Bermuda Holiday Session 9

Princess Guard - The New Era 2017/02/03 	 Charm Titan Pulsar Wolf Cecila Harlequin Aaliyah

32

Back to Bermuda
Harlequin is currently away delivering Stomp to Paris and staying with him for a short period to help Stomp start a new identity. The Bermuda authorities have arrived by coastguard boat to take the Beasts into custody. And with Harlequin away alternative means will be needed to return to shore. Meanwhile the kids are, amazingly, behaving themselves at the Hamilton Tower Restaurant.

Titan helps with ferrying people back to shore. It isn't fast, but at least he can carry a lot on each trip.

Pulsar assists in Titan's efforts and then after a quick run to NYC to help put out a structure fire just off the East River, he returns to the Hamilton Tower Restaurant.

Without a portal, that makes things a bit more difficult. However, Aaliyah -can- ferry one or two at a time. But she doesn't even offer. Some people may react badly to being carried by manifested spirits that look terrifying. As it stands, she will maintain high cover and watch the back of all involved.

The commander of the Bermuda task force congratulates the heroes for a fine piece of work. She, for that is her gender, seems to have done some research on the boat trip out, as she warns the heroes that one of the Beasts, a villain calling himself Stomp, is not among those arrested - and may seek revenge on the heroes.

Titan puts up a good front. "Thank you, commander. We'll be sure to be on the lookout for him."

When everyone is back on shore, Amanda seeks out Titan and tells him that she's going to stay for the Bermuda part of the cruise, but when the liner heads on she'll not be on it. She's returning to Starguard's research facility. She confides in Titan that she doesn't feel safe any longer away from Starguard security.

Charm has to rely on Titan to be ferried back. She too says nothing about Stomp.

Wolf accompanies Sasha to Paris through the portal and does what he can to help Stomp decompress, recalibrate, and set up a decent new life in his new home and hopefully leave his life-of-crime behind for good. Wolf returns with Sasha (or maybe he's sent back ahead-of-time) meeting the team at the restaurant.

Titan nods to Amanda, and gives her his personal number, "If you run into trouble, give me a call. Likewise if you see anyone going after the original intended target." Once back on land the heroes have a chance to relax and unwind. The next 24 hours is effectively free time. Cecila is kid-sitting during this period and the next scheduled event on the cruise is a tour of the famous Crystal Caves in the afternoon of the day after next.

Earth's Holographic Hero - Pulsar, has spent the past 24 hours bouncing between his real life obligations as Ben Ray, Rural Surveyor Extraordinaire and as part of the Princess Guard Contingent enjoying a relaxing vacation on a top of the line cruise ship.

Luckily, sleep and food are not requirements of his new physiology so while the others are attending to their biological needs he is accelerating to superluminal speeds into the heart of the MidWestern United States. Darting to and fro with his surveying equipment he marks property lines, designation points, and elevation for a number of clients. He of course makes remarkable time now that he's found a speed that allows him to move quickly yet not damage or completely slag his equipment.

After using his powers to complete the work asked of him for the week (in less than 4 hours), he races back to the current GPS location of the cruise liner so he can continue getting to know his new (and likely) teammates.

Some of this time was spent with Wolf, letting him sniff about the boat and fly him to places just out of his reach while hiding them both in a field of highly refracted and edited light. They spent a lot of time doing that and flying ahead of the ship doing barrel-rolls and loop-d'loops.

He played a little mini golf with some of the kids and Cecila (who totally kicked their butts), had a drink with Sasha (though he only 'enjoyed' a soda as the Holographic Hero does not drink) over a Russian Holo Soap, and chatted Titan up on using his enhanced strength more effectively and how he maintains being a famous actor and super.

Charm and he had a lovely conversation about the royal court and where she learned to sing so beautifully.

He made a point of spending at least a little time with each of the adult members of the Guard in both his civilian and heroic persona as the situation required.

And so, Aaliyah is keeping mostly to herself. She was here to assist because it was the right thing to do, but she doesn't really feel like she belongs. She feels like an outsider who is merely helping where she can. She is quiet unless approached, and indeed seems introspective.

Perhaps she is meditating? Either way, she finds herself communing with spirits and with her gods while everyone else has their own downtime. As someone who has spent centuries at a time resting within her tomb, the passage of time is not much of a concern to her. If anyone approaches her, she will converse without seeming hurried, but otherwise she just sits apart, aloof....

Charm does her best to get (temporarily) lost, preferably in some genuine local culture if she can find some. She's always playing a role - she has three to play, after all! - and is glad of the chance to slip away and be none of those for a while. She slips away into the back streets, gravitating toward anywhere there is music and dancing, and above all just *relaxing*, just another tourist in the crowds.

Titan spends the remaining time available with Amanda, to ostensibly make sure she's protected. The two of them spend some time touring together, as well as relaxing on the beach. Their time together is interrupted by Pulsar, of course, who wanted to ask Johnathan about his powers and acting. His advice to Pulsar: Balanced life. You have to take time for yourself, sometimes.

Wolf was promised Steak.

Steak is Important.

Dogs don't forget Important Things.

Wolf hangs out, after Sasha's return from Paris, watching Sasha, patiently, awaiting steak.

When steak arrives, Wolf eats steak.

Wolf naps. Wolf eats more steak. Yum! Sooooo gooooood!

Wolf --saves-- these +Memories+ of what steak tastes like, to share them with Pulsar, who can't eat steak any more, poor guy.

Food coma; Sleepy wolf.

Naptime 2.0! Yaaaawwwn; Snoooze. Rest, and heal.

Around sunset, get up and take a romp around the beach.

Chase surf.

Bark like fool.

Smell the smelly things the ocean coughs up at low tide.

Go for swim: Doggie-paddle!

Watch the moon rise. HappySigh, So Beautiful.


 * wagwagwagwagwag*

Happy!

Talk Spirit Lore with Aaliyah at Dawn: Crescent Moon, very auspicious for that sort of thing.

Wait for other people to wake up.

Go Flying with Pulsar.

Look forward to. . . Lunch!

Near the end of the free time a surprise visitor arrives with no advance warning. Ghost. When she gets in range of the PG communicators, 30 miles on Earth, she beeps everyone with a communicator to get their attention, and asks the question she came to pose, .oO(Should Pulsar be invited to become a member of the PG team?)

Titan says over the link, .oO(Yeah, I'd go ahead and extend him an offer.)

Wolf sends .oO(Aye!)

Charm sends a warm but wordless feel of approval.

Ghost sends back a thank you for your opinions. .oO(This will be our first new member in some time. I'd like to make it at least a slightly formal occasion. Would you be able to gather for a picnic meal on one of the beaches? I have a large hamper from the Embassy kitchens. Oh, and come in hero identities.)

Charm sends, "I'll be there."

Titan sends a response, .oO(Sure. That works.)

Ghost heads to the beach. She's flying in person. Getting to the beach she hires chairs, tables, and assorted beach furniture.

"Should we invite Madame Aaliyah, Captain Ghost?" asks Harlequin. "While she is not a member of the Guard, she has proven to be a valuable ally."

By the time heroes start arriving at the beach Ghost has everything in hand and set up for a picnic. And as promised, there's food and drink from the embassy as well as local fare. The beach is fairly busy, and from a nearby beach cafe comes the sound of a local reggie band.

Ghost sends back to Sasha .oO(Please do.)

The mage hunts around until he finds Aaliyah (magic is so useful for conveying messages) "With Captain Ghost's compliments, Madame Aaliyah, you are hereby invited to a meal at the beach."

Cecila is actually here for the picnic too. No doubt she's been clued in to what's going on but she's good at keeping her mouth shut.

Titan is pretty up front about it. He asks Pulsar if he's interested in joining the team. He's welcome to take some time to think about it, but the team will be gathering on the beach, for a picnic.

Where she sits watching the water, Aaliyah glances up as she hears the message. "I would be honored." she replies as she lowers her feet. Yeah, she was kinda hovering there... not so much sitting on the ground as... floating just off of it.

She begins walking in the direction indicated. Why fly or teleport when walking works just fine? Her gauzy garments catching the wind here and there... looking all dramatic and such.

Charm is neatly dressed in her costume when she arrives, but is rather more relaxed - but perhaps less graceful - in her movements than normal.

Sasha follows along behind Aaliyah, walking like a plebe but somehow not leaving footprints behind himself. Magic most definitely at work.

Pulsar's eyes widen as Titan gives him a rundown on what all is planned for the evening. At first he's completely silent, falling into full hologram form accidentally and resolidifing a moment later as he nods.

This is not what he expected - but joining a first rate super-team has been a dream of his since he was a little baseline boy in the heart of the Kansas plains. "I-I-I-I'd love to! I'll be there with bells on!" He says excitedly before looking a bit embarrassed. That was not the reaction he was hoping to give - just the one that fell out of his mouth naturally.

He tries to make up for this embarrassing show by giving a warm smile and shaking Titan's hand professionally.

Pulsar arrives on time - flying directly from the ship to the coast.

Wolf plays "fetch" and "chase" and "catch the frisbee" and "tag" with the kids while waiting, then heading over to the "party" beach as folks start to arrive.

Ghost ghost greets each hero as they arrive and expresses her congratulations for the terrific job they are doing. Charm gets a rather more extended briefing on current Undermoon affairs but even that doesn't take that long. Charm also gets a personal and private message from her grandmother.

Ghost says, "Help yourselves to the snacks and drink, everyone."

Titan lands and ties his hair back. "Probably shouldn't be here too long, since the kids aren't being watched right now."

Sasha smiles under his mask. "Their school assigned chaperone is with them, Titan," he murmurs. "And they are generally good kids."

Ghost suggests, "Bring them?" to Titan. "The pretence that they don't know you're watching over them is completely busted isn't it?"

Titan shrugs, "Sure. We can bring them along." He looks to Sasha, "Mind doing the honors?"

Pulsar shakes Ghost's hand and introduces himself. He makes the rounds to say hi and enjoy the view of both the sea and the feast prepared in honor of his appointment to the team.

"This spread looks amazing. The Undermoon sure knows how to party." He says with a grin as he grabs a meatball to toss to Wolf as the others discuss bringing the kiddos along.

Wolf *wags* and bounds off to go get the kids and bring them to the party too! Wolf -can- chew and run at the same time!

Sweeping in on the area, Aaliyah stops a few meters away. Once again, she's trying not to force herself into the camaraderie of the group. Horus asked her to help, so she did. But she doesn't deserve to be treated as well as the rest of those in attendance. After all, redemption is something that only comes in tiny increments.

Charm grins to Pulsar, "This is but a shadow of an Undermoon feast."

Ghost happily shakes Pulsar's hand. "I've heard a lot of good things about you. It's an honour to meet you." she says. Then switching to sales pitch mode, "If you become a member of the team among other benefits you will be entitled to have a room in the team building in the Embassy and to avail yourself of the kitchens. Although in your case that's not much of a consideration I understand?"

Harlequin stops beside Aaliyah and gives her a slight bow. "May I get you some food or a glass of something, Madame Aaliyah?"

Turning her head, Aaliyah smiles warmly to Harlequin. "You are very kind. I would love something.. fruitlike to drink?" she asks, her voice soft. Her body language is rather obvious though. She feels that she is -supposed- to be kept apart from everyone else.

Cecila smiles a bit as the kids get invited along. Well it's cool she figured the kids knew by now they were along of course she's there getting a nice plate of food to munch

Charm takes a drink and a snack and reclines on the beach.

"The honor is mine, ma'am. You've put together a heck of a team. To be considered for membership is ..." Pulsar says before getting lost for words - especially around these Fae who are so well mannered and proper. He finally settles for repeating himself, "a real honor."

He chuckles after Ghost commenting on the kitchen. "You're right about that ma'am, I don't sleep, eat or really do any of the things most people do any more." He makes a slightly forlorn face - as if he finds sorrow in this fact, but its covered up quickly with a smile and the emblem on his chest glowing a bit brighter. "But a room might be really nice." He says trying not to sound ungrateful.

When everybody has had a chance to get refreshments, and all are gathered. Including the kids who are being very quiet and respectful under Peter's stern gaze, Ghost calls for attention. "I'll keep this fairly short. I'm sure there are better things to do than listen to me speaking." she starts off with, and gives Titan a meaningful glance. "It's been some time since we've invited someone to join the Princess Guard team. However I'm glad to be able to do so to Pulsar. You have all been doing a wonderful job, and Pulsar has been a part of that during this cruise. I'm delighted therefor to invite him to formally join us. Pulsar, do you accept?"

Harlequin brings Alliyah some fruit juice and a plate holding a selection of chesses and fruits. He has the same which he just holds as he listens to Captain Ghost.

With the moment upon him - Pulsar doesn't hesitate, he nods his head vigorously though he seems to be short on words.

It takes him a second to realize he's not speaking and he says, "Oh! Yes, ma'am! Most definitely." He looks to his new teammates and smiles to them and then to Ghost.

Wolf *whuffs* happily.

A hand reaching out to accept the drink, Aaliyah merely nods her thanks silently to Harlequin. She understands how solemn this occasion is, and she's not going to be the one to speak up and interrupt things. A small sip is taken of the juice, and she nods once more with a grin. It's good..

Ghost shakes hands with Pulsar again, "Welcome to the Princess Guard team, Pulsar." she says formally, then repeats her words in the Elven tongue. She then holds out a small thin black disc about the size of a dime. Pulsar will probably recognise it as a PG comms unit, like the ones the PG team members have.

Titan smiles, "Glad to have you aboard."

Charm stands, and raises her drink. "Welcome, Pulsar!'

Wolf *wag wag wag* 's

Harlequin taps a spoon, that he apparently takes from his sleeve, against the rim of his glass. "Welcome! Welcome!" he says in time to the pinging.

Cecila grins a bit and holds her drink up "Yes Welcome to the Team" she takes a moment to pet Wolf some "So who graduated from being the newbie with this new addition"

"Thank you all for having me! It means a lot." Pulsar says with a warm and happy smile.

He looks up int he sky above them and creates a few small fireworks overhead. They are of course holographic - so the sparks and lights are harmless to all around.

He even reaches down and grabs a drink - though this one is just a glass of water. He raises it and says, "To the Princess Guard!" before taking a long drink of the water inside and then applying the black disk to a spot just behind his ear.

Ghost smiles, and sips her glass of Fae wildberry wine... sending the taste of it as a sensation over the comms so everyone, including Pulsar, can share it.

Titan lifts his glass in a toast as well, and takes a sip.

Staying silent, Aaliyah is pleased to see these people doing well. She has a small smile on her face as she sips her juice. But she merely stands silently by.

Harlequin hmms. "I had forgotten one could send sensations over the link," Harlequin muses quietly as he stands beside Aaliyah. "A good wine. Elderberry I think."

The kids have been quiet. But now they break ranks and swarm around Pulsar. "Yay" the Philips' twins say. Peter, always the serious one, offers a handshake. Graham is smiling but hangs back a little shy. The Steel twins stay with Graham.

Wolf *noses* Pulsar in congratulations and scrunches his whiskers happily.

Ghost approaches Titan, "In a little while do you think we can leave them to enjoy themselves and slip away somewhere?" she asks him with a teasing smile on her lips.

"Woah... that's amazing!" Pulsar says, feeling the sensation of the flavor rolling over his tongue. The cool liquid making its way down Ghost's throat and on. Even the refreshing feeling of having the remnants of the wine on her tongue after she swallows.

He smiles at the children and shakes their hands. The meeker ones are given holographic disguises - Graham turned into a Gingerbread Man, the Twins are greeted to flashes of themselves when looking at the other but inverted and upside down as Pulsar snickers happily.

He looks down to find Wolf nosing his hand, so he turns it and begins scratching his friend behind the ear.

"So how does..." Pulsar begins asking, .oO(This thing work?) His question is half on comms and half out as he fiddles with the black disc behind his ear.

Titan smiles to Ghost, "I think we can manage that in a bit. Assuming nothing explodes in the meantime."

Wolf moves about with the natural ebb-and-flow of the party. He plays with the kids on the beach. He --shares-- the +Memories+ of the taste-of-steak with Pulsar. He --shares-- the +Memories+ of today's pre-dawn Ocean Moonrise with those who missed it, including Sasha, and also Ceci, since Ceci can't "see" water as well:

The moonlight dances whitecapped jigs, atop the weather-swells. The wet night air is laden down, with heavy seaside smells.

Cool mists hang low about the rocks, to shroud their slickened sides. Up from the sea, small creatures float, borne inland on the tides.

For some, life's journey meets its Edge, and ends when waves recede. Soft, shapeless forms lie on dry sand, which cannot salve their need.

But others' lives are just begun, when 'pon the sand they fall. Into the ground they quickly dig, and into safe-holes crawl.

On nights like this the turtles come, in numbers vast and grey. To heave themselves upon the beach, their sweatsoaked Hopes to lay.

Their young will hatch and turn their heads at once to Ocean's song. They'll struggle to Her, 'cross the sands, to live where they belong.

As waves withdraw and gather strength, once more to shoreward strive, Their murmured breaths sing testament: The Ocean is Alive!

Charm pulls out her harp, and sets to finding music to go with Wolf poetic sending.

Ghost grins, "Magic." she says. Then expands on that, "The communicator discs work when in contact with skin. Or whatever might serve as such." She stops to 'listen' and feel with Wolf. Cherishing the moment. Only when Wolf and Charm have finished does she continue, "To communicate with your team members you merely have to 'think' what you wish to convey. It can be speech, emotions, or as you just experienced, sensations. However the range is limited. On Earth the range is about 30 miles. On Undermoon about 60. Other worlds have other ranges depending on their background mana level. Ellbeth Wryd created the discs for the first PG team." Ghost adds, "One thing to keep in mind is the discs are not selective. Whatever you send is heard by every wearer of a comm unit. You cannot send to selected members." she says and grinns as she comments, "Which is why my communications with one of the team," she glances at Titan, "are sometimes by PDA."

Titan chuckles quietly. "I also sometimes take the communicator off."

Whoever is watching the Philips twin girls will spot they have sneaked a glass of Fae wine each from the refreshments table.

Charm notices but says nothing: she doesn't blame them! It's not long before Ghost approaches Titan and suggests they slip away.

Titan nods and slips off with Ghost.

Cecila might notice too but likewise remains silent "Yeah though makes me wonder what happens if we lose it."

Wolf listens intently to Charm's improvisations, seeking the patterns in the notes, ears pointed forward, eyes closed.

Of course, she's not in on the conversations. Aaliyah doesn't feel excluded though. She is perfectly happy to stand off to the side and sip her fruit juice. It's odd to have a companionable silence with yourself... isn't it? Either way, she waits a while longer and since it doesn't seem like they really -need- her aid any longer, she turns and sets down her drinking glass before gracefully walking off.

A dread-locked Rastafarian invades the picnic area, "Hey, gal," he says to Charm, "Come join us." he says, pointing back to the reggie band playing at the nearby beach cafe.

Charm says, "Sure! Thanks!" She's always happy to join in some music-making!"

When the festivities draw to a close, Wolf quietly --sends--

A bright New Star our Pack has gained! We celebrate his Choice: From this day, in our ranks he'll dwell, and in our ears, his voice.

His blazing flights toward danger's call, I have for long well-known: His Courage and his Strength he'll give, To add unto our own. ..

With joy new-birthed, deep in my soul, until my Running's end: This day I give my voice to Sing, my thanks, to be his friend.

Pulsar seems to enjoy the sensations and words being shared over the magical communication device as well as the sound of Charm's playing. He smiles warmly and pets Wolf as his poetic words run through his mind. "Aww- I'm proud to be your friend too, buddy." He whispers quietly to Argent.

As the day draws to a close he watches the waves roll in, content to be a part of the Princess Guard.

The Crystal Caves
The following afternoon is the scheduled tour of the famous Crystal Caves.

There's about twenty five in the group that goes to the Crystal Caves from the cruise ship at this time. Other groups have been touring beforehand and more are scheduled for afterwards. The tour guide strongly suggests wearing hard hats. "The caves are stable. But many of the stalactites hang below head height." he says. "The caves were discovered in 1905 by Clark Gibbons and Edgar Hollis, two boys searching for a lost cricket ball."

Later at the Crystal Caves as Ben Ray, rather than Pulsar, he listens closely at the history and science of this natural wonder. He seems genuinely enthused by the geology of it all.

His hardhat is firmly in place (though completely holographic to keep the staff from harassing him).

Charm dons a hardhat, though she's thoroughly unimpressed with the styling of the thing.

Wolf probably does not need a hat, being two and a half feet tall atm. He does wear his "seeing eye dog" harness, as he stands attentively by Ceci.

The guide leads the group down a set of 89 steps into a underground chamber of spectacular beauty. "The caves consist of two caverns, the Crystal Cavern and the Fantasy Cavern. We're in the Fantasy Cavern. It's 40 metres below sea level. The lake in the lower northern area is however fresh water, that's seeped through the limestone."

Charm is a little wary around the damp rocks - she was always warned that trolls like such areas.

Titan is pretty quiet as the group is led into the chamber. He looks around curiously at the rock formations.

Occasionally - when something gets the better of his curious nature, Ben Ray disappears when no one is looking so he can explore using his abilities - once out of eyesight he promptly turns holographic and flies and passes through the cave walls, water and stalactites (and their stalagmite compatriots alike).

Being able to move so quickly has its perks here.

But just as suddenly as he disappears, around the next bend he always reappears as if he had never left.

He still looks like he's having a great time. As a surveyor his interests are tied to the Earth - caves, rock formations - geology in general makes a great chunk of his job description. Well that, lasers, measurements and traveling. Usually in that order.

Charm detects a dimensional soft spot in the cavern, in the north of the cavern about three feet out into the water of the underground lake, located between two large stalactites.

Charm is looking toward the north side of the cave, squinting at a couple of stalactites.

Cecila puts the hard hat on despite the fact that the rocks wouldn't really be capable of hurting her anyways. She always likes the caves and such so when she becomes a little annoyed it's a bit unusual for those who have known her for a while .oO(I think we got company. We got 12 people coming at a run from behind us.)

Wolf pauses in sync with Ceci, mid-step, his right forepaw held aloft as he waits to see what it is that Ceci's picked up on. . . and what it might mean? His fuzyy ears flicker to point off in the direction from which they've all just come.

Titan says over the link, .oO(Dropping back to take a look.) He drifts back to the back of the group to make sure he's the first person contacted by...whoever it is.

Charm does the other thing - she moves toward the north end of the cave. Her powers work at range, so no reason to be close in case of trouble.

As the group, kids, heroes in SID or disguises, and normal tourists, gather in the main area of the Fantasy cavern, there's suddenly the sound of fast running footsteps coming down the stairs. Then a group of about a dozen men in brown shirts and pants, all matching like a uniform, burst into the cavern behind the group and immediately fan out across the rear of the cavern. They are carrying SMGs. The last of the brown-shirts to enter drops a explosive device of some kind on the stairs near the bottom of the stairs.

The man who enters first fires a burst from his weapon into the roof of the cavern, knocking down a large stalactite - that falls on Anne-Maria Philips' head. "Nobody move. Stay still and nobody has to get hurt if the government meets our demands." he shouts as the echoes of the gunfire start to quieten.

A woman near Anne-Maria screams as she thinks she sees the sweet little girl about to be crushed by the falling stalactite. Maria-Anne jumps into the woman's line of sight to distract her. And Anne-Maria tells the woman, "Wow. It NEARLY hit me." In fact it did hit, and shattered into fragments.