opnet [OpNet] Change of direction.

[DigiGeist]

Oh yes, It's N!Prime's favorite anti-jovial Elf here to once again brighten your lives.

Yeah, reading the recent threads here got me thinking about the gang. The whole gang. I'm talking about the regulars.

First, I must say, Codex, you are a lady. You have the brains and are quite well rooted. If our paths crossed sometime, I would be honored to talk about whatever book has grabbed your attention. Just be sure to tell me first so I can study ahead.

Second, Jager. You've been a little more active recently. I'm glad to hear your legal troubles are finally resolved. We should crack open a couple ampwells and trade war stories. That is, if they aren't classified.

Third, Ashnod. You know, you tend to be right. Alot of times. I can see why some just don't listen to you just because of your associations. Although I don't agree entirely with some of your views, who doesn't agree about something about somebody. You've earned my respect.

Next, Blue Cherry. Interesting name. What's your sign?

Then, there's Totem. What can I say. I saw you in action, while hanging with Neil and some other dude I don't yet know. You're one strong fella with a bright future. I know you did the XWF thing for your family, but, I have to say, there's better ways. Although, unfortunately, I can not think of any options. That is, at the moment.

Oh, I can't forget Neil. You know, I'm glad there's somebody like you walking around. It's a noble thing, to be able to heal. I can do it myself, but, only when I get really messed up. Of course, your method is sorta... extreme. But that just raises my respect for you. You put yourself over others and that takes some brass.

Hmm, I know there's a few I forgot... TUM TUM... Pink Princess... Vixen... But some of you guys just haven't been active. I know lives outside the OpNet... but still, drop us a line folks!

Anyways, I'm out like a ghost at dawn. See y'all later.

[Blue Cherry]

I don't know.I never looked it up.I was born June 9, 1986.

[Neil Preston]

That would make you a Gemini, I believe.

[Ashnod]

Quote:

Originally posted by DigiGeist:

Third, Ashnod. You know, you tend to be right. Alot of times. I can see why some just don't listen to you just because of your associations. Although I don't agree entirely with some of your views, who doesn't agree about something about somebody. You've earned my respect.

Thank you.

[Wakinyan]

I tend to think my bright future is in the fireplace rug for some elite's livingroom business these days. Since I sure as hell don't belong anywhere else.

[Understudy]

I for one would be very distressed if that was your future. The world has enough worthless hate in it, you shouldn't add to it by hating yourself.

No amount of wrong doing makes someone evil, only their choice to be so.

So amount of nice acts makes some one good only their hope to be so.

I think perhaps at this point we should maybe offering a group hug. Then then perhaps we can find something better.

[Jager]

Buck up, Totem. The world is a changing place, and your just a step ahead of the times.

Understudy,

Enough wrong doings does make someone a bad person. I can offer that gem from personal experience.

You point about hope is pretty true, though.

Good acts alone aren't enough. It's were the motivation is that seals the deal.

Its one of the things I like about real Utopians. People who just want to make life a little easier, or safer, or a little less fearful. People who don't give a damn about self-sacrifice, but who just give what they can because they want to.

Its a rare thing.

[DigiGeist]

Totem, I'll be honest. You're the coolest Gryphon I know. You've got a great sense of humor, and you're an honest person.

Your knowledge of Native American culture could come into use. Ever think about getting into academics?

Sorry, just grasping at straws right now. But, I am eager to help. I'll say that much.

[Wakinyan]

I appreciate that Digi if all else fails maybe i should try to be a stand up comic. Nah first time the audience didnt laugh I might kill them all.

As for my native american knowledge.... Well kinda hard not to know the stuff when you grow up around it. Now that I am what I am tribal councils from all over are teaching me their customs. I guess I can't complain about that.

[Ghostwriter]

*chuckle*

It's nice to be appreciated. Thank you for the compliments, Digigeist. Tell me, were you a fan of the Shadowrun roleplaying series before you erupted?

Totem, honey, I know you've had your run-ins with Utopia. Have you ever thought of going to Mumbai and doing fantasy films? Real-life gryphons are much more impressive than CGI ones.

[Wakinyan]

Well just so you know Regan I just didn't really want anymore help from Utopia I don't hate the organization. I just needed to stay here, not be moved overseas. Your the best Utopian I know by far and I thank you for your help.

I'd ask you out but I wouldn't know what to wear. (See I'm funny!)

[DigiGeist]

Heh. I never played Shadowrun. I thought of it as a wink and a nod to fantasy gaming, but futuristic fantasy wasn't my bag.

I was a hardcore player of Castle Falkenstein and whenever some good suppliments came out dealing with Tolkien's works.

But, that was when I was a kid. Life stepped in after High School. I got into law enforcement, and somehow I impressed enough people to get into Interpol.

I got disenchanted with the very disgusting crimes I had to deal with in my division, so I decided to leave. Became a private detective. Then pop I met my node.

Ever since, it's been a whole new ballgame. It's good I got some people to show me the ropes around here.

[Ghostwriter]

*chuckle*

If you need intel, come to me. I can forward you stuff that doesn't affect Utopia, I think.

Totem, I've got a friend in Mumbai if you're interested. He specialises in fantasy movies and likes to have a group of exotic novas to draw on. I think with your powers, you could probably commute for filming, then head back home when it's done easily enough.

[DigiGeist]

Meh, I don't need the intel, Codex. At least not at this moment.

[Wakinyan]

See the trouble is Ravana does a lot of work over there to. I am not scared of the guy other than what I might do to him if I ever see him again. Speaking of which my two minute hate should be on soon.

[Sakurako Hino]

Go for it, Totem.

He deserves the worst. Something about that guy makes my skin crawl.

[Jager]

No, don't go for it, Totem.

Endeavor, Ravana was doing his thing, and Totem was doing his. Let's not force a repeat of the incident.

[Sakurako Hino]

I meant for him to write his 2MH as scathing as possible. Quite frankly, my first impression of Ravana isn't a positive one.

Although I don't like this to go to fisticuffs, Ravana has single handedly got people mad at him.

I don't like the guy, and I agree that Totem's angry. He should. Totem got played. If there is any sort of return, it needs to be made. Totem's 2MH I feel is pretty much it.

After seeing what happened the first time, I do hope it is not a violent encounter in their future.

Perhaps I did encourage Totem slightly in his remarks, but I don't blame him for being PISSED.

[Ghostwriter]

Neither do I.

Totem, that's all I can suggest. Sorry.

[Wakinyan]

I appreciate everyone's attempt to help. I guess I just don't know what else there is for me to do. Maybe Utopia really did have my best interest in mind when they wanted to take me to Bahrain.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Quote:

Originally posted by Totem:
Maybe Utopia really did have my best interest in mind when they wanted to take me to Bahrain.

Perhaps they did. In accepting their offer you would have been handing over a degree of control in your life. Regardless of the generally favorable reputation Utopia enjoys that's a decision to be weighed carefully. Maybe you should consider having the conditions of stay and release in writing. To avoid disagreements later.

Quote:

Originally posted by DigiGeist:
Oh yes, It's N!Prime's favorite anti-jovial Elf here to once again brighten your lives.

Upon seeing the photos my first thought was, "Why would anyone erupt into a vulcan?"

[Bastian]

Brother Totem, what nova committed to Bahrain has ever been released?

You exist, which should be reason enough for you to continue living and seeking to understand that existance.

If you want help, you have but to ask.

[DigiGeist]

Mr. Mann, please. I'm no more a Vulcan as Totem is a true Gryphon.

I have a hard enough time convincing old ladies I'm not a vampire or something Jeeze.

[Wakinyan]

Well see Digi I dunno what the definition of a true Griffin is. Maybe I am one but I admit I could just be a cheap knock off brand.

Bastian I honestly don't know about Bahrain. I would like to know if there have been Novas treated and released from the facility. I have heard the horror stories and remember what happened with Bahrain when Mal and Pax when at it. But they study taint there and I have to believe they could help me.

I have accepted the fact that I am not going to be human ever again, I just don't want to lose everything.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Quote:

Originally posted by DigiGeist:
Mr. Mann, please. I'm no more a Vulcan as Totem is a true Gryphon.

It just seems to me that if everyone seeing you in person immediately thinks "elf" there's more than pointed ears involved. Perhaps curiousity and cats is pertinent here.

Quote:

Originally posted by Totem:
I have accepted the fact that I am not going to be human ever again, I just don't want to lose everything.

I'm not trying to dissuade you. I would give this advice to a medical patient wondering how much they should be involved in decisions of their treatment plan. Or someone considering a new career with a long term contract.

Voluntary enrollment for treatment is not the same as being committed. An opnet search will reveal many documented instances of novas being invited, or enrolling, for treatment and then being released.

[DigiGeist]

Don't worry about it. *chuckle* I'm cool. Everyone that I have met so far has made the same mistake.

By the way, welcome to N!Prime.

[Wakinyan]

I dare ya ta call him Legolas to his face!

[Jager]

Mann, I know of several novas who have gone to Utopian clinics to help in taint research. They check in, check out, and see; no roach motel.

That isn't Bahrain, though.

[DigiGeist]

Here's the question, though.

Totem is now who he is. Now, I don't know nothin' about taint, but from what I've seen it's not the taint talkin' when Totem's around.

He's a pretty likeable guy... gryphon... dude.

You know, and this isn't a dig on anyone, but we got Kitsune, Gryphons and other assorted beasties walking around. It's like some sort of zoo.

You're cool as you are, Totem. And quite frankly, your form is quite majestic now that I think about it.

[Wakinyan]

I appreciate it and yes I do think I look pretty cool now and then when I find a mirror big enough to get all of me in. I guess I am just being a big dumb angsty beast.

It's not just the external things though. It's my mind as well. I'd still like to be the funny Griffin you all have gotten to know lately. Not... Something else.

[DigiGeist]

Big? Hell yes.

Dumb? Not in the slightest.

Angsty? Partially.

But, that's why I like you. You got problems. That makes you more normal that you look, buddy.

[Neil Preston]

When Dad was addicted to heroin, he once told me,

"We are our own worst enemy."

He was referring to his own need for the high, despite knowing the consequences of it.

Taint-Quantum-Self ... somehow they all tie in together.

Totem, you are dealing with your manifestations. That's not angst, its the reality of who you are. It is tough. Its going to be tough. Fortunately, you have it within you to question your situation and deal with it. You haven't given into one aspect of who you have become. Now, you just have to figure out where you are going to go.

Now that I have gotten to deal with all three sides of you, I can say that I believe you will find your way to becoming the Totem you want to be. If you have need of me, give me a call.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Mann, I know of several novas who have gone to Utopian clinics to help in taint research. They check in, check out, and see; no roach motel. That isn't Bahrain, though.

No roach motel. I wasn't speaking of research as there is very little proven and documented information on research into it.

There are many cases of novas having been invited to Utopia on a 'generally' voluntary basis to deal with difficulties. Bahrain seems to be the primary site for such and my guess is Utopia does not wish to place such individuals in their normal RF facilities. Perhaps because the usual RFs are highly visible in metropolitan areas but more likely the other RFs are strictly training centers with little or no research being conducted.

Possibly this should be moved to a new thread.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Quote:

Originally posted by DigiGeist:
Here's the question, though.

Totem is now who he is. Now, I don't know nothin' about taint, but from what I've seen it's not the taint talkin' when Totem's around.

Digigeist, perhaps you mean well but please don't presume to lecture unless you've felt this inside and changing your world.

There is no factual information in the public domain regarding taint. The few non-experimental treatments are preventative not curative. Leads evaporate almost more quickly than they surface and just as mysteriously.

[DigiGeist]

Yeah, but I hear alot about it here, and it sounds like some bad stuff. Everyone around here seem to have some sort of concern about it.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

I commend you on your interest and sensitivity. I ask you though, does it seem reasonable or appropriate to express opinions on a condition you've never experienced to those who are experiencing it?

[Wakinyan]

Don't be to hard on Legolas there Mr. Mann. He did help me out in a pinch so I don't mind him expressing opinions.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Legolas' is entitled to his opinions and you both obviously know each other. However those opinions he is expressing are based on hearsay when there is no factual information. Before someone states what taint is or is not I want to know they understand what they are talking about.

There are some that do not appreciate a lightness of tone.

[DigiGeist]

Quote:

Originally posted by H. 'Machine' Mann:
I commend you on your interest and sensitivity. I ask you though, does it seem reasonable or appropriate to express opinions on a condition you've never experienced to those who are experiencing it?

I can only go on what I hear, nothing more.

Taint is some whacked-out stuff from what I've heard. If it's a fairytale, then I got hooked like the sucker I usually am. If there's people actually going through it, then I'm sorry that I sounded like an expert.

I didn't mean to step on any toes, guys.

And stop calling me Legolas! He had more style.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Fair enough.