Log:Omega Recruitment, Scene 1

Omega Recruitment 2019/02/16 	 Technomorph Artemis Pyreus Cryostatic

1

Earlier in the day, Pyreus and Alexandra found themselves in a conference room with Rousseau. She had a hologram in the air over the table.

"I believe I have another potential recruit. We've analyzed her movements of late. She has a tendency to use aerial movements over these areas in the early evenings on the weekends. We do not wish to spook her or to force her to consider us her enemies. But we should do our best to 'arrange' a meeting." says the CEO.

Alexandra nods and says, "So, a white flag sort of thing then." She nods and says, "We can do that."

That is how the rooftops seem to have grown a silvery metallic woman and Pyreus as Artemis finds herself passing overhead. As she approaches, an old fashioned flare gun fires into the sky... a flare on a parachute drifting downwards.

Artemis soars over the city in search of monsters to hunt and battles to fight. Her outfit looks inspired by Spartan culture with elements of modern and futuristic design elements that don't have a terran origin. A dark red cloak flutters behind her as she flies, fists ahead of her and eyes scanning the streets. When they lift to the horizon, the flare gets her attention.

Slowing as she draws near, she pulls up and tries to interpret the gesture. "Are you issuing a challenge?" she asks in a british accent, sounding excited at the prospect. Such a stereotype. Becoming more serious, she adds, "Or are you signaling for aid?"

"Such a simple question, and the answer is far more complicated than that." says Alexandra, aka Technomorph. She inclines her head and adds, "More of an invitation to challenge yourself and to grow beyond what you have been doing of late. And a request for aid on the behalf of others."

Yes, -that- part was scripted. She read it on her HUD before stepping forward. "I understand that you have been doing your best to help others with little to no support and assistance." Another pause then to allow for a reply.

Pyreus is sitting cross-legged, about 3 feet above the roof. Red and orange flames flicker around him.

Pyreus says, "We're putting together a team."

Artemis hovers with her hands at her sides, one leg bent partially as she bobs up and down. "A challenge to grow? That doesn't sound complicated." She doesn't quite get it. Her gaze turns on Pyreus as he simplifies it. "A...team? Does the team require aid?" she looks to the pair of them.

"Every team requires aid." replies Technomorph as she shifts her eyes towards Pyreus and shakes her head. But then she looks back up to Artemis. "But a team grows stronger when the team itself grows. We are extending you an invitation to work as a part of a team. With the support and strength that being a part of a team means."

Artemis drifts closer to study the pair of them. "I've worked with a number of this city's champions. You're referring to a more permanent alliance, yes?" She pauses a moment in thought. "But you don't even know me. Nor I, you." That doesn't seem to worry her, but it leaves her curious as to the why of it.

Pyreus 'stands up' and holds out his hand, "I'm called Pyreus, and she is known as Technomorph."

Artemis looks down at his flaming hand, then back up at his face. A brow raises expectantly.

"Well, as for what we do or do not know about you... the R&D department has put together dossiers on those we intended to approach." offers Technomorph as she lifts her left hand and projects a hologram over it. "Let me see. Subjects: Artemis appears proud, honorable.. has difficulty turning down a challenge." She inclines her head and adds, "Recorded as making claims of a divine nature. Or perhaps an alien nature. Perhaps both." She shrugs. "But overall, a skilled combatant who wishes to protect others. Someone willing to put themselves between the defenseless, and those who would harm them." But then as Pyreus speaks, she smirks and nods, "Yes. I am Technomorph, and he is Pyreus. Thus far, we are the team. We would like to add you to it on a long term basis if you can see the benefit of doing so. Also, we would happily tell you about ourselves but..." she folds her arms over her chest, "I imagine that you, like me... believe that the best way to 'get to know' someone is in combat..."

The flames die away around him.

Artemis clasps the offered hand finally. "Artemis."

Artemis has quite the strong grip.

Pyreus grins and says, now that we've been introduced, we're not quite strangers anymore, right?

"Both," Artemis answers as she releases Pyreus hand in answer to her claims. "Your R&D department did its work. So there's only two of you on this...team?" She smiles at Technomorph's challenge. "I find both are good ways to get to know someone." She sounds amused.

"Well, we are approaching potential recruits with care. It is not as if we are having open tryouts. That's the way to get someone with a magic bowling ball or waffle iron." says Technomorph. But then she smirks and offers her own silvery metal hand. "We are sponsored by NashCo, who recently merged with Quinn Technologies. They have resources and technology to support our efforts. Ms. Nash has stipulated that although she sponsors us, we are -not- to take orders from her. We are our own entity and we choose our direction and priorities."

"There -are- strange champions in this city," Artemis says with a sideglance off somewhere, thinking of the irrepressible Cryostatic. She looks back to Technomorph and shakes her hand. "Sponsor? So she pays for you and your team to protect the city? Without orders from NashCo?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Technomorph says, "Rousseau Nash is a philanthropist. She -is- NashCo." With a gesture across the way, towards Quinn Tower. "That is now as the staff of the company says... Nashville." She shakes her head then and adds, "She specifically wants to be hands off. She wants us to -be- the team. To select our own leadership. She may offer advice now and then. But she is not to be involved in team decisionmaking."

This concept perplexes Artemis. "But...why?" she asks, eyes searching Technomorph's. "I am familiar with this concept in my home Realms, but never from humans. There is usually a motive."

"OF course there is a motive and a benefit. To be -known- for doing such would create other business opportunities. Consider it an investment. Sponsorship tends to work that way. The people -see- that the sponsor is involved, and it gets the name out there. People associate the team and their activities with the sponsor." says Technomorph. "There are other benefits also. We could be considered test pilots for new tech that NashCo may be developing for military and law enforcement use. Such as the programmable matter that makes up my armor and gear." she says as she gestures to herself.

"Advertising," Artemis sighs, familiar with the concept. There are ads eeeeverywhere.

The self-proclaimed young goddess looks Technomorph over. "That is nice. But that doesn't interest me," she says flatly. It sounds like rejection until she says, "What interests me is 'fighting the good fight' as you humans put it, and protecting those who can't protect themselves. If that is part of your mission, that I would consider being part of your team."

After a beat, she adds, "At least...for those parts of your activities."

"Of course. That is -the- mission. The only mission. There are many threats across the world and beyond. So many of the hero sorts seem to go gallivanting around the multiverse. We would focus on threats of a more... local nature. Local meaning this world. These people." offers Technomorph. "Before I had the chance to join up here, I was a soldier. I understand sacrifice and I could not think of a higher calling than to place myself between my people and danger. The invitation is offered. Will you accept and rise to the challenge?" she asks as she offers a hand once more.

Of course Technomorph plays on Artemis' inability to refuse a challenge. She smiles and says boisterously, "Challenge accepted!" Cryostatic would be pleased with Artemis' accidental use of a common earth meme. Her hand swings out to clasp Technomorph by the wrist in a handshake more common to ages past. The impact is solid and her grip firm. Veeery firm.

KNowing the warrior mentality quite well, Technomorph gives as good as she gets, grip-wise. Turns out, as far as raw physical strength, the two of you are equally matched. "I presume that you have a place to live. If you needed it, housing would be provided within the tower. A base is being built into the upper floors there now. A base that will have housing, support, computer systems and the like. A place that we can gather to discuss potential missions, to analyze opponents.. to socialize with teammates..."

"I have a...living situation handled, yes," Artemis makes it sound like it's no ideal. Releasing Technomorph, she seems satisfied with the handshake display, then looks towards the tower. "I see. So what do you call yourselves?"

"That is a good question. The plan was to recruit team members, and then between us... come up with a name." offers Technomorph as she steps back away and holds herself like she is a soldier standing at ease.

Artemis nods once solidly. "Sounds fair. Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Do you have any other questions?" asks Technomorph. "Do you have any requests? Can you abide by instructions from an elected team leader selected by the team?" A pause and she adds, "It could be you of course."

"I could abide as long as they were not immortal," Artemis says after some thought. "I suppose I will have to learn more so I can have more questions. I have no special requests."

Nodding, Technomorph asks, "Do you have communication tech? A frequency that can be used to reach you?" Technomorph lifts her hand and projects a hologram once more. On the display is encryption and frequency information for the team comms. "If you lack that, we can provide you with something."

Artemis shakes her head. "No. Nothing that could interface with earth tech," she admits. "If you have something, that would be easiest."

Nodding, Technomorph says, "If you would show up at the tower in the morning. There will be a rooftop entrance waiting for you." she says with a gesture that way. "We will provide you with comms."

Artemis nods an glances to the tower. "Tomorrow morning? I'll be there." Thinking for a moment, she asks, "Who else are you planning on recruiting?"

Pyreus says, "Welcome aboard."

"There is a scientist that seems to have the right mindset. Also.." Technomorph projects the next dossier on her list. It shows a profile and face shot of Cryostatic along with -his- information packet. In one small display is an image of Cryo running. "Moniker... Cryostatic." she says.

Pyreus looks it over. "Cold and electricity...cool.

"You're considering him?" Artemis asks with some surprise. But not a lot. Cryostatic and Artemis have been seen patrolling together before. But all she can think about is Ivan's blinding hawaiian shirts.

"A good team should have a blend of abilities as well as personalities." offers Technomorph. "Again, I am not the team leader here. I am just the one tasked with reaching out to potential recruits." But she nods, "His abilities appear useful. And he seems to be a rather... gregarious individual."

Artemis laughs warmly. "That is a kind description of him. But he has a good heart."

"My backup lists -did- have some other names on them. But for one reason or another.. Bullet is not available. Obsidian Butterfly has not been active of late.." offers Technomorph with a shrug, "But I would look forward to working and training with you Artemis. Perhaps... testing ourselves against one another in the future for fun and competition."

Pyreus says, "I could do the same with this Cryostatic, if he joins us."

Cryostatic enters from MagLev System.

Artemis floats near a rooftop speaking with Technomorph and Pyreus calmly. "Knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses would be strategically sound," she agrees.

"The R&D department gave us clues on finding you. But... someone as fast as the next potential recruit..." Technomorph gestures to the holo of Cryostatic over her arm. "We're not sure about patterns for someone who moves so fast that he can be anywhere at nearly any moment." She looks up to Artemis, "You seem to know him. So do you have any suggestions?"


 * KAE-RRRRUNNNNNCH*

"Nnnneeeehhh... What's up, Mysterious Strangers?"

Cryostatic arches an eyebrow under his domino mask. He is holding a half-eaten carrot in one gloved hand while his absurdly long scarf flaps in the wind. For the moment, Cryostatic is standing on the edge of the roof while peering at all of the flying people just off of the edge of the roof.

Artemis probably just has a button on her smartphone labeled 'Summon Cryostatic' or, perhaps, it's just an obscenely brightly colored Hawaiian shirt icon that she can't actually look directly at while touching.

Artemis smiles in amusement at Cryostatic, not getting the bugs bunny reference at all. "Ah, friend Cryostatic, we were just discussing you!"

"I see you finally started showing off that 3D I gave you, she-bro," intones Cryostatic.

To emphasize his point, Cryostatic gestures to the hologram of himself floating over Technomorph's forearm.

Looking at the hologram, Technomorph peers through it and spies Cryo there. She lifts her brows and dismisses the holo. "Well. That is fortuitous." she states simply. "You were not kidding about the shirt." she says up to Artemis before turning to approach Cryo. "Greetings Cryostatic. My moniker is Technomorph. I've been tasked with approaching potential recruits to form a team. You will notice two of my successful recruits here... Pyreus, and I believe you know Artemis."

"I...what? No, I didn't give that to her. She must've gotten it online," Artemis states emphatically, gesticulating broadly.

Pyreus sticks out his hand. Flames flicker about it (and the rest of him).

"Sure, Arte-bro."

Cryostatic cocks his head to one side, shifting his gaze back and forth between Technomorph and Pyreus. After a few moments, Cryostatic blurs before reaching out toward Pyreus with what remains of his carrot mounted on an unusually long barbeque skewer as he tries to flame roast what remains of his carrot over Pyreus' fire-engulfed chest.

"So, uh, why do you sound like a public access, like, after school special?"

(Probably because I am an adult...) O O o o. . thinks Technomorph. But she does her job and her duty. So she schools her face to reveal as little of her thoughts as possible. After a moment studying the dossier on her HUD, she bobs her head in a nod to herself. "Think of it this way. Join the team and you will get far more public exposure. This will have two effects. One.. you will be more noticed than Lightning. And two... it will help prove that you are the -best- speedster out there." Yes, try to appeal to the psych report. Let's hope this works!

Artemis glances to Cryostatic, wondering on his response. She's starting to suspect something here. "You expect him to do this for fame?"

"Well.. -also- for fame." mutters Technomorph as she waits for Cryo's reply.

"You..."

Cryostatic pauses. For a second, Cryostatic seems at a loss for words.

The moment passes and Cryostatic seems to frown under his scarf. Cryostatic spins his stick and carrot around while he folds his arms across his chest. He spares a difficult to read glance at Artemis before his attention fixes on Technomorph again.

"We're being blunt today. Blunt is what we're doing. That's how we're going to try to play the game. No subtlety. No pretext. No subtext. Just cutting out the middle man and going for the hard sell."

Keeping the carrot and barbeque skewer balanced with his arm pit, both pointed backward and downward, Cryostatic lifts his gloved hands. Quietly Cryostatic claps for a few seconds before he shoots Technomorph the double finger pistols.

"Techbromorph, I like you. You're good people. Totes arid. Never change."

Shifting his weight, Cryostatic blurs into motion for a second. When the blurring stops, Cryostatic is no longer in possession of the carrot or the skewer. He looks Technomorph and Pyreus up and down.

"You're just bad at the whole recruiting dance. Don't, like, quit the hero thing for a job in sales. Trust me, brah, neither of you are cut out for the fast-paced, high-pressure world of sales."

Pyreus says, "No worrys, I already have a day job."

Nodding her head, Technomorph shrugs, "That is what I told Ms. Nash. But she seems to think that I needed to be the one to go seeking out potential recruits. Look. What you got so far was the script. Let me go -off- script here." she says as she steps forward, "We're combining forces... forming a team so that we are more than just a few heroes. We are something more effective than individuals. So that we can back each other up. So we can help more people more easily. Forget the ego. Forget the psych report. This is me. Sergeant Alexandra Santini, US Army Retired." she says as the silver flows off of her face to reveal her fairly attractive features. "I am asking you to step up and be a part of this. I am asking for you, for all of you.. to help me make this team become a reality." She says, turning to look at everyone else.

Artemis drifts down and lands on the rooftop by Cryostatic, a little surprised, but not entirely. Cryostatic has a knack for bluntness. Something she learned was not acceptable at work. "I accepted, provided the goal is to help people. As far as I understand it, there is no obligation to stay," she tells Cryostatic. Looking to Technomorph for confirmation, she asks, "Is that correct?"

"Pssshaw," replies Cryostatic.

He casually sidesteps around Pyreus and Technomorph. Cryostatic hops up onto the edge of the roof and pirouettes a couple of times as he steps away from the other heroes.

"You guys can do what you want. I look forward to upstaging all of you almost as much as showing up that jerk, Lightning."

Pausing moment, Cryostatic pirouettes once more to look back at Technomorph while he stands at an impossible angle. He balances somehow on the very edge of the roof, his body pointing out at a near 45 degree angle as he regards the trio of heroes.

"Hey, maybe you should recruit Lightning to, like, fill in that gaping hole made of speed and, like, electricity in your team. Then I'd REALLY enjoy showing you guys up a lot."

With that, Cryostatic shoots off a weirdly practiced looking salute as he lifts a boot off of the roof and he seems to step out into open air.

"It was, like, real ICE to meet you. Stay frosty, bro and brosellinas."

Promptly, Cryostatic goes sprinting down the building's facade with no apparent regard for gravity.

"So.. I guess that's a no?" asks Technomorph as she steps over and peers over the edge of the roof. Then she shakes her head and sighs, "Well, I really do suck at this whole.. persuasion shit, eh?" she asks the other two women.

Artemis tries to lay a hand on Technomorph's shoulder. "Well, that was completely unexpected," she says calmly. She looks off as Cryostatic sprints off at his usual super speed, surprised by his reaction. "He...can be a certain way whenever Lightning is mentioned. It's never predictable."

"Gotta say. I -was- looking forward to working with the kid." That said, the silver metal flows back up to cover her face and head. Her shoulders sag a bit, but then she takes a deep breath and squares herself, "Okay." she activates her comm and says, "Ma'am. Artemis is on board. Cryostatic.. Not so much. Please transmit backup dossiers."

"Let me talk to him. See what was going on. But I doubt he'll join still." Artemis starts to float off of the ground. "IF I can catch up to him," she shrugs helplessly. He could already be too far for her to catch up. She flies out and over the edge, diving down to see if she can still spot the speedster or his trail.