7) Arc 3: Siege on Munich and the Earl of Equilibrium

Inside the South Dakota State Penitentiary
Sioux Falls, SD
8:48 A.M. CT

Hot Stuff's eyes rolled back in his head, as the ice started to freeze his coagulating blood. He would soon resume the sub-frozen temperature. Nimo silently shared his greeting with Bumelia and Prosper made himself a prominent introduction by speaking up. Together, the three managed to coax Tom to the base of the roof. With some skill they managed to make it onto the ladder and eventually back into the chopper. Tom began to escort them back to the NSS Station 7.

Helicopter - Somewhere over the Great Plains
9:10 A.M. CT


Nimo sat in the slightly crowded helicopter with Prosper and the new lady, twirling the remnants of an icicle he had picked up from the prison courtyard between his fingers as the last of it melted. Nobody's said anything about Aquilo since we left the prison. What happened in there? Does anyone even know? Maybe a separate rescue team is on its way... Nimo did his best to push away the darker ideas that were needling at the edges of his thoughts, but he wasn't entirely successful. Maybe they just don't care. What about all the stories I heard about the heroes that just aren't around anymore? Like the stories about that sun guy, the one who messed around with darkness, the dude with the masks... And is that what's happened to this Epoch guy too? They always just send new heroes. There are always more just waiting for a chance to help out the NSS.

Nimo didn't have even the slightest idea what had happened to the police officer who had been accompanying them either. He felt a twinge of guilt for having forgot about him until this moment in time. Another 'normal' whose life had been disrupted by his actions. What about the pilots of that jet that he had totaled, or anyone else that had been in the police building trying to contain the situation when Aquilo released that burst of energy? All in all, hanging around the NSS seemed to come with a ton of health hazards.

And yet here he was, riding in a helicopter owned by an organization whose problems he had literally flown into. The only source of information about the NSS he had was from the members itself. Even then, he didn't know nearly enough to be entirely comfortable around them. Nimo idly flicked a few drops of melted icicle water from his fingertips in the direction of the new girl, hoping she'd start talking or, at the very least, hoping to annoy her.

__________________________________________________________________________
Skills
Stop Velocity [Passive]
Direction Manipulation [Alpha] - 11/20
Super Speed [Novice] - 7/10

Munich, Germany
3:09 PM

Tricksters unconventional weapon bared towards Keiran's right side at a break-neck speed.

(Anticipating the incoming attack, Keiran attempts to dodge the attack:1-5 Fail, 6-10 Succeed)

Random number (1,10) : 4

Helicopter
9:20 A.M.

Prosper still couldn't really comprehend what just happened. All I did is make a corny joke and then suddenly a chick drops out of the ceiling, and some dude starts shooting fire. If only this shit could have waited five days, i'd be in the middle of the south dakota countryside, and no one would ever bother me. Talk about luck.
Prosper leaned back trying to get comfortable.
Look on the brightside, i'm not heading back to a cell, and that's alright with me.
With a smile, he drifted off into a light sleep.


_______________________________________________________
Skills
cause nausea[Alpha] - 16/20
render unconscious [alpha] - 4/20
vertigo[novice]-8/10

Munich, Germany
3:10 PM

Trickster's shillelagh met the left side of Keiran's face with power, and resistance. It dug in neatly, sure to bruise eventually. "You crazy kids sure aren't made of the same stuff anymore, are you?"

_________________________________________________________
Trickster
Singularity [Passive]
Luck [Passive]
Lucky [Superior] 24/30
Jinx [Alpha] 15/20

Outside the Apothecary
Munich, Germany
3:22 P.M CET

Skylar answered the call on his communicator. "Hey, boss-man. I've got a gift for you. It's all yours if you are willing to work it out with me. Want to head my way and I'll head yours? We can met up and hash this out." He glanced at the skull wrapped in its cloth and smirked. He started to head in Dr. Weird's direction and tried not to look back at the girl and her large cat. He hoped hey would be okay, and understand. Perhaps he could make an agreement with the man who had brought him here.

Somewhere
Munich, Germany
3:10 PM


Ditto winced as the large knobby cane connected with his partner’s side. It probably would have been better if he had been hit, but Kieran seemed to take the blow like a champ. “Solid use of stolen powers, sir.” Whispered Toby to himself, nonchalantly setting his bag down on a conveniently placed bench.

“Want us to show you how tough they build us, old man?” chortled the pink haired shape-shifter as he cracked his fingers.

Ditto attempts to use Shapeshift to turn into a horse: 1-5 is a failure whilst 6-10 is a success.

Random number (1,10) : 5

If the last roll was a failure, Ditto attempts to use Shapeshift to turn into a horse: 1-5 is a failure whilst 6-10 is a success.

Random number (1,10) : 6

If the last roll was a failure, Ditto attempts to use Shapeshift to turn into a horse: 1-5 is a failure whilst 6-10 is a success.

Random number (1,10) : 1

--------------------------------------
Skills:
Shapeshift – (Alpha Class – 0/20)
Symbiosis – (Novice Class – 2/10)
Durability – (Passive)

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:23:01 PM Central European Time

“YOU HAVE IT!” shouted Dr. Weird into his communicator. “I can’t believe it you succeeded, amazing I can’t believe you pulled it off. We’ll meet up near the center of town where we came in.”

He switched off the com link and turned to Tang Le and Wigraf.

“Well it seems I was wrong, Sylar pulled it off and got the skull. So I guess it’s time to collect my prize.”

He motioned to Tang Le and Wigraf to follow him as he turned and took off back down the road.
______________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Alpha] – 9/10

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:23:40 PM Central European Time


Wigraf followed Dr. Weird and Tang Le with mild curiosity. What was it about this crystal skull made it so appealing?

While Wigraf was walking with the Doctor and Tang Le, he couldn't help be be impressed by their abilities and resourcefulness. Just what kind of people have I gotten myself involved with? Without worrying about it a moment more, he shrugged and continued to follow.

________________________________________
Gargoyle Attributes:

• Wings - Undeveloped
  
• Prehensile Tail - Undeveloped

Wall Crawling [Passive]
Gargoyle Strength [Passive]
Gargoyle Endurance [Alpha] - 0/20
Petrify [Novice - 2/10

• Petrification Counters - 1/3

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:24:01 PM Central European Time

The trio was walking along the road past many people who were running about frantically due to the recent commotion. He managed to hear some scraps of what was going on.

In one section of town he heard a giant had shown up and in the fight with two others his head exploded. Then the ground opened up and swallowed the demonic looking one and closed up while the other one appeared to have fallen into the shadows and wasn’t seen again. This upset Dr. Weird a little he only hoped that the he managed to get enough data off them before they vanished.

Another group was going on about how they saw the Apothecary collapse and a metal man was standing in the wreckage. There was also something about a bubble like dome with a man but it he didn’t dwell on that way too much.

He then heard the last group talking about the destruction near the construction site. They had heard the ground was torn up and construction equipment was totaled. Dr. Weird smiled when he heard this.

People were running everywhere to find out what was going on. As a small group of police ran pasted them he heard them mention something about shoot the one with claws earlier.

“So why don’t you tell me about yourself?” Dr. Weird directed the question towards Wigraf. He thought now was a good time to find out about this new cohort.
______________________________________________________________________________


Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Alpha] – 9/10

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:24:01 PM Central European Time

Wigraf turned to address his new companion.

"There is not very much to tell you." Wigraf replied to Dr. Weird. "I am new to this age, as I have only recently awaken from a long slumber. I was alive during the time of which your history refers to as the "Middle Ages."

Wigraf turned away and looked off into the distance, confused and overwhelmed by this strange new world in which he found himself. He then looked back to Dr. Weird and continued, "I was once a crusader, and I carried out the church's will, not for any higher aim or heavenly reward, but only for the sake of spreading chaos." With this Wigraf chuckled slowly. "That was long ago, and it does not matter what age I find myself in, I will be able to indulge my habit in this one or any other."

As these words left his mouth, Wigraf couldn't help but feel that they lacked the conviction that they once had. It is not enough anymore. There is something missing, something that escapes me now, but what was it that I am still looking for?

Turning his attention again to Dr. Weird, Wigraf asked "So what is it that you aim to do now Dr. Weird? I find myself curious about what brought you here and how you have assembled such a group..."


Gargoyle Attributes:

• Wings - Undeveloped
  
• Prehensile Tail - Undeveloped

Wall Crawling [Passive]
Gargoyle Strength [Passive]
Gargoyle Endurance [Alpha] - 0/20
Petrify [Novice - 2/10

• Petrification Counters - 1/3

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:24:53 PM Central European Time

“My goal you ask, why it’s rather simple,” Said Dr. Weird with a tone of excitement in his voice.

“And it’s one I think you will enjoy, its chaos. I want to plunge the world into disarray and set it ablaze while creating others like you. But that is just the beginning for now the rest will be revealed later.”

“With my conquest of power, you and the others somehow found your way to me. In an understanding of what we need and how we can help each other and this incursion was to find an item that will help aid me in my goal. It’s sort of a test to gage everyone’s powers and if we
can work together, while it seems that we did lose some people the initial objective was achieved.”

Seeing Wigraf still looking unsure Dr. Weird went on while Tang Le was watching the people run by amused that no one was stopping to notice their attire.

“A crystal skull was the target, you see crystals have an amazing ability to store vast amounts of data which is exactly what I need to store the data from my experiments. And the crystal skull just seemed like a perfect thing item to add to my collection.”

“So now we have to go meet up with the only other one who survived and collect the skull and go home. Oh yeah, good thing I happened to have an extra one.”

Dr. Weird reached into his pocket and pulled out a Bangle and tossed it at Wigraf.

“If you would put that on, it’s a communicator. I gave one to everyone to help me keep track of you all.”

Tang Le lifted her arm up to show that she was wearing one too.
______________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Alpha] – 9/10

Munich, Germany Route 2
3:26:27 PM Central European Time

Wigraf caught the Bangle and glanced at Tang Le and decided if the Bangle became problematic, he could always disable it at a later date.

"But of course," replied Wigraf as he fit the Bangle on to his arm. "I am now even more sure that we will be able to find accord with our plans." He gave a grin and looked around the town, still in awe at the advanced civilization around him.

Wigraf had finally received some answers from Dr. Weird, and was willing to play his part in the mayhem to come. He couldn't wait to get started.

Gargoyle Attributes:

• Wings - Undeveloped
  
• Prehensile Tail - Undeveloped

Wall Crawling [Passive]
Gargoyle Strength [Passive]
Gargoyle Endurance [Alpha] - 0/20
Petrify [Novice - 2/10

• Petrification Counters - 1/3

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:50 PM Central European Time

Skylar had been rather deep in thought, while trying to overlook the din of the city. There had been sirens and people running amok. It was as if the world were ending in Germany. Suddenly he saw a trio: Dr. Weird, Tang, and some new man. Who was he? It was time to negotiate the skull.


Meanwhile....

NSS Station 7
Hangar
Oklahoma City
10 AM CST

The helicopter had landed, and the three were exiting their seats. Tom, the pilot interjected, "You've been requested to meet in Classroom 105 for debriefing. I suggest you make your way there. Thanks for riding Air Blackthorne."

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:50:45 PM Central European Time

Dr. Weird saw Skylar coming towards them, as he drew nearer he could make out the bag which he was carrying which must have held the skull. When he saw this, a huge grin found his way to his face.

“Well done, well done my friend I didn’t think you had it in you.” Said Dr. Weird as he was eyeing the bag knowing full well what it was.

“You have no idea how pleased I am with you right now.”
________________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Alpha] – 9/10

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:51 PM Central European Time

Skylar Holds the skull’s wrappings tight, thinking of the best way to negotiate. He doesn’t enjoy being a lackey, he will most likely start there. His body has been feeling really tingly lately, ever since he met the imp demon. He hasn’t had time till now to notice though. He shakes the thought out of his head though, now he had other business to attend to.

“This isn’t yours, yet. It belongs to me. And, because it belongs to me, We have some negotiations to do. First, partners, not lackey and boss. Second, the skull, it isn’t what you think it is.” Skylar glances back down to the tightly wrapped skull, then back up to Dr. Weird. “Its something that needs to be kept out of the hands of everyone, as well as out of sight.”

----------------------------
Raging Roar (Superior) – (25/30)
Seismic Clap (Superior) – (27/30)
Earthquake (Superior) – (5/30)
Aerial Propulsion (Alpha) – (1/20)
Solid Core (Novice) (0/10)
Metal Form (Alpha) (0/20)
----------- Super Strength (Metal Form Passive)
----------- Magical Resistance (Metal Form Passive)
----------- Mercury Form (Metal Form Passive)
----------- Equivalent Transportation (Metal Form Passive)

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:52:09 PM Central European Time

“Is that so,” said Dr. Weird looking at the bag. “Then why don’t you hand me the skull then we’ll talk.”
________________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Novice] – 9/10

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:52:11 PM Central European Time

Wigraf watched as Skylar and Dr. Weird stood in "negotiation." He somehow felt that this wasn't going to turn out well. His muscles tensed as he prepared himself for the worst. Wigraf then glanced at Dr. Weird out of the corner of his eye, trying to catch any sign of a signal.

Gargoyle Attributes:

• Wings - Undeveloped
  
• Prehensile Tail - Undeveloped

Wall Crawling [Passive]
Gargoyle Strength [Passive]
Gargoyle Endurance [Alpha] - 0/20
Petrify [Novice - 2/10

• Petrification Counters - 0/3

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:51 PM Central European Time
Skylar grips the wrappings tighter, not going to fall into any sort of trap or scheme. He knows that if he gives up the skull, nothing will come of this.

“No, if I were to give it to you now, where would my negotiations go? It is my only chip to play.”

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:52:09 PM Central European Time

Dr. Weird could see Wigraf behind him waiting for a signal but he put up his hand to tell him to stay back.

“I don’t know what you’re so concerned for, didn’t I already give you a power boost, plus you still need me for the pills to keep your body in balance.” He threw up his arms in a shrug, “Though it still seems that you don’t understand yet that I need you. You’re usefully to me just like the others, if you weren’t I won’t keep you around. You know that I am not as strong as you and I all have are just my machines. That’s why I want assistants to help me achieve my goals. So if you help me, I intern will help you too.”

He scratched his head, “Jeez, I thought we were all over the whole trust issue. To be honest I have no idea what you are going on about with the whole partner’s thing, but as long as you abide by my house rules and I get the Skull fine whatever.”

Dr. Weird tucked his cane under his arm and with the other he extended his hand to receive the skull.
______________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Novice] – 9/10

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:52:45 PM Central European Time

“You say assistants, yet we came here, for this.” Skylar holds up the still-wrapped skull. “I know I wasn’t the only one who came into contact with resistance. For this skull, I had to destroy someone’s entire life. For you? No, for your selfish desires.”

Skylar grabs the back of the skull and faces the eyes towards Dr. Weird, knowing the warning he was given.

“I will always have trust ‘issues’ with you doctor. You are not someone to trust, ever. I am not fool enough to do so easily. And by partners, i mean i do as i want. No more search missions for bedroom trophy's. Partners. Equals.”

Skylar notices the man behind the Doctor tense up and prepare to attack. A smirk comes across Skylar’s face as his combat confidence now shines a bit more after defeating Vittra.

“I see you have met a new, assistant, doctor. Please, have him put his fangs away.”

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:53:59 PM Central European Time

"Stand down." Doctor Weird shot a glance at his excitable companion. His gaze swept over Tang as he cleared his throat. "My word choice has not been the wisest. Allow me to rephrase it."

Doctor Weird loosened his stance and began, "Assistant was a poor choice, but the meaning wasn't far off. I do require assistants, but I need that help from fellow associates, like yourself. Of course, I am eccentric, and perhaps a bit reckless, but it's for a purpose. I believe in freedom." He looked intently at the man holding the wrapped skull.

"Remember the NSS?" Doctor Weird went on, "in the past, I worked closely with the organization, and our delightful government. Over the years I watched as our brethren became dogs. I strive for equality and freedom. If our brothers can die for them, then they - the normal people- can die for us, occasionally. Sure, it isn't pretty, but I am working for the greater good."

Doctor Weird cleared his throat again. "I do realize there is danger with that skull, and I have every intention to use it carefully and tactfully. It is necessary for our goal. Our Syndicate, our brotherhood, can help bring mankind together, Endowed, or otherwise. You are not only an asset, but a key player in what it takes to unify this world and shatter the cold grip on our kind. Please, hand me the skull. We can work together."
______________________________________________________________________________

Skills
Panoramic Vision [Passive]
Scrying [Superior] – 0/30
Sight Sharing [Alpha] – 0/20
Cyber Steve – Passive
Digital Weird [Alpha] – 4/20
Mechanical Control [Novice] – 9/10

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:54:40 PM Central European Time

Skylar pulls up the wrappings tighter, no longer planning to see its gaze in effect. He ticks the skull under his arm and begins walking towards the doctor, his grasp on the skull not loosening. He looks the doctor in his eyes, or at least, where they should be, as he continues towards him.

“Doctor, you shall have the skull, but no one but me shall touch it. I will install it for you and make sure that everyone to come near it will be safe from it. This skull is supposed to do horrible things to those that touch it and even gaze at it, and, like you said, I need you for the pills.”

Skylar stops three feet in front of the doctor.

Munich, Germany
The Crossroads
3:54:55 PM Central European Time


"This is ridiculous," Wigraf spat. "While we are here squabbling over the specifics of who holds onto the Crystal Skull, we are wasting more and more time." I wonder what, exactly, their relationship is? I'll have to find out more at a later date.

"I propose this: Skylar will continue to hold onto the Crystal Skull, under the circumstances that it is kept in plain view at all times, at least until an appropriate time where we can reopen negotiations. I came here to make things happen, not to wait around whilst the two of you squabble."

Wigraf then looked to Tang Le for some support, not quite knowing how she felt about the negotiation.

Gargoyle Attributes:

• Wings - Undeveloped
  
• Prehensile Tail - Undeveloped

Wall Crawling [Passive]
Gargoyle Strength [Passive]
Gargoyle Endurance [Alpha] - 0/20
Petrify [Novice - 2/10

• Petrification Counters - 0/3

NSS Station 7
Hangar
Oklahoma City
10:06 AM CST

Prosper stood there for a while hoping the people he met in the prison would start wandering in the direction of where the room was.
"Oh well guess i'll have to look for it myself" Prosper thought as he walked for the door of what he now assumed to be a school. As Prosper entered the building he quickly noticed how big it seemed on the inside.
"This is probably going to suck."


_______________________________________________________
Skills
cause nausea[Alpha] - 16/20
render unconscious [alpha] - 4/20
vertigo[novice]-8/10