Log:Guild - Expedition Prologue, Scene 3

Guild - Expedition Prologue 2015/06/11 	 Dorian Daemon Porter Third Wasp Natasha Mirror Ambassador Gusdana Inforcer Diviak

3

Word of what's happened on Earth has reached the Guild proper. It's taken some time, but an alleged actual Guild ambassador is scheduled to arrive in Colonial Bay. Commander Perrault, being a bit wary after the attempt to kill the alien prisoners in transit to Tranquility, has requested the appearance of whichever heroes he can muster to meet the contingent from the Guild. There are also UE and USA representatives here as well, awaiting the ship's arrival.

Dorian heads out to the landing field, double checking with the front desk to make sure security seems to be as tight as can be managed.

The security desk workers make sure to sign each hero in as they arrive, in they're not SG-affliated.

Natasha doesn't really want to go home: Amy is still angry at her. So she's out flying about the city with all its interesting sights and sounds and smells. But she feels bad about what's happened to Amy. And she knows that Amy feels bad that she can't go to Starguard and - do some hero thing. But it occurs to her - she can come instead! She's feeling a lot more powerful and a lot braver after swallowing that coin....

Wasp turns up to help Dorian. She would anyway whenever he asks but she's been out to the Guild on several occasions and is currently host to an alien intelligence as well. Her experiences in the Guild has given her a healthy degree of scepticism about Guild motives so keeping an eye on what the Guild does is a further factor motivating her. She flies in and perches on a vantage point to await developments rather than distract Dorian from his duties.

A call related to the Guild? The Guild Guild, and not the fake, sneaky not-quite Guild that tried to deceive them. How could the Porters not answer? It isn't a threat of jail time, death, or any of the normal interruptions to family time. With some time needed to pack diaper bags and hand off the VIP, Porter takes a shortcut directly to the landing field.

With a FLASH-THWUMP of light and displaced air, he and Paragon appear. Hopefully over solid ground. Also hopefully not too high over it.

You stand in a large open area about 80 meters on each side on the sixth floor half roof of the building. The perimeter is surrounded by heavy electrified fence and the only doorways lead into the reception area and the security area of the facility. In the center of the open area is a circular concrete slab, large enough to land a helicopter or a VTOL-type aircraft. It is painted with white and yellow symbols and stripes that have meaning only to pilots and landing crews. Just off to one side of the concrete landing pad is a windsock. To the south side is a maintenance shed, and next to that is a small shack that serves as a secondary local radio "tower" for signaling incoming craft.

Wasp(#522PenACcF?)

What is it that about Wasp that first draws attention? Is it her size, or more accurately the lack of it? Wasp is only three inches tall. Perhaps it's the quietly buzzing multi-hued dragonfly wings upon her back. Then there's her eyes, faceted like an insect and gleaming iridescently with all the colors of the rainbow. She is slender, with long light reddish-brown hair falling well below her shoulders. Her movements are graceful and fluid yet somehow indicative of a notable strength for such a diminative figure. She looks young, no more than sixteen years of age.

Wasp is dressed in a almost skin-tight costume covering all except her head. The torso and upper limbs of her costume are white, while the arms, legs and vee fronted collar are a sky blue. There's a glowing blue dragonfly silhouette on her chest and back. Being her size makes carrying items tricky. Wasp has pockets sew into her costume on both thighs, smaller than a normal pocket but looking bulky on her. Pinned to the costume above her heart is a silver brooch shaped in the form of a small wasp.

Dorian(#2348POeACcF?)

This man stands about five and a half feet tall, and is moderately good looking. He has blue eyes...brown hair cut into a crew cut, and a goatee.

He's currently wearing a standard regulation navy blue Starguard Gamma uniform with a grey inset stripe down the left side of the torso and a Starguard logo on the upper right side. The rank on the shoulder identifies him as a Commander. It's a far cry from his normal relatively casual mode of dress.

Paragon(#1641POeACcF?k)

This tall figure stands at about 6 feet tall, covered in articulated, form fitting high tech heavy armor. It gleams like bluish-gray metal. The body is broad chested, muscular and athletic. The plating along more flexible areas, such as the abdomen and sides of the torso, are banded and flexible. The front chestplate has angled edges and looks like a solid piece, save for some hairline seams. In between the plates and in areas where there is no armor, a black armor mesh material shows through that doesnt quite look like fabric. This can be best observed on the figure's hands. The backs of the hands are plated, but the rest is just covered by the resistant armor mesh like gloves. The front of the helm has a flat profile with no nose, a thin line seam that represents a mouth, and two black eye-slots covered by dark glass that reflects surrounding light and a solid faceplate, completely encasing the head. From deeper within the helm, one can see the "eyes"; two glowing white orbs with a red fringe that blink out in unison from time to time or narrow into lines of determination.

When Paragon talks, the voice is tinny and echoes from within the metallic helm. But the tone of the voice doesn't match the imposing figure. It sounds young and not very deep, and has friendly overtones, which sometimes boom with heroic or chivalrous overtones. There's a robotic quality to Paragon's actions, but also a humane aspect.

Porter(#2528POQeACcF?)

This young man is several inches under six feet with an average build. Brown hair is cut in a short but current style and coffee eyes are bright yet generally unremarkable. As a whole, he could probably be overlooked in a crowd fairly easily.

His clothes are fairly common, with comfortable jeans, name-brand sneakers, and a tee that varies by mood. Most common are popular bands or catchy quotes. When it's cold or wet outside, he covers up with a jacket.

Natasha(#2537PenACcF?)

Natasha is a baby dragon, a bit over a foot long not counting the tail, and about two and a half feet counting it. Her wings are separate limbs from her four legs, and her wingspan is about three feet, though folded the wings are a similar length to her torso.

Natasha's body is covered in tiny scales, mostly of a metallic dark orange colour, though with highlights of brighter oranges and gold, especially on her crested head. The membranes of her wings are an orangish yellow.

Natasha is generally alert and curious, moving her head in sudden jerky movements to follow whatever has her interest.

When Third appears with Porter, she braces for all fall that may occur, with her arm around Porter's waist for teleporting and potentially holding onto him for fall protection. Which thankfully is only one foot up in the air this time. Her feet make contact with the ground as she holds Porter up a little, then she gently sets him down. They were in such a hurry they didn't really get a chance to change out of their bum-around-home clothes. Both are wearing matching black t-shirts with a big purple P on the back. On the fronts, in various rows, from white, blue, to red, says "For Truth, Justice, and the American Way!". But American way has been crossed out with two large lines and replaced with "KITTENS" underneath.

Third releases Porter once both are on solid ground and, with a flex of her shoulders and a slight wince, metal plates wrap around her from her back as she armors up to become Paragon. She steps up to the desk with heavy bootfalls and signs themselves in.

The sight of the reflective person might come as a surprise to some, an unknown factor in the city, who signed her name as "Mirror" written in reverse. She seems a little self-conscious, but her presence being a show of some kind she can handle. Speaking... well if it comes to having to talk she will deal with that too. The sight of Porter helps her with the calming, and she stands close enough for a "Hello."

Dorian walks over to the two official reps from the United Earth and the USA. Both are women wearing sharp looking suits. "Nice to meet you both.

Natasha flies about the building until she catches some familiar smells, not to mention sights and sounds. Someone she knows! She swoops down toward Wasp! In an entirely friendly manner.

Wasp shuffles over to make room on the perch for Natasha.

The reps both seem cordial enough, but at the same time, fairly nervous. The blonde UE rep says, "I hope this ambassador is the real deal. I know it'll be tough to tell for sure. But if you can find out, please do."

Natasha lands happily next to the human who is actually smaller than her! She makes a friendly cooing sound.

Wasp has no idea that Natasha is any different than the last time she saw her, and thus reaches across to scritch behind Natasha's ears, treating the dragonette as the pet she used to be.

Porter recognizes the shiny, reflective, person-shaped... person and snaps a scout salute her way in greeting. She's slightly familiar and definitely recognizable. Then he looks to the reps as Para gets them signed in. "I hope so, too. Fool me twice and all that stuff."

Amplitude smiles and nods to the heroes as they arrive, shaking hands in turn: Paragon, then Porter, then Mirror, "I'm glad you all were able to arrive. I'm hoping this goes smoothly, but...I don't want to chance anything after what ACE has pulled in the last few months."

Dorian smiles and nods to the heroes as they arrive, shaking hands in turn: Paragon, then Porter, then Mirror, "I'm glad you all were able to arrive. I'm hoping this goes smoothly, but...I don't want to chance anything after what ACE has pulled in the last few months."

Natasha accepts the scritching happily, glad to see Wasp rememebrs her too.

Natasha watches the other people with interest though, even while enjoying the simple pleasures.

Paragon rejoins Porter as they prepare to assist, shaking Dorian's hand when he approaches to greet everyone. "Understood. ACE is surprisingly well-funded. Always happy to assist to maintain the peace," she offers a cub scout salute after the handshake.

Natasha tilts her head observing the new sort of salute.

It's only a matter of a few minutes before a ship comes into view from above. The ship is vaguely 'Y' shaped, with large engines that seem to make a whining noise as the ship slows and gets confirmation for landing.

Awkwardly, Mirror meets the handshake. Just with that wrong hand sort of feeling. "Would it be better if I resembled someone else?" she asks frankly.

Ooh, the ship is interesting! Natasha watches it intently, her head following its descent.

Dorian shakes his head, "No, I don't think it's necessary to disguise yourself as someone else. In fact, it might not be advisable, all things considered."

Porter looks about to ask something... but whatever it was, it'll have to wait. The whining incoming ship gets his attention and he turns to watch it come in to land. Hopefully in a nice, controlled, gentle and non-crashy sort of way.

The ship slows its approach and landing gear extend from the underside. It comes down for a gentle landing on the landing field. There are some warning announcements inside the building as well, for the Starguard personnel to be aware of incoming extraterrestrials.

Dorian straigtens the jacket of his uniform and he waits patiently while the ship lets off a couple of jets of steam upon landing.

Natasha watches the reactions of the humans. She pulls herself erect on her hind legs and spreads her wings, which seems to her about the equivalent of what the humans are doing.

Paragon stands rigidly upright as she watches the ship descend. And then she realizes, most people are watching the ship. So she pans her head about to scan the area in case of any approaching trouble before scanning the skies for extra thermal signatures.

Wasp watches the ship land with mixed feelings. Honestly her opinion of the Guild is pretty low and that wasn't even related to the fake Guild that's been on Earth. But she's here to help Dorian not express her views.

Mirror just nods then, at Dorian's advice. She is less disciplined than some people around her, notably fidgeting under the impending perceived pressure. At least there is a small dragon to focus on, which helps her think about things other than making some grievous faux pas.

A ramp opens up on the front of the ship, and a couple of individuals start to walk down it, into the open sunlight. Initially they're backlit by light inside the ship, so it's difficult to make out features. By the time they're completely outside, it's clear that they are...indeed alien.

Wasp relaxes slightly as niether of the arriving aliens are of the Lartian species, the race that wiped her memories. It's only after she relaxes that she realises how tense she had been.

Natasha still isn't quite sure what the situation is here. So, with the razor-sharps claws of a hind foot, she carves out some markings on the perch so Wasp can see. TO be precise, in angular letters, "FRIENDS?"

The two aliens walk over toward the human contingent, and Dorian walks out to meet them. He says, "Greetings. Welcome to Earth. I am Commander Dorian Perrault, of Starguard Gamma." There's a moment's hesitation, and then one of the aliens speaks...in fairly good English. "Greetings. I am Ambassador Gusdana. This is Inforcer Diviak. We are here to find out details of what transpired here, and to officially open up relations with your world."

Wasp is a little surprised to see Natasha inscribing a intelligible message. But she answers in a voice intended to be heard by Natasha along, "Maybe. They will claim to be but they need to prove it."

Porter leaves the greeting to the professional greeters. Even the retirees at Val-Mart would probably be less likely to cause an intergalactic incident. But he can smile and try to look non-threatening, at least.

Natasha nods almost imperceptibly, picking up on Wasp's cue and keeping things quiet.

Paragon glances at Porter for a moment from unspoken communication, then looks back to the Aliens. After a pause of consideration, she goes back to casually keeping a lookout.

Dorian smiles and nods. "Let me introduce you to a few people." He guides the Ambassador and Inforcer over to where the reps are standing. "This is United Earth representative Becky Oakley, and United States representative Donna Campos." Both women greet the ambassador, "Welcome."

Dorian motions to the heroes, "And here we have some of our local metahumans that have at times worked to help defend the planet. This is Paragon, Porter, and Mirror." He doesn't yet know that Wasp and Natasha are nearby.

"I'm new," Mirror offers, her voice not projecting enough to be heard clearly.

Natasha notes that she's not being observed, and relaxes from her displayed position. She keeps a sharp lookout for trouble. Or magic. Or treasure. Anything interesting, really. :)

"Hello," Porter gives the Amassador and the Inforcer a smile and polite wave when he's named. "Welcome to Earth." Because it seems as close to the proper thing to say as he can think of at the moment.

Paragon turns her attention to the Ambassador and Inforcer Diviak. "Welcome to our planet," she offers in cheerful tones. "We hope your stay is a pleasant one." Part of her programmed protocols. It's like the Guardians installed a hospitality program somewhere. She has been known, on rare occasions when it's been asked, to give people tours of the city when they've requested it.

The Ambassador bows to each person in turn. "Greetings to you all." The Inforcer nods his head to each as well, though he doesn't seem quite as...diplomatic.

Dorian says, "I have to say, it's remarkable that you know English as well as you do."

The Ambassador nods, and smiles, though it's barely perceptible. "My species learns languages easily. I was able to learn your language on the voyage here. Inforcer Diviak requires a translation module in his armor to understand what we are discussing."

Natasha is unimpressed. It's not like English is a difficult language to learn. Even silly humans can speak it!

Dorian nods, "I know you're here to investigate what happened. Do you intend to take the prisoners with you back to Guild space?"

The Ambassador nods. "If these individuals are wanted in Guild space, then I would like to. If not, they can suffer whatever your justice system has in store for them, assuming our investigations bear out the allegations that have been made."

Porter is impressed with that, but keeps it mostly to himself. He nods with the Amassador's stance on the prisoners. Good, no get out of jail free cards. Porter sticks with smiling, too. And his grows a little larger as he glances sidelong at Paragon.

The Ambassador adds, "I will review the documentation. In the meantime, the Inforcer would like to see what Earth culture is like, if some of you would be willing to show him around?" The Inforcer nods. Gusdana continues, "I should explain his position in our society, however. The Inforcers are the elite police force of the Guild, much like your...Marshals? They are given extra powers according to their abilities. Diviak is one of our top Inforcers."

Natasha sniffs the air hopefully in the Inforcer's direction. With any luck it's one of those yummy powers!

Paragon glances to Porter as he smiles her way, then back to the Ambassador and Inforcer. "Is there anything we need to know about these special powers? We wouldn't want there to be a misunderstanding of our culture and an excessive reaction," she asks politely.

The Ambassador shakes his head, "Perhaps I used the wrong word? Powers of law enforcement? Do you need to understand the workings of Guild inner Law?" He doesn't sound like he's being sarcastic.

Natasha is disappointed. Not yummy powers.

"Law Enforcement powers is what I was referring to. I think understanding your laws would be very helpful," Paragon responds amiably.

"I would be happy to show the Inforcer around," Mirror offers. "It would be easier with someone else but I can serve in that way."

Porter was about to say something. Again. And once more he diverts as whatever he thought was the confusion, isn't. Or was already cleared up. "Ah. Those kind of powers. Sometimes, especially in this city, people can take powers to mean something very different." Which wasn't the case, but he might as well point it out.

Gusdana considers what Paragon says, and he speaks to Diviak in another language...one unfamiliar to those here. Diviak responds back in the same language. The Ambassador then says, "Diviak has been given the powers of what you would call in your culture 'Judge' and 'Jury'. As this is not his jurisdiction, those powers would not come into effect unless some kind of actual Guild law is broken, which is unlikely here."

Dorian nods to the Ambassador and then he looks ot the heroes, "I know one of you offered, but would you all be willing to show the Inforcer around? I need to be here for official business, to act as a liaison for the Ambassador."

"I would find it very difficult alone," Mirror admits plainly.

Natasha glances at Wasp, wondering if that's a cue to step forward.

Paragon's eyes blink off and on a few times. "I suppose that could be arranged," she says after some thought.

Wasp glances at Natasha, the same thought passing through her mind. Maybe she should make a official appearance. Porter's a likeable enough person but wouldn't be her first choice given his erratic luck. A flutter of wings and she's heading down to join the gathering.

Dorian chuckles. "If it's too much trouble, I can try to get Pleiades to do it."

Natasha had come to the conclusion she should, because Amy would. So she flies down immediately after Wasp, and lands wings displayed, as before.

"Um, sure, I think we can do that..." Porter looks from Para to Mirror and back to the extra-terrestrial gusts. "Do you have any idea what you'd like to see, first?"

The Inforcer says something, and it comes out of a translator module on his armor, converted to English, though with typical translation issues and in a mechanical sounding voice. "I like see typical human dwelling and life."

Dorian smiles when he spots Wasp and Natasha. He then waves to them. "Ambassador, this is another metahuman, known as Wasp."

Natasha looks expectantly at Dorian.

Dorian adds, "And...Natasha." The Ambassador tilts his head, "Are dragons native to Earth?"

Wasp waves to the aliens. "Welcome to Earth, Ambassador, Inforcer." she say hovering in front on buzzing wings.

Dorian shakes his head, "Not as far as I'm aware, no. But I could be wrong."

Paragon blinks and turns her head to Natasha. "Oh...Lady Luck's pet has escaped..." she says with concern.

The Ambassador bows to Wasp, "I know of you, Wasp. We should have a discussion before my departure. If you are willing to do so."

Natasha stares at Paragon. And snorts.

The Inforcer nods to the Ambassador and says something in that other language. It doesnt' get translated into English, though. The Ambassador nods in return.

"We will do what we can to accomodate that desire," Mirror says. "It may need some consideration because of privacy concerns."

Wasp nods to the Ambassador, "I'm sure that can be arranged."

The Ambassador bows again, "Thank you. In the meantime, we shall retire to our quarters on the ship. But we shall deal with the official business and tour in short order."