opnet [OpNet] Something Bad Has Happened.

[Mitch Lang]

Hello, folks. My name's Mitch Lang. I'm a professor at Pinnacle University, but I doubt any of you've heard of me through my work. I mostly teach and do obscure research into zoology.

A couple of you might recognize my name from when my girlfriend spoke about me - Roxanne Richardson, although you'll probably remember her by the name "Vixen." I'm the baseline beau she mentioned. And I'm afraid I've got some bad news.

Roxy and her family and friends have come under attack by someone or something with mental powers and brainwashing abilities. Whoever it was targetted Nicole, Roxanne's sister - who was arrested two nights ago for being involved in a slave ring, a crime she admitted to. This is out-of-character behavior for her, and we think she might have been... brainwashed.

Sadly, that's only the beginning of it. Roxy was arrested because certain police officers thought she was the one who'd brainwashed Nicole. And in the struggle to arrest her, Roxy's father was shot and is currently in ill health at Seattle General Hospital. Her lawyer got her bailed out, but shortly afterwards - after she picked up whoever this way poking around inside my head - she ran off to confront whoever this was, alone.

The next time I saw her, she popped in on the floor of the Seattle Rashoud facility, and I heard a voice speaking to me, telling me -

... it's not important.

Anyways. Roxanne has suffered what might be termed as a "psychic accident." She has suffered a massive mental trauma. Her vitals are good, but it's like she's... switched off. Mental defenses solidly in place, but nothing seems to be behind them. She's comatose, and we haven't got the slightest idea when or if she'll be coming out.

Diana Richardson - Roxy's mother - is currently at home getting some sleep, with massive tranquilizers in her system so she can catch a couple hours. I'm at home. I've requested a leave of absense from my work and my classes so I can be with Roxanne.

Right now, the Directive is investigating who exactly did it. We haven't got a clue. Utopia is helping Nicole come back to herself, but unfortunately we can't get a better idea of how to help Roxy until she lowers her defenses - assuming there's a Roxy in there to lower the defenses any more. So every day I'm there, asking her to give me a sign. Nothing yet.

I'm not sure how popular she was on this board - I imagine that she had a few people who were friends with her, and several people who were mildly pissed off at her. But anyone who wishes to send her a message can post it to this thread - I'll read them aloud to her every day. Anyone who wants to send flowers or gifts can send it to the Seattle Rashoud facility, or to Seattle General if you also want to wish Roxy's father a speedy recovery. Be advised that this facility's in a state of heightened emergency at the moment and unexpected visitors might freak out the guards.

That's all for now. I'll post updates as they happen.

[DigiGeist]

Mr. Lang.

I have seen yuor research. Facinating.

Anyways, enough stroking of egos, let's get down to brass tacks. Since I'm new around here and I don't know the full scene, I'd just like to know where Vixen was when she was discovered. I can go from there, but if it's taking Directive involvement, this must be quite difficult to find out ANYTHING.

I could pull a few contacts from interpol, and I can use some of what used to be my money making skills as well, to shall we say... sniff out the trail as it were.

No fee. It seems Vixen has made some friends around here, and I would like to help out a fellow Nova in need.

Besides, abter the last dead end I ran into, I need something to boost my esteem a bit. Namely helping people who can find someone that can help a wonderful person.

In the meantime, a rival and sometimes enemy of mine knows of someone who could help Vixen on the mental end of things, but I'm not exactly sure how psychic damage is fixed in the first place. You probably know of the girl as Endeavor. She knows of the person that could help, but you may also have to check with someone who goes by TeknoKat. She may know even more. That's all I can say, because even my contacts have run dry in the regard of "Meta-Psychology".

In the meantime, I will be pulling for our kitsune... Not too sure to either burn some incence or say a prayer... Japanese mythology was not a major for me...

[Matryoshka]

I wish I could help, but my legal rights are only in the state of California.

I could provide clues to where to look if you wish me to make a trip up there, but I would have not a single shred of legal power that would not be given to me. And it would cost a lot. I may be a good person, but I do not work for free.

[Jager]

Whoever steps into this best beware that both the Directive and Utopia are padding around the dark alleys with some terrible interest.

Mitch, a word of advice.

Don't let anyone transfer her out of Seattle. I don't care what they promise, or threaten. Keep her close.

[Cryostorm]

Hey Mitch, sorry to hear 'bout Vix, she's cool. Only other Telepath I ever met that wasn't a freak or complete jackass. I ain't the most powerful headbender around, but I'd be willin' ta give it a try, see if I can wake her up.

Just let me know when and where. I ain't got any fights booked for a while.

[Sakurako Hino]

Word of advice, and take it for someone who's had their psyche shattered and re-assembled. Be VERY careful how you go about this. Things may take a short time, and an external fix does the trick. Or, it'll take a long time and Vix needs to return to the "real" as it were.

What I am curious about though, is that is she brain-dead, or does she not need external life support? This is important, because that is one gage of her condition.

[Cryostorm]

Hey Saki, I wouldn't be offering to help if didn't have some idea of what I'm doing. It ain't like I never done this kind of thing before.

Mitch brother, still waitin' on your word.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

I see two rays for hope, the obvious one being another nova with telepathy. The less obvious one is that the nova brain can heal, perhaps even from this.

I have a certain interest in the functioning of "mindless" novas, and if I understand her condition correctly, it is possible for a nova to come back from this.

[Bastian]

She is not mindless. Her soul is elsewhere, and I hope she finds her way back.

Power is not enough. One must believe in her.

[Mitch Lang]

Been a busy couple of days.

Nicole is in... a state. It's painful watching her. She has thoughts in her head that she knows are wrong, but that she can't stop having. Feelings she feels guilty about. She told me she felt overwhelming jealousy towards Roxanne for as long as she could remember - even back when Roxy wasn't a nova, and was bound to a wheelchair. She says that Roxy came to her often, telling her to do things, even at times when she was on the other side of the world, or on the moon. She knows that there's been tampering and it's thrown a scare into her like you wouldn't believe.

The telepath that we're working with that the Project sent over is named Amira. She's been helping to work with Nicole and Roxy, and bad as Nicole is, at least she's showing some progress - unlike Roxy, whose heartbeat is strong and whose vitals are good, but whose mind is... off.

As for Mister Richardson, he's awake now. Still very weak and it's going to take some physiotherapy for him to recover from getting shot. But he's a trooper. He'll pull through. Sadly, while he's got insurance for the hospital stay, it's not covering everything - and it's not covering his loss of income. The anonymous donations we've gotten so far have been helpful, guys - thanks.

As for Roxy, no real change.

To those of you offering to help - thanks, but for security reasons, the Directive and Utopia are screening all potential applicants for the process, since we've got so little information on who actually did it. You can still apply, but it'll take weeks to process and they'll both be doing a thorough background check.

There's a rumor floating around that maybe Roxy's problems with 'taint' are the cause of this. Some whispers about transfers to Bahrain, which all of us here at the facility have been staunchly opposed to - in fact, Dr. Locke says that there's no way that taint could possibly be the cause of this, although he's keeping mum on why. I'm practically living in Roxy's room now. I read to her from a few of her favorite books when I can.

DigiGeist, the events in question took place mostly in Seattle. Roxy said something about the Hawksmoor warehouse down near the docks, which is where she also met with Geryon (she chose the location this time.)

Bastian, believe me: she will, and I do.

More updates when they come in.

[Sandy Davis]

Prof if you need more money you can go to the place Vixen baught me dinner. I own it now.. They can give you enough money to help with the family's problems.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Brother X:
Hey Saki, I wouldn't be offering to help if didn't have some idea of what I'm doing. It ain't like I never done this kind of thing before.

Mitch brother, still waitin' on your word.

X, I am unaware of the current state of one of my friends. In a case such as this you can appreciate my concern. I've been away for a few days, and I find out one of my best friends is in a coma in Seattle. You can see why I ask for the utmost caution for her treatment, if any is possible.
I do not wish to insult your ability, I just don't know what you're capable of.

Oh, and a message for Digi. DON'T VOLUNTEER SOMEONE ELSE'S HELP FOR SOMETHING. I don't like words being put in my mouth. Nor do I know how she can be helped.

[Walker]

Professor,

Can you let the staff at Seattle Rashoud know I'll be dropping in for a visit on Monday. Really sorry to hear what has happened my thoughts are with you.

[Sakurako Hino]

Mind if I accompany you tomorrow then, Walker?

I have to see her. If only to know what is bloody going on.

[DigiGeist]

Originally posted by Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:

Oh, and a message for Digi. DON'T VOLUNTEER SOMEONE ELSE'S HELP FOR SOMETHING. I don't like words being put in my mouth. Nor do I know how she can be helped.

Well, calm down kid. Don't get your sailor collar all ruffled now. I thought you were all for freedom of info and all that... seesh.

[Doutor da Reducao]

You have the most sincere of apologies for the antics of some of my irmãos, Professor Lang. As with crianças, their tongues are sharp yet their eyes do not always see that which they observe. It is without intention. Pain of the heart is simply unknown to the young. As with crianças there may be hope.

Senhorina Hino; if this conversação heartless must happen, let it be hidden as to mock not the pain of the man. As intenções significam pouco quando o coração é quebrado.

[Cryostorm]

Yo mitch brother, I just got through talkin' with the Project an' since they already know my shit, they said they just might be able to, how'd they put it, "use my unique talents to improve the current situation." I'm already on my way to Seattle, so I hope those Directive dudes don't have no problems with me.

Saki, I hear ya. I know your worried, so I don't take no offence to what you said. Just know that I can help.

[Sakurako Hino]

I sincerely hope you can, Mr. X. What worries me not only is that Vix is in this condition, but she was dropped by a Nova who could do this. Makes me wonder how many Novas out there are capable of doing such things...

And as for the good Doctor, I don't know spanish. Sorry. Besides, what comes out of Mr. Geist's mouth generally rolls off of me like water off of a duck's back. Null Sweat. I haven't seen him slinking around lately, like the sleazy dirty old man that he is, so I doubt he's going to be a problem.

[Doutor da Reducao]

It is Portuguese rather than Spanish. Let it trouble you not at all, many have made similar mistakes, but Spain is merely a residence. The roots of my family are elsewhere. It is a surprise your education did not include some minimal exposure to romance studies but a gentleman must stand ready to assist.

"Intentions mean little when the heart is broken."

It is well your relationship with Senhor Digigeist is one that need not trouble you. If handled in a manner such that the same may be said of the affect on Professor Lang then the matter may be considered conclído.

[Sakurako Hino]

Like I said, Null Sweat.

I guess he feels since he's new on the block that he has to push others around.

Of course, I'm not a psychologist, but that's my guess.

Anyways, this thread has moved completely off topic...

Oh, by the way, the schooling I usually recieved were dealing more with English and German study. With a bit of Chinese.

The rest is all Japanese. Don't let the talk about the Japanese school system impress you. They don't churn out super geniuses.

~.^

[Doutor da Reducao]

Then the matter is conclído, senhorina Hino. Let us return to the topic at hand.

Professor Lang, and those offering to assist, there may be concerns here. Please be aware that the so-called mental "powers" are not within the span of those subjects in which I am consider an expert. And certainly the choices are for senhora Doutor Richardson's family to make, though one assumes your own inesteemable council is sought by them.

In spite of my ignorance, or perhaps because of it, I can only approach the circumstance with an open mind and the same logic I would bring to any situation. Pray correct me if I am mistaken but does not the senhora have both mental defenses that are currently active as well as the gift of touching another's mind and perceptions? And are not quantum manipulations the result of interaction between the conscious mind and the MR node?

In this instance the conclusions seems inescapable. Whatever the circumstances leading to this result senhora Doutor Richardson has chosen, and continues to choose, to isolate herself from those that might attempt to contact or pry mentally. It seems apparent time was a factor or one assumes she would have reacted in a way less likely to cause confusion and concern. One must stipulate the circumstances could have changed without her knowledge as she has isolated herself. I make no recommendation or decision; merely point out that all applications of quantum do not alleviate all ills despite the opinion of the popular press. And that the one person knowing the reasons for this choice is unwilling to communicate.

Patience is a lesser known virtue in these modern times. You may take consolation in that that the senhora's continued isolation infers her conscious mind is intact as she manipulates quantum energies. No sadness pode haver uma causa encontrada para a alegria.

[Jordan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Doutor da Reducao:
Pray correct me if I am mistaken but does not the senhora have both mental defenses that are currently active as well as the gift of touching another's mind and perceptions? And are not quantum manipulations the result of interaction between the conscious mind and the MR node?

In this instance the conclusions seems inescapable. Whatever the circumstances leading to this result senhora Doutor Richardson has chosen, and continues to choose, to isolate herself from those that might attempt to contact or pry mentally. It seems apparent time was a factor or one assumes she would have reacted in a way less likely to cause confusion and concern. One must stipulate the circumstances could have changed without her knowledge as she has isolated herself. I make no recommendation or decision; merely point out that all applications of quantum do not alleviate all ills despite the opinion of the popular press. And that the one person knowing the reasons for this choice is unwilling to communicate.

Patience is a lesser known virtue in these modern times. You may take consolation in that that the senhora's continued isolation infers her conscious mind is intact as she manipulates quantum energies.

That is only one possibility Doutor, as not all Quantum manifestations are driven by the conscious mind. While it is true a large number of Quantum expressions are directed by conscious thought, much like a person deciding to walk across a room or such, just as many are autonomic actions, guided either by subconscious thought or simply by their mere existence, more akin to breathing or the beating of your heart. To exemplify what I mean I'll give you three examples; A flying Nova generally chooses when to utilize his quantum energy to take flight, a regenerating Nova's body reacts to damaging stimulus regardless of the Nova's state of consciousness, and finally a Nova with thick scaly skin is more resistant to the effects of damaging stimulus simply because his body is now made of "stronger stuff."

In Doctor Richardson's case, her mental defences could simply be an autonomic reaction to whatever stimulus she encountered in the first place or her defences could be a natural, physical manifestation of her Nova biology. This still doesn't lead to any clear answers on how her friends and family should proceed, but perhaps it may shed a little more light on what's going on in her head.

To those helping our dear Vixen, I say Good Luck. While I would offer to help, I'm afraid that my particular abilites wouldn't be of much help and I would just be in the way. To many cooks in the kitchen as they say. My thoughts and prayers are with you Professor Lang.

[Sakurako Hino]

I'd hate to use a computer reference here, but from what I have been hearing, there may be a method that a psychically-active nova could use.

You see, whenever a hacker tries to crack my server's firewall, my server goes into panic-mode, locking down all of it's outside connections and locking up any administrative functions. Reducing it into a "vegitative" state. When this occurs, I have to LITERALLY convince the server's security program that I am indeed an authorized user and not some hacker. Now the case with Vixen is most likely that this is a defensive mode, and for her to wake up, sh must be convinced that the danger is passed and those helping her are "system admins" as it were.

But, I don't know if this is ground already covered or not, but there is my two cents. Not worth much, but it accounts for something.

[Doutor da Reducao]

Senhor Rossi, all you speak of demonstrates depth of insight far greater than any of the poor rambling I am to blame for. There is one point in particular that is, I feel, being overlooked surely because of my less than thorough presentation. The senhora has described linking with others despite these "defenses", and also with others possessing similar mental gifts of mental communications. Would this observation not speak to the question of autonomic or intrinsic defense versus conscious manipulation?

Likewise senhorina Hino, I must shoulder the blame for failing to convey my concerns properly to you as well. If senhora Doutor Richardson actively chooses to enforce her isolation, and that which we see is only the most obvious signs, then what will her reaction be to an interloper defying her ban? Can it be there are processes at work within her mind that might run astray due to unwary intervention? Might there not be dangers to an outsider as she is reputed to have not inconsiderable strength of mind? Is there sufficient evidence to assume the benefits gained will outweigh the risks? Professor Lang excluded without rancor, we are nova and novas are accustomed to acting. That we have the ability to do so does not imply a correctness to do so. Many would prefer to see the senhora as she was but my desire is tempered by concern for that risk which I cannot properly assess.

I offer this only that those capable of properly assessing the risks may do so as, as I have stated, these matters are not within the span of my expertise.

[Walker]

I was hopeful that a visit in person might make some difference, it's not unknown for it to have a positive effect on coma victims after all. As Vixen knows both Sakurako and myself it seemed a reasonable thing to try. Having a bunch of Utopian and Directive investigators ask a load of questions I didn't have any answers for was a small price to pay to try and help a friend.

Didn't seem to have any effect, but who knows, maybe something flickered deep down, even if the machines said nothing happened and no one saw any change.

Mitch, let her know that we're all still thinking of her and hoping she comes back soon.

[Sakurako Hino]

Yes, the questions that Utopia and the black suits had were shall I say, troubling, in the least.

What hurt even more was the fact I had no real answers, only guesses, as to what they were looking for. A guess, no matter how educated, is only a guess.

I couldn't sit by her side for very long. Not being able to do anything, was just too much to bear.

Doctor Reducao, Your concerns are noted, but they are wasted on me for I'm not part of the fellowship to return Vixen to us.

Walker, thanks for the 'port.

Now, I have to check for bugs. Usual protocol. I don't like being around meta-governmental agencies unguarded. I think some of you guys understand.

[Doutor da Reducao]

I provide them only that those capable of properly assessing the risks may do so.

[Preston]

I am sorry for you loss, Professor Lang. My son brought this situation to my attention. Your friend was a friend of his. I have made some inquires, but there is little I can do. Higher authorities have refused my offer of assistance. Please do keep me informed.

[Cody]

A little sorry here from me too, Professor. She seemed like a nice enough lady.

[Mitch Lang]

Last night, we had a breakthrough.

Sometimes I doze when I'm in the room with her, and I dream that we're back together, but this time was markedly different. This time, I think I wound up in her dream, instead of my own.

I don't know why. Maybe I was able to make contact with her somehow... or maybe she managed to make contact with me, deciding she could come out of isolation. It doesn't matter. I wound up walking through one of her own dreams.

I'd rather not share the details because they're a little personal, but she woke up. And I could not be a happier man.

She's asleep now, and still back at the Rashoud facility. She's lost quite a bit of weight and muscle tone because she was comatose so long, but she's come back to us. As soon as she can, she'll be visiting her dad in the hospital, and then her sister in the trauma ward. She's a little hesitant about telepathically contacting them due to the recent trouble, and I can understand that.

But she's back. And this breath I've been holding for weeks now... I can finally let it out.

[Jager]

Give her my regards, Mr. Lang. Thank you for letting us know.

[Preston]

Congratulations, Professor Lang. My offer of assistance still stands, if you want to come to Boston, that is.

Keep us updated.

[Walker]

Mitch, I've been hoping aginst hope that you'd pop up and say that. Wow, excellent news, I'm really, really glad. Send her my best regards, I'll pop over and see you both once she's up on her feet again.

[Hugin]

It is nice to hear that we have not lost yet another.

[Sakurako Hino]

Oh yeah! Best news I've heard all week!

Tell her I got a box of Pocky waiting for her when she's out. ^.^

And perhaps there will be much to talk about as well...

[Cody]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:
Tell her I got a box of Pocky waiting for her when she's out.

Damn, girl! She's not out of the hospital yet and your going to try and feed her that stuff? Let her get her strength back first.

There's only so much a node can handle.

Congrats, Professor. Glad to her things are going your way.

[Sakurako Hino]

Buzzkill.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

That's real good news Prof Lang. I'm happy for the both of you.

[Jordan]

This makes me happy to hear. If Dr. Richardson needs any help or another of her kind to talk to, she need only ask and I would be honored to respond.

[Sakurako Hino]

Hey, if she don't mind my cheery disposition, and if she's open to it, I'm sure I can stop in as well.