World War II - The Vanguard Issue #10 The day after doomsday...

Roll Call:

Frostbite
Silver Sentinel
Lionheart
Bulletman
Gravity Girl (NPC)
Sunburst (NPC)
NoMan (NPC)
Spartan (NPC)
Guillotine (NPC)
Boadicea (NPC)


Joe Hoskyn kicked through the rubble.

He watched as his friend, Steve Jenson, the man the world knew as Silver Sentinel helped with the shifting of metallic objects in the ruins of the Bletchley Park Manor. The place was a mess. What the Ani-Men had not destroyed, fire had partially consumed. It would never again serve as home to DICE, the secret organisation that served to protect the lands and citizens of Great Britain. Sentinel was battered, bruised,bloodied, but unbroken. Most of the Vanguard had been injured in some way, and it was clear that time would be required to get fighting fit again, especially as the Dark Power was gone.

Gone.

It had been a matter of hours, but the fact that he could no longer call on the Dark power weighed heavy. In that time the team had regrouped, helping where they could in London and going back to Bletchley to help with the clean up. Anyman was still in America, Nowhere Boy had not been found, nor had Sky Eagle*. The rest of the team were pretty much hospitalised. The cost for saving the country from the madman Hermann Bedlamm had been high. Frostbite watched as more body bags were carried away from the ruined east wing of the building. With a sigh he got to his feet.

NoMan was a disembodied puddle in a jar, currently in the tents set up to rehouse the headquarters. Bulletman had lost his powers, as had Gravity Girl. Most of the Justiciars had been in hospital beds when... He turned away from the thought.

General Wynn could still control the weather, but having suffered a heart attack, was laid up. Frostbite and Sentinel still had their non Dark power abilities, and Lionheart was unaffected, making him once again the most powerful superhuman on planet Earth after Anyman, who was in America and still, apparently, able to control his Dark power.

Spartan was near death, on what passed for life support in one of the few remaining Skrall ship sickbays, as was Boadicea and Guillotine, who'd been found in the wreckage of a V-Ship. Alive, but in a deep coma. Lionheart had 'recruited' a former Peeler, now transformed into a being of energy apparently. Beth Carter, codenamed Sunburst, had been useful in the clean up efforts, but Frostbite remained unsure of the role she would play. Still, right now, they needed all the help they could get.

Would, could he have done things differently? Using the Dark power like that had...

"Frostbite? Joe?"

Frostbite looked up. General Forbes, bandaged with arm in a sling and looking somewhat worse for wear, stood, escorted by a couple of guards who looked shell shocked still. "We've been summoned, what's left of us. To London, Whitehall. Sentinel too. If you can find Bulletman, bring him. The others are too banged up to come."

A V-Ship pulled up overhead, then lowered to the grounds where what remaining un-churned grass was left. The hatch opened, and the Vanguard wearily trudged on board for their meeting with the leaders of the country...

=========

"Gentlemen" said Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain

"We find ourselves in a unique and powerful position." said the leader. The Vanguard - what was left of them - sat around a table that was also ringed by chiefs of staff for the armed forces and special committee members for the Government and even a representative for the royal family. Full house then. Sentinel almost chuckled.

He and Joe were in military uniforms, as were Bulletman and Forbes. Bulletman felt somewhat out of place, having lost the powers so recently bestowed by General Wynn with his Dark power. Nonetheless, he had proven himself and would do whatever he could to serve his country in any capacity!

"According to Frostbites briefing" said Churchill, with a nod to Joe and Forbes "We control the futuristic armies that have conquered the Earth, save for North America and of course, Great Britain That's all thanks to the Vanguard, for which we owe a debt of gratitude that cannot easily be measured, or rewarded."

He paused for the simultaneous standing applause around the table, then signalled for calm again.

"We owe it to the world to ensure that such a devastating and catastrophic turn of events as we have endured this last year and a half never take place again. I have arranged for a delegation to be formed to contact all of the Axis powers, and every major government on Earth. I intend to use the power of the Robot armies to FORCE peace on the world, and make war upon those who do not comply. There is a feeling of goodwill, of joy and happiness as has never been seen in Britain before, and I wish this to extend beyond our borders."

"Peace..." interrupted the head of the Army "Through superior firepower." he chuckled, and a few others joined in.

Churchill silenced him with a glance, then turned to the Vanguard. "The Americans have already declared their opposition to such a plan, having the audacity to suggest we are setting ourselves up as rulers of the Earth, and that no one nation should have this power! Poppycock! All nations will fall into line when faced with the threat of being crushed! It is the threat that is important, but we must use the deterrent we have on those who test our might, to show others that peace will not be thwarted by their dreams of conquest! Therefore, I put this to you, the Vanguard. We would have the robotic armies in every country take up strategic positions over their capitals, their seats of power. If a snake rises up, and tries to bite you, you don't mess about with the body. Cut off its damn head, and the body will fall in line! I want to see an end to war, and this is the fastest way to do it. The Germans have held off on attacking the robo carriers in their airspace I understand..."

Frostbite, uncertain at where all this was going, nodded.

"And Anyman in the United States has control of the only Robo Carrier there, AND I understand he still has full use of the Dark power! In short, we hold all the cards. I like the Americans, but I'll be damned before I listen to them when we've been nigh on begging for their aid for months. I understand Anyman brokered a deal to get them into the war... well, the war is about to end, and we have the means to do it. I need assurances from you, gentlemen..." he looked to the Vanguard "that when the time comes, you shall do what is needed, not just for Britain, but for the peace of the world!"

He added "Even if it means the destruction of your home nations capital, Mr Hoskyn, should the United States rise up against us!"

A knock at the door sounded, and Lionheart was admitted. He'd been running super speed errands as only he could, ferrying vital supplies and personnel to the most needed places. He looked dusty, tired and bruised, but cheerful as useful. "Sorry I'm late! Did I miss anything?" he asked as he pulled up a chair.

OOC More options later.. need to hit sack for a night shift. Please read the New Rules when you get chance. I am thinking along the lines of 75 Hero points for the Vanguard, 25 for Bulletman (because he's been around a shorter time), Gravity Girl, NoMan and 'second tier' characters. The Vanguard (Anyman, Frostbite, Wynn, Silver Sentinel, Lionheart, Nowhere Man and - depending on status - Sky Eagle) get 10 Fate points each. I may juggle those numbers about a bit, but will let you know...



*still need to determine character status. If needing to be written out, will sort that.

Admin wrote:He added "Even if it means the destruction of your home nations capital, Mr Hoskyn, should the United States rise up against us!"

A knock at the door sounded, and Lionheart was admitted. He'd been running super speed errands as only he could, ferrying vital supplies and personnel to the most needed places. He looked dusty, tired and bruised, but cheerful as useful. "Sorry I'm late! Did I miss anything?" he asked as he pulled up a chair.

Frostbite looked aghast at Churchill but welcomed the moment Lionheart stepped in to suddenly realise he'd stopped breathing. He cleared his throat and waited for permission to speak, "Miss anything, yes I think that whilst we were fighting every other villain under a dictators control, some how a either under mind control or a shapeshifter, our Prime Minister seems to have been taken over!"

Frostbite let the bitting sarcasm of his words speak for themselves, before adding. "The free world has all woken up to the threat of war and near complete anihilation, and you want to stop it, but taking over where Hitler left off. Over my dead body, sir! I will send the fleet of robots where they are needed to repair, not threaten and then they will be sent into space or the heart of the sun, before I turn them over to any one man or nation. They will be the for the use of all nations and all people or none. No one, not even I should have that much power. My Father said, 'That when all you've got in your tool bag is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail!'

Frostbite leaned back, unsure of what the others would think, but certain that they'd not feel comfortable with Churchill or anyone else taking on the Robot fleet. One look from a haunted Lionheart said it all. He knew where such a road lead and if it meant that Britain was to be hard headed and go on alone, whilst the world got the benefit of the Robot armada, then so be it.

OOC:
Not sure if Churchill is calling us out, he can be a sly old one, but in case his full intentions have been revealed then what I say stands.

Sj

OOC Churchill, like everyone else in Britain, has been affected by the Probability Manipulation. Bear in mind that when you use the Dark power, any effect that it produces will be at the absolute maximum, with no middle ground. Grade 5 Probability Manipulation might even have been enough to set time straight, but we might not get chance to see that now...

Churchill was silent for a moment, cigar in hand. "Let us suppose, son, that you are right. Rebuild the world, then send the robots into the sun. What then? The self destructive nature of man will always self perpetuate. Rebuild Germany and the dreams of some madman, intent on creating a thousand year empire, will flourish again eventually! Make no mistake! I see a time when all nations possess the power to destroy one another, and it is the power of the robots, and the potential to use it, that keeps them, us, and everyone else in check!"

He paces about, taking a drag on the cigar. "Whatever happened earlier on today has changed things, for the better. I can walk from this room and down the street, free from fear and safe in the knowledge that everyone I meet will happily greet me, then be about their business, quickly, efficiently and happily. Why, we've had reports from the mining industry that productivity has increased by 50% or more, just from this morning! That's just one part of the cog, a tooth, if you like, in the new improved working machine of Great Britain! We find ourselves in a unique position, of being able to lead by example! We do not wish to make war on others, nor conquer them - our green and pleasant land has never felt nor looked better, to my mind! Instead we want the right to live in peace, and to extend that right to others. Think of the French! Do you suppose for one moment that they will sit back and watch as the Nazis evacuate their country, or forget the unprovoked attack and atrocities that went on? They will gather their strength and revisit their fury on the Germans, and the same goes for the low countries that were overrun quickly! The Nazi Blitzkrieg was neither gentle nor considerate. They steam rolled opposition into the floor, and that will not quickly be forgotten."

He paused for another drag.

"For example, poles will not forget their brave but fruitless charge against the tanks with them on horseback. Make no mistake young man. The deterrent is not so that Britons can live in peace, but rather the rest of the world will not turn on one another! Britain is in a stronger place now than at any point in her history! The DICE scientists have already been reassigned to invent new weapons and equipment to make life easier, and every man, woman and child will be conditioned mentally and physically to be a helpful more positive member of society! That's not me deciding it, but rather the outcry from citizens across Britain that have flooded switchboards to ask 'how can we help?' and 'what can I do for my country!' Britain will be well placed to defend herself from the dreams of Empire, thanks to the Vanguard. It's the rest of the world I am worried about."

"If I wished to conquer, then you might have had a point. Indeed, there is some argument to be made that a delegation of our people be sent as peace ambassadors to spread the message that war is bad for the business of life. How seriously do you suppose that message will be taken if we extend a handshake and a flower to our enemies? But with one of those vast vessels floating overhead, the message will be made clear. It is there to guard you, from other nations, and from your own dreams of empire. Live with what you have, be happy. Be productive, be adaptable to this amazing new changing world of ours, behave!"

The last word raised a laugh from those gathered and Frostbite felt the genuine warmth radiate from the man. "If you have a dog that is rabid, you shoot it. I am suggesting another way. It may come back to bite us, but not whilst those things float in the sky above! Never again will a man or woman rise to whip up a nation to a frenzy and drive them to make war on other nations! Britain shall shine a light, provide an example, but it is the Robo Carriers who will provide the means of getting the message across. Mark my words. Send them into the sun and within the year this world will be at war again. Britain shall be more than well prepared the next time, but the same cannot be said of other nations."

He held his hands apart, shrugged, and sat down. All eyes turned to the Vanguard.

"Sir, you are wrong," Bulletman says quietly. "You believe we can have peace on Earth, we can not. The Bible says that we will have "wars and rumors of war until the day of my return." That is because God gave us freewill. It is one thing to use these ships to defend our shores and the shores of our Allies. It is another to dictate how everyone will live ... or else! Will we dictate what language they will speak? Will we dictate what clothing styles they will wear? Will we dictate which God they will worship? Will we dictate that they all must be just like us or else?"

"This feeling of goodwill and productivity will not last long. Some one will get tired at work and go home and snap at his spouse. That spouse will snap at their children. Those children will cry and that will irratate their neighbors. Someone will covet someone's wife. Someone will want the jewels they see in a window and decide to steal them. Soon, feelings will be back to normal."

"The best we can hope for is relative peace for our people ... hopefully for a few decades but maybe only for a few years. Use the ships to protect our borders to help keep us safe. But not to force others to bend their knees to us. Take over Germany, make it a part of the Empire. Give our servicemen the empty land there to settle. This will keep France from trying to harm the German people, those who are still alive there and send a proper message to those in the future who wish to attack England that they lose everything, including their country, if they attack us again.:

"But do not force the rest of the world to bow its knee to us."

"I don't believe the Bible mentioned aliens from other worlds, men who could fly, villains from the future intent on carving themselves an empire from the ashes of the past, or individuals with the power to flatten cities!" snapped Churchill. "We live in strange times. Your plan has merit, but it is not on I am proposing to follow at this time. Instead, the Robo Carriers should stay where they are simply as a deterrent, not just against attacking Great Britain and her territories, but to stop any country from attacking another! We can use their technologies to eradicate hunger, the need for crime or violence, and I hope, the need to make war on one another! If this war had continued, who knows how many brave young soldiers might have died? Thousands, certainly! Tens of thousands even! Perhaps the unthinkable, hundreds of thousands of lives snuffed out, and for what? To satisfy the dreams of a madman, intent on carving himself a legacy of blood that will reshape the course of human history? How many civilisations would fall? How many children would grow up as orphans, or not grow up at all?"

"We have a chance - perhaps our only chance - of creating a new golden era. We have seen things... terrible, wondrous things, that give us a terrifying glimpse of what could be, and a hint of the hope that might be! I propose that the weapons be used not to wage war, but to end it! If I have your agreement, and you deploy the vessels as we require over major cities and areas of government, I will call together a meeting of nations the like of which has never been seen before! I dream of a time when all nations are united, as one! Where wealth and prosperity are available to all, not just the few, and where the few in government cannot decide the fates of the many! I have no doubts, sir, that there are German who abhor the Nazi party and all it stands for! To them I would say 'Here is the hope! Here is the salvation you seek! Here is the key to lasting peace and freedom of choice, where a man, woman and their children can live out their lives happy in the knowledge that no one shall wage war again!'. It is a dream I have. I hope that together, we can see it fulfilled."

"What say you?"

Admin wrote:OOC Oh, and in case you are wondering, this is the 'calm before the storm' so don't think it'll all be chat. Whatever you decide to go with in regard to Churchills request, the story will follow the path you choose...

OOC:
Thank goodness, trying to work out with Churchill what the right thing to do post war, is so huge it'd take me weeks to think through all the permutations. I can't believe he's getting quiet so dogmatic. But I support the idea of bringing the nations together.


"Sir at last something we can agree on, bring the nations together and there we can decide what we do next, with these united nations we the people can make a decision about how these things are used for the common good of all! We certainly will be pleased to hear what the outcome might be."

OOC:
Note that I have to like it, but this at least feels as if it might be the place from which we can make a decision that pleases most people rather than leaves it in the hands of one person/nation or government. Until that meeting, we'll ask the ships to withdraw and then I might have one nearby, I don't want to intimidate people or bully anyone into agreement. Also we'd best get the Atlantean's in on this, they have a vested interest and its about time the world started paying their oceans some attention in all this as well.

Sj

"Peace through an axe over your neck is not peace, sir. It is tyranny," Bulletman says. "No different than what Hitler just tried to do. Nations who gather of their own freewill to make a better world is true peace. I woulld support you in bringing those nations who are interested together but not to forcing all nations to join and do what we say."

He looks at the others to see if he stands alone in this veiwpoint.

DavidMcMahon wrote:"Peace through an axe over your neck is not peace, sir. It is tyranny," Bulletman says. "No different than what Hitler just tried to do. Nations who gather of their own freewill to make a better world is true peace. I woulld support you in bringing those nations who are interested together but not to forcing all nations to join and do what we say."

He looks at the others to see if he stands alone in this veiwpoint.

Lionheart nodded, "Sir I've come from the future and it followed back here, where people believer superior intellect was sufficient to justify just such an action. It was those very people who brought Hitler the power he had to realise his mad dreams. That same power that brought these machines. No matter how noble your intentions, sir Frostbite and the others are right no one man or nation should have that much power. Let the nations decide how to use this for good. Democracy might be the worst form of government, but it still better than all the other options."

Lionheart sat back, disappointed that whether future or past, humans basically were all the same. Frostbite and the others were right, the Robots had to be used to safeguard everyone's future but what that looked like and how it worked out had to be ironed out by everyone who had a stake in that future.

OOC:
I think we're at an impasse if Churchill doesn't take the opportunity to gather the nations as he suggested, with or without the robots. Did you notice my quote from Churchill, the one about democracy Lionheart used was his ;-)

Sj

OOC nice quote

Churchill sat back, pondering. A general of the Army leant forward. "Sir! Might I remind you of the chain of command! These men, ALL of them, are part and parcel of the British army! They have resources and weapons that we can use, and should be ordered to do so! I like the young chaps idea about invading Germany, by the way, but lest anyone forget, Britain is not defended by these vessels - the only ones we know about are damaged! If these men won't follow the chain of command, we will have to think on defending our borders again, and sharpish! It's hard enough getting my soldiers to stop talking about peace, love and their fellow man as it is, never mind that..."

The Prime Minister stood "Enough! We will think on what you say, and in the meantime I would ask that you direct your robots to fire on all aggressive forces attacking any other nation. Lasting peace does not begin with senseless slaughter, and that was the point I was trying to make. Still, Field Marshal, Admiral, esteemed colleagues, we must all bear one thing in mind. The young men and women of the Vanguard are not beholden to us simply because of their superhuman abilities! Does any man here think we could stop them if they decided to take over?"

There was an uneasy silence in the room.

The Prime Minister smiled "And no one is saying that will happen. I want the war to stop, now. I want the killing to stop, the camps to be demolished, people freed and fed, clothed and housed. I want the German army to turn around and go home, to lower their weapons and get around a table to talk. If you gentlemen of the Vanguard can accomplish all of that by sending your robot ships into space, then I'd be happy to take that option. Until then, I am requesting you do what I think is right, and enforce the peace. Think of it as a police action. You are reacting, not instigating. If someone wants to test our resolve, they should be slapped back, but I'm not talking about annihilation!"

"I shall reconvene this meeting tomorrow, with news of the United meeting of Nations I have proposed." He nods in respect to Forbes and the Vanguard, and everyone but the Vanguard leaves the room.

As Forbes rises, he turns and chuckles "Well, that could have gone better."

An aide, a lieutenant, comes in. She looks about, then addresses the General with a salute. "Sir! A message from Peeler Agent 6. He says Anyman is trying to contact the Vanguard. A V-Ship is.. uh, parked in the street."

She moved to the window and pulled back a drape to show a V-Ship parked in the widest part of Downing street...

OOC Anyman and the Vanguard can chat to each other in this thread if you wish...

Admin wrote:As Forbes rises, he turns and chuckles "Well, that could have gone better."

Frostbite nodded, he didn't like the way he was being marshalled but equally Churchill made for a good point, up to a point anyway. They'd have to see what came next, but still in the back of his mind was the thought that this creature from outer space was still approaching and soon the Shadows would lengthen and darken again. He was about to speak when the aid got their attention.

Admin wrote:OOC Anyman and the Vanguard can chat to each other in this thread if you wish...

Anyman was back, "Lets go and see what he has been up to, besides that V ship will be useful in getting our friends back on their feet again."

Sj

"And contact the Peeler in charge of the ship there to relay a message to my fellow Vanguardians. The message is "the Shadows haven't left, they moved all over the world, causing fear, hatred and violence."

That is the message from Anyman's robocarrier to the rest of the team.

DavidMcMahon wrote:

"And contact the Peeler in charge of the ship there to relay a message to my fellow Vanguardians. The message is "the Shadows haven't left, they moved all over the world, causing fear, hatred and violence."

That is the message from Anyman's robocarrier to the rest of the team.

OOC:Ok so is Anyman staying in the States? I guess we take the ship back to what is left of Bletchley whilst we regroup and wait for this meeting. We can convey to Anyman what is happening, whilst we wait.

Sj

Shortly after the rest of the team gets the original message, Anyman contacts them personally from his ship.

"Hello folks," he says. "Anyone want to tell me what happened and why England is free of the Shadows? Because those same Shadows fled to the United States and other areas around the world. My little bossy friend tells me that I'm the only one left with Dark Powers and I will lose them and him if I ever return to England."

"The US is on the verge of declaring war on England as a result of this and an apparent ultimatum by Churchill. I hope I calmed things down a bit but rioting is happening. I promised not to use my ship to attack the US to force them to bow before England and be forced to follow all its wishes. Nasty things going on."

"I'm also on my way to Germany and the occupied territories to see if we can save folks from the death camps and any P'utarnarians that might still be in other hidden camps. If you have any information as to the location of such camps I would appreciate. Also if you can spare any ships, as I hear you now control them all, it would be appreciated. I also have been told all the remaining German supers are gathered in what is left of Berlin and threaten to attack somebody or someplace if the robocarrier there isn't removed from German soil."

"Let's see, what else? I brought abroad a number of newsmen to see for themselves what the war has wrought there. There is a small fleet of Red Cross trucks and personell with supplies to help out on board. Also a phoney Red Cross truck that is loaded with high explosives, ready to try to blow me and my ship up. Have that one off on its own. Probably have a large number of intelligence folks in the mix disguised as reporters too."

"How's Gravity Girl," he finishes up, a bit too casually with that last question. "And the others," he adds quickly, lest people think he is only worried about her or that she holds a special place in his heart.

DavidMcMahon wrote:"Hello folks," he says. "Anyone want to tell me what happened and why England is free of the Shadows? Because those same Shadows fled to the United States and other areas around the world. My little bossy friend tells me that I'm the only one left with Dark Powers and I will lose them and him if I ever return to England."

Frostbite looked a little chagrined at this, "that would be an unintended consequence of what I did to bring things to a halt. I caused everyone to feel a sense of peace and goodwill, to pull together. The Shadows fled, but clearly not far."

DavidMcMahon wrote:"The US is on the verge of declaring war on England as a result of this and an apparent ultimatum by Churchill."

"Churchill got a little ahead of himself, since I turned all the Robocarriers over to our control, Churchill seems hell bent on trying to make sure all the world plays nice, wanting to use the robots as a big stick if anyone steps out of line. I'm not having it, we've asked for all the nations to come together, unite and make a decision as to how the Robots can help serve our collective need, rather than submit to the will of one man, government or nation."

DavidMcMahon wrote:"I'm also on my way to Germany and the occupied territories..."

"Sounds like a good plan, do you need help, we can of course send the Robo carriers to help with the efforts, Frostbot can oversee them to make sure of that. I can spare some of the others, Lionheart is kicking his heels." Lionheart looked shocked, but didn't deny the comment.

Frostbite only raised an eyebrow when he heard Anyman's comments on the news crew and the potential spies among the ranks. Before Anyman chipped back in with,

DavidMcMahon wrote:"How's Gravity Girl," he finishes up, a bit too casually with that last question. "And the others,"

"She was pretty banged up, but not as bad as the others, Bletchley took a real pounding from Bedlam and his Animen. But she is fine, I think she might even like to take a trip to Germany fresh air and all that..." The last comment was added with a sly wink, only Anyman could see.

"Ok I think we'd best get a move on, we've got work to do and the shadows won't stay off our backs for long. Send us you're location and we'll meet up in Germany with as many of the carriers as you'll need."

OOC:
Ok so I think at this point some of us are heading over to Germany, with the Robo carriers using Frostbot as our go between. Lionheart, Gravity Girl, and any others (Sentinel - Ross is away on holiday for a week) might like to go. I am wondering if Frostbite ought to stay behind so as to be on hand in case anything else goes wrong - now we're limited without any Justicars to help us?

If I am limited to here, I'll use the time to contact Atlantis to tell them what is going on and invite them to the meeting of the United Nations.

Sj

"

She was pretty banged up, but not as bad as the others, Bletchley took a real pounding from Bedlam and his Animen. But she is fine, I think she might even like to take a trip to Germany fresh air and all that..." The last comment was added with a sly wink, only Anyman could see.

"Ok I think we'd best get a move on, we've got work to do and the shadows won't stay off our backs for long. Send us you're location and we'll meet up in Germany with as many of the carriers as you'll need."

"If she lost her powers" Anyman says with a concerned look, "then I hope she is resting well and won't be in the hospital long but without that increased vitality she had ...." He bites his lip and then moves on.

"We are going to these locations first," he continues [based on how my thread goes, which I will know when Paul tells me]. "But we are going to need to deal with the Nazi supers very soon, before they do something horrible to innocent people. I would appreciate help with that. Not sure how many are left. Dozens? Hundreds? Do any of you know?"

DavidMcMahon wrote:"We are going to these locations first," he continues. "But we are going to need to deal with the Nazi supers very soon, before they do something horrible to innocent people. I would appreciate help with that. Not sure how many are left. Dozens? Hundreds? Do any of you know?"

"Roger that!" Frostbite adds, "As soon as we're ready to take off we'll join you for the party. As regards numbers our intelligene is sketchy at best. I'll see what we've got and let you know on route. Frostbite out."

OOC: Ok perhaps we'd best get on and see about joining threads.

Sj

Admin wrote:OOC at work at the moment but will update early in the morning. Nights.. gotta love 'em... Just want confirmation of who is staying in the UK and who is off to Germany. Will action Frostys contacting of Atlantis too - in the coming days you will need all the help you can get...

OOC:
I think at this stage Sentinel and Frostbite as all the others are depowered and I therefore think Lionheart ought to stay. One of us had better in any case, you never know what might be waiting if we leave the place unguarded.

Sj

Anyman

Number One strode up to Anyman. "We have bounced radar information from the Robo Carriers all across the world and scanned for parameters matching the description of the camps you need to locate. Of those camps, we detect three with non human life forms. Logic suggests that your enemy does not take animals prisoner, and so using the information to hand we have determined that the enemy has taken prisoner those creatures you know as P'utinarians."

Anyman glanced over. He had a target, a purpose.

Number One waited patiently. "Present estimates indicate that the civilians will be loaded within an hour. Arrangements are being made to comply with your wishes. We have located a number of food storage facilities including grain silos and meat storage that would supply sufficient foodstuffs for the journey to maintain your inferior carbon life... correction. Their inferior carbon life forms. Scan of your DNA suggests you to be Homo Superior, our 'best guess' classification for your enhanced physical capabilities.

=========

Silver Sentinel and Frostbite

With Anyman having relayed the information that he knew the locations of a number of concentration camps in Poland Frostbite and Sentinel had something else to occupy their thoughts. Lionheart would 'hold the fort' so to speak, and it would take hours, perhaps days to gather the leaders of the world together for the first fateful meeting, assuming that they would recognise the need to do so.

Sunburst walked up to Frostbite. Having recharged fully, she was back to her humanoid self. Clearly an artificial being of sorts, she nonetheless possessed the entire memories and thought processes of the Peeler who had been Beth Carter.

"I can fly at high speed." she explained. "Do you wish me to scout ahead at the camps or remain here with Lionheart?"

=========

Lionheart felt uneasy...

He couldn't explain it, but something was about to happen. Something big. Beyond the petty dreams of tin pot tyrants and their dreams of world domination. Something had changed with Churchill, with all the people of the United Kingdom.

He looked out across the streets. He saw people cheerfully greeting one another, felt the grim determination in each of them, somehow.

Something had happened here, something important. Frowning, he went about his business, going with General Forbes to try and organise what was left of DICE to provide security and information where required.

Behind him, a suited man strode by, twirling a brolly and carrying a briefcase. He showed his credentials to the guards at the door of 10 Downing Street. As he waited for them to be checked out, he glanced in the direction of the general and the man beside him. His smile faded, then was replaced as the man was admitted to Downing Street.

"Here to see the Prime Minister. I'm Roger Huntingdon-Whitley, war planning department. My papers are in order. I have... an interesting plan to put to the PM." said Damon Trowers...

=========

The cold darkness of space...

The tip of a giant spacecraft rumbled into view, seemingly moving on, and on, through the void and aimed towards a distant blue sphere.

(Translated) "The humans will see our move as an act of aggression. Any previous truce or agreement will become null and void."

The being that had been addressed nodded and settled back into the chair. "It won't matter if we get what we want. Soon this place, this insignificant collection of dust motes in a far flung corner of the universe, will cease to exist, and we will have ultimate power!"

OOC I need to get Frostbite, Sentinel, Anyman on the same page so my next post will 'skip' the time for Anyman and assume that Frostbite and Sentinel load up aboard a V-Ship with supplies and a few crew to meet up with Anyman en route. With Frostbite effectively controlling the skies of the world, what are his reactions to:

1) Air force of a country sending attacks against the Robo carriers
2) Build up of conventional forces (soldiers, tanks etc)
3) Any attempt at communication or landing on the Robo Carriers.

Note that this might not be just the Nazis. Aside from North America (US and Canada) and the UK, there are Robo Carriers scattered across the globe, over every major country and population centre. Update tomorrow (been slow because of rubbish night shifts but am off sat/sun)

Admin wrote:Frostbite

Sunburst walked up to . Having recharged fully, she was back to her humanoid self. Clearly an artificial being of sorts, she nonetheless possessed the entire memories and thought processes of the Peeler who had been Beth Carter.

"I can fly at high speed." she explained. "Do you wish me to scout ahead at the camps or remain here with Lionheart?"

Frostbite nodded, trying not to look to perturbed what he saw. "Thank you, its good to have you back, as it were. I think that with the various devices the ships carry, you'd better be deployed here. Besides I've a feeling that if we take off for Germany, others may feel England is ripe for the taking."
=========

Admin wrote:Lionheart felt uneasy...

"Here to see the Prime Minister. I'm Roger Huntingdon-Whitley, war planning department. My papers are in order. I have... an interesting plan to put to the PM." said Damon Trowers...

OOC:
Have to ask, does Trowers look familiar to me, do I get a vibe from him specifically. Would I have a reason to suspect him as being Trowers. I just don't want to Meta game here and use player information my Character wouldn't know. Besides which where Trowers is, Bentham is not far behind.

Assuming that I do know I will intervene. But assuming I don't realise there is anything wrong I am not sure what I can do save find some down time to talk to Beth 2.0
=========

Admin wrote:The cold darkness of space...

1) Air force of a country sending attacks against the Robo carriers
2) Build up of conventional forces (soldiers, tanks etc)
3) Any attempt at communication or landing on the Robo Carriers.

OOC:
ok having said I won't meta game, I will send the robots that are unnecessary to helping into Earth Orbit. Partly because I am aware the Destroyer is on His way and I want to make sure we get good and ample warning of it.

I also don't want the robot carriers to become the target of anti hysteria feelings and have them stir up problems by being where they are. So for now I'll keep one in reserve over the Irish Sea, far enough out not to be a bother, but close enough to be able to swing in should Lionheart or we need help. For now their involvement is strictly limited to Anyman, Frostbite and Frostbot. Also you can assume that Frostbite will get on with helping Anyman and what not as intended. I think, if time permits helping secure the rest of Europe after this ought to be a priority once we set things straight in Germany.

Sj

"Okay Joe I've kept pretty quiet up until now what with all the politics, I mean you know talking isnt my strong suit but the general public! no one can be this happy all the time.....its starting to make me uneasy" sentinel queried as he helped frostbite load up the last of the supplies.

OOC Trowers is in disguise, in fact he looks nothing like Trowers, thanks to the wonders of prosthetics. Because he's not threatening Lionheart directly (and in fact he was unaware of Lionheart until Forbes and Lionherat passed him). Had he known of Lionheart and been actively avoiding him, Lionheart would have gotten a sense of something...

Frostbite stood near a console in a V-Ship, using that ships systems to transmit to one Robo-Carrier, and then through that to all other Robo Carriers throughout the world, assigning orders.

Instantaneously, across the world the huge vessels started to rise into the air!

In Japan waves of kamikaze planes broke off from their attacks, the two Robo Carriers over Japan having ignored the multitude of crashed planes that spewed smoke and fire from the sides of the vessels but otherwise inflicted no damage whatsoever. The Japanese people cried out in joy, thinking their armed forces had driven off the invaders who had abandoned their hastily constructed prison camps allowing thousands upon thousands of people to walk free, still dazed by what they'd seen and endured. They'd seen the future, and been ineffectual against it, though some of the sharpest minds had made notes, sketches...

Similar scenes took place across the world as the vessels regathered their robots and made their way into orbit, a process which would take hours and expend a vast amount of energy, but would be carried out nonetheless.

In Germany the ruins of Berlin came alive as people came out of hiding. A veritable superhuman army of dozens of nazi super agents, many looking the worse for wear having spent the last day or so battling against the robot hordes, emerged to see the Robo Carriers leaving. They cast uncertain looks about one another, and knew they had not won. They were dozens, reduced from over a hundred, with many more in training slaughtered in the makeshift camp that had been set up. The battered people of Berlin sobbed in relief, leaving the Robots camp that had herded those smart enough to surrender into small pens for processing.

The streets still ran red with blood from those too proud or foolish to accept defeat...

And Germany had been defeated, as had every country in the world. Russia had sent thousands of young men and women to their doom in a fruitless effort to overrun the Robot camps, mown down in their hundreds to create a blanket of the dead stretching hundreds of yards in every direction. The ruling party had insisted all who did not throw their lives down in defence of Mother Russia would be regarded as traitors, and shot where they stood!

Now, finally, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief, though could not help but look to the skies and wonder what was next... The World War seemed to have been forgotten for now, as plans lay sundered, armies broken and scattered, egos and faith alike smashed into smithereens...

=========

"We're coming to the rendezvous point" said Peeler 88, a former RAF wing commander recently recruited...

He still looked overawed by the array of machinery around them, and the presence of the Vanguardians on the bridge nearby. Frostbite and Silver Sentinel looked on the screen and saw the distant dot of the Robo Carrier carrying Anyman and his entourage of press, red cross, and of course that explosive laden truck.

=========

Anyman welcomed his friends aboard...

The V-Ship was parked in a hanger bay which had been constructed en route to house it perfectly. Robot guards stood immobile in the bay, overlooking the disembarking of the V-Ship crew. In the hours since he'd set off, he'd heard nothing else from the American Government, but the ships scanners had detected vigorous activity from the Americans as the nation was mobilised for war. He felt uneasy about that, and wondered if the Americans were planning to wage war on the British! The press had been supervised and their questions politely answered - to a point. Where they strayed to specifics about technology, defensive capabilities or the awesome military might of this machine that could conquer a small country on its own in just a few days! Anyman had quickly tired of the incessant pestering for exclusives, and had concentrated his efforts on overseeing the ships conversion into a 'vessel of mercy' - or at least part of its mile long length would serve that purpose. Hundreds of robots had been despatched to trawl the ocean for fish, and inventive use of sonics had ensured a bounty of fish in one catch that the likes of which the world had never seen! Safely salted and stored, frozen in their own section, the guests dined in luxury as their recipes were converted into fine meals.

Finally, Anyman was informed that the rendezvous over the Atlantic with the Vanguards V-Ship would soon occur, and he watched as his friends docked safely within the great ships hold.

Frostbite stood in front of the screen aboard the V-Ship (en route to Anyman)

Silver Sentinel watched in interest as his friend address the blue skinned Atlanteans, who lived beneath the waves and had watched the events transpiring in the surface world with interest and not a little fear. How soon would it be before the Robots turned to exterminating the life in the oceans?

"Greetings on behalf of the Queen and all Atlanteans. The Queen has retired to her chambers, but I am Sensechal karr-Vo and would be please to assist you in all regards until her majesty can make the vital decisions that need her near divine attention." said an aged blue skinned man speaking from the communications room in the Atlantean palace.

Frostbite explained that his enemies had unleashed an army from the future upon the world, and that the Vanguard had defeated it. More than that, they had taken control of the army and were, without doubt, the most powerful force on Planet Earth. He didn't add that the Vanguard were the most powerful force in this corner of the Universe as he didn't have a clue what lay beyond the boundaries of the solar system, but knew he and his team mates effectively called on unlimited power.

karr-Vo listened quietly, trying to disguise the worry on his features. "I see. And your intentions towards the Atlantean race? Whilst I cannot speak for the Queen and the people on this matter, my word does carry some weight. If you were to declare that you have no intentions to invade the undersea realm, and stick to that word, we would consider an alliance between our people and yours, in recognition of the service you have done our people."

Frostbite knew that the Atlanteans, though powerful in their own environment with superhuman strength and durability born from resisting the ocean depths, would play little part in the unfolding drama, but they deserved to know about the upcoming meeting of nations.

"One more thing. A man called bedd-Ro has been... pardon the expression 'making waves' in the court with his views and has secured a number of vocal, powerful, political supporters. His charisma seems remarkable. The man is 'too good to be true' and we must beware. I... had better say no more. The mans reach is everywhere, and my own tongue may betray me. I shall convey your words to the Queen and send a reply back on this frequency."

Number One stated the obvious

"Our fastest path to the concentration camps is through Germany and France. The Nazi occupying forces and Superhuman forces in Germany will attempt to impede our progress, this unit predicts. Do you wish to circumvent those countries and in doing so, expend extra time and energy, or forge a path through their airspace and confront any foes. This unit predicts that a massed assault on the vessel may hinder its progress, but any damage will be minimal."

"If you order it, we will execute all enemy forces en route."