opnet [OpNet] Becoming a nova: Not a hoax

[Waiting]

If I am offending anyone by being here, I apologize. A member of Project Utopia showed me this site, and suggested that I ask for advice here.

For my family's sake, I will withhold my name. I am a terminally ill patient in the United States and I recieved a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A decided to have myself tested, and a Rashoud Facility took up the challenge. They told me, and the public, that there were long odds of me having the potential, but they televised much of the proceedings and alot of people got to see much of what goes on at the Rashould Centers. The people were really nice and helpful. They told me the odds were very long and not to give up hope for a cure, even if I am not a nova.

Anyway, I tested positive. I am still dying, though. I don't know what to do. If I don't do anything, I have less than two years left to live. I can see the pain on my parents' faces.

Is it possible to attempt to erupt and fail, even if you should be a nova?

Is it wrong to force your eruption?

I have a family that loves me very much, and I dont' want to cause them any more pain. As a nova, I could do so much to help them.

Thank you for your time.

[Wakinyan]

I would suggest you try to harness your inborn gift. Try things like healing yourself through nothing but thought. I know there are a lot of people who believe Psychosomatic influence can heal a person and in your case it really might.

At this point you need to brush away all your worries and doubts about yourself and your own mortality because if you don't they may have a negative impact on your new life if you do erupt.

I am sure someone more qualified than I can coach you through this but, I believe you can pull this off.

Good luck.

[Jager]

Suggestions?

Well, waiting around doesn't sound like such a great idea.

Totem's right. Try to make this a positive experience.

[Juri 'Salamander' McClendon]

A Utopian showed you this place? That's one rockin' Upie. This place has enough Terat influence that I thought they'd take it amongst themselves to help you out.

I say go for it! I forced my eruption, and aside from sticky legal matters about how I did it, it's been a wild ride so far.

[Sakurako Hino]

...

You want to know something sad?

That the Rashaud clinic even has a "test" to find if you're a nova or not. I didn't know this sort of thing was possible.

If it isn't, then this is the meanest trick to pull on someone. If it's true that they have a test, then where the hell were they when I erupted? A little early warning would have helped.

If you indeed are to recieve the gift of being a nova, I would hope it's soon. Just do not force it's hand. Indeed your name should be what you should be doing right now. Waiting.

Try to live the time you have as if you will not erupt. Enjoy your life any way you can.

This should be the time you find spiritual resolve and look ahead. It's painful looking in the darkness, but find your center. Talk to a priest/rabbi/shaman/whoever is important to you spiritually.

Find faith, and perhaps you will find peace. I'm not saying accept your fate, but you should prepare yourself. Everyone should.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

We have a test. It's expensive and difficult, and normally the results are negative.

He probably took it to check for something else, and this discovery was a pleasant side effect.

And yes, it's possible to fail to erupt, even now. The good news is that if you do erupt, you will mostly likely be cured of what ails you.

I'd love to help you try to erupt, preferbly hooked up to lots of medical scanners.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
The good news is that if you do erupt, you will mostly likely be cured of what ails you.

Look into the records of one 'Sloppy Joe'.

[Wakinyan]

Try to not provoke fear in the poor person by mentioning Mr Joe and here you went and did it anyway. I am sure you will say best they know what could happen to them but it isn't likely that will happen since each eruption is unique to the person.

[Waiting]

Sloppy Joe? Is he a nova? I've never heard of him. What are his powers? What is he like?

Ms. Endeavor, I can't really say how much I'm enjoying my life. I sit in a bed most of the day. Moving is very painful, and the drugs make me so numb, I would rather not take them. The doctors and nurses are very nice here, but I don't see how they do it. I can tell it hurts them everytime one of us kids runs out of time. They keep trying, though. I think that makes them pretty special.

Dr. Troll, I would like for you to be here, if that were possible. To meet a real nova would be so cool. The other kids would love it.

Actually, I have an incurable genetic disorder that makes my bones very brittle. Something about my body not processing calcium properly, and it is getting worse.

I got the chance through the Foundation to have one wish granted, and I figured that being a nova was my only chance to stay alive. I heard about the test on a TV show, and the doctors told me that such a thing could be done. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and the local Rashoud facility paid for it. There is no way my family could pay for such a thing.

Mr. Totem, I saw you on the TV, too. You had a fight at the XWF, but the people at the Rashoud facility say you are just misunderstood. I think the other guy just bullied you and you got upset with him. Are you better now?

I still don't know what I should do. The priest here (the one today was Buddhist; they rotate) tells me that all life is precious and I should treasure the one I have. What does that mean?

My mom had to go home this afternoon. She kind of fell apart and couldn't stop crying. I thought the news would make her happy, but I don't know now.

[Wakinyan]

Don't worry about Sloppy Joe. I am sure you will learn about him someday. You just worry about getting better.

So you saw my fight huh? Yeah a lot of people think Ravana was being a bully but I am fine now thank you. Luckily I heal really fast. You might also when you erupt. Speaking of which have you thought much about what you want to be when you do? Do you want to fly like Pax or be indestructable like Ironskin Andy Vance?

Remember, You might be sick now but you have a unique chance to not only get better but influence what you can be when you realize your power. Don't waste it.

[Violette 'V' D'Aronique]

Quote:

Originally posted by Waiting:
Dr. Troll, I would like for you to be here, if that were possible. To meet a real nova would be so cool. The other kids would love it.
Actually, I have an incurable genetic disorder that makes my bones very brittle. Something about my body not processing calcium properly, and it is getting worse.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

That's a really rough thing to be saddled with, and you're really strong to survive it as you have. I heard your request to Dr. Troll, and if you'd like, I can see if I can arrange a visit from myself and maybe a few other members of Team Tomorrow.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Waiting:


Ms. Endeavor, I can't really say how much I'm enjoying my life. I sit in a bed most of the day. Moving is very painful, and the drugs make me so numb, I would rather not take them. The doctors and nurses are very nice here, but I don't see how they do it. I can tell it hurts them everytime one of us kids runs out of time. They keep trying, though. I think that makes them pretty special.

You're young, so you probably don't know the society I come from. There is a philosophy where people realize that this life is fleeting, and temporary. Therefore, you must savor life, and try to become a better person.

If you can get around to something resembling a library (or even connect to a library's archives via the opnet) read up on Bhuddist philosophy. I find just reading the occasional koan focusses my thought.

Do not be afraid for what is ahead. Your stregnth will spread.

I understand what your mother is feeling. She fears losing you. But, if you are to erupt, she may still lose you. Becoming a Nova is a drastic change. A scary one.

If and when you do erupt, perhaps you should take my research advice to heart.

Again, all I have to say, is don't be afraid. You have a great insight into people. Perhaps the study of Bhuddist philosophy will open doors for you.

[kestrel404]

Well, I know the test that the Rashoud clinics use for determining Nova potential. If they get a positive result, they re-run it twice to be sure. The extra expense is considdered worthwhile in eliminating false-positives. So if they said you have the potential, you've got a better chance than you think.

As for eruption suggestions: I think the fear option is a bad idea, because of your health. But there is another method that I've heard of. Exposure to quantum, specifically exposure to a group of novas, can sometimes cause eruption. If Team Tomorrow visits, I think I'll stop by and say hello. The more the merryer, or so I've heard.

Good luck, and be brave.

[Waiting]

Oh, Ms. V, that would be fantastic. It would do all the kids here so much good to see some real live Tomorrowites (is that the right word?) Thank you very much for the effort.

Mr. Totem. I have not given it too much thought about what I want to be. Is that how it works? I guess I would want to do something that helped people.

Thank you, Ms. Endeavor. We have a very good library online here, and there is always the Opnet. I'm Catholic, I guess. I don't go to church much. I will ask the rabbi when he comes around later today.

I'm sorry, but I am afraid.

It is odd. I wasn't scared until I had hope. Is that wrong?

Ms. Salamander, I have thought alot about what you said. I don't think I could set myself on fire. There is alot of oxygen here, and I share a room with another child who isn't concious most of the time. Wouldn't that ruin the room for the next kid who needs it?

I re-read your posts. You wanted fire powers, so you set yourself on fire. I don't know what I want to do. What do you do to yourself if you want to be able to help others?

My dad says you are crazy, but my sister thinks your cool, and very brave.

Mr. Alchemist, that would be so nice. All of you novas are very busy people and I thank you for your time and efforts. I hope to see all of you soon.

[Juri 'Salamander' McClendon]

Oh, I don't recommend setting yourself on fire. But there's other ways to go about it. Places online like The Nova Site (a site by self-made Novas for people wanting to erupt) might be able to give you some pointers.

[Waiting]

I can not seem to access that site. I asked the nurse and he said a doctor would talk to me about it.

[Matryoshka]

Waiting, you are a good child,and I would like to tell you good news, but I would hate lying to you.I want you to be strong and try to understand I do not like what I am saying, your chances of becoming a nova would seem slim.I know you have the genes, but that is only part of the factor.Age seems to be another.You may be too young, to erupt. I do hope this is not the case. I do wish to see you a prude member of this site.

I hate to leave you with such bad news, but I will offer you this, ask your doctor who he thinks would be the best to help you in the world..Any doctors, researchers,or healers, and I will pay to have one flown into see you,and to stay with you as long it takes to see if they can help you.

Lastly, if you would be so kind as to list five novas that you wish to meet in person,I will see if I can arrange that as well.I do not promise you the world,life or a miracle, but I do promise you this.I care,and you should live to see a ripe old age.

[Sakurako Hino]

Waiting, it's never wrong to have hope. It's wrong not to have it. And you may call me Sakurako.

I like being on a first name basis. ^.^

[Alex Craft]

Hey.

I'm something of a scientist, and this is related to some work I've been doing lately. If its ok with you and your folks, I'd love to try and spark an eruption in you.

[bTW: If you (or your parents) want to check out my background, contact my bosses at India Novas Consolidated, Inc. through their Opnet address.]

Like Glenn said, quantum energy can help start an eruption. I can provide more quantum flux than a group of novas alone could do, and I'd like to try and see if that would help you erupt.

The thing is, usually someone needs to be in an unusual mental state for an eruption to happen - quantum energy helps, but usually isn't enough.

This doesn't mean you need to be afraid (don't tell anybody, but I erupted out of sheer boredom (c; ), but it will probably help if you can get really focused on something. It might help to take up meditation like Endeavor suggested.

[Waiting]

Ms. Malory, I'm not sure what you are trying to tell me, but thank you. One of the nurses recorded it for me.

Thank you for your offer of assistance, and I have asked one of the interns to see what she could do. You are very generous.

Five novas I would like to meet? Could I ask around the ward and see who the other children would like to see and take the top five? If I am going to be this lucky, I would like to share.

You are right Sakurako, it is wrong to live without hope. For the past ten years, I have known I wouldn't live to see eighteen. No one with my condition does. I have lived two years longer than they thought I would already. They have made so many advances and I have been glad to help with that. They treat me like an adult here and keep me informed of everything they are working on (even though I don't understand much of what that is).

I'm Juan.

Thank you, too, Dr. Craft. Wow. This has been so overwhelming. If you could contact Project Utopia, they could tell you were I am. They are going to come by this evening and do a spinal tap to help in their research. They say I am helping everyone understand more about the pre-eruption process.

Again, thank you.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Waiting:
They are going to come by this evening and do a spinal tap to help in their research. They say I am helping everyone understand more about the pre-eruption process.
Again, thank you.

I've about had enough of this.

[Malu Hekili]

I have to agree with Prodigy on this one.

My advice to you is to leave the hospital or wherever it is you are so confined. Go somewhere beautiful.

[Violette 'V' D'Aronique]

Waiting,

I've discussed it with some of the people in Team Tomorrow, and we'd love to pay you and the other residents of the hospital a visit. You can PM with the details if you'd like, or have someone contact Team Tomorrow Americas (I can provide contact info) and arrange a time.

[Sakurako Hino]

That's a good sport of ya. I had considered popping over there myself. I might pump in some charitable donations into that wing.

And perhaps see our mysterious young woman first hand.

If only to say hi. ^.^

[Jager]

Hey, Malu. You don't come around here enough. It's good to hear from you again.

,,

Quote:

Originally posted by Malu Hekili:

My advice to you is to leave the hospital or wherever it is you are so confined. Go somewhere beautiful.

::chortle::

It's just the image of this kid wheeling himself out of the hospital, bones snapping from the effort, trying to find Paradise.

So, is "Kid, stop your whining" the official Teragen response?

Waiting, take care of yourself and good luck.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:

So, is "Kid, stop your whining" the official Teragen response?

And where did you get that from any of the responses above? My particular view and I suspect I am not alone, is that Waiting is being subjected to tests that are painful and not in his best interest in order to satisfy the curiosities of doctors salivating over the opportunity to get their names published in an article with "Nova" in the title. Malu went further than I did and simply suggested that Waiting would perhaps be better served if he was exposed to a an environment that is positive and uplifting.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Prodigy is right.

I looked up your medical records. The number of "tests" has gone up dramatically since you were found to be a potential. Worse, IMHO most of them are bad science. I'll be over latter today to met you (and with clones I can also have a word or two with your doctor and also meet the other patients on the ward).

What I'd like to do is transfer you to my lab. We would certainly do fewer unnecessary medical tests, and the science gained from them would be real (not that I expect this to be much consolation). I'd like to say we could do more for you medically, but there isn't much more that can be done.

I think your best chance for survival is eruption. The way to maximize the chances for this is to have lots of novas around, preferably novas actively using their powers. To the popular media this means Quantum bolts and Mega-Strength punches, but I always have a few clones running around and that counts too.

To be completely honest, all I can promise is that while we are trying to tickle your node, we will also make you as comfortable as possible.

[Avatar]

It seems sad to me that one of us should be suffering in such a way. "Waiting," I shall be stopping by to visit with you. While I am no medical expert and cannot really do anything to improve your condition, I do have soming I wish to give you that might bring a little joy to your life. Is that acceptable?

[Singularity]

Be careful no matter what you do. Pre or post eruption, you are still mortal. Somehow I believe the possibility of erupting won't act as a "get out of <strike>jail</strike> death free card" if your eruption doesn't work out. Or if the powers you manifest are nott enough to save your life.

Sorry for the morbid thought, but I wonder: is it possible to die without erupting or while erupting? I am not a medical expert but I think we have a few here.

[kestrel404]

Waiting, I will also stop by to look in on you. I heard from a contact within Utopia that there will also be an official visit, but I don't know who specifically is coming.

Dr. Smith, I'm curious as to how you 'looked up' Juan's medical records. Hospitals are very, very strict about that kind of thing, and only family has access to those records without a court order. I'm not questioning your medical aptitude, only your sources. I highly doubt that the doctors would be so foolish as to run unnecessary tests or any kind of experiment on such a (now) high profile case. But if you're right and Juan is being mistreated, there will be hell to pay.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Franklin 'Singularity' Alden:...is it possible to die without erupting or while erupting? I am not a medical expert but I think we have a few here.

Without erupting? Sure. Not everyone who can erupts.

While erupting? My personal opinion is "No", but eruption isn't well enough understood to answer that. The best we can say is, "we know of no cases of it".

There are lots of cases where someone erupts and doesn't have the right powers to deal with their situation. For example, getting precognition without the reflexes to deal with the on coming car.

Quote:

Glenn 'Alchemist' Roberts:Dr. Smith, I'm curious as to how you 'looked up' Juan's medical records. Hospitals are very, very strict about that kind of thing, and only family has access to those records without a court order. ...

I really am a medical doctor, and the rules are a bit different for us. Even without Utopian leverage (which I also have), it is easier for me to get into medical files than family. Just for example, privacy laws prevent a Doctor from telling a husband that his wife is pregnant (because she may not want him to know), but two doctors can discuss her case.

I'm researching the connection between taint and brain damage for the Project. Lots of people claim to be "an expert in eruptions" now days. But the department I work for comes the closest to being the real deal, and is the place to call if you are serious about it and have the right letters after your name.

Quote:

Glenn 'Alchemist' Roberts:I highly doubt that the doctors would be so foolish as to run unnecessary tests or any kind of experiment on such a (now) high profile case. But if you're right and Juan is being mistreated, there will be hell to pay.

I wouldn't quite go so far to say "mistreated" (although his family might want to ask a lawyer). What makes a person erupt isn't well understood, and his doctor could make a legitimate claim that he is trying to help him. After all, what he is doing isn't that different from what I'm offering.

The differences are I have a better idea of what I'm doing, I like to think I'm smarter, I certainly have more expensive equipment, and am up on the latest theories and research. I'm also closer to being inside my field. There are multiple novas around here to increase his odds. Perhaps most importantly, my claim to fame and fortune isn't on the line.

[kestrel404]

An unwarranted spinal tap is mistreatment by anyone's measure.

[Alex Craft]

"They are going to come by this evening and do a spinal tap to help in their research."

As a few people have mentioned, that sounds a little off. You should probably talk to your parents and your normal doctors about getting a third-party observer to make sure everything is cool.

"... the department I work for comes the closest to being the real deal, and is the place to call if you are serious about it and have the right letters after your name."

Hm. Spent 14 months in that department, Dr. Smith, and I think you might be surprised to see what we've been doing here at INC. Drop by sometime, if you're willing to sign an NDA. (Sorry, but the boss has a sore spot for the Project. Can't imagine why.)

That aside, I totally admit that you folks have the equipment and backing to make things happen. As such, here's a proposition:

My talents for manipulating probability and quantum flow allow me to directly create fluctuations of quantum energy. I believe that if I pushed myself this could generate enough focused disruption for the right conditions for erupting - more so than the general background flux produced by novas and power use.

Normally my boss' issues (and my own rocky past) would prevent civil cooperation. However, given the subject of the case, I'd like to lend a hand. Even if the Project would be wanting to keep the findings in house, I would be happy to just lend my power to the attempt. My boss might be a little less willing to play nice, but I think I could convince him that this would be a good PR move.

Naturally, this offer applies to whomever has the case, but given the iffy handling right now, I'm hoping that you're successful in preempting the case.

[Singularity]

Waiting: the most important part of the eruption is you. Alex Craft and others might be able to create the "correct" situation for an eruption but your will and determination are what will make you nova.

In fact, leading yourself through the change might be easier to handle than what most of us have experience. I would not have said it a year ago, but I wish I had erupted in that fashion; it might have imparted some of the wisdom it took me too long to gain.

[Waiting]

I apologize for the abscense. I had a bad episode and it took alot out of me. I wasn't up for their research either.

Mr. Singularity, I worry about that. Dying without erupting. I feel there is so much more I can do for the world, now. I would like a chance to do something.

Ms. Hekili, I do go to a beautiful place. In my mind, I am at home with my mother, father, and sister. I'm a normal kid. It's great.

Everyone, thank you for your concern. I don't want to sue anyone. They are just trying to help. If not me, the next kid who gets this.

They tell me that Team Tomorrow Americas is going to have a few members come by Saturday afternoon. If any of you want to come by, please contact Mt. Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. They have also been reading these posts and are very happy with all the interest. As I said, they have the best people in the world working here.

Good night.

[Singularity]

Quote:

Waiting: Mr. Singularity, I worry about that. Dying without erupting. I feel there is so much more I can do for the world, now. I would like a chance to do something.

I know someone that might be able to take you through the eruption in the fashion I mentioned before but I am unsure if I can bring him to you. If you wish, I can attempt to guide you but I must warn you I am only beginning to understand what my friend can show you.

[Great Monster C]

Now, I understand the people here who are talking about helping this youngster out. I think that's admirable and I have to admit I am pleasantly suprised. I haven't gotten to really know enough other novas I guess. It's nice to see the stereotypes are wrong.

But is it really in Waiting's best interest to be arguing medical ethics and that kind of thing here? Taking that kind of negativity to another place might be best.

Waiting, sounds like you're a big fan of novas and that's great. If you're interested in any other sort of thing I have some connections in TV. Might be able to swing you a visit or two. Take your mind off of the doctors and those tests. You be strong now.

[Neil Preston]

Any word?

[Sakurako Hino]

Neil, I hope you got my message. We should talk about... possibilities.