World War II - Sky Eagle issue II

Bletchley Park, Home of the clandestine organisation tasked with Britains defence - DICE

Not that you'd know it were you a visitor on appearance alone. The guards at the gate might give a clue, but then a number of large buildings were guarded in wartime Britain. As the Nazi shadow darkened over France, the clouds over Britain confounded weather predictions and had people running for cover as rained teemed down.

"Don't suppose you could make it stop raining for any length of time?" asked Ernest Slobotham, assistant to General Wynn, one of the three men responsible for running DICE and ultimately, a man on whose shoulders rested the defence of the realm! Wynn harrumphed, looking out of the window of the hospital wing room. The occupant of the bed was a strange man indeed. Winged, head like a giant eagle, his muscled torso rippling with superhuman power, albeit bandaged superhuman power at the moment.

"Now Slobbie, you know as well as I do that crappy weather keeps the Hun away. For now. Those prevailing north to south winds don't come cheap either, I can bally well tell you." said the General. He looked like he had matching luggage under his eyes having been deprived of sleep for days whilst he maintained the vile weather. "The people of Britain won't thank me, but they sure as hell wouldn't like the alternative!"

Sky Eagle knew what that meant - planes and Airships over Britain, dropping tons of bombs. There'd be worse besides. The Nazis had access to hi-tech and futuristic equipment that made the Allied forces seem positively backwards. Like cave men taking on soldiers from the present. Rocks against bullets. Sticks against bombs.

No contest.

Except the Vanguard tipped the balance. Sky Eagle was one of those elite few, having stopped a small Nazi task force from getting its hands on a valuable relic. Wynn hadn't mentioned that any more save to say that he had 'top people' working on it. Sky Eagle could have sworn he'd seen a young lad of around 10 or 11 in Wynns office across the grounds, his sharp eyes wondering what on earth Wynn was playing at! This was no place for children!

"You're healing well." said Wynn, interrupting Sky Eagles thoughts. "Good. The PM needs an errand running, and as you can imagine, it's the type of thing that a normal person can't do. Our intelligence says France will fall in days. It's a fact, it's happening as we speak. There's nothing we can do, having had our behinds kicked from the beach at Dunkirk. Close run thing if not for our lot. There's a man named De Gaulle, a General in France, who Churchill considers a worthy fellow to rescue. It's a damned fools run if you ask me, but we have intel on his whereabouts. Pinned down in Caumont, where he'd pushed the Nazis back. They turned the tables by 'cheating', and using ray guns, jet packing troopers and who knows what else."

Wynns face darkened. "You're to lead a team to get him and his close staff out, and no other. It's harsh, leaving his forces like that, but a soldiers lot is to do, or die. We all know that. Churchill believes the man may be of service in rallying the French if, by some miracle, we can slow advance. Of course, having left all our weapons and equipment on the bloody beach." he shook his head. "Damned fools errand. Anyway. Slobbie? Map?"

Slobotham closed the blinds on the windows and shone the projector he'd wheeled in against the white wall.



"The forests surrounding Caumont are where the fourth French armoured division are dug in. Between Le Havre and Rouen, the small town of Caumont is surrounded and the people therein pinned down. That said, whilst De Gaulle resists he pulls forces away from the main push on Paris and gives them... well, perhaps just days, and maybe not even that. Churchill wants him out of there. We'll be sending new recruits with you, because everyone else is laid up with injuries or on missions. You'll meet them shortly. Questions?"

The young man in the bed almost chuckled. Not even recovered from his last mission yet, and he was being sent into a war zone! Just another day in the life of...

Sky Eagle watched and listened to the men gathered round his bed. He wasn’t used to all the attention and was slightly embarrassed about laying down while such important people discussed the war effort around him.

He’d also started to feel very uncomfortable laying on his wings so grunting slightly when his body repelled from his movement he slipped his legs over the side of the bed and reached for his dressing gown that had been tailor made to slip over his wings.

Gingerly getting up “ Sir if it would be ok I’d prefer to sit at the table over there” waving his wings slightly as an unspoken reason.

Sitting down he poured over the map and put to memory all the salient landmarks and town names.

“ OK so this De Gaulle chap, is that important that you need a man with my abilities to pull his backside out of the proverbial fire then.”

“ I take it he knows a team will be coming to get him and I assume he also knows when but does he know who we are or will a large birdman arriving scare the living garlic buds out of the frenchie.”

He looked again at the map. “ Do we have intelligence on German man power on the ground where they are located and massing round the pickup site. I understand they are under siege but if we need to make it out on foot I’d like a little bit of warning before I lead my team into the jaws of death.”


“Also have there been super activity in the area? Having just had my but nearly handed to me on a plate by someone with similar abilities as me I’d like to know if there will be the possibility that we will be up against the same type of threat as that.”

Lastly leaning back and rubbing his eyes “ What are the orders if we can’t get him out?” he left that hanging in the air for the meaning to set in for all gathered.

Sky Eagle watched and listened to the men gathered round his bed. He wasn’t used to all the attention and was slightly embarrassed about laying down while such important people discussed the war effort around him.

He’d also started to feel very uncomfortable laying on his wings so grunting slightly when his body repelled from his movement he slipped his legs over the side of the bed and reached for his dressing gown that had been tailor made to slip over his wings.

Gingerly getting up “ Sir if it would be ok I’d prefer to sit at the table over there” waving his wings slightly as an unspoken reason.

Sitting down he poured over the map and put to memory all the salient landmarks and town names.

“ OK so this De Gaulle chap, is that important that you need a man with my abilities to pull his backside out of the proverbial fire then.”

"Churchill thinks so." said Wynn. "I think the French are beaten and it's a fools errand, but he's in charge. I can see his point of view - rally the French - but they made such a bloody hash of defending their country that it wouldn't surprise me if they completely surrender in the next few days."

“ I take it he knows a team will be coming to get him and I assume he also knows when but does he know who we are or will a large birdman arriving scare the living garlic buds out of the frenchie.”

At this, Wynn looked uncomfortable. Slobotham glanced at his friend, then laughed. "Wait, Winnie. Don't tell me... De Gaulle has.. what? Refused aid? To leave his men? This gets better. Send one of our few active superhuman personnel into occupied France to rescue a man who doesn't want to be rescued? This is barmy! Churchills off his bloody rocker!"

Wynn gave Slobotham a harsh stare, but the man seemed unperturbed. "Look, I know you think he's the best thing since sliced bread, but this young man is just getting over the beating that Nazi in the strange science section prison gave him, and now we're going to send him back, knowing full well that at some point, Britain will be invaded, or attacked? this is crackers!"

Wynn sighed, leaning back on a chair and lighting up a cigar. "Look, all I know is that Churchill wants him out of there, regardless of whether he wants to go, Sending conventional troops would be a no-no, but he can hardly resist if our boy here scoops him up! Do your best to persuade him. This is for the greater good, the future of France as a sovereign power, that so long as he is sending out a rallying cry the people of France will have hope, and answer the call, all that balderdash. And if that doesn't work, smack him out cold and cart him back!" snapped the old man. "We haven't got bloody time for this, but orders are orders, you'd best remember that Slobotham!"

Slobotham rolled his eyes. "General..."

Wynn waved him quiet. "Enough! I don't like it any more than you do, but there are things we do that are for the greater good even if it's not immediately apparent. De Gaulle knows we have superhuman operatives like the Germans do. It's all over the papers and the radio, and ... hmmm. Promise him he can have half a dozen hand picked French operatives..."

Slobotham snorted "Unless they're like the Vanguard half a dozen will be no more useful than pissing in the wind!"

Wynn snarled "That's enough from you! Any more and you can bally well..."

Slobotham knew by now he'd more than overstepped the mark. He would die for his General, and was given a remarkable amount of leeway, but his opinions in this matter were overidden by orders from the Prime Minister himself! He nodded "Sorry Sir. Carry on if you please." he mumbled

He looked again at the map. “ Do we have intelligence on German man power on the ground where they are located and massing round the pickup site. I understand they are under siege but if we need to make it out on foot I’d like a little bit of warning before I lead my team into the jaws of death.”

"German 'Blitz Soldaten' are accompanying the German 11th and 13th armoured divisions. Lots of tanks and vehicles, supported by around 5,000 men spread out across the area. Those 'Blitz Soldaten' are 'Lightning Troopers' but we have no idea what that means as yet. The Nazis are always coming out with enhanced soldiers it seems, each as disastrous as the last one. I should think the common rank and file soldier will be fed up by now of being guinea pigs, but keep an open mind, could be anything out there."


“Also have there been super activity in the area? Having just had my but nearly handed to me on a plate by someone with similar abilities as me I’d like to know if there will be the possibility that we will be up against the same type of threat as that.”

"Well, the Nazis are spread thin at the minute thanks to our chap Anyman. He's a bit of a superstar for us, nightmare for the Germans. Smashed two of their training centres now and put the heeby jeebys up Mr Hitler after being indirectly responsible for torching Berlin. That means they are out looking for him, and everywhere else gets scant or no superhuman support. We have classifications of superhuman power, and estimate that the most powerful, Class 4, are in Berlin. Class 3 are bad enough, but the Nazis are having trouble making their powers stable. Class 2 are the most common, and Class 1 are barely enhanced but growing in number. That forms part of the Nazi 'Super Soldier' project and our spies state that their allies from the future are finally having success with that. Again, any intel or info you can provide would be appreciated."

Lastly leaning back and rubbing his eyes “ What are the orders if we can’t get him out?” he left that hanging in the air for the meaning to set in for all gathered.

Slobotham looked at Wynn, then spoke "General, if I may? De Gaulle is a proud Frenchman. If he wants to go down fighting and there's no way to get him out, leave. It will be hard seeing all those Frenchies peg it, but this is war. Sentiment and reason are admirable traits, but common sense is the most valuable. If it's a no-go, get out of there."

Wynn nodded. "Try your best son."

Sky Eagle took all that was said in and logged it under the heading SHIT HITS THE FAN.

Rubbing his hands over his face suddenly feeling very tired he pulled himself slowly to his feet. " OK sir I will get him back either shouting and screaming or at least breathing."

Taking a deep breath he looked round for his clothes then when he couldn't find them he turned to one of the nurses nearby " Excuse me love could you locate me something to wear. It's bad enough looking like this without showing my backside all over london."

Turning back to the General "Well then once I'm decent I suggest I go see what sort of people will be makin gup my team." Suddenly he stopped turning back quickly "Damn it what is wrtong with me, the two supers with me on the last mission the rock guy and the young girl did they get back in one piece."

The look of concern was evident on his face "In all the fighting I lost track of them .... something I'm not proud of and something that will not happen again. We all go in and we will all come out"

Wynn smiled "Yes, they both made it back, but got somewhat lost in the confusion. And injured. Our problem is that we simply don't have the time to train you, either in combat or in the use of your powers, because, well, all of this is new..."

"And there's a war going on." growled Slobotham. "But that's no bloody excuse! These young men and women are being sent out to die, with nothing but their wits and their strange power to protect them!"

Wynn waved gently to calm his friend down, then nodded. "I agree, but this really is a trial by fire. The best we can do is pick those who've been through basic training, run every test we know and, well, chuck 'em in the deep end. God knows I wish there was some other way, and I'm itching to get into the scrap..."

"You're sixty odd years old General..."

"DAMN IT I KNOW THAT!" he snarled, punching fist into hand. "And it's taking all I have to hold this weather bank over Britain. The fact that everyone is moaning about the weather and how the Nazis might be better off bombing us than being depressed from the rain suggests I should let them bloody well get on with it!"

The strain was clearly starting to tell, but Wynn sat down again. "Do your best son. The others... well, they've been through it, and come out the other side stronger. You took a kicking but won. We don't have successes all the time, but when we do, they count, and they matter. Your country needs you, and if you fail, people die. It's a heavy burden to carry, but you've got strong broad shoulders."

"And wings..." chuckled Slobotham.

"....to carry it. Right. Something to wear? We have what the boffins are calling 'Ultra light chainmail'. Won't stop a bullet but it will slow it down. As far as we can tell, won't make a blind bit of difference to you thanks to your physiology, but we can make a costume from it anyway. It'll come in strips that tie together with straps, useful for carrying small objects or putting on someone else. Like a general."

OOC If you want to have a pop at designing a costume to wear for this mission...?

"In the meantime, we're readying some new team members for you."

"More raw recruits..." muttered Slobotham, clearly frustrated and shaking his head.

"Quite..." said Wynn. He handed over several photographs.



"Trickshot, Dr Feelgood and Dan the Demon. Their choice of names. Daniel O'leary took his new appearance rather well. We think there may be some way to change him back to human, but whether his powers would remain is unknown. Dr Feelgood will be very helpful with his healing powers. Trickshot is..."

"Amazing" said Slobotham. "Could hit a gnat on a wall with those daggers."

"Quite. We'll get them suited up with ULC and rocket packs, captured from our German foes, and there'll be half a dozen DICE agents with the packs too. Supplies, backup, dogsbodies. They know the risks, and we've ... tried a little tinkering of our own, but the SSS are keeping it mum. Thoughts?"

OOC will get you underway later on today - have to run about now like a mad thing!

Sky Eagle looked at the photos. He was slightly relieved that at least one of them looked similar to himself and was obviously not human in appearance.
“Sir the team look like they could work out but I will need more information on them though. What are their exact powers, what was their area of expertise before the change? Do they have skills other than their powers we could use..”

He handed the pictures back “As we are all untried as a team it will be my job to mould then in the field, not the best way to learn to work with each other while being fired on by unfriendlies but it will have to do thus I need to know all about them down to psychological profiles to things they are allergic to. I really need to know the lot. I want to be able to keep these young men safe as possible and bring them all home in one piece.”
“and if it is possible before the mission starts and the budget allows I’d like to hold an informal meet and greet with them a few drinks something to eat lets get to know each other before we have to put our lives in each others hands it adds to the bonding of the team.”

OOC: also emailed you an attempt at his costume for this mission

"Powers? Slobotham?"

"Certainly General." said the Generals friend. "Trickshot - able to summon daggers into his hand. We aren't sure what they are made of, but they look like metal. Dissolve moments after he throws them, never misses. He can also summon glowing daggers. He has missed with these, but when they strike they are devastating! He also has superhuman speed and reflexes, though not on a par with, say, Fastback or Lionheart. Before his change he was a soldier, like you. Engineer. Bridge building and what not."

"Doctor Feelgood is able to cure ailments and injuries, and his most impressive power appears to be to draw someone else's' injuries into himself. This makes him ill for a while, but he heals quickly. The shield is something he can summon into being whenever he wants. He's not for combat orientated, probably best suited to a support role. The Doctor was a simple infantryman before the change. His test scores came out ok so the General here bequeathed him his powers, and we're pleased with how he turned out."

"Dan the Demon... unh. We have to get him to change that... has superhuman strength, a degree of damage resistance and is physically larger. He can also breathe fire! Before the change he was a tank driver, but could more or less drive anything. As to everything else... for sure, you can take a look at the psych evaluations and their personnel records. It's a good idea - know the men you're fighting alongside."

Wynn stood "Get some rest son. We'll be back later with some clothes to try on. Come on Slobbie, you owe me a few drinks at the bar for your cheek!"

=========

"Try that on."

Hours later, Sky Eagle climbed out of bed, looked the suit up and down and nodded. "Well?" asked Wynn. Slobotham shrugged "Does a job."



"Come on, let's meet the others."

Minutes later, having been led through the corridors of Bletchley Park Manor and enduring the glances of those who worked within its walls, the trio arrived at the large bar area. Off duty officers and service personnel came here for a drink and a smoke, laughing and chatting away. They barely gave Sky Eagle a second glance - nor the hulking red furred brute in the corner that snarled at the ceiling, 10' high and still close to his head! The men near him were dressed in army fatigues and sharing a joke as they drank.

Peter Kempton, Trickshot, stood as the General approached. A wave from the old man told him to be at ease, and he nodded to Sky Eagle. "You must be the team leader, Sky Eagle. Pete Kempton, codename Trickshot, but I'm still working on that. The trick shots that is. This is Andrew Burton, Doctor Feelgood and the angry chap is Daniel O'Leary or 'Dan the Demon'." he chuckled.

The demonic creature looked down, then chirped "Top o the morning to ya." in a voice most unsuited to his demonic appearance!

"We'll leave you lot to get acquainted. You fly out tonight. There'll be a break in the weather at 11.15. Get some rest and don't be late!"

Pete Kempton offered to pour Sky Eagle a drink. "Looks like you got a rough deal with the change, mate, but from what I hear the benefits outweigh the appearance thing? Bloody good job in London yesterday. It made the papers with the eye witnesses still unsure if you were a giant bird or an angel. Maybe a bit of both!"

Andrew Burton raised his glass "Here, here. We're new to all this but willing to learn. Together we should present quite a challenge to the Nazis, I should think!"

"Heh, well ye're in good company boyo." added Dan the Demon. "You an' me together, we'll send the bloody gerries running a mile with them pissin' their pants as they go!"

Burton frowned, then added "What's your story? What can you do?"

OOC next post you'll be on your way

Sky Eagle Nodded goodnight to the generals and pulled up one of the chairs. Turning it round he straddled it and accepted the beer.
It amazed him how in such a short time his body was adapting to its new form. Turning the chair round so the back was at the front allowed him to be sit without trying to rap his wings over it painfully.

Putting his glass down “ well lets see” he gave his wings a flap “I can fly” he said with a big smile on his beak. “I’m strong, my skin is very resilient and I have superhuman stamina and can take a lot of damage.”

He took another sip “well apart from that I’ve had eight years in the army five as an officer. Specialized in front line operations and infiltration.” He noticed that look that rank and file soldier always have when someone said they were an officer. “Don’t worry I was put in the army as punishment for a wayward teenage life and worked my way up the ranks before being stupid enough to put my life in the line of fire and the top brass gave me a commission.”
With that he took up his glass and took another drink.

The ice broke, somewhat, over the next hour or two, as the group swapped stories about their training, previous experience and what their superhuman powers meant for them.

"I think I'll have a better chance we' th' ladies." said Dan the Demon, earnest look on his face. He tipped a beer glass back and drunk the contents, mindful not to smash the pint glass in between two huge fingers! The others looked at one another, then at the hug, hulking red furred monstrosity sat on the floor and still towering over them all... then everyone broke out laughing! "Hey! Don't laugh! Have you seen the size o' me..." he stopped, glancing over Sky Eagles shoulder, and grinned, smoothing down his hair - or trying to - and rising to his feet.



"Don't get up, gentleman!" she declared, as her eyes scanned across the group. "Any more to drink and I'd expect you to fall over anyway. We ARE leaving for a mission tonight, remember!"

The newcomer was dressed in a smart - mens - pin stripe suit though did it far better justice than most men would, with long legs and slim figure. There was something about her that suggested she was a firebrand, and too hot to handle! "Agent 62, special operative liaison for this mission. I baby sit you, in other words. Half a dozen DICE agents will accompany you and act as support for whatever you need. relay your requests to me, and I'll do my level best to... what is it Mr O'leary?"

"Ah girlie, call me Dan" said Dan the Demon. "An' as fer requests, I was thinkin' that.. uhhh!" He looked down to where Dr Feelgood have stamped hard on Dans toes and fired a 'shut up' look at the huge Justiciar!

Dan glared back, then laughed out loud. "Ne'er mind. Come ta think of it, there'll not be time." he chuckled.

Agent 62 rolled her eyes and turned to Sky Eagle. "I gather you're in charge, Sky Eagle? Me and my men are ready to move out whenever you gentlemen feel you're ready to leave." she said, whirling on her feet and marching out!

"I say!" said Dr Feelgood. "Looking at her really does make me Feelgood!" Trickshot laughed, then finished up his pint. "I'm off down the Quartermasters stores lads, then going for me jetpack fitting. They adjust the straps and that so its a good fit. I gather we'll be riding high in a plane over the channel then dropping down before using the jetpacks to glide us in to where we need to be."

"Yeah, they said I'd need three!" said Dan the Demon. "The eggheads have been at it all afternoon. It better not singe my bloody fur or there'll be trouble!"

OOC Any equipment you wish to take, make a small list (hopefully you'll not be gone that long, but who knows?) and we'll jump to the airdrop.

"We will be on time miss. As for your peoiple I will defer to your knowledge of their abilities and take council from you on how best to use them." As the well dressed lady leaves he turns to his team finishes his beer

"Well gentlemen it would be very unBritish to keep a lady waiting I expect to see you all ready to go at the aloted time." With that Sky eagle stood and went back to the debriefing room to see what he could find out about Agent 62 before heading to the collection point.

Slobotham had just finished briefing another team of DICE agents and as they filed out, more than one glanced at the outlandish figure with wings and Eagles head! Somewhat conscious of his appearance, Sky Eagle nonetheless kept his reaction neutral. Until the boffins found some way of making him look 'normal' - and they were trying, he was assured - he'd have to get used to standing out in a very large crowd!

Packing stuff away, Slobotham looked up "Ah, you met Agent 62 then? She's a looker, eh lad? Tandy March-Lawrence, bit of a posh 'un I should think, but hard as bloody nails, let me tell ya! Like all of this DICE lot they were picked as the 'best of the best' then their numbers were pruned by more testing and training. Them that didn't break was made stronger, if you know what I mean. So far there's nearly a hundred DICE agents, but it's getting harder to replace them that's lost in the field. Most of the good candidates are in the army and it's the Devils own business trying to get them to discharge good people, men and women both. Let's see, Miss March-Lawrence... trained from a young age in Martial Arts, can speak half a dozen languages, including German and French, lockpicking, demolition and sniping - she's a bloody good shot! Truth told they are all like that, with one or two variations on skills. DICE don't recruit numpties. Good job, or they'd not last five minutes. Just watch yourself out there, eh? This is an idiots mission, and I don't mind saying so though my opinion gets me into hot water! We can't afford to lose you or any of the others. The Old man is pushed night and day fending off Nazi planes with the weather everyone moans about. He gets no credit for it, just soldiers on, then they want him to turn out more super people. I argued but spent a night in the cells for my troubles, until Wynn himself let me out. That caused a few arguments too."

He sighed before adding "The DICE lot are a good bunch, but against the Nazi superhumans they are just fodder. Try to keep them alive. It's a big ask, but all we want from you is miracles!"

=========

Now, in the plane an hour and a half later...

As the vehicle sliced through the night sky, aided by a mysterious tail wind that added nearly 75mph, those onboard waited for the right time to disembark. All wore jetpacks, some had backup parachutes. Backpacks held basic rations, smalls arms, ammunition and standard infantry gear. The DICE agents had a radio between them and other gadgets the Strange Sciences Section had cooked up in what would be a regular occurrence for dangerous missions.

A call came out from the cockpit "Flak has just opened up as we're nearly across the channel. Shouldn't be too much of a problem as we're high ..."

There was a sudden BANG! Outside and the plane shook! Suddenly the sky was filled with anti aircraft fire, and despite the Co-Pilots reassurance, they were NOT high enough!

"Bloody hell! Are the Nazis using some kind of new guns? Get us up dammit!" shouted the Pilot over the din...

OOC You can ride it out, disembark early and have to trek hundreds of miles, or try something else. It's night, the plane is high over Belgium and the Nazis are trying to shoot you down! Aside from Trickshot, Dr Feelgood and Dan the Demon, there's Agent 62 and five of her colleagues, then 3 crew on the plane.

Sky Eagle pulled himself along the shaking plane until he was within shooting distnace of Agent 62 "I don't feel like having to get this lot down on the ground under such intense fire but I also don't think we will survive this type of bombardment either."

He swung slightly as the plane shuddered again before swinging back tostand next to the Dice commander "I suggest I take some belts of grenades and see if I can create a window for the pilot to get out backsides out of here and onto the target drop site."

He gave the woman a smile "Though I'd rather not have to unless you have an alternative idea"

Gritting her teeth and hanging on as the plane is bucked again, Agent 62 shouts above the din. "I've been told, above all other considerations, that you're NOT to risk yourseld with any foolhardy moves! That's from General Wynn!" As the flak intensified she added "That said, the rest of us make a fine target with our jetpacks, and odds are we'll be able to use them in a basic manner but avoiding all that stuff might be beyond us! If you can do it without being..."

She's cut off as a terrific explosion and white out blast overwhelms the senses!

A superhuman, Sky Eagle realises he's falling! Tumbling through the darkness as the explosions rock the air all about, he shakes his head then looks up... the plane is in flames! The entire cockpit is missing, engulfed in flames that lick around the body section as the plane starts to nose downwards, its death scream filling the night sky!

The Justiciar scans about... there are bodies tumbling through the darkness, but it's impossible to tell who they are and whether they are alive! Looking down, far below the flak guns intensify their fire on the stricken aeroplane - as if pounding it more might hasten its doom!

Sky Eagle is about to act until he sees the open door on the side of the plane filled with a burning form! Dan the Demon is engulfed in flames, screaming in rage and pain as he leaps from the aeroplane! The fuel in the jetpack ignites only metres from the plane and Dan's life ends as his body is completely blown to smithereens!

OOC Dan the Demon has bought the farm, but Sky Eagle can see half a dozen falling forms. None are using their jetpacks as yet, and its pot luck on choosing one to Sky Eagles preference - i.e. if he tries to save Agent 62 a roll of 1d6 will be made... It's a mess... and the mission hasn't started yet!

BLOODY HELL screamed Sky Eagle in frustration as he spread his wings and leveled out his fall. Seeing Dan die only added to his anger and frustration.

Spiralling down he quickly moved towards the falling figures. Knowing he would have only enough time to grab two, maye three at the most before the ground came up to meet them he gritted his teeth and headed for the nearest figures.

Tears streaked his face and were sucked awayh by the wind whipping round him. They were tears for the people he'd not got to know and for the ones he would never be able to safe. How he wished at this moment he'd had the old General's powers to control the weather perhaps then he could have created a wind to slow their descent.

As he reached out and grabbed the first figure he cursed his powers for not being enough... it always seemed to never be enough.

Sky Eagle sped through the darkness, reaching out to snag a semi-conscious DICE agent and spun about in the air, diving for another. He could see shapes tumbling to their doom far below and pushed himself hard, straining to catch the next - another DICE agent - by the leg! Though comfortable, and trailing backwards through the air, the agent would be more relieved to be alive having faced the prospect of death!

He caught sight of another figure. Sky Eagle could see the unfortunate soul trying to get the jetpack started, but the end over end tumbling meant the timing had to be right - or they'd blast downwards and slam into the floor!

All about Flack exploded, and Sky Eagle ground his teeth. "Come... on!" he cried, as he felt the wings on his back protest at the effort he put into catching the faller. He scooped with his free hand, but was by now overladen, too much for his wings to hold! He started to tumble, flapping furiously, and all four crashed through the uppermost branches of a tree to smash through several more and lie somewhere in the middle...

With a groan Sky Eagle looked about. The din from the AA guns was still deafening, but not so that he couldn't be heard as he called out. "Anyone still alive?"

A DICE agent answered "Yes sir... my thanks..." he coughed. "I'm Jason Bentley, Agent 88. Looks like you snagged 95 - Peter Harriman - and ..." he squinted through the squinted through the darkness.

"I'm alive, thankyou." said a female voice as Agent 62 pulled goggles from her face. She twisted, a pained look worn as she glanced down to see a branch jutting through her hip, blood pouring from the wound. "Damn." she muttered.

Just then 88 looked up. "Krauts!" he hissed, fumbling for his sidearm. Sure enough, the blaze of headlights could be seen approaching - more than one. Several vehicles!

OOC You're still up in a tree, 3 DICE agents and you. No sign of the others...

Sky Eagle looked down quickly seeing he had little time to protect his team he quickly signaled to he two uninjured men to move round to hug the tree trunk as near as they could to agent 62.

Quickly he moved over to agent 62 using his wings for balance he crouched and whispered in her ear "Bite on this" and he plaqced his finger lengthwise in her mouth. Gave her a quick smile and quickly broke the branch in he hip.

Pulling her close he held her till she stopped shaking then took his finger out. Picking her up he moved over to the other two. Using his arms to hold her against the tree ne signaled for the others to move as close as possible. As the soldiers moved under their position Sky Eagle spread his wings and rapped them in round the tree trunk covering the two dice agents, himself and agent 62. He held his breath hoping that being high up, being in the dark and being covered by his brown feathered wings would give them enough cover that nayone looking up would not see them.

Though hesitant, the pain caused Agent 62 to bite down as hard as she could! Sky Eagle grinned, barely feeling it, but the smile faded when he saw Nazis with lanterns and guns at the ready! They were shouting and looking about. Somewhere, dogs were barking and Sky Eagles hopes sunk! They'd be tracked and found for sure!

Suddenly there was much shouting and waving, and the Nazi troops - and there were dozens of them that Sky Eagle could see - started heading off towards the sound of the barking!

One of the agents peered out from under the wing. "The coast looks clear! Think we have a chance to use our jet packs and get out of here?"

Agent 62 grunted with the pain then spoke "They probably found one or more of the others. We COULD use that as a distraction to get away, and hope they don't see us..."

The other Agent groaned "But that would leave our men to the mercy of the Nazis!"

Agent 62 sighed "We have our orders. We all know the risks. I'm injured, there are too few of us and only Sky Eagle has the power to tackle a group of Nazis. Even then...?" She shook her head. "I say we have to go. The mission MUST come first. That said, perhaps we should vote."

Agent 95 nodded sadly "You're right 62. We have our orders. In war, there are casualties. My vote is to use the distraction to leave."

Agent 88 frowned "Well I'll be damned if I'll leave a man behind! I say we go have a look, at least, and make SOME kind of rescue attempt!"

All eyes turned to Sky Eagle. Agent 62 spoke up "Whatever you vote, we'll abide by." Even as bursting flak fire rang out in the sky all about, there seemed a hush as the small group awaited the superhumans reply...

Sky Eagle racked his brains for an idea " OK you two take agent 62 to here" he located a remote farm with a load of outhosues around it." Hide out here and make sure agent 62 is comfortable. I will fly over towards the battle and see if I can get some of our team out."

He looked at his watch "If I'm not back in 5 hours then do all you can for Agent 62 and contact the resistance. Do all you can to get back to England. If I can get some of them out but miss the deadline I will continue to the objective and try to get the Frenchie out."

He looked at the others for any objections before offering his hand "Good luck then. I'll drop you all to the ground and once you get you jetpacks running we go our spearate ways"

He crouched next to agent 62. "It was an honor, if brief, to work with you. I know you want to complete the mission but your wound will rtestrict your activities and you have to admit put the rest of the team in danger. I wish it was different but we have to be reallistic. Good luck and if it all goes well we will see each other in five hours."

After he dropped them down to ground level he pulled agent 95 to one side "take care of your commander and yourselves I will do all that I can for the others if we miss each other then have a cold beer waiting for me back in the officers mess for when I get back."

The agents offered some argument, not least from 62 herself, but they followed the chain of command. Sky Eagle was in charge, and more, he was right! The three agents, somewhat deflated, headed deeper into the trees to ready their escape via jetpack. First they'd ensure 62's wound would not worsen with what medical supplies they had. Checking his compass, Sky Eagle nodded to the last of them as one turned, saluted and vanished into the trees.

He then took off into the air, silent flight against the backdrop of flak shells bursting in the air, though even they were dying down now!

It didn't take long to find the captured crew, and Sky Eagles hopes sank!

There were around thirty or so Nazis in a circle around what looked to be two of his crew. In the dark, from so high up, he couldn't be sure of whom it was, but he hoped it's be either of the two metahumans rather than more DICE agents, purely from the point of view of them being more useful!

Besides the infantry surrounding the downed crew, there were three trucks, two jeeps, a motorcycle and now... a tank!

This just got better! On the plus side the group was in a clearing in the woods, with trees and cover all around, plus it was night, and Sky Eagle could swoop silently whilst everyone else used a jetpack!

Perhaps some kind of diversion might work, or the old fashioned 'frontal assault' and hope the pair get away in the confusion?

'Or use the Dark power. Though but a stripling, you may have the strength of will to resist being overwhelmed by it. If not...? At least the Nazis will be killed in the ensuing catclysm!' said the inner voice!

Realising they were not going anywhere in the neart future Sky Eagle landed some distance away in the forest.

"OK my little head voice let you and me have a chat. I think it's about time you explained exactly who you are and what I've become. I want to know what this dark power is and if it works and I can untap it what are the results good and bad."

He took at deep breath and in a calmer and quiter thought voice "I need to know what my options are and what the results maybe."

There was a pause, then the voice spoke. 'I am an otherdimensional entity. Your friends - Frostbite, Anyman and the others - refer to us as 'Shadow Demons' and it is quite accurate based on the human definition of both terms. We feed from the excess of negative emotions that your planet provides. Other places exist that can service our needs, but nowhere is it more ... distilled ... than Earth. Your capacity to inflict pain, misery and suffering on one another knows no bounds, and the taste is delicious! Nonetheless, we lived in peace and anonymity until a mortal named 'Nowhere Man' entered our dimension and showed a way in which we might pass to yours. To cut a long story short, our royal family was deposed by usurpers who wish to enslave and torture humanity that our people may drown in your misery, wallowing in your terror and growing stronger from your pain! In order to restore the Status Quo, a number of the ruling family and their kin, of which I am one, chose to bond with a mortal and take the fight to the usurpers. Once bonded, we are able to grant power to the mortal, though at present your puny forms find it difficult, if not downright dangerous, to control! If you live long enough, you may find a way to harness the power we grant, and hopefully defeat the Shadow Demons. Until that time, there is a great risk that the power I grant will take on a mind of its own and lay waste to everything around it! The best way I can describe it to your mortal mind...' there was a pause. 'Using a bazooka to kill a fly. If you angle it right, only a fraction of the shells contact will do the job. If your aim is not true? Devastation and suffering, all of which the Shadow Demons can feed off! It is hard enough quelling the need to feast as it is, so you must choose the right time and place to call on the power I grant, mortal. Choose wisely, and your enemies can be laid low! Choose poorly? You become that which you hate the most! A destroyer, a tyrant, a genocidal slayer of all life for miles around!'

Sky Eagle found it hard to imagine the scale of power the creature described. Until a couple of weeks ago, he was an ordinary man, now he could fly, had superhuman strength and durability, and could do things that most normal human would call 'impossible'!

'Consider yourself on the first step of a stairway with the power ascending with every step thereafter! Look to infinity, where the stairs disappear from view. Only then will you have a true scale of the power we can provide. The Shadow Demons have not yet found a way to bond with a mortal for any length of time - the mortal dies soon after - and only through bonding with a mortal can a Shadow Demon interact fully with this realm. There is still time - until they find a way, you can learn and grow in stature - but do not take too long! For when the shadows darken over your world... there will be a level of pain and suffering and torment that even your most twisted authors mind could not dream up!'

Sky Eagle thought of all he had heard "So how do I tap into this power I will do anything to same my team..... " he trailed off for a moment "Even if it means killing them..... what the nazis will do to them would be a fate worse than death so either I save them or I give them peace."

The bird man paced for a moment round the clearing he was in "One thing these shadow demons have failed to understand about human nature... yes we are capable of great acts of terror but we are also capable of great acts of compassion perhaps if we use the power you offer for good then we have a edge over them."

"Ok we, you and me, side by side will save my team or die trying... unless you don't have the comitment to lay your life on the line for the good of others."

"and you never know you may even get to love the taste of doing something good and the feelings associated with the act maybe a great high than feeding of the woes of the world."

'What you speak of, that 'nobility of spirit' so to speak, is the reason why we can bond with you few, of the Vanguard. Our less enlightened former subjects can, at best, bond only for a short time before killing their host, and never attain their full potential. For the brief time whilst their host lives though, they are dangerous indeed, and should not be underestimated! As for you? Over time - if you survive - you will become adept at calling on the Dark power. Though the Dark power and I are one and the same, the concept is difficult to explain in terms your mind will grasp. When you call on the dark power, you call on me, and I in turn open a conduit to the world of shadow to draw on power. We must act in unison to ensure that too much power is not drawn through, or you will lose control and I will be overwhelmed! That would then result in a cataclysm such as the 'nazis' that are your enemy can only dream! Call on the power in small amounts then, at first. Control that, and over time you can call on greater power. Take too large a leap...? Then you will surely fall into the abyss!'

OOC In game terms what that means is: Choose a number from 1 (low) to 20 (high). It's then a straight contest with your EGO+2D10 vs the number you chose (the effective ego of the dark power) +2D10. If you get a higher score, all well and good. You then get 1D10 'Dark power points' to spend on various powers and effects but the duration is short lived. Once the power is used up, you can call on more but the effective ego of the dark power gets a bonus of +1 for every successive attempt. This reduces by 1 point per hour until it's down to zero again. For instance, say you call on the dakr power for 5 points, win in a contest with your ego+2d10 vs 5+2d10. Later you call on the Dark Power again (within an hour) for the same amount. It's Sky Eagles ego+2D10 vs 5+1+2D10. In these cases if you win the contest you roll 5D10 to see how many dark power points you can spend to buy new or upgraded abilities to use for a (very) short time. Eventually, keep using the Dark power in a short period of time and the Dark power will win a contest, in which case your character becomes an NPC whilst I wreak havoc with a creature than can toss nuke like explosions about. It'll be... messy. When you regain control, your character will have the death of thousands, perhaps more, on his hands! So be careful when, and how you use the power!

Here's a rundown of the Dark Power in Vanguard/GH game terms... Note that where it states D20, I'm currently trialling 2D10 and doubles 'explode' so rolling a double allows you to roll two more D10 and add to the first roll. Double 1 is INSTANT FAILURE though. Hero Points are something Sky Eagle doesn't have a lot of (5 I think, have to check) but allow an additional roll of 2d10 to add to your ego if you roll really badly, but you can only use one hero point at a time.

Game Mechanics Proposal - The Dark Power (version 1,000,000... and not the last by any means... Rolling Eyes )

OOC In game terms, you tell me (as a player) a number from 2 upwards. Then we make an Ego roll with, say, Frostbites Ego vs the number you choose, and if Frosty/whoever wins they get to play around with boosted abilities for a few rounds. When/if the High Prince wins the Ego contest, he takes control, and a mess ensues. Here's the thing. The number you specify is the number of D10 you roll for 'Dark Power' points. If you roll a '10' on a die, it grants a (free) bonus die to roll and add to the total, BUT if you roll a '1' on another of the dice, it cancels out a bonus die. So '10s explode' and 1s spoil the fun by cancelling out a bonus die.

Example: Frosty rolls 1d10=2, 1d10=7, 1d10=9, 1d10=1, 1d10=9, 1d10=3, 1d10=10, 1d10=10, 1d10=9, 1d10=7. That's two 10s and one 1. He gets two bonus dice but takes one away for the one, so rolls another D10 to add to his 10D10 total. If he rolls a 10 on that, it also 'explodes' and so on.

Spending the Dark Power points goes as follows:

Increase the Grade of an existing power for one round: 15 points.
Buy Grade 1 of a power you don't have for one round: 20 points.
For a power that normally requires 2 power rolls, double the cost.
Absorb HTC or HTK damage (from yourself or anyone you touch, so you heal them): 1 for 1 basis.
Increase Ego to protect against external attack: 1 for 1 basis for that attack only.
Buy an extra Frame for the round: 15 per frame

Dark Power points also drain at the rate of 1D10 points at the end of a round.

You can also spend Dark power points with a special 'Dark power blast' that has the following effects:

1D6 of Htc or Htk (your choice): 2 per die up to 6d6, then 3 per die up to 12d6, then 4 per die up to 18d6, then 5 per die up to 24d6 etc. Rather than actually rolling the dice for damage, simply assume a roll of 6 per die.
Range is 10m for every 3 points, so blasting it 30m away costs 9 points.
Making it an area attack costs 3 per metre of radius at the point of impact, so hitting with a 10m radius blast affecting all in the area costs 30 points.
Dividers cost 5 points for each -1 damage divider reduction.
Accuracy (an addition to your hit roll) can be increased with +1 per 3 points spent.
You can also skip all the roll to hit stuff by spending 10 points per 5m radius with a blast that centres on you and affects everyone - friend and foe alike, within range (but not yourself).



That's per blast, so once the points are spent, they are gone.

The blast also has a special effect, but that would be telling Smile

Example: Frostbite is feeling lucky (a rare occasion...) He tries for the number 10, and tests his Ego (12) +1d20 vs the Dark Power (10) +1d20. He gets a higher total, and rolls 10D10 for his Dark power points. He can use them to boost existing powers or use new ones, absorb damage and so on. There is a 'natural drain' of 1D10 points/round at the end of every round as well.

When the Dark Power points are gone, it's back to testing Ego again, save that it's Frostys Ego of 12+1d20 vs number of points (number of D10s) Frosty wants to try for + the number of rounds he's been using the Dark Power (1 upwards) +1D20. If Frosty makes the roll, he gets another <however many points he tried for in D10s> Dark Power points to spend as he likes. If he doesn't make it... *kaboom* etc. The score is reset by 1 point per hour. So use 10 rounds worth, and 10 hours later, it's back down to zero again, but you can try to use the Dark Power at any point at any time. Eventually all these costs and numbers will change if the characters get more experienced, so that the Dark Power of low risk to use, at a power Golden Heroes rules set wasn't designed to emulate!

Example: Frosty used his Dark power points over 4 rounds. When they run out, it's clear that trying for 10 points again will be trickier, because it's his Ego (12) vs 10 + 4 (number of rounds he's used Dark power) meaning he's better off trying for less Dark power points to use, unless he feels lucky!


Things are trickier for Silver Sentinel. His Ego is effectively halved, because of his inexperience and the fact that Frosty, Anyman, Wynn and Nowhere Boy have all done this before and have lots of voices in their head. Nowhere Boy would have his Ego changed by a random amount because of all the confused squabbling noise he hears in his head, which might help, or hinder him, he just doesn't know, which is why he tends to keep things restrained. Silver Sentinel can still try to use the Dark Power, but is relying more on luck than anything else at staying on control of turning into some megalomaniac Dark phoenix style cosmic power!

I hope that makes sense.

Edit: You can use Hero Points to pay for a reroll of your Ego check - as many as you consider you'll need (1 HP=1 reroll)

When you're picking powers and upgrades, if there's a roll involved, you roll the maximum. So an extra grade of strength adds 12 points for example. I may jig those costs about some, and add/edit a few options so that the decidedly street level powers Golden Heroes has are more fitting for a character that can flatten countries. Remember this is your characters and the Dark Power trying to keep things in check, so you'll get a boost certainly, but you won't be the all conquering world smasher you have the potential to be - unless of course you tell the Dark power to have his wicked way and stand back to watch the fireworks!

Disclaimer: I am not, and do not claim to be, a maths whiz who can balance probabilities and costs/game balance, so some of these costs may have to be tweaked!

"ooohhh that will teach me to not read the small print." Said Sky Eagle with a smile on his face.

With that he took off and using the dark of the night flew quietly back to where the prisoners were being held. Landing softly in the woods just out of sight of the nazi guards he assessed the situation.

There were a lot of soldiers but only a few prisoners, Sky Eagle weighed up the possibilities and decided that a quick in and out rescue was the only possible chance of suceeding. Taking to the air again he gained height before dropping loke a stone.

As he came in at speed he brought his legs round touching down quickly he grabbed the two agents and took off again.

Choosing not to call on the Dark Power to enhance his speed, strength, agility or even grant him new powers, Sky Eagle watched from the tree-line and chose his angle of attack. Taking to the air, he soared up, then hovered for a moment, like a bird of prey. From up here the situation was confusing. He didn't have night vision any better than the next man, so this would truly be a 'shot in the dark'.

He sped down, feet open and ready to swing underneath him to grab at both of the agents!

OOC One agent might have been reasonable at a roll of 2D10+Dex to equal/exceed 25, but two at once bumps it up to 35. This is going to need a double or very high roll (19-20!) 2d10+16=25

Appearing with a flurry of wings and prompting confused shouts from the Nazis as they bring weapons to bear, Sky Eagle grabs out... Yes! He lunges with the other foot and snags only air! With a curse he leaps for the sky, grunting with the effort to get aloft with the extra weight and ignoring the cry of pain from the agent as claws sank into his shoulder!

Bullets zipped all about, filling the sky with tracer as Sky Eagle flapped hard to gain height and fly over the tree canopy. The rattle of a heavy calibre machine gun sang out and Sky Eagle heard the bullets zip past his ear! Only a few seconds more...

After what seemed an eternity he flew over the tree canopy and half crashed into the highest branches of a tall tree to see what he'd snagged!

Trickshot sagged back onto the branches, smile on his face. "Knew you'd... come back fer us... Tried... ta fight 'em off... too many..." Sky Eagle frowned. What had...? Trickshot pulled a hand away from his chest where a darkening stain was spreading out. A glance down revealed he'd been peppered by dozens of bullets...

"Go get that frenchie general out..." he coughed, blood foaming at the corner of his mouth. "I'll be al..." with a sigh and rattle of breath Trickshot died...

Hearing the shouts and the shots ring out, Sky Eagle glanced through the darkness to where he'd last seen the other captive, The roar of engines and clatter of vehicles setting off suggested the Nazis had taken their prize and were on the move! Rescuing trickshot had cost the young man his life - he wasn't bullet resistant like Sky Eagle and the hail of gunfire had smashed into him as he'd been carried off, ending his life. Sky Eagle bit back a curse, then considered his next move. Take out the compass and set off for the mission objective - General De Gaulle - or rescue the other agent who was captive in one of the vehicles rumbling off in convoy down the road below, and getting further away with every moment!