DH #13: The Millenium City 8

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
I've done about half (gimme a break, I've got three to do). Should be ready tomorrow.

No worries, and no hurries...

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
Pulling a long day --

only got 2 hours of sleep last night


Maybe tomorrow?

Yipes! Yeah, a long and eventful day sounds like. Hope your vehicles treat you more kindly soon.

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit
Yipes! Yeah, a long and eventful day sounds like. Hope your vehicles treat you more kindly soon.

Now that theyve replaces the rack & pinion it should be smooth sailing.....

[Hermit]

As I wrestle with Insomnia, I figured I'd put down a few thoughts from the loyal and lovable Steadfast
.................

What Steadfast thinks of:
Lady Liberty- "A good woman, but she's about my age going on forty. She's definitely a perfectionist, but sometimes I think in her drive to get the job done, she forgets the fall out our battles create beyond mere property damage. What kind of message are we sending when we storm in like Dirty Harry in long underwear, but don't let people see our human sides? It's the one area I disagree with her about, because overall, Lady Liberty knows what she's doing. I used to worry about her being a bit.. uhm, squishy, but you should see her move once the fighting starts. She brings organization to the group, and we're going to need that if we ever want to really get it together as a team."

Psiphon- "Psiphon and I are friends, he just doesn't know it yet.. or more likely, admit it. Yes, I've heard he's an ex-criminal, but 'By their fruits you shall know them', and I've seen him at work. He's brave, and he's always willing to help others find their own redemption while searching for his own. He'll offer a hand to anyone, but refuses all hands offered to him. I've got to help him with that. I've worked with young people and seen what that sort of social deprevation can do to the soul, but it's going to have to be on his terms, not mine, so I don't push. In the mean time, he's got my back mentally, and I can shield his body when things get physical. It's really amazing how he gets people to just keel over like that without actually having to hurt them. I wish I could do that."

El Aguijon- "A great guy! I guess the rest of us do tend to be a tad gloomy or intense sometimes, and Alejandro reminds us to enjoy the world while we're protecting it. I think it's also his way of keeping heart even when things get darkest. He and I share a love of music, and I consider him a friend. He's been acting a bit reckless of late in battle, and that worries me a bit. Fortunately, we're not the only ones who have a hard time predicting him. I'm no tactical genius (Like half the team seems to be) but a small flying latino leading a swarm while singing to a buzzing Ride of the Valkyries tune is enough to catch anyone off guard."

Stalker-"I sense a lot of pain in Stalker, but the few times I've tried to get him to open up, he's nearly bit my head off. I really wish he wouldn't call me 'kid', but he does. I'm afraid that's how he sees me, despite the fact I'm of age roughly with Psiphon, Megaera, and L.L. I'm torn between trying to prove myself to him (Should I even have to?) and hoping someone else on the team can get through to him before this vendetta of his gets him killed. Like the rest of the team, he's no slacker in a fight. It's just amazing how many options he managed to put on those wrist launchers. Sadly, once the fighting is over, it's back to the shadows and his own personal hunt for him. There should be more to life."

Raaktor- "Raaktor has incredible insights if you take the time to listen to him. A good thing, because otherwise some 'modern' people might try to take advantage of him. I'm sure not going to let that happen. I've heard some of the papers refer to him as if he were some violent savage; that's a lie. He's a man of peace if ever there was one. Sometimes he reminds me of my Pastor... with steel clawed gloves, slight fangs and some really freaky abilities added on, of course."

Megaera- "Remember back to early Highschool to that one class where you got to sit next to one of the prettiest, smartest, and most talented girls in your grade? Remember what a nervous wreck it made you to try to talk to her as an equal? Well, there's Megaera (and her sisters) for you. But that's my problem, not hers. I'm not sure what to make of the "By Athena" language, is Athena her god, or just her patron? On one hand I worry that she's being used, on the other hand, no one else on the team comes closer to understanding what it's like to have a higher power blessing you, and burdening you all at the same time. I like to think we team up pretty well, her taking them high, I taking them low; but maybe I'm deluding myself."

Commando Rubberbando- "If all you judge Commando Rubberbando by was appearance or his codename, he wouldn't seem very impressive..At first glance he's no where near as awe inspiring as Megaera, as primal as Raaktor, or as colorful as the dedicated Lady Liberty....but if you know the facts, you have to respect him. He was a hero, long before he had powers. I'm not just talking about being a soldier. He's walked in civil rights movements during times in our history when that could endanger a black man's life. Mr. Allcomb does more than put on tights and 'kick butt'; he helps better the city around him. Without even intending it, he's become something of a rolemodel for myself, and so many others. He's the second half of the 'leadership' of the team; and his experience always shows. I think sometimes his dislike of improvising in the middle of battle ruffles some of the other members, but I can't be sure."

[lemming]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
Now that theyve replaces the rack & pinion it should be smooth sailing.....

I think I know one of your problems. Someone took your engine and replaced it with a sail.

[Glen Sprigg]

Alright, alright...I'll see what Psiphon's got in that oversized cranium of his...

***********

Lady Liberty: "You know, she kinda reminds me of those PRIMUS agents I talked with, all stiff and law-and-order types. She'd probably make a good cop if she wasn't doing the superhero thing. She's definitely a no-nonsense type of person, which is good in this line of work. She's a good leader for this group, if we really need one."

El Aguilon: "He takes this way too lightly; one of these days he's going to find out how serious this can be, and I hope someone's there to pick up the pieces. Still, there's nothing like a swarm of bees to get someone's attention."

Stalker: "On the other hand, this guy takes this way too seriously. I'm worried he's going to hurt someone, or get badly hurt himself. I think his pieces are already broken inside, and he's just barely holding on now."

Raaktor: "This one's interesting. I'd like to try to learn his own language, just to give him someone to talk to. Heck of a fighter, especially when he goes berserk. Definitely a guy who will watch your back, assuming he's not climbing over top of it to get at the fight."

Steadfast: "I think we could get along if I let it happen. He's got the right attitude about second chances, even if he's too tied to religion. Good guy to have in front of you when bullets start flying. I wonder what Psymon would think if he poked around in that mind? He'd probably keel over from the unfamiliarity of touching a good thought."

Megaera: "Now there's a super girl. Confident, tough, and a serious powerhouse. Anyone who can plow into Mechanon and still not muss her hair is okay by me. Even Mind Slayer wouldn't want to mess with her, which is a good enough reason to stick close to her in a fight."

Commando Rubberbando: "Nice to know I'm not considered the 'token black guy' on the team. He reminds me a lot of my dad, actually. Except for the drinking, gambling, and jail time, of course. I wonder if they served together in 'Nam. I doubt it, since this guy's way better than Dad was at tactics and stuff. I mean, an ex-Green Beret? Even Lady Liberty takes orders from this guy."

Glen

[Crimson Arrow]

What El Aguijón thinks of:
Lady Liberty: “What a mysterious lady. She likes to keep herself in the background, unlike me! Lady Liberty’s dedication to her role is magnificent and her abilities and skills make her useful in a number of ways in and out of combat. I would trust her with my life. I just wish she’d lighten up a little. I know things can be tough for us, but life’s easier with a smile and a song.”

Psiphon: “Psiphon is a little withdrawn, but in his circumstances, I cannot blame him. To be honest, I admire him hugely for taking a stand against PSI. Everyone deserves a second chance and it is nice to see he’s willing to give others the opportunity he had. He’s another one who could do with a little more humour, but with his past, I’ll give him some leeway.”

Stalker: “A fantastic and talented scientist. His knowledge and expertise are extensive and I love our talks about science. He can be very intense, which is not my style. I know lives are at risk, but sometimes when he is around, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. I get the feeling he does not approve of my jokes, but he has never expressed an opinion about it. Maybe he’ll loosen up when he gets to know the group better, but I have my doubts. I wonder what he went through to make him so obsessed.”

Raaktor: “Remarkable! That is the only word which describes this fellow. He is surprisingly intelligent and some of the skills he displays cannot be matched by humans today. This might seem a little odd for a man of my background to ask, but what else has society lost in the name of ‘progress’? I get the impression he was quite unusual, even in his time, though. It is a little difficult to follow his mindset sometimes, but I have never been into that ‘new age’ stuff. I have not yet made much progress in explaining modern technology to him, but I shall persevere.”

Steadfast: “I have great respect for this young man. In spite of all we in the MC8 see, he retains his faith, not just in God, but in humanity too. People like him are the future, for without them, what is worth fighting for? I know some of the others think Steadfast is an idealist who needs to come to grips with the ‘real world’. I think he is very well aware of it, but that his beliefs see him through. I hope he can remain on his path. Nice voice too. Maybe he can give me some tips.”

Megaera: “To tell the truth, I am somewhat in awe of this lady. She is so beautiful and strong-willed, I feel a little awkward in her presence. Her courage, wisdom and compassion do her credit and I do not need to mention how powerful she is too. She even has a brilliant mind. In spite of all this, she never acts as though she is anything better than you or me. Now do you see why I find her amazing? She has even been known to smile at some of my puns, although she’s all business during a fight.”

Commando Rubberbando: “I admire this man immensely. He has been through one career in the armed forces and now has a new one as a costumed hero. Like me, he has risen from adversity. He might seem a little stern sometimes, but I know there is a very genuine human being under that rubbery shell. He is a family man and I can relate to that. I trust him implicitly to lead us in any combat.”

[Crimson Arrow]

What Raaktor thinks of:
Lady Liberty: “I think she finds me intriguing. I get the impression she wishes to talk to me about something, but then she backs off. She may seem a little grim, but this is obviously just her way. Being a hero and fighting evil is not some kind of game to her; she is deadly serious and I can understand her approach. I think she could afford to relax a bit more, however. In life, one must find balance and I hope that I can encourage her to see a little more of the humour all around us.”

Psiphon: “This fellow has a remarkable gift. He has turned his back on people he thought were his friends, in order to be true to himself. I sense the strain this has placed upon him. However, each man must find his own path in life and he has chosen his. I know that others might doubt Psiphon because of his past, but I can tell he is genuine in his desire to turn from evil. I am there if he ever needs guidance, but I think this is a man who strides to his destiny unaided.”

El Aguijón: “Outwardly, he is very cheerful and full of the joys of life. This would normally gladden my heart. However, I fear there is something more at work here, hidden from sight. I have tried to speak to him about this, but he insists nothing is wrong and turns it into a joke. I am keeping a close eye on him and am ready to catch him, if he falls. This “science” thing he talks of is seems like just another sort of magic to me, but he insists that is not the case. We shall see.”

Stalker: “I have some reservations about him. He is brimming with tension and perhaps grief. I can tell there is a lot going on in his mind. There is something about him which reminds me of the story of Kataniki, a brave hunter who was haunted by the death of his wife and became one with the night, never again to see the light of day. As with El Aguijón, I have tried to discuss this with Stalker, but he will not talk about it at all. Perhaps this will change as I gain his trust. He too follows this mysterious path of science. Unlike El Aguijón, he does not seem too bothered if I understand his chosen way or not. He is clearly committed to his fight against evil and I respect him for that and trust him in battle.”

Steadfast: “This man believes in one deity. This is an unusual concept to me, but it is be quite common now, so Megaera tells me. So much has changed in the world since I was born, that I will not judge the faith of anyone, unless they are obviously evil. Steadfast does not appear to have any problems with me, in spite of our differing beliefs. In fact, he seems to enjoy having discussions with me about moral and spiritual matters. He is clearly a good man and I sense a great inner strength in addition to his physical power.”

Megaera: “A representative of a goddess walking among us. What a miraculous age to be in. She has the qualities of a great leader, yet with modesty and a willingness to listen to others. We have often spoken of matters relating to life and she has a wonderful mind and a calm wisdom, which I admire. I have great faith in her and her abilities.”

Commando Rubberbando: “This is a man with much to commend him. He is a brave and experienced fighter and I am proud to stand alongside him. I hope that he can teach me some of the ways of a modern warrior. Some think that he is troubled, by I think that he is basically at peace with himself. He campaigns for “equal rights”. The idea of treating a member of your own tribe unfairly seems insane to me, but I have now experienced it first hand. He has my full backing.”

[Crimson Arrow]

What Megaera thinks of:
Lady Liberty: “Lady Liberty has immense dedication to her life as a hero. She and I have worked together on occasion and I find her to have a very professional attitude. She sometimes tries to engage me in conversation, but seems to have something else on her mind. I have tried not to press Lady Liberty, but perhaps she thinks I do not want to talk. When I have time, I shall try to make more of an effort to get to know her and show that I wish to be a friend as well as a colleague.”

Psiphon: “This is a man who has been through a lot. He is hard to get to know, as he is something of a loner. For a while I wondered if might be because he once trusted a group of people who turned out to be his enemy and that he is afraid of this happening again. However, I now think that his attitude might actually be out of a desire to protect us, should PSI ever try to seek revenge. I have reassured him that he need not face his fears alone. While he thanked me, he has retained his distance. I know we are all there for him, should he need us.”

El Aguijón: “El Aguijón is a lively character. It is obvious that he is a very clever and talented man, but I wish he would be a little more cautious and serious when we are in a combat situation. I am trying to instil in him the value of working as a team and that if one part of the ‘machine’ stops working, the rest can soon follow. I know that he understands this, but he seems almost incapable of stopping. I suppose it is just his nature.”

Stalker: “I cannot say that I approve of his methods; they are not to my taste. Sometimes, I think he is more of an assassin than a warrior. However, I appreciate that occasionally an indirect approach might save lives, so while I will not resort to such tactics myself, Stalker’s methods can sometimes be the best. He has a good heart and a desire to see justice done. I just hope that this does not turn into a thirst for vengeance.”

Raaktor: “Trax and I share a kind of bond. Each of us represents a time which has now passed, although in his case, that time was considerably longer ago. We also believe in balancing opinions and options before acting, although he can be quite impulsive at times. Fortunately his instincts are very good. I am trying to teach him about the modern world, especially history. He is a quick learner, but there are so many new things, it is taking time to educate him.”

Steadfast: “Steadfast believes his powers are a gift from his God and I can easily believe him. I am not sure if he finds me a little disturbing; he seems to have trouble talking to me sometimes. It could be because my existence challenges one of the tenets of his faith, but perhaps he is just a little shy. He is one of the team I have the most confidence in. I think he would die rather than see a good person fall. He also does charity work, which I think is important. People must see that we are about more than just destruction.”

Commando Rubberbando: “Roger is a good soldier and an expert in combat situations. My tactical experience is, at the moment, more theoretical in nature, but I hope to learn much from my association with this man. Judging from things he has said, he has seen a lot of the worst side of human nature, yet he still fights for a better world. I feel honored to have a bold and skilled warrior such as this by my side. Not only this, but he is an equal rights activist, a cause which is worthy of such a doughty fighter.”

[Talon]

Did anyone else find it really hard to keep out "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer" cracks when talking about Raaktor?

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Geoff Speare
Did anyone else find it really hard to keep out "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer" cracks when talking about Raaktor?

Actually, I'm just relieved no one has made jokes about Steadfast's power..

"Just standing there is what I do best!"

BTW, thanks for the opinions guys.... I've already begun using the MC-8 as NPCs and it's working well.

[Lord Liaden]

Thanks for sharing these insights, gang. It's intriguing to see these characters through the eyes of their teammates (or as close to that as a character's creator can get).

I'm struck by the high regard all of the other MC 8 have for Megaera - her power, intelligence and attitude. She seems to be gaining the aura that Superman wears as part of the Justice League: she may not lead the team, and not all of the Eight agree with her methods, but they all respect and admire her. She seems to be the one that the team would count on to see them through when things get desperate; like a sports team giving the ball to their best player in the last seconds of a game.

[Hermit]

Hey, let's not be hasty Lord Liaden. For all we know Commando Rubberbando's thoughts on her might be "I can't STAND the bi..." But not likely.

Good points though. I was judging Stalker's and Steadfast's reactions on her personality and psych lims (Reflecting how she behaves), her competency (Power level), and that DF of hers certainly would have its influence.
Good PRE and COM as well.

[Killer Shrike]

And....here it is: Commando Rubberbando(!)'s intraparty perspectives:

Lady Liberty: “A real spitfire, that one. Tuff. Thinks fast on her feet. Knows what she's about. But she's holding something back...Tactically, she understands the value of surprise, and concealing strength from an enemy. What she lacks in firepower she makes up for with tricks and tenacity. She would have made a good Green Beret back in Nam -- gender notwithstanding. She prefers to guide than to lead; this is ok though -- many a field commander has had an advisor that was smarter and better informed than themselves but without the willingness to make tough decisions in the clinch. With maturity she may grow out of this -- in the meantime I'm glad she's on our side. The team looks to her for the logistics and intelligence of our little operation, and her special tap on information ensures that we all look to her for strategic briefings. If we had Intel this good in the GB's, life would have been a lot easier! Hooah!”

Psiphon: “With parents in the upper income bracket instead of the lower, this kid could have been anything. He's livin proof of the lack of options for an inner city kid turning them to crime; sure he walked on the other side of the law for a spell, but he's just a product of his environment. When an opportunity to get out of the ghetto came along, he took it -- in his place, any of us might have done the same. What's remarkable about David is that when he realized what he was involved in he had the courage to get out of it even if it meant his own death. Ive seen courage like that among kids his age overseas, but its rare here in the States. What I ask myself is, would I have had the same courage in his place at his age? I don't know, but I doubt it. I didnt become a man until a squad of Charlies had my squad pinned down in the jungle in the dead of night, with 3 of my buddies bleeding out beside me. I found my courage -- the no bullshit if-I-do-this-Ill-probably-die-but-if-I-dont-I-will-die kind of courage -- because it was do or die. David though; well David had a choice, and thats real courage. He might be the bravest of all my new squadmates when you get down to it. I'd like to be a mentor to the boy like I used to be to some of the newbs fresh off the line back in the Army, or some of "indige" kids I worked with overseas, but I dont want to push it on him. I'll let him come to me -- that always works best. Tactically he requires careful positioning and planning to use to best advantage, but as part of a combined arms operation he's a powerful tool with which to demoralize an enemy teetering on the cusp of Defend and Withdraw.”

El Aguijón: “I just call him Bug most times -- he reminds me of a fellow soldier I served with in the GB's named Gonzalez-Contreras; we all called him Gonzo. He was a jokester too, and the first into any sitch -- fearless. He died in Kosovo, fell in the line. Went out with a grin. Bug's like that too. I dont think the others see it, but somethin's riding him to an early grave. I've had to snatch him back out of harms way too many times to think otherwise, and while he thanks me afterwards -- I dunno; somethin tells me he's ambivalent about not dying. I got my eye on him, and if there's anythin I can do about it he wont go down on my watch. Tactically, he's hard to use. He's got stealth but with Lady Lib we usually dont lack for recon options. He'd make a decent infiltrator, but he's so damn eager to get into trouble that I never feel safe sending him in alone. He mostly serves as a skirmisher and a wild card. He's got potential, but his emotions rule rather than his head. He would have washed out of the GB's or ended up dead most likely.”

Stalker: “A good man. Older than he lets on. MTV kids dont say gee whiz, keen, and peachy. I've seen his like before -- he wants revenge. Reminds me of a civilian militia member named Miric that I worked with in what used to be Yugoslavia. He used to be a violinist until his wife and kids were wiped out by mortars. The other militia called him 'The Shadow of Death'. He turned his violin strings into a makeshift garotte, and he used it often according to the locals. One of the other militia men told me that he had made a vow to never play the violin again until he had killed a dozen of the enemy for each of his fallen loved ones. I got the impression that his family had been large....I sense a little bit of that in Stalker. Tactically, he's the best of class. No happy horseshit, of all my new squadmates I'd want him with me when it all hits the fan. He thinks three moves ahead or more, and that equals competence in my book. I know that I can count on him when the situation turns sour. My only concern with him is that if he ever gets his revenge, his fighting spirit might evaporate -- and if that happened in the middle of a situation it would be bad for us.”


Raaktor: “Sounds weird, but he reminds me of my Uncle Josey. Uncle Josey was really my granddaddy's Uncle -- he lived to be 102. He was born at the tail end of the Civil War, was already an old man by WW I, and died just a few years before the moon walk. He worked on the first Ford assembly line, did all kinds of stuff. He had a story for everything. If you could think of it, he had seen or heard tale of something like it. Wise old man. He used to tell us stories when I was a kid. Thinking back, half of it was tall tales and folk lore he retold with a Detroit factory workers perspective -- one story he'd tell us about a guy he had worked with on the Ford lines who worked the line 7 days straight for the overtime to buy a house for his wife and kids, only to drop dead at the end of it from exhaustion was a spin on John Henry, and so on. But still, it enriched our minds and taught us values. Raaktor's like that. Just listening to him talk is like sittin on the floor listening to Uncle Josey. If being a superhero doesnt work out for him he should consider becoming the next Mr. Rogers or something. Once you get past the fangs and claws he's really just a big softie with a heart of gold. Tactically he's a good complement to Stalker and Lady Lib both, but too lethal for the most part to employ casually. If we have to do something in the bush, I can rely on him to take the lead until I can knock the rust off my bushmaster skills. In truth, I hate seein him show up in tight spots, because if he were to fall in battle it would be a sad loss to the world. He represents an earlier time before we had all this racial tension hooplah and a society stratified into the haves and havennots. I think we could all learn a lot about ourselves and the inequities that still exist in our culture through the eyes of a "man from before time" so to speak. His very existance in some ways proves that it doesnt have to be the way it is now."


Steadfast: “Hmph. Cornfed bible thumpin white boy -- fun, fun, fun. Seriously though, good kid, but I cant tell if he's naive, not too bright, or what. They say there's no aetheists in foxholes, and I still believe that there's some kind of higher power watchin over us, but Ive seen too many people killed in the name of one religion or t'other to put much store into any particular belief set. But, at least he doesnt try to push his beliefs on to the rest of us, and he's dependible. I ride the kid a little -- I think he needs a firm hand to compensate for his strange lack of self-confidence; I dont think Ive ever met somebody as humble as him before, and Ive met a lot of people. Modesty is well and good, but too much isnt healthy. This guy could twist an Abrams into a pretzel, but he acts like a shy librarian at times. He seems to look up to me, but I dont know why -- we come from two very different worlds, and Ive had to do things in my life that I think would curdle his stomach if he knew of them. I dont want the boy to look up to or emulate me; I want him to become a man worth looking up to himself. Tactically, he provides very necessary bulk to the squad. He's like our heavy machine gunner; a fairly static but much needed firebase from which the rest of us can attack out from. Im always glad to see the big galoot show up when we're squarring off with heavy hitters -- having him as an asset changes the whole battle plan. The big downside is that its difficult to get any kind of synergy by using him with one or more of the others. So the trick is to use him as the lynchpin -- whereever he is, thats the center of operations -- keep most of the others centered on him, and let me or Meg deal with stragglers and keep opponents within the perimeter. One good thing about Stand-slow is that when some bad guy badly needs to get bounced off a wall but no walls are handy, his back will do.”


Megaera: “What can you say? She's a "brick-house". All around, the most well rounded and capable member of the team, from a superheroic perspective. When she shows up, our odds of success get better regardless of the sitch. But of all the squad, I get the least feel for her. Hard to read. Cant quite figure out what her deal is, or what motivates her to fight crime. She's spirited, but other than as an idealistic pursuit I just dont see where she's coming from, and that makes me cautious to employ her as fully as her abilities would allow. With Stalker, Lady Lib, Psiphon, the Bug, Raak, or even Stand-around I know that they'll push themselves to the bleeding edge to get the job done when it matters, but with Megaera.....I just dont know yet.”

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit
Actually, I'm just relieved no one has made jokes about Steadfast's power..

"Just standing there is what I do best!"

BTW, thanks for the opinions guys.... I've already begun using the MC-8 as NPCs and it's working well.

Spoke too soon

[Glen Sprigg]

That about covers everyone, doesn't it?

Is anyone else getting an itch to start writing co-op stories about these characters? Or is it just me?

Glen