Log:Omega Guard Represent

2019/11/02 	 Cerulean Crimson Artemis Sid Victory Sinmore Enforcer

1

Old friends. Potential new ones. An honorable quest amidst the larger whole. Hope.

All of these are carried along with Artemis, Sid, the colorful twins, and their compatriots aboard. Once their flight, Gamma, reaches the battle line, however, casual conversations on the topics become difficult.

The shuttle imparts varying directions and amounts of accelaeration on its passengers and crew as it engages in heavy evasive maneuvering. While viewports aren't prevalent, save for the cockpit canopy, the comms share the reality outside vividly enough. A battle rages, with combatants fighting, and dying, about them. From their perspective, selflessly, as well, given that the boarding shuttles are protected at all costs by their close escorts.

By the time the shuttle reaches the starboard bay, it's landing might almost be considered half-crash, with several systems damaged, maneuverbility limited, and their power-armor external gunner vaporized, subject to vacuum, or potentially lost spinning through the void.

None of this deters the pilots from making what adjustments they can even as the ramps drop to let folks out in a hurry. They seem to have every intention of rejoining the fight, bird wounded or not.

Crimson and Cerulean unbuckles and race out down the shuttle ramp to assess the situation and do what they can to protect the other heroes as they also disembark.

Artemis braces from the half-crash. She's gone from her jovial self to put on her war face, reserved for dire situations. She says to the pilots, "Netzah grant you the fortune and Keter the speed you need to see this through. Our thanks for your skills getting us here." Having wished them her best and her thanks, she disembarks and goes down the ramp, deploying her shield and drawing her sword.

The twins scan the immediate surroundings for threats. "I wonder if they sell A-Z's for this vessel?" Mark says.

Sid does not require safety belts or restraints but it doesn't stop him from putting them on as a way of dealing with the stress of being on such a dangerous mission. He may have signed up for this but he didn't sign up for this.

He puts on a brave face anyway or his face is too gooey to tell that's he's grimacing. Finally a perk from his transformation worth noting.

As they impact he lets some of his telekinetic jelly reinforce the two youth's restraints, readying himself to cover them and absorb whatever may come if the worst happens. He's almost grateful for the forced distraction, but his vigilance doesn't stop him from reciting a prayer quietly to himself.

The landing bay is volumous, and chaotic, with other craft landing or attempting to. Most are, not surprisingly, a litle or alot worse for wear. Some energy fire comes from armed troopers scattered in small teams at various corridor entrances. It is towards several of those that the bulk of the Earth forces advance upon. In that direction, allegedly, lie the primary generator for the ship and the control systems for the weapon. That is the primary goal, though another was already stated. Unfortunately, the destination to any damsel detainees was not scanned nor extrapolated by Starguard or UEMS.

The new twins engage stealth mode on their battlesuits, and become hard to see as the coloration of their suits merges with the background of their location. "Which way?"

Artemis looks about the landing bay. "We have no information from the scans, though they did keep her in a large cell. If we can find where their brig is, mayhaps we can find her," she suggests. Her head turns towards the enemies firing against Urth forces. "Perhaps one of them can inform us. And we can help clear some of the way for Urth Forces."

Sid bounces between Artemis and the twins, keeping a worried and watchful eye out for danger. "Its as good a plan as any." Sid says with a nod. "Let's do this." He adds, trying to sound brave but he's clearly a bit worried. Space is awfully cold.

His arms lengthen as he prepares for combat.

Crimson closes on the enemy forces and reaches out with an enegy whip to attempt to grab one of the opposition and pull them back to Artemis.

The number of plant-like and woody-armored troops holding the exit(s) from the bay are not numerous, though they are well dug in and have cover in the hatchway, while the Urth forces are more exposed in the bay. Well, one less is dug in as the energy whip snares one and yoinks him(her? it?) from cover and to Artemis.

Artemis reaches out to help catch hold of the being Crimson has dragged to her, attempting to take away its weapon once in range.

Crimson exclaims in surprise as she gets a clear view for the first time, "They're plants!"

Sid is surprised the kids get right to it- especially when they press the attack before the immortal among them but he soon follows suit. He wouldn't be much of a hero if he let two teenagers risk their lives and he not do the same.

He bounces up and towards the corridor door, clinging above it so he can enter without impeding anyone's progress. A mass of goo builds up on his shoulder, pulsing as it increases in size.

He sticks to the top of the corridor ceiling and then he throws his arm at one of the opposing forces shooting at Earth Forces.

His arm stretches down the hallway taking the mass with it before he smacks the trooper in the chest. The mass continues down the rest of his arm and rolls right off of Sid and onto the trooper, trapping the trooper in it.

Artemis's blade taps the fingers of the trooper sharply, knocking the gun up and out of its hand. She quickly sheathes her sword and catches the blaster as it falls, then flashes a grin at the trooper. "A plant? Well, I have seen stranger things in the great expanse." She keeps the barrel pointed up and away. As Sid starts clearing the way, she looks to the trooper Crimson caught. "We seek the Burning Giant, Sinmore. Hair and eyes of flame, quite the temper. Where are you keeping her?"

The Urth forces in the vicinity see their opportunity. They break from hastily-found cover and rush the weakened strongpoint. Some at the fore take fire from the remaining troopers, but surge forward to overwhelm those fewer. Once these troopers are distracted by assault forces in their faces, more Urth forces are free to charge in behind them.

The disarmed trooper seems to regain his wits, and a sudden defiance at the question despite his current situation. "You will not have our prize, mammal!" He lunges at her barehanded.

Artemis keeps the gun away from the troopers hands as he lunges, not afraid of it. "She is not a trophy to be kept, and we WILL free her," she retorts.

Sid turns back to the trooper. "Did that guy just say 'Mammal'?" He asks Artemis & the twins in credulously as he tries to hold the line by retracting his goop and the trooper back to him. He uses the trooper as a not-so-human shield as he slinks back to the others.

Cerulean nods, "Well I did just call him.. it.. a plant so kettle, pot, I guess."

The stuck trooper struggles against the goop while being dragged along. The loss of the one enemy strongpoint frees Earth forces to focus on another and overwhelm it. The trooper before Artemis, weaponless and unlikely to get it returned, decides that discretion is the better part of valor. He darts off towards one of the remaining strongpoints, where he might gain a new weapon, reinforce his allies, and/or share warning of this specific Urth target.

Crimson reaches out with her energy whip and pulls him/it back to Artemis again, "You haven't answered the question." she tells it.

"I thought it was jsut some teen slang I didn't understand." Sid admits as he squeezes the trooper to keep him restrained as he gets a closer look.

His mouth hangs open within his jelly in surprise. "Incredible. Actual eukaryote based life-forms with full human mobility & intelligence?" He turns towards the others. "Do you think they photosynthesize?" He asks curiously.

Artemis eyes the retrieved Plant Prisoner, still holding its blaster. "You have no idea of the resolve of the Urthers. Your ship will fall and your prize will be claimed with it. Tell us where to find the Fire Giantess." She looks over to Sid as he babbles of things scientific and gives one of her usual useful shrugs.

Cerulean says, "Possible a residual vestige fucntionality, sir," with a look to Sid, "but there doesn't seem to be sufficient surface area to supply the energy required for this level of mobility from that source. Of course I's need to do further study to be sure."

The trooper seems to share Artemis' ignorance of the babble, or he/it simply isn't one to answer questions. He/it struggles against the energy whip, glaring at her. "I do not aid the enemy! Release me or end me, I am loyal!" Yes, not keen on answering questions.

Sid realizes why they're here and shakes his scientific curiousity. "Right. Let's find Sinmore." He says before turning back to Cerulean. He looks delighted for a moment finding out there's a keen scientific mind beneath that garish helmet. He's abou tot say as much when he has an idea!

"Well- I have an experiment in mind." He says with a goofy, goopey grin. "One we can do right now."

One of the purple nodes did in his forearm begins to pulse before sliding down Sid's arm and to the captured trooper.

Artemis makes way while Sid performs an experiment. She's never seen him do this before. She keeps her shield ready to protect her allies while they try to get information out of the Plantrooper.

The new twins stand guard while the questioning is taking place, ready to intervene if any attack is made of Artemis or Sid while they are otherwise engaged.

"I'm really sorry to do this Mister Eukaryote, but you're not leaving us any other options." Sid says aloud before adding, "But you'll at least contribute to our science so we're making the best of a bad situation!"

The trooper attempts to recoil from the strange tendril, but can barely move. His struggles cease after a moment and he then blandly states, "The brig is located on level three, section twelve." His head and eyes (all that he can move), pan blankly to the recently-defeated strongpoint. "Four hundred meters down that corridor, up two levels."

Artemis smiles happily at the answer. "How very cooperative and wise, Plantian," she says. Not needing the blaster anymore, she sets it down and slides it towards Urth forces in case they have need of it. "An effective skill you have there, Sid. Wait. Is that how you made me agree to no mead hall?" she asks with rising suspicion.

Crimson asks, "Is that relevant right now, Ma'am? There's someone to rescue."

"Hah. After the battle, perhaps," Artemis grins as she's brought back on task. "Onwards!" she says eagerly, taking off and flying in the direction indicated without even thinking to ask for any lock passcodes. That's what the smart ones are for!

"How about that? Not too different than us mammals, now are they?" Sid asks rhetorically, giving a smile that's far more jaw than teeth.

"Your contribution to science will be noted- not specifically. But generally." He advises before bouncing at the trooper. The goo somehow bounces off of Sid's belly and goes flying out of frame.

"Umm. No." Sid says quickly to Artemis about her meadhall. Definitely suspicious.

"You heard the brave one." Sid says pointing to the red one. "Brave before brains." He says to Artemis with a laugh.

He's glad she doesn't press the issue.

Crimson and Mark follow, hoping they can keep up.

Much of their path is readily travelled, already cleared by the advancing Urth forces. It isn't until they reach a vertical access lift to other levels (as the brig was noted up two levels), that their course diverges from that of the general advance towards the primary target. Ahead, they can hear sounds of battle that better pinpoint how far the Urth forces have advanced.

Artemis lands before the access lift and presses the button that looks like it's indicating up, for her allies at least, since she can just fly upwards.

Sid's gets on the lift and prepares for what's ahead. He swallows so hard it makes his jelly jiggle.

Cerulean says, "If you'll forgive me, Ma'am. That's not usually a wise idea. Using an elevator when advancing into a potentaily fortified location makes you an easy target."

Artemis chuckles at Cerulean. "For a Youngling, I can see that as being a fear. We'll just get it out of the way, then. Send it down once it arrives, after dealing with any troops within." She appraises the twins. "You are not truly Younglings, are you? Perhaps in body, but not in mind."

Crimson answers, "I come from a military family, Ma'am. Haven't served myself but some things you just pick up from hearing your siblings talk."

Sid looks back to the children and then to Artie. He's not much for tactical thinking so he'll easily follow whatever they decide.

"So are you able to climb up on your own, or do you need to be carried?" Artemis asks as she looks around and listens for trouble.

Crimson says, "Depends of the distance between levels, Ma'am."

Cerulean forces the door open and checks in the shaft, looking for hand-holds and the distance to the next door above.

"I suppose it seems I should not hold up for you," Artemis chuckles, then flies up the shaft.

"I can handle helping them up." Sid answers. "I'm a handsome bungie cord. Let me go first and hold this..." He says offering Mark his hand and going up the shaft too. He bounce off the walss up but his arm stays behind with the twins if taken.

Crimson and Mark grap hold of Sid's dangling arm.

The elevator, itself, is occupied or locked on another level. The way upward is clear for several levels, and there are copious handholds. The corridor in which the group emerges on the appropriate level is surprisingly silent and unoccupied. Muted, distant sounds of battle are felt or heard from below.

The brig area is recognizable due to the numerous small cells lining short cross-corridors. All of them are currently empty, which may explain the lack of enemy presence at the moment. All are barely large enough to contain an average human-sized individual and certainly incapable of containing Sinmore were she in her giant form.

Artemis flies along the hallway, checking the cells as she goes by in search of Sinmore. "Perhaps that being did play us falsely," she gripes as she searches for the friend she sacrificed to her former Liege's allies. She keeps checking, shield held at the ready in case they encounter anyone.

Sid bounces up and on, making sure the coast is clear before retracting his arm and the teens up behind him.

Once they're all accounted for he follows Artie.

Crimson hurries along. Looking for anything out of the ordinary. Anything that might vaguely be considered a 'clue'.

Crimson hears what might be a muted tenor scream from some distance further ahead, past the detention area.

Artemis hears the same, though her enanced ears bring more clarity. Before the scream is a familiar voice, with a few words recognizable. Something about Jotun. Reference to temperature and ... the devil's anus(?) ..roasted broccoli? Other words that Artemis may not recognize or may deem it inappropriate to repeat in the presence of minors. She also gets a fair sense of distance and direction.

Sid doesn't hear anything amiss.

Cerulean points, "That way. I heard a human sounding scream."

Artemis gasps, then flies off in the direction of the scream.

Crimson and Mark run after Artemis.

Sid looks surprised and bounces along to follow.

The Godflora's path takes herself and her allies further to the rear and interior of the ship (for those maintaining a sense of direction inside), as well as back down one level. The group finally emerges into a spacious room that takes up a level and a half or two at roughly 20m on a side. It appears to be a heavy cargo or equipment area, from the excess of cranes and related materiel-handling equipment.

Several large chains interwoven with vine-like organics dangle from the reinforced spar at the ceiling. Bound within those chains is one sizeable fire giant, though she is less aflame at the moment. Frost covers much of her form and heavily over the chains themselves. Her lava-like joints are dim and the flames of her eyes are out/closed.

A trio of the plant-troopers stand near a console on the wall away from her. One activates the console, causing the chains to contract and frozen fog to form about them as they flash-cool, but seems less than pleased with the lack of reaction from the Sinmore held within.

Artemis gasps again at Sinmore's plight. Her head turns to the trio of troopers, gripping her sword tight. "You will release her immediately, or face the wrath of the Omega Guard!" She's finally thinking about the team!

Sid sucks his belly up into his chest, making himself look broad and brave since Artemis has foregone a stealthy approach- though he isn't surprised by that.

He sees the flash cooling mechanism and moves gets real squishy and gooey so he can slink to the side and try to disable Sinmore's restraints.

He moves towards the cargo flowing between the storage crates- avoiding the most frigid area, going around while Artemis has their attention.

"Why would they want to give up their shiny new toy?" comes a fresh voice from above. That of a human male in a black, lightly plated suit and white-lensed black domino mask. He is perched on a crane arm that all swore was vacant a moment ago. "Then I'd just have to catch that little fish all over again. Not that it wasn't fun, but not enough for a second date..."

Artemis lifts her gaze towards the familiar voice. "He sent -you- to retrieve her?" she says with narrowing eyes.

Sid fights the urge to ooze up from between the crates and see 'who' -you- is but he doesn't. Artemis is a great distraction. He trusts her to keep -you- from giving him a hard time stopping the machine lowering their favorite fire giant's body temperature enough to incapacitate her- or that's his working theory. Hering her called a 'toy' is annoying though. He ignores the jab at his friend anyway- he's a scientitst! He's not great at starting fights.

He peeps around the corner of the pile of crates he's in and oozes out from it, trying to stay hidden.

As he becomes solid(ish) again another purple node in his arm starts pulsing.

He hurls it at the closes Asrani trooper with the command for it to destroy the system keeping Sinmore incapacitated.

"Kill, actually," the man clarifies with a shrug before he drops to the floor to land casually enough to barely interrupt his response. He thumbs to the troopers who have turned their attention, and weapons, towards the quartet of heroes near the entrance. "The artichokes, here, offered triple for a souvenir instead of a cor-"

And then there's purple Sid node goo hurling across the way to splort onto one of the troopers.

Sid is kind of surprised that he hit that guy. His training must be paying off.

He smiles and reaches across the room to give another one of the Asrani a brain booger! He figures he can feel awful abou ttaking another sentient being's freewill if they survive.

His long gooey arm stretches out, holding a purple ball of Brain Putty, ready to apply with a simple touch.

Crimson and Cerulean both lash out at the third trooper with their whips. The latter hits and manages to snatch away his weapon.

Enforcer scowls and tosses a large handful of small pellets at the heroes.

The scattering of pellets detonate in star-bright flashes all about the heroes, though Artemis gets her shield up so her face is in its shadow.

One of the troopers now has no weapon. Another starts to reach for the control panel, but pauses short of activating anything. The last starts to turn his weapon towards the weaponless one, but, like the one at the control panel, is resisting.

Rick leaves Starguard - Landing Field and enters Starguard - Reception Area.

Enforcer takes stock of his handiwork, which makes him smile. He glances aside to the Asrani troopers who are ...less than effective, which makes him frown. "Well, Red, looks like it's you and I. Again. I'd heard that you were dead. He must be wrong... He hates being wrong. Guess we'll have to fix that."

Artemis keeps her feet light and her shield between Enforcer and herself. She smiles as her eyes lift over the top to watch Enforcer. "I look forward to seeing his face when he realizes his folly."

Sid jiggles his jelly, trhowing his hands up over his eyes far too late to prevent him from being blinded but he instinctively goes completely jiggly.

Crimson and Cerulean try to make their way by feel back behind the crate Sid was hiding behind/in, before.

The unarmed trooper tries to grab the weapon away from the one not-quite pointing it at him. This is enough immediate threat to give the wielder impetus to actually fire. He misses horribly in the struggle. The one in front of the console just stands there.

Artemis is left to face Enforcer alone for the time being. "I've already died once, so at least your Master isn't entirely wrong. Tales of its permanence were greatly exaggerated!" She charges for Enforcer, with a quick diagonal swing that comes short. But it's a faint as she lunges forward and reverses her blade in a slash in the other direction once she's closed the distance.

Enforcer steps inside of the 'strike,' deflecting her strike via her arm. "Clever girl, but I think you meant something more like this.." He then lashes out with a strike of his own, that is but a ruse.

Artemis raises her shield, quickly shifting it in time as she sees through the feint. "No, certainly not like that," she taunts back.

Victory comes running down the hall with his shield already activated. He slows to a jog as he gets to the room to assess the situation.

The sounds of battle distantly filter into Sinmore's brain. She groans and tries to roll over in bed, fingers flexing ineffectually around the metal sheets she uses more for a sense of normalcy than for necessity. Her brain keeps playing tricks upon itself, trying to shield itself from the intense cold and constriction that it has been conditioned to expect over the past few... Indeterminate periods of time.

No pain comes. The cold does not threaten to wrench the heat from her blood and her bones. As consciousness infiltrates her mind, Sinmore's obsidian eyes flicker with brilliance as the green flames that normally fill them start to ignite once again. Her mouth opens slowly, letting out a wakeful groan as she tries to understand what's happening.

The two active troopers are still stuggling over the weapon while one stands at the console, hand not quite activating it.

Sid isn't sure where the teens are but he's worried about them. SO he listens hard. He thinks he hears them bumping into each other and the crates in the direction he just came from.

He tries to make his way back to the gap in the crates he was in before to maek sure they are alright.

Enforcer uses their momentary trading of ripostes to add a verbal one. "In retrospect, I should've just killed her and been done with it. She called me 'Honey.' For some reason, that just makes my skin crawl..." He then breaks the bit of melee lock by vanishing to re-appear atop the crane again, ten meters up. He immediately flings a handful of pellets at her. He still likes to throw things.

The pellets rupture on contact, releasing nasty, nasty stuff.

Artemis tries to bring her shield up to block. She chokes at the noxious fumes as toxins seep into her, making her weaken.

Sid makes it to the powersuited children. Their complaints are pretty clear when the goo-man flows between the crates and onto the them. "Eww!" Crimson shouts only a half a second before Cerulean.

Sid ignores that, more concerned with their well being.

His head pops out ofthe crack, his eyes are still useless so he looks like he's staring off in space.

"Are you two alright?!" He asks, trying not to sound frantic. "I've been blinded." He informs them.

Sinmore blinks owlishly as she tries to rectify her vision. Things come into focus as her attention slowly tracks toward Enforcer and Artemis. For several seconds, Sinmore dismisses what she's seeing as a hallucination or a dream or, perhaps, a spiteful vision brought to her by her captors. It doesn't take long for Sinmore's brain to start taking note of strange things in what she's seeing.

Artemis is wearing an Omega Guard uniform? Wait, Artemis has an exposed midriff? Enforcer is talking smack about Sinmore checks out.

Flexing, Sinmore tests the plant matter and metal that has engulfed the majority of her large form. She doesn't understand what's going on at this moment. It's so hard to think clearly without coffee and with the dull, aching memory of The Cold in her bones.

The chains clink and the vines creak as both are stretched. They don't break nor does she pry herself free, but Sinmore is able to gain some significant comfort and breathing room. It's progress! Especially when they DON'T immediately snap back or constrict on her as she's accustomed to.

Victory looks around hte room...and decides the target to deal with is Enforcer. He's just a little too far away to reach where he is, so Wade decides to try to change that. He hurls his energy shield in an arc. Initially it looks like it's heading for Enforcer, but instead it's heading for the crane beneath his feet, in an attempt to make it difficult to stay up there.

The energy shield toss initially provokes a look from Enforcer akin to 'Really, bro?' as he shifts his weight to avoid it... and then it impacts his perch, instead. The imparted torque disrupts Enforcer's center of gravity mid-shift and causes him to drop to the ground. He able to do so in a tuck and roll that brings him to his feet, but he's now been brought down a level.

Artemis falls a step back as she feels the effects of the toxin coursing through her. She sees the energy shield flashing by Enforcer's perch, whipping her head to look over her shoulder in surprise. "Victory!" She wasn't expecting him to follow them on their side mission, but the smile on her face shows it's a welcomed rescue. She looks back to Enforcer, and the struggling Sinmore. She draws her sword up and then slashes it towards Sinmore. More specifically, her chains.

The one trooper with his faculties but no weapon only now realizes that there is another option. He ceases struggling with the one to grab the weapon from the one still standing before the console. Despite not being struck by anyone here, his woody torso bears some charring. No longer perceiving any direct threat to itself, the partially-controlled one doesn't fire.

Artemis's blade swings short. She looks uncoordinated, almost intoxicated from the pellet fumes that hit her. "I did not expect to see you here, but I am most grateful that you came," she finishes saying to Victory as she tries to pull herself together.

Victory chuckles. "Someone has to keep you out of trouble, Artemis."

Sid stretches around the teenagers. Its all he can do- and blind or not he'll be making sure these two brave young souls make it back to Earth in one piece- as long as they succeed in saving it.

"I believe you'll find that to be a task eternal, my Friend," Artemis laughs.

Enforcer takes stock of the situation. It was amusing when it was just him and Red. Now he's got America's Ass here, and the Big Bad Burning Bitch is awake. "Yeah... this is way beyond pro bono for me. If they want her again, it'll be quintuple." He then vanishes from sight. The troops may be loyal to their commanders; he's loyal to cash, and this wasn't contracted.

Sinmore frowns at Enforcer as he ninjas the heck out of Dodge. For the moment, however, she remains mercifully silent. Her eyes close again as she continues to flex and twist, drawing herself in before thrusting her limbs outward to try and burst free of her bonds. Afterall, it would probably be terribly rude to explode the whole room.

Victory shakes his head as Enforcer disappears. "I had hoped to actually test my hand to hand skills. Oh well, I guess it'll have to wait for another day." He notices the last enemy combatant is still up, so he hurries over and tries to slam his shield into the trooper that's still armed.

The trooper is sent backwards and onto his wooden keister, though his tough hide protects him from most of the impact.

He gets back to his feet and attempts to blast Victory.

...and fails.

With Enforcer gone, Artemis flies over to the last standing trooper. "We may need this one to operate the controls to free Sinmore," she says as she tries to knock the blaster from the trooper.

Artemis's blade raps on the Trooper's fingers as she does the same trick she did before. She knocks the blaster up and out of his hand, twisting her shield arm to catch it. "Now, then. Free the Fire Giantess."

The trooper eyes Artemis warily. Defiantly. Though there is a sidelong glance at the struggling Sinmore... who he expect may incinerate the first Asrani she sees the moment she's able...

So he barks a command in Asrani to the one standing at the panel. The one who was already commanded to do so by Sid, but was managing to resist. The combination is enough that he executes a few quick presses on the console and the chain-vines suddenly relax and release their hold on Sinmore.

Victory relaxes out of his fighting stance, seeing that Artemis has things well in hand. He goes over to check on Sinmore as she's released, "Are you okay?"

Sid keeps the kids safe! Still pretty much unaware of what's happening around him.

Artemis keeps the Asrani held at swordpoint. "It's safe now, Sid. This fight is won thanks to Victory's assistance. And we still have a war to win."

The restraints, pre-loosened by Sinmore, go completely slack around her before withdrawing. She drops downward, wrenched from her former bindings by gravity now and the fire giantess tucks her limbs in against herself. Friction and air pressure flip her around as her hair turns properly fiery again, glowing a luminous orange-yellow after so long being suppressed. Landing in a deep crouch, Sinmore slaps both hands down onto the flooring as she tries to regain her senses.

"... What... They said... You were dead... ?"

Confused, Sinmore stares blankly at Artemis.

Sid is seeing stars but they begin to break up asthe flash passes. He squints towards the other heroes as he retracts all the goo he covered the kids with.

"First Omega Guard Space Mission is a success!" He says happily, throwing his fist into the air.

He bounces to the reignighted Sinmore and nods. "This is all news to me." He says, looking at Artie with a surprise look in his eye.

Artemis takes a step back from the Asrani and looks over to Sinmore, offering a reassuring smile. "'Tis true. The tyrant would have slain me had Victory not summoned me to a place with medics nearby. Victory did strike me dead in a clever plan to free me from my oath." Her smile grows. "I'm rather impressed with the healers on this planet."

Victory takes a deep breath at the mention of Artemis dying. He hadn't really wanted to get into the whole 'killing Artemis' plan. But...well, the woman doesn't seem to have a filter, so it's out there. He nods slowly. "I stopped her hearts. Dr. DelQuist...Starlight...was able to revive her afterward."

"And... You... You really did choose me?" inquires a still confused Sinmore. She breaks eye contact with Artemis as the giantess notices a Sid bouncing her way. Blinking, Sinmore stoops down and wraps her arms around Sid, pulling him in close for a tight and presumably squishy hug. "Space mission is a success," agrees the fire giantess in "quiet" tones.

"They... brought ... you back? From the dead?" Sid asks in total shock and maybe a bit of awe. His eyes are wide and he's slowly bringing his hand to his mouth.

"Oh." He says with a nod after Victory gives a bit more of a scientific explaination. He might have actuallly started beeliving her rhetoric about being an immortal goddess!

He smiles as he's squished and warmed by Sinmore's hug! "Ahhh! That's what I came all this way for." He says happily. "Now all's right in this awfully cold tin can."

"It...is true," Artemis admits as her smile fades away. She becomes quiet for a few moments, glancing guiltily at Victory, then back to Sinmore again. Not only does Artemis lack filters, but she can't really lie. "I was given a choice of who I would spare from the wrath of these aliens. Only two of three would be spared, and James Porter made me choose. I...chose Voyager and Victory's safety, thinking you were the strongest of them."

Victory raises a brow and turns off his shield. Yet another person concerned about his safety. There's no sense in arguing about it, though. "May I suggest...that we talk about this later. Maybe once we're all back planetside?"

"Thank you, Victory," intones Sinmore.

She offers a big smile and stands up, peeling herself away from Sid in the process. The fire giantess steps over toward Artemis, her height dissolving with every step she takes until Sinmore stands a "mere" 7' tall. For a couple of seconds, Sinmore just kind of looms over the Godflora at drastically reduced height.

"You can suggest whatever you like," offers Sinmore, looking over to Victory with a smile, "It's a free planet."

Very abruptly, Sinmore lunges at Artemis and tries to wrap the alien demigoddess up in her arms for a tremendous, weirdly sisterly hug.

"Thank you too, Artemis," adds Sinmore in a much quieter voice.

Artemis lowers her shield and sword as Sinmore comes for her, willing to accept whatever anger the fire jotun has. She remains planted as Sinmore lunges at her, though she's surprised it's merely a hug. She wraps an arm around Sinmore, patting gently with her shield arm. "I'm sorry I had to make a choice at all. I thought the plant beings would be no match for you even if they came for you as a surprise. I couldn't leave you here..."

The charred trooper attempts to surreptitiously backstep away from the embracing pair. He does not wish for any embraces, certainly note from Sinmore, even if she isn't currently large and on fire.

Artemis sniffs once and releases Sinmore. "Victory is right as always. We haven't the time to talk this out. The war is still raging beyond this cell, and we need you."

Victory relaxes noticeably when it's clear no fighting is going to happen. He grins, "I also wanted to avoid a potential fight. I wasn't sure how that was going to play out."

Sinmore takes a moment to hold onto Artemis even after Artemis releases her. The giantess steps back and sighs heavily, her emerald fires shifting to look at the Asrani trooper trying to back away. A low growl escapes Sinmore as she eyes him.

"Going somewhere, Torchwood?"

The gooman, Sid Viscous bounces from foot to foot visibly elated. He wasn't so sure things were going to turn out this way but he had to try. Now that he's on the other side he's relieved and believing that any thing is possible if they just give it their all!

He's about to say as much after nodding in agreement with Victory when he's peeled off Sinmore. He's worried that she might slug her one while she's looming over the Godflora but breathes a sigh of relief when she thanks her instead.

He turns to look at the Asrani.