GORDON - Terra in Seattle

[Gordon W. Fancher's workplace, the Puget Power administrative headquarters 
in Seattle, Washington, has just been decimated by someone who can control 
the earth. After managing to rescue a few people with newfound superpowers of 
his own, but also seeing several of his friends die in the rubble, Gordon makes 
his weary way home, for a reunion with his children and his SO.]


[GM]

People look skywards and point as you fly overhead, but when you descend, 
you manage to find a fairly empty spot. There are people on the street and a few 
in the park, and they see you going down. But despite the commotion your 
arrival makes, you're able to slip out of the woods and down the street without 
anyone following you and identifying you- you think.

Lori rushes over to hug you. "Gordon!" she gasps. "I saw in the news about what 
happened....your office building destroyed, all those people dead! I've managed 
to keep the kids away from the TV so far, but I was worried sick, I had no idea 
what to tell them, or if you were one of those people buried or crushed..." She's 
pale and distraught, but apparently in her viewing of the news, she missed a few 
essential details...

<><><><><>

Gordon:

Katy - Katy is smart, intuitive, and creative.  She is also moody and unsure of 
her place in the world.  She has lived through some tough times, especially 
early when her mother was poor and on her own, struggling to make ends meet.  
I wasn't around much then since we were having an off-again-on-again dating 
relationship.  Katy varies between playful and loving, and quiet and distant.  At 
times she can be very helpful and a delight, and at others she will go out of her 
way to torment her brother.  Because our homes are run fairly differently, Katy is 
constantly testing the rules and limits, which are stricter here than at her 
mother's house.  Of course, in our altered 'reality', this is probably less of a 
problem since she is not bouncing between homes.  When playing with other 
kids, she does well though tends to lead and control, partly because she is 
creative and partly because she has a need to be in control.  Unfortunately, Katy 
is starting to exhibit some manipulativeness, often showing in a 
tendancy to tell people what she thinks they want to hear rather than what is 
true.  We have had a few problems with her stealing and lying, but they have 
been fairly few and far between.  On the other hand, she is generally pretty 
honest and is usually unafraid to express herself.  Katy has a strong interest in 
horses and other animals, and also shows a very distinct talent for mathematics.

Taylor - Taylor is one of the happiest and most loving children I have ever seen.  
He gets along well with virtually everyone, and is well-loved by both adults and 
other children alike.  He is very active and enthusiastic about nearly everything.  
Like most boys his age, he seems to genuinely think of himself as a 'ninja', and 
is constantly practicing his 'karate' skills, which he has derived from many hours 
of watching 'Turtles', 'Power Rangers', etc..  Taylor is also starting to reach the 
age of testing the rules and limits.  Again, this is probably enhanced due to the 
'two home' situation.  Like his sister, Taylor is also quite bright and should do 
very well as a student, now that his is entering kindergarten this year.  In 
addition to his intelligence, he is also an amazing natural athelete and loves 
virtually all sports.  I believe he has the capability to excel at virtually anything he 
tries.

Lori - I met Lori about a year-and-a-half ago, and it was one of 
those situations where you meet someone and feel like you have know them 
forever.  We became close friends almost instantly.  She is one the kindest, 
most loving, and least selfish people I know.  She is also very intelligent and is 
moving up in the commercial architecture firm she works for, even though she 
lacks many of the academic and professional credentials usually required in the 
field.  She is friendly and outgoing in a quiet kind of way.  She is very physical 
and touch-oriented, which is sometimes hard for me, even though I tend to be 
the same way.  Go figure.  She has been going through some very difficult times 
lately.   

Lori has two sons.  Fabio [yes, same name as the romance novel model] is 19 
and starting his sophomore year at Western Washington University.  He seems 
to be very popular with other kids his age, even though he tends to be kind of 
quiet.  He spends virtually all of his time hanging out with various friends, all of 
whom seem to be good kids.  Todd is 22 and just graduated from Central 
Washington University with a degree in Ski Area Management.  His great 
interest in life is outdoor sports, especially rock climbing and 'extreme' skiing 
(that stuff that even most *good* skiers wouldn't dare try).  He also has a new 
girlfriend and they seem to have a really good relationship.  His is very quiet and 
very laid-back, though with a lot of internal turmoil.

************

I give Lori a good long hug, rubbing her back as I do so.  I then manage to avoid 
being knocked over as Taylor runs up and throws himself into my arms.  I give 
him a strong hug as well, setting him down as Katy walks up.  I bend down and 
hug her until she turns away and heads into the kitchen.  I revel in the love and 
support as I follow her into the kitchen to see what Lori is cooking, talking all the 
while.  "I am very sorry about getting held up.  It was a catastrophe, and I felt a 
need to stick around and help as much as possible.  You're right, Lori, the 
destruction and pain caused were horrendous.  I know dozens of people were 
killed, and possible hundreds injured.  I was inside the building when it 
happened, and it is a miracle that I was not seriously hurt.  I have a lot to 
discuss with you all, but let's have dinner first.  I am very tired and hungry.  
Anything I can do to help with dinner?  Katy, can you help me with setting the 
table?"

We sit down to a good meal, Taylor playing with his food and talking more than 
eating, but he does eventually get some food into his stomach.  Katy sucks 
down nearly as much food as I do, and nearly as fast.  Lori seems to be the only 
'normal' eater at the table.  I take this opportunity to relax and catch up on 
everyone's day.  I want to re-establish a sense of normalcy, before having the 
inevitable discussion of the true events and their effects.

[After dinner, I will sit down and have 'the big talk', but I don't want to get too far 
ahead, so I will wait until after your next posting.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

Lori is horrified, at the destruction, and at the thought of your being trapped in 
such a disaster. She tries not to reveal too much distress, as Katy and Taylor 
are already a bit edgy, having sensed that something is wrong.

Katy is in one of her moody stages right now, and doesn't talk much, but listens 
intently as Lori speaks circuitously about the events in downtown Seattle. Taylor, 
after being told to take his Power Ranger Action Figures (tm) off the dining table, 
sulks for about thirty seconds before asking "Hey Dad, 'fore Lori turned off the 
TV they said there were superheroes flying around! Did you see any?"

Katy rolls her eyes and gives Taylor an exasperated look. "There AREN'T any 
real superheroes!" she tells him, with an older-sister-knows-everything tone that 
you suspect Taylor is going to love seeing punctured when you tell her the 
reality.

"Yes there are, there's Paladin and he's even launching spaceships!" insists 
Taylor. Katy just shakes her head. "That's special effects, like the 'Lois and 
Clark' TV show. Right Dad? Jeez, Taylor, you already know Superman isn't 
real!"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

Just a note: the building I work in is in downtown Bellevue, rather than Seattle.  
The two cities are separated by the rather large lake that I had my 'conversation' 
with Rosaline over.]

I watch the interactions of Lori and the kids, gauging the moods and reactions, 
trying to figure out the best way to present everything that I have to tell them.  I 
had hoped to put this off until dinner was cleared from the table and we could 
relax on the couch.  Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will wait that long.

There doesn't seem to be anything to do but to just jump in, so I do.  "Katy, you 
are *right* that Superman is *not* real.  He is just a comic book character. 
However, that *does*n't mean that superpowers *cannot* be real.  From what I 
have seen today, I think superpowers *are* becoming real.  I even suspect that 
*Paladin* may be for real.  I wasn't sure what to think before, but today has 
shown me that superpowers may *be* real.  As a matter of fact, I met a woman 
today whom I believe to have real superpowers.  She flew and glowed like a 
giant lightbulb!  Also, the building I work in was badly damaged by huge waves 
of rock and dirt.  Based on the way they moved and acted, I do *not* believe that 
they could have been *natural*.  I know this is a lot to take in or accept, but I was 
there and that is what I saw."

I pause at this point to get their reactions, before continuing on.  I am already 
starting to think about how and when to turn the TV back on so that they can see 
the reports for themselves and get a better picture of just what happened.  I 
*am* going to wait until I have told them the rest before I do so, however.  I don't 
want them to see me doing all those things before I have told them about it!

<><><><><>

[GM]

"You met a woman who could fly?" Taylor asks. "What did she look like?"

Lori is looking at you quizically. "You mean all this superhuman stuff is *real*?" 
she asks.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Yes, Taylor, I did. <I smile affectionately at him.> She was a very beautiful 
woman with long golden blonde hair.  She was wearing a pretty white dress.  
She flew through the air and glowed a bright white."

I look at Katy, wondering what thoughts are hidden behind her silence.  I 
suspect she is unsure of whether to believe me, but I am just going to have to 
continue on.

Hearing the concern, puzzlement, and tinge of fear behind her words, I turn and 
reach out, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.  "Yes.  I am afraid that it is all 
*very* real.  Perhaps frighteningly so.  I don't know what this means for the 
future of the world, but I believe that is out of our hands."

I pause, looking around at them, wondering how they are going to take what I 
have to say next.  "There is something else I have to tell all of you.  You would 
find out eventually anyways, and I would rather that you heard it from me first.  
Something very strange happened to me today.  As best I can think to tell it, *I* 
seem to have gained unusual powers myself.  I know this is a lot to be asked to 
accept right now, but please just hear me out."

I take a breath and try to calm my heart hammering away in my chest.  "I was 
inside the building when a huge 'tidal wave' of earth and debris hit the side of 
my building at work.  Moments later, a second 'wave' hit and I was swept out of 
the building and buried under tons of dirt and stone.  Miraculously, I wasn't hurt!  
As I began to panic under all that rock and dirt, something clicked in the back of 
my mind, and a huge stream of what I can only describe as energy emerged 
from my body and burned a hole to the surface.  I crawled out just as another 
'wave' was about to hit the building.  I managed to unleash another blast, 
slowing and reducing the rocky wave, thus sparing the building more damage.  
Eventually, I found that I could fly be projecting the energy downward - that's 
how I got home; my car was destroyed.  Anyway, I was unable to find whoever 
was causing the ground to attack the building.  About that time, the flying lady 
showed up and mistook me for the attacker.  After we sorted that out, we 
worked together to rescue as many people as we could from under the huge 
piles of debris."

Seeing Katy ready to jump in, I look at her.  "Just a moment Katy, and I will try to 
answer your questions.  There is one other thing that you should all know.  
Pretty soon, everyone is going to know about this.  There were a lot of people 
and media types around with cameras of various sorts, and I am sure they had 
plenty of opportunity to get video of me.  In fact, I am probably on TV by now.  
This will probably have a profound effect on our lives, but I have no way of 
knowing what that will be.  All I can do is to try to protect you all and deal with 
this the best that I can.  I hope you will all be able to accept what has happened 
to me.  I believe that if we stick together, we can get through whatever this 
brings our way."

"I am done for now.  I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  
Then I think we should turn on the TV and see what is being broadcast about 
this situation.  It will give you a good chance to see what went on, and perhaps 
seeing will make it a little easier to believe.  OK."  I look around, expecting to be 
barraged with difficult questions.

<><><><><>

[GM]

Lori is shocked, Katy looks at you with a mixture of wonder and disbelief, while 
Taylor, wide-eyed, gazes at you in awe. You can see that in his mind, Dad is 
now a superhero! The more difficult issues associated with your having powers 
haven't hit him yet.

"Can we see?" he asks eagerly. "Can you fly and everything? Can you shoot an 
energy beam right now?"

"Not in the house, Taylor!" Lori says, and then gasps and actually laughs for a 
moment, at the absurdity of it all- no energy blasts in the house indeed!

She looks at you and says "This is, uh, really....I don't know what to say! What 
are we going to do? The publicity...this could be really bad, Gordon! What about 
those crazy superhumans that they say are going around destroying cities and 
things?"

"Dad'll fight them!" Taylor says. Then, thinking, he says "In the 'X-Men', they said 
mutants are, like, if they kids they'll be mutants too, are you a mutant dad? Does 
that mean *I* can have superpowers too?" Clearly, the possibility excites him, 
while Katy's brow wrinkles in concern. Who knows what she thinks of having 
powers...it might be exciting to her, but you'd guess she'll also be concerned 
about how being so 'different' might affect what people think of her.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

<HAHAHA>  "No, I don't think I will be shooting any blasts of energy in the 
house."  I say with a soft chuckle and a twinkling glance in Lori's direction.  
"That would probably be a bad idea.  And *yes*, Taylor, I *can* fly, though I 
probably won't be doing *that* in the house either."

"You're very right, Lori.  This could be *very* bad from the perspective of 
publicity.  I'm not sure that I am very happy about this happening, but I don't 
have much control over it.  I *do* know that it is going to bring profound changes 
in our lives, though I will do what I can to minimize the effects on the rest of you.  
I don't know enough about other 'superhumans' to have any idea what their 
involvment is likely to be."

I turn back to Taylor.  "I *do* know that I am *not* eager to go looking for 'evil 
mutants' to fight, Taylor.  Hopefully, that won't become necessary any time 
soon.  Though I really don't know how or when I will end up having to use my 
new-found powers.  The answer to your other question, Taylor is: I don't know.  
Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing where my powers are coming from, or 
whether they will be passed on to you in any way.  I just don't know."

Noting Katy's silence, I turn to her.  "Katy?  You've been awfully quiet.  Do you 
have any comments or questions you'd like to bring up before we turn on the TV 
and watch what happened?"

[If not, then we will proceed to turning on the TV and looking for a news report 
on the tragedy.  If she does, I will field it as best I can and then continue with the 
TV.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

Katy frowns, and sighs, tossing her hair in a manner that will serve her well in 
getting boys' attention in a few years.

"What are you going to do with these...powers, Dad?" she asks. "I mean, I don't 
want you to go doing dangerous things...can't you just stay normal?"

Katy has picked up on something that's eluded Taylor...the possibility that you 
could be killed, fighting other superhumans...and that they could lose a second 
parent. Lori nods, understanding immediately.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I give Katy a warm smile, attempting to reassure her.  "To tell you the truth, Katy, 
I really don't know.  I *can* tell you that I am not going to do *anything* with 
them right at this moment.  As I said, I am *certainly* not eager to go out and 
*fight* anyone.  This 'change' occured just a few hours ago, and I really haven't 
had a chance to think about it much.  I really wish I *could* stay normal, but I'm 
afraid I don't have any control over it.  I am what I have become, and we are just 
going to have to manage the best we can."

I get up from the table and move into the living room, ignoring the dishes still on 
the table.  "Let's turn on the TV and see what is being broadcast about today's 
events."  I sit on the corner of the couch nearest the TV, picking up the remote 
as I do so.  Almost immediately, Taylor launches himself into my lap, "OOF!", 
and sits himself in my lap.  Lori slides in beside me as I switch on the TV and 
start searching for a news report.  Katy plants herself on the floor, leaning back 
against my legs.

I find the report on channel 11's early news hour.  Even for me, it's hard to 
believe this destruction in our placid yuppy suburbia.  It's hard to see the images 
and not feel the emotions I went through while it happened.  I am fascinated by 
the clips of myself.  I had no opportunity to see myself weilding the powers I had 
manifested.  I study the images, trying to get some further clue to my new 
powers.  [If you have anything to add to the description you gave earlier, please 
do so.]  "Geez, that's ... *amazing*.  I can hardly believe it's me," I whisper to 
noone in particular.  I'm still having a hard time believing I did all that.

[If the others have any questions or comments, I will try to field them as well as I 
can.]

A few minutes later, the special bulletin comes on.  "Oh my god..."  I can't 
believe some madman is out there using his powers to extort money.  _S***!  
Things have just gone from bad to worse!_  I begin to get paranoid suspicions 
that 'someone' ou there is going to expect *me* to stop this loony.  _I'm *not* 
ready for this!_

[Amadan,  Could you tell me about what time it is, and what day of the week it 
is?  Thanks, gwf]

<><><><><>

[GM]

You notice when Taylor leaps onto your lap, the expected "OOF!" doesn't come- 
he seems ridiculously light now, and the impact against your body was barely 
noticeable.

"Dad, you're glowing!" he exclaims. Sure enough, there is just the tiniest 
shimmer of light around you, already fading to invisibility.

Watching yourself on the news is fascinating, but not particularly informative. 
You glow continually, but when you're flying, a brighter glow emits from the part 
of your body providing the "propulsion", usually your feet, or your back, though 
your hands also light up more intensely, when you were using them to balance 
yourself as you got used to flying. The "thruster" effect doesn't seem anywhere 
near as great as it should be. You imagine that the blast that should be 
necessary to propel your mass through the air should be quite significant, 
enough to send a trail of fire, or energy or whatever, blasting away from you for 
many yards. That does not seem to be the case.

Interestingly, Rosaline seems to generate no "thrust" at all. She just glows, and 
moves in whatever direction she wants. Though her initial approach to you was 
as a brilliant ball of light, you see from subsequent footage that her level of 
illumination doesn't seem to correspond to how fast she's going, or in what 
direction. While your flight power bends the laws of physics, hers seems to 
totally ignore them. Psychokinetic levitation comes to mind, but from your 
expansive knowledge of comic books, roleplaying games and the like, a dozen 
other possibilities also occur to you. You have a hard time buying any of them as 
applied to real life, but then, you'd never have thought you could do what you do 
either. But clearly, you do not fly in *quite* the same way that Rosaline does.

You're also relieved to see that on the footage shown on TV, there are no shots 
of your face close enough to identify you. But nonetheless, you know that 
anyone with any kind of investigative skills will know who you are within a day, if 
they don't already.

"What did it feel like, Dad?" Katy asks. "I mean, flying? You looked kinda silly at 
first, like someone just learning to walk!" she giggles, but there's also a sense of 
wonder in her eyes. While after watching the broadcast, Taylor is sitting on your 
lap and pointing his hand the way you did, concentrating, and making 
"chssshhhh!" noises, obviously trying to summon an energy blast (which, if he'd 
been successful, would have taken out your living room wall...), Katy would 
obviously like your other power.

[It is late evening, past Taylor's bedtime and almost past Katy's. Call it mid-week 
I guess, though I don't like to get pinned down too much on dates...since CHC 
goes slower than real time, yet I include current events, we have to accept the 
same temporal paradoxes as we see in comic books. It's easier to avoid 
continuity violations if I don't say "It's Wednesday", so later on, when someone 
from another thread meets you the next day, but yesterday was Friday for 
them...well, you see the problem. <g>]

<><><><><>

Gordon:

_Huh.  That's weird.  I'm used to feeling the impact from Taylor's 
'enthusiasm'..._  "Whoa!  You're right, Taylor, I am!  What do you think about 
that?"  I ask with a smile.  _Well, it's nice to know that the powers haven't left.  It 
looks like the strength and defense effect (force field?) seem to work all of the 
time.  It's interesting that the defense glows whenever it's actually being used, 
but appears to be present, or at least ready, even when it's not glowing._

Watching the clips of myself, I can't help but try to analyze what I'm seeing.  _It 
looks like the flight is *not* a direct function of thrust applied.  Apparently, it 
doesn't function in the way I would have expected, or even in any way that can 
be described / predicted by physics.  I think I'm going to need a fair amount of 
practice and testing to really get a handle on it.  Now wait!  Rosaline's flying 
*looks* different than mine.  This is *really* strange.  It must be based on a 
totally different process._

_Boy, that's good!  At least my face didn't end up plastered all over the news.  
On the other hand, I'm not so big a fool as to think that those are the only shots 
of me.  I saw cameras *all over* the place while I was flying around.  Sooner or 
later, some of those other pictures are going to start showing up, and *I'm* 
betting on *sooner*.  I better start making plans to handle all this immediately._

I turn to Katy at her question, "Well, Katy, it was kind of *neat*, once I got a feel 
for it.  However, it was kind of *scary* at first as I tried to figure out how to 
control it.  Unfortunately, it's *not* as easy as it looks in all those comic books 
we read.  Also, I was too busy trying to find the guy creating the rock waves and 
helping out, to really stop and enjoy it."  I smile joyfully at Taylor's antics.

I pick up the remote and turn off the TV, "Well, kids, I think it's brush-and-potty 
time.  Get your jammies on, and then let's head into the bathroom.  We'll talk 
more tomorrow about all this stuff.  I'm *sure* you'll have thought up *lots* more 
questions by then."  I chuckle, and start herding the kid's towards the bedroom 
to change into their pajammas.  Lori heads into the kitchen to refill her glass of 
water.  I stand in the doorway, watching the kids change, verbally prodding as 
necessary.  Katy is done quickly and heads into the bathroom to brush her teeth 
and go potty.  She is already returning to the bedroom by time Taylor has his 
pajammas on.  I follow him into the bathroom as Katy climbs into bed.  Once he 
has gone potty, I help him brush his teeth.  By time we get back to the bedroom, 
Katy is lying in her top bunk and Lori is rubbing her back.  Taylor climbs into his 
lower bunk and pulls up the sheet (no blanket in summer).  I turn off the light 
and turn on the nightlight.  "Any have a song they want to sing?"  [It's very 
important to maintain their usual rituals.]  They each sing a short song that they 
make up on the spot.  When that's done I hug each of them and leave the room, 
bidding them 'good night, sleep well'.  Lori remains in the darkened room to rub 
Taylor's back for a moment.  I return to the couch and sit down.  Lori emerges in 
a few moments, closing the door and coming over to sit next to me.

[I didn't realize it had gotten so late...  As for the day of the week, I was really 
only concerned with whether the next day was a work day or was Saturday, 
which would make a big difference.

Some information:  The company has a 'storm response' plan which is activated 
any time there is a big storm which knocks out a large number of power lines.  
This plan involves setting up a storm control center in a building in Kirkland 
(which is just north of Bellevue).  'Storm control' has it's own phone number for 
employees to call and get storm assignments.  While it is not designed for the 
purpose, it seems reasonable that they might activate the plan as a way of 
dealing with the destructive events of the day, though I will leave that decision to 
you.  I *will* be calling that number in the morning to find out as part of my 
preparations for the day.  I wanted to give you the information, so that you can 
decide if it effects how things happen the next morning.

<><><><><>

[GM]

The storm response line does indeed have special instructions for Puget Power 
employees. An interim administrative headquarters is being set up in Kirkland, 
but the vast majority of people in your building are being told simply to stay 
home, including the Rates department.

The morning news shows a frightening sight...the governor of Washington has 
declared a statewide emergency, and National Guard troops are being stationed 
around key facilities in the Puget Sound area, such as the actual power plants 
which "Terra-rizer" thankfully did NOT hit last night. There are no National Guard 
troops in Seattle itself, but there is an entire brigade just outside the metro area, 
on full alert, and attack helicopters are said to be circling the region, circulating 
constantly between one landing site and another, in case the Earth-controlling 
metahuman attacks one base. You don't like to think about what will happen if 
Terra-rizer really attacks in the heart of Seattle....what will the military do, stage 
a bombing run in the middle of the city, with Apache helicopters launching air-to-
ground missiles at the rolling waves of dirt?

Microsoft does not have National Guard troops on its property, but there is a 
vastly increased police presence, and they have contracted several security 
firms to provide short-term coverage. Access in and out of all Microsoft buildings 
is now being strictly regulated, and armed rent-a-cops are all over, while the 
police continually monitor the entire area surrounding Microsoft's plants and 
offices. You doubt ten thousand rent-a-cops can do much against an asphalt 
tidal wave.

An amazing number of Microsoft employees are choosing this time to take a 
vacation, or call in sick. Even without an actual attack, Microsoft is going to be 
losing one hell of a lot of money. Of course, the entire city is tense, and it's not 
just Microsoft employees who are deciding now would be a good time to visit 
relatives in the Midwest.

There is no word yet on whether the government, or Microsoft, is contemplating 
paying the one billion dollar extortion fee.

As you get ready to wake the kids up, the phone rings.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

[Hope you don't mind Amadan, but I would like to role-play some of the time 
after the kids go to bed.  Normally, Lori and I talk for a while before she goes 
home, and I suspect she would want to talk quite a bit under these 
circumstances...]

Lori emerges a few minutes later, and comes over and sits next to me on the 
couch.  "I still have a hard time believing you were in the middle of all that 
destruction today.  Was it as bad as it appeared on TV?"

I turn to face her on the couch, my left arm lying on the back of the couch behind 
her.  "Worse.  I hate to think how many bodies are still buried back there.  I'm 
sure two of my co-workers, Kathi and Miyeon, are dead, and I don't know how 
many more.  Rosaline, the glowing woman, and I located and dug out as many 
people as we could, but there is no way we could have gotten to everyone.  
Even though only the first five floors were destroyed, I knew a lot of people on 
those floors, and I have no way of knowing how many survived.  While there 
aren't many people who work on the first floor since it is mostly lobby, the 
second through fifth floors probably have at least three hundred people working 
on them.  I realize that since it was nearly five o'clock when the disaster struck, 
many people had gone home already, but still, there had to have been a lot of 
people in the line of fire from those attacks.  It hurts to think about it.  Every time 
I think about what happened, I can't help but see the faces of the dead and 
injured as we dug them out.  The pain is so great, it's a struggle to avoid shutting 
down and just stuffing all that pain and grief.  Kathi and Miyeon were people I 
had come to care about.  And so were many of the other people whom I don't 
yet know about.  Oh god.  It makes me feel sick, knowing how many people lost 
loved ones today.  Sometimes I just despair at the seeming senselessness of 
life."

"I hear your pain and your grief, Gordon," says Lori, "and I want you to know that 
I am here for you.  As you have done for me in the past, I will do everything I can 
to help you through this.  I love you and will support you and the kids in any way 
I can."

"Thank you Lori, your support is always comforting.  I do have a favor to ask of 
you, but it is a big one, and you are welcome to say no.  I feel the need to get 
the kids out of here in an effort to protect them from the media and any other 
invasions of our privacy which might occur.  Would you be willing to let the kids 
and I come stay at your house for a while?  I know it will be a big inconvenience, 
since you already have a roommate, and Fabio is still here for the summer."

"Yes, of course.  There is more than enough room for you in that big house.  
Katy can sleep with me, and I will have Fabio sleep on the couch so you and 
Taylor can use his room.  There shouldn't be any problem, and I would love to 
have you there."  Lori smiles and cuddles up against my chest.

"Thank you very much, Lori," I reply, "your generosity still amazes me.  However, 
I think Fabio should remain in his room.  Taylor and I will be fine on the couch.  I 
would rather not have Fabio resenting me for displacing him.  I would really like 
for him to feel comfortable around me and the kids some day...  Wait a minute!  
I still have Ann's phone number!  I've gotta call her and find out if she is OK."  I 
rush into the kitchen and grab the phone.  I dig her number out of the address 
book I keep by the phone and dial.

[Ann Barkley is the Assistant Manager of the Puget Power Credit Union on the 
second floor of our building.  I have known her for quite a while and have been to 
lunch with her a number of times.  We also have had dinner and gone to movies 
a few times.  There's no real romantic interest, but we get along well and are 
fairly good friends.  If she is not there, her sister Mary, whom she lives with, 
probably will be, and I will talk with her.  It is possible that she could be at their 
parents' house which is somewhere in the area, though I don't know exactly 
where.  If there is no answer, I will leave a message asking that they call and let 
me know how they are.]

After I am done on the phone, I will talk with Lori for a while longer, making 
plans for how to get the kids and their stuff over to her house tomorrow.  When 
we are done talking, I give her a big long hug before she goes, thanking her for 
her help and support.  After she leaves, I get ready for bed and try to get some 
sleep.  Not knowing for sure what Puget will expect me to do tomorrow, I leave 
the alarm set for the usual time (6 AM).

Once I have showered and put in my contacts, I turn on the radio, wake up the 
kids, and get them started bathing and getting dressed.  It isn't long before a 
report comes on about an address by the governor.  I immediately go out to the 
living room and flick on the TV.  As I wait for the governor's press conference to 
start, I call the storm response number at work.  When I get their instructions, I 
give them Lori's number, telling them that I can be reached at that number if 
needed.

About the time we are all dressed and I am preparing breakfast, the governor 
comes on.  The news is frightening, though not altogther unexpected.  I certainly 
had no idea how to deal with this 'Terra-rizer' myself, especially since I couldn't 
even identify him, so I can't expect the government to do much better.  I realize 
just how scared everyoneout there must be.  I had so many other concerns, I 
hardly had time to be scared.  I'm certainly not surprised by the increase in 
security at Microsoft, or the 'disappearance' of its workforce.  I know I would be 
leary of showing up if I worked there.

The phone rings.  "I'll get it!"  I shout as Katy heads in that direction.  I stride into 
the kitchen and answer the phone.  "Hello?"

[Lori's roommate is a 31-year-old woman named Celeste who works in her 
office.  Celeste is of German and Irish descent, and has a strong German face.  
She is about 5'5" tall, and probably weighs about 120.  She is an attractive 
woman with blond hair and blue eyes.  She tends to be quiet and a definate 
'homebody', but is sociable with those she feels comfortable around, including 
me and the kids.  She is a very nice person and always (that I have seen) treats 
people well.  Lori considers her a great roommate.

If you have any other things you would like Lori to bring up while we are talking 
just let me know.  Otherwise, we can continue with the next day.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

You get only an answering machine at Ann's number. You leave a message, 
and remain worried as to whether she will also turn out to be one of the 
casualties. According to the morning news, the death toll is now up to at least 
70.

When you answer the phone, you hear a man speaking. "Mr. Gordon Fancher?" 
he says crisply.

"Mr. Fancher, I'm Special Agent Tom Dicer, U.S. Justice Department. I hope you 
won't be too alarmed, but there's no sense in beating around the bush, is there? 
You must realize that by now there are a lot of people who know it was you 
flying around and fighting Terra-rizer yesterday. It's only a matter of time before 
you have every journalist in Washington camped out on your front lawn. We 
happen to be in a very convenient situation....we can help you, and you can help 
us."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

Actually, you have been doing quite well handling Lori, Katy and Taylor.  I mostly 
just wanted to catch that particular period of time, since it seemed important.  I 
will put in things for them as it seems important.  Feel free to use them as 
characters as much as you feel like.]

_Damn!  I *really* hope that Ann is OK.  Too many have been hurt and killed 
already!_

Hearing my name that way, it sounds like one of those phone salespeople I 
detest, but they don't usually call at this time of day.  "Umm.  Speaking."

Fear hits my stomach like a freight train.  _Justice Department?!?  Oh s***!  
What did I do now?!_  My reaction is instantaneous, before he can finish 
speaking.  I can't imagine any law enforcement organization wanting me for 
anything good.  _I'm in deep s***, here!_  Then, as he continues, I start to 
understand where he's coming from, and why he is calling.

"Yeah, I knew *sonebody* would put the pieces together and come find me 
pretty soon, though I didn't expect it quite *this* fast.  As for the press hounds, I 
don't on standing here waiting for them to come looking.  In a few hours, there 
will be noone here.  You were lucky to catch me yourself.  As for helping each 
other, I don't know what you have in mind, but I'm willing to listen.  However, I 
need to get my kids to school now.  If you give me a phone number or some 
other way to contact you, I will get ahold of you in a couple hours."

<><><><><>

[GM]

"All right," the federal agent says. "Can you meet me at the Seattle Public Safety 
Building on James St. & 4th, in about two, two and a half hours?"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

[I covered bathing and dressing, and was making breakfast in my message of 
9/10, so I'll take it from there.  Also, I'm assuming that we are in relatively 
current time and thus, in September, and Katy's school has started.]

"Make it three hours.  It will take me that long to take care of everything on this 
end.  I've been to the Public Safety Building before, so I shouldn't have any 
trouble finding it.  I'll see you there about 10 AM."  I hang up the phone and call 
the kids to the table for breakfast.

As we eat, I explain to the kids that we are going to stay at Lori's house for a 
while.  They become very excited at the news and it takes a while to get them 
back to eating.  After we finish eating our toasted waffles, I remind Taylor that he 
needs shoes and a sweatshirt [even in September it's chilly in the morning], and 
send him off to take care of it.  I ask Katy to clear the table while I fix lunches for 
the kids.

When the lunches are ready and Taylor is finished dressing, I give each of the 
kids a plastic grocery-store bag and tell them to pick out books and toys and 
games to take to Lori's house.  Meanwhile, I grab a large plastic garbage bag 
and fill it with clothes for all of us.  I then take the bags out and load the into the 
trunk of my car while the kids grab there lunches.  I go back inside, grab my 
lunch, remind Katy to put on her jacket, and herd the kids toward the door.

Once in the car, I drive Katy to school and drop her off there with a hug (no 
kisses allowed in front of the other kids).  Next we head to Taylor's school where 
I sign him in and help him put his stuff in his 'cubby'.  I give him a hug and a kiss 
and head out to the car.

Next, I drive over to Lori's house.  I don't have a key, but I know the keypad 
combination to the garage door opener and go in that way.  I take the bags of 
stuff out of my trunk and leave them in the entryway by the closet behind the 
front door.  I notice that I have a little time to spare, so I go in the kitchen and 
pour myself a glass of juice.  I take my glass in the living room, switch on the 
TV, and flip through the channels to see if there is anything interesting.  After a 
few minutes, I turn off the TV, use the restroom, and leave for Seattle.

I take I-90 into Seattle, take the Madison St. exit to downtown, and drive around 
the area looking for a parking place.  I don't find anything on-street, so I head 
into a parking garage on 5th that has some empty spaces.  I park, lock my car, 
and walk down to 4th, and then over 2 blocks to the Public Safety building.  
Once inside, I check the office index sign for a listing of any offices for the 
Justice Department or anyone by the name of Dicer.

<><><><><>

[GM]

There's no Department of Justice office listed, nor anyone named Dicer, but as 
you stand there and read the directory, a handsome man in a dark suit 
approaches you. He's so squeaky-clean and "generic"-looking that even though 
you haven't had much experience with the government [have you?] something 
about him, from your extensive Hollywood education, screams "Federal agent".

"Mr. Fancher?" he asks, holding out his hand. "I'm Special Agent Tom Dicer, 
U.S. Department of Justice." After shaking your hand, he pulls a wallet from his 
inside jacket pocket and shows you a badge...which, you note, while a Justice 
Department badge, also as a Department of Defense stamp on it.

"We're set up here because we naturally need to coordinate with the city 
government to work out defense and evacuation plans. This 'Terra-rizer' is a 
tremendous threat, and one that neither the city nor the state nor the federal 
government is about to underestimate."

"If you'd come with me to a conference room I've commandeered, we can talk 
about why I contacted you and what we hope we can do for each other."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

[Nope.  My experience with government is pretty much limited to paying taxes 
and various vehicle-related things, such as licencing and traffic tickets.]

I look at the man who approaches me.  _Interesting.  I guess sometimes life 
*does* imitate art..._

"Yes, sir.  Nice to meet you."  I shake hands with him, still feeling somewhat 
uneasy.  I take a good look at his badge.  _Hmm.  Department of Defense, too.  
That seems odd._

"Yes.  That makes sense.  I can personnally testify to how dangerous he is.  You 
are wise not to underestimate him."  _It seems that at least these people have 
something on the ball._

I can't help but smirk at this.  "'Commandeered'?  An interesting choice of 
words...  Lead the way."  I follow him into whatever conference room he has 
obtained the use of.

<><><><><>

[GM]

In the room is a large table and several chairs...probably where the department 
head or whoever has meetings with all his suboordinates.

There are five other men inside, and one woman. You don't recognize most of 
them, although one man wears a police uniform, and while not the chief of 
police, his insignia indicates he must be one of the chief's deputies or 
something.

One man you do recognize; the mayor of Seattle! [whose name you will have to 
give me <g>]

<><><><><>

Gordon:

[The current mayor of Seattle is Norm Rice, a Democrat.  To the best of my 
knowledge, Norm is the first black mayor this city has ever had.  I believe he 
was elected three or four years ago, and is probably coming up for re-election 
sometime soon.

A few notes about the Seattle Police Department:  We have a fairly new Police 
Chief named Stamper (I can't remember his first name), who came up from San 
Diego about a year ago.  He has quite a reputation as a reformer, and is well 
known for implementing innovative new approaches.  He is also quite a 'people 
person'.

One common sight in the hilly downtown regions of Seattle is police officers 
riding mountain bikes.  This has proven to be very practical and effective in our 
particular terrain/environment.  There are also a few horse-cops in certain 
Seattle areas.]

I follow Agent Dicer into the conference room, looking around as soon as I enter.  
_Oh s***!  This is *way* out of my league.  My *god*, even the *mayor* is here!  
Man, what the hell am *I* doing here?  I don't suppose there are any convenient 
holes I could climb into?  Nah...  No such luck._  "Umm...  Hello."  I look at 
Mayor Rice and nod, trying to smile and not doing a very good job of it, "Your 
Honor."  I grab the nearest unoccupied chair and plant myself, trying to be as 
inconspicuous as possible.

<><><><><>

[GM]

They don't seem to want to let you be inconspicuous...Dicer stands with you at 
the head of the table, and introduces each man in turn.

"Mayor Norm Rice, obviously you recognize. Captain Arthur Dallie, representing 
the SPD...Chief Stamper couldn't be here, as life and crime goes on, even with 
a lunatic threatening to destroy Seattle. Next to him is George Jennings, director 
of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Seattle Public Safety Department, the 
subject of emergency response programs and possible evacuations being his 
responsibility. Jeff Iburn, one of the Governor's aides, is representing the state of 
Washington. David Mikewski is, um, here as a spokesperson for Microsoft." 
Captain Dallie and Mr. Jennings both have rather unfriendly expressions as they 
glance at Mikewski, while Iburn looks vaguely uneasy.

"Last is my partner, Justice Department Special Agent Anne Rodnam." The 
rather plain woman in a suit as conservative as Agent Dicer's nods to you.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I look around the room, the attention from all these people making me feel just a 
bit queasy.  _God!  What do I do now?_  I extend my hand for a shake toward 
each person in turn as they are introduced, repeating their name or title as I do 
so.  When the introductions are finished, "Um.  Agent Dicer, you said something 
about a proposal when you invited me here?"  I turn and look at the agent.

<><><><><>

[GM]

Dicer says "It's very simple...so far, the evidence shows that the best thing to 
stop a metahuman is another metahuman. We don't know exactly what your 
powers are, but you seemed to drive him off yesterday."

"Not necessarily," says Agent Rodnam. "It seemed to me he just decided to 
withdraw when he saw other metahumans showing up."

Dicer glances at her, raises an eyebrow, then continues. "We don't have a 
concrete plan yet, and can't until we know more about the resources available to 
us. But whether or not you can help us against Terra-rizer, we *do* need 
metahumans like you who are willing to help counter the hostile ones. I'm part of 
a small sub-division of the Justice Department that's busy recruiting as many of 
you as possible. We need you both for metahuman research, and for field 
operations. If you're worried about danger, you can stick to research. And in 
return, we can give you legal and physical protection, for you *and* your family. 
Not to mention, of course, financial compensation."

"We're getting a little ahead of ourselves, aren't we, Agent Dicer?" says the 
Mayor. "My prime concern is the city of Seattle. I thought we're here to figure out 
how to stop this super-terrorist from destroying my city?"

"Agreed. I, however, am not sure the 'fight fire with fire' tactic is the best thing for 
this situation." The Microsoft suit is speaking now. "I'm not sure I like the idea of 
relying on a comic-book plot to defend against a very serious threat."

"Unfortunately, neither Bill Gates nor the government is willing or able to put up 
a billion dollars in extortion," says the Mayor. "So obviously, we need to do 
*something* else."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I listen to the conversation / argument passing around the table.  It is obvious 
that there are as many motives / agendas here as there are people.

I look over and the Mayor.  "Your honor, I'd like to say something here if I may..."  
[Assuming I get a positive response]  "First off, Agent Rodnam is right - I had 
little to do with 'driving off' this madman.  In truth, I couldn't even find or identify 
him or her, though I would dearly have liked to be able to show him what I 
thought of what he did to my friends.  The best I could do was to destroy his 
earthen 'waves' as he created them.  I suspect he left when he realized that I 
could prevent him from doing any more significant damage.  I think the presense 
of the other superhuman, Rosaline, may have been a factor as well.  I don't 
know the extent of her abilities, but I suspect she may have had the ability to 
locate this terrorist.  Have you tried to contact her, by any chance?"

I turn to face Agent Dicer.  "What you have to say is of some interest to me, 
especially since I may no longer have a job anymore.  I would be willing to hear 
more later, but I agree with the Mayor that our present concern needs to be the 
threatened attack on Microsoft's campus, and the overall threat that this man or 
woman poses to the entire area."

Looking at Mr. Mikewski.  ['Microsoft suit'?  <hahaha> What a concept!  As far 
as I know, NO ONE at Microsoft EVER wears a 'suit'.]  "I don't know *what* is 
the best means of preventing this attack on campus.  As I mentioned before, I 
wouldn't know this Terra-Rizer person if I saw him or her, unless he was 
obviously using his powers.  I'm also concerned by the fact that *he* knows 
what *I* look like.  Since he stated that any appearance by other super-humans 
would be reason to cause major destruction, my mere *presence* may just 
make the situation worse, unless I was disguised somehow.  As I said before, 
having Rosaline in on this may mean the difference between success and 
catastrophe.  I must admit that, although I am not normally given to violence, I 
would gladly kick this f*****'s *butt* for what he did to so many of my friends and 
co-workers."  At this point, the look of apprehension I wore upon entering the 
room has been replaced by one of grim determination and seriousness.  It is 
obvious to all that I mean *exactly* what I just said.

<><><><><>

[GM]

"As a matter of fact," says Agent Dicer, as the door opens.

Rosaline, still wearing a flowing gown (though it seems to be a different one 
than before), and glowing just a tiny bit, enters the room, followed by yet another 
man in a dark suit with an expressionless face.

The gorgeous blonde pauses, seeing all the people around the table, and 
especially when she spots you. Her gown is cut quite conservatively, showing 
no hint of cleavage, or leg above the ankle, yet her full figure is readily apparent 
beneath it, and for a moment, you can't help letting your gaze trace the outlines 
of her body. Rosaline frowns a little, as your reaction seems to be shared by 
most of the males in the room. And suddenly, you feel the mental equivalent of 
a bar of soap being shoved into your mouth- an overwhelming feeling of guilt 
and revulsion overwhelms the lust (however natural and well-controlled it may 
have been) that was starting to color your perceptions.

"Well," she says, folding her arms over her bosom. She is now glowing a little 
more intensely; the aura around her has become quite visible, though still not 
too bright. "I take it I was brought here to be of some help against that terrible 
demon-possessed man, and not to be ogled by sinners?"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I can't help but stare as Rosaline enters the room.  Even though we don't much 
get along, this rather *visceral* attraction doesn't seem to be impeded by such 
mundane considerations.  "Uhm... Welcome, Rosaline.  Good to see you 
again."  I smile with just a hint of a lear.  _Geugh!  What was *that*?!  And why 
does she suddenly remind me of my mother?  Yuck!_

"Well, ogling sinners aside, I suspect you were invited here for the same reason 
I was.  As you mentioned, that reason *is* to try to do something about the 
maniac that has hurt so many people and is threatening to hurt so many more.  
We haven't yet figured out what to do at this point, but it seems that identifying 
him may be the key.  Do you have any way of 'detecting' him, either while he's 
using his powers or otherwise?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline nods. "Of course," she says. "That is how I came to find you 
yesterday...I sensed the presence of someone with the Power." She frowns 
prettily, and adds "Of course, I did not realize at first that there were TWO such 
individuals present, so I...assumed it was you who was causing the destruction. 
By the time we got that straightened out, the other one had left the range of my 
senses."

Agent Dicer whistles. "You can detect metahumans? Now *that* is a useful 
power. I think you could be of tremendous help to us."

"I serve only God, not the government," the angelic woman says, rather 
haughtily. "I am willing to help stop this madman, because he hurts innocent 
people. But Agent Luzzan," she gestures back towards the newcomer behind 
her "already told me of your 'agency'. I do not think my gifts were given to me so 
I could become a federal agent."

"Ahem." The Mayor clears his throat. "All right, you can detect...metahumans. 
How far can you detect them? Can you help find this terrorist before he attacks 
again?"

Rosaline sighs, causing a magnificent swelling of her bosom that somehow no 
longer entices you. "When he actually starts to use his power, I believe I can 
sense him at some distance, but otherwise..." she shrugs. "I can sense that this 
man-" she looks at you "has the Power, but I only started to sense him when I 
was just outside the door."

"So just how do you intend to stop the Terra-rizer?" asks Captain Dallie.

"We have a couple of ideas," says Agent Dicer. "But it depends on these two."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Ah.  I was right...  That will prove *very* helpful.  I can ceratinly understand your 
confusion yesterday."

A sour look crosses my face as she starts babbling about her God and such.  
_Somehow, I'm not surprised that she would reject a reasonable idea out-of-
hand..._

I listen to her response to the Mayor's questions.  _How is it that this beautiful 
woman has about as much effect on my libido as somebody's gym socks?  This 
is *very* weird!_  "It's unfortunate that your ability to sense him will depend in 
large part on him - or her - using their powers.  Unless we get *really* lucky, we 
won't be able to find him until *after* the destruction has begun.  Damn!  That is 
going to make things *much* more difficult."

Turning towards Agent Dicer, "What exactly do you have in mind?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

"We'd prefer to talk to you...um, privately," Dicer says to you and Rosaline.

At this, several of the men in the room object. Agent Rodnam turns on them. 
"This is a Justice Department operation, if there's going to be an operation at 
all," she says. "Now, of course you'll be apprised of our intentions, but we want 
to talk to our...recruits, before we can tell you what we might be able to do."

"What makes them *your* recruits?" demands Captain Dallie. "If they're here to 
help the city and stop the Terra-rizer, perhaps they should be working with the 
SPD, not the Justice Department."

Dicer frowns, and looks ready to say something else, then turns to you. "We 
can't make you do anything," he says. "But I advise you work under the aegis of 
the federal government. We have more information available, and can protect 
you better if...things go wrong." He gives a sharp look to the police captain.

Rosaline sighs. "It makes no difference to me," she says. "I want to stop this 
madman, not become involved in your silly political games."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I tip my head towards Rosaline.  "I agree with Rosaline."  I give her a quick grin.  
"I think there are many things here more inportant than ya'lls political 
maneuverings."  Turning to Dicer, "Let me go on record as saying that I don't feel 
the need to maintain secrecy on any information you give us beyond what *I* 
think is prudent.  Also, I feel your term 'recruits' is highly presumptive at this 
point, and quite inappropriate.  However, I am willing to discuss our strategy with 
you privately if that will make you feel more comfortable."

<><><><><>

[GM]

Dicer takes you both into the room next door, as Rodnam, following, says "I 
didn't mean recruits literally....I was just pointing out that we were the ones who 
located you, and that it would probably be best all around if, assuming you wish 
to help in this situation, you act under the auspices of the federal government, 
specifically the Justice Department."

With the door closed, Dicer looks around, as if checking for hidden listeners. 
Then he faces you.

"Since...Rosaline," he seems uncomfortable with the informality of using her first 
name, "won't be able to detect this guy until he starts causing havoc, we're 
going to need to work fast. This is assuming his threat isn't a bluff, which I don't 
think it is."

"If he attacks anywhere in Seattle, we need the two of you on the scene as fast 
as possible. Which means we need to set up a centrally located spot for you to 
remain, during the crisis period. You can both fly, which is helpful. If you can 
race to the scene as soon as he shows up...."

You notice that Agent Rodnam has been walking around the room with a small 
electronic device, scanning the walls, under the table, and such, apparently 
looking for bugs. You begin to wonder at the paranoia of these two federal 
agents.

"Do you have any notion of what your energy blasts will do to a human being?" 
Dicer asks.

"And more importantly, are you willing to find out?"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I follow Dicer into the 'new' room, watching amusedly as the agents' paranoia 
surfaces.  Replying to Agent Rodnam, "I agree that operating under federal 
auspices is a good idea in this situation.  However, I just wanted to let you know 
that we are neither sheep nor 'property'.  Would you concur, Rosaline?"

I listen as Agent Dicer gives his thoughts on the current situation.  "I think you're 
wise to assume that this freak is not bluffing.  For the most part, I believe that 
your plan is reasonable, but I do have some concerns.  First of all, he knows 
what we look like, and has promised to make things much worse at first sight of 
any 'supers' - is that the term?  what are people like us called anyways? - like 
us.  If we come flying in, glowing like a  pair of twin floodlights, he's going to see 
us coming a long ways away.  Also, while we can both fly, it appeared the other 
day that she <indicating Rosaline> can fly faster than I, so it may be necessary 
for her to slow down so I can keep up."

"If we're fairly certain that he meant what he said about attacking MS campus, 
wouldn't it make sense for us to be stationed there, perhaps in some sort of 
disguise?  This might give us the opportunity to sneak up on him and take him 
out with a minimum of 'collateral damage'."

The look on my face turns grim once again.  "No, I don't.  And I have little desire 
to find out, though I imagine it could be quite grisly.  I would rather not test it, but 
I *might* be willing to make an exception for this 'Terra-rizer' person.  Frankly, I 
was hoping you might have access to some kind of 'knock-out' gas or tazer or 
something that might allow us to take him out *without* shreading his body.  
What are your thoughts, Rosaline?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Thou shalt not kill" Rosaline says sanctimoniously, or so it seems to you. She 
looks at Agent Dicer and then back at you. "Contrary to your accusations that I 
was trying to kill you last night, *my* beams of light do not kill people."

"Well, that's good to hear," Dicer says. "Yes, it would be nice to take Terra-rizer 
alive-"

"You're lying!" Rosaline says coldly, her eyes blazing with indignation. She looks 
back at you. "They want him dead. Mr. Fancher! They want us to kill him!"

"That's not true, Rosaline," Agent Rodnam says soothingly, rising. "We *would* 
like to capture this terrorist, but you have to realize that it may not be an option. 
We're just trying to find out-"

"Trying to find out if we're willing to kill!" Rosaline snaps. She shakes her head. 
"I will not help any...mission, whose intent is to take human life. And spare me 
your rationalizations, Agent Dicer, for I know you will tell me that it's a necessary 
evil, that killing Terra-rizer may save hundreds of innocent people. I do not 
accept 'necessary evils'. I will not compromise the Commandments for your 
situational ethics."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I raise one eyebrow as I look at Rosaline.  "I don't recall actually *accusing* you 
of trying to kill me.  However, one more 'beam' from you and I believe my 
unconscious body would have dropped like a stone into the water below - where 
I would most likely have drowned."

I start to relax as Dicer says they would like to take Terra-rizer alive, but my 
nerves light up when Rosaline accuses him of lying.  I look appraisingly and 
somewhat suspiciously at them both, not knowing what the truth may be.

"To be honest, I don't consider myself an assassin and *will not* enter this 
action with the intent of killing this madman, though I'm not sure if I would 
mourn terribly if he *was* killed.  However, I believe the issue here is that we 
can't stop this man without your help, Rosaline, and you're not willing to risk his 
death, even if it means the lives of thousands of others.  Thus, we have to find 
*some* way of stopping him without killing him.  *This* is where we should be 
focussing our efforts and discussion.  I still think tasers or something of that sort 
would be very useful here, and I'm certain the SPD has them available.  Agent 
Dicer, perhaps you can prevail upon them to loan us a few?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

"*I* recall some outburst from you to the effect that I wanted to 'lay your body 
across the altar to my God', as if I was a pagan preparing to perform a human 
sacrifice!" Rosaline says archly. Dicer clears his throat and interrupts. "I think 
we've already established that that was a big misunderstanding, right? Let's 
move on, shall we?"

"Yes, Mr. Fancher, we did in fact bring several grenade launchers loaded with 
knockout gas and concussion grenades for just that purpose. Tasers, on the 
other hand, are short range weapons, and I have serious doubts about their 
ability to affect a metahuman whose exact abilities are unknown. For that 
matter, we already know of a couple of metahumans that don't seem to need to 
breathe, so we can only hope that Terrarizer isn't one of them. I'm sure I can get 
hold of tasers for you and Rosaline, in case you have the opportunity to try using 
them, but frankly, any law enforcement officer close enough to a metahuman 
terrorist to use a taser is probably going to be more inclined to use a pistol."

Rosaline frowns, but doesn't say anything else.

"I think staking out the Microsoft campus is probably a good idea," he continues, 
"but we want you to be ready to move to anywhere in the city...he might not 
attack Microsoft first. For that matter, we do know that Rosaline isn't the only 
metahuman capable of sensing others. Again, we know nothing of Terrarizer's 
capabilities, other than what we say last night."

"As with any attempt by a law enforcement agency to capture a dangerous 
criminal, our primary goal is to prevent innocent people from being hurt. 
Capturing Terrarizer alive is of course preferable...but lethal force is NOT 
unjustified in this situation, and if he refuses to surrender when confronted..." 
Dicer raises an eyebrow. "Especially once he sees his bluff has been called, we 
don't dare let him get away."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Yes, Agent Dicer.  I *was* thinking about the tasers primarily for use by 
Rosaline and I - or at least for myself since Rosaline believes her blasts can't 
kill, but I am unable to make the same claims since I really don't know.  I 
*would* prefer to at least attempt the use of some non-lethal means of subduing 
him before using my energy beam on a living being."

"You are probably right about the best way to prepare for his actions.  I certainly 
don't have any expertise in dealing with lunatics and terrorists.  I am willing to let 
you determine the overall strategy and plan of action."

"I agree that we can't let him get away once we find him.  I guess we will just 
have to make sure that surrender is the *only* option."

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Roger that," Dicer says. He looks at Agent Rodnam, and says, "All right, how 
about you two stick tight here, while I go talk His Honor and the others? I'll see 
how much cooperation we can get from the locals, now that we know you two 
are both willing to help out."

Agent Rodnam waits with you and Rosalyne, until Rosalyne turns to her and 
says, "I would like to speak to Mr. Fancher, if you don't mind, Miss Rodnam." 
Her tone suggests that Rodnam's presence is not welcome.

The female agent looks a bit surprised, and not entirely pleased. But obviously 
you and Rosalyne can go somewhere else anytime you want, so she can't 
readily refuse. She nods curtly and says "I'll go get a cup of coffee."

Rosalyne seems to disapprove of such a sinful beverage, but says nothing as 
Rodnam stalks out of the room. Then she turns to you.

"I am not naive, Mr. Fancher," she says. "I will not kill, or do anything that might 
cause someone's death. But I understand that the police sometimes have no 
choice." You notice that she's speaking a little less formally now, and seems to 
have dropped the "thees" and "thous" she was using earlier.

"What concerns me with these federal agents is that they don't *want* to take 
Terrarizer alive. I can sense the truth behind someone's words, Mr. Fancher. I 
know what people are thinking. It is part of the Gift that God gave me. No, I 
cannot read minds...I read hearts."

"And I say to you that Agent Dicer and Agent Rodnam want Terrarizer dead, and 
they want to engineer it so that occurs. I suspect that if you proved receptive to 
the idea, they would have asked you outright to kill him."

"I am not going to run away from this situation. I realize that the Lord has put me 
in this position so that I can save innocent people from the depradations of this 
awful man who is so abusing his Gift. But since you seem to possess some 
sense of morality, even if it misguided and without foundation, I want to make 
sure you realize what kind of people we are dealing with. And I have no intention 
of cooperating with their malign plans."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I raise an eyebrow as Rosaline orders Agent Rodnam out of the room, but don't 
say anything.

I listen to what Rosaline has to say.  While I don't agree with her on a lot of 
things, I have no reason to believe that she would be lying to me.  "I may not 
agree with everything you say, but I can respect your basic position.  Also, I am 
not too surprised by what you say about the agents.  I have never been inclined 
to fully trust the federal government, though I have a healthy respect for their 
power."

"I also want you to know exactly what my position is.  I will *not* kill unless I 
believe that it is the *only* way to prevent the deaths of innocent people.  
Further, if we can capture this madman alive, I will do everything in my power to 
keep him that way.  That includes protecting him from being killed by these 
agents, if I can.  I hope that we can work together here to save as many lives as 
possible.  I believe it will take both of us to stop this man."

<><><><><>

[GM]

Gordon:

I raise an eyebrow as Rosaline orders Agent Rodnam out of the room, but don't 
say anything.

I listen to what Rosaline has to say.  While I don't agree with her on a lot of 
things, I have no reason to believe that she would be lying to me.  "I may not 
agree with everything you say, but I can respect your basic position.  Also, I am 
not too surprised by what you say about the agents.  I have never been inclined 
to fully trust the federal government, though I have a healthy respect for their 
power."

"I also want you to know exactly what my position is.  I will *not* kill unless I 
believe that it is the *only* way to prevent the deaths of innocent people.  
Further, if we can capture this madman alive, I will do everything in my power to 
keep him that way.  That includes protecting him from being killed by these 
agents, if I can.  I hope that we can work together here to save as many lives as 
possible.  I believe it will take both of us to stop this man."

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline sighs. "It will take both of us, and God," she says firmly.

Agent Dicer returns with Agent Rodnam after a short time. "Microsoft would like 
Rosaline near their campus...obviously, they hope she might sense Terrarizer as 
soon as, or before, he strikes. We're inclined to think that's the best strategy, 
*but*, we'll be keeping a chopper within a five minute flight of the campus at all 
times. We figure, if Terrarizer hits somewhere else in the Seattle area, you two 
can fly up into the air and meet the chopper, and it will carry you to the scene. 
Unless, of course, you think you can fly faster on your own."

"As for tasers, we can get a pair for you easily enough. Frankly, though, if you 
get close enough to use them, I think you'd be better off using your powers."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I chuckle silently to myself  while maintaining a passive face at Rosaline's 
pointed comment.  When she turns at the entry of the two agents, I roll my eyes, 
allowing a momentary look of resignation to flicker across my face.

I listen to Dicer's strategy.  "Unless you have a better idea, I will be on campus 
with Rosaline, though hidden - preferably indoors with convenient roof access.  
The helicopter is a good idea.  Personally, my powers are so new, I have no 
idea how fast I can actually fly.  I appreciate you obtaining the tasers.  Unless I 
am convinced that this guy is pretty tough, I will probably use it before my power 
blast.  Then again, if I get close enough, I might just try hitting him - I seem to 
have become fairly strong recently - a good punch might just put him down.  
Also, we will need some means of communicating among ourselves.  Do you 
have anything which would fit the bill for this purpose?"

"I have a question: when are we expecting him to strike?  Didn't he say 
something in his message about 'two days'?  When should we plan to get into 
position, and how long will we be staying there?  24 hours-a-day for the next 
several days is impractical."

<><><><><>

[GM]

"We can get you radios, no problem," Dicer says.

"As for being on watch...no, obviously you can't stay up 24 hours a day, unless 
not needing sleep is one of your superpowers." He smiles slightly, but Rosaline 
merely looks at him impassively. He sighs and shrugs.

"We were hoping that we could have you 'on call' for the entire period up until at 
least the point where he's supposed to attack. Ready to go at a moment's 
notice. Umm, obviously, you will be paid for this duty. If Terrarizer doesn't attack 
within the time he threatened to...well, we'll decide what to do next at that point. 
We do have a small army of investigators doing everything possible to track this 
lunatic down, naturally."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Good.  The radios will make coordinating much easier."  I make no more 
response to Dicer's (poor) attempt at humor than Rosaline.

"OK.  I think I can arrange to be on-call with a few hours to make arrangements.  
If we're going to be on-site at Microsoft, when should we report there.  My 
suggestion would be to spend the normal working hours there, since he seems 
most likely to strike when the most people are present.  Perhaps we should 
meet at the firestation on 148th [about 2 blocks from campus (and from my 
apartment <g>); Microsoft campus is in the SW corner of Redmond, just a few 
blocks outside of Bellevue] just north of the Bellevue city limits about 7 - 7:30 
tomorrow morning and deploy from there.  The MS rep can provide us with 
security passes to be able to get around campus.  The park next to the 
firestation might be a good place to station the helicopter."

I look at Agent Dicer.  "Agent Dicer, I'm concerned with how new I am to my 
powers, and my current lack of knowledge of what they are and how to use 
them.  I am hoping to spend some time this afternoon... um... 'practicing'.  I 
know some pretty isolated areas outside of Issaquah where I should be able to 
do so without being bothered or endangering anybody.  Just letting you know, 
because if we can wrap up our planning by lunchtime, that would help a lot.  As 
for being paid, I must admit that that will help, seeing as I don't have much of a 
job right now.  I haven't heard yet from my employers how yesterday's events 
are going to effect little things like having a job and being paid."  I small wry grin 
appears briefly on my face.

<><><><><>

[GM]

"As a matter of fact, I was going to suggest something similar," Agent Dicer 
says. "It would be quite helpful to get at least some idea of what you and 
Rosaline's capabilities are. If it's all right with you, I'd like to come along. Since 
I've seen a few other metahumans before now, I might be able to offer some 
advice as far as testing the limits of your abilities."

Rosaline doesn't look entirely happy, but seems to accept the logic of it, and 
nods.

"As for pay," Agent Rodnam speaks up, "we can negotiate that in more detail 
later, but our current standard offer is $4000 a month, with added bonuses for 
hazardous duty, such as now, PLUS *full* medical and dental for you AND all 
your dependents, PLUS a generous life insurance policy, PLUS living expenses, 
a variety of savings and investment options with matching funds from the 
government, and of course, full legal assistance, and the support of our entire 
agency in helping you learn more about your powers. There's also the matter of 
your children, who in all likelihood may be put in danger when you become 
public knowledge. We can make arrangements to put them in a private school, 
just about anywhere in the country."

"Obviously, this isn't going to make you a millionaire...we don't have quite the 
resources to offer you the kind of bucks that Paladin is making. But I think you'll 
agree it's quite a generous package."

Rosaline sniffs disdainfully.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I consider Dicer's suggestions carefully.  "I have no objection to you coming 
along with me; I would welcome any input you can give in helping to figure out 
these new abilities that I seem to have been 'gifted' with. <turning> It's entirely 
up to you, Rosaline, whether you wish to join us.  If you do, perhaps we can find 
some way to use our abilities in tandem to good effect."

I feel slightly surprised when Agent Rodnam speaks up after being quiet for so 
much of the time; I had almost forgotten that she was there.  "The offer sounds 
pretty generous to me.  I am in for the time being, because there is a job that 
desperately needs doing.  When this is all over, I would be willing to discuss 
further employment.  However, the issue at hand is much more pressing right 
now."

I turn back to Dicer.  "Is there anything else we need to discuss?  I suppose we 
should return to the conference room and let the others know what our plans 
and intentions are."

[PS: about what time is it (i.e., how hungry am I getting at this point - I'm very 
attached to food, you know....)?]

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline looks unhappy (which seems to be her usual demeanor), but says 
reluctantly "I suppose it would make sense to find out what we may be able to 
do together."

"Good," Agent Dicer says, "we'll let the others know that you've agreed to the 
plan."

Back in the conference room, you listen to Agent Dicer outline the proposed 
stake-out at Microsoft's campus. The Microsoft rep nods, though Captain Dallie 
seems displeased. The police officer says nothing, however.

The Mayor speaks up and says "The highest priority is to prevent any loss of 
life..." he glances at Mr. Mikewski, "and that must take precedence over 
protecting property."

"Of course," Mikewski says smoothly. "We already have an evacuation plan in 
effect, and we've cut our manning down to minimal levels during the crisis. It's 
costing us a bundle, but we're not interested in having several hundred dead 
employees any more than you are, Your Honor." He looks at you. "Of course, 
while saving lives and stopping Terrarizer is TOP priority, we *would* appreciate 
it if you could limit any collateral damage as much as possible."

Dicer and Rodnam promise the assembled dignitaries that the city authorities 
will be kept apprised of what's going on, and the two federal agents lead you 
and Rosaline out of the room, and out of the building. It's now late morning, but 
you already had breakfast, so you're not that hungry. Dicer does suggest picking 
up a box of donuts on the way to the "testing site" outside the metro area. "One 
of the things our researchers have learned is that using metahuman powers 
tends to burn lots of calories, at least for some of you. A quick sugar fix may be 
just the thing after you've been burning energy for a while."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

As the meeting winds down, I turn to Mr. Mikewski.  "I assure you, Mr. Mikewski, 
our goal will be to subdue this Terra-rizer quickly.  That will save both lives *and* 
property.  Personnally, I have too many friends working for you to want to see 
Microsoft destroyed."

Afterwards, outside the building.  "I'm parked down the street, Agent Dicer.  I 
suggest you and Agent Rodnam bring your own car, since I live in Bellevue and 
don't anticipate returning to Seattle today.  Rosaline, I don't know whether you 
have your own vehicle or where you live.  Do you need a ride?"

I chuckle.  "That's interesting about the sugar fix, Dicer.  I know a good place in 
Issaquah just off the highway near where we're going to pick some up.  There's 
also Boehm's Chocolate's there in case anyone is a 'choco-holic'.  Why don't 
ya'll follow me to Issaquah?  We'll pick up some snacks, go practice a bit, then 
break for lunch in town.  Sound reasonable?"

If everyone seems agreeable, I will head down the street towards my car.  
Turning back, "I'm parked down between Cherry and Columbia, I'll wait there for 
you to show up and follow.  My car is a bronze '87 Toyota Corolla.  Flash your 
lights twice so I'll know it's you.  OK?"

Info:  About two blocks off the highway in Issaquah on Front Street is a Thriftway 
with the usual in-store bakery.  We can get donuts or whatever there.  The 
aforementioned Boehm's is about two blocks off Front Street heading east out 
of town  on the frontage road.  We'll go that way to get to where I was thinking of 
for our workout.

The destination I have picked is a large (un-manned) Puget Power switching 
station on the plateau above town.  We will have to reach it through a state park 
entrance outside of town along the frontage road.  Figure about a 20 minute hike 
in.  The switching station probably runs about 100 yards across in each 
direction, and has a six-to-eight foot high concrete wall around it.  There is quite 
a bit of open space inside (it is designed to accomodate many more power lines 
than are there currently) for practicing our powers.  Since it is a weekday, there 
shouldn't be very many people around the park.  I have been to this station as 
part of my job so I have a pretty good idea of what it looks like.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline says "I will follow thee on my own." Dicer looks at her and says 
"Unless you can fly without making that bright light, it might be better if you rode 
with myself or Mr. Fancher. We'd rather not alert everyone in the vicinity that 
some kind of metahuman activity is going on." Rosaline sighs again. "Very well, 
I will ride with Mr. Fancher." She looks at you sideways. "If thou dost not mind?" 
Dicer rolls his eyes at her return to archaic Biblical pronouns.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I smile at Rosaline, still amazed that I feel no sexual inclination towards this 
gorgeous woman.  "No problem, Rosaline.  Let's go."  I lead her down the block 
toward my car.  "By the way, do you live on the Eastside?  If you need a ride 
home later, I might be able to give you a lift."  [Note:  'The Eastside' refers to all 
of Seattle's suburbs which are on the East side of Lake Washington, which 
would include everything from Bothell and Woodinville in the North to Renton 
and Issaquah in the South, as well as Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond.]

When we reach the car, I unlock and open the passenger side door for Rosaline 
(having been raised by very conservative parents, there is little chance of me not 
doing this little curtesies).  I then go around to the driver (street) side, unlock the 
door, climb in, and start up the car.  After strapping myself into the seat belt, I 
wait for the agents to show up, watching for flashing headlights.  Also, since I 
doubt she would appreciate the rock-n-roll, I turn off the radio.  Since it looks like 
we might be here for a few minutes, I figure I might as well chat with Rosaline.  
"So, Rosaline.  You have any family in the area?"

When Dicer and Rodnam show up in their car, I lead them up the hill to 
Interstate 5, and then onto Interstate 90 heading east toward Issaquah.  When 
we get there (figure about a 1/2 hour drive since it's not rush hour), I get off at 
the Front Street exit and drive to the Thriftway and park, watching for the 
government agents to pull up.  If Rosaline seems inclined to chat as we drive, I 
will participate in the conversation.

[More Info:  The plateau area is probably at least 1/2 to a mile in each direction 
(I'm guessing since I don't have a good map of the area).  Most of it is a 
moderately wooded forest and state park with a number of trails winding through 
the area.  There is also a fair amount of brush and undergrowth, along with one 
(very) small lake: Lake Tradition.

The switching station is in the northwest corner of the plateau, near the edge 
where it drops down like a wall holding in the city of Issaquah.  Issaquah is a 
city of about 10,000 people situated in the valley between the string of peaks 
known as Tiger Mountain on the east and the large hill known as Squak 
Mountain on the west.  Interstate 90 runs across the north edge of the city 
proper.  Issaquah still manages to maintain a semblance of a small-town feel, 
despite the rapid growth it has undergone since I lived there as a kid.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

"My uncle and aunt live in Snohomish," she says, eyes looking forward. "I was in 
Seattle on a mission." For a moment, she sounds like some sort of agent, then 
you realize she's undoubtedly talking about a religious mission.

"It was my misfortune- no, I should not say that. It was God's will that I be here 
when this evildoer struck. I knew of some of my...gifts, before, but only when 
that terrible upheaval occurred yesterday did I feel compelled to take action. I 
am not sure how the government agents located me afterwards, but they did."

She looks at you curiously, though warily. "How long have you known of your 
gifts?" she asks. "You do know this cannot be a coincidence...the Lord must 
have had a purpose in your appearing here at this time and place, with 
miraculous powers like mine!"

"But those agents...I suppose they are well-enough intentioned, for servants of 
man's law. But they see us as weapons, not as the divinely blessed beings that 
we are! If we give them the chance, they will use us to their own ends." Her 
eyes burn passionately as she says "And if you give the Devil the chance, Mr. 
Fancher, he will use YOU for HIS own ends!" Though you recognize religious 
fanaticism when you see it, something about the intensity of her tone impresses 
you with all the weight of years of Sunday School and conservative 
fundamentalism at home, and suddenly you're a little boy again, worried about 
whether you're going to be damned for doing the wrong thing. Satan is lurking 
behind every corner, and Rosaline is a shining beacon that will light your way 
along the path of virtue.

None of this overrides your reasoning abilities, but the visceral feelings, and the 
memories associated with them, are almost overwhelming.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

_Oh god.  Here she goes again..._  I hold my tongue as Rosaline starts babbling 
on about her God and her mission.  In fact, I use concentrating on driving as an 
excuse to ignore her for the most part.

My mind snaps to attention when she asks me about my powers.  "Actually, 
Rosaline, I had no idea that I might have any unual abilities until after the 
second wave of earth struck my building and I found myself buried, like so many 
else were, under tons of dirt and rock and debris.  The only difference was that I 
was relatively unharmed, and apparently possessed the ability to free myself.  I 
was surprised and frightened when, in my panic, I unleashed the bolt of energy 
which burned a path to freedom for me.  I discovered the flight a few minutes 
later just by trying it on a hunch."  I decide not to respond to the part about 'the 
Lord's' purpose for me gaining powers.

Then Rosaline begins ranting about the agents and the devil, and my mind slips 
back to an earlier time.  I instinctively let up on the gas pedal as my mind is 
momentarily torn away from the task of driving the car...  I remember being eight 
and feeling guilty for telling my parents that I believed in their god and wanted to 
be baptised, even though I knew that wasn't true.  Then suddenly, I am 15 years 
old, sitting in the back of the chapel banging my head against the brick wall 
because I am so bored by the sermon.  I drift back a few years; I am sitting in 
Sunday school, 'walking the walk and talking the talk', saying all the things that 
are expected of me while thinking in my own mind that it is all bulls***.  Next I'm 
seventeen and lying to my parents about attending a church in town that some 
friends go to in order to avoid having to go to church with them.  I'm ten years 
old and living in Houston, and the preacher is giving one of his 'hellfire and 
brimstone' sermons again.  I become even more disgusted with these 
'Christians' when they fire him for scaring the congregation...

Suddenly I remember that I'm driving a car down the freeway, and manage to 
pull my mind back to the present.  I smile with relief as I see that I was only 
'away' for a few seconds and am still safely driving down the highway.  _That 
was *weird*.  I need to stay present here, or we could end up getting *killed*.  
I've got to admit, the only thing I ever enjoyed about church was singing, and 
having people tell me they liked my singing.  Oh well._

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline frowns, apparently sensing that her message is lost on you. She stares 
straight ahead and says nothing else until you arrive at Issaquah. You collect 
your sugar fixes, then lead Agent Dicer and Agent Rodnam to the plateau. A few 
hikers may be in the area, but you find a relatively secluded spot.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

The silence in the car becomes stifling, but *hey*, I've been snubbed by the 
best.  *This* I can handle, and it may be better than listening to her preach.

Parking at the entrance to the State Park, we meet up with the agents and then 
start the hike up the hill.  When we get to the top, I point out the park restroom 
facilities as we head toward the Puget Power property at the edge of the 
plateau.

Arriving at the switching station, I lead the group around to the far side, near the 
drop-off, and partially hidden from the rest of the park.  Turning to Agent Dicer, 
"Well, gang, we're here.  This is the best place I know for this sort of thing.  It's 
somewhat secluded, and we're hidden from prying eyes from most directions.  
Agent Dicer, I feel that the first thing that I need to do is practice flying.  It's 
important that I can control where I am at all times.  Otherwise, my other powers 
will be pretty much useless.  What do you think?"

If he doesn't argue the point, then my plan is to fly *straight up* at full 
acceleration until the switching station looks like a small dark spot far below.  
Then I will head southwest (away from both the town and the freeway) to see 
just how fast I can go at full thrust.  After 10 or 15 minutes, and assuming that 
I'm not getting tired, I will start working my way back, trying all kinds of different 
aerial moves: sharp turns, rolls, spins, loops, flying backwards, etc.  I will 
continue in this manner until: I feel I can control my movement as well as I can 
on the ground; I begin to get noticeably tired; I feel I'm not improving any more; 
or I get hungry (which happens a *lot*).

Then I return to the group to see what Rosaline has been using the time for, and 
to see if the agents have any input or suggestions.

<><><><><>

[GM]

It's hard for you to judge how fast you're going, but it seems pretty fast...certainly 
faster than you usually drive.

You quickly find out that doing barrel-rolls and rapid turns is more stressful than 
it looks in cartoons or comic-books...after one high-speed 180 degree arc, you 
almost leave your stomach behind. You won't be hungry anytime soon, and you 
have new respect for fighter pilots.

After a while, you get the hang of the basics...you can move in any direction you 
want, hold position, and remain relatively steady. While you wouldn't like to 
engage in any aerial duels without a LOT more practice (and perhaps a little 
physical conditioning- you HOPE your physiology will be able to adjust to high-
speed flight in time), you feel a little more comfortable using your flight power 
just to get from Point A to Point B.

As you return to the ground, you realize that Rosaline, glowing like an immense 
light bulb, has been flying over your head!

"I seem to have a natural gift for flight," she says. "I am not so discomfitted by 
flying at high speed."

"How about your energy blasts?" Agent Dicer says. "It looks like you can fly fast 
enough that we won't need to provide helicopter transport for you. Maybe we 
should see how well you can control your energy projection powers."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

<URP!>  _Whoah!  I think I better take it a little easy there.  This is worse than 
some of the carnival rides I've been on...  OK, slow and steady.  A few more 
tests to check basic maneuvering and control.  Looks like I had better start 
some serious physical conditioning._

_Wow!  Looks like Rosaline has this stuff under control.  She really knows how 
to fly!  Perhaps she can help me with some tips or something._  "You're right, 
you fly very well.  Unfortunately, I still need more practice.  You're lucky, I find 
some of this maneuvering to be pretty stressful.  Got any ideas on how I can 
improve?"

"That's what I was thinking, Dicer.  I'm pretty good at activating my blasts, but 
haven't have much need or opportunity to try real control.  What say we set up a 
little target range here?  This gravelly area here without any brush should make 
a good target area.  Perhaps we can find some old tin cans or large rocks or 
dead pieces of wood to use as targets.  I can float in the air so that I'm firing at a 
downward angle; that way, if I miss, the blast will hit the ground in the target 
area.  What do you think?"

Once we have some targets set up, I will fly up into the air so that I am about 20-
30' from the targets and firing down at an angle of about 30 degrees.  I will begin 
by trying to eke out the very slightest trickle of power that I can manage.  I want 
to see if I can hit the target without destroying it.  I will do this several times as a 
test of my control and my ability to hold back the power.  Once I feel I can do 
this fairly well, I will start increasing the power very slowly to get a feel for how 
different levels feel.  I won't go anywhere near full power; nothing that would 
leave a large hole in the ground.

If I reach a point where I feel my control is pretty good, I will try some other 
maneuvers - all at low power.  I will try to fire simultaneous blasts with each 
hand at different targets.  Then I will try to fire rapid-fire, like a machine gun.  
Next I will see if I can release the energy from other parts of my body, such as 
my eyes, my forehead, my mouth, my elbows, and my knees.  I will also try to 
shape a field of the energy around myself, like a comic book 'force field', as well 
as a stable field a little ways away from me ('force wall').  I will try gathering the 
power up inside of me and then letting it explode outward from me in all 
directions - I will make sure I am well up in the air and warn everyone before I try 
this one.

My mind starts furiously racing through all of the comic books I have read, trying 
to think of other possible ways to manipulate energy.  However, before trying 
them, I will float back down and ask Agent Dicer if he has any input.

[Waiting for next posting before trying more ideas until I see how these tests 
come out.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

You can adjust your output, from a tiny flare of energy to a moderate-sized blast 
that turns cans into blackened chunks of slag. These are of course much 
smaller blasts than the ones you used to blast your way free of the rubble that 
Terra-rizer buried you under. Even the smallest blast burns a hole in the cans 
you're shooting at; you don't seem to have a "stun" setting. While your aim is 
pretty good (you think) considering that you've never really practiced before, you 
certainly wouldn't want to be trying to shoot guns out of peoples' hands until 
you've done this some more.

At low power, you have no trouble firing from an aerial position. When you 
increase the power, you begin to notice a slight recoil, but it's much smaller than 
it should be for the amount of energy you're putting out, and with some practice, 
you find you're able to compensate naturally, with the same "thruster" effect you 
use to fly. Your energy blasts seem to be a more concentrated application of the 
power that lets you fly.

You have no difficulty firing bursts of energy simultaneously from both 
hands...though you find that simultaneously *aiming* two blasts at once is 
another one of those things that's a lot easier in comic books than in reality. The 
"machine gun" effect doesn't work too well; you can pulse one blast after 
another in a haphazard manner, but there doesn't seem to be any advantage in 
doing this; your power definitely seems to be "semi-automatic". Blasting rapidly 
is like pointing an automatic pistol and squeezing off rounds as fast as you can; 
bolts of energy go everywhere, with very little control.

With a little concentration, you can project energy from any part of your body, 
including your elbows, feet, eyes, etc. Your aim is best from your hands, though. 
You can point your leg and fire pretty well, though you feel silly. Firing from your 
elbow is definitely less precise, and when you fire blasts from your eyes, you 
naturally can't see anything, so your aim is lousy!

The glowing phenomenon that appears whenever something hits you becomes 
more intense when you concentrate, until you're visibly glowing even in the full 
daylight, although still nowhere near as brightly as Rosaline. You cannot get that 
glowing field to project away from your body, though.

Since you can blast energy from different parts of your body, it seems logical 
that you can radiate energy in every direction. Your attempt to imitate the Human 
Torch's "Nova Blast" is quite impressive, judging by the looks on Rosaline, Dicer 
and Rodnam's faces, far below.

Come to think of it, you can see their faces a *lot* better than you expected, as 
you hover high in the air after flaring briefly like a small bomb. Scanning the 
ground, and the horizon, there's no question about it...your vision has improved 
several times over!

<><><><><>

Gordon:

_Hey, this is *cool*!  Looks like I have some control over this stuff, after all.  
Definitely need more practice, though.  Perhaps the techniques I learned for 
guns when I was a kid will work just as well with this energy beam.  Continued 
target practice is a *must*._

[Do the cans jump when hit (i.e. knockback), or just sit there as the energy 
burns through?]

_Looks like recoil is a manageable problem.  I should be able to master it with 
more practice.  Must remember aerial practice as well as grounded._

_Well, I'm definitely not a machine gun... <sardonic grin>  Looks like the two-
handed routine will have to be saved for a *lot* more practice or *extremely* 
close range emergencies._

_This is *good*!  It's *great* to know that if my hands are bound, I'm not 
*completely* helpless.  Must practice more at this, though, especially with feet 
and eyes or head._

_OK.  So I glow brighter... that still doesn't tell me if it increases my defenses 
any.   Hmmmm.  I wonder if I can use this effect for illumination...?  I need to 
find a non-dangerous way to test my defenses more thoughly._

_Whoa!  *That* was an explosion!  I better not do that much more or I'm likely to 
draw a lot of attention.  Looks like it shook the others up a little bit.  <heh heh>_

[Did the explosion effect make much noise?]

_Wait a minute!  That tree is quite a ways away - why does it seem so clear?  
Could my powers be improving my vision?  That would be *incredible*!_  After 
looking around a bit more... _I think it really *has* improved!  I wonder if I even 
*need* glasses anymore...  I will have to see what happens after I take out my 
contacts tonight._

[Do things appear closer / larger, or just clearer?]

I drift down to the ground and approach the others.  "Dicer, do you have any 
thoughts on what you've seen so far?  I've tried a bunch of different applications 
of my powers, and have some ideas for some more things I want to test.  I 
guess all my years of collecting comic books may actually pay off here... <g>  
How's *your* practice going, Rosaline?  Have any suggestions for me?  How 
about you, Agent Rodnam?  Any thoughts?"

After talking with the others I will try some more things.  First, I want to test my 
defenses.  I have Dicer start by tossing small stones at me and working his way 
up to larger rocks and harder throws.  I am looking for a level that I feel a good 
sting, but isn't likely to actually injure me.  If stones don't seem to work, will have 
him find a stout piece of tree branch and whack me with it, again starting soft 
and working up.  Once I find the right level, I will see if consciously wrapping 
myself in the energy like I did earlier so that I glow causes me to feel the impact 
less.

Next I want to try converting my body to energy.  [Note that I will only try this if 
my previous uses of the power have felt like the power was coming form inside 
me.  If it has seemed like the energy was strictly external, I will not try to 
incinerate myself. <g>]  I start by summoning as much of the energy as I feel 
comfortable holding and focussing it inside my body.  Then I try to spread it 
thoughout my body and feeling it suffuse (sp?) every cell, while at the same time 
visualizing my body transforming into a man-shaped field of controlled energy.  If 
this works, I will try throwing some small blasts while maintaining this form.  
Then I will attempt to change back, though the reverse process.

I am very interested in my improved vision.  I will spend a little while getting a 
feel for just what my vision seems capable of.  I will be very aware of any other 
differences in my visual perceptions, especially if I think I may be seeing 
'differently' in any way, including in other spectra.  I will even try squinting and 
other eye movements / shapes to see if this makes any difference.  _After all, 
Dreadstar was able to see energy sources by squinting just right.  I must 
remember to see if I see any better tonight when it gets dark._

I will try releasing a small bolt and then immediately try to 'suck' it back in.  I will 
also see if I can start a piece of wood burning with my power, and then try 
absorbing the energy back into my body.  I will also pay attention to whether the 
fire feels hot to me if I get close to it.  Since the explosion effect worked, I will try 
to make a small blast 'explode' after going a little ways from me.  I will also try to 
spread a blast so it fills an arc ('fan').  Since my power seemed to cut through 
the earth pretty well yesterday, my last test will be to try to burn a hole in the 
ground that I can walk in, and extend it in a tunnel of sorts.

<><><><><>

[GM]

[sorry, I'm too tired to write a narrative response to all your experiments, but I 
wrote posts for all the other threads and didn't want to leave you out, so I hope 
you'll settle for an abridged version of the results]

>>>[Do the cans jump when hit (i.e. knockback), or just sit there as the energy 
burns through?]<<<

Sometimes they jump, sometimes they don't, kind of like when you shoot cans 
with a bullet- it might blow through without knocking the can over. There does 
seem to be some "knockback" though.

>>>[Did the explosion effect make much noise?]<<<

The roar filled your ears, you can't tell how it sounded to the others until you ask 
them. Dicer says it was pretty loud, though not as loud as a normal explosive of 
that size would make.

>>>[Do things appear closer / larger, or just clearer?]<<<

Well, closer *is* clearer. <g> Basically, the effect is as if you can "adjust" your 
vision like a pair of binoculars.

>>>After talking with the others I will try some more things.  First, I want to test 
my defenses.  I have Dicer start by tossing small stones at me and working his 
way up to larger rocks and harder throws.  I am looking for a level that I feel a 
good sting, but isn't likely to actually injure me.  If stones don't seem to work, 
will have him find a stout piece of tree branch and whack me with it, again 
starting soft and working up.  Once I find the right level, I will see if consciously 
wrapping myself in the energy like I did earlier so that I glow causes me to feel 
the impact less.<<<

You don't need to concentrate- Dicer works his way up until he's beaning you 
with rocks as hard as he can. You feel a slight impact, but nothing more. 
Likewise with the tree branch; Dicer finally ends up smashing a branch over 
your head hard enough to possibly kill a normal person, and it jars you a little, 
but doesn't really hurt.

>>>Next I want to try converting my body to energy.  [Note that I will only try this 
if my previous uses of the power have felt like the power was coming form 
inside me.  If it has seemed like the energy was strictly external, I will not try to 
incinerate myself. <g>]  I start by summoning as much of the energy as I feel 
comfortable holding and focussing it inside my body.  Then I try to spread it 
thoughout my body and feeling it suffuse (sp?) every cell, while at the same time 
visualizing my body transforming into a man-shaped field of controlled energy.  If 
this works, I will try throwing some small blasts while maintaining this form.  
Then I will attempt to change back, though the reverse process.<<<

The energy does seem to come from within you, but when you try to transform 
to energy, you only succeed in expelling another blast that causes the three 
people to jump back.

>>>I am very interested in my improved vision.  I will spend a little while getting 
a feel for just what my vision seems capable of.  I will be very aware of any other 
differences in my visual perceptions, especially if I think I may be seeing 
'differently' in any way, including in other spectra.  I will even try squinting and 
other eye movements / shapes to see if this makes any difference.  _After all, 
Dreadstar was able to see energy sources by squinting just right.  I must 
remember to see if I see any better tonight when it gets dark._<<<

You don't find any immediate difference in your vision, other than its improved 
distance.

>>>I will try releasing a small bolt and then immediately try to 'suck' it back 
in.<<<

This doesn't work.

>>>  I will also see if I can start a piece of wood burning with my power, and 
then try absorbing the energy back into my body.<<<

Your blasts don't seem too incendiary; they char the wood before it can really 
ignite. More like a laser than a flamethrower. You do finally start a fire, but can't 
absorb it.

>>>  I will also pay attention to whether the fire feels hot to me if I get close to 
it.<<<

Warm, not hot; you can put your hand in the fire without pain.

>>>  Since the explosion effect worked, I will try to make a small blast 'explode' 
after going a little ways from me.<<<

No.

>>>  I will also try to spread a blast so it fills an arc ('fan'). <<<

This works; you blast about a thirty degree arc with a wave of your hand.

>>> Since my power seemed to cut through the earth pretty well yesterday, my 
last test will be to try to burn a hole in the ground that I can walk in, and extend it 
in a tunnel of sorts.<<<

You can blast a sizeable hole in the ground, and could probably excavate well 
enough to make some money in the construction business. <g> However, you 
can't create instant, neat little tunnels (i.e. no "Tunnelling" power per se)

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I watch as the cans jump when hit.  _Looks like there is some impact force, 
along with the penetration effect.  Probably wouldn't be very effective for 
knocking things around, though._

I shake my head for a moment after trying, successfully, the 'Nova Blast' effect.  
Fortunately, the buzzing in my ears isn't very loud and seems to fade quickly.  
After I land, I feel some surprise as Dicer explains that the sound was less than 
he would expect from that size explosion.  _Then again, I guess it makes sense.  
Nothing else has worked quite the way one would expect, from a physics 
perspective.  Very strange, but I guess I better get used to that..._

_This toughness effect is *really* cool!  I *like* it!  I wonder just what it will take 
to hurt me...  Somehow, I suspect I will be finding out sooner or later._  "OK, 
Dicer.  I think that's enough.  You don't seem to be able to do anything to hurt 
me, short of pulling out a gun and shooting me, and I'm not quite ready to try 
that yet.  <chuckle>"

_D***!  Well, so much for the 'living energy' trick.  I guess transforming just isn't 
in the cards for me.  Bummer.  Would have been cool._  "Sorry, folks.  Didn't 
mean to 'blast' in your direction.  I'm afraid I'm still getting the hang of this stuff."

_This is weird!  I seem to be able to 'zoom' in and out on objects, kind of like in 
the movies.  No special senses apparently.  Worth a try, though._

_No absorbtion abilities, as far as I can tell. I always liked the way the Human 
Torch could put out fires by absorbing the fire into his body.  Very cool power.  
At least my defenses seem to make me relatively immune to the fire.  That's a 
plus._

_OK.  I don't seem to be able to make the blasts 'explode', but I *can* spread 
them quite effectively.  A very good trick to have available._

_Looks like moving through the ground to sneak up on people is out.  Might be 
able to use it to get past a wall, but it might be just as easy to blast straight 
through the wall.  I think I should keep in mind Cyclop's trick of blasting the floor 
/ ground out from under people; could prove very effective in certain situations._

When I have finished this stage of testing, I move over to the others.  "Hey, 
Dicer.  What do you think so far?  From what I can tell, I seem to have pretty 
good control over my blasts up to the point where I actually release it.  I don't 
seem to be able to control my energy, or any other, in any way once it has left 
my body.  On the positive side, I do have some useful variant blast effects, such 
as the explosion blast you saw and the 'fan' effect.  Also, my body seems to 
have gained a very impressive level of resistance to injury, and my vision has 
improved greatly.  Anyone have any ideas how my powers and Rosaline's might 
be combined to good effect?"

As I listen to any comments anyone has reguarding my powers or how to 
coordinate with Rosaline, I will dig into the food we brought.  My stomach 
seems to be telling me that I am late for lunch...  [BTW, how fatigued do I seem 
to be getting from all this activity with my powers?  Do any of them seem to be 
especially tiring?]

"Dicer, I would like to test out my increased strength, and I think you're probably 
heavier than either of the women.  Care to help?"  If he agrees, I will first try 
wrapping both arms around his chest from behind (under his arms) and lifting 
him that way.  If that seems rediculously easy, I will step back and try lifting him 
at full arm extension with my hands on the sides of his chest under his arms 
(kind of the way people often lift children, except from behind).  If this still seems 
easy, I will have him kneel, and grab my right forearm in a 'chin-up' position and 
try to lift him with that one arm fully extended.

Once I get a feel for how that goes, I will try to find things that I can test my 
punching on.  I figure my defenses should protect me from hurting my hands if I 
hit something hard.  I will look for left-over cinder blocks from when the wall 
around the station was built, and good chunks of wood.  I may even try hitting a 
small tree, just to seeing if I can leave a mark.  When hitting objects, I will use 
my knowledge of martial arts to focus the power of my blows as much as 
possible.  _I need to get into a gym and try lifting some weights to get a feel for 
my limits, and also work out with a heavy bag.  Too bad I don't have a 
membership anywhere..._

<><><><><>

[GM]

Dicer isn't too keen on being used as a human dumbell, but lets you lift him a 
couple of times. It's pretty easy. When you then go punch the cinderblocks, 
you're impressed by your striking power. You smash one with a single blow, a 
feat that would be impressive even for a karate master. The other one takes a 
couple of punches to break it, but you clearly have a punch that could split a 
normal person's head open. You'd estimate your strength has at least doubled, 
and coupled with your damage resistance, you figure even without your energy 
powers, you'd be an incredibly lethal fighter.

Against a normal person, that is.

"Impressive," Agent Dicer says dryly. "With some actual training, you'd probably 
be even more impressive."

"It occurs to me that with your energy blasts, and your telescopic vision, you'd be 
an excellent sniper. Maybe Rosaline can sense Terrar-rizer's location, and you 
can zap him from long range, before he realizes there are other metahumans on 
the scene."

Rosaline frowns again. "I told you, I am NOT going to deliberately help you kill 
someone," she says. Dicer immediately looks very ashamed of himself. 
Considering how blithely he made the suggestion, you suspect he's feeling a 
little of that 'guilt' power Rosaline seems to have.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I react with surprise when the first cinderblock shatters.  "S***!  Didn't think I'd 
be able to do *that*!  I don't think most people would want to mess with me if I 
can do *that*.  Amazing."  Even though the second one takes a couple of hits to 
destroy, I'm still impressed that I can do this, especially *without* hurting my 
hand.

"Thanks, Dicer.  You're right, I could use more training on my martial arts skills.  
I haven't had time to train or practice in quite a few years."

"Sniper, huh?  I don't know if my accuracy is *that* good yet."  I turn as Rosaline 
jumps in with her concerns, and smile.  "I agree with you, Rosaline.  One of the 
nice things about having some control over my blasts is that I don't have to hit 
someone at full power.  I suspect that half power, or maybe even a quarter, 
would be enough to take the fight out of most people.  By the way, I don't even 
know yet how far my power works.  I need to find a way to test the range of my 
blast.  Hmm."

Frankly, watching Dicer squirm under Rosaline's 'guilt trip' is rather amusing.  
"I'm going to fire a blast straight up near a power line pole, and you two watch 
and give me some idea how far up the blast travels, OK?"  I move a ways away 
from the others to stand near a one of the poles for one of the incoming power 
lines.  When I'm sure the others are watching, I release a full power blast 
straight up, making sure that there is no danger of the blast hitting the line or the 
pole.  I'm also curious to see what happens to the blast when it 'runs out of 
steam'; does it disippate (sp?), or turn and fall back to the ground, or what...

I return to the group.  "What say?  Any guesses as to how high it went in relation 
to the pole?"  [Most standard transmission line poles run around 80' high.  When 
my character gets back to the office, if ever, he can look up the height of that 
particular pole.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

According to Dicer, the beam of energy lanced up at least three times the height 
of the pole, before dissipating.

"I have not much to test," Rosaline says. "Thou hast already seen all of 
my...powers."

"How come you keep switching between normal speech and that archaic 
nonsense?" Dicer asks. Rosaline wrinkles her nose, but doesn't answer.

"Obviously, you'll become much more effective with training," Agent Rodnam 
says to both of you. "I suggest maybe you both spend the rest of the afternoon 
target practicing, which may also tell you how fast and how long you can 
maintain fire. And we'll work on a plan for dealing with Terra-rizer."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Three times, huh Dicer?  I would estimate that at about 200 - 250'.  Sound 
about right?  Seems kind of short for really effective sniping, though I guess it 
would depend on the situation."

"I have a question, Rosaline.  Do you have any idea how your attack power 
works?  My impression when you used it on me was that it was kind of a 
'draining' effect."

"That sounds like a good suggestion, Agent Rodnam.  By the way, I'm going to 
need to leave about 4PM to get back and pick up my kids from school.  Also, 
were you needing a ride home, Rosaline?"

As suggested, I will spend the rest of the afternoon at target practice.  Most of 
the time I will be in the air so that I can practice offsetting the recoil effect, as 
well as small-scale maneuvering.  I will also practice firing while moving / 
strafing.

[Plans for the next 18 hours.  We can role-play as much of it as you like.  Just 
wanted to let you know the general form of my plans.]

I will leave as specified.  If Rosaline needs the ride home, we will leave about an 
hour earlier.  [It's quite a drive in traffic.]  I will give Dicer the phone number at 
Lori's so that he can reach me for any last-minute instructions.  I will ask the 
agents what strategies they have come up with about a half hour before leaving.

After picking up the kids, I will take them to Lori's house, and we will spend the 
night there.  I will explain to them about what I will be doing the next day.  
Unless I hear from Dicer, I will plan on meeting at the fire station at 7AM as 
specified.  I will ask Lori to take the kids to school in the morning.

<><><><><>

[GM]

"I believe that is all my...power, does, is sap the strength of those whom I shine 
my light upon," Rosaline says.

You spend several hours target practicing. It helps somewhat; by the time you're 
done, you feel a little more confident in your marksmanship (though you *still* 
don't feel ready to shoot guns out of someone's hand...) You're a little tired. It is 
slightly draining, but no more so than a moderate amount of physical exertion.

At home, Lori listens to everything, and laughs a little at the part about Rosaline 
and her 'guilt' power. "Guess I don't need to be jealous, huh?" she teases.

But she turns serious when you talk about taking on Terra-rizer. "Gordon...this 
isn't a comic book, and I KNOW you're aware of that, but...are you sure you 
aren't letting the excitement of having these powers make you...well, a little 
overconfident? I mean, you're talking about going into battle with a deadly 
supervillain! And we've seen in the news that when these superhumans start 
fighting, people die!"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"OK, thanks, Rosaline.  It would be interesting to learn someday just how the 
power works.  Then again, it would be interesting to learn how *all* of our 
powers work - they sure don't seem to function along any laws of physics *I* 
ever heard of!"

_Looks like my shooting is getting better... though I still have quite a lot of room 
for improvement.  Not overly tiring, either.  Good!_

"You're right, Lori.  She may be incredibly beautiful, but it's like looking at the 
proverbial Ice Queen.  It's almost impossible to conceive of lust connected to 
her.  That would seem too much like wanting to sleep with your *mother*.  What 
a trip!  Personnally, I prefer a real flesh-and-blood woman."  I smile at her and 
give her hand a light squeeze.

"Again, you're right.  This is *not* a comic book.  The sad truth is that *real 
people* have died, and a *lot more* will die if this madman isn't stopped.  
Unfortunately, the reality is that 'people like me' are very probably the *only* 
ones who have any chance of stopping him.  I assure you that I am *not* over-
confident - in fact, I'm quite scared.  But there are *hundreds*, if not 
*thousands*, of lives at risk here.  Rosaline and I may be the only viable hope of 
preventing wholesale bloodshed.  I know that this is scary for you and the kids 
too, but I really feel that I can't turn my back on all of those people in this 
emergency.  And let's face it, with my powers, I have a *much* better chance of 
surviving than all of those people who don't have any special powers.  Keep in 
mind that I took several big attacks from him yesterday, and was hardly fazed by 
them.  This is the point where I have to fulfill my part of the social contract.  I 
don't want to die, but neither do all of those other people out there."  I take her in 
my arms and hold her close for a moment, giving her a chance to absorb my 
words.

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Mmm." Lori frowns. "What about the others...I mean, Terra-rizer isn't the only 
super-terrorist. If you take care of him, the government will probably want you to 
help stop others." She obviously doesn't like the prospect of your becoming a 
full-time superhero.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"I understand your concern, and to tell you the truth, I just don't know.  I really 
haven't had a chance to think beyond tomorrow and Terra-rizer.  The agents that 
I met today have already talked about the government's interest in hiring me.  I 
haven't even begun to consider the things they were proposing.  There's also the 
consideration that I don't have a job for the time being, and no way of knowing 
when I might again.  I suspect that there may be a number of other factors to 
consider that I haven't even thought of yet.  The only thing I can say for sure is 
that this is a subject that we are going to have to address thoroughly in the near 
future.  However, right now, I think it's important that I stay focused on tomorrow.  
I will need to be 100% out there tomorrow in order to maximise the probability of 
my survival."

<><><><><>

[GM]

"All right," Lori sighs, "I won't try to talk you out of it. But...we need to have a 
LONG talk when this is over, Gordon." Worry and fear weigh deeply on her. 
"Maybe you should get some sleep."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Yes, I *should* get some sleep; I will be getting up quite early in the morning.  
And, yes, we *will* discuss this situation further once the immediate crisis is 
past."  I give her a last squeeze before getting up off the couch and heading 
downstairs (towards the bedrooms) with her.  After preparing for bed, I set the 
alarm for 5:30, since I need to be there about 7AM.  I snuggle in for the night.

[I am assuming that she has already agreed to take Katy and Taylor to school in 
the morning.]

When the alarm rings, I get up, shower, dress, and eat.  At 6:30, I wake up the 
kids and get them started.  With hugs and kisses all around, I hit the road about 
6:45.  [Unless traffic is *much* worse than normal, that should get me to the fire 
station around 7AM.]

[Note: Lori is definitely *not* the type to try to tell me what to do.  However, she 
*will* express her concerns in a polite and reasonable manner.]

<><><><><>

[GM]

Lori did agree to take the kids.

The next morning, news shows are all talking about Terrarizer and his 
ultimatum. People continue to leave the city in large numbers, though the 
majority do not. There is a very visible increased police presence, as every cop 
in the Seattle area is being kept on duty on 12-hour rotating shifts. Not that the 
police are expected to be able to do much about Terrarizer, but if there IS an 
attack, there will surely be panic in the streets and possible rioting and looting 
afterwards. Meanwhile, National Guard troops, while less obvious, are still 
standing by just outside the city, and at key locations within Seattle. And military 
helicopters continue to circle overhead. The mood of the city is tense. No one 
likes feeling that an axe is being held over their heads, and if Terrarizer and his 
extortion doesn't intimidate the people of Seattle, the government presence 
does.

At the fire station, you find Agents Dicer and Rodnam waiting, along with 
Rosaline, who looks as lovely, and as inhibiting, as ever. There's also an Army 
colonel in military fatigues, along with several other officers. As you approach, 
the Col. is saying "....metahumans that YOUR agency has been hoarding! You 
have an entire city being held hostage, and you're telling me that the only 
metahumans you can muster in defense are a couple you just happened to find 
in the area?"

"You're not saying you and your troops aren't up to the job, are you, Colonel?" 
Dicer says, with a slight taunt to his voice. The officer's face is stormy, as the 
federal agent continues. "Why don't you call the Pentagon and ask them to send 
some of YOUR 'super-troopers' over? We know for a fact that the DoD has been 
hiding at least two metas that have manifested in your ranks, contrary to the 
President's executive order!"

"Even IF that is true," the National Guard commander says coldly, "I assure you 
that I wouldn't know anything about it. All I know is that you definitely have other 
metahumans working for your agency, and for some unfathomable reason, you 
think it's more important for them to be chasing around the country doing who 
knows what, rather than coming here where there is a concrete threat about to 
materialize!"

"Gee, you don't know squat about what your superiors are up to, but I'm 
supposed to answer for all the decisions made by MY chain of command?" 
Dicer replies. The hostility building between these two men is tangible, and 
Rodnam clears her throat, preparing to intervene. Then Rosaline interrupts, 
asking quite innocently, "Excuse me, gentlemen, but you ARE on the same 
side, correct?" At that, both men look rather abashed, and the Colonel actually 
blushes.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I'm kind of irritated that my normal 'classic rock' music on the radio is being 
interupted by all of this stuff about the a****** I'm going after today.  _What a 
way to start the day!  Seems 'Terra-rizer' is doing a good job of living up to his 
name.  I don't blame people for being scared.  Hell, I'm scared._

I park next to the fire station and get out of my car.  Approaching the group of 
familiar people, I note that I'm the last one to arrive.  _Weird.  Being the punctual 
type, *I'm* usually the one waiting around for others to arrive.  Guess the shoe's 
on the other foot this time. <chuckle>  Who's the military geek?  Doesn't seem 
very happy.  Too bad._

I slide up to the group quietly, listening to the on-going discussion between the 
military officer and Dicer.  Stepping next to Rosaline, I ask under my breath, 
"Who's the military guy?  What's going on?"  My eyes widen, giving away my 
surprise / interest as they mention 'hoarding metahumans' and 'super-troopers'.  
_How many of us *are* there, anyway?  I think I'm going to have to find out a lot 
more, later._

I struggle to suppress a giggle as Rosaline abruptly shuts them both up.  I rather 
enjoy watching the officer wriggle.  _Poor sap._  This looks like the appropriate 
time to jump in and get down to the day's business.  "Excuse me, Dicer.  I'm 
here.  What's the situation?  Any new plans or strategies for the day?  By the 
way, who is this?"  I turn to the military officer (I don't know insigia, so have no 
way of knowing what his actual rank is), and hold out a hand.  "I'm Gordon, one 
of the local, uh... 'metahumans', I think you called us.  And you are...?"

Once the introductions are over, I turn back to Dicer.  "Times a wastin'.  Do we 
have a map of campus?  Have you picked a building for me to set up watch in?  
I was thinking about one of the central buildings near the fountain.  Are you 
going to have Rosaline take up a specific position, or wander around trying to 
find someone with the 'power'?  Are the radios ready to go?  How about campus 
access passes?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

"I'm Colonel Haas, 407th National Guard," the officer says, shaking your hand 
and looking at you seriously. You can see "Haas" on the nametag of his 
starched uniform. "I'm in command of the troops stationed in and around the 
city. Though not the helicopters," he adds, as one roars by overhead. "Colonel 
Duderstadt brought them over, since his unit happened to be out at Yakima for 
training."

"We have passes and radios for you," Dicer says, handing you one of each. 
"One of the central buildings is exactly where we had in mind for you. Rosaline 
is going to sit in one of the choppers which will be flying over Seattle, and 
particularly over this section of Seattle, in a specific pattern to maximize 
coverage."

"If Rosaline picks something up, or we get a sighting, we'll want you to be in the 
air pronto. It's my hope that you and Rosaline can take Terrarizer out 
immediately, because otherwise, we have to rely on three hundred weekend 
warriors storming through Seattle, and I haven't got much faith in Terrarizer 
sticking around to have a LAW fired at him."

Colonel Haas glowers at that, and says "I'm not sure how much faith I have in 
two civilians randomly given superhuman powers to stop this menace. But 
heavy weapons are a last resort. We don't use LAWs, by the way. They're 
obselete."

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Good to meet you, Colonel."  I turn and look up, watching the 'copter pass 
overhead.  I've always liked helicopters, for some unknown reason.  I guess they 
just 'seem cool'.

I accept the equipment from Dicer.  "Good.  I was thinking building 9, *if* it has a 
roof access.  Second choice would be the one across the athletic fields from it: 
building 25, maybe?  I'm not sure of the number on that one.  Either way, I'm 
going to *need* a roof access in order to get airborne in a hurry when we get a 
fix.  Do we have maps of any of the buildings that might let us know about that 
or possibly a liason from the company?"

"Yeah, putting the a****** down fast was *definitely* part of *my* plan, too."  A 
rather vicious-looking grin spreads slowly across my face.

"I understand your concern, Colonel.  I'm not sure we're exactly the people that I 
would have picked to receive these abilities, and we're *definitely* short on 
training, but we have to live with the way it is.  I don't know if you have any 
personal experience with us so-called 'metahumans', but I'm not sure the 
military would have much luck up against this creep; look what Deathstorm was 
able to do to the Israeli military.  Like it or not, Rosaline and I may be everyone's 
best hope at this point.  I assure you, we will do everything we can to put an end 
to his reign of terror."

<><><><><>

[GM]

Colonel Haas doesn't look particularly happy at your bringing up Deathstorm, but 
he and Dicer go about setting you up. Soon Rosaline is in the air, flying in a 
helicopter rather than under her own power for the moment (and no doubt 
distracting the pilot a great deal), while you're cooling your heels at the Microsoft 
campus, drinking coffee and listening to the radio. Agent Dicer isn't with you, 
telling you he needs to circulate and stay in touch with both the federal and city 
authorities. Agent Rodnam stays in the vicinity; she remains fairly quiet, but you 
sense that she's vaguely disapproving of this whole situation.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

As I begin to explore building 9, I luckily run into one of the security crew.  After 
showing him my pass, he shows me the roof access at the top of the stairs at 
the end of the northwest wing of the building.  I have him open the hatch to the 
roof and leave it open.  [I'm making this part up.  <g>]  Since few employees are 
around as a result of the crisis, I have access to the corner offices, giving me a 
view north and west across the grounds.

Once I am familiar with the layout, I set up in the small conference room across 
from the corner offices.  Since she seems to be hanging with me, I show Agent 
Rodnam where the building's lunchroom is.  While there, I toss my lunch in the 
'frig, and grab a handfull of those little 6 oz. raspberry-and-apple juice cans.  [I 
don't drink coffee, but fortunately, every building on campus has a lunchroom 
with chiller cases full of all kinds of carbonated and fruit drinks.  The drinks are 
free to employees, and since I am effectively an employee for the day, I help 
myself... <g>]

I return to the conference room with my 'loot' and settle in for a long wait with 
the radio.  If she sticks around, I'll chat with Rodnam for a while.  As the day 
wears on, if I get bored, I noticed a computer on in one of the offices, so I'll play 
some Windows games for a while.

<><><><><>

[GM]

You've been sitting in the building for about two hours when a call comes to you, 
relayed through Colonel Haas; "Mr. Fancher, scramble! Ms., ah, Rosaline, says 
she's detected another metahuman down below. Not far from the Microsoft 
campus; fly straight up and then bear towards the chopper hovering at a slight 
forward incline!"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"Yeow!"  I have been waiting so long and starting to get sloppy that I jump when 
the call actually comes.  Grabbing at the radio to respond, I knock over the 
caffeine-free Pepsi I had been sipping.  "S***!"  _Can't stop to clean it up now; 
just have to leave it._

Scooting out of the conference room towards the roof access, I reply to Colonel 
Haas as I go.  "On my way, Colonel!  Which direction is that?"

Once I reach the hallway, I lift off, heading up through the hatch.  As soon as I'm 
out, I head straight up, rotating slowly for a 360 degree view of the horizon.  If 
Haas gives me a direction, I pivot to face that way.  Otherwise I keep turning and 
rising till I see the helicopter.  Either way, I will continue upwards at full thrust 
until I am slightly higher than the helicopter.  Reaching my chosen altitude, I lay 
in a course for the helicopter at about 3/4 speed, hoping that moving a little 
slower will reduce the noise output.  As I near the helicopter, I watch for any 
signals from the occupants, and also scan the ground for any obvious people.

<><><><><>

[GM]

There are actually two helicopters within line of sight, but it takes no guesswork 
to figure out which is the right one; Rosaline, glowing brightly, is stepping out 
the door of the nearest one.

She hovers in the air, drifting slowly away from the chopper as you approach, 
then says urgently, as soon as you're within hearing range (which actually is 
pretty close, since she has to be heard above the roar of the helicopter): "There 
is a...metahuman, below, on the sidewalk!" She points, where you see several 
people walking along a street facing the Microsoft campus, most of them 
coming to a halt as they stop to stare at the hovering assault helicopter and the 
two glowing, flying humans hovering next to it.

"I *think* it is that blond man with the overcoat," she adds. "I will be surer once I 
come closer. So should we tell Agent Dicer and have him or the National Guard 
attempt to intercept the man immediately? Or if we assume they will not be able 
to do so, should we strike now, before this power-crazed madman realizes he 
has been detected?"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I head toward the familiar glow of Rosaline.  I look down as she points at the 
people on the sidewalk below.  Straining to hear her over the roar of the 
helicopter, I spot the blond man she describes.  When she asks my opinion, I 
reply without taking my eyes off the man.  "Notify Dicer.  We have no proof that 
this is the same man.  It is *possible* that there are *other* metahumans in the 
area.  Let's move in closer - but don't get too close to the ground!"

As I approach the man, I try to get a good look at him.  I search my memory to 
see if I remember seeing anyone who looks like him the other day when my 
office was destroyed.

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline frowns. "We will lose our chance to subdue him without a battle that 
may harm innocents, then," she states.

With your telescopic vision, you can make him out easily enough; a handsome 
young man with blond hair and a very serious expression. He seems to be 
looking back at you, scowling. He doesn't look in any way familiar.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

"You're *right*, Rosaline - we can't risk letting him *hurt* anyone.  However, I'm 
*not* willing to hurt someone who may be *innocent*.  *You* hit him with *your* 
beam to weaken him while *I* notify Dicer.  Let me know the *instant* he 
activates his powers.  And stay well up off the ground!"

I continue to move closer to the man, moving downwards at an angle to put me 
just above his head, though I won't go any closer than about 5 yards.  "Dicer!  
We think we've found him!  Get your men over here and take this guy into 
custody."

<><><><><>

[GM]

Rosaline dives towards the blond man and begins glowing even more brightly, 
until she draws attention from everyone with a mile. A dazzling beam of light 
shines down and strikes the man like a spotlight.

He jumps aside, out of the light, and begins running across the street, not 
looking panicked, just determined. Two police officers are already in his path. 
They begin drawing their pistols, but he slams into them and sends them 
sprawling.

As you fly after him, and hover overhead, you hear him mutter "Idiots!" He skids 
to a halt on the sidewalk, as the police officers begin standing up.

<><><><><>

Gordon:

The man's reaction surprises me; he certainly seems less affected by Rosaline's 
beam than I had expected.  I flip off my radio as he dashes across the street and 
barrels over the cops.

_S***!  We've got a *problem* here!_  I spin and take off after him.  As I catch up 
with him on the other side of the street, I change my tactics and decide to take 
him down now, if I can.  I slam into him at full thrust in a 'flying tackle' maneuver, 
just as I used to on the football field, though I actually *am* 'flying' this time.  I 
will attempt to knock him off his feet and land on top of him.  If successful, I will 
begin to pummel him with my enhanced strength.

<><><><><>

[GM]

You plow into the mysterious blond man (who looks to be in his early twenties) 
and bear him to the ground. He tries to push you away, and while you're pretty 
sure you're stronger than him, his own strength is rather surprising; your tackle 
didn't knock the wind out of him as you're almost sure it would have with a 
normal person, and he actually manages to turn around in your grasp.

"Let. Go. Of. Me. You. IDIOT!" he snarls through clenched teeth, punctuating 
each word.

Then he holds an open palm to your face, and suddenly it explodes with blinding 
light- and heat.

At first the heat is barely noticeable, but within seconds, it's beginning to burn 
your face, and you instinctively let go and back away from the sizzling glare of 
his hand.

You feel a wave of heat that warms the lower half of your body, and as you blink 
the white patches out of your vision, you see in front of you a smoking hole in 
the sidewalk. The edges are red hot, and leads down into a sewer below. Steam 
is rising from the bottom, and you hear splashing and sizzling echoing up from 
the sewer, accompanying footsteps that are receding from the point he must 
have landed. You now notice a sewer grate on the curb next to you.

Rosaline is hovering above you, looking down into the steamy darkness and 
wrinkling her nose.

"Dost thou remember such heat when thou fought the villain before?" she asks. 
The policemen are running up to you also, speaking on their radios. "S***! He's 
escaped into the sewers!"

<><><><><>

Gordon:

I feel a surge of pride as I find that my skills from my days playing football have 
not left me.  Pride turns to surprise as I realize that my tackle had less effect on 
the man than expected.  Then doubt creeps in as he turns in my arms and 
snarls at me.  I start to get angry at being called an 'idiot', but I'm not sure I don't 
deserve it at this point.

Before I can react, my face is bathed in heat and light.  "A-A-A-AHHH!!!  I'm 
*blind*!  I can't *see-e-e*!"  I stagger backwards away from this furious assault.  
A small part of my brain registers the fact that I actually *felt* the heat from his 
attack.

Warmth embraces my legs and feet as I struggle to clear my vision.  As sight 
returns, I see the open pit before me and hear the sounds of the man retreating 
into the darkness below.  Realization dawns.  "*Dammit*!  I knew this was too 
easy!"

Turning to Rosaline, "No.  I do not believe this is the same person.  He has 
distracted us from our purpose here.  It doesn't matter whether this was planned 
by Terra-rizer or not - we must return to our search."

I turn to the policemen.  "That was not Terra-rizer.  *He* must still be around, 
somewhere, and we have lost the element of surprise.  Tell Dicer to continue the 
search; we will do the same."

I face towards campus, scanning the area with my enhanced vision.  I am 
looking for anyone who is taking an unusual interest in us or who appears 
familiar from the other day.  I head into the sky taking my radio with me.  I will 
move slowly at a good altitude, scanning campus as I go.  Since I have given 
away my presence, unless I get better instructions from Dicer or Rodnam, I will 
fly back and forth over campus looking for the Terra-rizer.

<><><><><>

[GM]

National Guardsmen arrive, and a Captain debates with the SPD whether they 
should pursue the metahuman into the sewers, as you fly back into the air.

*Everyone* who sees you seems interested in you, so it's hard to tell whether 
there's someone who has an "unusual" interest.

Rosaline suddenly speaks over her own radio; "I sense power...great power! 
Someone is..."


Someone is causing an earthquake. Below you, buildings throughout Seattle are 
beginning to shiver. You can hear an audible rumble echoing up from the 
ground.