Log:Overlord - Zu, Scene 1

Overlord's Arrival 2018/04/19 	 Doctor Destroyer Indira Timewarp Capitano Italia Guerrier

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Rolling dunes of sand and rock extend in most directions...the exception being the large black and red pylon, two miles in diameter, jutting out of the ground. The Zu military has cordoned off an area around it a good mile and a half out.

Indira(#2729POeACcF?)

In her natural form, Indira Paxis has light blue skin with various shadings and markings of darker blue, greens, and purples. Her body is humanoid in nature, and slender. Her irises glow ambiently with a soft pink light. Her "hair" consists of long blades and strands of white organic material that feels like the soft petals of a flower. Due to the neurochemicals her people give off, once you get closer to her or are around her more, she starts to seem to shift more to something the target finds safe and attractive. She takes on the traits of that race, appearing more human to humans, or more Yuun'tan to a Yuun'ta.

She's wearing a tight fitting dark violet dress made of a synthetic material, with decorative glowing lines and panels of soft cyan light. It's the latest in fiber glow fashion that's all the rage in the Andromeda Galaxy. The cut of it is more the style of an elegant formal evening dress. It's an off-the-shoulder design, so tight up top it must be binding, but loose and long to the point that it touches the ground, with long sleeves that go just past her wrists.

((OOC Note: Once you're within an 8m radius of Indira, you're at a risk of being affected by Neurochemical Attraction. Check +finger and +powers for notes on that.))

Mechanic(#2318PeACcF?)

Those familiar with the simulation calling itself the Mechanic might notice some notable differences in this the true Mechanic and creator of the Torus. This man looks similar inso far as having an ever shifting face might make anyone look like someone - anyone else. Though the shifting seems to be less random, more like some kind of obfusication field.

He's wearing a single two-tone blue flightsuit thats tight and form-fitting almost like a superhero costume & a white lab coat over that. The parts of his flesh that are exposed seem inlaid with technology (hands, neck, face and most notably the entirety of each eye)- namely a black metal of some kind in various configurations that when in their 'default' settings look almost art deco-ish. These lines do not stop for his clothing- infact they suffuse and continue on unabated, visible over the top.

Some things remain the same- like how he's quite dapper for a crazy cosmic wanderer from no-where and no-when near here. He's also especially clean despite being called 'The Mechanic', and even when he should be wet, dirty or damaged - he seem unchanged. Dirt and water seem to just bead up and fall right off of him as if refusing to sully, tarnish or weigh down this being.

Tali(#2661PenACcF?)

Tali stands only about 5'1" tall, though with her open, bubbly disposition she can usually attract attention despite her stature. Her dark eyes always seem to have a twinkle, and when she smiles her wide, easy small chubbyish cheeks dimple. Her face is framed with chocolate-brown hair which she often pushes back behind her ear with a small hand. Of figure she is quite shapely for her age.

She dresses in currentish teen styles - clearly not wealthy enough to be right up to date, but not so out of date as for it to be embarrassing. Her shoes do tend to look a little worn out, though.

Rolling dunes of sand and rock extend in most directions...the exception being the large black and red pylon, two miles in diameter, jutting out of the ground. The Zu military has cordoned off an area around it a good mile and a half out.

Not every location in the world has the necessary manpower to deal with the Overlord incursion. Starguard is a world-wide organization, but not every nation has been welcome to be involved...or chosen to do so. Especially those in flux, and of those, Zu has been in more flux than most countries. Formerly known as South Africa, and subsequently taken over by VENOM...it has seen upheaval again in recent years when Dr. Destroyer came to power in the country.

Interestingly, Zu has seen further revival since Destroyer's ascension, but they're still recovering to a degree since the coup. As a result, Zu put out a call to other nations to ask for assistance. And to this end, a rare few heroes have responded...both curious and somewhat apprehensive about coming to Zu.

The heroes are standing at a temporary military encampment about a mile and a half from the pylon which juts into the blue sky. Dr. Destroyer stands before them, "Thank you all for coming on short notice to help a nation that might otherwise be viewed as an enemy. We must all work together to protect this planet. Once the alien threat is dealt with, we can go back to our normal state of ordinary 'tolerance' of each other's countries. I am...as most of you are aware, Dr. Destroyer." He paces back and forth slowly. "And our Meta-Zu project has had...setbacks. Hence the need to call others for help."

The Mechanic makes his presence known to the others only who have arrived on scene. He and his spacesuit clad companion are standing just outside the pylons' danger zone and just beyond the other assembled heroes.

They have arrived in hopes of giving the heroes more information about what they've found so far- they were en route to the the United Nations with this information but Zu's call for assistance caused the Mechanic to divert their interdimensional warping here instead which he's explained to Indira via a telepathic connection the two share.

.o0(According to my records, which aren't 100% accurate due to the effects time dilation, flexing & resituation- this is unprecidented.)

The Mechanic notes the lack of German accent and decides to pay a little more attention to the dictator as he refrences his historical databases on Zu and its mysterious leader, Doctor Destroyer.

Tali is a bit on edge, admittedly. She was hardly not going to help; at the same time she doesn't trust Dr Destroyer a bit. She recalls reading about him in some newspapers when she was wandering the timestream. And maybe from history books, but she's all very vague on that.

There are other Zu military folks about, as well as a couple of heroes from Europe: Guerrier, a man wearing red and silver knightly armor from France, and Capitano Italia, a man wearing kevlar armor covered in his national colors and he's smoking a cigar.

Indira looks about them as they appear in a place she wasn't expecting. Given the chaos of the Overlord incursion, she's geared up in her armored spacesuit for added protection and utility. She quickly listens to what's going on all around them, trying to collect thoughts as well on what's going on. . o O (Which part? This planet was invaded before.)

Capitano Italia nods and takes a puff of his cigar. He says in English, "What is it that you need us to do, Medico Destroyer?"

(Doctor Destroyer /INVITING/ other metahumans into his country for assistance.) The Quantum Mechanic answers as he takes note of all those who answered the call for assistance- his makeshift team. He waits for an answer to Capitano Italia's question with curiosity.

Destroyer nods slowly, and the eyes on his armor light up briefly, apparently annoyed by something...but he doesn't state what he's annoyed about. Instead he just says, "We have devised a plan to destroy that pylon. Initial scans indicate that it is hollow, and we have a weapon that can destroy it from the inside...without additional collateral damage."

Not long after showing up, some may start to see Indira less as the blue-skinned flora alien, and more like someone they trust or find attractive.

The Zu military folks moving about do take note of Indira, watching her more than what they should be doing. A couple of them bump into each other. Even Capitano Italia seems to start looking her way more often. Guerrier and the Destroyer himself don't appear to be as affected.

Timewarp says, "So - if you have the weapons what's the problem?"

Indira thinks to the Mechanic. o O (That makes sense. I know little of this country, and I've visited many on this world.)

Dr. Destroyer nods, "Delivery of such." He motions behind the group. "That hover armored vehicle there has the implosion device inside it. We need to get it into the middle of that cylinder. I have a few ideas on the best way to do this, but I can open to suggestions."

Timewarp says, "How heavy is the device?"

Indira asks, "Is there a way into the pylon? My companion may be able to teleport the device within." She motions to the Mechanic with a slow and graceful gesture.

"Can we see a schematic of this pylon-like construct?" The Quantum Mechanic asks Doc Destroyer. He is not concerned with the Doctor's annoyance.

"I believe I can help you with transportation wiht ease- but if we have a viable option, I suggest we delay the destruction of the implosion of the pylon-like construct to find out more about our enemy." He suggests in a very serious tone.

Dr. Destroyer thinks about it a moment, "The vehicle itself is 25 tons. The device is another 25 tons."

Timewarp says, "Oh. Ok, never mind that idea."

Dr. Destroyer hits a button on his gauntlet and a holographic projection of the pylon appears. It slowly turns, giving the heroes an idea of what they're dealing with. "We do not have full schematics, of course. Just sensor data."

Destroyer adds, "There is a way in from the top, from what we can tell.

Timewarp says, "So - someone could fly it in?"

Dr. Destroyer nods, "Someone could. I could do it, if no one else is able to do so. However, while carrying it, I would be potentially vulnerable to attack. If I were to carry it in myself, I would need an escort."

Timewarp says, "Oh - flying's not something I can do."

Guerrier thinks about it, and says in English (but with a clear French accent), "But there are those of us who do...Perahps we can both escort and create a...umm...distraction?"

The Mechanic does the calculations instantly. "That is a bit outside of my ability to transport. It'd take me hundred's of trips- even if we somehow dismantled it and reassembled it inside."

He lift shis hand and taps his chin with his index finger as he considers other options.

"Though perhaps- I can keep the craft safe while it is driven to the pylon, and I can most certainly lift it up to get it inside. We just need a door." He says after examining things as best he can with the information he has now. "I suggest a reconnisance team enter, extra as much information as possible before we blow this device up." He says again. "No matter what we decdide on getting it there. It seems like that's a minor point."

Dr. Destroyer nods slowly at Mechanic's suggestion. "I would prefer that we detonate the device as soon as possible. We can take readings while we are delivering it. Here is my reasoning. We have a clear indication that the pylon is drilling downward toward the core of the planet. If we wait too long, we will have geothermal energy at hte very least...or magma at hte worst, rushing upward toward the surface. Then the implosion may have unintended consequences." Again...curiously, this doesn't really match the way that Dr. Destroyer has been portrayed through history.

Timewarp says, "Ok, so let's be quick then! THough I'm not sure how I can help: I mean, I can't fly and being quick isn't so useful if I can't get about, mostly."

Guerrier nods again and says to Timewarp, "If one of us were to carry you, would that help? Or do you powers not work like that?"

Indira closes her eyes a moment and plants her feet, feeling for the drilling mechanism beneath them to sense is progress.

Timewarp says, "Well - I might be able to do /some/ stuff. But mostly not. I might be more useful being a distraction, or something..."

Timewarp says, "What's that thing made out of, anyway? How tough is it?"

The MEchanic answers. "I believe I can get us inside- and then once we return I can definitely carry the vehicle all the way to target. So who's going along with us?" The MEchanic is certain his old friend Indira will be coming along.

Indira senses the drill at work. "We must hurry, whatever you plan to do. The Overlord will consume this planet from the inside out if you don't act soon." She looks to Mechanic and nods. "Of course I will go."

Timewarp says, "I'll go! I don't know if I can be any help, but...."

Both Guerrier and Capitano Italia agree to go. The latter drops his cigar and puts it out with the heel of his boot.

Dr. Destroyer nods, "I will go as well." He looks to Mechanic, "Do you need the vehicle to carry the device? Or can you carry it yourself? The top of the pylon is at least five miles up."

"We aren't going to go tussle & throw fisticuffs- what we need is keenly observant eyes & ears. I will handle the technical aspects as required." He nods as the soldiers agree to go along too. "Good. This is good. Let's go."

The Quantum Mechanic is encased in a black cube which continues unfolding and stretching impossibly.

A disembodied voice says, "I believe carrying the device myself will be preferred."

The impossibly black cube contuinies growing until it is about the same size as the vehicle and hovering about 3m off the ground. It becomes more and more like a super-futuristic transport craft with every passing second.

Dr. Destroyer flies, using boot jets from his armor, to gather up the rather large device. He hefts it up...and carries it to Mechanic. "We need to get it inside, preferably without dropping it too hard. Though if it detonates in midair, that's fine as well. It will do hte job."

A specialized holding bay configures on the fly- opening for the Doctor to place the large device inside.

A holographic Mechanic appears next to the Destroyer. "I'd prefer if we get it to the target. I have no intentions on being imploded nor does my companion." He says. "So- I'll engage field generators once it's secure. I can carry others as needed- both inside and outside the craft." He explains as a ladder drops from the seating area in the front.

Timewarp figures the most useful thing she can do is stay alert.

Indira taps something on a console on her forearm. "If it detonates in midair, will not we be in danger?" she asks as her suit's anti-grav systems engage. She begins to float up slowly as she's freed from gravity's hold. It's always disconcerting when she loses contact with the ground.

Guerrier actually flies, taking off hte ground. A ethereal cloak extends downward from his shoulders, matching a shield and sword that have appeared in his hands.

Dr. Destroyer shakes his head, "What I mean is, we don't know if you can set it on ground inside the cylinder. It might be too far down. One option is to drop it. And evacuate. Quickly."

Timewarp says, "Ok.... Well, I think I can get us somewhere safe, quickly, of it comes to it."

"Ah- I see. Yes. That is one option." The holographic Mechanic says in agreement.

"As can I. I believe the danger is negligible" The Mechanic adds.

Indira gets a hold on the craft the Mechanic built, preparing to depart and provide some defense.

Capitano Italia also climbs into the vehicle. He looks around slowly, taking in his surroundings. Though that attention is mostly focused on Indira.

Dr. Destroyer flies over to where Guerrier is, apparently intending to act as an escort for the vehicle.

Indira smiles a little despite the danger of the situation. "This reminds me of my days on the Kirar Dax." Her faintly glowing violet eyes look to Capitano Italia. "It was an exploration vessel. We encounters many dangers and rescued civilizations from disaster. But never something that could destroy a planet."

Capitano Italia smiles and says, "I've never seen anything like this either. But I mostly deal with threats in Europe. Not world-wide."

Indira finds some positivity helps when things look grim. But she takes this very seriously. "Your planet is fortunate and not to be so isolated. I fear your world may face this alone. The Andromedan Republic is too far to react. But we may be able to provide aid if the Earth can be saved."

Capitano Italia nods again, "Well...I have some confidence that we will prevail over this...thing. Though I don't know what it is yet, other than war machines. Is there not a person to fight?"

With everyone aboard, the Mechanic's Torus generated shuttle begins to rise with its cargo. "Keep an eye on any reaction from the pylon to our approach," the holographic Mechanic chimes as he teleports inside the ship.

The vehicle speeds along over the mostly open ground. The ground is mostly red sand and rocks in the immediate vicinity, but the hover drive keeps the terrain from being any kind of an issue.

"A person? No one knows for certain. The Overlord is, what is word. Myth? But the evidence is in what ruin it leaves behind," Indira tries to explain.

Timewarp and Indira can see in the distance a series of drones (much like the other pylon had outside Colonial Bay, though the heroes didn't see that) They seem to be mostly scanning the ground and surrounding area, but there are six which have turned and formed up into a circle formation. The circle is vertical, and hte drones are moving slowly clockwise while facing the vehicle.

Timewarp says, "6 flying robots or something coming this way!"

Timewarp says, "6 flying robots or something maybe have seen us?"

Indira frowns and looks towards the drones. She starts to tap out something on her forearm, activating her omni-systems. "I may be able to access their systems from here and see what their functions are.""

Dr. Destroyer and Guerrier fly out a little further in front to act as a first line of defense, in case shooting starts.

The drones are initially difficult to 'read'. The internal working are...organized in a different manner. It's hard to describe. But their primary mode is to scan for local flora and fauna, as well as to gauge local resistance. If necessary, defend the pylon...and in the most extreme cases, call for an Executor.

Indira waits for her translation software to decode what it reads from their programming. "They're scouts. But they'll defend the pylon. If we overcome them, they will try to call for an...hmm. I think the english word is 'Executor'?"

Indira taps on her console again. "Perhaps I can make one of them become our distraction."

Capitano Italia shrugs at the name. "Something to do with legal documents, eh? Wills?"

Indira frowns at Capitno's definition. "Well..."

A holographic version of the Mechanic's head appears in the middle of the cockpit. "That isn't ominous at all." He says before adding. "We'll definitely need to be defended- my systems are at 85% capacity already with the ship and shields active. So expect things to get bumpy." His tone is more of a warning, not fille diwth worry.

Timewarp says, "Sounds like we want tokeep them busy but not defeat them!"

Indira looks to the good Capitano. "I think it is in the sense that...it is something that puts something into effect."

Capitano Italia lights up another cigar, "I hate English. Too many weird words." He smiles.

The vehicle continues skimming forward over the ground with hte two fliers in the lead, easily able to keep in front. The drones start to generate energy between them...arcing to a single point. And it looks like an attack might be forthcoming...until one of their number breaks off and opens fire with smaller beam weapons on its compatriots.

"Italian is a beautiful language," Indira comments to Capitano Italia as she watches the progress of her omni-control. She watches the drones power up. "They combine to make a weapon? We might be ...in...ah, there!" she cries in success as one turns on the others.

Indira says, "I hope that disrupts their attack for now. But we are still in danger. It takes too long to control them all."

The energy construct fades between the drones as they scatter. Some maneuver to dogfight with their rogue member, while another four open fire on the vehicle. Guerrier moves to intercept with his shield.

The energy bolts are deflected harmlessly away. For now.

The Mechanic finally gets the drones in its field of perception. He suspects the smalls shots are tolerable but he isn't sure for how long. Instead of evasive manuvers he simply stays on course, but begins climbing since that's where Destroyer indicated a door would be large enough to drop the the bomb on them.

"Let's not give them a chance to regroup then." His tone is grateful, likely for Guerrier's shielding.

Dr. Destroyer isn't quite as reserved as Guerrier. He decides to draw attention by opening fire on the pursuers. A series of energy blasts fire from his gauntlets, creating a series of explosions on the ground.

Mechanic spots something...or someone...streaking across the sky in the direction of the pylon. It's not entirely clearly what it is...until it gets a little closer. There's someone in full body armor wielding an energy mace. And he is heading in the direction of the transport. Perhaps it's this...Executor?