Log:The Triumph of Doctor Omnipotent, Scene 1

The Triumph of Doctor Omnipotent 2020/08/28 	 Artemis Ascendant Chen Lennox Mercury Quiet Riptide Union Wade Wonder Doctor Omnipotent 1

Carrying a parasol, Karin arrives at the tavern not too long after the text sent out by Ryosei. She had volunteered to pick Lizzy up for convenience.

Ryosei sent an 'ok' before the whole thing had been turned into Karin picking up Lizzy. He blinked a few times, then shrugged. Group texts get funny that way! Still, here he was mostly waiting, and trying to figure out just how big of a table he needed now.

The heavy tables, like the well-built chairs, are actually anchored to the floor; asking for additionals will get you some, but they don't generally have 'more space.

The Stranger enters from Upper East Side.

(The chairs do pivot, though -- anchored by one leg.)

Lennox enters the area behind the bar from the back; he greets his regulars, Artemis and Nohrbor.

It's a bar. Aside from the 'no fighting' sign (which Lien can understand given the proliferation of beings who could demolish the place with a angry glare), it's a bar. With a bar, which is where Lien is sitting. It is always beer-thirty somewhere.

It's a tavern, not a bar; Lennox is always quick to correct that impression. They serve food here, and good food indeed. Just ask the Godflora.

Wade is dressed casually today. He walks into the bar and looks around slowly, taking in the decor.

Artemis is quietly drinking at the bar.

Lizzy enters with Karin. She is not dressed casually today, but is dressed up for Ryosei. Getting to see Karin (for the first time all summer) is a bonus.

Peter is seated in the tavern withing to be contacted. It's another of his covery State Department meetings. Which all to often devolve to surcure carriage of a missive that could as easily have been dropping into a mail box.

Karin accompanies Lizzy in, sharing the parasol with her against the sun from vehicle to entrance, casting a wary eye about for followers bearing cameras before proceeding inside. She lays the sun-deflecting device to rest near the entrance before joining Lizzy in the search for Ryosei.

Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx has only just arrived, but after a day of patroling and answering prayers the Godflora has worked up an enormous thirst.

He waves to Lennox. "Hail, Lennox of Hardigan!" He says to the man as he floats toards Artemis who he immediately claps on the shoulder.

"You are always a welcome sight, Sister- how is the day?" He inquires as he takes a seat next to her.

[To Karin] Lizzy says, "So how are things back home?"

Lennox catches sight of the parasol being set aside, and comments to Artemis, "remind me to get an umbrella stand." He then ways to Nohrbor, shaking his hand.

Wade catches sight of Nohrbor and Artemis and heads over toward the bar. He smiles. "Hey there."

It's fortunate that Ryosei came from a recent business meeting, too, else he'd feel under dressed. As it was, he was busy waiting nearer the door, and was looking for an open table. The fact that he was a teenager in a business suit probably just looked a little odd. Crazy summer business type inheritance meetings and all are not the normal, right?

Artemis looks over to Nohrbor an smiles as he claps her on the shoulder. "Very well. A most unusual few days, Brother." She looks over to Wade and smiles back. "Friend Wade! How are you faring? You seem happy," she says jovially.

Lien is familiar with a few of the other present or entering faces, most notably Artemis and Wade. Rather than call out, she simply lifts her glass in a brewed salute of acknowledgement.

Peter opens his briefcase and calls his expected contact, "Cancel. Cancel. Cancel. Backup location one in 24 hours. ... Why? Too many metas here. Critical mass excceded."

"Hail, Wade of Lockwood!" NNS says cheerfully. "My Sister tells it true, you do well- exultant even." He adds to the man as he turns toward him and waves. "It is good to see you so."

Toward Lizzy, Karin's response is a slight smile, perhaps exasperated. "All is allegedly well," she offers, approaching the table occupied by suited and seated friend Ryosei.

Artemis lifts her tall glass of scotch to Lien in greeting. That's normally the sort of glass you serve beer in, but the Godflora do not do things in half measures.

Lizzy steps up to Ryo's table, "Hey stranger."

"Barkeep! I shall partake in the Scotch as well!" NNS announces before adding, "Go- with my Thanks."

He turns to Artemis and says, "Strange days indeed. I have enjoyed the chaos."

Artemis smiles brightly at Nohrbor. "I as well." She turns to Wade. "Speaking of, you need not worry. I have made arrangements for a place for your mechanical soul mate to have a roof above his head and a ...hmm. I know not if he needs food, but warm meals if that is the case," she smiles. "Should he be released by Starguard," she adds.

Wade smiles. "I'm doing much better now, thank you." He nods to Artemis, "Thanks. Yeah, they're still deciding if he's a threat or not. Last I heard, they were running another set of tests today."

Abruptly the lights go out, and all is cast into silence. Not the faintest glimmer of light nor the slightest noise can be heard.

Wade places a hand on the bar stool for reference and settles into a fighting stance, seeing if he can get a feel for waht is around him.

Artemis can't hear or see anything, but she can feel her glass still in her hand. She quickly tries to down the second half in one go, for there's work to be done!

Ryosei turns, smiling, "Hey, beautiful." And then the lights go out. Ryosei tries to make sure he can see first, and moves over to make sure he can stay where he can help Lizzy and Karin if he needs to. "Hey, this a power outage!?" He calls out.

No sound comes from Ryosei's mouth.

Lennox growls softly. "Stay in place, everyone. Emergency lights should kick in any second now.?

Artemis carefully steps off her stool and stretches out her hands to feel around her for an opponent.

Lien is mid-sip when everything goes dark. Thankfully, touch and taste still work. Perhaps some sisterly shared psychology, too, as she also takes this as a cue to continue gulping. Someone else might steal her beer otherwise.

NNS nods to Wade. "Next time you are Victorynapped--" He is beginning to say when the lights go out.

He's blind. But that's no matter. He will persist anyway.

He fumbles for Artemis' drink since his hadn't had time to arrive yet.

He enjoys the silence and the darkness, so he doesn't even try to say anything. Why would he? This is fine. Its all fine.

NNS finds the glass and smiles. He is lifts it and brings it to his lips before frowning with disappointment when he finds it empty.

Karin slides under the table, gently tugging on the legs of her teen companions to join her there. Her body then takes on the properties of her mercurial state (Full Phase required)

Lizzy can't see or hear anything, this seems like an emergency, so she whispers 'e Pluribus Unum' and changes to Union.

Peter morphs to herself.

People can tell by touch, smell and taste that the world is still there, and this isn't just a dark, silent void. Those with targeting senses can tell that people are sill much in the same place.

Lien swallows the last of her drink and sighs, even if it doesn't make a sound. Well, if the lights are out but everyone's home, that could mean trouble. She carefully slips off her stool to stand up, then triggers her daypack. It seems an appropriate and opportune moment to slip into something more comfortable. Namely her pack redistributing its mass across her to form her suit.

Abruptly, sight and sound is back. The sounds include swearing, and, outside, car alarms. And almost immediately, a loud crash.

As soon as the light returns, Union takes a quick look around to assess the situation.

Artemis blinks a few times as her vision comes back. The sounds outside and the crash are all she needs to start running for the door.

NNS blinks at the sudden illumination but otherwise seems undistressed.

"Barkeep?" He asks, wanting hsi drink before somehting else happens that might delay his thirst being quenched.

Wade blinks and looks around. "Must have been a wider area than just the tavern." He heads to the door to check outside to see what the state of things is.

The other patrons are mostly unharmed - some scared - one came ack into view mid-scream indeed - and some glasses have been spilt. Outside it's another matter.

Chen moves over to where the teens are. She's feeling for union. On locating Union, she tries putting a tentacle tip in Union's ear and vibrating it to see if conductive sound works, "Union, I'm Chen. Now your head if the can hear me." She adds, "Punch if all you feel is some alien tentacle invading your ear."

Mercury's form becomes liquid more than solid, and slithers in such a way to not be easily spotted due to matching the floor as she moves, slowly, almost imperceptively thin, toward the door. Karin has vanished.

Feeling a hand on his leg, Ryosei goes with it since he's supposed to be the unassuming teenager and he has no idea how this darkness thing works. Finding himself under a table by Mercury and Union, he comments, "Hi, ladies." He looks around, then frowns. He makes his way for the bathroom, doing so carefully as he looks confused.

Quiet tends to agree with Wade, mostly due to the input from outside that is suddenly restored. Beer will have to wait, but at least she got one glass done. Gravitics spin up to relocate her to the walk outside of the bar.

Union heads toward the door after Wade.

NNS watches the others get up to look about before looking back for the barkeep.

He frowns but is otherwise unmoved. He silently counts down a few seconds before he sighs and gets up to follow the others.

Chen follows.

Outside, there has been a head-on crash of two cars where one has swerved across the street. Someone else has managed to hit a lamppost, and someone has tripped into the roadway. Car alarms from parked cars suggest other minor collisions have happened. Brakes squeal as people try to stop further accidents (though in one case causing a tail-ending).

Alarms and sirens further away suggest this was far from a local incident, too!

Wade hurries to check how badly hurt each of the drivers is after the collisions.

The barkeep slowly rises, and the waiter make sure patrons are alright. Lennox completes his move into the back, and emerges a few moments later carrying a gym bag and adjusting a scale mail shirt.

Union goes to chech the car that hit the lamppost.

Chen looks at the traffic accidents in disgust, "Why do so many try to drive manual in a city? They ought to be ticketed."

Artemis keeps an ear open for the sounds of the surrounding chaos. She visually searches for anyone who may be trapped in a vehicle that could use her aid. "The sounds of the car sirens sounds like they are ringing all across the city!"

NNS gets outside and looks around. He immediately floats up and begins assessing how he might best assist here.

Once Mercury reaches the outdoors, she immediately sets to the repairing of what she can, insofar as people being able to leave their vehicles goes. Once that state has been reached, she is no longer concerned with making the cars less damaged.

Ryosei, after hitting the bathrooms, makes sure no one's around before changing to Riptide and teleporting outside and upwards. He might land on the Tavern's roof, but even that gives him pause as he sees the entire devastation outside. Since he's highest up, he does a quick scan for possible causes of it before he drops down to begin assisting in the rescue, picking the nearest car that's not got a hero attending to it.

"Wade of Lockwood- I lend my might to your cause, tell me how can the Godflora help in this instance." NNS says as he floats to join Wade.

Knowing that the voice lines will be completely jammed, Union sends a text message to Emergency Dispatch, "Two collisions in the Upper East Side outside Centuries Tavern. 1 2-car, 1 single-car. There are injuries." She makes certain that the geo-coordinates are included with the message.

Lennox is not Powered like many of these others, but he's good at making bad things not be bad anymore. He looks around, then trots towards Wade and Nohrbor.

Wade places a call for an EMT to the location, reporting the accident. He then goes to try to make sure hte driver who was hurt badly is going to be okay until they get here. He looks to Nohrbor as he works, "I suggest...someone get airborne to look for a potential source. Otherwise, we need to make sure everyone is going to be okay."

"Nohrbor, take me with, I'll help you look," volunteers Lennox.

THe car has buckled badly and getting to the injured driver proves to be difficult.

Artemis is more likely to kill a person when attempting to save their lives. Still, she tries to aid where she can, while listening for sounds of worse chaos and danger.

"Then I shall endeavor to find your source." NNS says before he turns to look at Lennox. "We shall find your source." He corrects as he reaches out a hand to Lennox.

"SIster! Let us take flight- and find the source of this woeful blight!" He says to Artemis, certain she can hear him as he flies up with Lennox in tow.

Union goes to assist the fallen person.

Lennox takes the offered hand and holds on as he's lifted into the air.

Artemis flies over to Nohrbor and looks to the other. "We should, if lives are not at risk here. But I think Urth's Guardians have this handled."

Quiet considers options. With several already tending to injured motorists, she follows Wade's suggestion... htough perhaps she can do both. Her weapon is drawn and a stationary drone launched into the sky above, to see what it might see.

A huge voice booms at across the city, seemingly coming from all directions. "Citizens of Colonial Bay: I am Doctor Omnipotent! What I have just displayed is but a fraction of my might. And you will appreciate that, had I merely maintained the blackout a few seconds longer, the effects would have been catastrophic!"

"You said it sounds as if the chaos was from all around..." NNS says as they fly. "Hopefully the Urth Guardians have enough hands. Tell me, what do your Ashildr ears hear from on high? Can you tell the source of this bl---" He says before Doctor Omnipotent's voice cuts him off.

"Doctor Omnipotent? Does this Mortal think himself an Immortal?" He inquires aloud rhetorically.

Union says, "Sounds like he's compensating for something.""

Riptide frowns as he hears that, turning to look. Then he face palms. "This guy again." He moves to help with the family of four to make sure they are not hurt. Then he comments out to the other heroes, "More like crazily annoying. I've fought him before. We were going to try to drown him before one of his goons teleported him a few miles into the sky."

Riptide adds, "And that's whenever everything else we tried wouldn't knock him out."

The voice continues. "Hear now my ultimatum. You have 24 hours. My demands are ten million dollars and the superhero known as Wonder, delivered to me. Dead or alive. If you do not comply, tomorrow your fair city will suffer much worse!"

Artemis's ears are ringing from all the chaos. "There's almost too much to make out over the din of sirens, Brother." Her head turns about to listen to Dr. Omnipotent's threats and demands. "I double he can consider himself immortal if he needs others to do his deeds for him!"

Wade mutters, "Oh, joy. Another ultimatum. Why do they pick this town?" He continues treating the injured, taking his time.

Mercury continues her task of ensuring access to vehicles is not inhibited, and occasionally administering a thin but sturdy metal cast that would be easy to remove by opening clasps upon some of the injured so they can move without aggravating the injury. She calls for help with the injured she is not confident about.

Chen sighs, steps into a shadow, and when she steps out 'he' is Wonder. Walking over to Wade, Wonder says, "Seems I'm much in demand."

Union approaches the various uninjured folks, reassuring them that everything is ok, and the Emergency people have already been called.

Some people are still frightened, to be sure. Others seem rather jaded about the villain's threat. After all, this is Colonial Bay.

"Ignore me at your peril!" booms the voice once more, seemingly not having noticed the appearance of 'Wonder'.

"It seems we've found our Source." NNS says to Lennox and Artemis. "Perhaps we should find this Wonder so we can 'arrange a trade'..." He smiles mischeviously. "Let us find this Metahuman and make promises on the Godflroa can fulfill."

When it seems there is nothing to discern above (aside from the conscpiuous booming voice), Quiet turns her attention to aiding motorists. They are the more immediate concern. Doctor Impotent can wait for several hours, perhaps even 24.

Riptide makes sure he doesn't see any broken bones or anything before carefully getting people out. That's about the best he can do! No paramedic training!

Oh, and he looks considerate, "So... well... sorta fits the guy's MO." He looks over at Union, then to the other heroes, "Uh... you know, I realized something. Anyone know how to contact Wonder?" He looks to Wade, then around. "We need a safe place to treat the injured and move them. Any ideas?"

Union calls out, "Hey! Dr. Incompetent! You forgot to tell us where to bring the money!"

Wonder2 shouts loudly, "Withdraw the demand for money and I will come to you of my own will." He speaks with Wonder's voice.

Artemis smiles to Nohrbor. "But Brother, we know not what this Wonder looks like." Even if she's met him, she doesn't quite recognize him. She looks confused as Wonder2 shouts. "It seems that person is volunteering to go in Wonder's stead."

There is no reply to Wonder2's shout, despite it drawing the attention of many bystanders.

Wade manages to keep the driver stable. He then checks on the family in the other vehicle. They didn't look quite as badly hurt, so hopefuly just a few bruises.

Mercury replies to Riptide, "I am able to shape anything required. No vehicles are moving now. Is this place not safe enough? I can make conveyances as needed."

"Aye- so it seems! Let us assist their sacrifice so we might get closer to the source, this so called Doctor of Omnipotence and show him our POWER." NNS says as he adjusts his flight to follow Artemis.

Doctor Omnipotent seemingly realises his omission. The voice booms once more, "I will tell you where to leave Wonder and the money closer to the time."

Lennoxgoes along with the two Godflora, because he is just, you know, hanging around.

Chen/Wonder2 receives a call.

Wonder2 answers the call.

Wonder's voice says to Wonder2, "I was afraid he'd try something like this. This can't go on: he'll chase me to the end of the world!"

Artemis floats closer to Wade. "Need you any help before we find this Wonder being whose very existence is a danger to the city?"

Wade shakes his head, "No, I think things are under control. I just would like to make sure the EMTs get here before I leave."

"The emergency services will be very busy with the city-wide injuries," Mercury offers Wade. "It may be hours before any arrive."

Wonder2 replies, "Good to hear from you, even in these circumstances. Let him cone after me. There's a cell in Transquillity waiting for him. And what's he doing to do at the worst? Kill me? Hasn't worked before, has it."

Wonder2 waves a hand in the air, "Hi. Over here. Looking for me?" Speaking toward Artemis, et al.

Wonder says, "Tranquility won't hold him. He always makes sure he can get away, from anything. There's only one thing that will stop him - and to judge by your voice I think you've thought of it as well. For the good of the city - or anywhere else I might live instead - Wonder must die!"

Artemis nods to wave, then tuns her head towards the waving Wonder2. "I am not sure. Am I?" she asks. Again, she doesn't recognize the form as that of Wonder.

Wonder2 nods, even if this isn't a video call, "Yes. Are you ready to take on a new identity after Wonder dies?"

Riptide hums, then nods, "We need stretches and places we can set people who are injured, Mercury." He looks around, "After that, we can figure out how to get people to the hospital. I know the general location, but I don't want to chance teleporting into the street here."

Wade points to Wonder2, "That's Wonder, Artemis. At least...I think it is." He says quietly, "...unless it's a robot."

Artemis starts to drift over to Wonder2. "Are you in need of assistance? You seem not injuredd."

Wonder says, "Yes. I've been thinking about this for some time. Though - it might help to have some contacts to arrange some of the details. I was thinking of a particular new profession, if it can be arranged."

Mercury begins fashioning a large wagon, stretchers, and a crane arm, mixing solid metal pieces with soft metallic thread weave to facilitate what Riptide suggests, and accomodates any adjusted or added suggestions with ease. It simply takes time.

Wonder2 gives Artemis a ready grin, "I'm offering assistance. Not needing it. I'm Wonder."

Artemis starts to drift over to Wonder2. "Are you in need of assistance? You seem not injured," she calls out, then looks to Wade as he explains. "Oh! This is the one wanted by the villain!" Her sharp ears catch Wade's comment. "Perhaps it is. I suppose I can ask or check its interior. You should speak to your mechanical soul mate sometime, Friend Wade. He is going through a difficult time." She speeds over to Wonder and lands. "You are the one Dr. Omnipotent wishes captured or killed," she smiles. "You must legendary to have such demand for your demise!"

NNS puts Lennox down so he can move freely and follows Artemis.

Hearing Wonder admit to being the person being sought he asks her, "Indeed. But my query is, 'What does this fiend want with you, Wonder?'"

Wonder2 speaks into her PDA, "Do you have a burner number you can share? I can ask on your behalf. Although I think President is already taken for the next couple of years."

Wonder laughs (in a different voice, having heard Wonder2 claiming to be him and not wanting to be taken for Wonder by any eavesdroppers). "Nothing so public - being less visible is the point." He gives the requested numer.

Wonder2 tells Artemis, "That's a story I suspect I'll be telling often in the hours and days ahead. Would you mind waiting until there's less activity happening and others who need to know can also hear?"

"We haven't days before you need be turned over to this cowardly villain who dares not face you," Artemis replies. "So tell us only what we must know."

Union steps up to Wade, "Good to see that you're feeling better, Mr. Lockwood."

Wade smiles to Union. "Thanks. And thanks for helping out on saving me. I appreciate it."

Union says, "Will you be able to do twice as much good for the city now that there's two of you?"

Wonder2 nods, "Dr O was.. before all this started, a close friend. We discovered an artefact. It gave us powers. Dr O wants all the power for himself. But my share trumps his in a way. Maybe because it comes from the same artefact. So he wants me alive, to try and drain my power for himself, or dead so their is nobody who can threaten him."

Union pipes up, "What happened to the artifact?"

Wade looks over to Wonder2, "So...do you have a plan?"

Wonder2 says, "Dr O has it. Or did have it. We haven't been on speaking terms for a while."

Union says, "Could it be used to drain *his* powers?"

Wonder2 nods, "Yes. You hand me over to Dr O. Then we find out if I can defeat him. If he kills me, well I can finally stop running and hiding."

Wonder says, "Be careful not to make it too easy - he mustn't suspect!"

Wonder2 nods, "That's very possible." he answers Union.

Union says, "So it may be what he would use to drain your powers."

Artemis smiles and plants her hands on her hips. "An honorable duel to the death for the safety of the city? Bold! Fearless! I respect you willing to face your end with such valor."

Wonder2 speaks into the PDA, "Nor too hard if there's no way to securely hold him. I've grown a bit since we last worked together. I might be able to clean his clock."

"Aye- it a magnificent sight to behold." NNS says in agreement with Artemis. "You have our support, Wonder."

Wonder can be heard to be grinning. "LIke you weren't tough enough already."

The EMTs arrive eventually. No doubt the efforts of other heroes about the city have reduced the anticipated arrival time.

Wonder2 nods to Union, "Yes. I'm reasonably sure that's what he'll try to use."

Wade is happy to let the EMTs take over. He comes back over to where hte others are, "Alright...so...do we need to contact this...'doctor'? Maybe pick someplace without a lot of civilians to meet? The stadium?"

Artemis nods along. "Great idea! The stadium may be a place where your final battle to the death will not harm innocents," she agrees with Wade excitedly.

Wonder asks Wonder2, "Do you need me for the plan? Or is it better I stay hidden?"

Wonder2 says into the PDA, "Closet under the stair. Like Highlander, there can only be one."

Wonder says, "Got it. Anything you need to ask me, or should I leave you to it?"

Wade furrows his brow, "What does Scotland have to do with it?"

Wonder2 grins, "Good scotch? I'm sure Artemis understands."

Wonder2 speaks into the PDA, "I have your number. I'll call if I need to. Good lick, and lets meet when this is sorted."

Wonder says, "Definitely. Been too long!"

"There is a land of scotch?" Artemis gasps in surprise and grins. "We must go!" she says to Nohrbor with a broad grin. "But should it not be an ocean or sea instead of land?"

With nothing to add to the conversation and planning -- supers at this level are well above his own -- Lennox returns to the tavern to help put things back in order.