NERD I: Totally not ripping off the Avengers, we swear.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Helping protect the innocent.

Not far from the edges of Inside sits a large plot of land. This land consists of a decent sized field, a large pond, and a small forested area sitting on top of a short, wide cliff. There's also a large, sprawling structure, reaching out to all of these spots.

Said structure is a wide building, with some areas standing up taller than others. It's mostly two stories tall, but a few spots reach five stories easily. It's recently built, and of plain design. There's a visible hangar and garage for vehicles.

This is the base of a new organization. The Nexus Extraordinary Response Division (NERD for short). Their goal is to help the people of the Nexus. Stopping crime. Responding to disasters. In general, being heroes.

Spoiler: NERD Main Building

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The building is very wide, and relatively short. There's one public entrance, leading to an open reception area. It's designed with an open office feel, with lots of huge windows and stuff. There are a few counters for visitors, with workers to help them as needed. Here is where one would go to get a tour of the complex, give info for the teams to look into, and even sign up to join the group.

From here, access is restricted to members. There are many rooms needed for any standard super hero team to operate. Offices for team leaders. Gyms. A few training rooms using hard-light technology. Dorm areas for other team members. And more.

Spoiler: Other Buildings

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There are a few other buildings on the land. A garage and a hangar, connected to the main building through a single hallway. The hangar has a helicopter pad on top, and a short runway in front of it. The pond has a small boathouse. The whole area has a security fence around it, with several guardhouses.

Spoiler: Joining NERD

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Becoming a member is fairly simple. fill out a form, sit with a member for a short interview, and then go with them on a mission. If they feel you performed well, you're in!

Membership form:

Name:
Age:
Powers (If Any):
Experience (If Any):
Reason For Joining:

There are a few rules members must follow, or risk losing their membership.

1) No killing people on purpose.
2) Anybody caught doing a crime is to be handed over to the proper authorities.
3) Protecting civilians comes first. Even if it means the criminal gets away.

Members are expected to report their work to their team leader on a regular basis. Team leaders must keep other leaders informed of any major events.

Spoiler: Team Members

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Members are split up into teams. Teams consist of four members each, with one person set as the leader. Members are grouped together with powers/abilities in mind, to make sure a team can handle almost any situation that comes up. Members can change teams as needed/requested, but once a member is assigned to a team, they'll probably stay with that team.

Teams are also assigned as Active or Inactive. Active teams spend most of their time with NERD, and are usually the main ones called on when needed. Inactive teams are usually left to do their own thing, but may be called upon at times. They are also able to call on other teams for help if needed.

Members can also be assigned to other, on-base jobs, as needed/requested. They will not be assigned to a specific team.

Spoiler: Alpha Team (Active)

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Leader: Krystal (NERD Director, expert in heroic traditions)

Spoiler: Non-team Members (Mostly NPCs)

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Reception: Sam and Pam (NPCs, twin brother and sister)
Cafeteria: Johnny Two-Spoons (NPC, Head Cook, looks and acts like an extra from Grease, some kind of kitchen wizard)
Security: Stallings (NPC, Head of Security, resident grumpy detective that's too old for this)

Spoiler: Boring OoC Stuffs

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This is a new group, so some stuff may change as time goes by.

Please, no godmodding without express permission from the players involved. Because that's just not fun.

No having a villain randomly swooping in to destroy the place. Also not fun. Plan this stuff out with the players beforehand.

Follow all the GitP rules, too. Or else.

[Shadowcaller]

Main Entrance

A goblin lady that doesn't look very super-hero like (maybe they're in their civilian clothes?) is approaching the main entrance.
She might be a reporter or some-such as she is carrying a camera around her neck and has that curious look on her.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Main Entrance]

The lady will find a simple gate in the fence, with a guardhouse next to it. Nothing fancy, but clearly sending the message that you'll be watched when in here.

Within the guardhouse is an old, grizzled man, with close cut black hair and permanent five o'clock shadow. He eyes the goblin lady as she approaches. Nothing hostile in his expression, but he's keeping an eye on her.

Hello, ma'am. How can I help ya?

His voice sounds like he's smoked three packs a day for forty years. At least. There's a small TV on the desk inside, some football game being broadcast. There's also a half eaten sandwich. Looks like a reuben.

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Entrance]

The goblin walks right up to the man and offers him her hand. "Good day, sir! I'm Amy Zap, and I've come with a suggestion to the hero team that they can't resist!" She claims before oddly pausing. "...there is a hero-team right? I mean, I know they're just starting off, so figured I'd come here as early as possible so I'd get all their story n' stuff."

[bc56]

Entrance - Special Delivery

An unmarked delivery truck rolls up to the entrance. The driver, a young, brown-haired man in a t-shirt and jeans leans out the window to whoever is guarding the gate. "Excuse me! I have a delivery here for NERD."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

The man will shake the offered hand, a faint smile on his face. He's wearing a standard security outfit. The nametag reads "Stallings".

Yes it is, ma'am. They haven't started any official tours for the public, yet. But...They might let an individual in. Let me check.

He steps into the guardhouse and picks up the phone, speaking to somebody for a moment. Then he hang up, grabs something off a wall, and returns.

Alright. This is a security pass. He hands over a lanyard with a tag attached, the word VISITOR on it in large letters. If you head on in through the front door, reception will be able to direct you from there.

Then he heads back into the guardhouse and flips a switch. The front gate smoothly and quickly slides open.

Have a nice day, ma'am.

-----------------------------------------

[Main Entrance - Special Delivery]

Stallings was leaning back in his chair, his attention split between the TV and the road leading to the gate. When the truck pulls up, he raises and eyebrow, then gets out of the chair and steps out to meet it, a tablet in hand.

Delivery, huh? He starts scrolling through the tablet. Who from?

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"Jason Fisher," the man sighs, "Shipment of assorted technological paraphernalia." He gestures back to the truck.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Main Entrance - Special Delivery]

Stallings scrolls through the tablet a bit more, before pausing and tapping through a few things.

Alright. Everything seems legit. He walks back to the guardhouse to flip the switch for the gate.

Head on through to the main bay. He points to the large garage door on the main building. Krystal will meet you in there.

If Jason looks, he'll see the door opening already.

[bc56]

Special Delivery

Jason pulls into the garage, grinning. The truck rattles as it moves, but whatever its cargo is, it doesn't make a sound. This place is pretty good as far as superhero lairs go. Not as secret as he'd prefer, but that's one of the things you have to sacrifice for recognition.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Garage - Special Delivery]

The main garage looks nice and new and clean. It's wide enough for several vehicles, and tall enough for any standard truck.

Krystal is standing in there, a welcoming smile on her face. She's wearing a similar ensemble to their previous meeting. Sneakers, jeans, a plain T-shirt, and a denim jacket.

Hello, Jason, and welcome!

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"Thanks. Nice place you've got here. Where should I set up my equipment? I need an industrial-grade power source, a good amount of space for storage and workbenches, and a window would be nice." Jason parks the truck and gets out, walking around to open up the back.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Garage - Special Delivery]

Krystal chuckles a bit. Need the nature view, huh?

Some nameless NPC workers are already bringing carts around the the back of the truck.

Most of the workshop places are underground, and private quarters on the second floor. She thinks for a moment. We do have a couple empty rooms on the first floor, though. Haven't thought of a good use for them yet. Could probably turn one of those into a lab for ya. Won't be as big as the main ones, though.

[bc56]

Special Delivery

The back of the truck is full of crates, which are lashed tightly down to avoid them sliding about. Almost all of them are marked FRAGILE in large type. "I'll take a basement space. I can always rig up a holographic display or something."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Garage - Special Delivery]

The workers handle the crates with care as they load them onto the carts, and wheel them over to a freight elevator.

Krystal nods a bit, and starts walking towards the elevator, beckoning Jason to follow. Okay. You wanna sleep in your lab? I could set that up. Or you could take one of the private rooms. Up to you.

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"I'll take a room upstairs, please." Jason pulls a couple suitcases our of passenger's seat of the truck. "Tell me about this place."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Special Delivery]

Krystal offers to carry one of the suitcases. Then she'll lead him out of the garage and into a hallway. The walls all look new, brightly lit, and while not quite homely, they look like they were designed to be bit more than just a place of business.

Well... She thinks for a moment, then glances at him with her pure white eyes. Have you ever heard of a group called the Avengers? Most likely from a comic or movie?

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"Who hasn't? I prefer the comics myself." Jason is positively grinning. He knows exactly where this discussion is going.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Special Delivery]

Krystal grins.

Weeeeell...I'm from another dimension. One where they're real. And I'm a mutant. Once I got my powers, becoming a hero was what I wanted to do. I mean, how could I not? And after seeing how some of the places here have gotten so bad? Seemed like an obvious decision to make.

Had to do a lot of sweet talking to my universe's Tony to get this place built, though. Strange helped me there.

A short ways from the garage, she takes him into an elevator, and up to the second floor.

I've had a lot of experience back home doing hero stuff. Even worked with some of the big names a few times. Figured I could bring some of that knowledge and experience here. Help out the people of the Nexus.

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Entrance]

The goblin grins as she eagerly accepts the pass. "Thank you mister Stallings, I'll be sure to remember that! Have a nice day too!"
Then she hurries inside, following the instructions given to her.

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"Right. Definitely could use the help here." Jason pauses. "Let's get these bags up to my room, and then I want to see the lab."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Special Delivery]

Krystal gives a quick nod and leads Jason to an empty room. It was a simple place. Basically a college dorm room, with it's own bathroom and a tiny kitchenette.

Not much, but these are meant as optional places. Some people might wanna live in their own homes. Ain't gonna make anybody stay here.

After that, she'll lead Jason back to the elevator and down to the first basement. This hall is brightly lit, and workers are bringing the last of the crates to the first door from the elevator.

And here are the labs! You're actually getting the first one.

----------------------

[Main Enteance - Press Release]

The foyer of the building was built to be both welcoming and impressive. A few tall counters formed a semi circle around the doors. Benches sat in the middle, with a couple small potted trees. The room was two stories tall, with one wall being just windows, letting in plenty of daylight. Beyond the counters were a couple of staircases, leading t a second floor balcony.

Two people stood at the counters. A man and a woman that looked almost exactly the same. In fact, one might suspect that the woman kept her hair long just to make it easy for people to tell them apart. Both of them give the goblin lady a large welcoming smile.

Hello, ma'am! The man will walk around the counter, offering a hand to shake. Welcome! Our director is on her way down to meet you. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Enteance - Press Release]

The goblin takes a moment to take in the wast building, quietly wondering who was paying for all this before she approaches the counter.
It probably wasn't her height though so she stops some distance away from it and shake the man's hand. "Uh, hey! But I'm fine, thanks. People tell me I don't need coffee either way." She smiles nervously.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

The man chuckles a bit. That's okay. I don't even like the stuff.

The woman at the other counter looks up. Yeah. He has no taste. She gives a wide grin.

The man rolls his eyes a bit. Hah hah.

At that moment, steps can be heard from one of the staircases. The man turns his attention to them. Ah! Here she is.

The woman coming down the stairs didn't really look the part of director of a super team. She wore work boots, jeans, a black t-shirt, and a red biker jacket. The jacket had a large stylized K on the back of it. The woman herself was of average height and somewhat athletic build. Her hair was straight, jaw length, and pure white. It looked like fine strands of fiber optic cable. Her skin was a bit on the pale side. Her eyes were pure white. No iris. No pupil. Just white.

She approaches Amy, a warm smile on her face. Hi! How are you? My name's Krystal. Nice to meet you.

[bc56]

Special Delivery

"I can see that." Jason is rather unimpressed with the room. "Now let's see the lab."

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

Wow, white eyes! So cool!
Amy will take Krystals hand in-between her own and shake it eagerly. "I'm Amy Spark! So nice to meet you Krystal! Are you the team leader? I mean, for the superhero team!"

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Special Delivery]

The lab was a wide open room. About the size of a one car garage. It looked new and clean. Bright fluorescent lights. White floor. All of Jason's crates have been moved in here. And nothing else was present yet.

I know labs need tables on stuff, but I don't know what you need exactly. So, if you wanna make a list, we'll grab what we have and bring it in.

She hands him a tablet.

Also, that's yours to keep. Connected to all the systems here, password and fingerprint protected. Anytime you wanna request something for your lab, you can put it in through there.

--------------------------------------------

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

Krystal nods a bit.

Yep. Although, I'd like to get enough people in to have multiple teams. So then I'd be just one team leader. Cover more areas that way. After the handshake, Krystal will turn to lead Amy on a little tour through the facility.

So, I'm guessing you're with the press?

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

"Uhh... sort of! I mean, I've worked as a journalist." Amy grins widely. "And, uh, now I'm more into documentaries and stuff. I've done one on VIGIL and now I'm moving on to... stuff." She reaches into the folder she has been carrying. "See, I figured that your group would need publicity to kickstart the whole thing. I mean superheroes are all about the image, am I right? The news are going to report on you whenever you do basically anything. So what I was thinking is if we'd do a stylized reality show of NERD. Like, we have these amazing drones that can take footage of you fighting crime without endangering themselves or anyone else. No close interviews or what you do in your spare time, superheroes have secret identities for a reason after all. The show would just be about you doing super-hero things. Things everyone will eventually see on the news, but with much better coverage." Amy then hands Crystal some papers describe a still unnamed show with NERD as the stars.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

Krystal will skim through the papers. Hard to tell without pupils, but she is glancing through each of them.

Hm...Well, I like the sound of the idea. Could definitely help us in a few ways. I'd have to discuss it with everybody involved first, though. Some people may not want any kind of publicity. And there'd be stipulations about how often the cameras follow us and stuff. She offers the goblin a smile. But I'm pretty sure we could work something out for this.

[Shadowcaller]

[Main Entrance - Press Release]

"I'm more than open to discuss the exact terms. If any of the heroes don't want to be included, we could simple have the drones not focus on them. They will obviously still be in the pictures, but all superheroes are going to end up in newspapers one way or the other, right? I was thinking that we'd focus on a few persons, like a couple of point-of-view characters. Kinda like that show, cops or guardsmen. Never get private, unless the person wants to of course." Amy explains, then grinning back at Krystal.

[bc56]

Special Delivery
"I have most of what I need. I'll be sure to request anything I find I'm missing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to set up." Jason takes the tablet and looks around the room, as if trying to furnish it in his head.