Crusaders Plus #24 - "What Rough Beast?"
Within the Omega Compound, our heroes are faced with more developments. While Nightingale stares at the silvery headband, the Sorceress comes to her side.
Sorceress - "Are you alright, 'Gale? That's a nice looking headband that you found. What's so interesting about it?"
Nightingale doesn't answer; she merely continues to stare at the headpiece.
Meanwhile out in the hallway, the rest of the team has spotted the approaching Beast...
Lord Liberty - "Strikeout, stay behind me and ready for action. There is no telling what this beast can do."
Cautiously, Lord Liberty and Monarch proceed down the corridor. The Panther leaps over both of them and springs into the far corridor.
In the background, Strikeout stands ready. Strongbow begins a soft chant.
At last, the Beast enters the hallway. Its form is that of a great bear, but that's where the similarities end. The Beast has five arms and two legs. Four of the arms end in claws, the last in short tentacles. Its thick fur is bare in many places where the skin has bubbled up. It casts a disturbing red glow as it moves. It has one large eye. It is almost four times as big as its other, normal eye. As if that wasn't enough, the Beast is 12 feet tall!
It's mere sight, gives you all reason to pause. The Sorceress walks out into the corridor, sees the Beast, and immediately faints.
All of you seem to be suffering from some strange weakness.
The Beast lashes out at Monarch, but misses. Strongbow continues to chant, but is meeting with no success.
Strikeout hurtles a baseball at the creature, and connects. The missile bounces off the Beast for little damage.
"Get away from them!"
The Beast is struck by a tremendous mental assault from Nightingale. She stands just outside the room where she found the headpiece, which she now wears.
The Beast appears to have been injured from the mind bolt. It turns and flees back the way it came.
As it retreats, Lord Liberty and Strongbow both collapse to the floor. In addition, Monarch, Panther and Strikeout have taken a heavy amount of stun.
Everyone who was downed is quickly up again.
Now what are you going to do?
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 08/07/89 S#: 420319
"Interesting. This entity seems to be giving off an intense concentration of radiation. The closer you are to the beast, the more radiation you receive. Being at such a close proximity, the radiation must have overwhelmed my equalizers. I estimate that one would have to remain about 20 meters away from the beast. We must capture this thing and put it in some sort of lead cage to stop the radiation. Or perhaps we can keep the beast underwater if we can find some way for it to breath. In either case, there should be adequate materials for one of these actions at the reactor of this base. I suggest that some of us go find this and construct the containment cell while the others track down the creature. Caution should be exercised however since not only will any followers take damage if they get to close, but we don't know how he will react if cornered. It stands to reason that any organic life form giving off that much radiation must be suffering some form of radiation sickness that would make it confused and hurting. With my sensors, I could probably find the reactor quickly if given some assistance. Does anyone wish to help?"
SUBJ: Strikeout FROM: Kityana 08/08/89 S#: 823151
I'll help! This reactor isn't near the Prophecy oogie...
::collects up nerves::
No matter just tell me what to do..
::awaits LL orders::
SUBJ: Sorceress
With a soft moan, the Sorceress opens her eyes.
'Aieee!!! What was that thing!?'
Once, she is filled in what happened, the Sorceress will mention what she and kitty-man found in the office.
'There was a note about the reactor poles, or something like that... Oh, and this.'
I hold up the page of the journal I found: Project Omega seems to mutate when exposed to radiation.
'I think we can safely say that that is the project in question. I'm not sure what I can do to help, Lord Liberty. I'll do what I can.'
In the meantime, I gonna keep an eye of Nightingale.
SUBJ: Jade Panther FROM: Panther13 08/11/89 S#: 835255
"I am not sure what exactly I can do to help. But I'll do what I can... Perhaps I could be the lure to cage this poor animal. I believe that with my cat-like quickness, I can stay a step or two ahead of the beast."
While everyone does whatever it is they are going to do, I will keep track of where the creature has gone, while remaining at a safe distance. If that also allows me any time to examine more of this base, then do so.
SUBJ: MONARCH (R) FROM: N4SIR 08/12/89 S#: 95858
"Is everyone alright? It would appear that the creature's defenses are even more than my body can tolerate. JP may have the right idea but first we must find something to contain it. So first we must where it came from. Does anyone wish to come with me?"
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 08/12/89 S#: 430731
"It seems reasonable to assume Monarch, that we can gather from the note that Sorceress found that the beast came from near the reactor. Sorceress, Strikeout and myself are going to head that way know. I suggest that the rest of you follow the creature at a safe distance to make sure it stays out of trouble. Nightingale, it would be wise for you to come with us also. Between your powers and my senses we will therefore be able to locate the others quickly when we need to."
If Nightingale comes with us Lord Liberty will ask this of her on the way to the reactor. "Nightingale is it not true that taking something that does not belong to you is wrong? If that is the case, are you not stealing now by taking that headpiece that you found here? Or am I mistaken and it belonged to you before and you are just taking back your property?"
SUBJ: ** StrongBow ** FROM: AREION 08/12/89 S#: 96327
"I will accompany you Panther. I am a man accustomed to the hunt, and I wish to see that no harm befalls the beast. This wrong is not of its doing, rather, it is as much a victim as we."
Strongbow will follow the Jade Panther, using his own heightened senses and tracking skills. He will half move, wait, finish the move before his next action phase, then half move again. In this manner, he will track the beast, staying out of sight as much as possible.
If at any time we are attacked, Strongbow will access the gems NND effect on his tomahawk to try to fend the creature off.U nder no circumstances will he attack with anything more lethal.
As they walk along he, begins to get a feel of just how desolate this place feels a soft smile of satisfaction twists his lips as he whispers to panther through the red-fringed darkness.
"These people had the arrogance to tamper with the forces of nature, how fitting that it was one of their creations that destroyed them. It makes what we must to this poor creature all the more difficult.... to one who honors the ways of old."
He stairs out into the darkness, scrutinizing his companion. Searching for some common ground, between warriors for two different cultures that could be called friendship.
BTW - I'll try to douse the gems radiance as much as possible. A bright light coming from your forehead kind of makes it hard to skulk in the shadows.
Crusaders Plus #25 - "The Hunt"
Okay, you guys have set your plans, now it's up to me to wreck 'em!
The Beast has retreated back the way it came, driven off by Nightingale. Unfortunately, that was the way to the reactor too.
Nightingale - "The creatures will is strong. I can only sense that it is in constant agony. The radiation from the reactor seems to soothe it, like a breeze on a hot summer day."
According to Lord Liberty's calculations, the edge of the creatures' radiation field is at the intersection. To enter the hallway to reach the reactor will put you into the radiation field.
A quick search of the area reveals that there is no other way to reach the reactor. There is only one-way in and out.
Panther - "We now know where the Beast is and where the reactor is."
Lord Liberty - "Therefore, all we need to do is keep watch in this area while the rest of us search the base for something to aid us in defeating the Beast."
While Jade Panther and Strongbow keep watch, the others split up and search the base.
To save time and space, I'll just give you a quick run down on what you find.
In the area where you found the first group of doors, there are 3 offices. The first has already been explored. The second is the office of a Dr. MacBeth. It is a model of neatness and efficiency. Paintings of Minutemen adorn the walls. A computer terminal covers most of the desk.
The last office is that of the Head of Security. There is a map of the base on one wall. As you discovered, there is only on way to reach the reactor. There is also a blaster rifle mounted behind the desk.
The lab areas reveal little that you don't already know. They were mutating animals. A note on a memo pad reads: DO NOT - under any circumstances- expose Project Omega to radiation!
In the hallway with the 6 doors, the room where Nightingale found the headband contains little else. Two of the rooms are quarters for higher ups. One item of interest is found in a nightstand drawer. There is a diary, apparently belonging to Dr. MacBeth. In it, he rants and raves about the 'Mutant Menace' and his glorious plans to bring about the end of mutant kind.
Two of the rooms are machine shops. Heavy fighting appears to have taken place in one of the rooms, as there is lots of rubble and piles of ash on the floor.
The last room is a large storage room. Numerous spare parts and gadgets lie about. In the far corner is what appears to be 3 radiation suits.
Down the remaining corridor are two large rooms filled with bunks and a smaller storage room. In one of the bunkrooms, numerous photos of well-known mutants, Spectrum, Mind Slayer, Raccoon, Panda, Imperial, Nightingale, etc, adorn the walls. All have darts sticking out of them.
The remaining room is a guard post at the intersection to the reactor room. In a rack inside are 15 Genocide Blasters.
When questioned, Nightingale will respond.
Nightingale - "Stealing is a harsh word to use, Lord Liberty. We have yet to establish exactly who owned the headpiece. Until we find the owner, I intend to use. It is a psychic amplifier of some type."
Well, that's the situation. So what are you going to do?
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 08/17/89 S#: 446885
"Oh Nightingale, I did not mean to offend you. I did not realize that your intention was to keep the headband safe for the owner. I am sorry. Strikeout, why don't you see if one of these radiation suits fits you. It will provide you with some protection if we run into the beast again. I suggest that the less protected members of this group also don a suit. It appears that our only option is clear. We must approach the reactor and find some way to stop this poor creature while not hurting it any more than we have to. It seems to be in enough pain already. Let me see if I can get some help for it."
Lord Liberty will try to broadcast a message up to the surface. "Attention UNTIL. This is Lord Liberty. We have a need of someone who has had some experience dealing with animals that are suffering from radiation sickness. Is there anyone that you can find?" If Lord Liberty does not get through, he will ask Nightingale to see if she can get the message through with her headband.
SUBJ: Sorceress
"Perhaps our best bet would be to shut the reactor down? Without the dangers of radiation, perhaps we can contain the beast without injury to ourselves. The question is how to go about this. If only we had someway to isolate the creature from the radiation..."
The young mage thinks hard on this problem, but can come up with no solutions. Technology is far from her best subject :(
SUBJ: Lord Liberty (R) FROM: REM9 08/20/89 S#: 833150
"There may be a way Sorceress. I have a plan but it may be a bit risky. Jade, are you still willing to act as bait for the creature? If so, we could have you and perhaps Strongbow, entice the creature out of the reactor room area. Try to get it to chase you to the other side of the complex. Meanwhile the rest of us will hide in one of these rooms until you go by. We will then go to the reactor room and see if we can devise some cage before you come back. If you agree to this, I suggest that you too put on a radiation suit. It would be most unfortunate for you to succumb to the creature's aura while you are keeping away. Nightingale can you keep watch over them with your mind in case they get into trouble? Also can you tell them when we are ready for the creature's return?"
SUBJ: Strikeout (R) FROM: Kityana 08/20/89 S#: 453262
::putting suit on:: Gosh how cana they wear these...::listens to LL's new plan:: Hey that sounds good...but it would put Jade and Strongbow in quite a bit of danger..not to mention what if this creature is smart and figures it out? Never underestimate your opponent..
SUBJ: MONARCH (R) FROM: N4SIR 08/20/89 S#: 793401
Monarch will ask if he may wear one of the radiation suits and then will attempt to find the monster.
SUBJ: Jade Panther FROM: Panther13 08/20/89 S#: 453587
"Well, I don't see any problem in that plan, for the moment. I am not so sure of wearing one of these bulky suits, as it may slow me down. However, I don't care to have that creature wear me out and catch me, so I will put one of these things on."
"Come on, Strongbow. Let's go get our prey. Time for hunting...."
Panther will then try to stay to the shadows. Once we (assuming 'Bow is coming) find it, then we will do whatever it takes to make it chase us.
Crusaders Plus #26 - "Lair of the Beast"
Nightingale - "I believe that I have a less dangerous alternative, Lord Liberty. My Psi-Shields appear able to withstand the radiation the creature emanates. I took no damage from our first battle with the creature. If my plan succeeds, the Beast will be render inert. Then the rest of you will be able to shut the reactor down."
While, Nightingale speaks, Monarch dons a radiation suit and flies off in search of the Beast.
Sorceress - "Monarch! What do you think you are doing?"
Nightingale soars after the large man. With ease she catches him and passes him.
Nightingale - "I know what you are attempting to do, Monarch. My plan will work."
'Gale rockets past Monarch and into the lair of the Beast. The Beast prepares to act as she flies into the large room. Before the creature can attack, she lashes out with her mind. In mid-attack, the Beast suddenly freezes. It stands there like a great statue.
An amazed Monarch lands in the room.
Nightingale - "Just like I planned. I was capable of shutting the Beast's mind down. He will not trouble us. However, I must get him away from this room so that the others can fix the reactor."
'Gales mind reaches out again and lifts the Beast into the air. Nightingale flies from the room with her burden.
As she passes the room the rest of you are in, a momentary weakness comes over all of you. Suggesting that if you had waited for the creature to pass you by you might not have survived.
Moments later, 'Gale speaks to you telepathically.
Nightingale - "I've got the Beast under control. The rest is up to you."
You all travel down the corridor and into the lair of the beast. It is a large room, 25' x 45' in size.
The room appears to have been a testing facility of some type. Many piles of ash litter the floor of the room. The eastern wall of the room is constructed of Plas-steel. Behind the wall is a small nuclear reactor. Low-level radiation floods both rooms.
From examination, it appears that one of the manual control rods was accidentally released. The controls for the rod mechanism are before the plas-steel wall. You can try to replace the rod with the controls or manually. Either way will be a tricky job. When the rod is replaced, the reactor will shut down.
Now what?
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 08/23/89 S#: 420164
Lord Liberty seems to have a dazed look on his face and then he turns to the others, "I will need a radiation suit. You must all leave the room in case something goes wrong. It is logical that I alone attempt to replace the rod since you are all human and I alone am not. If my calculations are correct, with the added protection of the radiation suit, the durralloy metal of my body will shield my circuits from most of the radiation. Human skin is much more fragile however and there is no Genesis planet to restore you if something goes wrong. And with my senses I can tell more quickly if something is going wrong. Please hurry and try to seal the door behind you. There is no time for argument in this matter since Nightingale cannot keep that creature asleep forever. I will contact you when the job is done. Strikeout, in case my memory banks become damaged, find the Crusaders and tell them what has happened. I believe that Sorceress and her friends will help you in this matter. And tell Ernie....I'll miss him. Live long and prosper."
Lord Liberty is quite insistent on this matter and will not take no for an answer. As the doors close behind him you can faintly hear him mumble, "The needs of the many....." When the doors are safely shut, Lord Liberty will don the radiation suit and try to manually reinsert the rods using his senses (particularly his UV vision) to make sure things don't go wrong.
Post Continued
Lord Liberty enters the reactor room. Even with the radiation suit, Lord Liberty can feel the effects of the radiation. He picks up the Control Rod and slow re-inserts into the reactor. After a seeming eternity, the task is complete and the reactor shuts down.
Lord Liberty is somewhat drained from the ordeal, but no worse the wear.
With the danger over, UNTIL takes control of the situation. With the reactor down, the Beast's radiation aura is gone. It is sufficiently weaken to be controlled. Commander Sullivan says that Beast will be taken to an UNTIL lab where it can be studied and, hopefully, cured. With UNTIL's thanks, you depart.
However, while this mission did involve Genocide, the missing Crusaders have yet to be located. Somewhat saddened, you all return to the Crusaders Mansion.
Felicity has surprising news for you all on your arrival. While you were gone, a fire broke out at the Equinox Base. The upper floors of the building were totaled.
Since the Crusaders have a base, no team, Felicity suggests that the members of Equinox join the Crusaders.
Do you accept?
Spectrum's Comments: And that's all there is for Crusaders Plus. With the title coming to a close and merging with Crusaders, I did rush things along at the end. One of those cases of trying to get things to work out with other posts. The story continues in Crusaders #27.