Log:Overlord - Zu, Scene 2

Overlord's Arrival 2018/04/24 Indira Starlight Mechanic Doctor Destroyer Capitano Italia Guerrier Executor Srayn 5

Rolling dunes of sand and rock extend in most directions...the exception being the large black and red pylon, two miles in diameter, jutting out of the ground. The Zu military has cordoned off an area around it a good mile and a half out.

Indira(#2729POeACcF?)

In her natural form, Indira Paxis has light blue skin with various shadings and markings of darker blue, greens, and purples. Her body is humanoid in nature, and slender. Her irises glow ambiently with a soft pink light. Her "hair" consists of long blades and strands of white organic material that feels like the soft petals of a flower. Due to the neurochemicals her people give off, once you get closer to her or are around her more, she starts to seem to shift more to something the target finds safe and attractive. She takes on the traits of that race, appearing more human to humans, or more Yuun'tan to a Yuun'ta.

She's wearing a tight fitting dark violet dress made of a synthetic material, with decorative glowing lines and panels of soft cyan light. It's the latest in fiber glow fashion that's all the rage in the Andromeda Galaxy. The cut of it is more the style of an elegant formal evening dress. It's an off-the-shoulder design, so tight up top it must be binding, but loose and long to the point that it touches the ground, with long sleeves that go just past her wrists.

Mechanic(#2318PeACcF?)

Those familiar with the simulation calling itself the Mechanic might notice some notable differences in this the true Mechanic and creator of the Torus. This man looks similar inso far as having an ever shifting face might make anyone look like someone - anyone else. Though the shifting seems to be less random, more like some kind of obfusication field.

He's wearing a single two-tone blue flightsuit thats tight and form-fitting almost like a superhero costume & a white lab coat over that. The parts of his flesh that are exposed seem inlaid with technology (hands, neck, face and most notably the entirety of each eye)- namely a black metal of some kind in various configurations that when in their 'default' settings look almost art deco-ish. These lines do not stop for his clothing- infact they suffuse and continue on unabated, visible over the top.

Some things remain the same- like how he's quite dapper for a crazy cosmic wanderer from no-where and no-when near here. He's also especially clean despite being called 'The Mechanic', and even when he should be wet, dirty or damaged - he seem unchanged. Dirt and water seem to just bead up and fall right off of him as if refusing to sully, tarnish or weigh down this being.

Starlight(#522PenACcF?)

What is it that about Starlight that first draws attention? Is it her size, or more accurately the lack of it? Starlight is only three inches tall. Perhaps it's the quietly buzzing multi-hued dragonfly wings upon her back. Then there's her eyes, faceted like an insect and gleaming iridescently with all the colors of the rainbow. She is slender, with long light reddish-brown hair falling well below her shoulders. Her movements are graceful and fluid yet somehow indicative of a notable strength for such a diminative figure. She looks young, no more than sixteen years of age.

Starlight is dressed in a almost skin-tight costume covering all except her head. The torso and upper limbs of her costume are white, while the arms from the elbows down, legs below the knees, and collar, are a sky blue. There are large metallic golden starburst symbols on her chest and back.

The plan: Get a large Implosion Device created by Dr. Destroyer into the center of the alien pylon that's currently drilling its way toward the core of the planet. The bomb is designed to hopefully destroy the alien vehicle while minimizing damage to the surrounding area. Mechanic (As a morphed vehicle) is currently carrying the device upward toward the upper rim of the pylon. Drones are following, but their ability to do so has been deterred by those flying escort: Dr. Destroyer and Guerrier. The latter is a French superhero.

In the vehicle, we have Capitano Italia, Indira, and Timewarp.

Complicating matters, the heroes have spotted someone incoming from the east...presumably this 'Executor' that was mentioned in the thoughts of one of the drones.

Indira watches the approach of the Executor. "I wonder if that is what the drone's files mentioned." She looks around at the sturdiness of the ship. "I may be able to provide some emergency shielding."

Starlight arrives with a sonic crack as she comes to an abrupt halt above the pylon after travelling in at many times the speed of sound.

Guerrier's flight path changes to try to place himself between the vehicle and the oncoming Executor. "I suggest you...move quickly."

The Mechanic's head (in holographic form) appears in the primary windscreen and says, "That may be wise Ambassador Paxis- my systems are currently pressed to their limit and I have a feeling our escorts may not be able to contain this Executor alone."

The Torus' gravimetic propulsion systems whine as he makes every adjustment he can to get a littl emore thrust so they can make it to the top. Unfortunately percentage points int the thousandths place doesn't make for a huge difference. Certainly not noticble to his passengers.

The Executor arcs downward, heading toward the vehicle. It's definitely moving quite a bit faster than its target. It shouts something in some kind of alien language, though even if it could be translated, it's a little too far away to make out full words.

Dr. Destroyer also takes up a defensive stance near Guerrier, though he prepares to open fire when his target gets closer.

The vehicle continues to climb, but the Executor is moving far more quickly. It's only about 100m out now.

Starlight takes in the obvious features of the situation but has little reference as to what it means. Calling doen to Dr Destroyer is her high pitched, and not very friendly sounding tone, she asks, "I've come to help. What can I do?"

Dr. Destroyer calls back to Starlight as she asks him her question. "We need to protect this vehicle just a little bit longer. From...that incoming alien. All we need to do is distract it for a minute or so!"

Indira taps on the console on her forearm and holds her other hand, fingers outstretched. An orange hexagonal field expands to guard part of the ship.

Starlight nods to Dr Destroyer and heads to the incoming alien with a furious buzzing of her tiny wings. Darting toward the alien she tries to tag it on a leg to disrupt its progress.

The Executor isn't overly hurt by the strike, but he does get knocked back a good 12m in the air and spun around.

Starlight spins as she reaches the alien and kicks out. Her timing is off and so she's surprised with she manages to impact it. Even better, the off centre impact sends the Executor alien into a spin.

Dr. Destroyer blasts off in the direction of the Executor, following Starlight's lead. He doesn't quite reach the target, so he unleashes a large beam of energy instead...aiming to engulf the Executor.

Apparently energy is something that the Executor is better suited to dealing with than a physical assault. The energy diffuses around his body, though there's still enough of an impact to send him another 10m further away.

Executor pulls in the energy he just absorbed from Dr. Destroyer's last attack and sends it back toward the Zu monarch. He aims his energy mace and a beam of the same level streaks toward Dr. Destroyer.

...and it sends Dr. Destroyer reeling as well.

Guerrier remains as a guard by the vehicle, knowing that he's best suited there.

Indira directs her hand in a swath, expanding the projected force shields by another six meters to protect more of the ship. "I can't help much more until they're closer. So I am hoping that I won't need to help." She watches Dr. Destroyer go tumbling, then looks to Capitano as she makes a smooth gesture towards the villain. "Is he durable?"

Capitano Italia nods, "Oh yes, I'm sure he's quite the durable sort. Do not worry. See...he is not even rattled by that hit he took." He draws a pistol, which admittedly seems a bit ludicrous at this point, given the scale of hte conflict. But he does it all the same.

The Torus continues to climb as it repells the Earth away with all the force the device's creator is capable of giving it.

"Thank you Ambassador- You are not the only one hoping your shields won't be tested." The holographic head says.

The Mechanic nods in agreement with Capitano Italia and despite how ludicris it all is- the ship sprouts a little porthole fit for the gun's barrel that will pushout if it comes down to it.

Afterall- the Torus is not a weapon, so it doesn't have any overtly offensive systems.

Torus rolls so Capitano Italia's porthole will be angled correctly.

Again...the Executor grunts and is spun about...he definitely felt that.

Starlight strikes the alien on his chest and bounces off back catching herself in flight and dart off 20m to the side.

Dr. Destroyer rights himself and rockets toward the alien. This time, he doesn't want to give the Executor more ammunition. He doesn't quite get to his target, though.

Executor also gets his bearings...and while he'd love to go after Starlight, Dr. Destroyer is in his face again. He brings his mace around and unleashes more energy, though not quite as much as last time. He says, in an alien language that Mechanic can translate, << What is it that you protect? Do you not know you are already dead? You should have fled the planet when the Harbinger gave his announcement to your world! >>

The blast catches Dr. Destroyer in the chest, sending him backward again in the air. He grunts, but doesn't say anything in reply.

The Quantum Mechanic announces to the cabin, for those interested in what the Executor is saying, I can translate here audibly.

An urgent psychic connection request is sent to the three heroes outside with the same information within, if they accept the connection.

Once that is all settled, the Torus' translation suite fills in the blanks in a modified voice. "What is it that you protect? Do you not know you are already dead? You should have fled the planet when the Harbinger gave his announcement to your world!"

The Torus still continues its ascent.

Guerrier remains outside of the barrier, as a first level of defense, shield held at the ready.

Indira stares at the Executor after listening to the claim. "Kaldri bosh, do they think they are doing favors?" she asks as she tries to distract the Executor, hoping he is more organic than machine beneath that armor. She tries to mold his perceptions to think the ship is going unsteady and blows up during its wild attempt to stop the pylon.

The Executor laughs grimly, << And clearly whatever your plan was...is a failure, human. >>

Indira smiles at the translation from the Mechanic, and her collar. She communicates over the mind link << I managed to convince the Executor that we blew up in our attempt. We have some time to get to the pylon. >>

Starlight freezes, dropping like a stone as her wings cease to beat. Then she bugs out, with a thunder like snap of sound as she flees.

Dr. Destroyer says, "This isn't over yet, alien." He rights himself again and reaches out, trying to leech off some of the Executor's power.

Executor howls in anger as the energy is drawn off of him, << How dare you take what was granted to me by the Overlord! >> He fires a blast again at Dr. Destroyer, but it's significantly weaker now.

The Quantum Mechanic & his trusty Torus complete the arduous task of hoisting Doctor Destroyer's PED (Pylon-Ending Device) to the top of the massive drilling platform still making its way for the Earth's core.

The craft shifts forms from a space worthy vessel to a much squatter dock-trolley just big enough to hold everyone in place as well as the weapon.

This hover-loader stays low in hopes of keeping ouit of sight of the Executor and gets to the inner rim at the top.

The Mechanic's head announces, "Alright- everyone out! I believe this is our point of departure."

So at Mechanic's request, both Timewarp and Capitano Italia get out on stop of the pylon. It's 20m wide at hte rim, so...kind of safe? Sort of?

Guerrier remains at the top of the rim, facing toward Executor. "I can fly a couple of people back myself as needed."

Indira hops out as well, turning to look at the Mechanic's form expectantly. "Then hurry. There isn't much time to get away," she says, assuming he's coming with them.

Starlight is thousands of miles from the Zu pylon when her sense of what's right manages to overcome her instinctive fear of mental powers. Reversing direction she flies back, arriving back at virtually the same spot from which she fled.

Dr. Destroyer wasn't quite as rattled by that last hit. He floats closer and slugs the Executor with a straightforward punch. Not his normal style, but he is nothing if not adaptable. Desperate times, etc, etc.

Executor is knocked backward again...and rights himself before unleashing one more blast toward his immediate opponent.

"Since we are here at the request of Doctor Destroyer, I will follow his plan. My calculations show that the margin of error is within acceptable tolerances." The Quantum Mechanic says after everyone is off. "I will drop the device and can open a gateway back to Destroyer's forward base for those of us who would like to watch from a safe distance. But if there is a way for all to return to base without me- I will remain with the device cloaked and out of phase to ensure its proper activation."

Mechanic flies the Torus over the edge of the pylon, preparing to drop it and follow along, cloaked and out of phase to avoid detection and destruction alike.

The Mechanic appears nearby in hologram mode as he waits for everyone to figure otu just how they're getting home and whether or not he's needed.

Dr. Destroyer looks at the pylon briefly, "It's delivered! Everyone, pull back to a safe distance!" He says it openly...and loudly, to make sure everyone involved on his side can hear it.

Guerrier's shield and sword disappear...and he takes a hold of both Timewarp and Capitano Italia. He shouts back to Dr. Destroyer, "We need one more to evacuate!" ...clearly referring to Indira. Guerrier takes off, heading back toward where the troops are stationed.

Executor hears a translation of the doctor's announcement, << It was not destroyed? How? >> He takes off in the direction of the pylon to investigate.

Indira watches the Mechanic. "You'll be alright?" she asks to be sure, hesistant to leave, but knowing she shouldn't stay.

Starlight appears to have returned just in time. Flying to the pylon she asks if anyone needs a lift out of there.

Dr. Destroyer just flies back to a reasonable distance to watch, seeing as everyone else appears to have a way out.

"I will be fine- I wish to preserve this moment for prosperity- to record the necessary data to share with Earth authorities as well as those on other worlds. To light the way- to give hope when there was none." The Mechanic replies dryly.

Though he senses the Executor coming along too and sees that time is short. He may not have a chocie between saving the data and saving the world.

The Mechanic-hologram sighs as the Torus runs the numbers.

Indira holds her hand up to Starlight. "We must get out of here, quickly," the ambassador calls out. She looks back to the Mechanic and nods at his mission. "Kaldri be on your side," she wishes him well.

Capitano Italia is being held aloft by Guerrier, but in a moment of spite, he takes a shot at Executor anyway with his pistol.

Starlight hovers near Indira, "Grab my feet and hold on tight. Do you know how far we need to get away to be safe?"

"I am uncertain. It is meant to implode, so we have to avoid being pulled in," Indira says as she grabs hold, a few vines winding about with her fingers for extra grip. "I would go as far as Dr. Destroyer, at minimum."

Seeing Indira spirited away by Starlight, The Quantum Mechanic hologram derezzes at the same moment the Torus deactivates its vehicle-mode.

The bomb is released.

.0031 seconds later, the Mechanic commands the Torus to follow and activate its observation mode.

The small black sphere shimmers out of sight like a mirage for any who might be watching.

Executor gets to the rim just as hte device falls...and he tries to give chase into the pylon, though it has a significant lead.

Starlight nods, "Behind him sounds even better." she says as she flies out, increasing her speed relatively slowly instead of her usual instant acceleration to help Indira hold on.

Guerrier speeds up as well...not having any difficulty getting far enough out.

The bomb falls...and after several seconds, it goes off. The implosion is thunderous inside the pylon. The walls of the pylon itself start to creak and bend as the metal is pulled inward against the very strength of the circle. But the crushing power is more than enough. The walls buckle and collapse inward. The top pulls downward...and the bottom upward...eventually turning into a singular metallic sphere.

Starlight speeds up getting past Dr Destroyer and then going desolid into energy for the shake off Indira's hold so she can get further away. She doesn't slow down before doing so.

And while Mechanic is able to phase out to become safe, the Executor is not. He gets pulled into the forming singularity...and crushed. There is a sound of grinding metal...and then the sphere gets smaller...and smaller. And then it's gone. Leaving a hole in the ground.

Indira is caught by surprise as Starlight slips from her grip. She starts to fall, but keeps her calm as she starts to flip toward and over with the momentum of her fall. She taps out the anti-grav activation button and starts to slow, then rights herself as she drifts down slowly. She watches the implosion, hoping the Mechanic is well. There's a twinge of regret as the Executor is consumed.

Dr. Destroyer nods in satisfaction. "It worked just like designed. Of course." He floats down to the ground, and cheering can be heard from the surrounding troops.

The Mechanic records every detail, including the horrifying end of the Executor and the Torus analyzes it all in hopes of finding any other weaknesses that might be found inside the structure as the bomb fell. Likely not far enough to see the control node at the bottom- but still every mb of counts.

Indira touches down like a feather on the ground. "I did not think it possible. The stories made it sound unlikely."

The Mechanic appears as a hologram next to the alien Ambassador. "Well- that was one for the chronicles of Humanity." He says after completing his survey of the hole in the ground.

Guerrier nods, "The world is not safe yet. There are many of these around the globe. So, the Overlord might still get some of the energy he was looking to cull."

Indira smiles to the Mechanic and moves to give him an Asrani hug of greeting, then stops herself as she realizes he's just a hologram. "I am glad to see you, my unusual friend." She looks to Guerrier, her cheer turning to worry.