opnet [OpNet] Crap hits fan, news at 11...

[DigiGeist]

Well, I guess this is what I get for thinking I'm hot stuff.

I got too cocky, and during an investigation I was on, my client lost something very important. Let's just say what that person was looking for is impossible to replace.

I feel sort of responsible, I can still see her face... The blood...

Ah crap, why should I trouble you guys about my failures...

You guys know a good place to get sauced, nova style? My list of hang outs is mighty slim...

Slimmer than a trekkie's black book in his momma's basement.

My line's open. Finally...

[Vixen]

What happened, if I might ask?

[Jager]

Drop me a line, if it gets crooked, DigiGeist.

Otherwise, what's your location?

[DigiGeist]

Vixen:

To make a long story short, through sloppy work, a kid, a girl, died. Needlessly. The funny thing is, I was supposed to find her, and rescue her. Mission failed I guess. Pisses me off that it happened.

Jager:

I'm in Minneapolis right now. I'm typing on a wireless connection at a pub called the Black Forest. You should be able to find me, because I've heard of your reputation by paging through the threads here.

They got ampwells, so I'm just drowning some sorrows here. I'm not really hiding, no need to at the moment.

[Preston]

I finally got a look at the report, DigiGeist. What I read, pissed me off ... in the extreme.

No back-up.

No 911.

Nothing but Nova-Cowboy, shooting-from-the-hip, assanine behavior.

Next time you end up in that situation, why don't you just kill the girl right off the bat. Having your throat slit is a nasty and brutal way to die.

Here is a little 411 for you.

(A) The perp's parents have already hired a slick team of lawyers led by Nova attorney Shelia Johanssen. I have read some of her work in the Law Review. I can tell you were she is heading with this. Its something called the Nova-Fear Response Defense. This will be her test case for it.

It goes like this:

When confronted with a powerful and/or deadly nova(s), a person can be pushed into a highly irrational response. I have read alot of her research, and it is pretty compelling.

In Addis Ababa, an angry Skew walked into an open airway and a frightened bystander fell off the balcony, trying to get out of the way.

In Ibiza, an unknown nova got 15 people to take hold of his flaming hand. If they could last a "10" count, they could go into the Amp Room with him. Needless to say, no one passed. Still, after the first person fell screaming to the ground, 14 more people tried.

The list of hysterical reactions goes on for some time, but I think you get my drift.

He didn't kill the girl. You caused her death by showing up and beating the hell out of his co-defendants.

I don't buy it, but a jury just might.

( Your "reputation" for tempering with electronic evidence precedes you. Even Money says that they DA isn't even going to try for the lesser charges of kidnapping, assualt, torture, or rape.

They have "consent" forms (which is a load of BS, but this SOB is clever), the vid wasn't meant for distribution (can't include Prior Bad Acts, with your reputation).

They may go for Sexual Assualt II, but I am betting that is going to be pleaded down to a misdeamenor. 18 months probation, maybe.

Congrats. Not only did your arrival percipitate the girl's death, but you, yourself, are the perp's ticket to freedom.

You had best get ready for the witness stand.

[DigiGeist]

*sigh*

Yet another reason why I don't take jobs like this anymore...

Although, I wouldn't mind another crack at that guy.

As for the Nova-Fear response, there is a valid counter.

You see, I'm not a lawyer, but there was a case where that arguement was used. Now, yes, the guy got off, but due to the fact that circumstances beyond the novas control, the nova couldn't be held responsible.

Here's why. How is a non pre-cog supposed to know his actoins would lead to something. There is always an X factor.

I'm not sure that will apply in this case, but also, there are reasons why I hire lawyers.

I probably will ahve some probation time at worse for neglegence, but more than likely I'll have to fork over a mil or two in a civil case.

Already moving the funds as I speak.

Quite frankly, what pisses me off, is that the lawyers in the world prey upon tragedy and loss to make a gain.

What pisses me off worse, is when the people who hire the vulture think that the tragedy they suffer will mean a gravy train.

Right now, I'm holding a subpoena to habeas corpus my ass to the courthouse for a deposition. Here starts the circus.

[Sakurako Hino]

I don't believe you.

I cannot see how you can ignore your concience.

You think throwing money at your troubles will solve them? You think your callous behavior will bring that girl back?

No way, mister.

You were neglegent. Deal with it and own up to your mistake. Instead of glossing it over with an expensive paint job.

[DigiGeist]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:
I don't believe you.

I cannot see how you can ignore your concience.

You think throwing money at your troubles will solve them? You think your callous behavior will bring that girl back?

No way, mister.

You were neglegent. Deal with it and own up to your mistake. Instead of glossing it over with an expensive paint job.

Shut up, you pretentious bitch.

[Widget]

The pot and kettle are engaging in a dialogue regarding responsibility.

How marvelously entertaining!

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[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:
...You think throwing money at your troubles will solve them? You think your callous behavior will bring that girl back?
...
You were neglegent. Deal with it and own up to your mistake. Instead of glossing it over with an expensive paint job.

Lets be clear here. He didn't kill that girl. He didn't help as much as he thought he was (i.e. he failed), but his actions or lack of actions didn't directly kill that girl.

Someone with a white(?) hat showed up, and the perp's first action is to slit the girl's neck. It doesn't sound to me like she was going to live very long no matter which way this played out.

(And so the spoon joins in)

[Preston]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
Lets be clear here. He didn't kill that girl. He didn't help as much as he thought he was (i.e. he failed), but his actions or lack of actions didn't directly kill that girl.

According to DigiGeist's own report, the girl was alive at the time he initiated his attacks.
We do not know, or are we ever likely to know if, or when, she would have been killed by her captures.
That is what I call Associative Action. DigiGeist initiated a linked series of actions that resulted in that girl's death.
He attacked criminal's associates in plain sight of Prime Criminal. PC reacts by killing hostage.
PC deserves Murder I; murder while in the process of committing a felony.
DigiGeist could be charged with Manslaughter II; Reckless Endangerment that results, unintentionally, in another's loss of life.
He didn't initiate a direct effect that resulted in her death, but he did initiate a series of violent acts that resulted in her death.

That is why Police Tactical Teams are trained to secure the hostage first and foremost. That is why they are a TEAM. That is why there is a Police FORCE.

I would like to hear from DigiGeist on why he didn't call on Police back-up.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

She wasn't a hostage, she was a victim. Or from the bad guys viewpoint, evidence.

As for his defense, I don't think that the first thing that a terrorized baseline would think is "better kill the victim", unless he was planning to do so anyway.

I've seen (i.e. caused) lots of terrorized baselines in my greener form. They attack, run away, or shiver in fear. The point being that their thoughts and emotional thinking is centered on me, and their relationship to me.

I think the bad guy kept his head and did what he wanted. In other words, DigiGeist failed, but it was less of a screw up than is claimed. (I'm an expert in bad on-the-spot reasoning.)

[DigiGeist]

Preston, why didn't I? You must have read the right reports, because I didn't. Why? Because I wasn't prepared. I already have a horrible relationship with the MPD. Me making a call to them saying; "Hey, there's a kidnapped girl at so and so, I need help" is going to get a "Yeah, right" response. My personality tends to breed callousness and disgust toward colleagues. Probably because I tell them like it is. I do see where Manslaughter II could be argued, but there is a HELL of a stronger case for Neglegence. Manslaughter II would mean that I killed her, or was responsible for her death. Which I absolutely was not. Then there is Neglegence. Let's just say if that charge comes up, I won't fight that. Yes, I'll say that here and my lawyers won't stop me.

What I don't get, Preston, is how you're getting sealed police report files from Minneapolis, when you're in Boston. One, it's out of your jurisdiction, and Two, it's sealed by a court mandated gag order. Yep, it's gotten THAT hot. Any case involving a Nova in Minneapolis falls under such an order due to recent media leak fiascos. There are some challenges to that blanket order in the Supreme Court, but I don't follow that. But right now, you're holding documents you shouldn't be. That is, unless you have some sources I should be concerned about, like the CIA? Perhaps the FBI or the NSA? Oh, or how about Interpol? Who do you really work for, Preston?

As for you, David, I fight my own battles. If I need back-up, I'll give ya a ring. Appreciae the help though, but indeed it is a pot and kettle affair. As Widget so subtly put it.

[Sakurako Hino]

Okay, Digi, I'll take your last remark toward me as a knee-jerk reaction. I tend to shoot from the hip, so I'll call that strike 1.

Here is the way I see it, you sound as if you'll own up to whatever comes down. That's good. That's taking responsibility. I see you do have a concience. But really, what triggered the response from you? Was it that I was "telling it like it is" like you do? You're dealing with a brainiac here, Digi. I tend to be a little more direct.

Not to mention I lack slightly in social skills, but that is beside the point.

Digi, do what you gotta do. Just don't try to be a hero. That's what screwed your pooch.

Trust me, I know what happens when you try to play "SuperNova". You get hurt, or get into trouble. Why you think I don't do that sort of stuff anymore unless someone asks? Namely someone with the authority to do so.

Anyways, gotta jet. Tomorrow and the weekend is going to be rough.

[Preston]

DigiGeist, the where did the information come from is pretty simple. For over five years, 68 municipalities have been sharing "spot-on" information on nova-related crimes in the United States. It followed in the footsteps of databases on serial-killers, serial-rapists, and child abductions. Talk to your State's Attorney General about it.

Before anyone explodes about an anti-nova conspiracy, I would like to point out that the primary use has been to tackle Michaelite terrorists and Mite, SOMA, and SOMA-like substance smugglers. If someone comes around asking about "The Teragen Menace", they are the Directive, not your local police.

BTW, I also get information from the Directive, Interpol, the FBI, and I have been to four CIA seminars on nova-related matters. I don't recall having any meetings with the NSA. I work for the Greater Boston Municipal Police Department.

I elected to talk about this incident when I ran across a copy of the report on NovaNets NovaCrime Section. Climb out of the bottle and stand back up. We both know you fucked up. The next test is how you chose to handle this.

I say Manslaughter II because you are liscenced to carry a firearm, not to break into someone's house or business. Thus, you were committing a B&E when the murder went down. There is also the fact that you opened fire first, which is brings up the whole justifiable force question.

This has nothing to do with you being right or wrong. It has to do with the laws that your society choses to live with.

If you elect to remain in this kind of profession I suggest you find a partner with better manners and a finer understanding with the local law enforcement community.

Doctor Troll, to be taken hostage is to become a victim.

Would you consider a baseline attacking you with a small caliber weapon to be an irrational response? I hope not. The Defense will most certainly argue that killing the girl was an equally irrational response.

I recall a scene from the video of your "introduction" to the Elite life. One of your victims pulled the pin on a grenade and stood up to throw it at you. It didn't matter that three other grenades had absolutely no effect on you. Anyway, you turned right at that moment and he dropped the grenade at his own feet.

Did he commit suicide or just become overwhelmed with fear? We will never know.

In your big-green form, Doctor, you are a poster child for the Nova-Fear Response.

On a brighter note, how is your new career path coming along?

[DigiGeist]

Preston, I did get a little... wild with the .45. But let me put it like this, they would have wasted me on sight. Those types don't respect life, and would rather kill some guy trying to retrieve a kidnap victim, over letting him go and report the location to the authorities. What was I supposed to do, sneak back out, politely put the air conditioner back in, and call 911? Like I said before, I can't move the world when needed. I have to take action.

Another thing, I'm not outwardly a nova. Yes, I have a node, but no weird powers other than being able to control computers and whatnot. For all they knew, I would have been some well trained guy... Untill they recognized who I was. (Being a guy back from DEATH isn't exactly expected.)

Look, I've been in worse. I've been dead before. Whatever comes, it comes.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

I say Manslaughter II because you are licensed to carry a firearm, not to break into someone's house or business. Thus, you were committing a B&E when the murder went down. There is also the fact that you opened fire first, which is brings up the whole justifiable force question.

I seem to recall a nova version of a Good Samaritan law (ruling?). As a nova with enhanced senses, you have some obligation to act on information gained (or maybe it was you had a legal fall back if you did act on them)? In any case, that girl was obviously in danger and he acted to deal with it (thus no B&E). (This really isn't my field).

Quote:

In your big-green form, Doctor, you are a poster child for the Nova-Fear Response.

Agreed. And I've run into a number of times (every time I've been on a mission involving baselines). And as someone who has lots of experience with this phenomenon, I'll say this. NFR is always oriented to the nova causing it. Baselines flee, freeze, attack, make mistakes, etc. This was a lot more thought out than that.

Quote:

On a brighter note, how is your new career path coming along?

Ah, now there is a story, and thanks for asking. At the moment I'm doctoring a small 3rd world town, very &#8220;Peace Corp&#8221;. I can't imagine that they are paying for this, so I'm forced to reach one of the following conclusions.

A) This is Anna's idea of punishment for selecting a less lucrative form of employment. The idea would be that a dose of boredom will return me to the field.

This is Anna's idea of a vacation. Again, I suspect that a dose of boredom is supposed to return me to the field.

C) This is Anna's idea of a test case. Considering how my first field mission went, she wants to see if I can actually do this without leveling the city. If things go bad she doesn't want it on a 1st world hospital.

D) There is more here than meets the eye.

E) Some combination of the above.

[DigiGeist]

I can tell you one thing this has caused... I've had my PI licence revoked, and perma-banned. There goes the only thing I've actually LIKED doing. Eh, perhpas not. My therapist has always said that my job was a source of too much stress in my life. Not that I'm bemoaning I'm unemployed. I have ways to kep in the green, even if I'm hit hard with a punitave damages in a Civil case. As for criminal charges, Officially, the city is shooting for B&E and Criminal Neglegence. There are so many angeles on the Man II that either side can go on, they decided just to hit me on stuff easily proven. Go fig. So now, I just sit and wait as the chips fall. No problems there. I'm patient.

[DigiGeist]

Crap, I gotta stop interfacing when drunk...

[Jager]

DigiGeist, if you are interested in employment, let me know. I have something in mind that may be right up your alley.

The pay isn't good, but you get to work with interesting people, find innovative and creative ways to work around obstacles, and do some good in the world. The tech is adequate and you can walk when you like. I do ask for discresion, though.

It won't make you tons of friends, get you a line of action figures, or make you famous, but your moral input is not only welcome, it is appreciated.

If this sounds at all interesting ... and you are sober, let me know.

Doc T., I thought you were a physical sciences guy? You branching out? Remember this; little, forgotten shit-holes need help too. They just usually don't have the money or the media to get your kind of help. Good luck.

[Sakurako Hino]

*sobs* And you didn't offer that job to me? I'm hurt! ~.^

[DigiGeist]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
DigiGeist, if you are interested in employment, let me know. I have something in mind that may be right up your alley.
The pay isn't good, but you get to work with interesting people, find innovative and creative ways to work around obstacles, and do some good in the world. The tech is adequate and you can walk when you like. I do ask for discresion, though.
It won't make you tons of friends, get you a line of action figures, or make you famous, but your moral input is not only welcome, it is appreciated.

If this sounds at all interesting ... and you are sober, let me know.

Doc T., I thought you were a physical sciences guy? You branching out? Remember this; little, forgotten shit-holes need help too. They just usually don't have the money or the media to get your kind of help. Good luck.

Re: Offer...

I'll sign. PU ain't talkin' to me no more, and my PI licence is about as good as toilet paper. I need to make money somewhere. My lawyers just sucked me dry.

One question, which can be answered in private; Just who am I applying to?

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Jager:
Doc T., I thought you were a physical sciences guy? You branching out?

I am and not really. One of my quantum gifts was enhanced medical skills. I think my subconscious got a bit confused as to what kind of Doctor I was trying to be, or perhaps it had something to do with my healing factor.

PU's general tests figured out the that I picked up the skills, but until recently I'd not seen the need to actually do anything with them.

Quote:

Jager:
...Remember this; little, forgotten shit-holes need help too. They just usually don't have the money or the media to get your kind of help. Good luck.

Thanks. Its been quite a change. I hadn't expected to find the experience rewarding, but I think I am. I suspect that a steady diet would be boring, but just dealing with baselines in this manner has been interesting.

[Jager]

Endeavor, I wouldn't do anything like that to Technokat. She really likes you, and I think you can do alot of positive things there.

Doc, you can see baselines as a faceless mass or as completely different individuals. It's your choice.

DigiGeist, I will ask them.

[DigiGeist]

Um, Jager, my boy, the little sailor-girl was pulling your leg. I've seen when she's scarcastic. Old OpBBS records are easy to find. She shouldn't wig out though. I was only looking for some material on Hinopolymer. The uses of that stuff facinates me to no end.

Err... Not that I'm a techie by heart. Outside of a computer terminal I'm not too good with tech. I'm more of an... Up-close and personal guy.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Jager:
Doc, you can see baselines as a faceless mass or as completely different individuals. It's your choice.

They are both of course. The people I deal with personally are always individuals.

But what I was refering to was the fact that I can turn Green, and not cause a panic and a running mob. I sent one of me to do some physical stuff (repairing a bridge and knocking down some trees) and even the non-individuals weren't outright terrified by big greens presence. Impressed, to be sure, but not terrified.

I think I'm starting to see the attraction of "the India Syndrom".

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Endeavor, I wouldn't do anything like that to Technokat. She really likes you, and I think you can do alot of positive things there.

Doc, you can see baselines as a faceless mass or as completely different individuals. It's your choice.

DigiGeist, I will ask them.

Strangely enough, Digi was right. I was pulling your leg. I'm not good through text with my sharp and witty sarcasm. ~.^ But it is odd that you so willingly give employ to an individual you do not know what so ever.

But, then again, you're the captain of your own ship, as they say.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by DigiGeist:
Um, Jager, my boy, the little sailor-girl was pulling your leg. I've seen when she's scarcastic. Old OpBBS records are easy to find. She shouldn't wig out though. I was only looking for some material on Hinopolymer. The uses of that stuff facinates me to no end.

Err... Not that I'm a techie by heart. Outside of a computer terminal I'm not too good with tech. I'm more of an... Up-close and personal guy.

I thought i'd reply directly to this little post of yours, Digi.

I'm glad you have taken interest in my mother's invention and my innovations with that polymer. But what, pray tell, do you wish to make out of it? After all, I've seen your skill in molding Eufiber to your will and liking. Why would you even need some things made of Hinopolymer anyway?

[DigiGeist]

Detectability. Let your creative little mind figure the rest. You're creative enough hiding... ahem... enhancements... to your wadrobe. I think you'd be able to design some special equipment for me. It's a small hobby. An extreme sport if you will. Your gear has a good rep, and I sort of want to get it from the best in the buisiness when it comes to unconventional materials. Everyone expects a nova to have Eufiber. Your unique condition screams the exception. Not to mention you look hot in a skin-tight catsuit. But enough about that. Can we talk?

Professionally of course.

Wouldn't want your boyfriend trying to chop off my head now, wouldn't we?

[Jager]

Endeavor, I thought you knew me better than that.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Endeavor, I thought you knew me better than that.

We may be friends, Jager, but I only know what is above the waterline. What lies beneath, I've yet to discover.

Oh, Digi, I hope you like the new toys I sent to you, they should be quite a hoot for someone with your hobby. I didn't know you were into robotics. I just hope you won't enter my babies in some crazy "Battle-Robot" tourney. the prize money just barely covers the repair bills for 1 robot.

The other equipment though covers your needs as you stated.

See, I'm always willing to help a fellow fan of cutting-edge technology. Just make sure it stays in one piece.

[Jager]

Endeavor, of all the people I have met, you are the closest to knowing me.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[Sakurako Hino]

O.o;

Probably good, from what I gather...

^.^;

[TUM TUM]

DIGIGIEST, WAS CRAP THAT HIT FAN THROWN FROM QUANTUM MONKEY? TUM TUM LOOKING FOR QUANTUM MONKEY. TUM TUM BE NICE TO DIGIGIEST IF GIVE TUM TUM MONKEY. TUM TUM NOT BEAT UP DIGIGIEST...UNTIL AFTER MONKEY EATEN.

[DigiGeist]

Hey, Tum Tum, I hear you like Sammiches. As soon as I figure out where you hang out, I'll send some to you.

Don't want to anger the hungriest man I know.