.
Neumann pulls up maps of Morton and memorizes them. He researches further,
finding that people are quitting their jobs and celebrating pumpkins
non-stop. Sihn points out that with Sammy they have their most dangerous
weapon against pumpkins. Neumann puts together a couple gallons of
vegetable killer to hook up to his sprayer. Suzanne recommends
stir-frying. Neumann thinks of dusting the town with cinnamon, Sammy adds
cheese would be more delicious.
Moments later, though, they are whisked
away - involuntarily. Nexus had off-handedly created a "Justice Squad
decoder ring" for the Amazing Mazer back in Origin, and apparently it had
some power without his realizing he had invested anyway. It apparently
summoned them as the Amazing Mazer begged for help - from being murdered.
They arrive on the scene in the midst of the desert only to see this figure
flying far away. Nexus uses his power to read the brains of dead men and
finds that this time the figure picked up the Amazing Mazer in Phoenix and
dragged him out there to kill him. They realize the thing's M.O. is
changing. With nothing left to do, they head back to Detroit - a trip made
thankfully shorter with magic. Sihn reflects on his abilities to grant a
Justice Squad Decoder Ring.
When they return, it isn't that long,
around 6 PM, when Velda calls back to them via the intercom, "Wilting Rose
is here to see you. I'm supposed to go home now, so I'm going
home." Velda thinks to add, "Laughton, how was Mexico?" as
she thinks of her cleverness. Laughton simply replies, "Great, I have
a sombrero for you." Then Velda is off without a further thought, as
Wilting Rose enters - with a "present". She has two rubes from
Morton. As she knows the Bogeyman is after the Justice Squad (as if anyone
didn't with his TV announcement) she figured they'd be
interested.
"Farmer Bob" and his wife have
little to say at first. In fact the farmer says, "I ain't got nothin'
to say to a bunch of pumpkin haters." Laughton looks on, "I'm in
the mood for a funny story." Sihn points out, "Nobody loves
pumpkin like Sammy!" Spectrum mind controls the farmer to talk.
It turns out that, of course, they are under the sway of the Bogeyman.
They know that Artless Dodger has indeed joined him, and they have been sent on
a crime spree, knocking over convenience stores to gather up the billion dollars
that Bogeyman needs to pay off on his scheme. Given Sihn's information,
Farmer Bob adds, "and we'll kill all of you - except Sammy."
Sammy points out that pumpkins are really good a year after he picks them out at
Halloween. The room is filled with groans. The couple go on to say
that "the mayor" (Bogeyman) is going to make it Halloween every
day. As they talk about cooking pumpkins, Sammy gets pretty excited, and
even gets a recipe from the wife. Sihn listens carefully and whips it up
right then and there for Sammy, though it lacks that home-cooked
"feel". They confirm that it is Mocker, the
"vice-mayor", that is accompanying Bogeyman as they ask for details of
his description. Nexus uses his clairvoyance, looking through time and
space, and can see the townsfolk of Morton preparing to meet them - in
battle. Checking the two folks from there Nexus can see supernatural
traces on them. It's also clear from all accounts that Bogeyman is
way more powerful with these unnatural pumpkins growing.
The Justice Squad prepares a special
concoction for Morton, a super-defoliant capable of destroying pumpkins across a
broad area. And they head to Morton that evening. Gere-luce goes
with them as he wants to fire off the defoliant.
They arrive in Morton ready to go for
it, knowing that they need to assure the defoliant goes off and they can then
take down Bogeyman. Upon their arrival Nexus sets up a tent and performs a
ritual. Suzanne helps distract Sammy who's still a little unsteady around
this, explaining Sihn is working on tax forms, something that immediately makes
Sammy lose interest in hanging around. Nexus conjures up a fire
demon. The fire demon wants followers, and Nexus explains he knows where
there are lots of them. And off they go...
Now in the middle of town they see some
16 large pumpkins, each greater than person-sized spread out, popping into space
in front of them upon their arrival. Neumann makes himself look similar,
fascinating one of the townsfolk among those standing around watching.
Nexus puts up a force wall, though, as most of the other townsfolk open
fire! Sammy grabs a woman with a gun, stopping her. And then the
"big guy" villains show up. The Big Cheese appears, though he's
innocuous to the heroes, just seeming to be a harmless strange man holding a
couple pieces of cheese. Bogeyman appears from a rooftop and fires a
dangerous volley at Nexus - in fact Bogeyman is so powerful among his element it
knocks Nexus out! Artless Dodger swings into action against Laughton,
whom, since Origin, he vowed revenge on. He barely gets a reflection of
light on Laughton, though, not even blinding him as intended.
Sammy bounces over at Bogeyman, missing
him. Neumann jumps up with him. Mocker mocks Spectrum, but with
little effect, and she surprises him by draining a bit of Artless Dodger's
willpower. Artless Dodger exclaims he was so upset he lost his accent (as
for a moment his terribly false British accent was forgotten). The fire
elemental misses Bogeyman barely. Sammy suddenly sees a big ball of cheese
entangle him and begins eating his way out of it - though it's not really there,
it's the invisible effect of the Big Cheese.
Suddenly another element comes to life
as the Australian mercenary skate-punk kid, Super Ollie, crashes into the
scene. He swipes at the fire demon but his board catches fire and he
scoots off, back out of the scene! Mocker tries again to get at Suzanne
but "misses" as she manages to completely ignore his taunt.
Laughton points out to Mocker that their vending machine (the one they made from
his parts) is running out of treats way too quickly and he looks forward to
augmenting it. Mocker taunts that Laughton will never find out as this
time they've got him and the others cold. Bogeyman then hits Sammy with
one of his noxious pumpkins as Sammy continues to consume imaginary
cheese.
But Bogeyman gets mad at Neumann as he
misses him, the Justice Squad member he doesn't know at all, as Neumann is on
the roof attacking him. Spectrum meanwhile mind-blasts Artless Dodger who
staggers back, holding his head, then falls down. Hamlet gives Nexus a
shot of his own old "go-go juice" and then Nexus is back up. As
Neumann insists Bogeyman should "seek help," Bogeyman this time
clobbers Neumann hard, though Neumann holds on long enough to use his steam to
blast Bogeyman. He adds, "Surrender. Give up," and
Bogeyman gets enraged.
During this time the giant pumpkins
start moving around, teleporting place to place, and start to surround the fire
demon.
As the Artless Dodger comes to, Laughton
starts to change him into stone form, the transformation slowly showing as
Artless Dodger's face and body becomes discolored and hard-looking. Sammy
heals himself and punches at Bogeyman but misses. The battle not exactly
to their liking, Nexus grabs Laughton and teleports out of the area for a
strategic withdrawal as Super Ollie returns. Sammy is hit badly by
Bogeyman, bleeding his strange substance, as Laughton declares "Sammy can't
seem to hit the side of a barn."
The battle continues...the heroes are
desperate for the defoliant to take effect...
[Game Mechanics - Points Awarded...
Death of the Amazing Mazer and related
work against the new villain - it got out of control but you did your best
against THE BIG BAD! - +11.25 RP, +.75 XP for all except +15 RP, +1.5 XP for
Neumann (very rapid growth, catch up)
SIhn dealing with his past, the
situation is handled but it isn't over against the odds stacked against you -
+11.25 RP, +.75 XP for Nexus
The "defeat" of Jonas Hell -
he's taken care of once and for all, he's interesting, but not that powerful -
+3.75 RP, +.25 XP for all except Neumann, very rapid growth, +5 RP, +.5 XP
5 hours in character - +5 RP, +2.5
XP for Neumann
6 hours in character - +4.5 RP, +1.5 XP
for Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum
Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum
Totals:
Laughton 19.5 RP, 2.5 XP
Neumann, 25 RP, 4.5 XP
Nexus 30.75 RP, 3.25 XP
Sammy 19.5 RP, 4 XP, 2.5 XP
Spectrum 19.5 RP, 2.5 XP
Totals to Date:
Totals to Date:
Dice 188.5 RPs, 14.95 XPs
Laughton 1595.875 RPs, 144.125 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion,
50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Neumann 377 RPs, 55.05 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base)
Nexus 1588.875 RPs, 147.625 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for
minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Sammy the Slime 1542 RPs, 151.6125 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25
for minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Spectrum 1455.5 RPs, 137.05 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for
minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Steely Danelle 86 RPs, 10.75 XPs]]