Bermuda Holiday Session 4

Princess Guard - The New Era 2016/15/12 	 Charm Titan Pulsar Wolf Harlequin Cecila 27

Burning Ultra Large Liquid H2 Carrier
Pulsar tosses the heavy storage cabinet off of the man and asks, "Are you injured? Can you stand?" The cabinet makes a loud sound behind Pulsar as it impacts the ground.

He offers the man a hand up. "We've got a fire on the deck, and we need to get out of here quickly." He says matter-of-factly.

Harlequin looks over at Peter. "How are you doing, Peter?" His tone is supportive but concerned.

The crewman tries to stand but collapses. It appears his leg won't hold his weight. He says something to Pulsar but speaks in Greek.

Charm is still watching from the bow of the Fae Princess, trying to make out what she can. Of course she's listening to comms too.

In Pulsar's location the girl of the pair of kids there says to Pulsar, "Hey, who are you? Oh.. I guess it doesn't matter. There's a magical gate on the top deck midships. You can go through there to get that injured guy to safety."

Peter has his eyes screwed tight shut as his mind scans and connects with another set of locations. "I... I don't know how long I can keep this up, Steven." he tells Harlequin in a strained voice.

"I'm Pulsar - and I saw you guys come through it. I'll take this guy there now. You should probably come with me." He says firmly, the concern on his face is obvious.

He pulls the man to his feet and gingerly puts him into a fireman's carry.

He goes out the door to the room and heads toward the stairs to the top deck.

Cecila is with Wolf on the bridge, she actually holds onto the steering wheel and takes direction from Wolf as to which direction to steer if need be "Alright so how many people are left on the ship? If this thing is going to blow I'd rather be evacuating us before it happens" she says out loud.

Harlequin murmurs gently. "Stop tracking for a moment and get your breath back, Peter. We can afford a brief break. I have my eyes on the sub and for the moment the fire is...contained."

The bridge crew are well on their way to the gate by now, following the mental instructions given to them by Wolf.

Titan says over the link, .oO(Looks like we're managing to get the crew off the ship pretty quickly. I can see them coming toward the gate. Do we have a status on the crew members below decks and in the water?)Oo.

Mark and Patrica go at their best speed following Pulsar and the injured crewman. Their method of fast travel is unusual and a bit rough on their clothes. They employ some kind of hand held energy whip to reach out ahead and then contract the whip's length to drag themselves along the passageways faster than they could run.

And such speed proves to be vital as a sudden mini explosion blows out from an air vent and fills the passageway behind them with fire.

.oO(Leonid and Graham are throwing them a life raft. But they are still in the water. Peter is taking a short rest. This is all a strain on him.)Oo. Harlequin adds after a moment. .oO(The scurvy drug runners in the sub are still there. We'll need Charm to 'calm' them once I can shift the Gate to their sub.)Oo.

Peter nods and relaxes. He gives Harlequin a status report. "Mark says some glowing hero rescued the guy at the bow before they got there. Anne-Maria and Maria-Anne have broken down the door to the engine room that was jammed. They're bringing the guy there back to the gate. And Graham and Leonid are also on their way back. Graham says he's not strong enough to fly the men in the life-raft up to the gate."

Pulsar cradles the man in front of him from the heat of the blast - but he doesn't slow down or even look back. His mind is on saving lives and with any luck that's exactly what he's going to do.

He keeps ascending the stairs - though he doesn't touch a single one. He drifts right over them. "Good thing you guys didn't stay behind - then you would have been on the other side of the rescue." He's extremely happy he advised them to tag along.

He adds to add a little levity to this dire situation, "Then I would have never seen those cool whips of yours." His words are tinted by the smile on his face.

Charm says, .oO(I'll be ready. Where will the gate be - so I can be there?"

Titan rubs his chin, .oO( The sub hasn't surfaced. Do we know if they're taking on water? )Oo.

By the miracle of plot devices everyone reaches the Gate at more or less the same time. Pulsar, the rescued guy from the bow, and Mark and Patrica. The Philips twins, Anne-Maria and Maria-Anne, with the crewman they rescued from the engine room. Leonid and Graham returning from throwing a life-raft to the two crew in the water.

Harlequin relays what Peter told him to everyone else. Then he adds, .oO(I am simply going to shift the end of the Gate. The closest opening will be here in my cabin, Charm.)Oo.

He looks at Peter. "Hmm, can you direct the crew to the beds for the time being, Peter?"

Mark says to Pulsar, "Uh.. could you forget we used the Colee Whips, please. We aren't supposed to use any of our abilities while we are on holiday."

Charm replies .oO(On my way,)Oo. and hurries to Harlequin's cabin.

.oO(And I don't think they are in danger of sinking, Titan. But, admittedly, that is based on the fact they are not panicking enough.)Oo.

Pulsar nods to Mark. "Your secret is safe with me. I'm just glad you're safe" He says to the kids as they get topside and head for the gate.

Then the Holographic Hero smiles as he sees all the survivors and rescuers making it to the gate.

He looks to Titan and asks, "Is that everyone, Sir?" He seems anxious as if he feels there's something more for him to do.

Peter nods. "Yes, Steven, if I can use telepathy to communicate with them."

Titan says, "Two more in the water. After that, we're good. They have life-rafts, but we should lift them out."

Harlequin smiles behind his mask, "Yes, you have permission, Peter. Then I should probably put in a call to the captain to move them."

The crew starts coming through the Gate into Steven's cabin. Peter takes on the task of asking which if any are injured and directing them to sit on the bunks and seats out of the way of the ongoing efforts.

Titan flies over to where the two crew members are in the water, so he can pick them up and bring them back to the gate.

"Where are they? I can grab them easy." Pulsar says as he drifts a bit higher. He looks to the port and starboard sides, then back to Titan.

When Titan takes off, Pulsar follows.

The two in the life-raft are unharmed but clearly hugely relieved to be rescued from the life-raft and carried to the Gate so they can rejoin the others of the crew.

Titan lifts one of the crew members out of the water, leaving the other for Pulsar.

Leonid and Graham return. As do the Philips twins. All the kids are now back in the cabin. However in the case of Mark and Patrica who were bouncing off walls, and the Philips twins who had to break open a jammed heavy steel door... their clothing is history. Beyond normal salvation.

Titan works with Pulsar to get the last two through the gate. .oO(Good to go. I'll stay here in case we need someone outside the sub to lift it or something.)Oo.

One of the crewmen, wearing a jacket with more gold braid than the others, is speaking loudly and gesturing at the Gate.

Cecila smiles at Wolf "Hey do you know which one of these drops the anchor? Might as well park this thing before we leave rather than leave it drifting"

"Peter, what is the captain saying? And if it is rude, do /not/ memorize the words,)Oo. murmurs Harlequin.

Wolf scrunches up his nose, shrugs all four shoulders, and *Asks* the ship's computer to find out.

Peter holds his head in his hands, "I can't make it out, Steven. There's too many minds here. They're all jumbled together and I'm hurting too much in my head to concentrate."

Titan realises the captain is saying the fire is getting close to the ship's fuel tanks and when it does the H2 domes will explode, and if the gate can let the explosion come through then the gate needs to be shut down.

Titan nods to the captain, and says in Greek, "Got it. I'll make sure they know." He repeats that information over the link, .oO(Make sure to shut down the gate as soon as the crew is through, Harlequin.)Oo.

Harlequin looks over at Titan. "Once we metas, not you kids, step through to the ship, yes, I will, Titan." He looks over at the kids. "Stay here, call our ship's Captain and tell him the crew are here and safe. And that we'll be back."

Wolf had his nose and forepaws pressed up against the glass of the bridge windows, carefully watching the progress of the evacuees all the way until they each exit the portal, to make sure nothing falls on them, nothing prevents their exit, and that they all got out safely. He does a "nose count" to make sure they're all safe and accounted for and then *Sends:

.oO(

Twelve humans more are trapped within

a diving metal whale

They cannot move save downward,

-that- boat has hurt its tail

)Oo.

Leonid tries to hug Harlequin. Speaking Russian he pleads with Harlequin, "Don't go. Please."

Wolf *Sends:

.oO(

This ship says she can feel her guts,

aflame with aching pains

We've asked her to lie still and rest

Lest we lose all our gains!

)Oo.

Wolf says .oO(bottom line: Need to evac the tanker or make a hole below the waterline to put out the fuel fire.)Oo.

Harlequin gently hugs Leonid back. In Russian he murmurs back, "I will be back, Leonid. My death is not ordained this day." He rubs Leonid's head as he disengages from him, "And no following!" He waits for Charm to arrive and step through the Gate then does so himself and shuts it.

Titan rubs his chin after hearing Wolf's rhymes. "I might be able to flood the area where the fire is. I'll give it a shot."

Peter puts an arm around Leonid's shoulders and holds him comfortingly.

Cecila hrms at Wolf "What there's still more people on board? I thought they got everyone off"

Titan thinks to himself. o O (And hopefully the ship is compartmentalized.) He takes off and heads toward the fire.

Wolf lets everyone else know the plan:

.oO(

Titan now will make a hole

To let some water in

Below the sea, and toward the rear,

a fire burns within. ..

)Oo.

Charm arrives. She begins her calming lullaby before even stepping through the gate to be on the safe side.

Pulsar follows behind Titan closely, suspecting between the two of them, they'll be able to put a hole in this ship. "I've got your back, Titan!" He calls out as he goes full hologram and streaks off behind him.

Titan says, "We just need to flood the compartment where the fire is, so it doesn't hit the fuel. If you can't hold your breath for a while, be careful."

Over the Princess Guard link and out loud, Harlequin says, .oO(Alright, the drug runners in the sub are stuck then? Well, let's hope Titan can get the ship's fire under control. In the meantime, I'll open the Gate to the sub. Charm, raise your defenses just in case.)Oo. And Harlequin takes his own advice.

.oO(

Might Sasha move that "doggie-door"

To up here on the bridge?

We're in a bit of danger here:

Perhaps, a tad, a smidge. ...

)Oo.

"I don't breathe sir, so no chance I'll be a liability." Pulsar responds as he matches Titans speeds and flies along side. He'll do the same through any surfaces he might encounter along their path.

Titan says over the link, .oO(If you need me to try to raise the sub after I deal with this, let me know.)Oo.

Harlequin sighs softly then looks over at the bridge's conning tower. .oO(Opening now to the bridge...)Oo.

Titan heads down to where the fire is...and looks first for some kind of valve to release. Failing that...punching a hole in the side of the ship to get some water in.

Wolf nudges Ceci and makes sure she knows *exactly* where the escape portal is, since it might not touch the ground.

Through his link with the tanker's computer systems Wolf can feel the ship's computer is trying to open sea flooding hatches to drown the fire. The tanker's main power is out so the computer is helpless to act, but the hatches will be easier to open than the hull, and the computer 'knows' which hatches should be opened to deal with the fire.

Pulsar does the exact same thing. Even going so far as poking his head through the hull of the ship to make sure it really is the sea on the other side.

Charm says, "I don't really have any defences...."

Titan heads to the hatches indicated, opening each one in turn. He directs Pulsar to open some as well, since he knows Pulsar isn't on the link.

Pulsar nods, and begins opening valves as well. "Glad we didn't have to damage the ship ourselves." He says, thinking of the economic costs of such a rescue.

Harlequin holds out his hand to Charm. "Well, if you would kindly step into the circle my arms, my lady? Mine can envelop us both that way." He chuckles. "And it a hardship, I assure you. Fortunately, I need not gesture to cast my spells."

As the hatches are opened seawater floods in at thousands of gallons a minute. Steam hisses and fills the area around Titan and Pulsar with a searing fog as the water drowns the fire and quenches red-hot steel.

Titan nods. "Repairing the hull would have been cheaper than the consequences of an explosion, though."

Charm steps closer to Harlequin. "So long as my hands are free to play and my mouth to sing."

"Absolutely true, Titan-" Pulsar says as he releases another valve, "this could have been a lot worse than it was. I'm just glad you and your team responded. I don't know what I would have done if it was just me out here." His words are earnest and his tone appreciative.

Cecila shrugs at Wolf "Yeah... probably gonna end up sinking the ship. I guess sinking it will do less damage than it exploding though" she admits "Maybe we should go get in one of the lifeboats?" she suggests to Wolf

Harlequin lets the wards he protects himself with rise and envelop Charm and himself. "Yes, you should, my lady," the mage says as he lifts Charm into his arms. "There, you see? Snug as a bug in a rug that is protected by arcane enchantments." He calls through the Gate he opened to the bridge. "Are the two of you coming through or not?"

Wolf wags in relief that the fires are going out. . . an exploding tanker would have been Very Bad Indeed for anyone on a sub, not to mention acres of aquatic wildlife. He thanks the Ship and follows Ceci through the portal

Cecila goes with Wolf through the portal instead of the lifeboat.

Once Wolf and Ceclia are through the Gate, Harlequin says over the link, .oO(About to open the Gate to the sub. With luck, Charm will get them all. If not, be prepared for fighting. They are heavily armed but not armored. So, on the count of three will open the Gate.)Oo.

Charm does her best to look dignified in the position.

Between them Titan and Pulsar flood the section of the tanker containing the fuel tankage. The bow is still burning but the fire can no longer advance and will eventually die out.

The mage lets the Gate to the bridge close as he prepares, in his mind, to open the Gate to the sub.

Wolf *noses* Sasha in gratitude and then gets out of his way to let him cast. He sets about Healing any of the humans who are wounded, burned, or had stuff fall on them before or during the evacuation.

Cecila sighs some .oO(I'll just hang back on this one... unless I get enough time to raid the entire ships potted plants and stuff I'm going to be pretty useless)Oo.

And with that, Harlequin opens a Gate to the sub. He's had enough time to observe it and, as he still has his Scrying active, he can still see the thugs. Those with mystical senses can feel him grasp the ambient magick of the world, turn it in his hands, and make a spot 3m from him be the same spot that is down behind the men in the sub. And with a snap, that is the reality.

Pulsar gives Titan a thumbs up and returns to holographic form. Then he ascends straight up to the top deck - passing right through the ceiling and any other bulkheads he encounters.

A 2m diameter blue-silver rimmed hole in time and space now links the amidships of the tanker with the submarine it struck.

Charm starts singing a fae lullaby even as she is carried through the gate, in case there are hostiles just beyond it.

When Harlequin opens the gate there's a view into the small submarine. And the sound of an argument can be heard. The crew of a dozen seems evenly split between those who want to surface and those who want to wait until the waters are quiet and only then surface and see if they can repair the damage. One factor seems to be that the sub's engine room is flooded and they only have enough pressurised air to blow the ballast tanks once.

Titan is a bit slower than Pulsar, having to make his way out and around again to get topside.

Wolf stands next to Sasha at his end of the Gate, ready to Heal any humans from sub if anything goes wrong

Two of the submarine crew resist the effect. The other ten yawn and lay down and are soon asleep.

Harlequin calls out, "Just give up! You have guns, we are metas. And if I slip the Gate a bit to left, you are drowning. Drop the weapons!" His tone is cold and calm and clear.

The two motley sea dogs who are able to stay awake quickly take in the situation and sensibly surrender.

"Wolf, I hate to ask, but could you fetch their weapons?" asks Harlequin in a polite tone. Once he spots Pulsar, he repeats the question. "We should probably get them out as well."

Titan gets out to where the group is. "Everything under control?"

Back on the liner the captain and a couple of selected and trustworthy officers, aided by Peter as translator, take the rescued crew off to the liner's medical bay for checkups. A US coast guard VTOL is en route to fly the crew back to the US.

Wolf gladly breaks the guns.

"Sure thing." Pulsar says in a friendly tone to Harlequin before darting into the portal and then going full holographic as he isn't quite sure what he'll run into on the he other side.

Once on the other side, Pulsar looks to the crewmen - most on the ground where they were standing or sitting.

Pulsar picks the closest crewmember and puts him over his shoulder. He grabs another and puts on the opposite shoulder, then grabs 2 by the arms and begins floating back toward the portal.

Titan helps to bring the sub to the surface after everyone has been evacuated from it.

"Charm has them under control and those not under her control are cooperating, Titan," murmurs Harlequin. "Wolf is dealing with their guns while Pulsar is getting the crew out," relays harlequin before Titan helps bring up the sub.

Wolf keeps Jamming the smugglers' guns until Sasha says it's OK to stop. He then pauses on the tanker bridge to tell the Ship that she was very brave. . . and that what she told them in spite of her being in such pain enabled the Heroes to save a whole other ship, 12 more humans, and, like, a quarter-billion fish.

"I have some restraints in my bag, just give me a moment to get them," murmurs Harlequin as he sets Charm back down on her own two feet. He then whispers quietly before reaching into his bag and pulling out a dozen or so zip restraints. "Here people go. Zip their arms behind their backs but not super tight. Don't want them to lose their hands. We are not in the Empire after all."

As Titan breaches the surface of the sea with the submersible, Pulsar streaks toward the water to assist.

Titan works with Pulsar to get the sub up onto the deck of the tanker. He's actually breathing a little heavily by the time they're done.

Peter 'knocks' politely at Harlequin's mind seeking permission to make telepathic contact.

Harlequin says, "And now we wait for the Coast Guard." He looks over at Titan. "Do you want everyone to remain, Titan? Or should I send those who wish back to the ship?" He then holds up a hand. "Apologies, Peter is calling. Just a moment." Then he opens his mind to Peter."

Peter tells Harlequin that the rescued crew have been taken to the liner's medical bay. One has a strained leg but nobody is seriously hurt. The only two fatalities occurred during the actual collision. A coast guard VTOL is on its way and is due in 30 minutes.

Pulsar sets his side down, and seems no worse for wear. In fact, to the beleaguered Titan, he seems absolutely energized.

Which of course is true - but mostly because of the task they just performed and being able to work along side such a famous hero.

Titan nods to Harlequin, "We can send people back to the ship. I'm willing to stick around to talk to the Coast Guard."

Harlequin relays all of Peter's news to Titan then gates those who wish to back to the ship. He denies that choice to the drug runners though.

Titan says to Pulsar, "Thanks for your help, by the way. We appreciate it."

Over the next thirty plus minutes some of the heroes can return to the liner. The coast guard VTOL lands first on the liner to pick up the tanker's crew, then on the tanker to drop off an emergency crew and pick up the drug-runners. The senior officer on the VTOL thanks the heroes. Meanwhile the Captain of the liner has put out a message of the liner's PA explaining that the liner assisted in rescue efforts. But no mention is made that heroes on the liner were involved. The Captain keeps his promise of secrecy to Titan. And soon after than the liner is once more on the way to Bermuda.

"It was my pleasure, and honor, Sir. You guys can call on me anytime." Pulsar responds to Titan cordially.

The Captain returns to Harlequin's cabin. He thanks the heroes for their efforts, and informs them that the cost of their tickets will be refunded. Which actually won't matter to most of the heroes, since the British Government was paying anyway. But Pulsar gets a complimentary ticket as well if he wants to enjoy the rest of the cruise.

Harlequin does his bit to preserve the 'masquerade' with the kids by using magicks to fix their clothes before they mingle with the other passengers.

Pulsar happily takes the free passage figuring he can still fulfill his work duties and meeting the Princess Guard under favorable conditions as long as he can fly home - which considering his ability to travel a good percentage of light-speed, won't be an issue. He thanks the Capitan and flashes a dazzling smile.

Harlequin murmurs his thanks to the Captain. When he is alone with the Markham kids and Leonid, he asks them, "And what do we do when anyone asks about what happened?"

Titan changes out of his charred and wet clothing as soon as he can, once he's back on the ship.

The liner is back on course to Bermuda. It will be another 36 hours before it arrives there. Another day of idle luxury. Another evening and night of fun and frolics.

Peter says, "Look like silly kids and say we don't know anything about it?"

Anne-Maria and Maria-Anne approach Titan, "Are you going to punish us?" Anne-Maria asks.

Harlequin points at Peter and nod, "Bingo!" He grins. "Now, go and get into age appropriate trouble."

Titan shakes his head, "No, I'm not. It turned out we needed the help. Once you were there, you followed instructions, which is good."

Titan raises a brow and smiles, "I may very well report on what happened, once we get back. But I have time to think about that."

Charm hopes the kids don't get into trouble. She has a certain sympathy for their situation.

During the next 36 hours two things of interest, in a heroic sense, occur. First Titan gets a text message from Ronin - Titan, this is Ronin. I've been trying to contact Nexus without any luck. So I'm sending this to you because I know you two have worked together. I'm on the Fae Princess liner. There's a couple of kids on the liner who I think, well, I think they might be Wolfguard. If you're interested give me a call. I'm appending my number.

The other incident of interest happens to Charm. As she's enjoying a period on the sun deck a group of ship's officers walk along a path to a crew only door. As the officers are entering that door a badly thrown cold iron horseshoe from a group playing a game near there goes astray and whacks one of the officers in his leg. For an instant the appearance of the officer changes. And it's Palanir standing there in Fae finery. Then he's gone from sight inside the door.

Titan contacts Ronin after getting the message.

Ronin opens the door to his cabin when Titan makes his call. The mercenary looks relaxed and sun tanned. Well, except for having one hand out of sight behind his back, "Yeah. I don't recall ordering room service." he says.

Charm positions herself for her next painting where she might be able to observe Palanir when he re-emerges.

Titan shrugs and smiles, "Oh, you called me." He turns off his holodisguise.

Various crew move in and out of the door, but if Palanir returns he must be wearing a different face.

Ronin blinks, "Neat trick. Yeah, I did. Come in. Try to be quiet. Ursine is dozing in the bedroom and he gets grumpy if he's woken."

Titan nods and steps inside the room. "Fair enough."

Ronin finds a video clip on his PDA. "Look at this. That's Wolfguard tactics. I'd swear to it."

The clip shows Mark and Patrica's take out of the Maryland laser tag team.

Titan nods, looking at the clip. "You're right. I'm here as a chaperone for those two kids in particular."

Titan figures he won't be able to dissuade Ronin, so why not make it a half-truth?

Charm tells the rest of the team about her sighting of Palanir. Her casual checks of the passengers and crew for signs of glamour and other magic have now become much more intensive.

Ronin takes a step back and his right hand returns to behind his back. "Funny, I thought you were a white hat? Have you flipped sides?"

Titan shakes his head, "Some of Wolfguard have flipped sides."

Wolf offers to track P's footsteps, if that would help Charm ?

Ronin takes that in. "You know I'd heard rumors along those lines. I didn't believe it. Our.. their conditioning was so intense flipping seemed unlikely. Seriously?"

Titan raises a brow at Ronin's slip, but doesn't comment on it. "I'm serious." He smiles and then adds, "So what brings you on board? My understanding is you have an interest in a singular particular passenger?"

Ronin nods, "Yeah. The guy in 16A quit his job. And thought he could walk off with $10,000,000 in cash. The bank hired me to track him down and take him and the money back."

Titan nods. "How does that work in international waters? Or do you need to wait until we get to a port?"

Charm tells Wolf, "If you can, that would be helpful. But how can you track one of many people who walked through this door? Unless we see him again...."

Ronin grins, "To be honest we could have taken him back in Miami. But I figured he wasn't going anywhere so why not grab a couple of days of luxury cruising on the bank's expenses. We'll take him when we reach Bermuda."

Wolf explains that he and Ceci spent the first 3 days exploring the ins and outs of the whole ship. All we would need is someone who remembers what Palanir smells like under the disguise, and then we can see where he's been.

Titan chuckles. "Ah. Well...might as well make use of that expense account, I guess."

Ronin nods. Then turns serious, "If you're looking after the kids you need to be aware they may have been made. You should never have let them be filmed." he says. Then he hesitates. "Look, if something happens, call me. It will be a freebie."

Titan nods to Ronin, "I appreciate that. Thanks."

Titan says, "If you catch wind of anyone else looking for the kids, let me know, alright?"

Ronin nods, "I will. I don't hurt kids, and I don't like anyone who tries. If I spot something I'll call you."

Titan nods, "Thanks again." He smiles. "I better get going and see what they've gotten into. Catch you later."