Log:SERAF, Issue 9

SERAF 2011/08/01 	 Abigail Ellbeth Flyne Dark Horse Miles Fuchs Wonder 1

Ellbeth considers making a dramatic entrance by gating into the SERAF room. However with the possibility of edgy and trigger-happy FBI agents on hand she decides in the ned that the old fashioned way is best, and makes her way on foot to the room.

Wonder enters as "himself" too, finding that sneaking his way in has become less fun than it once was. He enters just after Ellbeth.

Ellbeth makes her way over to Wonder as they wait for the FBI to get itself organized, "Good afternoon, Wonder. I thought I'd attend and see if there's any assistance I can offer."

Wonder says, "Glad you could make it! I think we're a bit early."

With no choice but to enter as herself, Flutter arrives and flits right over to Ellbeth, "Hello!" she cheerfully says in greeting.

Flyne, with its bat-like wings folded and showing that it probably flew here, enters the room crawling using its feet and hands; not unlike a salamander. With this, Flyne takes note that it hasn't seen Ellbeth previous to this. Being curious, Flyne crawls over to Ellbeth and looks up, and simply says, "Hello." Flyne enters right after Flutter.

Miles Fuchs walks into the room, putting his PDA away as though he were just ending a phone call. "Hello everybody," he says. He takes a moment to look about and see who's made it today. "Let's get down to business, shall we?" He crosses over to the Next Generation organizational chart and beneath Rampart's name, he writes 'In Custody'.

Ellbeth nods and smiles to Flutter and Flyne. But with Miles arrival she doesn't speak, just finds a chair and sits.

Wonder nods and sits too, unusually quiet.

"First order of business..." Miles says as he turns around from the board to face the other people. "I'd like everyone to meet Dr. Ellbeth Wyrd. I'm glad you could make it, Doctor, and welcome. I think we could use a hero here with your level of experience."

As Miles speaks, Flyne turns its head to face him. Afterword and after people have started taking seats, Flyne's wings deform and melt as they fade back into the little alien's back. Flyne quickly finds a seat of its own.

Miles says to Ellbeth, "Now I'll try to catch you up on the situation so far..." He takes a moment to look at his PDA and thumb though some of the information there.

Miles says: "Quakezone was kidnapped from Chinatown by Next Generation. Apparently she was first on a list of targets that Next Gen had. We have the list, and we've managed to decode the first few names.

"Oh! Perhaps I would be able to decode the others!" Flutter offers cheerfully. "I am capable of comprehending any language invented by humanity."

Nobody says, "Dr. Walter Kim: We stopped Next Generation from kidnapping him. We're holding him in a safehouse until this entire thing blows over. He's a geneticist and was a one-time colleague of Dr. Madeleine Richards, who we think is behind the whole affair."

Ellbeth nods to Miles, obviously following his briefing.

Wonder thinks. o O (Chen did brilliantly then....)

Miles says: "The next name -- Andrew Talbot: AKA Rampart - Next Generation kidnapped his brother to force him into working for them. He's now in our custody. By the way, good work on that Wonder, Flyne and Flutter. He's availble for questioning for a short while, before he's sent to Stronghold.

Miles looks to Flutter, "If you can help out our tech people, that would be great. Next Generation is using a very sophisticated encryption scheme."

"But it is a language," Flutter suggests. "Invented by humanity. At least, that is my understanding of cyphered messages."

Flyne nods to Miles, and continous to listen.

Ellbeth interjects, "I may be able to assit if Flutter finds any difficulty in decoding the list. For credentials, I offer this, I created the Starguard Gamma secure communications algorithm and Max and I created HeroNet.

Having spent her morning studying the footage of the last encounter where Rampart was taken into custody, Abigail arrives now a few minutes early for the briefing... to find that apparently the briefing itself started early. She narrows her eyes as she steps through the doorway and shakes her head. "Any chance you might start over in whatever briefing you are offering?" she asks. "We were scheduled to begin in nine minutes I believe... fourteen hundred, correct?" she asks.

Ellbeth smiles, Major, you might like to check your watch. I think you're on a different time zone.

Miles continues...

"Speaking of good work.. what happened with Rampart's Brother?" asks Abigail, "And may I address an issue that came up during the apprehension of Rampart?"

Miles says: "I'll talk about that in one moment... The third name on the list is Max Mirza. We stopped Next Generation from blowing him up in a set up that was obviously a trap for us. Next Generation likely knows that we're onto them."

Miles says, "As for Rampart's brother, Next Generation still has him, as far as we know."

Miles adds, "As well as Chen's grandfather. Now we think that Mirza was targeted because of a lawsuit he's filing against an alternative medical clinic out in California, Playa de la Reina."

Miles looks to Abigail. "Go ahead and raise your point. I'll list off the active leads once you're done."

Ellbeth nods, taking in and collating the information.

"I have three matters to discuss at present." begins Abby as she stands and raises a hand. She raises one finger and says, "They kidnapped Rampart's brother to force him to help them. If they still have his brother, then it seems to me that we haven't solved anything except for to give them no reason to keep the brother alive. We should have found a way to track Rampart back and taken him -and- his brother.... all we did was give Rampart another reason to hate us."

She shakes her head, extending a second finger, "Second, I viewed the recordings of Rampart's capture... and I have several issues with that. Most notably this maniac... Devil Dog, who interferes seemingly at will, with federal operations and if I am not mistaken... he himself has several warrants out for his arrest. Does someone care to tell me why he was allowed to interfere at that time, and why when an attempt at taking -him- into custody... our own team members attacked one another rather than support one another?"

Her third finger raises, and she adds, "Three... we are -reacting-. Strategically, we are allowing Next Gen to have the initiative. They know we have that list... they are setting up scenarios and all we are doing is trying to plug the gaps in a disintegrating dam with chewing gum. We need to be decisive and to -initiate- action, not just react."

An office in the basement of the Marshall Federal Building on York Boulevard in Colonial Bay. The room has no windows all of the light is provides from fluorescent tubes on the ceiling. The room is not fancy at all. The walls are cinder blocks, painted over in a yellowish cream color. Exposed water pipes run along the ceiling. The office is large enough for three desks and a handful of chairs. One of them belongs to Miles Fuchs, another to Grace Adler. The third desk is open.

Flyne looks to Abigail, "Flyne saw no reason to want to take 'Devil Dog' into custody; and the one who was trying to intefer with him did not help us at all what so ever. Flyne acted out of simple logic." Flyne seems to be quite certain that it should have done what it did.

Miles says, "Devil Dog is a pain the ass. And the local authorities probably want him. But let's keep our eyes on the big picture. I'm not going to waste time chasing Devil Dog when Quakezone is still missing."

Flyne looks to Miles, and simply asks, "How is Devil Dog as this?"

Wonder says, "I don't like Devil Dog, but it was Cobalt who was the big problem - attacking Devil Dog instead of helping with the mission!"

"I wasn't suggesting we chase him. I was simply suggesting that he not be allowed to interfere again and.." Abigail looks towards Flyne. "Logic.. Logic is quite often a method of beibng wrong with confidence. We do -not- attack teammates... not when they are pursuing legitimate goals. Even if they seem a bit out of sorts, we figure it out, we do not -attack- them. Is that understood Flyne?"

Shaking her head, Abby adds, "According to the recordings, it was settled when he attempted to take Devil Dog into custody. He gave him a chance to surrender peacefully and Devil Dog refused that chance. Knowing his predilection for violence... how was Cobalt in the wrong? I fail to see it here."

"Legitimate goals? Devil Dog was /helping/ us defeat Rampart by Flyne's eye, and Cobalt was busy trying to stop Devil Dog from doing so. Flyne just wanted Cobalt to let Devil Dog go his way, rather than try to take him into custody for what to Flyne is an unknown reason. He tried to leave the scene, he didn't try to attack us. He only wanted to attack Rampart it'd seem. Tell me how that's wrong." Flyne states after turning and looking back to Abby.

"You -attacked- a teammate. That was wrong. Devil Dog is not a member of our team. He is a criminal in his own right. His involvement -was- interference. You were wrong to attack Cobalt. It will not happen again." offers Abby in a firm voice. "Am I understood?"

Ellbeth comments, "I am loathe to express an opinion on this matter since I was not present at the scene. However this post-mortum is not achieving anything useful. You have made your point, Major, and I'm sure it has been noted. Should we not continue with the briefing and then make our plans for future actions. The past is done. It cannot be changed, although we can learn lessons from it.

Wonder says, "Look, the simple fact is that Devil Dog was trying to help us being in Rampart - and Cobalt, who was *supposed* to do that, ignored the mission and got in the way of Devil Dog helping. Devil Dog helped us and Cobalt, who was supposed to be on the team, interfered. And we were lucky to get Rampart in consequence. He's a lot stronger than me and we're lucky he didn't escape!"

Wonder says, "But Dr Wyrd is right. Arguing about this does no good."

Miles says, "Let's table this issue for now. Later on, Ellbeth, Abigail, let's discuss this a little later."

"You are understood." Flyne states quite simply, "Flyne will not try to damage a teamate, though Flyne will also not allow a 'teamate' to attack someone assisting in accomplishing our objective, whether or not they have a right to be assisting." Flyne then nods to Ell then to Wonder. After this, Flyne turns its attention back to Miles and nods.

Nodding to Ellbeth, Abigail remarks, "My point -exactly-." She folds her arms over her chest and adds, "Miles, even -you- told Cobalt that you didn't want Devil Dog interfering. He was acting based on information -you- gave him. Let's move beyond this, but just know that many mistakes were made. Devil Dog is not assistance, he is not a part of this team. That is my point..." That said, she adds, "And my other issues, Rampart's Brother..."

Wonder says, ".... is a serious one, so we should stop arguing and get on with it!"

Miles says, "Here are the active leads as I see them:"

Miles counts off on his fingers: "1) Rampart is caught. I don't think he's likely to cooperate, but he's available to be interviewed on the off course something can be learned."

Miles says: "2) Battery says that she's come across something that we might be interested in."

Wonder nods.

Ellbeth says, "Battery? You haven't mentioned him or her so far, agent Fuchs. Mmm... Mind if I call you Miles. Agent Fuchs seems unduely formal."

Miles lists: "3) Playa de la Reina. We've set up Wonder with a cover story as a wealthy prospective patient there."

Miles says to Ellbeth: "Her. Battery's one of the Chinatown metas that Chen went to for help. And 'Miles' is fine."

Ellbeth nods, "Ah, yes. Chen. I understand," she's not going to mention talking to Wonder in case Miles considers Wonder to have been loose lipped, "that Chen was a member of this team and was killed in the course of an earlier attempt to apprehend Rampart?"

"Battery...Flyne thinks it has seen her previously. Chen asked Flyne to inform her of something before." Flyne states quite simply, looking at Miles.

Miles continues: "4) The University is looking out for any unusual seismic activity. So far it's been quiet. It's possible that they have Quakezone sedated or hot or cold sleep."

Miles finished up: "5) Ellbeth you mentioned that possibility of helping with the decryption."

Imaginary Girl arrives, let into the 'briefing room' where the others are. "Hi!", she says in a 'happy chirp'. "Sorry I'm late!", she adds, totally not seeming worried that she might be interrupting with her late arrival and cheerful greeting.

Ellbeth nods, "As did Flutter. If her gift is applicable it will be faster than breaking the encryption.

Miles says to Ellbeth: "And yes, to your question about Chen."

Ellbeth says, "Is Rampart being charged with her murder?"

Dark Horse knocks on the door lightly, and steps inside.

"Okay, I think that simply reacting and waiting to see where they strike next and trying to interfere with their activities is... counterproductive." offers Abby. "Seriously, we need more of a pro-active plan than that. Even if it involves the assumption that they know what we know. The list, encryption or not..." she eyes IG with a bit of a smirk and shakes her head. "We need to initiate action, not react. Otherwise, we are fighting a losing battle and will never do anything but dance to their tune." A soft sigh, and Abby adds, "So, any ideas on that?"

Miles says, "Given the seriousness of the situation, we're offering him a walk on all charges, if he cooperates. Not my decision. But if he doesn't, it looks as though he's going to get charge we can throw at him."

Ellbeth says, "We have not yet heard what this Battery has offered. The clkinic is interesting but it seems Wonder has that in hand. I would like to talk to Rampart."

Ellbeth says, "Furthermore, if the list can be decrypted, I suggest a substitution might be in order."

Miles nods to Dark Horse. "Hey, thanks for showing up."

Dark Horse waves to Miles, "Sorry I was a bit late. Had to deal with a mugger on the way over."

Imaginary Girl says, sounding a little sheepish, "/I/ just lost track of time", directing her words mostly at Dark Horse. She holds up her hands, twisting them back and forth as if showing off her wrists. "I don't have a watch...!"

Miles says, "If you ask me, investigating the clinic might be our best shot at getting catching up with Next Generation. But it's also dangerous -- it could be another trap. Before you go down that path, it might make sense to look into the other things first.

Flyne merely keeps listening to things being spoken.

"Tell me more about this Clinic." suggests Abigail. "And substitution?" she asks. "I have no problem walking into a trap if we know it's a trap. A chance to turn the tables on them would be welcomed for a change."

Wonder says, "I agree about the clinic. Particularly if these rumnours about transferring powers are true!"

Miles fills in the details: "Playa de la Reina Clinic. It bills itself out as an alternative to traditional medicine for only super wealthy patients. Max Mirza was suing them because his father, who's a patient, cut him out of the will and named the clinic to inherit his wealth."

Ellbeth says, "If Dr Roberts is engaged in illegal medical activities, a clinic would provide an ideal cover for that."

Wonder says, "If this Power Broker is connected to all this then it could be the clinic is where they do that stuff. Transferrring powers could be a means to mircles cures. Of course, that's just a guess."

Imaginary Girl is actually being quiet, listening. She frowns at Miles mentioning that someone cut their son out of their will, in favor of a clinic getting the man's rightful inheritance in his stead. Her hands, meanwhile, rest on her hips.

Miles quirks an eyebrow at Wonder's statement. "Wait a minute. What's a Power Broker?"

Dark Horse remains quiet as well, trying to get up to speed just by listening to the conversation.

Meanwhile, Miles clicks on his PDA. He sends Ellbeth information on Serena Webber, the head of the clinic.

Wonder says, "Um - I saw something about this somewhere - Heronet maybe?"

Greetings to all of you on this fine summer day,

A few weeks ago a street rat in my (intermittent) employ happened to overhear a conversation about the underworld figure known as the Power Broker. This ragamuffin relayed the following information to me: The Power Broker is an underworld individual who is offering cash for superpowers. Apparently he (or they; the stories vary) have some process by which they can remove super powers from individuals and collect them in some unknown manner. There are plenty of rumors but no hard facts on what happens to the powers that they collect. So far in Colonial Bay, only a couple of metas have taken up the offer. They haven't been seen since but word is that they did get paid (and handsomely as well if any of you are short of cash.) My favorite snitch informs me that The Power Broker's location moves around the city on a random basis. It seems that PB (as I like to call him) has the backing of a terrorist or military organization as out-of-town muscle provides security for this roving hideout. If you want to get in touch, you put word on the street, and they'll come to find you. No one has seen the Power Broke but his head of security is a meta called Spectre. But there is more, my neighbors, much more. Now then, by consulting the cards, sticks, and stars (then just outright shamelessly eavesdropping on those in the know), I managed to determine that although they might be tried to hide it, the Power Broker seems like a front for Next Generation. Spectre/ is / a Next Generation lieutenant after all. The security, by the by, tends to be ex-military types from out of town (mostly European I believe) with tactical armor and guns. Of course, sometimes there are groups of soldiers who look doped up on super steroids as well. Well, that is all I have for now, so I leave you with this thought: what is Next Generation up to now? As ever, Your everpresent Fool Harlequin

Wonder finds Harlequin's post on his PDA and shows it to Miles.

Miles reads the article. "If Spectre is the head of security for the Power Broker, then it's a fair guess that Dr. Richards and the Power Broker are one and the same... Also, this gives us another angle to possibly seek out their headquarters.

Ellbeth accesses the HeroNet post through her mental link with Max. "Mmm... There does seem to be a connection. Unless other factors appear it would seem the clinic is a viable starting point.

Wonder says, "But makes my going undercover at the clinic riskier."

"I agree that this could be, and most likely -is- a trap. The link is too convenient, too easy for us to puzzle out. So... the question is, what do we do about it?" asks Abby. "We could shut the clinic down without springing the trap, or we could just... spring it and have our own forces in reserve to spring a trap on the trappers."

Wonder says, "I don't know about the trap. The clinic is pretty secretive. I think it may be something they do to raise money..."

Wonder says, "Still, it would mean that anyone with powers going there is risking losing them. I don't want to be responsible for *another* supervillain...."

Miles makes the article available for everyone who has not seen it. It can even be read back by computer.

Dark Horse nods slowly. "What kinds of powers can he affect or remove? Anyone know?"

Wonder says, "That post has all I know. Anyone know how to contact Harlequin?"

Dark Horse shrugs a bit, "The reason I ask is...the only powers I have are based off of a magic spell cast on me years ago. I don't have any mutant powers."

"Okay, so.. what we need is a volunteer to go into harm's way." suggests Abby. "Unless anyone else has a better idea, I volunteer."

"Not sure." Miles says, "Maybe Harlequin could answer..." He nods, in agreement with Wonder.

Flyne thinks..."Flyne normally designed to go into situations of which survival wouldn't even be considered for most Morphoids...and Flyne has done so many times. But this case is not one where Flyne would fit easily. Flyne's powers are very attached to Flyne and likely wouldn't be altered with any ease. Morphoid bodies are designed to resist such things, as the Morphoids' sworn enemy tried that once, and we all adapted to counter it."

Ellbeth frowns, "The head of the clinic is looking very much like a fake identity. Well done but not perfect enough to evade detection when probed as deeply as I'm capable of."

"Seriously, if you're going to learn the language.. use it the way it's intended." mutters Abigail with a shake of her head. That's mostly to herself before she speaks up, "Flyne... haven't you learned by now that Huamnity -excels-... you might say we specialize in throwing all the calculations of folks off the chart... doing things we're not supposed to be able to do. I think you might find that you're n ot so resistant to such measures as you believe. Anyway, I think it's less about who will be able to resist the procedure... and more about getting inside and stopping them before any procedures are done."

Wonder says, "I'm best for going undercover - especually now Chen's... well. They might not be able to tell I have powers. But if I make a mess of it...."

Ellbeth frowns even more.

"Flyne believes humans are very capible of incredible feats. Flyne's former enemies are no different in the feats. We wouldn't be here if humans weren't capible of incredible things. Flyne doesn't know much about how humanity works and in its functions, but does understand humans are powerful. Regardless, You're right, in that it'd be better to stop them before any such procedures are done. Flyne wouldn't be very good at being uncover anyway." Flyne states very firmly. "Humans have done things different than Morphoids, but Morphoids aren't humans and humans aren't Morphoids. Humans are different, odd, unique, cool. Flyne comes from a genetically engineered world...while humans only apparent latent ability is knowledge, and they've built an entire world from that one ability. It's incredible, as Morphoids haven't even begun to do such things given our war with another species..."

Dark Horse raises a brow as he listens to Flyne, but just...makes a note or two on his PDA.

"I... the proper term is I, not your name." says Abigail. "Say it.. I believe that humans are capable... My former enemies... I don't know much about... yeesh. It's called Grammar." she adds. "Learn it.." That last part is said through gritted teeth as she shrugs, "However, genetics are still genetics either way... and I wouldn't assume otherwise were I you." That said, she shakes her head, "So, what -are- we planning Agent Fuchs?"

A rather average looking young man in an ill fitting suit comes into the office. He glances around at the assembled supers, then, with a smile, bows to Ellbeth. As he straightens, he murmurs, "Someone left a message for me?" in a European accented baritone.

The young man's appearance fades to reveal harlequin.

Wonder says, "Harlequin!"

Miles shakes his head. o O ( Another shifter? )

Ellbeth says, "The clinic is a front for something. Although possibly just a scam from persuding terminal wealthy patients to donote heavily to the clinic in there wills. But the head of the clinic, this Serena Webber, is a false identity."

Miles looks to Abigail. "The more I hear about it, the more this clinic seems like something we need to check out."

Flyne speeds up its voice quite considerably, "InmorphoidweuseournamesinsteadofjustasimplepronounsuchasIinordertonotewhoexactlywearespeakingtoandmorphoidsnormallytalkatamuchfasterpacethanwhathaumansspeak..." Flyne giggles a bit to itself, seeming to be mocking Abigail's comment.

Harlequin waves jauntily to Wonder. "Hello, my dear." He glances around at the assembled metas then to Agent Fuchs and Abigail, his pose attentive.

Looking at Flyne.. Abby turns away from the creature midway through that superspeed tirade, as if dismissing. "Exactly." she says to Miles. "Another example of misreading the situation." she remarks as she gestures towards Flyne. "When Flyne there learns that we're not joking around here, and decides to actually -listen-.. let's move on to planning that investigation." She looks towards Wonder. "In fact, we can move on and ignore the ramblings until they make sense. Now... Wonder. You already have been set up with a comprehensive ID to enable infiltration, yes?"

Wonder thinks. o O ('My dear?')

Wonder says, "that's the idea. A rich man with cancer - best guess I could come up with for a plausible patient at the clinic."

Wonder says, "Would-be patient, rather."

Miles steps over to Flyne. "You've met Battery, right? You want to head over and find out what she wants?"

Ellbeth says, "You're a shapeshifter, Wonder?"

Flyne sighs a bit as it slows back down to normal pace. "Flyne is stranded on a planet with no apparant way to return to its world and on a planet that is ever so different from its own...Let Flyne be with its odd use of point of view." Flyne then turns and looks at Miles, and nods. "Flyne could do that."

Wonder nods. "Oh, didn't I say that?

[To Harlequin] Wonder says, "We wanted to ask you more about what you learned about this Power Broker - you say he can transfer powers?"

"On this planet.." begins Abby, "We have a saying. When in Rome..." She smirks, "I'll let you look up the second half of that quote Flyne. When you've acclimated to it, we will be able to communicate far more efficiently. Now..." she turns towards Harlequin. "Indeed. Intel would be most welcome."

Dark Horse smiles slightly, looking to Harlequin. He nods in agreement with Wonder. "Do you know what kinds of powers this Power Broker can affect?"

Harlequin nods to Wonder. "That is what the rumors whisper, yes. And that when looks a bit deeper one can see Next Generation's, hmm, fingers all over the operation." He glanes oer at Dark Horse. "I am not certain but the people I have heard sold their powers were mutants or accidentals. As far as I know."

Ellbeth asks Wonder, "Can you pass a medical examination if you enter the clinic as a patient?"

Harlequin shrugs. "As to how? I have no idea. I could probably do it if pressed, but Next Generation is more, ah, scientifically minded that I."

Wonder nods. "I've even visited a hospital to make sure I can fake the cancer."

Dark Horse nods to Harlequin, "Thanks. That would have been my guess, too."

Nodding, Abby says to Harlequin, "So if someone infiltrates and has their powers transferred away, could you restore them?" she asks.

Flyne, stiill looking at Miles, states, "If Miles needs Flyne no longer, Flyne will be off to go talk to Battery." Flyne gets up and turns around, and heads out it if Miles as nothing to say.

Ellbeth nods, "If you are willing, Wonder, I can maintain a telepathic link with you. And also fix a teleport location on you, so the rest of the team can gate in on a second's notice. That would seem to reduce the risk considerably."

Wonder nods. "You can do that? That makes it worth the risk!"

Miles says, "Flyne, I need you. I just need you to check out what Battery has to say. It could be important."

Harlequin tilts his head and shrugs. "I can try, but I cannot guarantee I would be successful. I have never done it before."

Wonder says, "I don't think they'll be able to tell I'm shifted. But if they guess - they might be able to affect my powers. I don't even know how they work, really!"

Ellbeth says, "There's a Modoc native cave settlement, long abandoned of course, in Keshlakchuis, California, near to the site of the clinic. Doing a sesmic survey of the settlement would not seem unusual. By such means we can check for any micro tremors from Quakezone, and determine the extend of any underground features of the clinic."

Glancing to the door as Flyne departs, Abby nods and looks back to the group. "Alright, let's do it then." she adds.

Miles turns to Abby. "You might want to tone it down a notch, Abby. This isn't the Corps. Outside of you, we've got a bunch of teenagers and aliens."

Ellbeth smiles, "Teenager, Mile? Why, thank you."

Wonder grins.

Harlequin looks over at Ellbeth. "I did not realize you were an alien, Dr Wyrd. Small world, no?"

And to Miles, Abby replies, "This isn't a social club. We're here to make a difference and to accomplish objectives. We need to behave as if we are on display to the world... heroes.. because we -are- on display to the world."

Dark Horse raises a brow at the 'teenagers and aliens' comment.

Ellbeth says, "I sometimes feel like one, Harlequin."

Miles smirk to Ellbeth. "Well, I'm in the same boat..."

[To Abigail] Wonder says, "Yeah, but p - making everyone mad isn't going to make us a good team."

Miles turns to Abby. "I know... I just don't want you to lose them."

Dark Horse rubs his chin, "Would it help if we got someone else on the inside as well? I might be able to get an 'in' on the staff. Start working there. I did something similar with Pride's underground fighting ring here in town."

Wonder thinks. o O (Doesn't anyone read comics? no one seems to know how heroes are supposed to behave!)

"Well, so far, I've seen very little teamwork. You and Chen worked well together Wonder. But we are not acting like a team so far. And something needs to change." offers Abby. "So, let's move on and -be- heroes." That said, she looks to Dark Horse. "I'm sorry, we haven't met, but if you are capable of such an infiltration... then having a second tip to our spear makes sense."

Ellbeth says, "While Flyne is away talking to Battery, and Wonder is preparing, I might be usfully employed in talking to Rampart. I can be very presuasive when I need to."

Harlequin lapses into silence as the various heroes speak. He just listens quietly, tilting his head in a bird like manner as various points are discussed.

Dark Horse nods and smiles, though it's barely visible under the mask. "My apologies. I should have introduced myself. I go by 'Dark Horse'. My specialty is really investigation, more than anything else. In a typical metahuman fight, I'm usually a bit outmatched by those that can throw cars or blast holes in steel."

[To Harlequin] Wonder says, "You didn't hear about a clinic in California when hearing about the Power Broker, I guess?"

[To Dark Horse] Wonder says, "Cool! We can do with people who are good at invesigation. I neverknow where to start..."

[To Wonder] Harlequin says, "No, I did not, Wonder. I was simply following up on rumors floating around ceratin circles. No mention of a clinic came to my ears."

Inclining her head a bit, Abby nods. "Very good. I am Abby Hearns, codename Guardian. Let's get to the investigating then. I like a two pronged infiltration.. that way we already have a man inside if and when it hits the fan. It's always good to plan assuming that Murphy's Law will rear its ugly head."

Wonder nods. "A Plan B is always good!"

Dark Horse nods, "Oh. It will. It's just a matter of when. Things always hit the fan eventually." He chuckles. "Like...having to fight Silver Spider while undercover. That was...decidedly un-fun."

Wonder's eyes go wide. "You fought Silver Spider?"

Dark Horse nods. "Very, very briefly. It was on a pier. I needed to act as one of Pride's muscle...and managed to knock SS into the water. And then 'dove in after her'. In reality, I swam elsewhere."

Dark Horse says, "So...what's the deal with the guy that Flyne is talking to? I missed that detail."

Miles says, "It's Battery. She's one of the Chinatown metas working for Tim Lee, except she's one of the good ones."

Dark Horse nods. "And what's her connection to what we're planning?"

Dark Horse says, "Or is that separate?"

Wonder says, "Quakezone is one of the Chinatown metas. They want her back too."

Wonder says, "Oh, you missed that part of the briefing? They kidnapped Quakezone - Next Gen, I mean."

Wonder says, "Do you think they want to steal her powers? It's not a power I'd want...."

[To Ellbeth] Harlequin quietly murmurs, "And how did a sensible wizard like yourself end up helping out SERAF, doctor?"

"Imagine you wanted to cause world terror... the ability to create quakes at will would be like the Lost Ark or Holy Grail of WMD's." suggests Abby.

Dark Horse nods. "Ah. That explains it."

[To Abigail] Wonder says, "I didn't say *no one* would want it - yeah, it's scary!"

Dark Horse rubs his chin. "There was an easier way for Next Gen would get control over that power. There's at least one organization which creates mind control chips. Sounds like Next Gen and ACRO aren't on 'speaking terms'."

Harlequin murmurs gently. "Which is fortunate for all, Dark Horse. If those who wish control worked together, well, it would be a dark day."

[To Harlequin] Ellbeth says, "If not me, who? I'm on the side of justice. Not always on the side of the law but always on the side of justice. If I can help why not do so?"

[To Ellbeth] Harlequin says, "Ah, that is better reason than mine. Curiosity souinds so shallow in comparison."

[To Harlequin] Wonder says, "Do you have a problem with dead cats?"

Ellbeth chuckles at Wonder's comment.

Harlequin laughs softly.

Dark Horse pulls out his PDA, and makes a few more notes, and then puts it away again. "So, I take it this group has been together for a bit now?"

Wonder says, "Since the beginning of this business. Though the membership hasn't been exactly constant."

Dark Horse nods and shrugs, "It doesn't have to be, honestly. Though a core group of constant people helps. Then you get others to help once in a while."

Harlequin murmurs quietly. "Has anyone tried to sovle he puzzle cube left in the morgue?"

Raising a single brow, Abby shakes her head, "What puzzle cube?" she asks.

Wonder says, "The puzzle cube - I forgot about that! But that means it's Kubik, surely - does it mean any more than that?"

Flyne returns, and enters the building with its wings folded. "Flyne has news." Flyne announces.

Harlequin waves at some papers over on a desk. "A report over there mentions a puzzle cuve found in the morgue. Apparently left by Kubik. And it may mean nothing. But if all this is a game to Kubik." He shurgs. "Just an idea." He then looks over to the winged alien.

Dark Horse raises a brow. "Intriuging. That I might be able to help with, too. Think if you solve it, it opens up, or something?"

Wonder says, "Anyone good at puzzles? Oh, hey Flyne - what's the news?"

"Hell, it could be the cipher for their encryption for all we know." suggests Abigail, who then closes her eyes as if trying to count to ten silently as Flyne speaks.

Miles says to Dark Horse, "It's in evidence. I'll have them bring it up for you."

"Ok, Battery has an odd device that has a multicolored cube on top of it. We don't know what it does, but she'd rather let us have it than let Tim Lee get his hands on it. Also, we might have a way of finding Quakezone...Through the use of someone that can only tell the truth and nothing but the turth. Though his whereabouts are unknown, though Battery says he couldn't be far. His name is soothsayer, and only Tim Lee and only his closest associated know where he is." Flyne states, in a tonal mix of excitement and panic.

The FBI is eventually able to bring in the device that Flyne is referring to. It's a functional Hypersite gate generator. The controls have been modified to include... another puzzle cube.

Wonder says, "Where did this come from?"

"That device-thing with the cube on it is what Flyne was talking about." Flyne states in a tone similar to it had previous.

Dark Horse nods. "You folks mind if I try my hand at it?"

Harlequin looks at the device with his hand firmly behind his back. He murmurs absently, "Probably the robbery a few years ago of a Hypersite facility," as he bneds a bit clsoer to look at the device. "Someone needs some outside hobbies."

Ellbeth glances at the puzzle cube. "Simple."

Wonder says, "Um - were we supposed to fnd it? Is this a way for them to get to *us*?"

Ellbeth grins, "I realize this may be new to you youngsters but these were popular when I was a kid."

Miles frowns and looks to Wonder. "That's a good point."

Miles adds, "We can store in inside of our superhuman containment cells for now."

Wonder asks Flyne, "Where did Battery get the device?"

"If we overanalyze everything, then we'll paralyze ourselves." suggests Abby. "Those unwilling to take any risks, will never win decisive victory." She smirks, "Sun Tzu, awesome writer. Now.. let's take precautions, but let's definitely put some minds and hands on the problem."

Ellbeth says, "If you speak to Regan, I' suggest a sensible place to open the portal by soloving the cube would be the Worlout Roomat Steel's Gym."

"...It does sound like a setup. It was left over after the incident between Chen and that other person. It was just left there."

Flyne states, somewhat sadly.

"Other person?" murmurs Harlequin as he moves back from the device.

"But yes, let's get Ellbeth in the room with Rampart too. I think it was a mistake to take him into custody while they still have his brother. We -should- have worked out a level of cooperation with him, not forced the issue." suggests Abby. She shrugs and says to Harlequin, "Rampart I believe was the other person. But I could be wrong."

"Flyne's memory isn't perfect..." Flyne mutters, not sound to happy. "I don't know presiesely...But I know it had to do with Chen. Flyne didn't log that detail. It could probably go ask Battery again if needed."

[To Abigail] Ellbeth says, "As I understand the situation, Rampart killed a member of the SERAF team. Do you really feel cooperation is an option?"

Wonder says, "We tried cooperation before. He made his choice to go with them. But yeah - I *am* worried about his brother."

"Making it pesonal is a mitake." begins Abby. "Many of the greatest assets in history had been enemies first." she shrugs, "He did what he did because of his concern for his brother. If we showed concern for the same issue, perhaps Chen would still be with us. But one thing I will -not- do, is allow her death to be for nothing. We need to find Next Gen, and take them down. I think the key is trying to get Rampart to give us the location of the bases he knows about so that we can do it. I think that making his brother's rescue the first priority will give him the incentive to cooperate... if it's offered properly."

Harlequin, and Wonder

Harlequin looks over at Ellbeth. "As in your novels when the heroes must make a deal with the Dragon in order to accomplish a goal behnd the back of the Big Bad, doctor."

Ellbeth says, "I dislike disagreeing, Major, but I see no need to offer a killer any kind of deal. I will get the information you need from him if SERAF allows."

Dark Horse rubs his chin again, focusing on the puzzle cube in question in front of them. "Ellbeth...how quickly can you solve one of these? I think...it's definitely worth doing." He pauses a moment. "From what I know about Kubik, he's pretty protective of his identity. But these are meant as a challenge. I'm guessing he had a pretty isolated and eprhaps strict childhood. I think....solving it might give us a clue to his whereabouts."

Dark Horse says, "He's basically saying...'Would you like to play?' In not so many words."

Smirking a bit, Abby shrugs her shoulders, "This doesn't have to be a my way or the highway option here Ellbeth. I'm not worried how we get the intel. I just didn't know there was an alternate method to making a deal. If you can get the intel without making a deal with the man, then I'm all for it."

[To Dark Horse] Ellbeth says, "Max can analyze the starting position and compare it to a database of such. Say, five seconds to work out the solution and another twenty or thirty seconds to apply it physically."

Dark Horse chuckles. "No point in my trying to solve it on my own, then."

Wonder says, "Dr Wyrd - if you can find out anything that would help me go undercover, I'd really appreciate it! You seem amazing at findng thigns out...."

Ellbeth nods to Wonder, "Meet me tomorrow. I'll brief you on Serena Webber and the clinic. I'll port over there after this meeting comes to an end and scry it out."

"Well, I'm going to go report in to the Colonel and give him a progress report, such as it is." offers Abby. She eyes Flyne and shakes her head before heading for the door.

Wonder says, "Ok, thanks!"

Wonder says, "I'll get going too - I guess I should practice my role a bit...."

Ellbeth nods to all, and opening a gate steps through it.

Flyne looks around a bit, "Flyne is going to go and try to find Battery again to find out presiesly what she said about how she found the device." Flyne looks around a bit, "Goodbye." Flyne heads out the door, stretches its wings, and flies off.

Wonder leaves by the door.