Log:Powerless in Chinatown, Scene 3

Powerless in Chinatown 2021/02/12 	 Abigail Chen Dark Horse Forsaken Kid Tengu Lennox Union Bane Dissolve Gamma Microwave One Man Army Pickup Precision Weakspot 3

Just before 3:30 last night, three persons in high-tech armour attacked an instance of One Man Army, when his patrol took him into an alley. OMA was rendered unconscious and stripped of his powers, which left just the one instance, the one where he was attacked. A tiny high-tech survellance camera showed the attackers where to strike then let off an EMP pulse to destroy nearby surveillance, and the three teleported in, made the attack, and teleported away again. The technology involved was cutting-edge, well manufactured and unmarked. The heroes have, so far, averted any direct conflict between the Lee and Pride triad factions over this attack, though it's clear that the attack on their primary lookout has the Lee faction on edge.

While people were beginning to go their separate ways after the investigation of the alley, around noon, a video broadcast alerted those that could perceive it of a second attack, this time of Microwave, one of the more obscure Chinatown metas: a couch potato who spends most of his time monitoring anything travelling by radio waves. Also in his room was a cocoon containing Silkworm. The three assailants render Microwave unconcious and bored into the cocoon before the heroes intercepted them - at which point they teleported away.

Microwave and Silkworm have been carried (by Magnitude) to Precision, who is the metta's physician. Investigation of the room suggested that the assailants had teleported in behind Microwave, which suggest the need of a spy to aim the teleport. Some literal sniffing about by Chen revealed the lingering smell of an eye - and, oddly, only an eye.

Gamma, at this point, said her team had urgent business, but she left Pickup behind to lead the heroes to Precision's place to continue her investigation, after picking up Lennox and Dark Horse. 

Having heard of goings on in Chinatown, Forsaken is on the case. True to form, she isn't like walking down the street in her costume. Her uniform is for work, not socializing. But she also is presuming that there is -some- Triad involvement. Because... Chinatown.

For the moment, she has been sticking to rooftops to observe and study things. She's waiting for anyone else to do anything stupid. Oh, and watching her own back in the process.

Forsaken can observe Gamma leading Weakspot, Dissolve and Bane into Ming Street, purpose in their step, then Pickup leading the heroes the other way down the street to collect Lennox and Dark Horse.

Dark Horse took a look at the video, and the results are...a clue, but inconclusive. He shows the still from the video to Lennox. "Someone dressed as a cable tech. But it's clearly the wrong uniform, based on these patches here." He points out a couple of details. "But it's close enough to fool most people. It was planted during the Lunar New Year, so plenty of people around. Caucasion, brown hair. Likely not Triad, but you never know. There's a shot of his face, but it's too low quality to get an ID."

Lennox hmms, leaning in to get a look at the video. "Let it run for a bit, let's get a look at him. Helps to know how they move, too."

Dark Horse nods and shows the bit of video he copied from the original.

Dark Horse says as an aside to Lennox. "Personally, I'd like to see both of these gangs gone. But ideally without any bloodshed. Wishful thinking on my part, I suspect." He replays the section of video again as the person in question is planting the camera in the alley.

Ever since she absorbed part of the soul of a Chi Immortal, Abigail has had links to Chinatown. She absorbed knowledge of the man's Kung Fu, and some of his mastery of Mandarin Chinese. Along with other elements.

Ever since then, she altered to look like she was Eurasian, half-chinese. Don't ask, it's weird. But she spends time in Chinatown, helping watch over their people too.

Usually frequenting the local eateries. Which is where she is today. Stepping out of a local restaurant in plain sight of all while holding a small box of dumplings that she is eating with a pair of plain chopsticks. She is no investigator. She's a soldier. Others might know of -her- though. Which would really be her only way to get involved. Well that and seeing folks heading into Ming Street. But she recognizes the posture and moves to follow. Not exactly in a super duper subtle way. But still eating as she goes.

Dark Horse nods and points out something to Lennox. "He looks comfortable with the tech. But not with the uniform. So we have some kind of techie guy of some kind."

Pickup (one of the more popular of the Chinatown metas) leads the heroes past the restaurant where Abi is - exchanging friendly greetings as he goes.

Chen waves to the fellow SGG team heroine, "Hi. Come join the party, Colonel."

Glancing over as she is greeted, Abby smiles and bows her head, "djia hao" she states. (Hello everybody). "Greetings. Anyone know what's going on?" she asks as she looks to Chen.

Chen nods, "Someone is attacking some of Tim Lee's Metas, Abigail. I can only think they're trying to start a Triad war. We could use all the help we can get."

Dark Horse motions to where the others are, as they come into view. "I guess we should link up and find out what we missed."

Pickup says thoughtfully, "They took our eyes first: Army and Microwave. It is much easier for them to attack now."

Pickup says to Chen, "I, like you, want to stop a war. The only reason I still stand with Lee is to help keep the balance - and because I fear that, without some kinder influence about, Lee and the others might become more dangerous."

[Speaking Mandarin] Chen says, "But you'll be alert and ready for it."

Pickup replies, <>

Pickup says, "There are you friends," and leads on to Dark Horse and Lennox.

Chen nods, "I can understand that. I hope you and those like you continue to be susscessful."

Dark Horse walks over to join the group. "So...what did we miss?"

KT looks around at the 'nups. He wants to say 'us kicking butt' but considering how tenuous all this is- he remains quiet, content to observe for reasons all his own.

Chen says, "An attack by three grey power suited people on Microwave and Silokworm. They looked like this." She morphs into a duplicate of one of the attackers. Recognize the style of suit, Dark Hotse, Lennox?""

Chen says, "I only heard one word spoken by them." She shifts her voice to mimic the speaker, "'Withdraw.' Anyone know that accent or tone?"

Dark Horse listens to the audio. He's a linguist. And can mimic voices pretty well. He works on it for a few tries, trying to get it down.

Nodding her head, Abby narrows her eyes. "I could see how that could be an issue. But... when it boils down to it, someone trying to make two criminal organizations fight one another is trying to harm the people too. As much as I'd prefer no Triad involvement, I understand that stability is desired. So how can I help?" she asks.

Dark Horse keeps thinking about it, and shows the video that he has of the camera being planted in the alleyway. "This guy did the original planting of the camera that allowed them to target One Man Army. Caucasian. Brown hair. Techie sort, based on the way he moves."

Dark Horse nods to himself. "The accent you're hearing is Southern. Not sure where though...at least not without hearing more. South Carolina is pretty distinct of Alabama, for example. But a full sentence at least would be necessary, I Think."

Chen sighs, "We're still trying to figure out the what, why, and especially the who. But the more eyes and minds the better. Plus we have no idea how many resurces they have. So if you're not doing anything that can't wait, we can use the help, Abigail."

"That is why I asked what I could do to help." offers Abigail as she clasps her hands behind her back.

Pickup says, "Is there anything else you want, or should I take you on to Precision's now?"

Dark Horse titls his head, "You're going where now?"

Chen says, "Precision is where One Man Army and now Microwave and Silkworm will be, right?""

Pickup says, "To Precision. She is caring for Army and Microwave and Silkworm."

Chen says, "Presision is a healer I think?"

"Lead on." suggests Abigail as she falls in.

Dark Horse nods. "Ah. I see. Sounds good." He nods and goes to follow as well. Who knows? Maybe he can find a way to get Lee out of hte picture to free these metas from this 'debt of honor'.

"Yes. She is an expert on traditional healing methods," says Pickup.

KT follows along quietly, memorizing scents, mannerisms and voice patterns as everyone talks because who knows how useful those things might be when it comes to blending in.

Pickup leads the group onward to Precision's shop. She's another of the more popular of the Chinatown metas - she makes her services available to everyone, and general prefers healing to ass-kicking - though one gathers that, with her knowledge of pressure points and such, she's excellent at that as well.

When the heroes enter, they find Microwave and One Man Army there - both awake, both clearly miserable. Precision herself is busy examining the cocoon; it's a young woman who greets the company.

Pickup introduces the heroes to Microwave and One Many Army.

Entering quietly, Abigail steps off to one side. She lifts a dumpling to her mouth and pops it in for a bite to chew. But for the most part, she is quiet. When introduced, she bows her head silently.

Chen keeps a step back. She and One Man Army have had too many run-ins to be comfortable with each other.

One Man Army doesn't even seem to notice Chen, but rather is lost in his own thoughts.

Dark Horse mostly plagues Pride's folks, more than Lee's, so he seems pretty comfortable. "Any other news on their injuries?"

Union says quietly to OMA and Microwave, "I pray that your loss is only temporary."

The young woman says quietly to Dark Horse and to Pickup. "Their injuries are healed. But neither has his powers, and they're not taking it well. They speak as if they've been blinded - I can only imagine how it feels to them!"

Microwave says to Union, "How do you people stand it? I am so bored already!"

"It is called patience." offers Abigail. "Perhaps meditation might help?" she asks.

"That would be even more boring!" snaps Microwave at Abigail.

Dark Horse nods. "So...the power removal was done with some kind of ray gun?"

Union says, "We're not sure. One of the men we saw had a dart gun, and one had a ray gun. We presume that the dart gun was used to render Microwave unconscious. We ahve recovered the dart gun, by the way."

Union turns back to Microwave, "Perhaps you could set up multiple vid-screens. It wouldn't be the same, but it would provide some stimulation."

One Man Army exchanges a glance with Microwave. "We think so. We didn't see anything else they were carrying but guns. But they rendered us unconscious first."

Chen recalls Union having the dart gun. She asks, "Union, do you still have that dart gun?

Microwave just gives Union a scornful look. (For someone used to listening to and watching ALL radio and TV, all at once, that hardly seem a significant improvement!)

Union says, "Kid Tengu was examining it for any clues that might help us."

<< Well, >> says Lennox conversationally to Microwave, << You could always go with the old cure for a stubbed toe -- a broken finger. >> He does not aound threatening, only amused at the other's lack of patience for constant stimulation.

Chen glances to Kid Tengu, "Still have it?" she asks.

KT produces the gun and hands it off to Chen "Yup."

Chen doesn't take the dart gun from Kid Tengu. Instead she says, "Shoot me."

KT shrugs and does as bidden. Its no sweat off his back.

That's the gun that knocked me out," says Microwave in recognition.

Union says, "Yes, the guy that was carrying it dropped it when he...ran into the wall."

Chen blinks, "well this a bit of a surpris..." She slumps to the floor.

Dark Horse looks to Kid Tengu, "Definitely do NOT shoot me, please."

Union rearranges Chen to make her more comfortable.

KT looks a tthe gun- he's impressed but he puts the weapon away nonetheless. "Hey- she told me to do it. You all saw her."

Dark Horse nods and chuckles. "Oh, I know. And people think I'm overconfident. That was...something."

One Man Army actually chuckles. Something he didn't normally do even before. Maybe he doesn't like Chen.

Chen waves to Union, and sits up after a few seconds. "I'm.. well not okay but still here. That's something else. The needle penetrated by skin and the drug.. well normal drugs have no effect on me. It's something else."

Chen grins, "Kid Tengu is correct. I did ask to be shot."

Union says, "One reason I grabbed the gun, is so we could find out what's in the darts."

KT looks relieved when Chen sits back up relatively quickly- well his body language looks relieved anyway. Hard to see his face with that chitinous mask over his face... or as his face. However it works.

Chen stands. Put a hand out to Kid Tengu, "Nice shot."

Precision comes out from the inner room, frowning deeply.

KT reaches out and takes Chen's hand and smiles. "Its all in the wrist." He replies jokingly, growing another arm just to spin the gun on.

Dark Horse nods. "Might want to get the darts checked by a chemist."

Union says, "Um, Chen, just to be sure, can you change?"

Chen nods, "More seriously, don't assume that if drugs don't affect you, you'll not be affected by these dart guns. We needed to know that."

"It's very serious," Precision says (chiefly to her teammates). Silkworm's powers have been removed too. But she was mid-metamorphosis when It happened. I don't know if she'll ever come out of the cocoon now. Or how long she'll live if she doesn't - or if she does!"

Chen morphs into a small cute little kitty. "Seems yes. Of cause I can't get any cuter. I max that out normally."

Chen says, "So we're on a time limit?"

"Sois the dart gun just a powerful sedative, and the power removal comes from the ray gun," asks Lennox, "or are they variations on a theme?"

Precision says, "You're here to help? Then yes - maybe - I can't say! I think the best we can hope for is that she stays in her cocoon until she gets her powers back. Certainly she wouldn't survive if taken out now. But... I just don't know what's going to happen. Does she need her powers to continue the change, or has it been set in motion so it will complete itself? I can't tell."

Chen morphs back into a Chinese woman. Not Chen though. Flipping open her PDA she asks if anyone got an image of the attackers?

Microwave scowls. "I could transmitt you a clear image - if I could still do that."

Union says, "I think we were too busy throwing them around the room to take pictures..."

Chen nods. Looks at Kid Tengu, "Can you..?" she asks, aiming her PDA camera at him.

KT nods and morphs into his best approximation of one of the guys they fought.

One Many Army starts. Suggesting that it's a fairly good approximation.

Chen snaps a inage. Makes a call, "Analysis section please... Analysis? This is Fiona Cheng, Special Agent, Washington office. I'm worked in Colonial Bay before. You have my details there. I'm sending you and image. Can you run it through the database and tell me if there are any matches... Yes, I'll hold."

"These guys were pretty heavily armed too. They were holding these weapons specifically for a reason - right? I mean, look at this one." KT says quietly before turning so the others can see the gun he morphed on to his back. Its a bit more impressive than the dart gun (that is back in hand).

Chen nods after a few seconds, "So not on the top 100. Call me back if you get a hit please. This number."

Chen hangs up. "I'll get a call if they are on the FBI database."

Lennox, who has been thinking, suddenly asks, "How many more darts does the weapon have?"

Chen thinks though the little we know. "Southern accent. Could be mercs hired by Pride, but three in matching gear? Sounds more like an established group. They've taken out the eyes and ears. With weaponry that knocked me silly. That's not normal tech. Ringing any bells for anyone?"

Beyond agreeing it doesn't sound like Pride, Lee's metas have no suggestions.

Chen continues thinking. Have pity. It's not something she does much of. "I keep coming back to the question of motive. If either Pride or an outsider planning on moving in after both sides are depleted, there's not likely to be enough of Chinatown left to be worth taking over. So why?"

Lennox asides to Chen, "Power removal is not common. That should narrow the list. I would suggest Next Generation, but they would have kidnapped One Man Army."

"Unless, Lennox adds, "it's a field test of new equipment."

Dark Horse goes ahead and sends a picture of the weapon in question to one of his contacts...a Starguard researcher by the name of Kelly Fife. He writes, 'Ever seen anthing like this? Fires darts that drop even highly resistant metas.'

Union says, "What about that eye you smelled, Chen?"

Kelly Fife must have been at her desk: she gets back pretty quickly. "I haven't seen it before, but there's doesn't seem anything terribly unusual about the gun itself. Give me a minute, though, something's ringing a bell..."

Dark Horse nods and sends back a note. 'Thanks. I appreciate it.'

Chen nods to Union, "If I smelled it again I'd know it."

A few minutes later she gets back. "Here it is! THere's a report on banned Guild tech which we have reason to believe may have been smuggled to Earth - they caught some of the ring - advanced knockout drug. Said to be effective against almost any carbon-based life. Developed for use by the Nghaojk against Mhechtpalyan Shifters, whatever they are. Does that sound like it could fit the bill?"

Dark Horse chuckles. "Yeah, it does. Thanks. That would likely cover it and explain why it's so effective. Thanks again. I owe you one." He hangs up...and then relates that information to the others in the room.

Chen nods to Dark Horse, overhearing the conversation. Mutters to Kid Tengu, "Developed against shifters. It's like discrimination isn't it."

Chen looks at One Man Army, "Upset any Guild aliens recently?"

One Man Army looks blankly at Chen. "Not our enemies."

Union says, "Have you heard about any Guild tech being available for purchase?"

Chen suddenly frowns. "Oh. I have to be wrong. I hope I'm wrong."

Microwave frowns at Union's question. He's heard a LOT. Whether he took note of it is another matter.

Pickup looks at Chen. "What is it?"

Chen looks at Pickup. "Forget Pride. Forget Tim Lee, Forget criminal activites. Who else would like to see you taken down?"

Pickup frowns, but seems no more enlightened.

Chen prompts, "Why are you all in Colonial Bay in the first place?"

Dark Horse shrugs, "The Chinese government?

Chen says, "I hope I'm wrong. But, yes."

Pickup says, "The emperor? Surely not! I can't imagine he sees us as a threat any more!" But there is uncertainty in his voice.

Dark Horse shakes his head, "That seems...possible, but a long shot. Then again, if these mystery people are only targeting Lee's folks, then maybe?" He shrugs again, "that doesn't explain the tech we saw, though. Or the southern accents from the armored people under fire. It's hard to effect an accent while under fire and maintain a guise. I know from past experience."

Chen says, "Try an over-zealous underling looking to make a splash for his or her own advancement. Thus using outsiders."

Microwave frowns. "That's more plausible."

One Many Army looks doubtful.

Chen nods to One Man Army, "I'd rather be wrong myself."

Union says, "Could the ray gun be used to give the stolen powers to someone else?"

Lennox grunts. "Too many theories, not enough evidence."

Dark Horse points to Union, "Good idea. That sounds quite possible."

Union says, "Then the acquisition of the powers could be the motive."

Chen pulls out her PDA again. Calls Starguard, "Chen Li here. I think I've seeing involvement of smuggled Guild tech at an incident I Chinatown. I'm sending an image of a battlesuit. Note the weapons. Especially the dart pistol. Can you see if there's anything known in the files?"

"That would explain it!" muses Precision.

Chen hangs up. "It will take a while. Maybe too long. But Starguard can get information direct from the Guild if needful."

"I couldn't understand," says Precision, "why they attacked Silkworm. She's completely harmless when in her cocoon - no threat to anyone!"

"What does she become?" asks Lennox, curious.

"Younger again," says Precision, "and she looks like a new person. It is a curious side effect of her having been bitten by a radioactive silkworm. As you know, silkworms are the larval stage of the insect. As part of her powers, she remains a larva, as it were - a teenager. Whenever she reaches full maturity, she becomes younger again."

Union says, "Restored youth, and a new appearance..."

Lennox hmmms. "How long is she in the coccoon for?"

Precision says, "About 3 weeks, normally.

Lennox grunts. "I can think of many a woman who would have given half her fortune to return to their youth once they hit a respectable age."

Dark Horse nods slowly. "So...any other leads we might follow up on?"

Union says, "The drawback being that you're a teenager, and no one takes you seriously."

Chen get her response from the FBI: no matches. The armour appears not be completely unknown to them. Though they could match one of the weapons they all had - the energy pistol - which it turns out was also on a smuggled-Guild items list!

Chen gets a call back from the FBI. After listening she tells everyone, "No matches of the FBI database for the battlesuits. A match on the energy pistol. It's also smuggled in from the Guild.

Lennox snorts. "You underestimate The credulity of high society. A month away, a new and exclusive spa treatment? Surgery? You suddenly have scores more pounding ::on your door."

Union says, "With a complete different appearance? How do you convince them you're the same person?"

Precision smiles. "Silkworm indeed has that problem every few years."

Union says, "I can think of two possible motives for taking the powers - first to deprive you of them, and second to acquire them for themselves."

Chen says, "We don't know for sure the energy pistols transfer powers. They may just suppress them."

Union says, "True. It is just a suppostion."