The New Vanguard! Frostbite Issue #7 - Cold and Afraid!

OOC Frostbite earns 125HP for his efforts last issue, which was another mega/long issue... He now has FROSTBITE HP 132



Well, waking up was good news. It meant he wasn't dead...

It was dark...

And Cold!

Frostbite was naked save for a loincloth of sorts to preserve his modesty. Manacled at the wrist by a solid frame that spread eagled his arms and legs and suspended him around ten feet off the floor. Well, he thought so anyway. It was dark in here...

Dark. he looked down. The dome on his chest was gone! No eerie blue glow that had been with him since he woke up in World War II to find out he'd gained remarkable powers! He was an ordinary man! Looking about, he knew he couldn't see it or feel it, but that there was a Null Ray constantly bathing him, keeping his powers suppressed!

"Hello?" he muttered, testing out ... yes. He was in a large room, or so it sounded.

Suddenly there was a mumbled voice. "Who... who's that?"

A woman's voice! And... familiar! Could it be...? Reflex? Stephanie Miller? She was one of the more powerful, versatile and useful members of Frostbites' fledgling team! He couldn't see her though, and who knew who was listening... watching...

Just then he felt something... For a brief second, his body felt stronger, as if power flooded into him, then as quickly vanished! What the...?

OOC: [/color] He sounded weak despite the surge in strength he felt momentarily. It felt as if he was being teased with, but it was hard to tell what was going on with the disorientation the loss of his powers made him feel.

OOC:Assuming this is Steph, then I need to proceed cautiously. But at the same time, it could be a doppelganger so also need to play it cautiously.

"Do you come here often..." Frostbites uncharacteristic levity suggested that he was covering for a all too real sense of nervousness that was hard to hide. "Only I am looking for some team mates who were abducted and taken to this is, this micro world within our own. Not sure what we are here for and what is really going on, so if you fancing passing the time by filling in the blanks, then go ahead."

Frostbite, uncomfortable though he was, tried to lean into the pain to bring him to his senses. Taking the time to look about and gain what he could for sight, sound, taste, and hearing. He was no Lionheart, but he had to do something so that he didn't allow the situation to unduly unnerve him.

Trouble was, how was he going to escape? And what was going on here? He'd felt bounced around from pillar to post without gaining so much as a clue to what, who, and why of all that he and the team had been subject to. Besides which Frostbite needed to make sure that he didn't let guilt get to him. He was the one who had inspired the individuals he had rescued so long ago to become a team. He that told them to use their powers for something more. And he that had now endangered their lives, causing some to be hospitalised and now others kidnapped. They were not soldiers, but civilians, with powers, but still untrained. He muddled along as best he could, sometimes out of dumb luck more than anything. it was amazing he'd got this far, but they, they needed something better. It was time that Frostbite put them with a proper team, a group that could train them sufficiently well. But that was all in the future, today, now...it was just survival.

Sj

"What?" spluttered the female voice. "Who's that? Kevin? Is that you? Surge? I don't know what's going on! We got here... they ... there was a ray of some kind. Jeremy ... Probability... he did ... whatever it is he does... and it went wrong. Just for a moment or two. Some of them escaped... I think... I tried to help David. Terra Firma."

"Oh. Of course. Kevin left us."

Her voice went silent. This WAS Steph, or possibly a trick, but she knew so much.

She stifled a sob. "That won't do." she muttered. "Who are you? Have you come here to help us? I hope... I hope Frostbite can help us. We tried to help Wandafar, but blundered into their trap! So powerless! They hit us with that ray, our powers were just... gone!"

She then realised what Frostbite had said.

"Come here often? Wait.. that voice!" she gasped. "Frostbite? Is it you? There's no glow... your chest... does that mean they got you too?"

Frostbite KNEW this was Steph now. But also felt - for sure - that his every word was being recorded, and possibly his every move in the dark.

Just then... he glanced down... what? His chest dome appeared for a fraction of a second! It was gone before he could realise, but what was happening? He looked about. Nothing. Pitch blackness.

Somewhere in here though, he knew his partner, Frostbot, was a ghost in the system, and letting him know that he was not alone! His plan had worked! But how to get out of here...?

Admin wrote:Somewhere in here though, he knew his partner, Frostbot, was a ghost in the system, and letting him know that he was not alone! His plan had worked! But how to get out of here...?

Note alone, but not free to say what they wanted without giving away the fact that things were not as they seemed. Frostbite thought for a bit before replying, he didn't want to suggest that things were better than they seemed. So he'd have to play helpless until something else developed.

"Yes, its me Steph. But like you depowered...they probably want to pull me apart to see what makes me, us tick. I'd like to say I've come with the cavalry, but it looks like I blundered a bit here as well. Overestimated our chances of turning this around and well...you can see the results. Where are the others, tell me what has been going on? "

Frostbite figured it would be good to get the details of what had happened, no doubt there was little that their alien captors didn't know about that. But the question exercising him at that point was how was he to break them both out, without raising the alarm and more importantly bringing a whole lot of attention their way, before he had successfully neutralised their beam and repowered up. Whilst Steph collected her thoughts, he would consider the options before him. Trying the restraints and seeing if there wasn't anything else that Frostbot had been up to that he hadn't noticed.

OOC: Ok apart from finding out what Steph can tell me I've got no powers to help at this point, I guess that might apply to skills if not having skills in as a Thief and Detective so I am hoping that in my depowered state these might prove useful in getting some clues as to my next course of action?

Sj

Admin wrote:OOC Electricity 7 plus Roll(2d10)+0:10,1,+0 Total:18 vs TN11 + Body 4... Hit +2 effect. 9EV vs Body 4=5 damage! That will put Frosty on Body 0 as it's not killing combat, merely meant to subdue.

You can last ditch defence a couple of points to stay conscious or succumb, then wake up in an hour to see where that leaves you?

OOC: I'm saving the points as I don't want to waste them for the sake of getting out, and still being on lower body, which knowing the way die roll for me, would only put me back in a far worse state. Better to succumb and let them think its beaten me. Which it has done at the moment...so its down to Detective ability to see if I can get any clues as to how I am meant to be rolling in this situation.

Sj

With a groan Frostbite came to... with piercing blinding white light in his face!

He was lying down on a gurney, strapped down from the feel of it and in some kind of lab. Technicians in white head to toe hazmat suits were operating consoles, manoeuvring various machines and seemingly prepping for surgery... on him! With a frantic tug he tried his restraints... no good! His head, in fact everything had been strapped down and that strange null effect was in evidence here!

Looking about, he saw a second level to the room with one way windows lining the walls. They were going to dissect him, and people were watching!

Argggh!

He looked over at the door, as much as his head would allow. A pair of near seven foot tall impassive cyborgs, armed to the teeth and more than a match for him in his current state, were stood there!

OOC Perception check. Detective skill is more a kind of 'making sense out of clues once you spot them' rather than a 'sharp eye' type ability that allows you to see what others miss.

Roll(2d10)+0: 5,10,+0 Total:15 + Int 5 (down from = 20 vs TN11 + OV7 (18). Success.

What the?

Did that one eyed cyborg (the other was a red glowing lens of some kind on the half metal side of its face) just... just wink at him? Frostbite had to think fast! He was about to be chopped open! Did he try and stall them, or hope beyond hope that Cyborg was his friend and partner, Frostbot?

Admin wrote:What the?

Did that one eyed cyborg (the other was a red glowing lens of some kind on the half metal side of its face) just... just wink at him? Frostbite had to think fast! He was about to be chopped open! Did he try and stall them, or hope beyond hope that Cyborg was his friend and partner, Frostbot?

Not knowing what Frostbot had planned, and indeed if his companion had even got that far given the state of play, Frostbite decided to go for a stall tactic.

"Ah good..." He said more confidently than he felt trying to bluff his way forward.
"...the cut him open and see what makes him tick plan. Well when you are scrapping what remains of your scientists off the walls, let me know how that is working for yah. I mean not that its my place to warn you, but given that I am am a good guy, I guess I owe it to you to say, despite what you might think about your beam. It won't stop the energies pent up in me going haywire and probably freezing this ship to within an inch of its life, if you put that blade in me. The beam may stop me using my powers but it doesn't change my essential make up. I've still got the cold in me, and if you break the seals...well lets hope you've got your thermals on Johnny, cause where you'd go, your gonna need em. Come on then hurry it up man...I like the cold let's get on with it!"

Frostbite goaded the scientists, using the rising edge of his voice not so much to suggest the edge of fear he felt, but rather to suggest a cunning plan they'd not taken account off. So far as he knew he wasn't wrong, the beam stopped him using his powers, but it didn't change him, so who knew if he hadn't stumbled on a part of the truth...might as well play it as so anyway.

Sj

The scientists paused, as if listening to something being said in their earpiece.

Frostbite waited, then was somewhat surprised when an altogether American voice chimed out over the tannoy.

"Interesting. And yet every scan we have reveals that you are completely depowered. Aside from being in excellent physical shape for an Olympic level athlete, you are no more of a superhuman than... why than I am. However, I am willing to test the theory. Scientists! Clear the room!"

The Scientists started to file out after a moment of pause - possibly due to some translation device - and left only the two cyborgs by the door. "Now, direct one of those cyborgs to use its cutting tool to... let's say... cut open this chaps belly."

A pause again, then one of the Cyborgs started forward!

Frostbite blinked. Which one was it? Frostbot? Was Frostbot there at all? Had he imagined the wink? It raised an arm which morphed and reshaped into a circular cutting tool which started to spin up!

"Wait!" shouted the voice as the Cyborg stepped up next to the table. A pause, with the blade coming down...

... and it stopped an inch away from his stomach!

With the high speed buzzing disc only a fingers length away from slicing him open, Frostbite couldn't help but squirm in the restraints! How far did he want to play this? He glanced at the Cyborg. No response, no indication... he couldn't see the other, this one's bulk was in the way!

"Well? Do you have anything to add? By the way, your codename, Frostbite. Do you wish us to call you that, or something else? It may well be a moot point in moments anyway." chuckled the unseen voice.

Admin wrote:Frostbite waited, then was somewhat surprised when an altogether American voice chimed out over the tannoy.

"Well? Do you have anything to add? By the way, your codename, Frostbite. Do you wish us to call you that, or something else? It may well be a moot point in moments anyway." chuckled the unseen voice.

Although he heard the familiar tones of the American voice...an American voice! That was the point he was suddenly stopped full in his tracks. Who and how was someone from uptop, in what might be considered the Macroverse of this one, in charge down here? Suddenly the sense that he'd been played came to fruition. The sudden advances, the military might of a small force that came from nowhere. This whole universe had become the plaything of some enterprising individual or group, that having come across it found a way to exploit it. Perhaps this explained the invasion on the mansion of miniature soldiers and what not. How someone for the Macroverse was pulling strings down here in the Microverse.

"Well this is a turn up for the books, greetings my fellow American. I'd take a guess at where you're from but I suspect that you're educated accent might cover up your home state. In any case, nice to hear a 'friendly' voice from home? Not sure about the welcome though? When did you discover these primitive folk as being the raw stuff from which you could base your world conquering schemes on?"

Although it was often a well known fact that villains like to monologue, not all did. The quiet ones, the ones who liked to prove their superiority by not giving into such weaknesses were often the harder ones to engage. Priding themselves on being sufficiently aware of their own ego and its possible insecurities they felt more power in being aware of such moments of weakness and not giving into them. Nonetheless, Frostbite was trying to buy time, time in which to work out if Frostbot could help him out and then what...? He didn't know other than that behind this whole sudden uprising of galactic power in this Microverse, someone from earth was the real power behind the throne. Get to him, and perhaps the whole thing would collapse like a house of cards. Better still, cause a revolt and maybe the fingers being burned might stop such a ploy in the future.

But right now Frostbite was a long way from finding out who, how and why, he simply had to survive and escape for the time being.

OOC: Three guesses says its Timpson who discovered this place as a result of his research into shrinking and no doubt this is where he gets his White Dwarf material etc. Not sure how this relates to Timmy, are they in league? Is this all separate? Who but you and they know. Anywho, time to break out methinks, at least if and after I get any further info from Timpson - not that Frostbite knows its him.

Sj

"Heh, well I'll indulge you. I have time on my side, you see, and yours has run out. My name is Dr Brent Perille."

"You may not have heard of me, but at some point in the near future the world will. My theories about subatomic energy were laughed at, unproven and the stuff of fantasy, they said! Yes, the experiments went wrong, there were... unavoidable, regrettable ... deaths. I faced prison! Me! One man believed in me though... his legal team freed me!"

Frostbite wasn't sure how much of the drivel this guy was shovelling that he could handle but the man continued...

"Yes, there were setbacks again, cost overruns. The explosion... let's just say you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs! But I got there! Me! I proved that the subatomic universe exists, that it could be accessed and that there was intelligent life much like our own here! More than that, it is an unlimited resource to be tapped and wielded as a weapon on our Earth! I..."

"Excuse me, my lord." said an automated sounding voice. "The Admiral requests we set course for a new sun we have discovered. Rebel activity in this area may cause us some... difficulties... he explained."

Perille continued "Ah yes. Another sun. Let me see the readings... inhabited system? Too bad. Have we taken what resources are worth having before we cause their sun to implode and create some new White Dwarf Star matter to send to Earth?" he chuckled, aware that Frostbite could hear.

Frostbite was also aware of the Cyborg waiting over him... and the other one stood behind it, which stared intently at Frostbite and ... the hero noted ... had morphed its hand attachment into what looked like a high powered crackling tazer...

Admin wrote:Frostbite was also aware of the Cyborg waiting over him... and the other one stood behind it, which stared intently at Frostbite and ... the hero noted ... had morphed its hand attachment into what looked like a high powered crackling taser...

Frostbite, depowered as he was, realised that Perille was only one more cog in a much bigger wheel, but one that went back to Earth. And in that, lay the opportunity to return home. But with Perille perhaps lay the ability to end this one sided invasion of this Microverse and the wanton destruction of billions. Perille had to be stopped. That much wasn't in doubt, what was, was what Frostbot had in mind.

Depowered and with therefore no way to reach Frostbot other than by verbal command, Frostbite had no choice but to tip his hand.
"I think we've heard enough, time to make our move..." And inwardly Frostbite was praying it was going to be a good one.

Sj

The Cyborg behind the one stood over Frostbite took a step forward, then placed a hand on the shoulder of the one poised above the hero with its cutting blade!

All of a sudden the cutting blade Cyborg turned and slashed the blade across the throat of the one behind, which stood immobile as if waking from a dream! With a BUZZZZZZ! it spewed dark liquid from its throat and fell back!

All of a sudden alarm bells rung and the cyborg turned back to Frostbite "Krasloforhelick... may not be able to. Ah. Relax sir." The arm slashed down with huge force and crashed into the wrist restraint on Frostbites right arm!

Sparks flashed and the metal fell aside. A hand was free! Frostbot/Cyborg turned to the door. "Ah. Company. Sir, I suggest you make the most of this."

Frostbot torn his arm off, circular cutter and all, and handed it to his host before walking to the door and grabbing the stricken cyborg along the way! When it swished open he tossed the bleeding cyborg into a mass of troopers who lit up like Christmas trees!

Frostbite scooped up the heavy arm - almost too heavy to lift! - and with a shaky hand applied the still spinning blade to his other restraint. It was cutting through.

Slowly.

Suddenly Frostbot/Cyborg turned. With what remained of the cyborgs body it was shielding against repeated laser blasts from soldiers in the corridor. Bits were falling off, ichor spouting everywhere and Frostbot staggered, struggling to be as wide as possible. "Sir! They plan to release a freezing gas into the room! The ray! The ray!"

Frostbite looked up. The null ray was still on him, but to hit it with human strength and that cyborg arm would require a herculean effort! He could continue cutting to free his other arm, but would that freezing gas put paid to all of his efforts, as well as see his companion Frostbot fall in vain? He would only get one shot at this!!!

Admin wrote: "Sir! They plan to release a freezing gas into the room! The ray! The ray!"

Frostbite looked up. The null ray was still on him, but to hit it with human strength and that cyborg arm would require a herculean effort! He could continue cutting to free his other arm, but would that freezing gas put paid to all of his efforts, as well as see his companion Frostbot fall in vain? He would only get one shot at this!!!

Then the ray it must be. For within an instant, Frostbite surmised that if his powers were returned the freezing effects of the gas would be negligible. But being free of the restraint without his powers switched on, would hardly help anyone.

Getting a good grip on the arm, and taking a good appraising look at what was required of him, Frostbite gave it his best shot.

OOC:And at this point we have HP to add to accuracy, so let's make it as many dice as are needed to succeed, even spending all points if need be. As if I fail this, then I am royal toast without some sort of DM intervention ;-)

Good to have you back, been away seeing family myself so this came at the right time for me to respond.

Sj

OOC the requirement to spend HP seems pretty insistent so we'll go with... a colossal 30HP for four extra dice? Frostbite without powers is an athletic built man who probably engages in track and field type activities, as a measure of his competency. To throw a cyborg arm that weighs more than he does across the room into the Null Ray. FROSTBITE HP 102

Here goes...

Roll(6d10)+0: 6,6,3,1,6,10,+0 Total:12 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 10,10,+0 Total:20 BOOOM! DOUBLE AGAIN, needed that. Plus Roll(2d10)+0:
10,5,+0 Total: 47.

With a roar of rage knowing that his efforts might be in vain, Frostbite knew his only chance of getting out of here in one piece depended on his aim, his strength... and ultimately his luck!

Half a turn and twisting on his heel he winced as he recalled his days in high school and clumsy attempts at hammer throwing. Well Mr Friedman the sports coach would have something to say about this one, he chuckled whilst at the same time finding almost laughable how stress made odd thoughts pull to the front!

CRASSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

The arm smashed into the null ray which shattered into a mangled mess of pipes, wires, conduits and metal frame!

Immediately Frostbite felt the effects as his powers were no longer suppressed! Strength flooded into him, ice formed on his skin and his chest suddenly glowed as Frostbot lept from the Cyborg back into his host! 'Your strength and powers are returning rapidly but you are operating at less than 50% of your full potential!' warned the sentient computer program. 'Nonetheless you are superhuman once more! I suggest a period of recuperation and become a 'ghost in the machine' so to speak. This vessel is vast!'

"CAPTURE HIM!" roared the american accent over the tannoy. Freezing gas pumped into the room!

The faceless voice suddenly took on a different tack - "Surrender now! Or your friends die!"

Heavy clumping steps in the corridor suggested more Cyborgs and soldiers were on their way! Freezing gas pumped into the room and whilst Frostbite initially felt the bite, it soon vanished as it seemed to speed up the process of his recovery!

'Just over 50% of full power recovered. A few minutes of this and you will be up to full strength!' stated Frostbot.

So, Cold was his power, and his strength. He could wait here but that would mean fighting off possibly dozens of Cyborgs! What about that threat to Steph and the others?

Admin wrote:'Just over 50% of full power recovered. A few minutes of this and you will be up to full strength!' stated Frostbot.

So, Cold was his power and his strength. He could wait here but that would mean fighting off possibly dozens of Cyborgs! What about that threat to Steph and the others?

Frostbite realised that as he got stronger, faster he also ran the risk of compromising his own mission. He needed help and he had come for his allies. No, his desire for revenge and to take out his growing anger on a plentiful supply of ever ready cyborgs would have to wait.

Time to shift out of that place as Frostbot had said and get to his friend before their fate was decided. Steph it was, as he phased he shot forward making best speed for the cell where they'd both been kept.

Sj

OOC Adrenaline Surge isn't quite up to scratch (11APs) as is Dispersal (4). But we'll see what happens...

Roll(2d10)+0: 10,8,+0 Total:18 +11 (29) vs TN11 + 4 (15) =14 (+5 EV). 16EV vs 4RV=12RAPs.

Dispersal is boosted to 11 (limited to APs of Adrenaline Surge)

Frostbite moves to a wall at speed... and seems to slow down dramatically! He oozes as if through a wall of glue with the metal wall clinging to him!

All of a sudden he pops out into the corridor beyond, even as multiple blasts hammer against the wall behind! With a sight of relief he listens as Frostbot directs 'Quickly! They approach in numbers! I have prevented them from sealing us in corridors by disabling the blast doors.'

Frostbite sped along the way and halted when Frostbot called out 'Here!' Ahead are two Cyborgs stationed at a solid looking pair of double doors. 'Unfortunately you will not be able to phase through that door with Reflex in hand. You have limited time before the massed forces turn up. I predict less than one minute!'

The Cyborgs raised weapons!

Frostbite was faster!

OOC And acts first. He's 50' away but can easily close the distance if need be. Or blast at range. You're up

Admin wrote:The Cyborgs raised weapons!

Frostbite was faster!

OOC And acts first. He's 50' away but can easily close the distance if need be. Or blast at range. You're up

Frostbite strode forward aware that he was still recovering. As he moved purposefully he raised his hand in the familiar way he always did when seeking to aim his destructive beam of bone chilling cold. Knowing that it would more likely render the aliens inoperative rather than in pain, so to speak. With a sure-footedness, that belied his own sense that at some point the element of surprise, by which he had kept everyone off guard, would soon pass. With Reflex in hand, should be able to secure her, the chances of then getting out or stopping them being blown to bits were going to pass quickly. After all, given the lack of any compunction in destroying billions just to implode a star and gain its white dwarf material, Frostbite was under no illusions as to what this madman would do to stop him.

OOC: ok go for a full on blast, sacrificing damage for accuracy, but no HP just yet, might need to save them.

Sj

OOC blasting two Cyborgs with Energy Blast, adrenaline surge applied as usual. Energy Blast is up to 10APs (nearly there at 14APs full strength) and Adrenaline Surge up to 12.

Roll(2d10)+0: 10,4,+0 Total:14 + 12 (26) vs Tn11 + 10 (21). +3 Effect. Energy Blast is up to 12APs.

Frostbite shoots...

Roll(2d10)+0: 1,6,+0 Total:7 +12 (19) vs TN11 + OV7 + Multi Attack +2 (20) Missed Just!

Frostbite shoots... and misses!

Muttering a curse he sees the Cyborgs level weapons and is thankful his Fluid form appears to be working to a certain degree. Every little helped!

OOC Team Attack with 9AP sonic beam

Roll(2d10)+0: 4,3,+0 Total:7 +9 (16) vs TN11 + Dex 7 + Fluid Form 2 (20) -2 (Team attack) 18 Miss

Roll(2d10)+0: 3,5,+0 Total:8 +9 (17) vs TN11 + Dex 7 + Fluid Form 2 (20) -2 (Team attack) 18 Miss

Frostbite ducked and weaved as the sonic blasts screamed past him, too high pitched to hear but shattering sections of wall where they struck!

He heard the thundering clatter of running metal feet coming from a nearby corridor and knew he had only ONE chance left before this thing got nasty - and crowded!

OOC Over to you. You only just missed. However had you hit you might not have have taken the bad guys down. You might want to put a bit of oomph into it... or trust to the dice!

Admin wrote:OOC Over to you. You only just missed. However had you hit you might not have have taken the bad guys down. You might want to put a bit of oomph into it... or trust to the dice!

OOC: LOL that is the funniest thing I've heard all day. Trust the Dice...I need a moment ...Right HP on to accuracy and effect, got to get this sorted and quick. 2 on Accuracy and 1 on Effect. Oh, Trust the Dice...I've got to stop laughing...

Sj

OOC Essentially under the new (well, for the last 12-15 months or whenever it was we started playing with my 'modified' DC Heroes system) system you simply buy more dice, then decide if you want to go for a critical blow or devastating attack (which means sacrifice accuracy for more damage). So we'll go for 3 dice.

HP 111

Adrenaline Surge Roll(2d10)+0: 10,4,+0 Total:14 + Adren Surge 12 (26) vs TN11 + Energy Blast 10 (21). Adren Surge 12 + 3EV (15) - Energy Blast 10 = 5. Energy Blast boosted to 12.

Critical Blow to knock these chumps down.

Five Dice rolled. Roll(5d10)+0: 1,7,2,9,8,+0 Total: 17 (Not a great roll but could be worse) + Energy Blast 12 (29) vs Crit Blow (4) +Dex 7 + TN11 + 2 (Multi Attack) (24). Hit +3 EV up to 13APs Energy Blast. 13 - 10RV + 2 (Multi Attack) -6 (Crit Blow) = 7 Damage

Frostbite blasts with his freezing cold energy and wallops the pair of Cyborgs who reel with the impact (OOC Both down to 1 Body as they have 8 Body 2 Skin Armour). They are both sent scattering down the hall some metres away to bump into a wall. As both get to their feet Frostbot speaks 'Touch the panel on the wall.'

Frostbite does so and waits an agonising heartbeat, thinking he needed to phase through the door somehow - and it looked thick enough to withstand the pressure of vacuum.

Then it swished open and the room beyond, dark as it was, was revealed.

He stepped inside just as energy blasts pounded against the door behind him as it swished close!

Getting out would be another problem...

'I Have scrambled the code for the door and disengaged the security systems in here. I cannot cut the power because - along with the null ray which disables Reflex - it would cut the life support and allow them to manually open vents that would expose the pair of you to vacuum should they decide that 'flushing you' is the best option.' stated Frostbot.

Frostbite walked forwards and the light from his chestplate illuminated a gurney with the form of a woman strapped to it. She'd been beaten and looked bruised around the face. Reflex looked up and mumbled through swollen lips as she shifted on the gurney, her arms and legs outspread in an X position. Thankfully they'd preserved her modesty with a white smock. "Who... whoever you are... I'll tell you what I told that scumbag Timmy Jones. Get lost creep. No way I'm saying anything about my friends. You will waste your breath... and I'll be dead soon."

Frostbite looked at the arm like device projecting the Null Ray on his team mate. He had to be careful. One touch from that and it would render him powerless!

All of a sudden it twitched, then a voice called out over the tannoy. English, doubtless belonging to this 'Timmy Jones' that Reflex had mentioned!

(OOC Lionheart knows Timmy, not Frosty, but asking Frostbot to call up what he knows would reveal more)

"Impressive. You're not like these others. Or like I used to be. A minor hero, with naff powers, playing superhero in your tights. No wonder the Empire wants to pull you apart. I shall enjoy the fruits of their labours when they make me a form I can inhabit based on your powers. I don't know if you know the hero Lionheart? He's the real target. When we get hold of him, we'll make an ARMY like him. Imagine that! And they won't see us coming, until we grow into their midst and start the killing. I was a fool for so long. I never realised the extent and potential of my abilities until I was killed. Now? I'm more alive than ever, and I cannot be killed! Hahahahahaha!"

Then the Null Ray soun on the axis and it became clear it wanted to blast Frostbite!

OOC Moved things on a little as my shifts this last week have been awful. That said I intend to update tonight (in 11 1/2 hours when I get home) and tomorrow so let's get this thing moving! Timmy reveals himself to be one of the villains in the piece, a real 'ghost in the machine'

Admin wrote:

OOC Moved things on a little as my shifts this last week have been awful. That said I intend to update tonight (in 11 1/2 hours when I get home) and tomorrow so let's get this thing moving! Timmy reveals himself to be one of the villains in the piece, a real 'ghost in the machine'

Although the information being mentioned made Frostbite ache deep inside. The mention of Lionheart and the sight of Reflex made Frostbite aware that it felt like ages since the team had fought together. More importantly, he felt a surge of guilt but suppressed it quickly. Though he felt bad for the state of play that had affected Reflex nonetheless Frostbite had to think of the danger before him. Time for recriminations and lessons to be learned later.

Moving as quickly as the deadly ray, Frostbite aimed and fired a wicked blast not only to disable the ray arm but to smash the delicate circuits and mechanisms within.

OOC:So going for critical strike, and trying to damage the device before it can be used on me. hopefully, that will take care of that.

I could then let Frostbot loose on 'Timmy in the machine'. In any case, what we need is going to be a way out. If only we could take the 'ray' and carry it around with an independent power source? Still, for now best work on staying one step ahead of annihilation.

Sj

As if sensing Frostbites desire to use the Null Ray as some kind of weapon, Frostbot was quick to quell that idea.

'The machine uses huge amounts of power and is unreliable as a result. There may be some way to shrink it down, but your friend Wandafar would know better than my programmed limits allow me to suggest a design change.' said Frostbot.

Taking aim before the weapon could come to bear, Frostbite let loose with another blast!

OOC Adrenaline Surge roll Roll(2d10)+0: 6,7,+0 Total:13 SUCCESS Energy Blast up to 12. Shouldn't be too hard to hit, even with going for a critical blow. Roll(2d10)+0: 3,7,+0 Total:10 + Energy Blast 12 (22) vs OV Zero + Crit Blow 4. +6 EV. 18EV vs RV7 - 6 Crit Blow. 12 Damage.

With a single blast Frostbite blasted the gun, which shuddered and dangled limp from the ceiling! Not quite completely destroyed but not far off at all!

Reflex gasped and breathed a sigh of relief!

"Fr... Frostbite! I can feel the cold! Th... thankyou!" she sobbed. Frostbite was aware of how her powers worked. she was an ordinary woman until she drained energy from another living being. Unfortunately Frostbite in his weakened state couldn't afford to give up some of his life energy but he knew on the other side of that door would be living beings that she could drain and recover her abilities from!

Frostbot spoke up 'Turn to the left. No, your left. There.'

Frostbite tried not to roll his eyes but saw what his companion was talking about. An access grill, big enough for Reflex to squeeze into and him in his fluid form to flow through as he was physically bigger. 'Oh, I've disabled the cameras and communication devices in this room. That fellow Timmy Jones will not be able to see in here. Also as to your suggestion, I control machines when I overcome them. Mr Jones can animate the inanimate I believe as well as occupying machines. In theory I can battle him for control of those machines but he is in effect a dispossessed spirit in need of a vessel. Deprive him of a vessel and presumably his system will shut down.'

Frostbite figured that meant 'kill him'.

Frostbite froze and shattered the cuffs holding Reflex and she sagged gratefully into his arms. "I n...n...never thought I would be so happy to be so c... c... cold!"

Forstbite turned. CRASH! CRASH! The door started to buckle in the middle! Not long before they broke through he figured!

Admin wrote:Frostbite froze and shattered the cuffs holding Reflex and she sagged gratefully into his arms. "I n...n...never thought I would be so happy to be so c... c... cold!"

Frostbite turned. CRASH! CRASH! The door started to buckle in the middle! Not long before they broke through he figured!

"Come on, we need to get you out of here, once we've got you stable we can work out what to do next. But right now opening that door puts us in a fighting retreat, which I'd rather not have."

With that Frostbite defrosted, so as not to further harm Reflex, picking her carefully up from the gurney, he carried her over to the accesses point. Removing the grill he pointed for Reflex to get in as best she could and start moving forward.

"Go careful, I'll join you in a sec'."

Moving back into the room and refreezing, Frostbite signalled to his onboard companion. "Cover our escape, see if yo can't overwhelm some system here so that a tidy explosion covers the fact we've got out by the vent. It might cover us long enough to get further into the system. I don't want them tracking us by the sudden outages of their sensor systems."

With that Frostbite took one last look around to see if there was anything useful to pick up that he could use, before joining Reflex in the vent, and replacing the cover back on again.

OOC: Ok assuming that I've done all I can with the room, once I've caught up with Reflex I'll take on my more fluid-form after I have warned her what I am going to do. Don't want her more alarmed. Then we'll move into the depths of this ship and see if there aren't anything more we can learn, like where are the rest of the team etc.

Sj

Frostbot seemed to pause for a heartbeat - an eternity for a computer. 'Interesting. I have attempted to inhabit a number of external systems in the ship. It is vast, in human terms, the equivalent of several aircraft carriers on Earth. There is... something. Some... one... in the machine beside me. This is dangerous. They not only know I am here, but the code I used to block them was crushed in moments. Most troubling.'

Frostbite considered this. Frostbot had been his most useful tool in getting out, but it appeared the 'Empire' was getting smart. He mentioned something less invasive. 'Ah yes' replied Frostbot. 'The fire supression system and alarm should distract them. It's just... I am not used to being opposed.'

Throughout the ship fire alarms went off and in a number of places foam flooded the room, causing confusion and anger among other things.

Frostbite turned into his fluid form and oozed through the grate after Steph. It was dark and a squeeze, with pipes and conduits everywhere. Worse, Steph was an ordinary woman in her current form as opposed to the Vampiric powerhouse she'd become after draining someone. She moved gingerly and when Frostbot announced 'There appears to be a kind of 'flushing' system for the maintenance shafts.' he said gravely. 'And I cannot remotely stop it from this location without access to a console. Moreover, it appears someone is shutting off access to the panels nearby. Wait, there is one up ahead...'

Frostbot hovered near a small access panel and popped the lid off, ignoring the catch which shattered. Suddenly a small screen inside flickered into life and the digitized, blocky picture of a balding forty or fifty something man in glasses appeared on it, words slightly out of sync with the face. "My nemesis, it appears. I must thank you. Before, I was a minor league superhero with the ability to grant 'life' of a kind to my toys and use them to fight criminals. Oh, what a jolly jape it was! Then, recently, I was slaughtered. My toys swept away. Gone. Or so I thought. No. Instead my conscience transferred to whatever I wished to inhabit! Now I find computers bend to my will, and more, I see in you a similar sentience, and to that I reach out. Join ME and gain physical form, power and dominance over those inferior meatsacks around you! I will grant you power to..."

The screen winked out. Frostbot spoke up 'I found the hidden access point in the programming to turn the screen off. We should move on.'

Frostbite wondered whether his electronic companion had been tempted. Then he announced 'Steph is approaching a junction. From that we can move into the corridors of the vessel and perhaps move faster. Her pace is... somewhat diminshed because of her ordeal.'

Did Frostbot sound... different? Then there was a clanging sound from somewhere in the access tubes. And another, and another...

'They are sealing the tubes, ready to flush!' announced Frostbot. 'If you exit into the corridors where Steph is, there will be a risk of running into guards, staff and crew. If she keeps moving there is a chance we can access a storage bay, and perhaps obtain supplies, make plans to move on. Moving on further still reveals the engineering level. From there I can wreak various forms of havoc, though we will have to disable electronic access from outside of the engineering section.'

From somewhere came the splashing flood sound of liquid flowing!

'Acid wash.' stated Frostbot, calmly.