PRELUDE : Singularity contacts Samantha Moore about another meeting to discuss aspects of his power and she invites him and the other Star Guard members to a meeting in Houston with a couple of her NASA associates. Thunderbolt and Golem agree to the meeting and they fly to Houston. Flying to the street adress given, they see Samantha atop a building, waving at them. Samantha greets Singularity and gives him a peck on the cheek. She escorts them to a busy office several flights below.       Samantha introduces her associates; first, Professor Boris Minsc, a blocky, darkly bearded, middle aged man about 6' 3" in height. He speaks with a thick Russian accent and has an effusive, friendly attitude. Singularity greets the professor in Russian but Prof. Minsc says, "Nyet! We are in your country! We speak American!"       Dr. Betty Haywood is introduced next. She is standoffish but pretty in a reserved and waspish way. She is raven haired, wears glasses and is petite, standing only 5' 6" tall. To Singularity's eyes, she is plain compared to the blonde, robust beauty of the 6' tall Samantha. She only nods when introduced to the group.       Samantha describes the professor as a renowned Astro-Physicist at NASA and Dr. Haywood as a leading researcher in Energy Field Physics. Prof. Minsc interrupts and points out that while he and Dr. Haywood are specialists, Samantha is not only a leading Electrical Engineer, she is a respected scientist in her own right, choosing to follow a diverse course of sciences.       Ms. Moore first thanks the group on behalf of NASA for their recent success at putting the Star Probe back on-line and restoring the two communications satellites. She seems embarrassed however, and finally admits that the group's actions caused an uproar within NASA since it meant major budget cuts. Further, some officials had speculated that perhaps they should rely on enhanced beings instead of expensive rockets and space missions. She strongly suggests that in the future the group do not use official means to communicate. She gives the group her personal cell phone number.       Samantha explains that she, The Professor and Dr. Haywood are interested in forming a group to work with the Star Guard - one outside the politics and restrictions imposed by NASA. They are interested in helping the group further develop their powers as Samantha did for Singularity. She also says that they have some perplexing data to share.       Using the FTL communications link at NASA, Prof. Minsc had discovered a strange energy signature emanating from the star known as Pegasi 67a. This signature did not show up on regular radio telescopes and so it must be near real time. The Professor pulls out charts and graphs and gives a technical explanation of the phenomenon. This explanation goes completely over the head of the group. Samantha tries to explain it in more layman terms. Dr. Haywood doesn't seem too impressed with the group. It is definitely something that needs to be investigated, what with the recent incursions of Skrull into this sector.       The professor shows the group a device that was meant to be put aboard a satellite before budget cuts stopped the program. He explains that it is simple to use and has a directional indicator that should lead the group to the energy source. It is very sturdy and has enough power for months of operation.       The scientists ask whether the group need any special supplies to reach the star since it is over 12 light years away. They are amazed to discover that Singularity and Thunderbolt can reach it unaided in several days and are flabbergasted when they learn that Golem can reach it in but a day!       Dr. Haywood seems interested in testing the group and getting some baseline results for analysis but the professor warns that the star must be investigated first.       The group contact Laura Brown, their NSA liason, and verify the Professor's and Dr. Haywood's credentials. They learn that the three scientists have a level 6 Security Clearance.       Disdaining taking any supplies for such a simple mission, the group leave Earth and once out of the atmosphere, let Golem accelerate them at phenomenal FTL speeds. They pass an old satellite on the way out of the solar system and Singularity detects that it is still operating even though it is far past the orbit of Pluto. The day long trip through space is uneventful and they soon enter the Pegasi 67 star system.       THE ADVENTURE : The detector seems to work perfectly and leads them to a fairly Earth-like world that is over 90% covered by water. It seems to have been bombarded by massive meteor strikes in recent geological time. Life, at least on the surface, seems primitive, few and far between, consisting mostly of lichen and mold. They do sight a kraken or large squid-like creature in one of the giant oceans.       The detector leads the group to a rocky island with a small valley nestled between several large mountains. A strange sight greets the group. A ring seemingly composed of grayish stone rises some 30' into the air. It looks like the Star Gate from the movie "Star Gate". The area is barren of lichen and life. Standing before the stone ring is a 4' tall stone block and resting in a small depression is a softball sized, glowing, ruby-like stone.       The detector points straight at the stone block. Thunderbolt and Singularity land nearby and examine the ring and block. Cautious, Golem lands further away and watches; unable to discern the color and glow coming from the ruby-like orb. The more they examine the stone ring, the more similarity they see to the "Star Gate" from the movie. It even has strange runes engraved into it. They examine the stone block but it is only rudely carved and has no runes. As Singularity approaches nearer, the detector indicates that the energy source is the orb.       Thunderbolt snaps two pictures of the Stone Ring using her belt camera.       A wall of force suddenly surrounds the group and the stone ring, capturing even Golem who has stayed over 70 feet away! It appears to be about 100 feet in radius. Singularity warily approaches and touches it with his finder. His finger feels like it is pierced with needles and his own energy field pulses in response. Golem takes a swing at it and is struck by an equal and opposite force that sends him reeling!       For the first time, the group realize that the lichen and small molds stop at where the force sphere appeared. The inside of the sphere is completely barren except for the stone ring, block and orb.       Thunderbolt establishes a mind link with Singularity but, as usual, Golem demurs.       Drawn to the Stone Ring and the runes, Singularity spies several smaller runes etched inside the ring. He steps forward to take a closer look. With a soundless flash, Alien energies assault his being and he crumples to the ground! Thunderbolt rushes to his aid while Golem looks on helplessly. Singularity's skin is turning black and blue and he is barely breathing! Whatever energies hit him have taken him to Death's Door!!       Thunderbolt uses her paramedic skills and does what she can do to aid Singularity but she lacks any other means to help him. If he is to survive, they must get help!!       Golem lashes out and smashes the orb and the stone block! With an explosive roar, the orb explodes, sending shards of stone everywhere with terrible force! The shards hit the force sphere and all hell lets loose as the force is re-directed back at the group!!       Singularity is tossed around like a leaf, taking more damage.       Thunderbolt tries to use her communicator but finds it is blocked. Neither hero thinks to use their FTL communicator. Golem leaps to Singularity's side and flows over the hero, protecting him with his own body. Thunderbolt unleashes a white hot bolt of lightning and destroys the Stone Ring! Again, the stone shards rebound and assault the group. The air fills up with smoke and impenetrable dust and Thunderbolt is blinded. Golem grabs one of the large chunks of stone and hurls it at the barrier. The force sphere seems totally unaffected.       Hours later, the dust and smoke starts to clear. Close examination reveals that the force sphere seems semi-permeable to air. The detector device is damaged and does not appear to be functioning.       Golem and Thunderbolt examine the remains of the block and ring but find nothing. Golem digs up the remaining stone foundation but finds nothing except some puddles of once molten rock.       Thunderbolt re-examines Singularity and notices that he is bleeding from several wounds. She has no bandages but uses some laced underclothing to bind the wounds. Hours pass as she and Golem probe the force barrier for weakness.       Singularity starts to recover as his enhanced human physiology starts to kick in. It is a day, however, before he regains consciousness. He is very weak and unable to move.       The group notice a octopus-like creature lurking outside the force sphere as it starts raining outside. The rain hits the sphere and doesn't explode, it merely slides down the sphere. They ignore the creature.       Golem has, in the meantime, used his shape-shift powers to transform himself into a powerful digging machine. He digs a deep trench but no matter how deep he goes, the force barrier is there. In fact, the barrier seems to curve and be a complete sphere. Golem digs straight down and still encounters the sphere.       In desperation, he and Thunderbolt even try turning into liquid and gaseous forms bit feel like they encounter a buzz-saw when they try to pass it.       Another day passes and Singularity's regenerative powers return. He recovers from his near brush with death within hours. He joins the two heroes in their quest for escape.       The three heroes are soot covered, dirty and grimy.       Singularity uses his archaeology skills to comb the ruins and ashes. He studies a fragment with some strange runes on it. It looks something like, (Revenge is Mine)       Singularity makes an interesting find. It seems to be the burnt corner of a poleroid. It is a picture of the Stone Ring, or so it appears. He uses his gravity powers to magnify the light and reads the words, "Paramount Pictures". It is a picture of the "Star Gate" set from Hollywood. Someone used the picture to make a realistic lure!       Another day passes with Golem becoming more and more depressed and angry, finally sitting on a stone block and staring moodily into space. Singularity determines that the imitation Star Gate was made fairly recently and by someone who could easily melt and mold stone.       Thunderbolt tries to establish a Mind Link with Nemesis, realizing that this type of communication should not be stopped by normal energy fields. She feels that the force barrier isn't blocking her but Nemesis is either unwilling to communicate or is out of range.       Singularity tries his telekinesis and discovers that it easily pierces the force barrier. He picks up a rock outside the barrier but can not think of anything to do with it. He ignores the medium-sized squid-like creature that seems to be dining on a patch of lichen.       Five days have passed since they left Earth.       Finally, in frustration and after healing, Singularity again approached the force barrier and comes into contact with it. Immediately, his energy field starts to flare and he grimaces in pain. Resisting the powerful feedback of the barrier, Singularity starts to pulse with power as his energy field absorbs the energy and re-directs it back at the barrier! A feedback loop develops and Singularity's pain starts to become unbearable.       Galvanized to action, Thunderbolt and Golem unleash their most powerful attacks at the barrier, trying to coordinate their attacks. Glowing like a star, Singularity's skin blisters as the feedback from the barrier assaults him. He is only seconds away from death when Golem and Thunderbolt strike!       With a crashing roar, the barrier collapses and an explosive wave of force assaults the area! A secondary explosion erupts about 100 yards away as the barrier's power source overloads. When the heroes recover, they welcome the drenching rain that washes over their sooty faces.       Singularity has absorbed so much power that he glows like a small star and the ground upon which he stands crumbles to dust. He can not let loose the energy, the pain is too much. Fortunately, the energy seems to slowly dissipate.       Singularity has again taken serious wounds but his regenerative powers heal him after an hour. They recover the badly damaged detector and leave this world which almost became their death trap.       Their return to Earth is uneventful and they quickly contact Samantha Moore on her cell phone and arrange a meeting. "Ohhh! You're Alive!", she screams. "I was so afraid when you were gone so long." When the group arrive in Houston, she rushes to Singularity and kisses him, long and almost desperately.       The heroes debrief the scientists and bandy back and forth many theories about the purpose of the Stone Ring. The question of tides comes up and Prof. Boris admonishes, "How can there be tides without a Moon?" He wags his finger at the group.       "It was a trap.", states Dr. Haywood in a no nonsense voice. "All the more reason to test your capabilities so this doesn't happen again!"       It is revealed that the group's Star Base is badly malfunctioning and the scientists agree to help the Star Guard repair it but the question of how to do so comes up. They solve the problem by borrowing three of the space suits from the star base.       "Kree Technology!!", cry the Scientists. "Why do you have Kree Technology?!", accuses Dr. Haywood. The group explain that they are using an old Kree Star Base. This seems to intrigue the scientists even more. They agree to gather materials and supplies and to allow the group to take them to the Star Base and there, to conduct repairs.       Ms. Moore makes arrangements and asks the group to pick them up at 10 am the next morning.       It is 8pm and the group decides to take a break and visit the much talked about "Aces High" club in New York. Singularity invites Samantha but she begs off saying that she has too many things to do to prepare for the journey.       Golem demonstrates his powers at the club door and is immediately let inside. Singularity tries to walk in but the doorman gives him a cold glare and blocks his way. Singularity is taken aback for a second before he realizes that he is being "carded". He floats above the ground to demonstrate his super-powers and is ushered inside. The doorman takes one look at Thunderbolt and lets her inside based solely on her beauty.       The "Aces High" club towers over New York, it's rotating dining room giving the group a breath taking view. A very fat man dressed in white floats about the room making sure the guests are well cared for. A black man sits on the ceiling sipping a cocktail from a bottle. Singularity spots Sersi at a secluded table but she and her guest seem involved and so he hesitates to introduce himself.       Taking a well earned break, the group enjoy the best the club can provide. Golem merely watches however. He feels alienated and alone, being unable to eat or drink, lacking even a mouth.       The next morning, the group gains an appointment to see Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. They brief him about the stellar signals and the booby trap they encountered.

EXPERIENCE	ADEPT	NEMESIS	HARDWIRE	GOLEM	SINGULARITY	STARSHINE	THUNDERBOLT
Base Experience	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.00	2.00	0.00	2.00
Overall Bonuses	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.30	0.40	0.00	0.30
Roleplaying	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.30	0.40	0.00	0.30
Notes	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.20	0.20	0.00	0.30
TOTAL	--	--	--	2.80	3.00	--	2.90

Starting Karma	ADEPT	NEMESIS	HARDWIRE	GOLEM	SINGULARITY	STARSHINE	THUNDERBOLT
Karma Used	--	--	--	05	10	--	15
Karma Earned	--	--	--	05	10	--	05
KARMA TOTAL	--	--	--	10	20	--	20