Scene #6452: Prelude: Contact

Owner	Pose
Spring Breeze	The City of Hypertopia is a sprawling megalopolis (or hyperopolis, as the case may be) that serves as a massive trading hub in the Tapestry. While the land surrounding it may not be as developed or at least not as high-tech, it is completely integrated into the territory of the adjacent worlds that also unified cleanly into the Multiverse. While not >specifically< a super-advanced future-tech city, its clean, sleek aesthetics and art noveau design to its buildings, streets, and water ways lends it the air of a futuristic society regardless of its actual technological development. They are accustomed to Multiversal trade and travel, and there isn't a whole lot that surprises them here. A warp gate opening spontaneously in the middle of a busy street is still pretty uncommon though. It's been hours since it first appeared, traffic has been halted, and is being diverted where it can thanks to dedicated civil workers and police officers keeping things running smoothly, along with a very efficient transportation management system, but there's still delays, rubber necking pedestrians, and congestion at intersections. No one has yet ventured through, as that isn't really something a civilian with common sense does. Who knows what's on the other side, after all? It's also not the job of the police, and though there are research teams and local militia-types assembling to begin figuring out what to do about this phenomenon, what should be sent through to check the environment, and so on, city planners and politicians are tearing their hair out about the construction work that's going to need to be done to work around this obstacle and how much it's going to cost, respectively. Some of the questions being asked were answered a few minutes ago when a towering humanoid figure strode through the Warp Gate, clad in a skin-tight white bodysuit with blue diagonal stripes across the chest, ending in red stars. His short blonde hair gleams in the light, and he actually seems to be limned in some sort of glowing aura that extends to the cape flowing out behind him despite the lack of significant wind. Outlandish attire, but distinctive enough for most people familiar with popular Earth culture to draw a correlation with comic book heroes. He does not advance beyond a certain point, standing by with his hands in flared blue gloves, feet in red boots up to his knees, glowing and observing with startlingly blue eyes. He does, however, reach up to an ear piece and speak quietly to someone listening on the other end as he takes in his surroundings.
Staren	NEW UNIFICATION! The Daedalus Initiative is on the case! Staren's ship drops out of FTL in orbit, and a moment later, Staren's beaming down into the area and explaining to anyone challenging him that he's Staren Wiremu, Hand of the Concord and a founding member of the Daedalus Initiative. Before he can get to sending drones through, though... it looks like they already have a visitor. Staren steps forward, in what's obviously high-tech military space armor, and raises a hand in a friendly wave. "Greetings! Can you understand me okay?"
Corona Arclite	And as luck would have it Corona was in the city of multiversal trade trying to hunt down some materials that weren't always easy to come by. So she just happened to still be there when the reports of a gate manifesting in another part of the city was spreading out to ward people from getting too close. Unfortunately it being in middle of the street meant that traffic was getting diverted and other streets were clogging up from the rerouting flow. So instead of trying to drive over there Corona had to make use of her grapplers and parkout skills to take an alternate path across rooftops and building ledges. That is why she's not immeadiately here and I'm sticking to it. The vixen does eventually drop in on the perimeter, literally. "Welp, didn't take word long to get out now did it?" she muses upon noticing Staren is already on site.
Silica	Silica... or in her 'civilian' guise, Keiko Ayano, was shopping when the news hit her Augma. With a gesture she pulled up the live feed, then started heading in that direction, summoning both her avatar, and one of her larger pets in two fluid steps. She takes a step. "Link. Start!" body engulfed in wireframe, before filling in with texturemap of her Cait Sith persona, and with a tap to a hotbar icon, a large grey and black tiger with a dragon tail and scales mixed into fur materializes, which she leaps atop. She makes a clicking chirp sound, and the large beast bolts forward, arriving not long after the figure steps out of the gate. "Whoa. Steady." she says to her mount, patting his neck before looking curiously at the man, and at Staren addressing him. She doesn't advance much further herself, staying a respectful distance, what with riding a giant dracotiger and all.
Solty Revant	Solty just happened to be exploring nearby when the warp gate opened. Naturally a curious person, she has stayed around to watch all the action...which really wasn't much. But still, it is interesting! Is this how people reacted when a gate to her world opened up? Her ears twitch when the comic book hero guy speaks into his device. With her super hearing she can most likely pick up whatever he said. She is just about to approach when Staren appears and makes first contact. Solty hesitates, then tries to make her way closer. "Um...hello! I am Solty Revant! Are you in trouble or anything?" she says. Staren introduces himself and Solty's ears perk. "Oh! Hello Mr. Staren! It is good to see you again!" Then Keiko and Corona appear and Solty waves to each of them cheerfully as well.
Spring Breeze	The way is cleared for Staren. One of the benefits of being as well-integrated into Multiversal society as Hypertopia is is that even if some local forces may grumble a bit about others doing their job for them, most are accustomed to the idea of people from other places handling problems that those unequipped for dealing with are better off staying away from. It's not even an 'us vs. them' or 'outsiders vs. locals' thing, just some of the younger individuals having ideas about being known as so-called 'Elites' themselves some day if they just get the opportunity to punch the next intergalactic tyrant in the jaw. Those people are mainly volunteers or new recruits and are not in a decision-making position, thankfully. So as each person shows up to deal with the new Unification, they are accorded due respect by those who >are< in charge, and any logistical support or intelligence they need, as long as it's available to provide. A police captain on-scene nods towards the heroic figure as Elites pass her by and says, "He's the only one who's passed through so far, in either direction, as far as we know. He hasn't addressed us, though he's clearly aware of us. I think he's waiting for us to make the first move." Solty indeed hears the man's words when he speaks into his communicator. 'Environment appears equivalent to our Earth's. I am still waiting on results on the atmosphere. Locals are aware of me and being cautious, but have taken no hostile action. I'm still waiting to hear back from Exalted.' He stops speaking when Solty and Staren greet him, and focuses on them with laser-sharp clarity. He doesn't smile, but he does return the waving gesture. "I can understand you just fine. It's good to meet you, Solty Revant. I am called Champion. I'm in no trouble, though it appears that some has been caused by this Breach." He glances behind him at the rippling blue energy field in the air. "I had no hand in its placement, but I regret the inconvenience caused." He turns to face forward again, apparently unconcerned about the possibility of someone attacking while his back is turned. No one has been hostile so far. Why should he worry? He definitely notes the girl riding on a tiger and the vulpine woman as well. They stand out a bit from those around them.
Silica	Silica's ears flick a bit, listening to the conversation. She turns when Corona approaches, giving the foxwoman a wave and smile. She then dismounts, patting the tiger's neck and making a low whistle, which signals him to lay down, eyes trained on the warpgate and the figure, a 'passive guard' posture. The little catgirl then trots over, coming into line with Staren and Solty, giving the latter a quick hug then looking back at Champion.
Solty Revant	Solty thanks the police captain for the information even though Solty is no authority figure. She isn't even in a faction. She smiles to Champion when he introduces himself, and gives Silica a big hug when she approaches. And Corona if the fox makes her way closer as well. She then turns to Chamion once more. "It isn't your fault. Apparently gates like this just appear wherever they want. They'll be alright." she says with a smile, then tilts her head. "Who's Exalted? Oh uh...and welcome to the Multiverse! Nice to meet you, Mr. Champion!" She bows politely at the waist, then stands up straight again and smiles cheerfully.
Corona Arclite	In an effort to not look hostile Corona tucks her hands in the pockets of her duster as she ambles over to join the rest of the 'Elites'. It works as far as posture, but the multiple belts of various tools, pouchs and very clearly occupied holsters off-set it. "Looks like some world was unlucky 'nuff fer their Gate to open smack middle of a populated area. Good thing the fellar don't seem to be aggressive." As she stops by the rest she leans a bit closer to Staren and lowers her voice to a whisper. "How come he's all tussed up like some pulp mag cover?"
Staren	Staren blinks. "Greetings, Champion. I am Staren Wiremu of the Concord." He waves a dismissive hand at the gate, "It happens. They'll... deal with it. So... where are you from? What's it like? Is it an Earth? If so what year is it?"
Spring Breeze	Champion calmly watches as the other notable figures in the area line up or at least move closer to him, apparently abandoning the tactical position of not clustering together where a single attack could take them all out in favor of a show of trust. Or that is one interpretation at least. He doesn't miss that Solty overheard him speaking under his breath before, and says, "'The Multiverse'. I surmised from your reactions that you were aware of other worlds too, but that term seems to confirm it. As for Exalted... I am sure you will meet her soon." How mysterious and cryptic. He answers the barrage of questions from Staren without missing a beat. "Good to meet you, Staren Wiremu. I would like to learn more about your Concord at a future date. It's good to know that this won't be a problem. I am from the United States of America, and one of many Earths, as I take it you are. The aesthetics are a bit different, and I have not seen enough beyond this area to gauge what other discrepencies there might be. Locally, it is the year 2019 CE. I am one of the founding members and chairman of a group of parahumans known as the Archetypes. It is our task to maintain law and order, stop villains, provide disaster relief and rescue, and lend humanitarian aid where we can." He trails off from providing further explanation, his gaze drifting upwards. Eventually others watching all this may mimic him as they either follow his gaze or note the increasing brightness of the immediate area. A female figure glowing bright white descends from the sky above, lengths of cloth floating around her in rings that look as rigid as metal despite being fabric. Her costume consists of a series of white bands strategically located at various points, creating a collection of crosses that evoke religious imagery. Where the bands don't cover, there is a mix of cut-outs that reveal bioluminiscent flesh or maybe some kind of solid light construct, with everything else covered by a gold bodysuit. Her face is unseen behind a full face mask with golden lenses, and her hair is a practically molten mass of glowing white strands wreathing her head like a halo. Champion says, "Welcome back." The woman nods to him, and then speaks in ethereal tones. "It's big." Seeing Champion arching an eyebrow, she expounds, "I had to turn back. There was no end that I could see, and I didn't want to risk losing track of my starting point. It may be larger than our entire solar system." Champion purses his lips slightly, and then focuses back on what are, to him at least, obviously local heroes. "I'd like to introduce you to Exalted. I can handle the vacuum of space, but she came through ahead of me, just in case the environment was too hazardous even for me."
Silica	"The Multiverse is immense. It's like... a bunch of universes stitched together." blurts Silica in a rather immature showing. She's chirpy, and bouncy, ears twitching and tail lightly flicking as she speaks. "So, yeah, it's pretty big... there's a few planets that orbit the main body too!" She looks a bit awed at Exalted, but gives her a bright smile regardless. "I'm Silica. I come from a version of Earth too, but the current year is... uh..." she blinks a bit, ears flattening against the side of her head. "Uhm... I forgot, but we have like, full dive VR and Augmented Reality stuff so..."
Staren	Staren nods. "There are many Earths -- I'm from the one where magic came back at the end of the 21st century, caused an apocalypse, and it's taken three hundred years for us to rebuild civilization. Most Earths are in the 20th or 21st centuries, though. The Archetypes certainly sound like they'd get along with local organizations..." Staren rubs his chin and adds more softly, "Mainly the Paladins..." Staren looks up. "It is. The area we call sector zero is wider than a galaxy."
Corona Arclite	"Some of us, obviously, ain't even from Earth." Her aside didn't get an answer but it's not really an issue. Staren's focused on the important matter in front of them. One hand is removed from it's pocket to reach up and grip her hat, giving it a polite tilt forward as she nods her head. "Corona Arclite, machinst and," she actually pauses for a moment to consider what isn't going to come off sounding too gruff or ominous sounding, "Bounty hunter," she finally settles on. "Of varmints the normal law can't hassle with." Or doesn't want to, but that just sounds depressing. The hand remains on her hat to keep it in place as she leans her head back to look up as everyone else follows Champion's gaze. The other hand idly emerges from pocket to pull her goggles over her eyes properly. Initially to zoom in on the approaching form, but as it gets closer Corona mutters and switchs to tinted lenses to deal with the illuminating presence. "Exalted, huh? Cert'nly got the look fer it." "An' that measurement ain't countin' all the planets that ain't connected to the big'un," she drawls for the rest of the conversation. But doesn't get into specifics or locations. Still not entirely sure if these newcomers are entirely on the up and up.
Solty Revant	Solty too looks awed by Exalted's appearance. She blinks though as she recalls what was said earlier. "Oh. I guess the local police didn't notice you come through before. Are you able to disappear?" she says to Exalted with the enthusiastic curiousity of a child. She listens to the others, then nods in agreement with Corona. "I'm not from Earth, either. And uh...I guess I don't really have a job or anything. I just seem to have good luck when it comes to encountering interesting things!" She bows to Exalted finally and smiles. "I'm Solty Revant! Nice to meet you!" she says in a cheerful tone. She thinks for a moment, putting her finger to her lips in the process. "I think my world isn't connected to the 'big'un'."
Spring Breeze	Some expression other than careful neutrality finally touches Champion's lips in the form of a small smirk. "That sounds interesting, Silica. We have plenty of tech enthusiasts who would probably love to learn more." Staren's explanation of his own Earth gets a carefully regulated response from Champion. "Magic, is it? There are those where I come from who also believe that the source of their powers comes from a supernatural or higher source, Exalted included." He gestures at the glowing woman. Exalted sounds slightly annoyed or defensive when she responds, "Not just 'a higher source'. There is only one Authority responsible for the gifts I have received from Him." Champion is back to neutral as he bows his head slightly and says, "You know that I am not one of the doubters, Exalted. But not all believe as you do, and I did not wish to disrespect their beliefs either." The small amount of tension Exalted was giving in her body language disappears as quickly as it came and she says, "I know, Champ. I'm just a little on edge right now." She folds her arms and descends closer to the ground, still not quite touching, but dimming the radiance she gives off to less blinding levels. In the process her silhouette becoms more distinct. Apparently that really is skin, just glowy. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." Champion appears to accept the apology, even if it lacked a sorry, and moves on to addressing those before him. "A woman of the law, acting where sometimes a more free hand or mobile agent is needed to bring trouble makers to justice. I respect your calling." Exalted answers Solty's question with a demonstration, flaring again, and vanishing for an eyeblink, during which a streak of light zips all around the area. She has already reappeared again before those with normal human reaction time have finished recognizing what just happened. "I'm very fast. Unless the local police can track things moving at the speed of light, they wouldn't have noticed me. That was part of the idea, just in case my arrival wasn't met with friendly faces, and instead with lots of firepower." Champion raises a hand up to head level to show it has nothing in it and slowly retrieves a device from his waist, making sure those watching can see what he is doing every step of the process. A quick glance down at the read-outs, and he's focused back on the welcoming committee. "An analysis indicates that this atmosphere supports life forms from our Earth. I have allies on the other side of this portal, waiting to find out if it's safe for them to come through. I try to be mindful of appearances, and I don't want it to look as though this is a prelude to an invasion or occupation. Do I have the consent of your local authorities to invite them through?"
Corona Arclite	Corona glances at her wrist device, but even the analyzer is having difficulty keeping up with Exalted's demonstration. ".. Bein' redonculously fast counts too." There's really no reason to question that farther. A few flicks of her tail indicates that she's still a little wary, but it's gone from being supicious of possible intrusions to just generally concern of being sure things don't get misunderstood between different realties. She glances over to Staren, since he was the first here. Then turns to look back at the local authorities standing watch on the sidelines. "Reckon it's up to them. Y'all did inadvertantly pop up in middle of their city." Though this city was a melding pot of multiversal cultures already, so there shouldn't be too much of a problem, hopefully.
Solty Revant	Solty flinches in surprise when Exalted suddenly starts zipping about as a light beam, but her eyes seem to have little trouble tracking Exalted's movements. "Oooh. No wonder! I can do something sort of like that, but not for very long." she says with a happy smile. The question of whether Champion can call his friends through draws a shrug from Solty. "I really can't say. I just came over to make sure everyone was alright. But, there was no trouble at all when my world unified. In fact, strangers immediately came through and helped us with things! Roy might not be alive if it wasn't for them! And Corona here is helping people try to find out what the Aurora Shell is." She pauses a moment, smiling cheerfully, then blinks as she realizes they don't know who Roy is. "Oh! Roy adopted me after I lost my memory. He can be a little grumpy, but he cares about me and always tries to keep me safe." She hesitates a moment. "He...doesn't really like me coming out to do this kind of thing, though. But, I can't just stay in the apartment all the time, can I?"
Staren	Staren rolls his eyes at the comment about magic. "I know, I know how it sounds. But trust me, magic is a scientific field with understandable rules that I just am not personally an expert in. There's a major university that studies it in my home city of Lazlo." Exalted speaks. "Oh. One of /those/. Yeah, gods are real too. Although fewer people scientifically study them. They're just people with powers, though." Staren watches Exalted zip around, a bit surprised at that, "Your approach is sensible! The Multiverse needs more people who think like that." Staren nods to Champion. "Of course. If this was the start of an invasion, you wouldn't stand a chance." He smiles earnestly.
Silica	Oooo. Pretty. Silica can't follow Exalted's movement, but she claps regardless at the demonstration. As for the question of if the others can come through, Silica has a novel idea. She leaps into the air, summoning four golden wings that seem to phase in from stardust, and waves toward the police contingent, beckoning someone over. When they arrive, she explains the situation, and if they can, gets them to approve or deny, or if they can't, sends them to explain things to the proper authority figures. Turning back to the group, Silica beams brightly, "Oh! I was one of the ones that helped Miss Solty! That guy was big and mean."
Spring Breeze	Exalted glances at the locals as Corona puts the responsibility in their hands. The police captain is on the phone with someone, probably someone important. It's not like they can physically stop people from passing through warp gates, and people coming through them is pretty standard day-to-day stuff. Most visitors aren't nearly as respectful of local laws and authorities. So allowing whoever is being spoken to to decide, regardless of if they could actually prevent, is a lot more authority than they are usually treated as having. It seems that settles that. She then focuses on Solty. "He sounds like a very caring person." she says in response to the explanation of Roy, even if she doesn't know what an Aurora Shell is. Sounds important, whatever it is. "The Archetypes have had a hand in caring for amnesiacs at times too. It's a difficult journey you're on, but manageable with support from others and faith." Staren's 'one of /those/' in response to her pronouncing her powers divine in origin again makes her bristle a little but she keeps the retort to herself this time. He's not denying her claim, even if the casual way he talks about gods is mildly off-putting. What kind of 'gods' can they actually be if they evoke so little respect from those who acknowledge their existence? Silica waving someone over has the captain pulling an officer aside and passing along a message then giving a thumbup. The officer comes over and tells Silica the mayor has granted the same standard-issue travel license that most everyone gets just for entering the city, with the usual restrictions that say that if they cause trouble they will also be held to the same laws and consequences as any other local resident. Champion nods to Staren. "Even if that is the case, lives would be lost in the process. It would be best to avoid causing an incident that would benefit no one." He then lowers his voice to speak into his earpiece and essentially communicates that they have permission to come through and it's safe to do so, but to keep all armament holstered or pointed at the ground and not at any people. The forces that begin coming through a few seconds later are clad in black and gray tactical armor, helmets, completely face-concealing black face plates, ammunition clips strapped to them in several places, and undrawn firearms of some kind that look designed to shoot something other than bullets. They come through like the well-trained units they are, assembling in a semi-circle to create a perimeter in advance of some obviously more research-oriented people in traditional Science Clothes, wheeling equipment with them, and even a hover bed of some kind with supplies as though they are expecting to camp out in the middle of the street. Another costumed figure comes through, in a mix of gold and red armor that gives off a sort of Chinese feel to it, possibly due to the combination of lions and flames in his motif. Struts start forming themselves in the air the moment he steps through, seemingly just trailing off into thin air while other struts, beams, and supports extend out of nowhere in other locations, quickly assembling a framework of ambiguous purpose. Champion turns to greet the new arrivals, his voice carrying sufficiently for the new hero to be identified. "Triumph." Triumph responds in a brassy baritone that fits his bulky frame, "Zakunft isn't happy. Says we should be trying to seal it, not making contact." Champion responds, "I am aware of his sentiments on matters extra-dimensional." The two of them get involved in a discussion, but something that might jump out to some present, is that on the right-side of the chest plate of those military-police-looking figures in the tactical armor, are two sets of three letters painted in white. PRT. ENE.
Silica	Silica watches as some SWAT guys come marching through... that, isn't exactly what she was expecting... and that shows in the dracotiger lifting his head and tensing just slightly. The scientists draw a quirked brow and offkilter ear arrangement, before the catgirl floats over and peers at one of the sentries... "Uhm... Hi. What's PRT stand for?" she asks, blunt and to the point. She's trusting this guy won't just backhand her for getting too close, floating in front of him on those wings, which don't seem to move, like they're just there as a visual que that she's in 'flight mode'.
Corona Arclite	Armed and armored escorts. Even if they were being peaceful these newcomers weren't taking things for granted... Honestly probably a lot smarter than most first contacters, that want to rush and see all the new stuff. She squints a little behind her goggles, regarding the men and their loadout. Those are not standard ballistic projectile weapons, Corona can tell that much. But her attention is almost immeadiate siezed by the second batch arrivals and their research gear. Especially when one of them starts building stuff out of thin air. "Now -that- is somethin' y'all don't see every day."
Staren	Staren nods at Champion's caution. And then... bristles a bit when the black-clad security forces come through. Still handle-able... he relaxes a bit when they security forces end and obvious Science Guys come through. He watches with interest until they chatter again. "No good. If this is here, it's only one of many ways to reach your world. Either it's part of the superplanet, or it's up there... There might be some security in obscurity, but only temporarily. Someone will stumble across it eventually."
Solty Revant	Solty feels a bit uneasy as all those special ops people come through (at least that's what it looks like to her). She doesn't have much experience with soldiers, especially those in full tactical gear following actual squad tactics. She takes a few steps back to give them some room and herself some breathing room, but seems more intimidated than on edge. "Maybe it is like the R.U.C." she says to Silica before looking around at the scientists. She listens to what Champion, Triumph, and Staren say about the gates, then raises a hand. "Also...I don't think anyone has found a way to actually close gates like this. I heard they are made by a mysterious, unknown power." She looks to Staren. "Is that true?" He seems to be a knowledgeable one.
Spring Breeze	The officer that Silica addresses doesn't immediately respond, instead turning to the person next to him to see if there's some direction there on if he's supposed to be talking to the locals. The other officer turns away as though he didn't notice. Above his paygrade. The first officer says through a voice modulator of some kind, "PRT stands for 'Parahuman Response Team'. We are with the PRT East-North-East, or ENE for short, based out of Brockton Bay." He apparently anticipated the next question would be about the second abbreviation so decided to just answer it now. Champion turns at Staren's interjection, and Solty's correction about the nature of the gates, and seems to consider the others' demeanors. Apparently he decides these are statements of fact or at least very strong conviction. He nods briefly in acknowledgement, then turns back to Triumph. "I am not saying tell him not to work on it, but pass along to him that this is different from his past work and that he should be focusing on accommodating multiple incursion points and having a reception for visitors that will evaluate them as friendly, hostile, or unknown, and treat them appropriately. And he should do so in a way that will >not< push them towards hostile just so that he can justify his paranoia." Triumph listens as more struts and supports snap together around him, phasing out of existence periodically when they reach a certain level of complexity or start taking up too much space, to be replaced with a new series of energy structures that restart the process. "Are you saying 'don't tell him to stop' because he won't listen or because you think there's still a chance of sealing it?" Champion glances over his shoulder again at Staren. "The former. He can look into it if he likes, but no going maverick this time. There's plenty of work already, and we'd like a >friendly< relationship with our neighbors." Very little body language translates through Triumph's armor, but the lion-headed helmet turning to take in Staren, Corona, Solty, and the inquisitive Silica at least carries with it the base sentiment that he is evaluating those who have made such an impression on the leader of the Archetypes that he trusts their assessment. "Right. I'll let him know. And I'll leave out the paranoia bit for you too." Triumph says as he turns away and heads back towards the warp gate. "Thank you." Champion says to his comrade's retreating back. Triumph just waves without looking in response before he vanishes. The glowing super hero then faces the locals again, running a hand through his hair and breathing out slightly. A surprisingly human gesture for one who has thus far demonstrated barely more emotion than a machine. "They are an escort for our research team. If there is a better place for them to set up, an embassy or similar, do let them know. Creating an even larger traffic jam won't endear us to the population. I will return later on. As leader of the Archetypes, I should communicate all this to the Protectorate on the other side directly. They are a bit miffed that an independent group took point on exploring the rift that appeared in their designated territory." Exalted seems to be staying, hovering over everyone and supervising, or creating light constructs like giant hands or platforms to lift things as-needed.
Corona Arclite	Corona Arclite rubs the back of her head with one hand, then corrects her hat from being dislodged to the side. "Staren, y'all seem to have this under control. Might wanna get ahold of city officials and see 'bout getting these folks a place, well," She pauses to glance over her shoulder. While the cityfolk have stayed out of the way, it can't be said they're not taking an interest in what's going on. "Got less rubberneckers to deal with."
Staren	Staren looks curious at the word 'Parahuman' and surprised at the name 'Brockton Bay'. But he nods at Champion's explanation of Triumph's work. And then they mention the Protectorate. Staren's not sure what to tell them, though. Staren reaches into his bag and pulls out a tablet. He collapses it down to smartphone size and holds it out. "Here. It should work within a few kilometers of the gate, if you want to talk to us. ...I imagine the factions will contact you soon at whatever embassy you set up... Well, two of them. The Watch will-- well. They'll see if they can sneak by all these people here, I suppose." "...What do you want? Ultimately this is going to be... an economic relationship. One of matching problems and solutions. I'm sure we have problems some people from your world will be keen to solve... and you, us." Staren scratches the side of his helmet. "Call the Paladins. The Concord will find you at your... embassy. The Watch will meet... probably /not/ you, but other people on your world, in a dark alley somewhere."
Solty Revant	When Triumph looks her way, Solty is busy watching in curiousity as all those energy bars form and reform. "What is all that?" she asks finally, pointing to the ever growing and shrinking structure that has been forming around Triumph since he arrived. She also watches wide-eyed when Exalted forms those things out of light to help the team that just emerged. Staren's summaries of the factions cause Solty's ears to perk. "The Watch isn't like that." She looks to Corona. "Are they?"
Corona Arclite	Corona Arclite does give Staren a bit of a look when he describes his interpretation of the Watch's methods... but doesn't say anything because she can't really say he's -wrong- in his assessment. "Some of em do prefer to operate 'from the shadows'. But that don't automatically make it a bad thing. Ya can't hit every problem head on, after all," she replies to Solty instead. "REally it's just more loosely aligned than the other factions. Do what needs to be done, without so much.. overhead."
Spring Breeze	Champion accepts the offered device, showing some interest in the collapsible nature of it, and says, "Thank you. I will keep these names in mind. Ultimately, the Archetypes will do as we always have, and governments will do as they always have, but I can not say what specifically those other than our group will do. Our world is, to be honest, very frightened of other worlds, due to an incident four years ago. We are almost to the fifth anniversary of a devastating event we call 'The Storm', in which the defensive measures we had put in place to guard against extra-dimensional incursion just barely succeeding in keeping us safe. Even then, blasts of golden energy pierced reality itself and left permanent scars on our world." He puts the device away on his belt after handing off the atmosphere analyzer to one of the researchers, the smartphone just attaching there as that glowing aura around him flows over it. "We have been sealed off since then. Many aren't happy. Many more are just scared. But it is my hope that encounters like this one will represent the majority of our interactions, as long as cooler heads prevail. There will be those who attempt to spread discord or exploit our newfound connections for personal gain, but with vigilance and compassion we can make it work." He offers his gloved hand to Staren. "It was good to meet you. I look forward to speak with all of you again." He nods his head to the seemingly departing Corona, and to Silica and Solty. They have all made sure the initial impression is a good one, even if only in the area by chance. There are probably many other first contact scenarios that don't go nearly as well. Locals begin escorting their guests to whatever passes for an embassy and/or orientation center. The Science People are clearly interested but also just as clearly cautious. Until they have a better idea of what's what, they aren't about to take any chances, and they stay nearby their escorts at all times. These are people who have learned from experience not to easily trust strangers. If these are the open-minded ones who actually want to explore, those who react based on fear to the very notion of a Multiverse are probably going to be far more suspicious and take far more drastic steps to keep themselves isolated. Exalted is floating by when Solty asks her question. "Triumph is what we call a 'Tinker' on our world. He essentially has the power to invent technology decades ahead of our time. His specialty is construction." She casually lifts several tons of machinery back onto the hover platform it was loaded off of since they apparently aren't staying here, with a forklift made of white light. "From what he tells me, he can build in dimensions other than the four standard ones. So there may be ladders, bridges, houses, or whatever he wants to make existing in parallel to conventional space, but imperceptible and immaterial to us, even when it occupies the same point in space that we do, and he can bring it out at will." The light-based heroine looks towards Solty, perhaps wondering if she should be divulging information like that, but either decides that Corona and Solty aren't going to understand it well enough to use it for anything malicious, or that they are trustworthy enough that they won't go spreading it around. And how can it even be exploited, anyway? She waves to the two of them and then goes flying off to join the rest of the PRT forces.
Staren	Staren blinks at the way Solty and Corona react. "Oh! I didn't mean it that way!" He holds up his hands. "I just meant... they'd probably prefer to meet discreetly. And make sure they're not being fed lies about what you /want/ us to think your world is like! That's all." He lowers his hands. "Geeze." They mention 'the storm.'. "Ohhhhhhh. I can see how something like that would worry you. Well, I hope that this contact... develops differently." He shakes the hand. Exalted explains that Triumph's been setting up here but not here. "Is that so?" Staren retracts his visor and puts on a pair of black goggles from his bag... and then covers his eyes, "Aaaagh whyyyy..." He takes the goggles off and puts them away again, still covering his eyes with a hand.
Solty Revant	Solty listens to both Corona's and Staren's explanations, then lets out a semi-understanding 'oooooh'. "They just want to see for themselves and not take people's word for it." she says with a nod. The unusual green-haired girl must have no place in particular to go, because she seems content to stay here and watch until the Archetypes and the PRT are done. The look on Solty's face when Exalted explains about Triumph makes it clear that divulging such information to her carries little risk. Except perhaps in that she has a tendency to jabber. "Four? I thought there were only three dimensions? Erm...well, within one dimension..." She scratches her head a bit, trying to work it out in her mind. Staren puts on those goggles and seems to get blinded, and Solty gasps. "Are you alright Mr. Staren?" she asks, hopping over to him quickly.
Staren	"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, I'm still learning how to use these and that gave me a headache." Staren replies