Log:Starguard Returns, Scene 2

Starguard Returns 2012/02/22 	 Kay Lily Loupy Paul Van Sterran Starlight Total Babe 2

Total Babe is here, early as it happens, hoping to watch more tryouts. At the moment she's just sitting by the wall reading her PDA.

Paul Van Sterran is greeting each arrival and offering drinks and snacks, telling them the session will start as soon as the expected participants have all arrived.

Kay had been contacted, and she was happy about that so when she arrives at the workout room for the gym the tall redhead is actually smiling and looking rather pleased. At least at first. Looking around at the locale however she nods to herself, "Expected. Deep space or Lunar, likely explanetary simulations as well." She says to nobody in particular. "Not a problem."

Flutter has arrived without knowing anything about what it is she is walking in on.

Nearby a shimmering portal of obsidian and lapis appears with a swirl and hum of magics at works, and through it the sorcerer werewolf steps though. On seeing the moon he pauses a moment, then looking around to everyone, he breaths a sigh of relief and waves to the portal dismissing it with the scatter of mana that leaves trails of the purplish magics spreading like ribbons that swirl, scattering and curling around people and furniture, what nots before disappearing into thin air.

Starlight is already on hand, full sized, and sipping a cup of coffee while waiting for the try-out to commence.

Bard showed up... early? How did that happen? Well to be honest he's here to see how everyone else does, and probably will play along. He's never been big on teams so much as big on networking. He's in a corner tuning a guitar.

Immediately does Flutter go to Loupy's location, greeting him with a cheerful "Hello!" as soon as he emerges from the portal.

Total Babe looks up from her reading at Bard's playing.

Lily enters from Steel's Gym.

Kay's gaze flicks to each and every person present after giving a slight nod of understanding to Paul Van Sterran. She moves off to stand alone not a part of the overall social group just yet it appears. Instead she takes in each person present, their appearance, and is likely making rough estimates of visual capabilities... or remembering what she's seen some of them do at least.

Loupy grins on seeing a few familiar faces and says, "Hello there," with a nod to Flutter as it's the closest. "I do believe I'm a touch early then if everyone is standing around." His paws go into the pockets of his jeans and says, "Don't mind me too much, I'm more of a voyear then anything right now."

Paul Van Sterran is a middle aged man with a relaxed attitude but the look of an experienced and capable Starguard officer. "Good afternoon. I know Total Babe and can guess at the identities of some of you. But's let's get formally accquainted. I'm Paul Van Sterran, as I imagine you're guessed. Prehaps you'd like to introduce yourselves and provide a brief resume of your abilities?"

Bard isn't playing so much as tuning. the odd thing is how much he is doing small, I mean very small, little tweaks before strumming the guitar and smiling. "Good." He looks at Paul Van Sterran. "Marcus Bard, I don't think anyone here is unfamiliar with my powers but basically slight mentalism and psionicly manipulating sound."

Paul smiles, "Well I was, Bard. Please remember, however well known you are in the local community I'm a stranger here having just arrived a few days ago. So what capabilities does manipulating sound provide you, Bard?"

Lily waves and giggles, "Hi~! I'm Lilith Moss, but please call me Lily! I'm super strong and totally invincible! I'm also an actuary working for Colonial Bay Property and Life. Our other employees may not have super powers, but when disaster strikes, they'll be your heroes!"

Bard states. "My manipulations can vary, this, that, the other thing, bolts of sound, blades, some mental capabilities and also some manifestations of illusions

Total Babe says, "I'm dubbed Total Babe. I'm invulnerable but not super-strong. I've already done the tryout, but I thought it would be good to watch potential teammates."

Kay smirks at Paul's comment to Bard, knowing exactly what he means having arrived recently herself. She looks over at Lily briefly when she comments about being totally invincible but doesn't comment. "I'm Kay, sometimes known as Force." She speaks up from her little section of lunarscape. "I have some small telekinetic abilities and am a mechanic."

Loupy nods over to Paul and waits for a moment to jump in, when when the moment comes he lifts up a paw briefly and says, "Name's Loupy, used to be known for being a hot shot on the snowboarding circuit, now I'm just a fuzzy spell casting mutt," and smiles at the self depreciating description. "I'm mainly here to watch and see what's going on, kind of curious as to how things are going too and if needed, offer up my expertise as a contractor of sorts. I've got a few other obligations that keep me from joining a group full time though. I know a thing or two about magic, teleporting, though crossing dimensional barriers is still something I'm still experimenting with and not something I can consider safe, yet. And when it comes to necromancy... Undead, and spells, I can swat down with extreme prejudice easily."

"I do not yet know what you are to be voying," Flutter says, her attention turning toward Paul Van Sterran. "I am called Flutter, and I was created to provide assistance and information in arcane arts."

Starlight chimes in at the tail end, "I'm called Starlight. I'm superstrong, very small, and fly very fast. I'm also able to operate in harsh and hostile environments."

Paul nods, "Thank you. I suggest you all pull up a chair, grab a drink, and I'll talk about what's involved in being a member of a Starguard Gamma team. You can ask question. And when we finish that, those who are still interested can have a try at the tests I have lined up. Is everyone okay with that?"

Lily nods and smiles.

Loupy nods to Paul's suggestion and meanders on over to take one of the seats and turn it around so he can sit in it, his arms crossed over teh back of the chair and leaning up against it while he pays attention to Paul then.

Flutter looks puzzled, then nods. "I will perform whatever tests you wish," she states, bringing one of the chairs closer and perching on it.

Paul stands while he talks, hands mostly clasped behind his back except when using them to empathise a point. The speech sounds polished as if practiced and used before. "I'm Paul Van Sterran, as I said. I'll be the operational director for the Colonial Bay City Starguard division. What that means is I'll have administrative command of the people who go out and actually do things. I've served in the Delta Troopers for almost fifteen years. So although I'm not a meta, and won't be with you in the field, I do know what it's like at the sharp end. Don't let me or Starguard down and I'll keep the bean counters and pencil pushers off your backs."

Kay smiles at something, "Chairs on the moon. Cute." She says softly to herself before she moves to sit down but is apparently not thirsty. She does lean over towards Loupy however, "Hope the kids are doing ok." Then she is distracted by Paul and she listens, rather intently.

"Starguard's areas of authority and responsibilty are local space, that is the Solar System, and as of three days ago, alien affairs within the boundaries of the United States. The rest of the planet is the responsibility of UEMS." Paul smiles, "That doesn't mean you have to break off if a fugitive gets outside of those boundaries. I intend that the law of hot pursuit will apply. Because we can't depend on the Marshals to get it done." Paul takes a breath. "Although the first test will involve space capability, that isn't a make or break point. The vast majority of SGG operations are on Earth. Neither do we have a target number of slots to fill. The nature of the team members, volunteers with their own lives to lead, means that we can't, and don't, expect you to be available for every mission. So we'll take everyone who can, firstly, be a benefit to the team, secondly will respect and obey the chain of command. Starguard is a paramiltary organization. We'll expect team members to follw orders. If you can't do that there are other hero teams who you might suit, but not Starguard Gamma."

Total Babe grabs a drink and a chair.

Paul asks, "Any questions so far?"

Flutter listens with rapt attention, eyes widened.

Lily raises her hand

Paul nods to Lilly, "Go ahead."

Kay was about to raise her hand to, but lowers it, waiting to see if it will be answered by Lily's question.

Lily says, "Hi~! Would we be, like, real military, and get in trouble if we disobeyed orders, or would we just be kicked out?"

Kay's hand goes back up.

Paul answers Lilly, "That depends on the exact circumstances. The members of Starguard Gamma are not military and are not under any military law. But if your disobedience broke civil law then you would be liable for that. If your action did not violate civil law then being dismissed from the team is the most probable consequence."

Paul asks Lilly, "Does that answer you?" before turning to Kay.

Lily nods, "Yep! Thanks!'

Paul nods, "Kay, you have a question?"

Kay waits for Lily to respond before she lowers her hand, "Several, actually." She pauses and takes a breath, "As a paramilitary organization what sort of funding are we going to receive for operational equipment? Will we be doing this pro-bono or will we as voluntary employees of the United States Government be receiving a stipend payment for services rendered and/or employment? Will we be required to give full disclosure to the public about our identities as part of StarGuard Gamma or will a costumed identity be enough? Will we be receiving matching costumes to identify us as part of StarGuard Gamma? Will we have additional code names that will only be used as part of StarGuard Gamma operations? Last but not least, what sort of congressional oversight is there going to be?"

Paul smiles. "Okay, that's a lot of question. Let me deal with them one at a time. Your first question was about funding? Starguard Gamma is well equipped by most standards. Although other Gamma teams have found that the members of the team can sometimes outclass the official equipment with their personal abilities. We are the front line of defense for Earth and the Solar System. Our funding is comensurate with that responsibility. Legitimate and reasonable requests for equipment from a Gamma team will be met. Did you have any specific items in mind?"

Kay shakes her head, "Not at the moment, just trying to get an idea of what operational capability will be when it comes to shoring up members own abillities."

Paul nods, "Your second question was about your status and pay? The members of Starguard Gamma are part time civilian employees of Starguard. That's so we can pay you, and so you are covered by Starguard benefits such as health care, pension schemes, and so forth. In regard to your question about disclosing your private identities the answer is no, we do not require you to make such disclosure. Obviously, though, we will require some means of contacting you. Mm... Can you remind me of your other questions?"

Kay nods, "StarGuard issue costumes to readily identify team members, StarGuard Identity's, and Congressional Oversight."

Paul nods, "Starguard costumes will be offered but are not required. Actually, Starguard already supply a surprising number of heroes with costumes. If you wish to use a separate identity for your SGG role you may but we advise against it. Too many identities can lead to confusion. Now, as Starguard is a United Earth organization rather than a United States organization we are not subject to Congressional Oversight as such. The US department of State can withdraw its request for us to operate on US soil, so in that sense there is a veto available. Our oversight comes from the UE Council."

Kay nods again and clearly has no further questions, at this time. Chatty when it comes to business it seems.

Paul asks, "Any other questions before I proceed." He smiles, "Although much of my next prepared speech has been prempted by Kay's questions."

Paul says, "Let me tell you what Starguard can provide you. A secure meeting place. Comprehensive data search capabilities for official missions. Which might also be available for non-Starguard heroic activities if you make the case to me. Transport for the team. Technical and research facilities and support. Delta Trooper support if required. You'll be paid for being on the team. It won't make you rich but SGG activities will cause some disruption to your normal lives. You ought to be compenstated for that. Excellent health benefits. Most important of all, the knowledge that you are protecting Earth from alien incursions. And, I should add, protecting visiting aliens from Earth villains."

Paul continues, "If you're still interested, I have a couple of situations for you to showcase your abilities and resourcefulness. Do you wish to participate?"

Lily smiles, "I'd like to see how I measure up."

Kay studies Paul for a few long moments but her expression is guarded well and mostly unreadable. She nods at the indication of tryouts to begin, "Yes. I will." She then looks towards Total Babe and back to Paul, "Are there any heroes who are already a part of the team?"

Total Babe thinks. o O (From all I know here, Lily's as tough as me. *And* is super-strong.....)

Loupy cocks his head to one side as he considers.. and then nods, "Alright, count me in. Heck, this could even be fun," and smiles wolfishly. "I did have a question or two but they more apply to just my unique situation. I hope I can ask you after the meeting I presume?"

Bard sits quietly waiting for the situations to begin, he nods to show he wants to continue.

Paul nods. "TB, Jolt, and Star Girl have already been accepted. There's no set number we're looking for. The more we have available the less disruption for any one individual and the greater flexibility I have in selecting a team for any specific situation. I'm going to set up a permable force wall in a corner of the workout room. I suggest if you aren't space capable you should join me behind it. I'll then adjust the rest of the room to lunar environment. Out there is a lunar shuttle that's crashed in a crater ten miles short of Selene Settlement. There are six crew and passengers inside. They have two spacesuits, air for two hours, and the rescue crawler on its way will be four hours getting here."

Paul nods to Loupy, "Yes. We can talk after the meeting." He then moves to a corner and sets up the force wall.

Total Babe remain seated in her chair on the 'moon' side of the forece wall.

Lily walks over to the safe side.

Starlight stays where she is, shrinking down to small size.

Loupy cocks his ears at that and then says to Paul, "If you don't mind, I would like to step out of that scenario because that one is too easy for me. I can teleport groups as a whole and have a spell active to let me survive in space easily, so that isn't a challenge for me." He stands up and moves to join Paul in the corner

Bard gets on the 'oh no I need air!' side of the moon landing.

Kay has to take special care when TB is mentioned to not let anything show on her face .oO(Well maybe she'll learn how to wait and follow orders before leaping into the fray. I can hope) Kay thinks to herself before a moments concentration and she has sealed herself in an invisible force field that even strips the carbon out of her exhales to recycle her air. "Ten miles. Two hours. Space Shuttle... wonder how much it and the rescue vehicle weigh." She murmurs to herself.

Lily says, "If I had a spacesuit, it'd be no problem. I could just throw the shuttleto where it needs to go."

Total Babe says, "Wouldn't thhat hurt the people inside?"

Paul asks, "Everyone sure they are on the right side of the force wall?" He waits for a moment, and then starts the gradual change to lunar space environment on the far side of the force wall, the air pressure and temperature dropping.

Lily says, "They're in crash seats, I guess? I'm not really sure how fragile people are."

Loupy murmurs, "The thing you would have to keep in mind Lily is that if the shuttle is crashed, you can't take into account how structurally sound it is. So throwing might not be a good option."

Total Babe continues to drink her drink, wondering whether it will freeze from the cold or boll from the low presssure first.

A illuminated sign appears on the space side of the force wall: Lunar environment reached. Precede with test.

Lily hmms and looks thoughtful.

The drink TB has freezes faster than it evapourates, although for a few seconds it was both freezing and boiling at the same time.

Bard raises a hand. "If we can't breathe or function inside of the space side, and we're over here do we just watch?"

Total Babe stops drinking only when the drink is solid.

Paul nods, "Yes. This isn't a break or make test. Most SGG missions occur on Earth. But it's good to know which team members are capable of rescue work like this."

Total Babe thinks. o O (I can't get over how it never feels colder than could-maybe-do-with-a-sweater.)

Starlight flies up, which is a bit odd as she seems to be using wings in zero pressure, and hovers in front of Kay. She points to the shuttle, then gestures lifting.

Talking is a problem without atmosphere to carry their sounds to the other person's ear. So Kay pulls out her PDA and uses direct signal to send a typed message to the others still on the space side. < I can fly at just over a hundred miles an hour. I can get there in approximately 7 minutes. Starlight, since you can shrink, take TB with you to the shuttle and see if it is structurally sound. You may be able to gain entry without causing more structural damage or risking the survivors. Try and assess the situation and help as you can. I'm going to go fly to the rescue vehicle and pick it up to carry to the shuttle. Least risk to all survivors that way. Sound good? > Yay for PDA's and direct wireless beaming.

Total Babe checks her PDA. She's not sure whether she should be getting involved, since she's already done this, but seeing that she's been requested to hep, she goes to the airlock.

Starlight flies to hover over Kay's shoulder to read what she is typing. Then bobs up and down. Unable to speak, she heads to the suttle to check it over, then enters it via the airlock.

With plan agreed on Kay concentrates for as long as necessary and a red psychokinetic field forms around her, picking her up and she starts to fly off towards the rescue crawler. Assuming she can fly faster than a crawler can move on lunar surface it seems.

Total Babe enters with Starlight, and immediately checks if the passengers are OK, as last time.

The crew and pasengers are delighted to see the heroes. Being simulated they don't recall being rescued by TB a couple of days ago.

Total Babe says, "Is anyone injured?"

The craw reply that the only injuries are bruises.

Oddly, Kay finds the crawler just twenty yards from the shuttle, as it has to all fit in the physical confines of the workout room.

Loupy stays true to his word and by body language alone steps out of the scenario, leaning up against the shield and waiting to see how things go.

Total Babe doesn't do the other thing she did on the first run. After all, this is supposed to be a test for the people new to the test, so coming up with ideas would defeat the purpose.

Of course finding the crawler so close is a bit of amusement but still. Kay uses her PDA to beam a message on as many frequencies as she can to the crawler. After all a PDA is limited but the crawler should have a bandwidth range able to pick them up. << Prepare for rapid deployment to crash site. Relax and don't panic. >> She sends to the crawlers simulated crew before she goes to pick it up and fly it over to the shuttle. After all in lunar gravity she can lift quite a bit more than her usual standard of 100 tonnes...

The sorcerer glances over to Paul and says, "that shuttle's in my teleport range if I started on the moon's surface somewheres, preferably in a habitat, so it would be simple to teleport there and back with the crew. I think the furthest I ever got with my teleport was... well, from Florida to China in one shot, around ten thousand kilometers with me, the kids and our luggage."

Paul cancels the simulation although the shuttle and crawler stay. The room is returned to normal air pressure and temperature. "Well done. Kay, why did you take the crawler to the shuttle instead of taking the shuttle to Selene settlement?"

Paul nods to Loupy.

"The crawler has better trauma and medical facilities than anyone who would have been with the team." Kay answers, "After a crash we could not assume the shuttle would survive being picked up by one or two super strong meta's and flown any distance at all. The possibility of destroying the shuttle and placing the civilians in even more danger was too high. The best outcome was to get proper rescue facilities on site before their air ran out while sending support to the shuttle in case any other emergency such as engine breach or fuel leak threatened the crew."

Total Babe thinks. o O (That was a lot quicker!)

Paul nods, "Good thinking. Starlight, could you lift the crawler?"

Starlight flies over and lifts it up, "Yes."

Paul makes a note on his PDA. "Assume there wasn't a crawler, the shuttle was in sound structual condition but it was too heavy to lift and move. How could you have saved the passengers?"

Paul adds, "Anyone can answer that, not just the space capable."

Lily blinks, "Too heavy to move..? Do we have anything over 400 tons?"

Kay answers without hesitation, "Placed all civilians into the air tight and reinforced habitable sections of the shuttle and removed that section from the shuttle for transport. If that wasn't an option, start transporting survivors via the two space suits to the dome two by two if necessary."

Loupy adds in, "If nothing else, there's also the option of using one of the escape shuttles that I think are at some habitats on the moon as well. Take that over, transfer people over and carry them back in one craft."

Paul grins, "Let's not tear up a structurally sound very expensive shuttle. The second option you mentioned was the answer I was looking for, Kay. Of couse, you could have picked up more spacesuits at the settlement so only two trips would be needed."

"I agree. That's why I said 'If necessary.'" Kay smiles wryly, "I would assume more space suits would be made available at the dome, but one cannot count on assumptions."

Paul uses the workout room remote to change the scenary...

Total Babe thinks. o O (Oh, another test. For those not able to take part in the other one?)

New Setup
The mainhall of a school, three doors barricaded, about a hundred children aged between five to eleven mostly crying and frightened, four teachers trying to maintain order. Five Harrisburg Watchmen heavily armed are facing the main doors, three of the Watchmen showing signs of hastily treated injuries. Sounds of gunfire and screaming from all about the area.

Paul looks around grimly, "Anyone remember this?"

Loupy looks around a moment.. then grouses, "might as well throw my four pups in here too..." quietly, though just loud enough for Paul to hear it.

Total Babe frowns.

Lily looks around and bites her lip pensively.

Paul tells Loupy, "This is a recording of an actual event. This was one of the previous Starguard Gamma team's missions."

"Are we watching... or are we to attempt the same mission?" Kay asks curiously, no frowns as she surveys the environment they are now in.

Total Babe says, "THis is the school in Harrisburg, isn't it?"

The werewolf looks to Paul, a little bit of askance in his glance but that quickly passes as he looks around then, his ears alert and listening for any details that could be of help. "What mission are you referring to? Ah, strike that.. no cheating on tests here. So what's the story?"

Paul says, "This was during the Horde Invasion of Harrisburg. The school was cut off by the aliens with a hundred children and their teachers trapped inside. Attempts to make contact by flying heroes failed due to many Taken being aimed with Stinger anti-air missles. MAMBA donated the use of a phasing tunneller that could evacuate twenty children at a time. The Gamma team had to hold off the invaders while the evacuation took place."

Loupy says, "Only 20?"

Paul nods, "Specified capability. The last two loads the kids were squeezed in like sardines in a tin.

"I could tunnel an escape route out myself." Kay mentions even as she listens to the story of what happened. "Don't know if it would necessarily be any faster however." She looks over towards Paul then, "So, did we have any information on these Horde aliens prior to attempting to fend them off?" She asks curiously. "Or were they going in blind like I would be now?"

Paul pauses for a moment and then says, "Every child was evacuated safely. Despite repeated attacks by alien takers and bugs. This is the tradition of Colonial Bay's Starguard Gamma. This is the standard, if you become members, that you will have to match up to."

Paul uses the room remote to create three holographic images. A man with an emotionless dead looking face, a squirming centipede like creature about two feet long and as thick as a arm, and a massively thick skinned beetle with large pincers. "Those are your opponents, a Taken, a Taker, and a Bug.

Loupy nods at that, and starting to realize how difficult it actually is to test a teleporter in such enclosed areas. He eyes the opponents and murmurs, "Ugly bastards..."

Total Babe nods. And takes her gun in her left hand and her three-section staff in he right.

Lily aws, "I guess I'd have to punch them. They don't look like people I could seduce into not fighting."

Total Babe says, "Ick."

Loupy says, "Wonder how much they like the taste of soundproofing," as he glances up at the tiled ceiling."

Paul says, "The Taken is a ordinary citizen with a Taker inside him or her, controlling their actions. The Taker can paralyze with a bite and then enter the host's body. The bugs are the adult form of the Takers. Very strong and hard to hurt."

Kay's lips press tightly together and her nostrils flare slightly at the thought of a person having a two foot long centipede inside them. "Sounds fatal." She muses, "Has anyone ever been successfully retrieved from being Taken?"

Paul nods, "Yes. Most of the Taken were saved after the Alien Queen was found and defeated."

Total Babe says, "Is anything known about their abilities?"

Paul nods, "Yes, now. They were studied thoroughly after the invasion was defeated. But at the time of this incident what I've already told you was the limit of knowledge about them.

Total Babe nods. "Ok."

Paul says, "The objective of this test is to see if you can match or exceed the performance of the original Gamma team. You should use all of your abilities. You aren't limited to duplicating what the previous team did. I'm interested in seeing what -you- can do in this situation."

"Well, I'm assuming the owners don't want be digging a tunnel through the foor of the room so we're going to go with the simulated option of retrieval I'm guessing." Kay smiles wryly at that, "Wouldn't do to cause property damage for a bunch of simulated kids regardless." She immediately takes a further look over the room, looking for doors, windows, the composition and make of floor, wall, ceiling. "Very risky situation. Collateral damage could be extreme..." She muses.

Paul say, "You have ten minutes to prepare your plan. Then I'll start the test."

Loupy nods to TB. "For me, I'm pretty flexible.. if I need to get into one of their faces I could, or start moving groups of kids out since anyone within 4 meters of me I can move in one shot. I can also reverse gravity for a few targets in about the same sized area, but that I have more finite control over so I don't have to worry about collatoral damage."

Kay looks around again and nods, looking over towards the others who are to participate she suggests, "We should have two of us guarding the main doors. Perhaps TB and myself. Loupy, could you watch over the students, make sure non sneak in through the other doors and offer support as needed? Also if you can swing it, get as many of the kids out as you can if you can do so without leaving yourself. Going to need all hands on deck. Starlight, I imagine you're the fastest of us and easiest to surprise. Like Loupy would you watch the walls, make sure none flank us from above, below, or the sides? I imagine TB and I might well need support as well if we're going to get overwhelmed. The kids are of course, the main priority to keep safe over TB or myself. All okay with that plan?"

Loupy says, "Oh.. Paul.. how will we handle teleporting because I could very easily end up leaving the room, and the kids are only images."

Starlight says, "I'll do that."

Total Babe nods. "Sounds good. Anyone vulnerable enough I should be protecting them as well as the kids?"

Loupy nods then to Kay at that, somewhat listening but catching the main points. "So stick me in the middle and use me as a turret and a teleporting station, got it."

Paul says, "Loupy, say when you would teleport and I'll switch off the images of all kids within four meters of you are that point. That should emulate your teleport I think?"

Loupy thinks a moment... then says, "Yea, that should work. With a bit of work I can make a pseudo portal as well, but for the purposes of this exercise we can say any kid that gets within 4 meters of me teleports instantly, and that's a spell I could maintain.

Paul sats, "Okay, starting now. Get into position."

Total Babe heads to guard the main doors. She keeps her weapons out, though planning to act defensively.

Loupy nods, the Werewolf walking to the center of the pile of kids and looks around a moment... after a brief bit of analysis he lifts his paws and draws a few lines in the air, the simplest of his spells to create what appears to be a very pale light blue cylinder around him, that roughly encompases the area he can telport thought. "That's about the boundries of the spell. This one is just an image spell but it'll look about the same. I'm set."

(Time to show I know what I'm talking about...)Oo. Kay thinks to herself, looking determined. She cracks her knuckles, keeping her forcefield in place. "Communication is vital, call out if you need help or see something unexpected. We need to have defense that is fluid and capable of shifting to the unexpected." She advises.

Kay also moves to the main double doors.

The simulation commences. There's gunfire and screams and explosiona all around, The two main doors are barricaded by desks but something heavy and strong is slamming into them on the other side and speedily knocking the doors down.

Total Babe says, "Shit - that teacher - she's taken!"

Kay quickly says, "Go TB, I'll guard the door. Protect the kids and stop that taken."

Total Babe :abandons her defence-only intent immediately. "KIds - don't go with her, she possessed by an alien!" she shouts, as she fires her pistol at the teacher.

The teacher holding the kids' arms is stuck by TB's shot and stunned, halting before she can step through the door and out of sight with them.

Loupy incants, the blue cylinder becoming all the more /real/ as not only does it show the area that he's warding, but also an overlay of what appears to be elsewheres as well like the two places are trying to occupy the same place at once, the spell establishing a conjunction of the two locales. The other locale is a nearby park where a trauma team and a few starguard personal with weapons at the ready. Immediately the kids nearest to him are moved, though.

Total Babe says, "Looks like the taken are tough enough to take a hit!"

Kay nods to herself at TB's words after the sound of the gunshot, "Good. One less thing to worry about. Check out the other teachers make sure they're not taken either. Guards wouldn't be fighting if they were I hope. As soon as the door gives way I am going to blast them all back like the vampires." Then louder, "Everyone else, keep an eye out. They've already infiltrated somewhat. Watch for the takers!" And she waits, hoping her powers don't fail her when the door buckles.

Starlight flies with eye-defeating speed over to the Taken teacher and kicks at her head

The teacher is knocked back into the main hall, the kids getting released as the Taken teacher is rendered unconcious.

Moments later a squirming centipede comes out of the toilets and strikes at Starlight.

The tiny flying heroine freezes in the air and crashes to the ground unmoving.

The main doors finally give way as two huge alien bugs slam into them. Watchmen fire shotguns and carbines at the creatures bursting through but the shots seem to have little effect.

Total Babe thinks. o O (Damn. More opponents than I hoped.)

Kay frowns when the doors crumple, "Get back!" She shouts at the guards, having not expected them to stay there when she said she was going to blast the whole area. With so many bugs though, and the guns having little effect... there's really no choice. She focuses her will, a red glow forming around her right hand... which if it makes it to a heavy enough charge will be thrown right at the doorway to detonate in a telekinetic shockwave pulse...

Unfortunately, one of the side affects of the aggressive training Kay was put through manifests, as the energy coalesces it soon feedbacks into her head and she bites back a scream of pain, eyes watering.

The two bugs wedge into the doorway, unable to get through until either the doorframe gives or one manages to push forwards. Takers are small enough to squirm into the hall and two of them strike at Kay.

Kay goes still as apparently whatever the centipedes can do gets right through her force field and freezes her motionless for the time being. Great, alpha class headache and now some sort of paralysis...

The kids, needing no urging as the doors are knocked down, swarm towards Loupy, almost half of them rushing into the teleport area and vanishing.

Total Babe figures the takers are the greatest risk to the kids, and since they're already scuttling past the block in the door she attempts to swat one with her staff.

Loupy narrows his eyes at the sight of the invaders and lifts his paws, palms out as he snarls out, "Dominis Argonia Draconis..." and more words that seem to be a really freakish flend of Latin and... something else. There's a loud roar as a second portal opens up and out sticks it's head.. is a full on fearsome dragon, eyes glaring red as it breaths in quickly with it's snout pointed right at the other door. It opens it's muzzle and out comes a cone of blue fire, the heat felt even to those not in the immediate area of the fire, clear across the room...

Total Babe's blow misses the critter.

The Taken in the doorway shivel up and burn as the illusion, good enough to fool Paul, washes over them.

Kay grits her teeth and throws off the effects of the poison with a herculean effort and she starts moving again. Fortunately the nearest bugs were apparently roasted even if the flames had no effect on her at all other than raising the temperature a bit. She blinks but doesn't have time to marvel on it. Instead she goes back to her original plan, trying to focus another blast at the bugs trying to pour through the door before more can get in!

The telekinetic blast from Kay seems to have little effect.

The pulse of red energy barely causes the dust to move, kay must have been weakened more than she thought... At least the centipedes might have been crushed... maybe..

Or not.

Starlight shakes off the effect of the vemon and swings a tiny fist at the giant, in comparision, centipede about to try and eat her.

The Taken next to Starlight is sent slaming back into the toilets and impacts with the sound of breaking ceramic.

The doorframe breaks as the bugs continue to push into the hall. One gets to Kay and tries to entrap her in a massive vicious looking pincher.

Loupy looks to the results and... does a double take, a triple even, perhaps a fourth... with alot of askance in his eyes. He tries to figure out what happened... holding up a paw and then dropping his paw, shaking his head. He gestures to the dragon and then points to the door, sending the drake out that way to make damned sure no Taken will take that route in. He looks around a moment and scratches his nose, waits for any incoming threats that needs to be seriously dealt with, going on the defensive to protect the children even as he considers a filter on his teleport to filter out the takers, summoning to one paw a ball of fire that he bounces in between his fingers, looking for anyone that decides to go after the kids directly...

Kay doesn't even really try to avoid the mandibles as they come in and they latch onto her and begin to squeeze. Her force field holds however and she smirks, "They're pretty strong. Don't let them grab you TB you might not be able to get away." Even as she is pinned she doesn't seem to be terribly worried however.

Kay shifts her shoulders and works her hands up to the mandibles of the bug thats got hold of her. Flexing her mind more than her muscles she pushes at the jaws and forces them open and escapes their grasp with a smirk. "My turn." She murmurs and then goes to reverse the grab on the bug to try and grab it by it's mandibles and crush them together!

The bug is held by Kay but struggling to get free.

Starlight flies into the toilets and there's a crashing sound. then she flies out, covered in white plaster dust, "There was one coming up through the sewer pipe to the toilet bowl. I've collapsed the wall on top of it." she reports.

Total Babe throws herself down into the gap the bugs are crawling through to stop the critters bodily. At least till the big aliens break a bigger doorway.

The bug is hit by TB's shot and knocked back into the mass behind tangling them all up in a jumble of legs.

The rest of the kids rush at Loupy and vanish through the teleport. followed by the teachers. All that remains are the five Harrisburg Watchmen and the heroes.

Loupy makes a face at what Starlight says and responds with, "That... was a little too much info there," and shudders a bit. He looks over to kay's attacker and unloads his firebolt on it's backside to try and knock the bug-ger off of the amazon.

The bug grabbed by Kay takes the firebolt and is slammed back into the doorway dragging Kay with it unless she decides to let go.

Kay is dragged along with it.

The Harrisburg Watchmen leader looks over at Loupy, "Time for us to go?"

Loupy nods to the watchmen leader and says, "We'll be right after you," as he looks to the bugs, summoning up an another fire ball and holding it at the ready to launch at anyone going after the heros or the watchmen now.

The Watchmen, having stood ready, grab their wounded and injured companions and hurry through the teleport after the teachers.

Kay gets dragged towards the door by the bug but she keeps hold of it. She clucks her tongue against the roof of her mouth and hazards a quick look around. "Get through the portal once the civilians are out." Apparently she takes the simulation very seriously. Since, there's not even really a portal. She switches to a weaker one handed grip on the bugs mandible and drags it with her over towards the other big bug, reaching out to try and grab hold of that one two, trying to keep one pinned with each arm...

Total Babe says, "I need to be last out, since I'm blocking the critters!"

Kay smiles, "TB, I can fly, get through the portal."

Starlight says, "No, Loupy need to be last out as he's doing the teleport. Time to leave. Loupy, if I take the others out can you follow us?"

Total Babe says, "OK then."

Loupy looks to whose's left and then actually abandon's his post and the spell... the portal disappearing. "Better plan..." and then growls out something again in that tainted foreign language again, the aura expanding out quickly to encompass him and his team mates, and Paul... a moment later (assuming they're willing to go), all four disappear from the battle... reappearing outside and a few blocks down at the nearest subway within arms distance of each other.

Loupy stands up after the teleport and coughs once, then hits his chest a couple times. "Anyone hungry? I'm in the mood for a tuna sub about now..." casually.

Starlight laughs, "Nice touch. Just outside that coffee shop too."

Paul is a bit startled at first. Then he smiles, "Very impressive all round. Kay, Loupy, Starlight, there are slots on SGG open for you if you want them."

Total Babe giggles.

Loupy says, "Heh, talk about impressive... you do realize my dragon was only an illusion meant to scare them back," with a wry smile. "Sorry about that, I should have said someething earlier."

Starlight says, "Something I ought to mention. I'm not from this Earth. Will that make a difference?"

Kay blinks as they're suddenly, somewhere else instead of where she was trying to block the doorway with two humongous alien bugs. She blinks again and then reaches up to rub her temples, .oO(Been a long time since I've had feedback like that, had forgotten how much it hurts.) She thinks to herself and then lowers her hands and smiles, "I'm sure it won't, Starlight. We've had alien heroes in the past and I'm sure, the present as well. You're at least an earthling, if not from this earth." She smiles wider then nods towards Paul, "Good. Not my best showing actually but... good."

Paul laughs, "Fooled me, Loupy. Starlight, no that shouldn't be a problem. Inter-dimensional affairs are also under our area of authority, so you may be doing more travelling.

Loupy smiles, "So, coffee?" he offers, relieved that the admission was taken well. "And..." as he looks around a moment, "wait... ok. Hey!" as he calls out to the ice cream store across the way, where four little wolf pup heads all look out the window, two with muzzles covered in ice cream. Loupy gestures for the four to come out and they do so, heading for the door and racing out to come back to their dad.

Paul says, "Someone mentioned snacks. They're on me. Loupy, you wanted to talk to me? Kay, can we have a word?"

"Of course." Kay answers Paul, "Do you want to talk in private Loupy? Paul?" She asks either of them, unsure if she should stick around while Loupy and Paul have their talk.

Total Babe says, "I never did find out if the critters could hurt me. BUt I guess that would only be as accurate as the simulation anyway."

Loupy nods as he looks back to Paul, "yea, these four little munchkins are the reason I can't take full time work, which is why I'm more of a consultant then a full time member." "Whose a munchkin?!" says one of them and Loupy grins, "Look in a mirror..." with a giggle from the other three. "Well, public is ok. I have to keep on the move because their dam wants the pups back... and isn't afraid to get some hides to do it. I can't gaurentee how available I will be for that reason."

Kay looks over towards Total Babe, "It wasn't a matter of hurt, they didn't hurt me either really. But the centipedes had some sort of toxin that was able to go right through my force field and freeze me for a few moments till I could shake it off. It was like my muscles wouldn't even move."

Paul gestures for Kay to step aside with him. "You have good instincts, you're decisive, obviously smart. One thing maybe you might want to think about. You present a plan, and they have been a good plans, before seeking input from your teammates. A good leader listens to her colleagues' suggestions before comitting herself and the team. Especially with part time members coming in and out of the active rosta you won't always know exactly what your teammates can do. It's worth thinking about."

Kay then is lead aside by Paul and she frowns a little, "I'm..." She pauses as if debating what to say but in the end she says simply, "I'll take that under advisement in the future, Sir." As clearly she doesn't disagree with the idea, probably just isn't used to dealing with unknowns.

Loupy crouches down and chats with his kids for a bit, the wolves smiling and a little silly as Loupy points out their muzzles are covered in ice cream... They admit to having lost their money to the arcade game before getting ice cream and he shakes his head, before forking over a bit more cash with the warning that this time it's for food, not for games before sending them back to the ice cream store.

Paul nods, "Anyway, I hope you'll take Starguard up on its offer. You'll clearly be a very considerable asset to the Gamma team."

"Oh absolutely sir. I thought I'd made it plain I was accepting but I'll do so again." Kay says with a smile, "Proud to be a part of the team, Sir." She hmmms, "I guess I'll have to take a look at the starguard colors, and uniform, hope it doesn't clash with red..."

Total Babe says, "What is the uniform?""

Paul chuckles, "It was designed by a dinosaur, both genetically and in fashion sense. I checked in our files. You might want to design your own. We have a section devoted to making bespoke hero costumes."

Paul showes the Starguard official costume. It's dull and utilitiarian.

Total Babe says, "Huh. I wonder what would happen if I put that on....."

Loupy glances to the uniform.. then grins at the opportunity for mischief comes up. The uniform in question, it seems to grow a muzzle and says, "I'll add 20 years to your appearance babe..."

Total Babe says, "Oh - are they made of tough material, at least? I'm finding my clothes get ruined every fight...."

Kay doesn't seem put out by the idea of a dull and utilitarian costume either. "It looks functional at least." She smirks, "Or did." And she grins at the muzzle, "Still," She goes back to serious mode quickly, "There's something to be said for functional utility, the colors will need updating though. Team needs to be able to pick each other out quickly. Means the enemy can as well but, the benefits are worth that risk..." She grows thoughtful.

Paul nods, "That's why a lot of heroes come to us for their costumes. We have a fabric that is extremely durable and stretches and shinks as needed.

Total Babe says, "Cool! that'll really help!"

Loupy gestures and dismisses the muzzle off of the uniform and puts his paws back in his pockets, moving to lean up against the front of the coffee shop and watching the streets, apparently relaxed now.

Paul say "According to the file the fabric was originally created by Starguard researcher named Bilbo for a heroine called Wasp. "

"Does it shrink and grow on command? Can we wear it as undergarments and then command it to cover us completely? That, would be exceptionally useful." Kay says to no one in particular. "Very handy for those who like to keep their identity secret."

Total Babe grins. "Yeah, nothing says 'I'm not a superhero' like underwear that keeps chanigng itself."

Paul says, "I honestly don't know. Here, this is the number of the section that makes costumes. Give them a call."

Total Babe says, "I'll have to talk to them too. There may be... complications with my costume."

Kay can't help but smile at the idea of self changing undergarments but she takes the number and inputs it into her pda so she can use it later. She looks over at TB and asks, "What sort of complications? You don't seem to change form or substance like turning into fire or anything."

Paul says, "Depending on interest there may be more try-outs. Of course you're welcome to attend them. The participants will be potentially be your future teammates after all. As soon as the building is refurbished to the point it can be used I'll organise a get together so everyone can meet everyone, and we can sort out things like team leaders, etc."

Total Babe says, "Let's just say you''d be wrong about the standard uniform putting twenty years on me!"