Veronica Sawyer and Heather Chandler

[Chris Chandler]

Ala looks absolutely shocked.

You didn't know this? I thought that you certainly... No matter. Adam stole the only recent, er... spawn, offspring, child, of the raleshaz. They rarely reproduce, as in once or twice a millennium, and not per individual either, as a species. I don't know why, they just do, and Adam stumbled upon this fact and found the offspring. No, I'm not sure what he plans to do with it, either.

[LightBringer]

I just listen on in stunned silence. I really just can't wrap my brain around that one.

[LadyGlutter]

I, on the other hand, while mind boggled, am also bit irritated because I know why she's shocked, and I thought I'd made myself clear.

"I'm not poking around in YOUR head, kay? And you really should have realized that we didn't know that when we thought Stitch was a baby Raleshaz. Apply some deductive reasoning, Ala.

Well, planet eaters couldn't be like bunnies or we wouldn't have much of a universe. How do you know Adam has this kid?"

[LightBringer]

My mouth keeps opening and closing, but nothing is coming out. "I mean, "Helloooo. A total psycho with a world-eater. A nutjob with a unstopable pet. I mean... Well... Good gravy!

Finally, "And what would Adam want a Rally for? And does that mean we're bait?"

[Chris Chandler]

Ala shrugs -

I saw her, or it... I'm not sure how to describe one. It, I guess, but that seems rude. And, well, you thought Stitch was a baby Raleshaz a while back. I thought your intelligence picked up.

She turns to Heather -

You know, I asked him, and he just laughed. He never did answer, but Kitty had mentioned something about a "Morpheus Engine." I really don't know what that means.

[LadyGlutter]

((Nor do I. You said something about me making rolls, and I was just waiting on the outcome of my checks. I didn't even know what kind of roll to make.))

[LightBringer]

I think for a minute, "That sounds so familiar....I think I saw that in a movie once."

"Isn't Morpheus a god of sleep, or dreams, or something like that?"

[Chris Chandler]

((Just an Occult check, which we can resolve offscreen. You won't know specifics about any sort of tech, but you will know the scoop about the mythological entity. As far as what you've seen regarding Adam, this is new ground.))

[LadyGlutter]

((Sorry this took so long. I knew this stuff, I just misunderstood and thought there was something extra I was missing that Ronnie would know.))

"Yes, Morpheus is a god of dreams, and the dream world, etc. But I don't know anything about an engine. Sounds like a fancy way to say 'dream car' -- you know, like a Lumina or a Diablo. Though, like lots of gods, he was able to take other forms, which is a Raleshaz thing. But Kitty does that already to an extent. Ala, do the Raleshaz have any psi at all?"

[Chris Chandler]

Ala thinks about it for a moment.

Yeah... Yeah, I think that they do. It's not the same as what you or I can manage... It's... It's altogether different.

She pauses -

It's hard to describe. It's weird, like how you can see spirits and whatnot. I don't know how either one of those works.

Ginger speaks up -

Well, there's different talents, I suppose. I mean, we three are 'paths, of different stripes, but I haven't see firsthand what Heather does, but the images I've gotten are certainly inter -

Ala interrupts -

And so what is your point?

Ginger responds, after a blinking back a retort -

My point is that the Raleshaz may simply have a different talent.

Ala rolls her eyes and continues.

No, no, no. Raleshaz can read minds, can speak to any creature in their own tongue, can see through each others... er "eyes" so to speak, but you can't pick it up - you can't eavesdrop. I can't find a psi-signature amongst the Raleshaz I've seen. It's different.

Ginger looks away from Ala and frowns.

[LightBringer]

I just shake my head at Ala basically, and respond to Ginger and Ronnie, "Good point Ginger, and Ronnie you may not be far off. I mean think about it. If you created some sort of machine that could put mass numbers of people to sleep, or some dreamlike slumber, maybe even whole planets, you would need an engine to power it, and what better engine than something that can eat a star.. and convert it into power." A head tilt and eyes wide at the thought.

[Chris Chandler]

Ala shrugs, and Ginger blinks slowly. Ginger doesn't know what to do with that. Ala responds -

Going on that theory, there's that colony that Adam started, as well. Remember all your siblings? They might have something to do with it too, though I don't know what.

Ginger doesn't know what to do with that, either.

[LadyGlutter]

I nod at Heather's statement. I'm past the point of being overly shocked at anything Adam might be planning. (I already think he's Q, basically.)

"That sounds about right to me, as far as what I know of Adam. His ambition for power pretty much exceeds any overachiever I've ever met. Why not add in some other super thing that I can't even comprehend?

If the Raleshaz want to talk to us, or I want to talk to them, I was trying to initiate a conversation. Which is why I was asking if they had psi."

[LightBringer]

I just shrug, smile, and plop back in my seat.

[Chris Chandler]

Ala blinks -

You want to talk to a Raleshaz? That's just... interesting. I really don't know what to think about that. They are actually pretty easy to talk to, initially. You should be able to walk up to one and just speak. It's their motives that concern me.

[LadyGlutter]

What language should I use?

As I said, I've been looking around for wherever it is. I know it's near.

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, you'll be able to identify what looks like a blue mail box looking at you, after a fashion. It's only about a block away, along the sidewalk, adjacent to another mailbox. In fact, a young woman in a rush has just stuffed some mail into it.

Ala shrugs -

I'd say anything but Fidorian would be fine. Likely it'd be best to speak whatever you thought, though, so I'd say Ter - I mean English - It'll understand you.

[LightBringer]

Still quiet, staring out the windshield at nothing in particular, "Aaah, here we go with things getting so big and out of focus again. I suppose there's no way to avoid any Adam threads. I just wish the supposed good guys would say...*laughing*..wouldn't it be screwed up if Adam were the good guy!" I chuckle at the thought.

[LadyGlutter]

He's not.

"Let me out."

As soon as John stops the car, (or are we stopped?) I'll hop out and walk up to it. "So, what's the deal? Why are you following us?"

[Chris Chandler]

You were stationary right now. You hop up and head to the mailbox. The few passers-by, of course will give you an eye and a wide berth, but otherwise move along. In your head you hear a soft female voice that quietly says -

I have been watching you, waiting for you to speak to me. We need your help.

About that time a young woman (Heather, you would be able to tell that this woman seems to nearly manifest herself from within a crowd and head over quickly to Veronica.

Veronica, you feel eyes behind you and a young woman approaches you, smiling quite widely, her eyes obscured by a pair of Foster Grants.

Hey, you! It's been so long!

As she reaches out to give you an embrace, the female voice in your head speaks -

We need your help. We are no threat to you.

[LightBringer]

Oops, didn't think I was broadcasting, sorry.

As mentioned I watch Ronnie, and as soon I see the woman 'manifest' herself, "Enemy alert", "Heads up guys stay alert", as I hop out of the van. I begin to slow move that way, keeping my eyes peeled for anyone else. If I feel any sort of serious threat I'll start buffing myself up. (IQ and DX)

[LadyGlutter]

((Is this Kitty?! Or another Raleshaz? I'm unclear.))

[Chris Chandler]

((You think that it is a Raleshaz.))

Heather, you cover the ground easily enough, and there are enough cattle to feed you quite proper. At this moment, though, you don't feel that there is any immediate threat. You do not see anyone unusual at the moment, outside of the woman about to embrace your sister. To be honest, you had to take it on faith that Veronica just didn't decide to go start up a conversation with a mundane mailbox.

((I'll continue after Veronica's reaction))

[LadyGlutter]

My eyes widen in surprise (how natural that sounds!) and I turn around, answering as if I were greeting a long lost friend. "Well HEY THERE!!! What's happening?"

To Heather. It's cool. You want to be piped in? Or I could actually block you out if you want, too.

Directly to the Raleshaz voice: I'm not making any promises, but I'm listening.

[Chris Chandler]

The voice continues -

We know that you are descendants of a Terran known to us as Adam Worth, but that you are not what you would consider to be allies. We know that he has shown interest in you, and that you have returned to Terra to attempt asylum. We also know that his agents are here trying to capture you, but we do not know why.

We need your help. Who you call Raleshaz are an old people, and do not have what you consider offspring, except on very rare occasions. Our offspring has been captured by Adam Worth. We cannot allow our offspring to be harmed, and cannot risk approaching Adam directly. We do not... think "Terran", and do not understand his motives. Please help us retrieve our offspring.

All the while the second Raleshaz, a sparkling blond dressed to go shopping (complete with a Brooks Brothers bag), is conversing with you.

Oh, had to pick up a little something for Dave. You know how he is about his shirts - not a one without a coffee stain. I was just crossing over and saw you heading into Gumps!

You will now note that you are, indeed, standing in front of the stylish window dressings of an upscale department store.

Care if I join you?

[LightBringer]

"No you can keep me tapped in. I don't want anything to happen, and a mental alert may not reach your lips, but it will certainly sound in your mind." I keep a distance, but stay alert.

((No immediate threat = no having to absorb))

[LadyGlutter]

Really? Because you're doing a better job of acting Terran than I am. What the hell is Gumps? I don't know that I'm actually a descendant of Adam Worth's. There has been speculation. I do not understand his motives either, but yours makes sense to me. I don't know exactly how I can help though.

"Oh yeah, that Dave. And of course I'm going to Gumps, it's totally my favorite! Come on."

[Chris Chandler]

The voice responds -

The place of business is immaterial. The information provided states that it contains "Luxury Home Decor, Furniture, and Gifts" if that means anything to you.

The deoxyribonucleic acid chains within your cellular structure are a descendant match to Adam Worth, though you are not a direct descendant. You are four generations removed from Adam Worth. It is not speculation, unless Adam worth has purposely mutated his cellular structure to mimic your ancestor.

We are what you may call "play acting". The entity before you resembles a human named Betty, and is a practiced routine based on what you refer to as a theatrical production titled "Four Handbags". The character "Betty" seemed genuine, though we did not really understand the message of the production. It is a rather different artistic manifestation to what we are accustomed. We are more familiar with song.

You are the only Terrans to encounter Adam Worth on more than one occasion and live. You are either extraordinarily skilled, or you are someone needed by Adam Worth. Either way, you are an asset to us.

"Betty" opens the door, and walks you into a decadent floor to ceiling barrage of expensive furnishings, "asian-inspired" gifts and chic accessories. There are dozens of young urbanites browsing.

Oh, don't you just love this?

She dashes over to a pillow set with a hand stitched set of bonsai tree.

[LightBringer]

"Oookay!" I continue to monitor, and follow.

[LadyGlutter]

I kinda stare at the bonzai tree and the other trappings in Gumps** and marvel at how much I stick out like a sore thumb. But I try and go along with the charade. I know that it's not really going to be believable that I really like this, so I switch from my sincerity and answer sarcastically, "Yeah, it's really great. Dave will loooooove it."

Wow. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, since I've wondered why we're alive too. Is he on Earth?


((**Chris sent me to the website for giggles to see how I reacted to this store. Oh my gosh. Ronnie's probably breaking out in hives from allergies to the crap.))

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" will continue pulling you through the store as you speak. She'll even select a few items for purchase and will also slowly adjust to your sarcasm to create a more natural dialog, but obviously the real point is your discussion with the mailbox.

We have not been able to determine where he is, exactly. We have tracked a few of his associates back to Terra, and have been monitoring their locations. You would know the Terrans "Piano" Charlie and Kitty Flynn. Charlie has been moving throughout Nevada and Kitty is here in San Fransisco, in Chinatown.

[LightBringer]

Still following.

[Chris Chandler]

((I'll hold on LG's response here - we had a busy day.))

[LadyGlutter]

She is?! What is she doing?

[Chris Chandler]

The voice responds -

She is posing as the daughter of what you would call a crime lord, taking the persona of a Korean girl by the name of Lisa Kim. The real Lisa Kim was kidnapped and taken by Piano Charlie to Pyongyang. She will likely be able to escape, but not quickly.

[LadyGlutter]

I boggle for a moment, but then recover and start with the questions, since I may as well, right? What is Kitty doing there? Pyongyang is far away, so then he came back? So they didn't kill her either, so for some reason they need her too. What about the Fidorians? What was with all that? And that lady whose house we were in? I don't see how they tie in? And this tech, in my sister's ear?

((OOC!! That means Outlaw has been messing around w/Kitty? No wonder he's in such a mess!!))

[LightBringer]

((OOC, Wow that took me a few minutes to figure out. I'm like, "What!?! Outlaw? Where's Outlaw?")

[Chris Chandler]

((Boom - headshot!))

As you wander through the fine china section of the store, the voice responds -

We do not know all the details. She is infiltrating a crime ring, but we are unsure why. We are investigating her involvement as we speak.

Adam has available off-planet technology, so Piano Charlie has a personal teleporter. It is not something that can be used tactically, as it needs to recharge over time, but he only spent about an hour away from Nevada.

We have engaged a Fidorian fleetmind cruiser group outside of lunar orbit. A number of fleetmind scout vessels passed through the Centauri blockade on this planet, intent on reaching North America. We observed that they engaged your sister and also your whole group within the past days. We do not pretend to understand the minds of Fidorians. They have had conflicts with Adam Worth, but seek to kill or capture you and your allies. We have determined that they likely need you for the same reason we do.

Dr. Cortez' grandmother, Doña Teresa Monteña Cruz Cortez, was a powerful member of a Spanish cabal of what you have called "talented" Terrans. The group had recently been approached by Adam Worth, in order to assist him in finding other talented Terrans. We have lost one of our number investigating this issue.

Ear?

You hear a pause -

Heather, you see the mailbox shimmer very slightly for a moment, then a housecat - a big calico tom - crawls out from underneath. It deftly skitters over to you and the voice directs itself to you -

May I take a look?

[LadyGlutter]

I cross my fingers.

[LightBringer]

I watch with curiousity, then raise an eyebrow at the offer. After a deep breath and moment of thought, without thought, "Sure." I reach down and pick up the cat.

((Sorry I don't read the other threads, so I had to recall that one someone was dealing with a crime ring from pieces of conversation. *shrug*))

[LadyGlutter]

((Yeah, I don't read the other threads, either. Never ever. But I get more "pieces of conversation" than you. ;)))

[Chris Chandler]

You pick up the kitty - it looks and feels just like a regular cat, though you will note that is somewhat heavier than you might have expected - a big tom like this might tip the scale close to 15 pounds, but this cat weighs closer to 25 pounds - it is denser somehow.

Anyways, you pick up the cat and it settles in for a snuggle and then the HUD of the device immediately flips on. It's disconcerting for a moment, as you hear loud Azmian voices in your head. The cat responds -

This is an Azmian Mk VII Alpha Battle Computer, used by their elite troops. It is expensive and very handy for creatures who cannot instantaneously calculate vector physics accurately. It is in protected mode, however, as if a third party has altered the functionality somewhat. It looks like only the basic HUD and 1-way communication functionality has remained.

In simpler terms this is an incredibly expensive piece of military hardware that has been hacked to serve as a mobile video camera for whomever is at the other end of the communication line. The HUD might be helpful for short-range tactical maneuvers, but these devices are designed for full force zero-g 3-dimensional firefights, not to be some overpriced bug.

The cat is purring.

What would you like to do with it?

[LightBringer]

I have my own ideas, but what would you like to do with it Ronnie?

[LadyGlutter]

Well, learn how to remove it, obviously. Yeah, I can see lots of usefulness. Can it be traced? Are there logs or archives? We could learn a lot from its history, not to mention its future usefulness. But really, all that other stuff is nifty and all, but I think removing it and blocking whoever is watching us is my first priority. Get it out and learn how to remove the others.

[LightBringer]

You heard the lady.

[Chris Chandler]

((argh, I thought I posted here - sorry!))

The voice responds -

What you request is quite simple and straightforward, as long as you understand these Azmian systems. We can trace the signal back to who is spying on you and we can completely disable the communication functions of the device as well. We can also restore full functionality, or activate whatever functions are deemed necessary. There is a small amount of memory on-board, where a particular scene would be captured, but that is a demand function, not something automatic.

We can also remove it completely, of course.

[LightBringer]

"Well, what do you want Ronnie?"

[Chris Chandler]

((*boggles*))

[LadyGlutter]

I shut the communication down as tight as I can between the two of us. I sound very confused over the wondertwin link, but try and answer:

I want to be able to take them out. Anything after that is up to you. I know I flipped out before, but that's when I had just had to perform psychic surgery on David after he almost fried his brain. I was scared for your life. If we can learn how to properly take them out, without that mess, then I'm cool with whatever you decide.

If it's about the raleshaz -- between what Ala said and these guys confirming it, I tend to think that they aren't up to anything fancy, though I do think that their ideas of honor and morality are going to be different than ours. We need to be careful, as usual. But protecting their young is something easily understandable. So I'm inclined to trust them in general. If you want to do more, go for it. But get it out of everyone's head before you start learning how to use it.

Or did you mean, do I want to use one also?

[LightBringer]

((Boggle all you want. Nothing has changed in the last hour of game time where Heather is mentally wiped, whipped, and whatever other W you want to use. She is still at odds with the group, and herself. So she would rather just do what Ronnie wants even if thats not what she wants.))

"No, I was not asking if you wanted one. I know better than that. They didn't say they would teach us anything. They said 'we can', 'we can', 'we can', and even if their offer was to teach us to take them out, how are we going to learn to use them outside of our heads, and if we can remove them, then I need to give this one back to David so they have their unit connected. So basically, to me, it makes no real difference what we do with them. I won't be using one anyway.

As far as the Ral go, I fully willing to trust them up to the point were we save their kid."

[LadyGlutter]

I think David and company want those things out of their heads, too, though. How about this? We get them to remove them, and ask them if they will do the same for Jen and Brock. And we agree, conditionally, to do what we can to help them out. I don't want Adam Worth to have his Morpheus machine any more than they want their kid having him as a foster dad.

[LightBringer]

I agree, that right now they want them out, but...I agree. That sounds fine. I never mind screwing up Adam's plans.

[LadyGlutter]

I am back to communicating with the raleshaz.

Can you show us how to take them out?

[Chris Chandler]

The voice responds -

There is only one in your sister. Are there others with these devices? We can remove them, immediately. If you are planning to use it again, for whatever purpose, we can assure that it is easily removed by the host.

[LadyGlutter]

Yes, there are others. Does that mean you'll teach her, or just do it yourself?

[Chris Chandler]

We shall instruct any individual who wishes to use the device. It is quite simple.

[LadyGlutter]

I appreciate it greatly. And we will do what we can to help get your child back to you.

And I wait.

[Chris Chandler]

Then we are in agreement.

Heather, there is a slight buzz and you feel slight pressure in your right ear canal as the HUD goes blank. Compulsively grabbing at your ear, you see the Azmian device, dormant in your hand. You can also confirm that both Jen and Brock have just had similar experiences.

The voice continues -

We understand that you have your own objectives and agenda, and we can accommodate them. Please, what were you currently doing, so that we can assist.

[LightBringer]

I just stare at the device for a minute, while listening to Ronnie and the Ralashez.

[LadyGlutter]

We were trying to decide what, and kinda disagreeing about it. We've got too many people who don't really understand what's going on, so these arguments are too confusing, and I'd just tried to update them all on all of that. I'm wiped out mentally. These devices were of utmost importance to us, as was trying to figure out why we were being followed, and how many groups were following us. We're sick from the radiation treatments we've been getting to counteract whatever it was the Fidorians did, and why on earth ... in the universe they are here when there are non-aggression treaties in effect that I helped broker... and they seem to be going for us, and also John has this list of battlesuits posing as humans that he was killing so we were trying to decide if it was feasible to continue down that list and figure out what was going on with Nova and why they were replacing real people with clones, and it turns out that John is in love with one of the originals and the battle suits somehow have their abilities, but amplified, so that's gonna suck, and we've got Piano Charlie, though it sounds worse and maybe like Kitty, is on our trail now and really close, plus

(the ball)

other stuff that we've probably missed in between all that.

[Chris Chandler]

((cannot answer question now. Will try to later. :S))

[LightBringer]

((lol))

[Chris Chandler]

There is a pause before the voice makes any sort of reply. The heavyweight cat in your arms, Heather, even stops purring for a moment. After a moment -

You have a lot of thoughts, and many objectives. Perhaps we can assist you better if you decide which objective should be first. Where would you like to start?

[LadyGlutter]

I have to laugh at that, myself. I direct my thoughts to ONLY Heather.

What do you think? Clarity of thought and decision making aren't exactly my strong suit. Who do we deal with first? Kenny? Jen and Brock and David? John and Ginger? Should we try and get all of those guys on a path to cleaning up that stuff? I mean, I don't know what to even do there, but we might could at least find out where and what with the body suit/ suped up John? Or should we go find out what's up with Kitty? Should we try and outrun Piano Charlie? Should we track down Mudiliar? Should we just take a nap? Should we try to reach the Sisters, or Cho Nuk, or ...?

I look at Heather, bewildered. I feel like I'm on a Tilt-a-Whirl, and someone's asking me to be a trail guide.

[Chris Chandler]

((Waiting on LB's reaction))

[LadyGlutter]

((I now have a mental image of Ronnie hanging her head out backwards on the teacups to make herself even dizzier. Which, I know, is not the Tilt-a-whirl. Anyway, wheeeeeeeeee!))

[LightBringer]

I'm not sure which is more confusing, that they shut the device down and now it's just laying there dormant, something I was bound and determined to do on my own, or the whirl of thoughts that is Ronnie.

I suddenly laugh aload at Ronnie's new mental image of herself, "Well, since you're asking, I'll tell you what I think...... I think we should continue on the path with John and Ginger. In my opinion that will help Brock, Jen, and David fulfill their contract, allow us to monitor Davids condition, while leading us to more information on Nova, which in turn will help lead us to Mudiliar, and possibly any Adam connections. It will also help fill in some details of our family history, and their/our role in this colony of Adam's, hopefully.

As far as the cockroaches are concerned, fuck'em. If they are breaking interstellar treaties, then it's up to those buttheads in space to police them. I say we just kill'em as we see'em. I mean, they are breaking the law, and here on Earth we're the law.

And screw Kitty and Piano Charlie as well. We keep our eyes, and other senses open, and if they come after us we'll deal with them the same way. Really! Why go after them if they are after us. We don't run, but we don't stand and wait either.

That's what I think!

[LadyGlutter]

Okay. We'll see how this goes.

So I relay to them the information pertinent to the body suits, and explain generally what we're up against. I info flood them, since I'm getting decent at that, and I'm not so worried about exploding their minds.

[Chris Chandler]

The voice responds quickly after the info flood -

This is all very interesting, though we are still unsure just why Adam has decided to use these battlesuits. They are effective, certainly, but terribly expensive by Azmian economic reckoning, and clones would do an adequate job. We might be able to better understand what it is you are facing if we can procure one of these battlesuits.

The voice pauses for a short moment -

It seems that there is one posing as a passenger within your vehicle - Very advanced, very close to being an actual Terran.

[LadyGlutter]

Kenny? Or someone else.

I wait for verification. I'd kind of had an inkling that maybe that's what Kenny's new host was, but wow, what kind of weird voodoo have I done now?

[Chris Chandler]

There is a battlesuit in the form of a terran child. Is this "Kenny"?

[LadyGlutter]

Well, yes.

I cringe. Time for another mind blast, and this isn't going to be fun.

[Chris Chandler]

There is a longer pause.

There is not another entity within the battlesuit. It is functioning, though we have determined that the personality node within the battlesuit's chassis has been altered somewhat.

What is a spirit?

[LightBringer]

I just chuckle to myself, and pet the cat.

[LadyGlutter]

Eek. Oh wow. Um... personality nodes is a way of understanding it, I suppose. Anyhow, that battlesuit, I wasn't aware of being a battlesuit. He is an ally now, such that I cannot allow him to be harmed, but you may meet with him if that will be helpful.

[Chris Chandler]

The voice answers quickly -

There is no need for us to meet with him. If this battlesuit has been secured, then it is acceptable. If you wish to track down additional battlesuits, we may be able to assist you. Do you know any details about the suit?

[LadyGlutter]

"What I've told you. The stuff in the NOVA dossiers, and the fact that Ginger and John say that the battlesuits have all the abilities of their originals, but amplified."

[Chris Chandler]

The voice responds -

Very well, then perhaps it would be in our best interest to track down the battlesuits that most closely approximates your companions. Your companions are in this area because the battlesuits were tracked here, so it is likely that we could identify and locate their signatures. We could construct a device to allow you to do so, if you like.

[LightBringer]

"Oh hell yeah!!" which I keep to myself, and probably Ronnie.

[LadyGlutter]

"That would actually be most helpful, yes."

[Chris Chandler]

It would be best if we went some place more discrete than a department store. Please follow the cat.

Heather. The heavy cat hops down and carefully transforms, at a point when normal passers-by are not looking (no mean feat in its own) into a motorcycle.

Would your sister be so kind as to complete the camouflage? We shall travel in your conveyance, Veronica, and follow the motorcycle.

"Betty" pays for her things (buying you the tacky bonsai pillow) and heads to the van.

[LadyGlutter]

On to the van. "Hi guys! Lemme in already. Look who I found!"

[Chris Chandler]

The group, who heretofore has been completely out of the loop and was collectively wondering why Heather was standing on the sidewalk petting a cat, looks decidedly nonplussed.

Ginger will be the first to reply.

"Um, yes, hello Miss. Veronica, would you mind introducing us?"

She has a wonderful veil of civility, even that of a pleasant hostess greeting a stranger, but she is way out of her comfort area here. Jen has already shotgunned, and John starts the van up. He speaks up, as he sees Heather looking at the apparated cycle.

Am I following Heather, or are we waiting?

[LightBringer]

Looking?!? Oh well, I guess I do have to see where I'm going to land as I hop on rather excitely!!

SWEET!!!

[LadyGlutter]

"Follow Heather. As far as introductions go, ummm... I don't think I got a real name?"

I look to the Raleshaz 'woman' hopefully, not knowing really proper protocol at all.

[Chris Chandler]

"My names Betty! Follow that cat!"

The voice, though, intones -

We really do not have names that you may pronounce. My -

The singular pronoun is clearly hard for the voice to produce -

My own name is more a particular spectra than a series of tones. It is more properly defined within what you describe as the ultraviolet spectrum within the wavelength of 330 nanometers. You may choose a proper Terran name to designate... me, as is our custom.

Heather, you hop on the cat and man does she purr! She transformed into a vintage red '48 Indian Chief Roadmaster. You are barely able to settle in when she heads off with a roar! The motorcycle looks like a classic Indian bike, but whatever is powering the vehicle is decidedly not a stock engine.

John curses -

Damn Heather. We're freaking downtown and this is a full-sized van thank you! What is her deal!

He is weaving in and out of traffic in a most laborious way as the bike nimbly plays checkers.

[LightBringer]

Whooo, really sweet.

Since I can't hear him bitch, I pay John no mind. :)

And enjoy the 'hair in the wind' ride.

[LadyGlutter]

"Yes. Betty works. She and her friends helped take those bugs out of your ears, and shut them off."

[Chris Chandler]

Jen and Brock look at each other, and Ginger quickly looks hard at Brock in surprise. Both Jen and Brock had carefully palmed their devices, Veronica. You can tell that they hadn't let anyone know in the van. Ginger replies, a little sarcastically -

Well, that's helpful.

Jen looks to Ginger and responds -

Look, we didn't know what was going on. We kept it hush-hush because we didn't know what was happening. Sorry.

Alright.

The bike continues to careen in and out of traffic and John is hard pressed to keep up. You will drive for a few good minutes until you begin to approach the bay. It looks like Heather is heading toward one of the many large shipyards. Ever since the military closures, many of these shipyards have been left vacant, contractors moving to Los Angeles, San Diego, or going bankrupt.

[LightBringer]

Whhhheeeeeee!!!

[LadyGlutter]

I will update them on the conversation with Betty as I understand it, and that we're about to build a body suit location machine. They've each had the download, they should understand in theory what's going on, right? :)

[Chris Chandler]

(("This is my timey-wimey detector. It goes ding when there's stuff."

Finally, a bit of the Dr. in this otherwise Scooby game!))

Everyone's in agreement and the group will reach their destination in relatively short order. How you managed to not have a squad of police cars chasing after you is anyone's guess.

You reach Hunter's Point naval shipyard. It is a closed down relic of the cold war, decommissioned some years back. There are empty buildings throughout an enormous complex, along with an unused drydock and several other docks, all large enough for military ships.

There is a closed chain link gate that slides open as you approach, though you barely squeeze through at the speed you are traveling. By the time the van approaches, the gate is fully open. Heather, the cycle travels to one of the smaller docks and pulls up alongside a small outbuilding. Most of the windows are broken, and the door is ajar.

You both hear a voice in your head, though it sounds different than the one that has been speaking to you.

Ah, we have guests. Please enter the building and we will -

"Betty" interrupts, speaking out loud. It seems that the rest of the group could hear the second voice.

These are the Terran girls that Adam Worth has been tracking, along with their companions. The one named Veronica approached us and initiated a dialog.

That is... interesting. So they are not simply more interlopers?

Correct.

Very well, they may enter safely.

"Betty" opens the van door and, with a disarming smile, she beckons the group to follow her into the shack.

[LadyGlutter]

"Interlopers? You've had visitors?" I follow.

[Chris Chandler]

The first voice responds after the group has entered the shack. It looks like a small, single-room office, nondescript, even decrepit.

Interlopers. Some people have discovered that this old station houses some interesting facilities. This was a branch of the NOVA project, which you have been pursuing.

John and Ginger exchange glances of abject surprise. John becomes decidedly angry, but is in control. Ginger's eyes tear up. Brock, Jen and David all look at each other in confusion. David speaks up -

Wasn't Mudaliar in charge of NOVA II? The hell?

Jen responds -

No, that... er person just said NOVA, not NOVA II.

She looks at John then back to "Betty" and to you two.

[LightBringer]

Following along I shrug, "Guess we'll see soon enough."

[LadyGlutter]

Was that supposed to make sense? Anyway, I don't understand a single person's reaction to that, so I also just keep walking.

[Chris Chandler]

The shack itself is relatively empty, but there is a municipal desk and aluminum chair - not at all ergonomic - sitting dead in the middle. Once "Betty" closes the door, the appearance of the room changes immediately to a dimly lit room with metallic walls surrounding what looks like a cargo lift in the center, where the desk had been located.

"Betty" steps onto the deck of the lift and calls out, All aboard!

The second voice speaks up.

The interlopers may still be able to observe this chamber. Please come below and we can continue our discussion.

[LightBringer]

Hop on!

[LadyGlutter]

Me, too.

[Chris Chandler]

The lift is quiet fast to the point where it feels more like a freefall than an elevator. The shaft is smooth stone - grey, possibly concrete - it's really hard to tell because you start moving very quickly. You gradually slow after some time (Heather, your estimate is roughly 30 seconds) and then come to a complete stop some 30 later (for a minute trip). In the last 10 seconds or so the shaft opens up into a large chamber. It is dimly lit and you cannot see the edges, though you can see in about a 30 yard radius from the lift.

What you do see as you descend into the chamber is reminiscent of a movie rendition of NORAD's war room or the command center on the moon of Yavin 4. There are small workstations with holographic models being displayed (you recognize a map of Spain, a 3-D model of some naval warship, and a television station's newscast) plus a number of bright metallic cubes (roughly 4x4 feet each, by a quick estimate). Each cube seems glow, of the 6 that you see, 4 are pale blue, one orange, and another yellow. You see five creatures moving through the area - Raleshaz that aren't shifted into another form. You will both note that "Betty" and the cat are, likewise, shifting form to match the others.

The Raleshaz, typically, stands about 7-8 feet tall and looks similar to a stretched teardrop. It has mottled metallic skin, slightly rough in texture, of a light charcoal grey. There are no limbs, per se, and the creatures simply slide across the floor silently. Any device that might require manual input in a human workroom is somehow remotely manipulated.

Raleshaz have the semblance of a face enveloped at tip of the "teardrop", a glowing deep blue surface expanding and contracting light in various shapes. You observe two Raleshaz facing each other, their mutual glows changing in a rapid succession of polyhedrons. There aren't any eyes or mouths to speak of.

"Betty" moves off the lift, now in her true form, and speaks (mentally)

Please follow me to the fabricator. We shall construct your terminal there and then discuss our options thereafter.

She slides away from the lift, heading away from immediate vicinity into the dim light beyond.

[LadyGlutter]

Curiosity bristling and shining with expectation, I watch the newbies' faces with slight amusement as I follow Betty.

[LightBringer]

I'm still just walking along. It's hugh so I'm just trying to absorb.

[Chris Chandler]

Ginger is quietly aroused by the spectacle. You can tell she's really digging this.

John is nervous. He does not like being in a situation where he has less control. There is also a bit of being cooled out.

Jen is playing her cards close, but Veronica can tell that she's exhilarated.

David is still a bit woozy from his surgery, but you both can see that this is the most content, happy, at ease he's been in a while.

Brock doesn't even want to touch the floor. He's jumpy and his head twitches with each new movement he sees.

Kenny is smiling, but he's on your boat. This is within the realm of what you've seen before, and it's cool and all, but there's nothing shocking.

Heather, you will note that, at first, it seems like your presence here has made no waves amongst the Raleshaz. You move along and they pay you no mind, conversing with one another without a blip. It is when you round a corner toward a hallway leading to a series of archways that you note that three of the half dozen beings you've passed are quietly observing you. They return to their business when you notice them, though not with any outward sense of embarrassment or seeming to rush along.

The walls of this place seem like concrete at first, but as you look you will note that is actually stone, dense and a dull green-grey. As you approach the archways down this hall, the stone seems to react to your presence, and the walls emit a soft greenish glow, along now visible veins of some viridian mineral.

You sense movement within each of the chambers as you approach, faster motion that you had seen prior and as you reach the first archway, on your left, you see a cluster of raleshaz - five in all - moving at an incredibly rapid and fluid pace, shifting their forms like quicksilver in an interweaving pattern. At some unknown signal the group halts, three in midair, and they hold their positions motionless and their forms seem to become liquid as they become a series of mundane Terran objects: A lamp post, a bicycle, a young willow tree, a painting (http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=g&p=c&a=p&ID=194), and a young man - about 6'4" broadly built with blue-black hair, wearing a conservative wool suit and glasses.

Ginger quips when she sees the shift.

Wait, so that one's still pretending to be an alien. Funny.

"Betty" laughs and ushers the group to the next lefthand archway. You see a group of Raleshaz, three here, surrounding an amorphous green-white blob. One calls forth a bit of the mass, which pulls out and shapes itself into an implement, in this case what seems to be another of the projectors from when you first entered.

"Betty" approaches that raleshaz and they converse for a brief moment and then she turns back toward you and speaks.


We need you to please come forward and describe specifically what you need. We will then be able to create the device.

None of you actually knows who "Betty" is talking to. She's not specific in her statement.

[LightBringer]

Hmmm.

I'll take note, but not try to memorize them, since they won't look the same later.

I wonder what caught their eye? My stunning beauty. My dizzying intellect. Maybe my high field of radioactiveness? I smile at myself, waiting for someone to tell Betty what she wants to know.

(Not really projecting or protecting my thoughts.)

[LadyGlutter]

"I don't understand. It was your idea. I don't know your capabilities exactly."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" acknowledges your statement with a quick response.

Our capabilities are that we can fashion a device for you to seek out those who are spying on you, though I cannot create it myself. Any creation is attuned to the creator. Should I make it, only I would be able to use it.

[LadyGlutter]

Totally bumfuzzled.

But... you just said you would be able to create the device after I described specifically what I need. I'm not following, still.

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" pauses for a moment, then replies.

I can pull a bit of that material out and fashion a device, but if I do so, the device is mine. If you, on the other hand, pull out the material, the device is yours, or whomever chooses to do so. The material is... sentient, after a fashion, and will comply with your whim, even if you do not understand the engineering behind such a request.

[LightBringer]

Yes, yes, I had control of my impulsivness.....I wondering if that twitch is visiable?

[LadyGlutter]

I look at Heather and grin, mock surprised. "You really want it to be me? Well okay then..." I pause.

[LightBringer]

"Well since you seem to have some questions, and I hate questions, " I smirk at Ronnie.

I step forward to about the same distance as the Raleshaz are away from the blob of material. Focusing on the material, I hold both hands casually out in front of me, and I start. Focusing my thoughts into the blob, but whispering slightly aloud, "I need a scanner that will allow me to scan for entities based on DNA, or energy signature, or energy patterns, or pyshical composure, similar to that entity," a portion of my thoughts shift focus to Kenny as the example, yet eyes continue to stare forward, "or any combination of these abilities, also the capability to merge with existing computers and networks for facial recognition ability. I will need at least a 20 mile radius capability with this scanner, but 100 miles would be preferred. This scanner needs to be no smaller than a Terran cellular phone, and no bigger than a Terran laptop computer." My focus is on more of a Blackberry appearance, but I'm just laying out parameters since I'm sure this is a work in progress.

[Chris Chandler]

((That's a way to step up, LB!))

The blob seems to pulse slightly at your approach, Heather, and you feel warm, flushed really. You tap into those recesses that you have practiced recently and pull forth a portion of the material, a small amount really. Oblong, it resembles an elongated marshmallow the size of a loaf of bread. You focus on the intent of your words, and the shape of the device appears quite readily. You retrace your thoughts, again and again, manipulating the underlying substance beneath the shell of the small device, and function slowly begins to manifest.

Veronica, you can see that Heather is beginning to become pale and is sweating, her breath shallow, but mentally she is in control and seems to be in no immediate danger.

You have no idea the amount of time that it took to form the substance into the device, but you realize that you have been standing for about a minute, staring at nothing, holding the device in your hand. It is comfortably cool to the touch.

"Betty" speaks -

It is as you designed. Function follows form, and your mind has allowed this function to manifest. You have talent in this, for a Terran. Quite nice. For what you needed, it could have been the size of a motorcycle engine.

Veronica, Heather is moving under her own power, but she is weak and woozy.

Heather, you went supernova with your TK, allowing you to proceed in developing the device unfettered, but you are drained* right now, and will need to rest.

"Betty" leads you further down the hall, if you are ready to go, and shows you a small chamber, with several comforts, functionally similar to what you might have at home, though they are clearly Azmian. It is quite the collection - there is a seating area, a few tables, and holocrystal, which can resonate with sounds and images, along with a nice spread of Terran cuisine - luncheon, including cold cuts and summer sausage, cheese, wine, fresh fruit and veggies. She continues -

Please rest for the moment and collect your thoughts. We will convene near what you consider midnight. You will have some time to relax and explore the compound, if you wish. You have unfettered access, though, please be polite. We are always working.

"Betty" heads out, leaving the group to its own devices. John and Jen stumble over each other's words, which happens to be identical -

What's it do? (What's it do?)

They laugh, but allow Heather her space.

---

((*You have a -4 to all stats right now, are at 0 fatigue, and are psi-null, as well. The affect is only temporary, and once you are fully rested - a good night's sleep - you will find that your TK is a bit more... accessible than it used to be. You earn 5 points from training and a "eureka" moment to put into TK - that's a whole level up!))

[LadyGlutter]

"I'll leave her to answer that, but we need to rest, post haste. She's officially even more wiped than I am after helping Kenny out."

[LightBringer]

Once I have begun to realize the real world again, and how wiped I am, I casually (as casually as possible) move toward Ronnie, and use her as a walking stick. (I have street cred to protect. I can't be all wussified now can I?)

I walk as evenly as possible, using Ronnie for a brace when I need to. Once I see the seats I immediately sit down, and breath. When the questions come, I smile, "One moment, please. Ronnie could I have some wine and cheese, please."

With that said, I reply to John and Ginger, "Well we came here for a tracker I thought, so I created a tracker for the battlesuits. I think."

[LadyGlutter]

I'm cool with that, in fact as I see what's going on, I do my best not to let on what's up and just look like I"m the wiped out one. :)

[Chris Chandler]

That answer seems to suffice for now and the group is allowed to relax for some time. Enough time passes that Ronnie could likely doze off before "Betty"* returns, informing the group that they are about to convene, and that the group is invited to attend.

It shouldn't take too long. We'll likely discuss matters similarly to how we already have, just with more firm plans of action. Would you like to attend?

[LightBringer]

I'll eat and drink some to help replenish myself. "I swear I feel every freaking fiber of my body, and it's not happy." I get what rest I can, but try not to be short with anyone. I know they are as curious as I am.

When Betty comes in I wait for Ronnie to answer.

[LadyGlutter]

I also will rest as much as possible. I'm so wiped, I really can't help her recoup faster...

When Betty comes in, I agree to attend. "Will you translate for us?"

[Chris Chandler]

We'll say that the group has rested for about three hours - enough time for a cat nap, which everyone will take advantage of. There is the distinct air of security here. Upon Ronnie's question, "Betty" responds quickly -

Oh, we will speak so that you all may understand us. It would be impolite otherwise. I believe that we are convening, in large part, to discuss our role with you and your companions. If everyone is rested and prepared, please follow me.

You follow "Betty" out through the room and back toward the main entrance area. You move across this area to the opposite site, where there seems to be a sort of auditorium. As you move through the compound to the auditorium, you see no other Raleshaz in the area. When you arrive at the auditorium, you see that they are all here. You count 32 Raleshaz here, standing in a loose circle upon the three wide steps of this chamber. In the center is another holoprojector, displaying topographical globes of Earth, Centauri Prime, and the Fidorian Homeworld. Ronnie has seen this before, but Heather, this is your first glimpse of the planet of the Fidorians. To be honest, it looks much like Coruscant:

http://biobreak.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/coruscant.jpg

- while Centauri Prime is a larger version of Earth, and you are quite familiar with how it looks.

[LightBringer]

Hmmm, interesting. Those look like volcanoes.

I look around but remian quiet. I don't want to break protocal.

[LadyGlutter]

Yeah, they do. But they're cities.

I also am quiet. I'm sure we'll all have parts to play soon enough.

[Chris Chandler]

The planets realign themselves and information - text (in English, for your collective benefit) hovering around several points on each planet, anything from active volcanoes to large diamond deposits to tectonic faults to ocean gorges. There are no political markers (cities, nations, etc.) marked at all. You will both easily note that while Earth and Centauri Prime have dozens of these notes, slowly moving as the planets rotate, the Fidorian Homeworld has very few. You count only 10.

One of the Raleshaz moves forward and addresses your group. The others turn and face you, as well. "Betty" is nearest you.

We are know by the Azmian people as "Planet Eaters", by the Mangat Collective as "A Ravenous Evil", and by the Fidorians as the "Primary Adversary".

A fourth planet emerges amongst the holoprojected bodies. It looks like the moon - grey and dusty.

This is our Homeworld, and empty husk of a planet, devoid of any life, it's very sentience destroyed. This is by our hand.

This planet fades, as do the other planets, to be replaced by four other planets, which all seem very similar to the last, barren and desolate.

These three - Cignas III, Sieti Prime and Azmia are also by our hand.

You will note a very disdainful cadence amongst the gathered Raleshaz - they are decidedly upset - bereaved.

The last planet is enlarged as the three mentioned fade.

This is our Alpha. This is the end of the dominion of the Raleshaz, and the end of the World-Gorger.

A number of Raleshaz flash in color and cadence, suggesting anger.

The planet resolves itself into the rounded hulk of a titanic Raleshaz, one the size of a planet. You see the tiniest pinpricks of other raleshaz, but you can't count them all - there are thousands at least - and they are surrounding the planet-raleshaz. The scene fades as a battle begins.

So do fade the "Planet Eaters", by destroying our Alpha, we doom ourselves.

The holoprojector powers down and the speaker approaches the group.

Millennia ago, before your people gained wisdom, we approached what you might consider a "council of elders", so that we could end the destruction. The oldest of us all, our Alpha, refused to reconsider any course of action other than traveling to a new system and feasting upon the riches of the planets until they were dead. We were small in number and did not have the support of the other... elders. It was not until we encountered the Fidorians, who are far too similar in nature to as we were for comfort, that some of the elders wished to relent.

The speaker pauses for a moment

It was not out of fear from the Fidorians, but rather because we saw in them our ravenous nature. Our Alpha refused, and war came upon us. We who wanted to end the destruction fled from our Alpha, who absorbed any of us he found, friend or foe. In the end it was the remnants of our people against the joined mass of our loves and hates within the maddened shell of our Alpha. We were victorious, but with such cost that we were forced into exile across The Arm.

A map of the Delta Quadrant of the Milky Way appears, and that arm of the galaxy is centered and hundreds of words - names - are scattered throughout.

Our family is here, never to be as one again, for we fear what might happen should more than a few of us convene.

The speaker nods to "Betty", who continues.

Raleshaz don't eat often, but when we do, we eat alot. For example, I had not eaten for about 3 of your earth years, from my arrival until I found a proper source of nourishment. I then spent about a week ingesting magma on the sea floor, to the equivalent of about 9 tons of molten rock. It was... quite delicious.

I haven't eaten since. My meal was... 30 of your years ago, and I won't likely need to eat again until just before I leave, and then only for travel fuel.

She pauses for a moment -

So, you see that on an individual basis, or even within a small group, we do not leave an enormous footprint, but we dare not convene in numbers larger than this.

The holoprojector hums on again, this time with only the map of the Fidorian Homeworld.

The Fidorians have almost killed their planet. We know the signs better than any, and they will need to find a new home. Actually, we believe that they already have.

Earth predictably appears. The other speaker continues -

We were working to stop the Fidorians from taking this course, trying to come up with any alternative, but Adam stopped us by absconding our offspring. The details of the abduction are... unclear, and we do not understand his motive at all. We cannot find him, nor can we find our offspring. We do not want the Fidorians to attempt to settle this planet, because the will not accept the diverse ecosystem. They find flora and fauna... messy. You will all either be forcibly removed, or reconstituted into the Earth. We cannot, however, effectively do this while Adam has our offspring.

[LightBringer]

I sigh, "Well, from what I know of Adam, I'd say his motive is to have you do exactly what you're doing. Nothing. If the Fidorians come, then either anyone who has a treaty has to respond, or he has simply rendered you unable to act, thereby making you a easy target for them, and forcing all your brethen to come to your aid, which then forces you all into a single location. Then, either two of the most powerful forces in this area bring each other to their knees, and the rest of those who fear you finish you off, or you finish each other off. No matter what, Adam's goal is achieved, Chaos. The more chaos, the more he can move about without fear, and tend to his true goals."

[LadyGlutter]

I listen to the whole thing with interest, and then Heather. I nod "Action does seem to foil his plans, and being cautious would be what he expects of you since he has your child. That's hard to live up to though.

Hmmm... I have questions. You said Alpha absorbed some of your brethren? Were they able to retain their sentience within? Also, Why are you interested in the Fidorians interest in... anything? Is it simply you are trying to enforce the morality that you've learned at great cost? Or more than that?"

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" will respond, first to Heather -

We believe that Adam Worth is actually far more concerned about order than you may consider. We are, however, confused by his actions, and we clearly cannot see his purpose. You certain do understand so-called human nature better than we.

then to Veronica -

The practice of... absorbing another Raleshaz, even during the time when we were rightfully feared as planet-eaters, was forbidden. It is, it is murder.

"Betty" pauses for a moment.

Raleshaz, generally speaking, do not "die". We can be made inert, that is we can be temporarily forced to sleep for a time, but that is difficult. Our shells can be destroyed, but the magnitude of energy to do so usually involves so much collateral damage that it is rarely an option. Even then a Raleshaz is not truly dead and the essence of a Raleshaz can reform beginnings of a shell within a few years, even if its old shell was disintegrated.

"Betty" pauses again -

What our Alpha did, he absorbed the whole being of a Raleshaz to increase his own being. the individuals were added to his whole, no longer their own, but completely within him. It... it is not an easy concept. We do not fully understand exactly where the first of our kind... were born, and so our sense of a "spirit" or a "soul" are altogether different. Our individual essence is a spark, and it is powerful, and it brought us to the brink of elimination.

The lights upon the brows of all the Raleshaz seems to dim, and they all turn away. "Betty" continues -

It is for those who were lost, those taken by our Alpha that we do what we must. We will not become the scourge again. We believe that the Fidorians, who are a relatively new people, only a few millennia more advanced than your people, have managed to somehow... I do not know how to say it - rekindle? We believe that they have rekindled the essence of our Alpha. We do not how, and we do not know why, but too much was lost for the scourge to return.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm truly confused. I'm going to ponder, but I will say this much as I mull things over. "Do you mean literally, or do you mean with the hivemind?"

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty's" glow dims somewhat as she replies.

We mean literally. We believe they have found our Alpha and may have revived the essence within, though we do not know how. Some of the oldest of us have... sensed it.

[LadyGlutter]

"OOOH." I'm actually shocked. "Then it seems they might actually be able to communicate with you easier... Wait! They're bugs! Bugs need organic matter! How do they sustain themselves by destroying planets? That doesn't make sense either."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" responds in agreement -

Yes. We can take any substance and provide our shells with sustenance, a Fidorian is not terribly removed from yourself. It is an organic lifeform, and subsists like one. The process where they "reconstitute" flora and fauna is... less than pleasant, and not particularly sound ecologically. They have made specific technological advances, however, that help mitigate the issues with destroying ecosystems. Through this they are able to extract organic matter from many more sources than a Terran might find sustainable. In short, this technology is making them more like us.

[LightBringer]

Hmmm,

"Firstly, order always ensues from chaos, but more importantly, Adam isn't causing himself chaos, just those he wants out of the way.

Secondly, what is the timeline of the Ralashaz/Fidorian exchanges. Did you encounter the Fidorians, then slay your Alpha, then the Fidorians developed this new technology, then they started becoming even more like the World-gorger? My point is, is it possible that since the Ralashaz can't die, and apparently no one absorbed the Alpha, thereby murdering it, is it possible that the Alpha began controlling/using the Fidorians by helping them develop the technology that would allow them to eat just about anything, possibly including Ralashaz?"

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" answers after a short pause -

You have an interesting logic regarding Adam Worth. As for the Fidorians, we encountered them only few thousand years before we encountered your people. Our Alpha had been, by all appearances, destroyed some three thousand years prior to that first encounter. The average Fidorian only lives approximately three years, but the Fidorian Homeworld contains the collective consciousness of their entire people's existance. This is what we consider so dangerous. They plan to re-establish the collective consciousness here. Non-Fidorians would not be able to survive on an Earth so inundated with the kind of psychosis such a powerful entity creates, at least not for long, not before becoming a part of the collective, and, in time, another Fidorian. That is part of the reconstitution process. They will feed on the carbon your shells will provide, but your minds... They feed on the psionic energy dormant -

"Betty" pauses -

Well dormant in some Terran brains. Your planet's disembodied, still conscious brains would be the fuel for renewed Fidorian Collective. We do not want this to happen, but we cannot intervene unless our offspring has been recovered. Our offspring provides a logistical advantage to anyone who can communicate in our way, that is astrally.

Ala looks at Ginger and then Veronica and does a slow blink.

[LadyGlutter]

What, Ala?

"Howso?"

((I hate to just be asking one word questions, but "umhmmm, go on" is about the extent of what I know how to contribute at the moment with this much new info being thrown at me. I promise I am absorbing it all, I just don't know how to suggest moving forward with only half of it out there. Just in case you thought I was coasting or something. :)))

[LightBringer]

I wait for the answer to Ronnie's short question, before I continue.

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" replies -

Our shells exist on this terrestrial plane, but our minds are manifest within the astral. Should Adam learn how to access our offspring's mind, he would theoretically know where each and every one of us is located. We are... forever bound to each other.

Ala looks about to burst.

[LightBringer]

Continue waiting, since it looks like the crap is about to hit the fan.

[LadyGlutter]

"Could you not reverse engineer it? I mean, if Adam learns how to access your offspring's mind, theoretically each and every one of you would know where he was located, as well, right? It seems to me you've still got the upper hand here. It's natural for you. It's not for Adam. The only thing he's got to hold over you is fear, I think."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" glows a bit brighter and her tone shifts to one of near anger, though you are sure that it isn't toward you.

We know that Adam understands our mode of... communication because he has managed to damped our link to our offspring. We... recognize that our offspring is alive, but we cannot sense where Adam has hidden... um... her. There was a distinct point when this happened, as well. We had been able to sense our offspring and some of us were intercepting the location when our offspring's location disappeared. Those of us who had traveled to that location were... destroyed. Well, perhaps not destroyed, but at least made inert. This occurred less than a year ago.

[LadyGlutter]

"Okay. Well, he doesn't necessarily have to understand it to dampen it. I'm pretty sure he doesn't understand telepathy, but he knew enough to shield himself from my sister and myself.

Anyway. Where was the location, if I may ask?"

[Chris Chandler]

Well, when we attempted to rescue our offspring, Adam Worth was able to anticipate our moves in such a way that he had some foreknowledge of our plan, at the very least. By any means, the location where our Offspring had been spirited away was on an Azmian clan-ship - the Blue Star clan, specifically.

[LadyGlutter]

((Is that the Azmians from before? Is anything clicking at all?))

[Chris Chandler]

((That is absolutely the Azmians from before. You've been on the ship "Betty" is discussing.))

[LadyGlutter]

I frown. That figures.

"How long ago was that event, specifically?"

[LightBringer]

"Sure does."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" responds -

That was three months ago.

[LadyGlutter]

(Can you establish a timeline, please? Because of the conversation you and I had where I thought we'd been back roughly a month. Whatever is fine, but I'd rather have it straight. Thanks.)

[Chris Chandler]

((You left for Spring Break of last year to the Bahamas, and spent around a year in space, before returning. This would mean you touched down around Mid-May, I think, then a couple months of decompressing before Dear old Dad opted for the vacation. You met Adam and Cho-Nuk immediately, and lived in and about Centauri space for some months training, traveling throughout the Ball and doing the errands upon Centauri Prime. The Azmian intervention was after the ball, but before dealing with the insurgents on the planet's surface, so that's a month or so to get to Centauri Prime, a month or so training, and almost two months around the Ball, so that means the Azmian visit would have been almost 4 months from leaving (in Late March), so not quite a year from the present day. Also remember that after dealing with the insurgents there was a little bit of dealing with some off-planet insurgents, the Fidorians and uncovering Adam's colony moon. That took alot of travel time.))

[LadyGlutter]

But what time is it now? June?

[Chris Chandler]

It is the second week of July, I believe.

[LadyGlutter]

((Lol, that's the worst time line I ever saw. But okay.))

"What of the treaties and such, then? Last we heard, there was peace. Are the Azmians involved as well?"

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" replies -

The Azmians are the primary force behind the security of the Sol system. The Centauri do not have the capacity to protect an entire system from a direct attack, whereas the Azmians have more than enough capacity to do so.

"Betty pauses for a moment".

Although it would seem that they were also not up to the task, entirely. The Fidorian Hive fleet is relatively large, but three Azmian clan-ships have the firepower to match them.

[LadyGlutter]

That's not what I meant to ask. I meant did the Azmians have a part they played in the capture of your offspring.

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" responds once again -

We do not believe that the Azmians were directly involved, any more than we think the Fidorians were involved. They are Adam's playing pieces... er... pawns? He waits for their movements to hide his own.

[LightBringer]

"hmm, I've heard that somewhere...." I smile, but keep listening. If I interrupt now I'll throw Ronnie off.

[LadyGlutter]

I nod. "I agree with that assessment. Okay. So I say we get some shut eye and blast into space as soon as we're physically capable. Meaning, as soon as the after effects of this anti-rad medication wears off."

[Chris Chandler]

The other Raleshaz responds -

Very well. We shall commence departure in two Terran days. If you would, please allow our contact to take you to what you may consider a clinic. We can absorb the residual radiation within your bloodstreams and bones, and denature the medication, as well.

With that, all the Raleshaz except for "Betty" begin to quickly move out of this room. All human eyes (perhaps even Heather) are on you. Ginger and Brock look like brook trout, David has a bit of deer in headlights going on, Jen is wide-eyed, and John is smiling.

[LadyGlutter]

"Um."

I stare wide eyed at the dispersing Raleshaz, then turn to Heather, a little frightened at how quick that happened.

"I just was stating my opinion."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" ushers the group out of the auditorium (which obviously won't stop any discussion) and back toward the main area. From there you head in the direction of the lift that brought you down here, and go behind it. There is a narrow corridor that turns sharply to the left. Here, you see a single Raleshaz floating amongst what look like rusty boulders. They are spaced about 5 feet away from each other in a circle, 11 in all. They are surrounding another holoprojector, which is displaying information about each specimen. "Betty" moves in the room first and communicates with the other Raleshaz, who then responds to the group.

You have been damaged and are seeking repair. Enter the circle and be amongst us, so that the poison may be removed.

[LightBringer]

I chuckle at Ronnie, "Yeah, and then you said we were going to take a nap, basically."

Once we're in the 'clinic', I'll step right up at the Ralashaz invitation.

[LadyGlutter]

I actually look surprised, and then laugh.

"Yeah, I guess I did, huh?"

I also enter the circle, pretty trusting for me, actually. Like this is not going to bite me later...

[LightBringer]

I could bite you now and get it over with.

A big smile starts to break as I barely contain the laughter.

[Chris Chandler]

After those of you who have radiation poisoning enter the circle, the Raleshaz who was already in the room move into the center of the circle and the holoprojector adds your forms to the display. Things become a bit... fuzzy after that. Each of you will remember heat and a various colors of light, but only Veronica will notice the strong tugging sensation.

Veronica, you recognize the feeling of shifting into the Astral Plane, but are able to establish some modicum of control before it actually happens. The veil to the Astral is very thin here, though, and if you focus your sight, you can actually see the Raleshaz for what it is. You see a small entity of light taken form, nearly humanoid, but with long spidery limbs. The corona that you see on the shell of this world is actually a manifestation of the creature's face.

You also see the cords of all of your companions, and see their astral bodies partially form - they are still cocooned within their astral cords, and are transparent. Whatever procedure is taking place here, the Raleshaz has partially lifted your companions from this world.

You are unsure how long you are in this state of observation, but it ends abruptly, and the Ralezhaz approaches Veronica. It speaks -

You would do well to hide what you now know in the furthest recesses of your mind. Those who know hold great power.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm extraordinarily confused, moreso than usual.

"What's to hide? You have a soul just like us. Even though you didn't understand it when I said that about Kenny. You're not any different than any other entity. That isn't anything unusual or granting any great power."

[Chris Chandler]

The Raleshaz replies, quietly, slowly.

No, we are creatures of what you refer to as the Astral Plane, or the Spirit Realm. That is our true home. It is where we were born. The shell you see upon the physical realm, it is a hulk, a shell constructed by us in order to interact with the younger peoples. It is the peculiarities of how we are manifest that cause us to draw tremendous amounts of energy, from time to time.

The creature (you can still see a faint silhouette of the astral body of the Raleshaz) pauses for a moment.

I am unsure that this is making sense to you. We are not spirits, but rather beings native to your Spirit Realm. We have found means to interact with people such as the Azmians by manipulating matter to fashion physical forms. These shells serve as conduits for us, in a way similar to how your silver cord keeps you anchored to the physical world even when you travel to ours.

[LadyGlutter]

"Then why didn't you understand when I said that about Kenny? You should understand MORE than anyone."

[Chris Chandler]

The creature you refer to as 'Kenny' is an unusual circumstance. The entity is sentient of its own existence, and ties itself to that 'battlesuit', but it is still what you would call a ghost. We are not spirits. We exist wholly within this plane of existence. We are native here, and can only visit your world through our shells. Your 'spirit' is a fragment of essence that is tied to your creation, and we are wholly unsure of what happens to it when your physical body is destroyed or decays until it no longer functions. You have a concept of deity, which is actually quite prevalent. Of those people you have met, only the Fidorians do not identify with deity. We... understand this concept, as well, though it is manifest differently through our perception.

Your spirit is perhaps a small fragment of the essence of deity, and when your physical body fails, the fragment returns to the higher being. There are fragments, like this Kenny entity, that for whatever reason do not return. They are lost, and do have some sentience of the physical selves, and some can gain some amount of control of your plane of existence, but no longer have a true form. I... we... are unsure of this concept. A ghost is something that seems closely attuned to one world, while being forced to dwell in another.

[LadyGlutter]

Well... Then you sound like you're ghosts by choice. Why do you bother with 'here' at all then, if you don't even live here?

[Chris Chandler]

In part because we find it interesting. The younger peoples are very anxious to make a mark in their own lifetimes. It makes for a very dynamic existence. Also, it is because on more than one occasion we have been attacked by peoples from your existence. This is eons ago, and was in a time before we ever thought the need to manifest here. We are here because there is need to know what is happening here. We are ever vigilant.

[LadyGlutter]

Why not just withdraw then, and save your child that way?

[Chris Chandler]

The raleshaz brightens, not angrily, but with what might be excitment.

We have attempted that very thing. You see, we know that our offspring is alive, because it is our nature to sense, generally, each other. We cannot find our offspring, however, because Adam Worth has made... er... her completely manifest in your world. This is unprecidented. We do not know how it was accomplished, and we cannot pinpoint her location, because her entire presence has been transferred into this world.

[LightBringer]

'Hmmm, interesting.'

[LadyGlutter]

"How did he accomplish that?! Are you aware of any means it might be done?"

[Chris Chandler]

The Raleshaz replies -

No, we do not. We... we were hoping that you might have some insight upon that. We know that you are a descendent of Adam Worth, and we have observed, on more than one occasion, that you are able to see clearly into our realm of existence. We have only encountered a few individuals who can do so, and you are one of only two who have had civil discourse with us.

[LadyGlutter]

I look at the Raleshaz. "Well, I will work with that the best I can, and I'm not exactly sure why you want me to bury it in the recesses of my mind, but right now I'm pretty sure exhaustion is making none of it make a whole lot of sense. So... naptime?"

[Chris Chandler]

The Raleshaz glows comfortably -

Yes, absolutely. We shall be setting soon enough, and you will need rest and nutrients for preparation for the journey. We must also prepare to accompany you. You... would perhaps prefer one among us to whom you are more familiar? We believe that... she will be an appropriate companion, if you are agreeable.

Without further ado, the group is allowed to rest and recouperate for roughly 36 hours before the Raleshaz are ready to head out. In that time, Heather will be cleaned of any Radiation poisoning, and the rest of the group will be scrubbed from any contamination. Heather, Veronica, Jen, David, and John will each be offered hypnotraining sessions (like you had on Centauri, Ronnie). Jen is offered piloting and astrogation, David is offered metacomputing and communicatoins, John is offered defensive systems and history, Heather is offered only Delta Quandrant Cultures, as she will be spending the most time in the rad-scrubber, and Veronica, since you have intergallactic history, law, and a few Delta quatrant languages under your belt already, you are offered Audible Raleshaz and one other topic of your choice. So's you know, Ginger and Brock were passed by because... well...

((You can put 2 points in your respective subjects, which are all M/H))

[LightBringer]

I rest, recoup, and study until departure time. Also work on my TK.

[LadyGlutter]

Do they have any knowledge I can work on in the realm of ESP, astral travel, or psychometry? I know those are a bit less bookish, but from what they just told me they might be the very people to ask. Plus, it looks like that's what I need to bulk up on with the information I was just given.

[Chris Chandler]

Yes, you would be able to learn an extension of the Occultism skill that you already know, to the more practical aspects of psychic phenomena. We can treat this as an Expert Skill (Psychic). You already know alot of the "how", since you are Psychic, but it's pretty intuitive, or based on your occult knowledge, which you well know is one of the worst disciplines for academic purity. This give you alot of the "why", "who"/"what", and more applicative information. You'll also get a more solid foundation on your more esoteric disciplines, specifically understanding a bit more control when using ESP, Astral Travel, and, more importantly, Psychometry. You haven't gained any more raw power in those disciplines, outside of the fact that knowledge is power, but you have a better understanding of what you are seeing, and it is likely that less will be lost in translation.

[LadyGlutter]

Um. LOL.

What does that mean in game terms, pretty please?

[Chris Chandler]

If you run across something weird that is specific to your psi-stuff, you'll be able to know not only the practical aspects, but theory and history as well.

[LadyGlutter]

That didn't answer my question... ok, time to move on. I rest.

[Chris Chandler]

((Expert Knowledge [Psionics]))

[LadyGlutter]

((Wow, I'm going to pull a Chris here. I thought I posted this morning, to everything. Musta been pre-caffeine. Also, thanks for the reiteration on the exact ability. I guess two points and it'd be Mental Hard?))

I rest, and try my hardest meanwhile to keep everyone calm and watch out for any messes. That'd be Ala I'm worried about most, by the way.

[Chris Chandler]

Ala is actually behaving fairly well. She'll chat with you, Veronica, about the situation in general, but will mostly spend time in quiet contemplation (She has no need of hypno-training). Everyone else is either involved in hypno-training (since everyone else hasn't completed this form of training, it takes longer) or relaxing in what effectively a common room and library. There are traditional bound books comprising a well-stocked library, mostly dealing with the natural sciences and history. There are no fiction books.

Heather, outside of training, anything that you would like to do?

[LightBringer]

If I'm able I wouldn't mind just walking around and watching the Rals'. It seems I drew some attention when we first arrived, and I'm just curious to wonder around and see if I can figure out why.

[Chris Chandler]

Heather, you can mill about. For the most part the Raleshaz are polite but keep a distance, not because of anything about you, but because they are clearly involved in preparations to leave. The Raleshaz who was leading the discussion in the auditorium will approach you, though.

You seem to find our shells most interesting. It is a rare gift you have, to be able to see the soul of a machine and speak to it. Your companion, the metascion*, she is able to amplify this ability. Would you like us to help you awaken this, so that you may utilize it without aid? It should be relatively painless, outside of the ready awareness of the life within the machines suddenly becoming apparent.

Veronica

Kenny will approach you during your rest.

So, the Raleshaz don't understand spirits, is that it? Seems weird... though, you know what's weirder? I can see them here, but in the Spirit world I only get the vaguest impression of a form, not really there. I don't really get it. You can see them, right? I'm only a hitchiker - I totally hang out with the ghosts, all the time, but I can't see them. Maybe that's what's up with them? Is there something sort of like the Spirit World that actually isn't the Spirit World? Maybe a border dimension. I dunno. I've learned some things since I've crossed over. There's more than just here and there, but you'd think folks could tell the difference?
---
* Stitch

[LadyGlutter]

Actually.... now that you mention it, I haven't tried to.

I take a bit of time to actually try to divine them and see what that all looks like.

[Chris Chandler]

You reach out and you realize that you do, indeed, have a difficult time (at first) seeing the true forms of the Raleshaz. You get the same sense as Kenny for a moment, but then you realize that there is a second veil to peirce, one that you would never had realized was there in the first place had you not known to look. You take the brief moment to atune yourself to this new reality, not your own world, and not quite the sprit world with which you are familiar, but another astral sphere altogether.

You can see the Raleshaz, see their existence. The world seems to be one of energy - light and heat, all the spectra of light and these creatures existing, quietly, slowly. What you see are balls of plasma of various colors, shifting into various forms, as if liquid. Each plasma form has a unique spectral signature - each being is a different color. The do stand as they are in your world, spread out in clumps, working in much the same way as a team of human scientists might, but rather they congregate in enormous rings of Raleshaz, thousands of them - many that you see here and far more than you realize.

You see other rings, spinning slowly through this existence, dozens, perhaps hundreds within your view, all drifting through harmonizing in an enormous song, a song with no words, but stringing through thier entire existence.

You fall back through the veil (realizing that you do not need to travel to the spirit world and then into theirs) and find yourself with your arms out parallel to the floor, and that you are spinning, slowly, humming. You don't know how long you've been doing this.

Heather, your freaky sister zoned out as she went over into the spirit world and then she started laughing and crying and dancing like a hippie. She'll do it for about 15 minutes or so, then stop.

[LightBringer]

After thinking for a few moments, and mentally cracking up at Ronnie, my focus returns to the Ral. "I would like that very much. I am very interested in what machines truly do, and feel."

[Chris Chandler]

The Raleshaz brightens and continues -

We have encountered creatures that can only be described as sentient machines, but we are not. We simply utilize these shells to meet our purposes here. Your friend the metascion is part of such a collective of creatures. By understanding the central energy that flows through machines, you will better know how to interact with them. It is less about control, and much more about cooperation. Here, let me show you.

Heather will be placed in another hypnotrainer, focusing on the interaction between the carbon-based and the slicate, and will come out of the trainer with a much better understanding on just how electronics actually work.*

((Gain 1 point in electronics operation and another level in your tech psi))

[LightBringer]

I'll thank the Raleshaz who helped me, and 'feel out' my new limits.

((I can't seem to find my sheet. Do you have a copy you can send me?))

[LadyGlutter]

*ooooh I'm spinning*

[Chris Chandler]

((I'm going to try and get it cleaned up and put in with my sheet. Gimme a few days, okay?))

Heather, you'll find that you have a much clearer understanding of what goes into making electronic devices work, and that actual, applicable knowledge is like understanding the language of machines, rather than trying to understand them using a phrasebook. It is quite nice. For example, the cell phone that you are carrying, you can see how the circuitry is interweaved and how the communications interface actually works. You think that you could even manipulate it by simple touch, rather than pressing down and concentrating.

Okay, Veronica's not spinning anymore. Well, she may still be spinning, but she's not under any compulsion to do so now.

[LightBringer]

"Cool." I don't try to make anything happen, I just admire the way things work.

[LadyGlutter]

As I come to, I look at Kenny.

Well, I looked, and no, I don't think that people would be able to tell the difference. I really don't understand at all what I just saw. They're pretty and they're super spiritual or something. I might as well be tripping, as much as I understand all of it."

[Chris Chandler]

Kenny laughs and shrugs.

Maybe things like that are better left understood. I think that the only thing we really need to know is that they're in a different place, and that you know how to see it, even if it doesn't make a lot of sense.

[LadyGlutter]

I don't really have anything else while we wait to blast off into space.

[Chris Chandler]

If everything is cool, let's move on.

The preparations take the better part of this second day, but the Raleshaz don't concern themselves with weather and the like. "Betty" comes forth and greets the group. She now seems a bit larger, in the way that a bus is larger than a car. She addresses the group -

Those who wish to enter into the depths of space, you may come with me. Those who do not shall stay on Terra and be equipped for communication with the travelers. You will all have ready contact with each other, and with us.

Everyone comes forward, with the notable exceptions of Brock, Ginger. They do not want to come. Jen takes a hesitant foot forward, unsure. She looks toward Heather.

[LightBringer]

I just smile, and give her a 'Come on' nod.

[Chris Chandler]

That settles it. The spacefarers are John, Jen, David, Ala, Kenny, Heather, and Veronica. John, Brock, David and Ginger powow together for just a few minutes for logistics (and Ginger gives John an enormous hug and kiss on the cheek) and you all step out with "Betty".

All of the other Raleshaz continue to work, and Brock and Ginger break off and head toward a waiting Raleshaz, who hands them some equipment and begins talking to them, then you move out of that room and into a small cylindrical room. The wall closes and seals behind the group and "Betty" requests that the group stand in the middle of the room.

Already comparatively enormous, "Betty" seems to grow even more in stature. John nervously puts his hands up in a defensive gesture as your host proceeds to engulf you! You are suddenly within "Betty" and she expands until she nearly fills the cylindrical chamber. Things shift until you see the general makings of a ship's brige - seating, various instruments, even a viewport above you, so that you may see outside.

There is a flash of light, and then a sudden tremendous pressure. Heather, Jen, and John "brown out", but David and Veronica fall briefly unconcious. You see white, then blue, then sudden blackness all in the space of maybe 15 seconds. "Betty's" voice is all around you.

So, the inertial dampeners worked. Most excellent. We're about to break Earth's gravity after a quick slingshot, and then we'll meet up with some more Raleshaz. After that, it's off to rendezvous with the Azmian Clan Ship for the Blue Star clan. Solar travel will be relatively quick, and... I'll be sure to take some stops at some your closer neighbors. After that, we're in for a bit of a long trip. The Clan Ship is over in Proxima Centauri.

So, you all are inside "Betty", but she is effectively a spaceship. Veronica and David will wake up soon enough and can so explore the ship - there is more, in fact, to just the bridge.

[LadyGlutter]

(While I'm waiting, how was David doing? I mean the sped-up detox is great and all, but what about brain damage? I'd meant to check on that.)

[LightBringer]

I grin a hugh grin, "Well Jen and John, are you ready for some real life changing fun?!"

[Chris Chandler]

John is very distracted, looking out the viewport. He blinks and mutters something to the affirmative and then turns back. He's a little bit teary-eyed, a lot bit smiling.

Jen is sitting in her seat still, head in her hands. She openly crying, but is also smiling. She keeps repeating, "Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap."

David is already standing with Ala and is looking at one of the instruments, the star chart.

Hey, Jen, lookit!

Kenny is, obviously nonchalant about the whole thing. He did, after all, just leave space.

[Chris Chandler]

((To be clear, David's doing quite well. It seems that the Raleshaz treatment hastened his recovery.))

[LadyGlutter]

I join John at the viewport. Is Earth far away by now? "Last time I did this I didn't get to say goodbye properly."

[Chris Chandler]

Still smiling (you can see that he is teary-eyed, Veronica) John puts a big arm around you and points out a vague spot (could be Minnesota, could be South Dakota, Could be Nebraska - kinda hard to tell from his gesture) in the American Midwest.

Man, it's been years since I've seen my hometown.

[LightBringer]

I place my hand on Jen's back, "Ah, come on girl. Get over there and check out those stars." I give her a gentle tug on the arm.

[LadyGlutter]

Seriously, he's teary eyed? Any chance at being stoic just disappeared, but I chuckle even as I choke up. "Aww, it's beautiful."

[Chris Chandler]

It is quite a sight. David and Jen head over and the five of you just stand and stare for a moment. You can see the earth glowing beneath you. Some time passes, you really aren't sure how much time, and then "Betty" announces that she about to head to the rendesvouz near the moon and will need to launch soon. Before then, John will ask:

So this Adam fellow, he's somewhere out here? Sounds like he's about to get a whole lot of trouble.

[LightBringer]

I just quietly enjoy the view. I love being there, but I love space just as much. It feels like there are no limits on you anymore. I feel so free in space.

[LadyGlutter]

The enormity of space is overwhelming me, along with guilt that this appears to be my fate. So jealous of Heather right now. Who cares that I'm abandoning everyone back home and putting them through hell yet again? At least my Aunt, anyway. I think Dad was trying to do better too. Damn, I suck.

"I guess. We'll do what we can, anyway."

[LightBringer]

I laugh out loud, but make no verbal response, "You don't suck! Unless you've been holding out on me!?! Got a secret you want to share...."

[LadyGlutter]

I half smile, feeling cheered up and simultaneously a bit bummed as that brings up the whole reckless Masquerade plan in my mind. Yeah, well, that's not likely to happen any time soon is it?

[Chris Chandler]

John will smirk.

Don't sound so overconfident there. Give the old boy a chance.

He lets out a sigh.

So, this place does a number on you, eh?

[LightBringer]

My head tilts slightly as I pause, and check out David's butt, "Why not?! He's pretty cute, and he likes you. Sometimes it's not the opportunity you make, like the ball, it's the one that sneaks up on you."

[LadyGlutter]

I nod, and sigh. "Yeah. Different people react differently. It's gorgeous, don't get me wrong. I just...."

I trail off, thinking of the enormity of space to help me avoid mentally squirming at the thought of David and having Heather be smug at me.

[Chris Chandler]

John nods -

No, I getcha. It's big, like so big that it can't really be quantified. I mean, I don't know if I get how big our own solar system is, and Betty here is talking about heading to another star system. That's just... daunting. It's cool, but daunting.

[LightBringer]

I'm smug anyway, I know when I've gotten to Ronnie, but I'm actually serious as well. I know Ronnie wants something of a normal life, and 'm pretty sure this is as normal as we're going to get.

"By the way Ronnie, why don't you just send Auntie a mental message. Even if it doesn't work at least you tried. You can borrow any extra juice you need from me."

[LadyGlutter]

That's a really good idea.

To any nearby Raleshaz, I think: Does anyone have anything in their heads that will track mental messages now?

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" answers quickly -

The Azmian devices have been disabled as tracking devices. They no longer work in that capacity. The... Your relative is safe, as far as that is concerned. In face, you can use the communications here to reach her safely.

[LadyGlutter]

Yes. I very much want to do that then.

[Chris Chandler]

The holoprojector activates and you can hear a chime, and you can hear your aunt's voice -

What? Oh, well, okay. Um, go ahead, I suppose?

You see your aunt Hannah in her kitchen licking the icing off of a rubber spatula. She was making cupcakes.

Veronica? Ronnie? Oh, it's so good to see you! The nice lady here said that it was nearly lifelike, and I feel like I could just hug you!

She does, indeed, walk right through your viewing area, arms out, before the image refocuses on her.

Oh, well, what's all this fuss about? Is there more trouble that, as your favorite aunt, I should be made an accomplice?

[LadyGlutter]

I grin. "Hey, if you don't want to talk, we don't have to. I just thought you might like to know we're okay. But if you're just worried about your own skin..."

[Chris Chandler]

((Sorry for the delay))

Now that you mention it, my skin is rather nice, and I would hate to get some sort of space mole or star freckle.

Hannah pauses.

I suppose they're all star freckles, now, aren't they?

She laughs and then continues -

So, you are okay. Should you not be okay? Is there an indeterminate time in the near future where you are going to be in danger, and where is this danger going to be?

[LadyGlutter]

I laugh at the star freckles bit, that was hilarious. "Well yeah, of course we're about to get in trouble. But....

Yeah. Anyhow, I was kind of hoping Dad noticed we were gone and stuff, and had alerted you, you all cared, etc?"

I try to keep that light-hearted sounding, though I'm not very hopeful.

[Chris Chandler]

Hannah pauses for a moment.

Well, he's gone so far as to put posters up, contacted Bentonville and put your faces in every Wal-Mart, and talked to every state beaurau all the way to your last store charge. What was in San Fransisco, anyway? You know we don't talk much normally, but he's called me every day. W... what should I tell him?

[LadyGlutter]

I smile. Then suddenly frown and look at Heather, "What do you think?"

And back to Aunt Hannah, "I mean, he needs to keep looking for us, even if he knows we're safe. Otherwise, they'll know we've talked to you or him and start harrassing you..."

[LightBringer]

I shrug, "I agree. Tell him we're okay, but that's about it."

[Chris Chandler]

Hannah lets out a sigh and nods.

I think I understand. I'll come up with a corker about a trip to Asia. He'll be relieved, but keep his fingers out.

[LadyGlutter]

I smile again for a brief second, then say, "OH! Hey do you remember John? Don't move!"

I run to get him.

[Chris Chandler]

Hannah does an animatronic stop of her mouth and arms in goofy fashion, as you fetch John, who is mumbling the Star Trek opening sequence (his Spock is really bad) while looking out the portal. He follows you over to Hannah, who remains frozen until John laughs.

Why hello there! My neices dragging you through the whole galaxy?

John smirks and replies -

Only this arm of the galaxy. I don't think we'll get much farther than -

Oh, shaddup. You don't get killed and don't let them get killed either.

Ma'am yes ma'am. Not on my watch.

[LadyGlutter]

"Death isn't the plan, obvs, Aunty. Do yourself a favor and watch out, though. There are some guys from these days out there that aren't what they appear. You be careful too."

[Chris Chandler]

"Betty" will telepathicaly inform you that the Raleshaz could keep an eye on Hannah and your father, as well as anyone else you think my be in danger, without them being the wiser.

I... I'll do that. I really do love you, Ronnie. Um... Tell Heather I love her too, okay?

[LadyGlutter]

"I love you too. Lots! But... Hold on."

I go get Heather, too, smiling.

"Heather, Aunt Hannah wants you to know she loves you. But it's silly for me to be the go between when you're right here."

[Chris Chandler]

Heather, Hannah blushes, but is smiling to see you. She waves and has a bit of a tear in her eye.

Hi Heather!

[LightBringer]

I smile big and wave back, "Hey Aunt Hannah! Love you too! Don't worry, I'll keep Ronnie out of trouble."

I can't help but chuckle at that.

[Chris Chandler]

Hannah rolls her eyes and laughs as well.

So, can you tell me what you'll be doing, or is it better that I don't know?

[LightBringer]

"You know, what us crazy teenaged girls do. Like, totally awesome shopping and things. And we promise not to let the boys take advantage of us....much!" I grin, but go back to serious as I turn, then smile and wink at John as I skip away.

[LadyGlutter]

And I blush at that. "Yeah, sounds like better you don't know."

[Chris Chandler]

Hannah rolls her eyes and then nods.

Alright, I'll be good, and you stay alive, if not good.

"Betty" informs you that the time for the conversation is nearly up.

[LadyGlutter]

"Okay, it's time to go! I love you, and I'll talk to you soon. I'm sure of it! Byeee!"

[Chris Chandler]

With that the image of Hanna fades and "Betty" informs you that such communication will be possible from time to time, even farther out into the arm, but doing it often might draw attention.

So, the trip is going to take about a month, once you reach the far side of the moon, where a number of other Raleshaz are waiting. There can be stops along the way, if you want them, but all this celestial debris makes for a nice, continuous snack for "Betty", and so she'll be able to be quite accomodating to your needs as a whole. In fact, once she joins shells with the awaiting Raleshaz you'll have something more the size of a frigate than a corvette, with enough room to play soccer if you so wished.

[LightBringer]

Sounds good. After being sick so much, I'd love to focus on physical fitness for awhile.

[LadyGlutter]

Soccer? I guess if I have to. :D

[Chris Chandler]

>.<

I mean it's that big. I don't mean that there's a soccer field. I mean, you could play rugby, or ultimate frisbee, or American Football, run the quarter mile.

You people are what cause unrest.

So, ready to be underway? Any clear stops?

[LadyGlutter]

No stops that I know of. In that time I will have plenty of time to watch David's progress though. And maybe get to know the other people a lot better. :) Yes, David included.

[LightBringer]

Any of those sounds good to Heather. Like I said, she's ready for some physical activity. *waits for smirks and comments to fade*

Heather is tired of being sick. While it was great to use that time focusing on mental abilites she'll use this to focus on her body. Sports, yoga, strength, cardio, everything, and anything! She'd really like to put on a 5 pounds of muscle.

No stops here, and getting to know people, and develop some serious trust is fine. As long as they don't mind sweating while we do that.

What!? Why are you rolling on the floor?

[Chris Chandler]

((Okay, I'll put something down over the weekend for the travel))

[Chris Chandler]

((I should never put posts up saying that I'm going to do something, because then the thread is no longer highlighted, and I forget.))

The trip will be different than how you traveled via the Centauris. The Raleshaz use a solar wind technique that is slow to accelerate, but will continue to increase in speed for what will end up being a trip of less than a month.

Your end of the arm is relatively quiet. There aren't many advanced societies this way, much less those that have interstellar travel capacity. Centauri's one of the few systems that has taken the step.

Heather, you'll have plenty of time to get back into fighting shape. If anything, "Betty" can provide you a elite athletic training progam that will kick your butt and tell you to thank it. John and Jen, likewise (being the other jocks) will appreciate being able to stretch and flex. There will be plenty of time for sparring, training, events, the whole gamut.

Veronica, you'll be able to relax and chill. "Betty" has made sure that there is a virtual library available, and can even offer you temporary physical copies of... pretty much any book you wish.

Likewise, you'll have time to get to know the three other folks better. There will be plenty of opportunities, and you will build a rapport most rapidly with John and David. Jen's a bit more aloof, more catlike in general, and honestly seems more interested in your sister. Likewise she's the least cerebral person here. She's not dumb, but books need pictures is all I'm saying.

So, John tends to be a bit of a neat freak. He likes to know where stuff is, and like stuff "in it's place". He jokes alot, but when it's time for business, he's on task. He likes to spend his active time exercising, and he's like an olympic weightlifter coupled with a decathelete. He will have downtime to read and talk about the Novo situation, but, to be honest, now that he's out here he seems to be putting that a bit on hold. He's really keen on discussing the different cultures out here, and will be glad to talk to you about them. You'll find that he's a bit of an ecclectic. He's not much for visual arts, but he loves reading and listening to music. "Betty" keeps his musical library full, and he likes to sing along - he has a pretty good voice. His taste runs along the harder edge, and a bit before your time (though you like the classic goth scene). He prefers his punk to be non-political, and his metal to be fast with singers you can understand.

Jen likes music too, but is a bit more folksy and country-angled. She like exercising, too (and is a solid hand to hand fighter, but more importantly is a dead shot), but spends alot more time tinkering. She asks "Betty" to provide her with schematics of various new-tech machinery, and breaks them down and builds them up again. She also asks for a simple, thick spiral bound notebook, and she keeps detailed notes, in pencil, rather than trying to record it electronically. When she does talk to you, she'll "talk shop" discussing things about the trip, but only in broad strokes. Stay away from politics and talk more about the natural world, and you find that you can have a pretty decent conversation with her. She's a tough chick, and she does indeed like both men and ladies, but she much prefers working with a group than by herself. She has issues with being alone. She may not talk to you, may not pay you any mind, but she's more relaxed when there are people around her.

David is a cool, relaxed guy. He likes music (he's all over the place, but thinks he's has very specific tastes) and art (The Old Masters and Impressionists, specifically), all sorts of literature (favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, also old African folktales), and is kind of a comic book and movie geek. He will gladly talk music or lit in a heartbeat. He treats any active work as Physical Therapy, in that he hates it, but is a pretty good athlete (he's fast and agile, but he's not a strong man, and his activities are more meditative than fast and loose, and he' a superb marksman). He doesn't like to discuss his time as a soldier too much, as there is some baggage there, but he'll talk about when he was a kid and is really cooled out about space.

So, for 3 1/2 weeks, your goal is to recover, relax, and regroup, and you'll be able to do so. Let me know if there are any RP angles you would like to explore, and we can take some time to go into those. There really should only be a few bumps in the cosmos...


This first bit will occur about a week into your trip. At this stage, the solar wind hasn't really gotten a full head of steam, and you are somewhere in the vicinity of Neptune, and accelerating fast. "Betty" informs you that there is a small craft sending out a distress call from Triton. The surface of Triton is a coating of ice, and there are geysers everywhere, a tremendously thin nitrogen atmosphere, and it's about 100 degrees above absolute zero, but past that, it's pretty hospitable.

From what... I can gather, the signal is Azmian, or at least the ship is Azmian.

[LadyGlutter]

Let's do the relationshippy first. How does David deal with the fact I've been in his brain? I mean is he aloof because of that, or does that gel us, or somewhere in between, or neither and he acts like it didn't happen? Essentially, I want to know if there is trust, and there is comfort, firstly.

[Chris Chandler]

To be honest, David is pretty damn comfy with you, Veronica. If anything, he's a bit taken with you, though he's really cool about it. He's not going to make any sort of move that's non-consensual. You aren't sure, you may be mistaken, but you can't help shaking that, now that you are able to talk with him on a regular, no-stress basis, that a little bit of you touched him while you were performing psychic surgery. He'll talk about the incident, sure, but he's not making a huge deal about it. He'll want to hear what you saw, how you did things, that sort of thing, but he doesn't want it to be a wedge or issue.