Log:Overman, Scene 3

Overman 2020/09/25 	 Amelia Moonshadow

Victory Overman

3

Overman, apparently the formost "hero" of another Earth, appeared from nowhere and crashed into a store, destroying it. When heroes investigated, he took them for rebels - not believing he was on an Earth not his own - and the inevitable fight ensued. With a little menral push from Ascendant, he came to realise that this world might not be his own after all, which he confirmed by finding Washington D.C intact. He returned an apologised to the heroes, and discussion ensued.

By his own account account, Overman's use of force has increased over the years by the necessitty of fighting evil in his world largely single-handedly: superheroes are rare there. This is especially true since the destruction of Washington several years back. He claims that the rebels he is fighting - the American Freedom Front - are in fact affiliated with VIPER. While the heroes are not necessarily taking his word for the political situation, they have decided to go with Overman to his Earth to assess the situation and decide on a course of action. Amelia has opened a portal to that Earth's White Marsh Battlefield. 

Amelia sends a text to Moonshadow before we pass through the gate  She still not over the deceit of the Vizier.

Artemis has changed into her battle armor and cape, fetched her sword, and awaited the gate to open. She steps through the gate to the other worl a looks around, using her superhearing to take in this new world.

Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx returns to the location they agreed upon with Artemis- he is of course wearing the form of someone new, but he strides through as if he belongs there.

He looks to Artemis and imagines what she might hear before telepathically connecting their minds (if/when allowed). (What do you hear, Sister?) He inquires curiously after giving her a moment to take it all in.

Battlefield Park on this Earth looks like it *used* to resemble that of Earth-1: it's set up for tourism, with the fake cannons and so forth. But it's overgrown with long grass, and the paint is coming off the picnic tables. Strikingly absent, however, is Colonial Bay: where the city should be there seems to be nothing but a small village, and that appears to be deserted. To the north, the land is rather more barren that one would expect, especially in the distance.

Artemis looks about at the small village as she allows Nohrbor's mind to connect with hers. "This...looks not like what I expected. How can a small village pose a threat to one such as you, Overman?" she asks.

Amelia mentions to Moonshadow, "I really must ask Radical to make a pair of the dimension peeking goggles for me. It would be nice to be able to look before we leap."

Most supers who could fly would do so theough the gate to Overman's world; Magda -- Korkoro -- walks, if only to insmore closely inspect the gate through which she passes.

Amelia immediately checks out the mana level and looks for any nearby supernaturals.

Moonshadow replies, "If I knew what dimension to look for, I could have peeked.

Overman says, "There is a bunker near the village: that's where the VIPER base is."

Victory looks around now that they've arrived. He whistles quietly at the village. "Hmm."

Amelia speaks up, "Clairvoyance, anyone?"

Baker was a bit late to the original party, but had the opportunity to catch up, such as it was, before moving through the portal. He gives a low whistle after they step through, making note of things with a key eye for detail, "Looks like the groundskeepers took a few months' vacation..."

Artemis frowns and comments, "This world is silent. Even the birds are too few for such a land."

For a a few moments, Korkoro only inspects the world around her at a very different level than the others; instead of places and things, she is looking at the magnetosphere, seeing what she has to work with.

Overman nods gravely. "This is at the edge of the effects of the Zeta-Bomb. The land north of here is still sickly - or dead."

"Terrible." NNS says in response as he stands nearby. "Truly, a sorrow. The birdsong of Urth is truly a boon... and their eyes would have made decerning the--" He stops to listen to Overman and quirks his eyebrow curiously.

"Tis must be a barbaric device to have wrought such woe upon all life. Why would anyone drop such a thing upon their own land? Did they not hope to return to it? To farm its verdant fields once more?"

That pulls Baker's attention from the overgrown weeds. He looks to Overman. "Zeta bomb? I get the distinct impression that I don't want to know what that is or why it was used... but I'm going to ask, anyhow."

Amelia far reaches for iodine tablets and bottles of water to take the tablets with.

Victory poitns over toward the village. "No ruins. There wasn't a city here on this spot at all, like our world has."

Victory pulls out his PDA, on the chance that it might be able to connect to...something. He's not hopeful on that.

Overman shakes his head. "I don't understand it myself. Some new sort of new bigger nuclear weapon - or it had similar effects anyway. The terrorist called it a zeta-bomb."

Amelia hands out the iodine tablets and bottles of water, "If you're not immune to radiation take two of these tablets. It will help. Partially."

"Even the cruel Tso-Neogi's Life Reaping mass weapons left the land intact," Artemis says grimly.

Amelia swallows two of the tablets herself.

NNS steels his pphysical form with spiritual energy, shifting his lifeforce to take sustenance from the universe it self by taking the Harbinger's Refuge with a few murmuring words and his hands slowly sliding through various mudra to focus his energies.

He knows of these Nuclear Weapons well, and finds them foolish on any world who choose to keep them for anything other than planetary defense.

His eyes begin to glow from the shade of his hood, but otherwise he looks the same to mortal eyes.

He takes the pills and water. He spits the latter out. "This is no drink for riding to the salvation of another world... we shall have to find a proper drink to consecrate this expedition." He says before clapping Artemis on teh shoulder to say, "Aye, Sister. A grave tiding indeed."

Victory nods to Amelia, "Thank you." He goes ahead and takes a couple as well. Just in case.

Moonshadow takes two tablets.

"Graver still, Brother, I fear the decimated world here may have lost the means or secrets of brewing," Artemis warns of even more dire news. She takes two tablets without water.

Overman says, "Not all the world is in as bad a state as this. Only three such bombs have been detonated."

Korkoro slowly ascends into the air. "The planet itself seems fine," she states, "from what I can sense of the magnetosphere. So standard protections from solar radiation and the like are in place." She does not take the iodine tablets being offered, although she does nod her thanks.

Baker nods somberly to Overman. "That is good to know... and thank you, but I am alright.

Baker's latter is to Amelia, as he works to increase the distance between his ' and Enter keys.

Victory nods. "I guess...we should check out hte village?" He looks to Overman, "So, you said VIPER had a bunker here? Is it empty now? And...what was hte organization like here?"

Overman says, "I fear this area will be blighted for many years yet, though. To my eyes, the area north of here is still glowing...."

Korkoro looks north for a moment, clearly thinking. "Are we going to stay put for a few minutes? I would like to take a look closer to the center of the devastation."

Overman says, "It seemed to be some kind of scientific base - relatively new, too. But I didn't penetrate it far enough to learn its layout."

Victory shrugs and says to Korkoro, "If you want, go ahead and scout it. I was thinking to try to find a library in the village. They might have one."

Amelia says, "I ask again, does anyone have the clairsentience ability?"

The Stranger gasps at Artemis' concern. "Horrible. Perhaps this planet is too far gone?" He says, half in jest.

"I kid- there are souls to shepard here brew or no brew. We shall endure, but hearing that brings relief to mine own ears, Overman."

"Oh- I wish to explore this secret base as well. I will join Korkoro." He announces.

[To Amelia] Overman says, "I can see through walls. But not the walls of that base."

"Nay, I do not even understand that which you ask," Artemis answers Amelia as she starts to float off the ground.

Amelia asks Overman, "How far away is the base?"

Victory smiles and says to Artemis, "Teh ability to see things far away. Like...through walls. Or miles away.""

"I'm not sure it qualifies as a secret base since everyone seems to know about it," Baker shares. "Is charging into a stronghold really the best option?" He doesn't seem to think so, though he is asking for Overman's opinion.

Overman points. "In the flat area, before that hill starts to climb."

Baker shakes his head to answer Amelia. "Not like that. I might be able to tell if the area was populated, or search for an individual, but not full remote viewing."

Artemis smiles to Victory. "Ah, nay, I would have to petition Hestia for such a boon, or perhaps Raziel. I can only hear at great distance for those who pray for aid or to find conflict."

Amelia looks. Then says, "I need to get closer. I would complain about an escort."

Amelia looks. Then says, "I need to get closer. I WOULDN'T complain about an escort."

NNS lifts off the ground as well with but a whim. He matches Artemis' speed and trajectory.

"Of course charging into a stronghold is the best option when one wants answers... either that or hiding amongst thine subjects and skulking about as one of them. Mayhaps that be a better plan in this singular instance..." NNS says to Baker, mulling it over in his mind.

Amelia starts moving toward the base. As she does it becomes harder to perceive her in some undefinable fashion.

Moonshadow says, "Amelia, wait!" she moves to catch up, "Would you like a lift? I can bend light around both of us."

Artemis chuckles to Nohrbor. "You were always better at blending in than I, Brother." She looks to Victory. "Which way shall we go?"

Amelia smiles, "That works for me. I'm hoping to reach a point about 600 to 800 meters away.

Korkoro nods to Victory, then ascends further, speeding up asignificantly and arcing north as she goes.

Victory nods. "I was leaning toward the village. There's a good chance the base already knows we're here."

Artemis offers a hand to Victory. "Shall my Brother and I escort you to the village, then?"

Moonshadow picks up Amelia and starts flying. They both fade from view as she invokes the Lunar Eclipse.

Victory shakes his head, "Let's stick together more htan that. Just in case. Korkoro went to go check out the blast zone. We can stick closer to Ms. Steinberg in case of trouble. Let her take a look if possible, and then we head to the village. Sound reasonable?

The Stranger shifts forms and comes in for a landing, shuffling after Amelia. Luckily he has just the disguise for wandering an apocalyptic wasteland!

Artemis nods and smiles. "Your words have Merit, Friend Wade." She looks about. "I know not where The Lady Steinberg has gone, but I can head to this base," she says as she tightens her grip on her shield and begins to fly straight for the base.

"I have to admit, Amelia of Steinberg- I am having difficulty following your progress. Mayhaps you might kick a stone in the direction you are going to assure me?" He asks as he moves, looking very much like a vagrant king as he goes.

Victory also starts to head in the direction of the base, as he has lost sight of Amelia and Moonshadow.

Amelia tells Moonshadow this is close enough. Then sends her mind out questing for any reasonably natural creature within the base, borrowing its eyes and ears if she locates one to begin her examination of the base.

Artemis can't see where the hidden ones stopped. Also Artemis is not one for guile. She continues flying straight for the base, leading with her shield.

Amelia tells Moonshadow quietly, "I'm in. This is going to take a while. Not too long but I'm limited to how fast a rat can go without being obvious."

Victory calls forward, "Artemis, don't get too far ahead! Just in case!" He shakes his head. Like herding cats sometimes.

Victory continues moving in the direction of the base and village, breaking into a jog.

Just in case is why she's eager to go forward into battle. Artemis isn't likely to listen in most cases. But in this instance, it's Victory calling for her. She sighs as she fights her instincts, and turns around to meet up back with him. "Very well, Friend Wade," she says in some disappointment as she banks to fly alongside him.

Moonshadow says, "I can keep the two of us cloaked for as long as you need, Sis."

Victory smiles. "Think about it like a battle formation. We'll be stronger closer together than individually."

The Stranger continues wandering about blindly, but it fits the look anyway. He moves towards the blown out door once he gives up on finding Amelia and Moonshadow.

Artemis smiles at Victory. "You speak truth, Friend Wade. I merely ache for battle after too long without it."

Baker is following, as following cats is marginally easier than herding them. The following becomes somewhat more indirect once the presumed base entrance comes into view, as most everyone's headed that way.

Amelia whispers to Moonshadow, "It's a American Freedom Front base. If its connected to VIPER I haven't seen evidence either way. There's six persons in uniform in a living area. One seems a mentalist from the enlarged head. Can you gather the others? If I stay here incontact with the rat I can open a portal right into the base living area."

Overman is following with the main group.

Moonshadow drops her Lunar Eclipse spell, rendering Amelia and herself visible again. She waves to draw the other's attention.

In the distance, Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx gasps- though for no reason other than what he just witnessed. Had he not heard it for himself he would not believe it.

He thinks to her, (My, I wonder what Althea Constantine, Shieldmaiden of the Ashildr & Breaker of Baron, Bully & Binder would say to such a request?) She can certainly hear him snicker in the distance, living up to their bond as siblings with all the ease of a biological brother.

Artemis gets distracted by Nohrbor's thoughts, thinking back (What request do you mean, Brother? What has you merry?)

Victory notices Moonshadow and heads over in that direction, and he helps to wave over the others.

NNS looks up at Artemis and thinks to her, (Only you, forsaking theGlory of the Frontline of course. Tis a rare occurance- rarer still than the alignment of the moons of Galadox.) He sighs wistfully at the memory and then turns as he notices Moonshadow decloak. He too moves to join Victory there.

Amelia smiles, thinking the alarm will have the metas and defenders heading to the entrance. She'll get people in bepassing the front line of defense.

Victory says to Amelia and Moonshadow, "So, waht did you find out?"

Moonshadow says, "Amelia says she can open a portal directly into their living area."

Amelia says, "They've noticed us. An alarm has gone off. Now I can open a portal into the base bepassing the front door. But as I have no evidence of any VIPER connection, maybe we can try talking? Some of those inside are definitely meta. One a mentalist I'm sure."

Artemis banks to keep pace with the others, though is restless. And a bit displeased by her brother's roundabout taunts. (Aye. 'Tis rare. There will be battle soon, though.) She doesn't give Nohrbor the satisfaction of an explanation.

"Aye- then we should consult first. We are not a strike force." NNS says while smirking at Artemis. "We are Emissaries of Peace."

Amelia says, "We're on a deadline. My eyes have just been trodden on and is dying. We port now or never. Decision time."

Amelia adds, "Oh. There's trooper types. Some of their stuff looks like something I saw in a book about VIPER.

Artemis nods a bit at Nohrbor's words. "The Do'jon are diplomats, Brother. The Ashildr are battleborn," she reminds.

"I will go and attempt to treat with their Leader. If they are wise then they will listen to counsel, if not- well I shall fight my way out or haunt their manor until I am tossed out." He laughs. "Aye Sister. But my years at yourside have cursed me with your lusts as well. No matter- the thrill of an opportunity for both is all the more exciting."

Victory nods. "Let's...not rile them further. They'll come outside, and hopefully...we can talk. Hopefully. If not...Artemis will get her wish."

Victory walks toward the base, not in a hurried manner. He wants to make it clear he's not trying to attack, assuming they're being watched. He does turn his shield on, though. Just in case. There's a good chance that shooting starts.

The corridor empties out again before the rat expires.

Artemis chuckles at Nohrbor's words. "As you have cursed me with occasional compromise, Brother. Go to it. Your way first. If they be vile and unreasonable, I will still grant them chance to surrender."

Amelia nods as Victory speaks. She opens a tiny gate and draws the rat out through it, starting to heal the valient creature. Debts are always paid.

Victory says to Overman, "You're going to provoke a violent reaction just by being here. Can I suggest you stay at a distance for the time being? I realize you can probably observe with super sight or hearing without much difficulty."

Victory says, "Just keep tabs on the situation."

Overman nods. "I'll circle round to the hill."

Victory nods. "Thank you."

Overman flies off at speed, just above the ground.

Artemis sheaths her sword for now and finally lets her feet touch the ground to walk along with others towards the base. "Do not misunderstand me, Friend. My wish is to face off villainy. If there be no villains in this tragedy, battle is not my desire," she comments to Victory while her eyes remain on the base.

The rat runs away as soon as it's healed. It's had enough excitement for one day!

Amelia is busy healing the rat of its injuries, and feeding it with dried meat.

NNS moves to stand at Victory's side, somehow looking more regal than before despite his dusty & tattered looking apocalypse trappings. "A wise decision, Guardian Victory. Wise indeed." He says quietly to Victory.

Then he takes a deep breath and waits for their hosts to join them, grabbing his jacket at the lapels.

"Aye we fight for fun and Glory, you'll find no warmongers here." NNS says in agreement with Artemis.

No one emerges from the base, though Artemis can clearly hear the alarm still sounding.

Artemis tilts her head. "I hear the alarm clear enough that me thinks the door has yet to be replaced."

Victory gets closer and calls out. "We want to talk!"

Several seconds pass without reply.

Victory shrugs, "Maybe they didn't hear me. That's possible." He walks still closer, not in a hurry.

Artemis keeps pace with Victory. "Mayhaps they think this be a trap."

Victory stops in his tracks. "They're trying to contact me mentally. If I act weirdly, restrain me." He then...decides to let the contact happen.

NNS steps forward and puts his hand on Victory's shoulder. "Allow me. Your heart is in the right place, but I believe you are missing a bit of ...Dramatic flair my friend."

"Hear me, Mortals of this World- we have come a long way to parlay with your leaders. We are Emissaries of Peace and Goodwill. We hope to bri---" He's cut off seeing the connection to Victory's mind.

"I believe they heard you, Victory- steel thyself. But it is just words... for now." Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx says with a voice heavy with warning.

<> says a voice in Victory's head. <>

Victory communicates through his mind to the mentalist. << My name is Wade Lockwood, also known as 'Victory'. I'm from another dimension. During your fight with Overman, he was shunted to our world. We wish to know what the situation is here. His story seemed...somewhat one-sided. I want to know more of the history here, know who you are. What you fight for. And what your organization's connections are to VIPER. >>

Victory doesn't beat around tthe bush, instead being direct about it. << We could have attacked, and we have chosen not to do so. >>

Artemis nods at Victory's orders. "It shall be done," she says quietly. She looks to Nohrbor as he verifies they're speaking to his mind now.

The voice, alas, does not seem to take Victory's word for this, but, now the door is open, decides to rummage in his memories.

There's a pause. Then <>

NNS turns to Victory and focuses on the psionic energies passing between he and the mentalist inside. He's waiting for a sign that things have turned or that his Sister's Favored Mortal is brought under the sway of another.

AS things shift he becomes more vigilant but he is silent so as not to give any reason for Victory's resolve to falter when his convictions must be pure.

Victory turns to the others, "Looks like they're willing to talk. He tried to read my mind. I think he didn't get much due to some resistance I put up, but he likely knows I wasn't lying."

Artemis smiles. "Then perhaps peace will have a chance to flourish here."

NNS claps Victory on the back and lets out a bellicose laugh. "Good show, Guardian Victory! You prove yourself the Mightiest of Mortals at every opportunity. My Sister's favor is well earned." He smiles to the man and then the others.

"Aye, let us go water our seed and see what might grow of it." He says in agreement with Artemis looking particularly pleased with things so far.

Victory continues forward to see who is going to come forward to talk on the other side. "I certainly hope so."

Victory smirks at the mention of 'Artemis's favor', but he doesn't bother trying to correct Nohrbor.

Still, no one has appeared outside.

Victory keeps walking up to the door to see if it'll open when they get close enough to it.

Amelia follows Victory.

Artemis lets Victory lead, but approaches with him with her hands down and passive. She's quick with her shield when she needs to be. She also makes no effort to correct Nohrbor's comments, or deny them. The curse of not being able to lie means silence is sometimes preferable.

Moonshadow follows Amelia

Korkoro returns from her DC 'scout', descending towards what on Earth-1 would be the Student Quarter, zeroing in on Victory and

NNS sees something glint in the distance. He floats benevolently towards the movement and cocks his head at it. "Are you not coming to meet us?" He inquires loudly with his hands held before him to show he has no ill intent.

As surmised by Artemis, the big outer door has not been replaced - it's badly buckled and now rests in a large chamber down a steepish slope. In another wide door across this chamber (which has several vehicles in it) stand a number of people in military dress. A man with a big moustache seems to be the ranking officer.

(... and Artemis.)

The people about the officer are all armed, and have rather VIPER-ish armour and helmets, for those who know their history.

Moonshadow watches the odd bird overhead. She nudges Amelia, to draw her attention to it.

Amelia looks up where Moonshadow indicates.

A bird with teeth in its beak and claws on its wings is circling the heroes.

Moonshadow says, "Think it's like your rat?"

Victory gets closer...and once in reasonable speaking distance, he smiles and says to the apparent leader, "Your mentalist already knows what my questions are. But in case they didn't pass that on, I'm Wade Lockwood, also known as 'Victory'. We're from another dimension entirely."

Amelia nods to Moonshadow, "Could well be. Or a shapeshifter. Or a mutant. Different earth, Laurel. Anything is possible."

The man nods. "An... interesting claim."

NNS shrugs and turns to follow the others, not bothered by his mistake. He figured they'd want to come out into the open. Sometimes Hoomans still surprise him so.

Victory nods. "In our world, VIPER was a terrorist organization. They took over what was known as South Africa in a coup, and the organization morphed into another organization altogether, called VENOM. They never had this kind of foothold here in the United States, let alone in Colonial Bay."

Victory shrugs, "And worst case...if you're unwilling to actually talk, we can try to find out what we need from a library. Or someone else."

"It sounds like your history - if what you say is true - differs greatly from ours."

Amelia pipes up, "Any time you'd like proof of the other dimension claim I can give it to you."

Moonshadow says, "Or I."

Victory nods. "I thought there likely were differences, yes. That's why we didn't want to assume anything....and talk first.

Artemis remains uncharacteristically silent as talks go on.

The colonel (to judge by insignia) says, "I am quite willing to talk. Forgive me, though, if I do not invite you further in. You claim both to be foreign and to have strange powers. Especially if these things are true, admitting you would be imprudent."

Victory nods. "Fair enough. If you need proof of what we say, we can provide it, as Amelia and Moonshadow both mentioned. Alternaively, perhaps you can give us some history of what happened here in the country?"

He seems amused. "Since when - the beginning of history? That would take some time..."

Victory smirks, "How about hte last fifty years for hte country? Or the destruction of D.C.?"

Victory shrugs, "After all...I think this country hasn't been here since the beginning of history. And the country is what I asked about."

"Start with the colonization of the continent," Korkoro suggests. "Broad strokes, wars and causes of wars, until 2000."

NNS looks very amused indeed. He loves watching Mortals be clever, so he leans against a vehicle and listens with glee.

Amelia nods, "Yes. Find the divergence date. The two histories will be the same until then."

"Mostly," Korkoro agrees. "Who wins when will be the switch."

"Very well - if you return the favour and tell me about your world."

Victory nods. "Certainly."

There follows a long period of exchanging notes. It would seem that although history clearly wasn't identical - as witness the lack of Colonial Bay - in broad strokes it was much the same up to the rise of superhumans - which didn't happen, it appears, on this world, at least till after World War II.

Following that war, so the colonel explains, there was Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. The world seemed on the edge of nuclear war, while much of the 'Third World' was the site of proxy wars between the great powers. Then, in the '60s, came the 'Serpent Revolution' when VIPER seized power in much of the world.

Artemis listens during the exchange, glancing up to the giant bird from time to time.

Korkoro can especially help after that point; it's history she lived through, after all.

There were exceptions. The paranoia of the Stalinist Soviet Union meant that even VIPER had had trouble infiltrating there. In Germany, VIPER was initally successful, but was then defeated under the leadership of the genius inventor, Dr Zerstoiten, who still rules as Kaiser of the Fourth Reich.

And in the US - there was Overman. He freed the US (and Canada) from VIPER practically single-handedly.

Having driven VIPER from US soil, Overman turned his attention to other threats to the US - whether that of the expanding Germany, terrorists, criminals or natural disasters. The US became ever more dependent on him to solve its problems - and so his power grew.

So did the threats. as technology improved but Overman's power level remained about constant. As such, he became increasingly violent, cared less about collateral damage - and rather more authoritarian. During this period, apparently, the Ametican Freedom Front was founded, in opposition to the increasingly dictatorial hero.

Things came to a head five years ago, with the Washington explosion. The culprits were never identified (according to the colonel, the Emperor is the most probable suspect), but Overman took the opportunity to seize control of the country, and declared opposition groups, like the AFF, traitors and terrorists.

Victory nods. "So...what is the connection between VIPER and the AFF?"

Moonshadow says, "What means did the AFF use to oppose Overman when they were founded?"

"I do not understand. It sounds as though this Overman still only had his ire focused on criminal elements and danger. Why were you there to oppose him if you are not part of those you mentioned?" Artemis asks.

Korkoro glances sideways at Artemis, but doesn't answer. "When was the last time free and fair elections were held?"

"He came to suppress the liberties which are the right of every American! And - he grew criminal. He would summarily execute his enemies if it felt it necessary - not that he ever admitted it, of course - and he increasingly recklessly endangered bystanders - not caring about 'collateral damage' even when it was human life.."

Moonshadow says, "It became more about winning the fight than protecting the people."

Victory nods as Moonshadow's question gets answered but his was ignored. He tries again, "What is the AFF's connection to VIPER? Are you just using their old gear? Are they funding you?"

"2062 - in theory. But can an election truly be fair and free with a godlike being watchng, willing to take any action he deems necessary to eliminate threats?"

"We need arms for our fight. There are VIPER-governed and former VIPER-governed countries that sell them. But that is the extent of our connection."

Victory nods slowly as he listens. His initial attempts to try to sway Overman's plans were the right choice, it sounds like.

It's at this point the alert heroes notice the supersonic approach of a large chunk of rock - about the right size to fit through the doors of this place - from the direction of Colonial Heights!