WCA #16: Little Green Men

Written by: mikeinmke
Edited by: WakandaMan



“They’re bursting at the seams,” SHIELD Agent Jones reported, referring to the conditions at the super-high security prisons on the United States’ east coast. The New Warriors, the X-Men, and the Avengers had managed to capture several of the super-powered aliens that had been sent to Earth by unknown extra-terrestrials that had identified themselves only as the Galactic Council.
“We have more than we know what to do with out here, too,” responded Hank Pym, “and we didn’t even capture all of the aliens we were combating.” His thoughts wandered briefly to Tigra and Mockingbird, both of whom had suffered injury at the hands of the fearsome ‘inmates’ sent to Earth. Iron Man, too, had been knocked out, but his armor could be repaired or replaced faster than Greer or Bobbi could heal. The women were recovering quickly but would hardly be in a condition for another encounter with such ruthless aliens for the time being.
Hank himself had been lucky: the light-based attack of the alien android named Photonik had knocked him out, but didn’t seem to leave any lasting injury. Wonder Man, too, had given his all against that powerful android, but once again, his ionically charged constitution had made it possible for him to recover with amazing speed. (See West Coast Avengers Annual #2 for more!) “We’re still in a better position than other countries. They have a lower concentration of heroes but were struck with a similar proportion of aliens.”
“These things are out of SHIELD’s league for the most part,” Jones continued. “What’s the Avengers’ plan?”
“Well, right now, we have at least two pressing concerns. First, we need to protect the populace from the most dangerous and violent criminals; and second, we’ll have to figure out how to penetrate or negate the shield around the Earth,” Dr Pym replied. We can’t imprison these aliens forever, and returning them somehow is probably our only real solution.” Ant-Man was pleased that Jones and SHIELD had normalized relations with the Avengers since the previous Iron Man had broken into a SHIELD facility to destroy armored-suit technology based on Tony Stark’s designs. (See WCA #14)
“Have you been able to talk to any other super-powered groups?” Jones asked. The high-ranking agent nodded to Hawkeye as he noticed the expert archer enter the room behind Ant-Man.
“Yes, in fact as we speak our East coast branch are trying to get in contact with the Fantastic Four to work together in removing the shield, but it’s difficult to coordinate any activities because there are so many emergencies to respond to. It’s all we can do to keep the proverbial dam from crumbling,” Ant-Man replied.
Just then, the communication was interrupted by a priority emergency call. The screen automatically adjusted to display a scene from a high-resolution satellite system. It showed the narrow isthmus of Panama suffering from extreme flooding. Hank quickly punched a few control buttons and accessed a Latin American news agency, which had already sent a television helicopter crew to the location.
“Oh, man,” gasped Hawkeye. His mask’s cowl drew together above his eyes. He was reacting to the images of another group of aliens recklessly destroying the locks, machinery, and other facilities of the Panama Canal.
Unimaginable amounts of water had already been released and flooded nearby communities. Housing, vehicles, farm equipment – it had all been washed away. The material damage was certainly in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Suddenly, the commentary of the airborne reporter became more excited, as a green super-powered alien grabbed a portion of a loading crane and hurled it at the helicopter.
On the screen, the crane quickly appeared larger and larger until it filled the frame. Then the screen suddenly went to static for a couple seconds before it shifted back to an announcer in a television studio somewhere, whose mouth was agape for several seconds more.
Hawkeye was a fraction of a second faster than Ant-Man: he activated the com system, and the call went out to the Avengers to gather in the hangar immediately.

WCAvengers:

R Iron Man (Armor Wars) 89 (representing Rhodey still unfamiliar with the armor)
U Hawkeye (Avengers) 56
U Sersi 76
LE Ant-Man 43
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) 27
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces) 49*
* with Armor Piercing 10
350 points

Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) 127
V Skrull General (SN) 43
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) 37
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard 33
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) 30
E Skrull Warrior (SN) 30
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) 25
LE Raksor (IC) 19
344 points

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

This is going to be a tough one I think! Good luck!

*EDITOR'S NOTE: The Skrull's motivation for destroying the dam was simply to gain the attention of the local superhuman community (for reasons which will be revealed at the end of the issue). Preferably the F4, since Super-Skrull has encountered them before, but the WCA will have to do.

Just something to keep in mind when story posting for them.

Yee-hah! The new arc has begun! Thanks, Wakanda!

Now i'll have to consider Atlantis Rising....

Initiative: 5+5=10
Objects: 1+3=4

Who might be interested in this game?...

Well, it was your story intro that made me think to put that BC on.

I was nearly going to put 'Submerged' on the only Badoon without stealth, but I felt that would be too cruel.

I'm not back yet (just managed to get online shortly), but if no one has taken this game before I do, I'd be happy to run the skrulls.

Well no one has taken it, so I guess I'm up. This should be good practive for getting me back into the RPSC rules.


Mmmmmm....beeen a long time since I've used honour rolling. Very nice.

Initiative: 8 (6+2)
Objects: 10 (4+6)

Thanks for taking up this match, Wakanda. Since i won Initiative, i'll choose the 'top' (rows A & B). The structure is at the centrer top, right?

That's correct sir. Building at the top.

WCAvengers:

R Iron Man (Armor Wars) 89
U Hawkeye (Avengers) 56
U Sersi 76
LE Ant-Man 43
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) 27
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces) 49*
* with Armor Piercing 10
350 points

Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) 127 (9/9) W15
V Skrull General (SN) 43 (6/6) W14
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) 37 (5/5) W16
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard 33 (5/5) W17
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) 30 (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) 30 (5/5) W13
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) 25 (5/5) X14
LE Raksor (IC) 19 (4/4) X15
344 points

HO: U11, O11
LO: O12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

WCAvengers:
R Iron Man (Armor Wars) B10
U Hawkeye (Avengers) B11
U Sersi B5
LE Ant-Man A11
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) B13
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* B12
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) W15
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) W14
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) W16
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) W17
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) W13
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) X14
LE Raksor (IC) (4/4) X15


HOs: U11, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

( first turn later... )

WCAvengers turn 1a

“There they are,” Wonder Man said with a tone of resolve that was becoming more common for him.

The other members of the West Coast Avengers looked out the windows of their jet and could see the aliens wreaking havoc on the machinery and facilities of the Panama Canal’s workings. On their brief flight from their California headquarters to this Central American country, the West Coast Avengers had gathered as much information as they could about this unprovoked destruction. The reports repeated much of what the Avengers had already learned: widespread serious flooding, indiscriminate destruction, and numerous casualties.

Analyzing the situation with the sparse information available, Ant-Man commented on a strange aspect of this alien assault: “Hmmm. This group doesn’t resemble the bizarre group of outlaws we just fought. That is, that group was very heterogeneous with several different alien species, but these aliens seem to be all the same race.”

Before the significance of that fact could be discussed, the West Coast Avengers reached their destination. Seeing the devastation now first-hand, Wanda said quietly, “Those poor people.” Hawkeye’s jaw tightened further and he said to Ant-Man, “Take us down, Hank. I want to let these guys know what we think about people who tear up the Earth.”

Ant-Man quickly scanned the area and announced his intention, “There’s a structure over there. If we use it for cover during our approach, they won’t be able to pick us apart as we deploy.” Moon Knight nodded in silent agreement, and Iron Man said, “Just make it quick, Doc; we need to stop these guys quick.”

As the West Coast Avengers approached, they were surprised by a voice addressing them from their flank: “Hail, Avengers! We meet again to redress wrongdoing. I am pleased to have your assistance against these villains.”

“Who…?” said Iron Man.

“Surely you remember me, armored one. We fought against that Baron Zemo and that Goliath giant under the streets of New York a few months ago -- after you 'rescued' me from the Lava Men,” Sersi replied. (see WCA issues #2 and #3; Sersi could not know that the man inside the Iron Man suit was no longer Tony Stark, but rather James Rhodes.)

"We'll have time to catch up later," Ant-Man said, interrupting the flirtatious Eternal intentionally. Not only were the aliens approaching, but Hank also wanted to avoid the thoughts connected with the loss of Tony Stark. (Ant-Man's unaware that Stark is actually alive! see WCA #15) "Iron Man, pick me up and fly over there! The rest of you, form up on us!"




- Sersi flies to G7.
- Scarlet Witch moves to F9.
- Moon Knight moves to G11.
- Iron Man grabs Ant-Man and flies to G8, placing Ant-Man in H9.
- Hawkeye moves to F8.



WCAvengers:
R Iron Man (Armor Wars) G8 @
U Hawkeye (Avengers) F8 @
U Sersi G7 @
LE Ant-Man H9
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) G11 @
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* F9 @
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) W15
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) W14
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) W16
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) W17
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) W13
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) X14
LE Raksor (IC) (4/4) X15


HOs: U11, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

good luck, Wakanda!

Skrulls, Turn 1

Kl'rt's eyes narrowed. "It seems we have drawn out the locals. Unfortunately, it is not the so-called Fantastic Four. I was hoping to test my mettle against those whose powers I have duplicated. No matter, we will see if these earthlings are worth the attentions of the Skrull Empire instead. Fan out!"

The General nodded in agreement, and led the way alongside the Super-Skrull and two others, picking their way through the broken rubble of the flood.

A heavyset Skrull sloshed along behind, picking up a small car and emptying the water out of it.

General's Leadership: 3

1) Super-Skrull picks up Raksor and flies to P12, placing Rak in O13.

2) General picks up Infiltrator and flies to O15, placing Inf in O16 (both in hindering).

3) Skrull Warrior picks up HO in U11 and moves to S13.

WCAvengers:
R Iron Man (Armor Wars) G8 @
U Hawkeye (Avengers) F8 @
U Sersi G7 @
LE Ant-Man H9
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) G11 @
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* F9 @
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) P12 @
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) O15 @
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) W16
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) W17
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) S13 @ w/HO
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) O16
LE Raksor (IC) (4/4) O13


HOs: Skrull Warrior, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

WCAvengers turn 2a

The Avengers hesitated. All of them noticed what Iron Man voiced: "These guys aren't like the other aliens. They're organized."

"That's apparent, Iron Man," Ant-Man replied. "We need to be particularly vigilant. They seem to have more of an agenda than mere destruction."

Moon Knight waded through the water near the structure and warned his compatriots: "There's a large one hidden behind that retaining wall. He's the one to look out for."




- All clear.





WCAvengers:
R Iron Man (Armor Wars) G8
U Hawkeye (Avengers) F8
U Sersi G7
LE Ant-Man H9
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) G11
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* F9
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) P12 @
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) O15 @
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) W16
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) W17
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) S13 @ w/HO
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) O16
LE Raksor (IC) (4/4) O13


HOs: Skrull Warrior, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

Making a quick turn in my lunch break, so story post will have to wait.

Skrulls, Turn 2

Leadership: 2

1) Commander walks to P13.

2) Raksor fires at Sersi, using Enhancement from the Commander. AV of 9 vs DV of 15 +1. Needs a 7. Rolls a 12 ! Critical Hit! That 2 +1 for Enhance +1 for the Crit. Ouchies. Sersi is knocked back to C3.

3) The Guard swims to Q17.

WCAvengers:
R Iron Man (Armor Wars) G8
U Hawkeye (Avengers) F8
U Sersi (4/8) C3
LE Ant-Man H9
E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) G11
E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* F9
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) P12
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) O15
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) P13 @
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) Q17 @
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) S13 w/HO
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) O16
LE Raksor (IC) (4/4) O13 @


HOs: Skrull Warrior, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising

Story post:

"Have we identified our foes yet?!" the Super-Skrull barked. The general bristled. He was not accustomed to taking orders, and technically Kl'rt was the same rank as him. The Skrull infiltrator nodded in reply. "Our intel suggests they are the West Coast branch of a team of super-humans known as the Avengers."

"Ha! Let us give them something to avenge then!" He waved up the Commander, who loaded Raksor's plasma rifle with a high-yield round. Raksor aimed carefully and fired at the woman in green, sending her hurtling backwards.

WCAvengers turn 3a

- Iron Man uses Running Shot, moving to I12 and attacking Raksor > 9 vs 16 > roll: 3+6=9 HIT. Raksor takes 2 damage.
- ('free') Ant-Man moves to J9.
- Scarlet Witch uses the Ultimate X-Men TA and declares Skrull her enemy (no-brainer there...). Scarlet Witch attacks Raksor > 9 +1 (Ult X-Men TA) vs 13 > roll: 4+2=6 HIT. Raksor takes 2 more damage and is KOd.
- ('free') Sersi moves to E10.
- ('free') Moon Knight moves to L12.

( story post from the cafe in about an hour, hopefully... )

( i just thought: i probably should have had Iron Man blast the Badoon Commander... crud... )



WCAvengers:
[2] R Iron Man (Armor Wars) I12 @
[ ] U Hawkeye (Avengers) F8
[ ] U Sersi (4/8) E10 @
[ ] LE Ant-Man J9 @
[ ] E Moon Knight (Critical Mass) L12 @
[4] E Scarlet Witch (Fantastic Forces)* F9 @
* with Armor Piercing 10


Skrull Legion:
U Super-Skrull (CT) (9/9) P12
V Skrull General (SN) (6/6) O15
V Skrull (Badoon) Commander (SN) (5/5) P13 @
E Skrull (Badoon) Guard (5/5) Q17 @
R Skrull (Badoon) Warrior (SN) (4/4) W12
E Skrull Warrior (SN) (5/5) S13 w/HO
R Skrull Infiltrator (SN) (5/5) O16
LE Raksor (IC) ""KO""


HOs: Skrull Warrior, O11, J11
LOs: O12, G8, I12

Map: Indy A (The Temple)
BFC: Atlantis Rising[/quote]

edited because i forgot to indicate Raksor as KO

Hank was dividing his attentions a bit too much. He had just shrunk to insect size and was trying to establish communications with the local ant population while he advanced through the water – keeping an eye on the green-skinned off-worlders all the time.

<ZZZZOUNT> The shot went just past Ant-Man’s head. “Unngh!” It struck Sersi solidly with unexpected ferocity. She was thrown backwards by the force of the weapon. All of the Avengers turned to see whether their new ally was alright. She needed a couple seconds to pull herself out of the muddy water.

Raven hair dripping with dark water, Sersi raised her head and said, “Well struck, beast; but an Eternal is not defeated with one despicable blow.” The other Avengers were relieved to see Sersi survive such a vicious attack – with apparently little serious injury.

“Iron Man,” shouted Ant-Man, “take that alien out!” “Just what I was thinking,” Iron Man replied. With a familiar roar of bootjets, Iron Man flew to the top of the nearby structure and exacted vengeance. <SKRAAAK> The Avengers were also familiar with the sound of repulsor rays, and it was a good shot.

Right away, the Scarlet Witch focused and cast a hex bolt at the same alien. “I’ll take care of the rest, Iron Man,” she said. Amidst the organic diversity of Panama, Wanda found it relatively easy to blast the alien, who was knocked out by the Scarlet Witch’s attack.

As Sersi flew back towards her new friends, she complimented Wanda, “Thank you, Scarlet Witch, for avenging that base attack. Perhaps you are more valuable than I initially thought.” Wanda glanced briefly at Sersi to see a sarcastic smile. (Note: This exchange recalls the earlier tension between Scarlet Witch and Sersi; see WCA #2 and #3 for more.)