Aberrant: Children of Quantum Fire - [Interlude] Exalted Thoughts [FIN]

[Shosuro Miren]

April 12th, 2027

Puck swung into the large room, walking backwards as he held out his arms to encompass the space. "Well," he grinned at Darrik, "what do you think?"

The room was part of Puck's top-floor penthouse in the Exalt! building; the lighting for now was coming in through the glass roof, the sunlight streaming in to give a warm golden glow to everything it touched. The walls were lined with more cabinets, drawers, shelves, and hanging slides to hold artistic materials than many craft stores had, and they were filled to the brim with a supply that such stores would weep to have all in one place. The inner part of the large room was lined with tables of varying heights and make-up. Some were bare while others held hot stations for torch work or pop-up sections for drawing and painting; Darrik could see machine-shops worth of sanders, drills, saws, buffers, a sand-blasting machine, and even a large kiln in one corner. A raised platform near one of the pop-up tables could easily serve as a model stand or a place to practice sculpture on; there was even a small forge with implements for glass blowing and metal work across from the corner with the kiln. Even the pipes for releasing heat and keeping the air of the workshop clean were carefully placed to be out of site or artistic in their interaction with the rest of the room. The room itself was piece of art and tribute to the owner's dedication to learning and experiencing every aspect of it that he could.

He waved his arms around, drawing the eye from one section to another to make sure Darrik saw it all. "This is the master studio. There are smaller ones scattered about the building for the other artists and students to use, but this is the master suite, so to say. Members come up here when they need to use the more expensive and larger equipment, or if they want to learn something from me specifically, but mostly, I have it to myself to play around in." He grinned, "My greatest self-indulgence since starting Exalt!, but one of my greatest passions as well."

He grabbed Darrik by the hand and pulled him over to the platform, positively prancing with excitement to show off his beloved studio. He pulled them down onto the marble slab, which was directly underneath the steeple of the building; the sunlight fractured through angles of the glass and spread a trio of rainbows over the floor and walls. Propping himself up on one elbow, he grinned at the sensual shadowmaster next to him. "Now, you said you had something to talk about in regards to Exalt!? Do you have questions about the organization? Are you interested in joining?" His other arm slipped over Darrik's hip, his fingers straying under the hem of his shirt and stroking the sensitive skin there. It was almost chaste for Puck, just a gently caress without the usual quantum-fired flare of pleasure. "You'd be the first nova to actually join, if you were."

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik smiled back to Puck, one hand lightly brushing over Puck's own hand. It was filled with a certain thrill to it, but not any more quantum-filled like Puck's was, just simple and unadorned. "The studio, like the rest of Exalt! happens to have impressed me on a number of levels. I'm still undecided on joining, myself- though I find the option of having a place where I can more easily concentrate on my own shadow-crafting, a mere darkroom more than welcome. At home-" though he had never really stated where or what it was...

"Business, pleasure, but never really the place for the creativity I've been trying to get into my head." Darrik pursed his lips in thought. "What I currently had in mind... I've been watching Exalt! You need more money still, especially if you expand more. I felt a friendly offer of cash, no strings attached should be proffered."

[Shosuro Miren]

A small frown caused a crease on Puck's forehead. "I don't know, Darrik. I already owe the Count for helping me get this set up, and I'd rather not take money from outside again." He leaned over and kissed the other man softly, to try to take any sting out of his refusal, before settling back to recline against him again. "I've been working on increasing my own wealth and donating it to the organization, which is slow, but it makes sure that all the money is...in house? I haven't been accepting donations from any members as they join yet, just to avoid the 'cult' accusation." He sighed in annoyance, "Although I'm getting that anyways, so I might just put a time requirement on it. Like you have to have been a member for a year before you can toss all your assets into the communal hat."

"It a very kind offer," he smiled at his new friend, playmate, lover, fellow Terat, "but I'd rather you spend some time getting to know the organization and deciding if you want to join before pulling out the purse strings. You are welcome here as my guest, with access to the building and..." he waved at the studio, "...all of this, whenever you want." The smile quirked into a grin, "No strings attached but I might put some restrictions on your attire. You're entirely too covered up most of the time."

Darrik glanced down at his outfit, then at Puck's: they both could have been at the same fashion show. Puck's impish expression dissolved into laughter and he nuzzled against Darrik's neck, kissing him again on his perfect and oh-so-touchable skin. "I really do appreciate the offer, though. And I hope you'll stick around and like what you see. If you decide to join, we could talk again. I'll fully admit that more money would be welcome, I'm just trying to make Exalt! as internally self-sufficient as possible. If we get into the habit of relying out outside aid....well, that's pretty much exactly the opposite of the mindset we're trying build and instill here."

[Toby Lupin]

"A reasonable reply." Darrik murmured, feeling turned on by Puck's press and kisses. He had to chuckle at Puck's humor as well. "What? You want me to model for you now? Half-naked? Nude?" He sensually, teasingly challenged as was his wont. Then he kissed Puck back on the lips, flickering his tongue over like a snake tasting a treat. "You know, that's another consideration. A personal interview and two-week stay might turn into your excuse to imprison me in your bedroom, at least for that long. But then... I'm sure there's a few members who might want a piece as well in that event... maybe you could poll them in between sessions."

[Shosuro Miren]

He laughed. Darrik was so like him in some ways. Not all ways, which was good, but he understood parts of Puck that many people found embarrassing or...what was it that church called him? Irrevocably immoral and a child of Satan. Heh. "Well, it's a little more involved than that. There's the initial interview, which just makes sure you're actually interested and understand the point of the organization. Then there's a battery of tests: knowledge base, psychological makeup and stability, a full physical, a week or so exploring interests and talents, and for novas this all includes all that, a full disclosure and testing of powers, and an understanding that being a nova does not confer any special status or privileges over baseline members. Special needs would be met, but no perks just for having a node."

He sighed, "Most Terats give me grief for treating baselines like anything other than a bad hangnail of the nova race, and most other novas that have shown any interest expect to just walk in and be king of mountain." His face screwed up in a disgusted look and he snorted, "I even had a Utopian representative show up demanding to be allowed to interview all the members and inspect the building. I told her she was free to do so - after becoming a member. She even tried, just so she could get access and go running back to her masters to tell them about all the despicable, horrible, manipulative things the big bad Terat is doing to the poor defenseless baselines under his spell. After the initial interview, which I sat in on just to keep her honest - that's an ability of mine, to sense when people are bs-ing or a nova is trying to fog over someone's brain - we took her to start the tests. She refused to divulge her powers, was offended that she'd have to undergo a psychological review, and thought it was ridiculous to have a physical done on her since she was a nova. She was shown the door. Mostly politely, though I had to escort her out myself."

"For all their talk of equality and harmony, Utopian novas expect to be treated like celebrities and superstars everywhere they go. Little demi-gods without the guts to just outright claim it and the condescension to think baselines won't notice." He laid his head against Darrik's shoulder, letting go of the annoyance and anger that day had caused him. "So, yeah. I'd be all up for you joining, and I'd have you pinned to my bed every night for the live-in, if you'd let me. But you'd still have to go through the whole process and be accepted at each level. I only get the final say." He looked up, catching Darrik's eye to convey his seriousness and that he meant no offense by his next words, "And I would also be sitting in on the interview and psych profiling. I like you, but I know what you can do, even to me if I don't put effort into resisting you." His lips quirked up into a sly smile, "A lot of effort. And I'd ask that you not bed other members until the process is done and you've been accepted, if it goes like I would hope. That would...muddle...issues of impartiality as all of the rest of the current members are baselines, and some of them...well, they need special handling for psychological issues that they're working on overcoming. Non-members don't have access to that sort of information and I won't divulge it just for a list of booty calls." He smirked, "No matter how much the other members complain while you're out and about before the process is over."

[Toby Lupin]

"Hmm." Darrik murmurred unintelligibly, thinking about what Puck said. Finally, he came to a decision, and pushed in closer against Puck. "There's good news now, and bad news..." Darrik crooned lightly into his friend/playmate's ears. "Good news, I'll work on rearranging my schedule to allow for the whole package entry examinations to begin in a few days." Puck grinned, but it was taken away when Darrik added, "Bad news, you want to ensure impartiality and rule no sleeping with members, Mr. Big Kahuna has to go without his Darrik-shaped sex toy during that stay as well." This in the naughtiest tones imaginable too.

Darrik laughed at the expression on Puck's face and rolled onto his stomach. "On the other hand, I had something in mind right now that you might LOVE to paint. Two things, but you can choose the one you want."

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck's expression was pure perfection, shock and an immediate wanting flooding through him. Then he chuckled ruefully, "That's fair, I suppose. Cruel and inhuman, but fair." Damn. And Infinity will take full advantage of this to make me crazy for those two weeks. Damn.

"Alright, what are these two ideas?" He laid back fully himself, arms under his head.

"A Pied Piper with Pax playing the leading man....or," a hand slid over Puck's shirt, tugging at one of the buttons, "a modeling session with me in any state of dress you deem appropriate." Darrik's grin was pure enticement, "For artistic purposes, of course."

Puck pulled him into a much less chaste kiss than they'd exchanged before. "We can make fun of Pax later....if I have to be hands off once you get your interview, I'm getting my fill before, then." Despite the heady ardor in his voice, the artist in him was taking over. "Mmm....a statue. I like that idea. What theme, though? Beyond unbelievably sexy god of...sexiness." He laughed at his own fumble for words, but his eyes were in the distance, definitely in 'artist mode'. "Marble and metal are so...done. Ah! Obsidian. Jet. Onyx. Black diamond. Darkness for the Shadowheart." He reached up and ran a hand through his lover's hair, "And some garnet or ruby for your eyes and hair."

He stood up, pulling Darrik up with him, and prowled the studio until he'd gathered and selected pieces of the materials he'd named. His collection of gems were rather impressive and large; he grinned and shrugged. "They're lab-made, so they're incredibly cheap. It's silly. They're exactly the same as the material they have to go dig up out of the earth, but it'd cost me four...six...ten...time as much for a 'natural' stone than one made exactly to the size and purity I want. I'll make a small one first, for now. Then when I can get my hands on you again-" he shot him a mock glare "-I'll make a life-size one. For the courtyard or the restaurant. Somewhere for people to see and know just how amazing and beautiful you are, even if they've never met you."

His smile softened, "Maybe you could bring Agatha and Gwen by sometime. I could do a whole series of you and them." He was Darrik's lover and friend, but he knew love when saw it; Agatha and Gwen had the deepest parts of Darrik's heart and rendering the three of them in a series of statues together would be his gift to and appreciation of that love.

Licentiousness crept back into his grin and he motioned Darrik back to the platform, "Now strip, you. I need to see everything. Oh, and feel it to. That's mostly for the art. Once I'm done here, and once we're done down the hall, we'll go to the Launch Center and get you started."

Mini Darrik

15 successes on the statue, which is fitted together from the materials mentioned to make a shadowman version of Darrik. Much of the sculpture is semi-transparent, making it look a like a shadow itself and causing it to case many interesting and distorted shadows of itself in direct light.

[Brute]

Brute was settling in, but slowly.

Her rooms were becoming more of a teddy bear shrine than actual apartments for a woman or a Nova. During the day, Mr. Bear was always sat up in bed, propped up by pillows with the covers tucked up around his fluffy armpits. Sometimes Brute even put a book or a newspaper in front of him. She kept the room warm and clean, fussing over the little details so that everything was just right.

When out and about she carried him in her backpack, sticking half-out so he could see the world at large. Once someone tried to snatch him, but she spun away before he had a chance to even touch an ear. She never saw the man who made the grab.

At night, she tucked him into bed, with his head on a pillow, and covers up under his chin. Then she gave him a kiss on the head and left him be, while she wandered the Exalt! building, never needing sleep and never sure what to do with herself.

Brute often scoured the OpNet, looking up other Novas she overheard people talking about in conversation. Other, better Novas. Puck always told her to stop saying that, so she stopped saying it and just thought it instead. She could never see what he saw in her. Or Infinity, for that matter.

Sometimes she didn’t even know what Mr. Bear saw in her.

Doctor Sellas was nice, though. She always talked and listened and talked and listened and wrote things down. Brute knew what that was: Psychiatric evaluations, just testing to see if she was mad as well as stupid. Maybe Puck thought she was mad.

But Puck made her happy. Infinity did, too, but not as much as Puck. He was her brother, and he was nice to her, and he took her out shopping. She quite liked shopping, even though she had no idea what to buy. Mostly she just bought things for Mr. Bear.

She spent an hour trying to think of things she needed, but couldn’t think of anything. Ah’m too dumb to even figure that out, she thought, not unkindly.

Brute was used to the idea that she was dumb. It was written deep into her mind. Sometimes she remembered things, horrible things. Sometimes she saw herself struggling with a rubix cube while a gorgeous woman covered her face with her hand and wept, or trying to read while the words on the page seemed to shift before her eyes, fighting to make sense of long strings of letters and numbers.

She rose from the edge of her bed and decided to go look for Puck. If she was alone too long she started thinking about the past, and then her brain hurt her, because it let her remember.

Learning to track people by body heat was tougher in the big city. It was hotter, and people packed together in great big hot blobs where they could hide the guns and helicopters and missile launchers. Well, prob’ly not helicopters.

Brute’s fingers flexed and balled into a fist. She still remembered the way the metal crunched in her grip, and the screams of the men inside.

She headed out of her room fast, popping back just to make sure Mr. Bear was comfortable. “Ah’ll be back later,” she said, her voice thick.

Brute always kept an eye on where Puck was. He could get blurry when he went below among the baselines, but if she kept checking on him - and she checked every few minutes - she could keep an eye on where he was through a good portion of the Exalt! building. It wasn't a surprise to see him with company. It was probably Infinity.

As she headed through to Puck's rooms, though she heard another voice from inside, a man's. Brute thought she ought to leave him alone, but that would mean being alone with her thoughts, and she could feel things swirling about just under the surface, waiting for her to look down at them to be dragged in and drown in memory.

She peeked in the door, and saw Puck being close to Darrik. She thought she might drop dead when she laid eyes on the Nova. He was so slim and handsome and poised and pretty.

Without even thinking about it, she adjusted her hair and tried to look not quite as ugly as always. Cain’t do nothin’ about bein’ dumb, though.

Nervously, she cleared her throat. “H-Hey, Puck? Can ah… bother ya a minute? Ah’m jus’ feelin’ like ah need some company. Sorta.” She didn’t. Not really. But she couldn’t find the words to express herself any better.

Then she stepped all the way into the room and realized the guy was mostly naked, and bit her lip. Then she looked away, reddening, lost and wondering what the hell she was supposed to do. And why. And what. And who. And how. And why. She couldn't look at him. He was naked, a bit like her when she went big, only he was beautiful. She put a hand up to shield her eyes, positioning it so she looked past her hand at Puck, and that gorgeous vision was on the other side, invisible.

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck carefully set the half-formed sculpture down, stepping over to his and wrapping his arm around her. "Of course you can hang out, luv. It's not a bother. Would you like to meet a friend of mine? He'll even put his clothes back on if you say yes, promise." She could hear the teasing smile in his voice.

"Ah, uh, ah sup'ose." She hadn't let her hand down yet, even as Puck gently pulled her over to the marble platform.

"Brute," he said, pulling down her hand to reveal a fully clothed but still stunningly beautiful man, "this is Darrik, also known as Shadowheart. Darrik, this is my sister Brute." The introduction was careful and Brute could tell she was missing something in how Puck was talking, something Darrik picked up. "Darrik's going to look into joining Exalt!, Brute, so he'll be around quite a bit."

The black-and-red haired beauty gave her a gentleman's bow and took her hand to chastely kiss the back of her palm. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Brute. And please excuse us, Puck's doing a sculpture and, well....we weren't expecting a visitor." His smile was infectious and seductive, his voice and the feel of his skin and lips on her hand nearly made her swoon. He was almost too much bare being around, but who would want to leave?

"Not that we wouldn't love for you to stay, Brute," Puck added quickly with a smile. "You could watch, if you're interested in seeing how sculptures, even little ones, are made. Or we could go do something else, if you've got an idea in mind?"

[Brute]

She felt like saying he shouldn’t tease her, but on the other hand, Darrik was making her blush and that had to look funny, especially to Puck, who was fine with him and being mature about it.

Darrik was just as pretty clothed as unclothed, though, and it didn’t make her feel any calmer seeing him like that. She kept trying to think of clever things to say to him so he’d think she was clever and not realize how very not clever she was. Then she thought Puck might have told him about her already and she felt she ought to go hide again.

Mr. Bear never gave her advice about boys. Just hugs. He knew an awful lot about hugs. In fact she thought Mr. Bear might well be a hug expert. A hugxpert?

And then Darrik went and kissed her hand, and she felt like growing right then and there. Which was an odd way to feel. Especially since if she grew she would have stepped on him or something and then Puck would have been real mad.

God, ah got to say somethin’ funny. But what could he find funny? Naw, that’s gonna go all wrong. Ah ain’t funny.

She flicked her purple scarf and fanned herself with her hat. “Naw, s’fahne,” she said, looking for somewhere to sit. Puck was getting really good at telling her moods already, and they’d only been together a few days. “Ah jus’ keep thinkin’ bad thangs,” she said softly. She made herself brighten up. It wouldn’t look good to be sad in front of Darrik. “Really ah’m jus’ lookin’ for a distraction. An’ your friend here is pretty dang distractin’ if ah do say mahself.”

[Toby Lupin]

"They say that and more, Brute." Darrik smiled politely, though he was noticing some concern she was trying to hide away. Not his place to pry right now. "Well, as long as you are, stay with us and be distracted. And learn a bit about art. The good thing here is that there's no right or wrong answer, except to the artist. The audience just has to watch. Though if you are watching..." Darrik looked to Puck... "Since it isn't the big final one, could you work around a lack of undress if it makes Brute uncomfortable?"

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck gave a mock pout but motioned Darrik back to the platform without instructions to strip again. He pulled Brute over to sit next to him so she could see exactly what he was doing; how he was so delicately shaping the stones with small files and miniature chisels. He was shaping the outside sides of the stones and then carefully creating interlocking interior pieces that accentuated the angles and appearance of the statue when he fitted them together. His hands worked with a steady, perfect grace and she could tell that even with his soft words to her explaining what he was doing, his mind was truly concentrated on the small wonder he was building in his hands.

Darrik was givens instructions on turning and different poses, as well as the occasional playful, "Now hop one foot and sing 'I'm a little teapot'," just for the giggles from Brute. Time passed in the quiet studio, the sun tracing past the zenith of the steeple, the rainbows moving smoothly over the surfaces or flickering in and out of existence. Between the two of them, Puck and Darrik were wonderful distractions, keeping away the bad thoughts with their beauty and with Puck's gentle, patient explanation of everything he was doing.

She didn't understand of all of; sometime he used words she didn't know, but if he caught her confused look he'd just smile and explain the word. He never seemed upset when she didn't know something or it took several explanations for her to understand what he was getting at. Or if she didn't at all. He'd just smile that smile of his and pat her on the hand, saying, "That's fine. Art sometimes doesn't make sense. That's part of the fun."

[Brute]

She watched as Puck worked on the sculpture, unable to fathom what he was doing. It looked nice though.

He gave her one of his indulgent smiles, the ones that meant he knew she was being dumb but he would never use the word. Art made sense to Puck. He could make beautiful things with his hands like it was nothing.

Brute tried to clear her head of thought.

She giggled when Puck tried to get Darrik to dance, and that earned a proper smile out of him. Though weren’t they all proper? She was getting a feel for Puck now, for his moods and his mannerisms. She bit her lip, watching him at work.

“Hey, Puck,” she said, a little timidly, “can y’all… alter the way ya look some? S’just, ah was thinkin’ like, maybe we oughtta get a tattoo or somethin’. To show we’re brother an’ sister.” It sounded childish and silly to say it, but she saw it on the OpNet and it seemed appropriate someone. “But ah can change mah skin an’ stuff an’ it wouldn’t last. Could we get tattoos that’d last?”

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck thought for a moment. A tattoo wasn't really his style, but if Brute wanted one for the two of them, he'd do it in a heartbeat. "I know the Alchemist, a friend of mine and another student of Chang....a friend of mine, I can explain the rest later, she can make any sort of chemical compounds tailored to a specific nova. We could see if she could make us ink that would stay for you or disappear when you changed if you wanted." He smiled at her, "And no, I can't change how I look. It seems like it would be fun, though. Maybe you could be my model sometimes? I could paint a whole series of your favorite looks and styles."

He was finishing the miniture statue now, sanding down the edges and prepping it for the buffers. "What kind of tattoo would you like? Is there a symbol or animal or something that you feel close to? Or would you want words?" He pointed to the black robin earring on his right ear. "That's my robin, for Robin Goodfellow, another name for the mythological nature spirit named Puck. Hmm...." he thought, "maybe a black robin for me and a white bird for you?"

He set down the statue and pulled out his OpPhone, quickly connecting to the 'net and pulling up pages on white birds. "Here's one, the Ivory Gull. It's from the Arctic, just like where we found you, and is pure white. Like a reflection of my black robin." He held the phone out to her, letting her see the picture, "We could put them together in some way - I could make some sketches - and then both get identical marks. Is there a particular place you'd like to put the tattoo?"

Ivory Gull

[Brute]

Brute bit her lip. She had not expected Puck to come up with anything so quick. “M-Modelling?” She shivered a little.

In her head she remembered, faintly, a beautiful woman preening before a mirror. She was trying on dozens of outfits, and a man was saying lovely things to her, complimenting everything she wore and how she looked wearing it. Dad, she knew, an’ mom. Her mother was an actress. Brute remembered that, too.

She never had looked around the OpNet to find out who she was, but she was pretty sure she could find out. People kept saying you could find anything on the OpNet if you looked hard enough. A lot of it made her blush, or made her skin crawl, or both.

It took an effort of will to collect herself and put on a smile. “Oh, ah don’t think ah’d be much worth modellin’, Puck. Ah ain’t real pretty.” Not like mom. Not like him. It was still hard to keep her eyes off Darrik. She didn’t think he was too happy she turned up. “Sahdes, ah got two left feet compared to real models. Got no poise. An’ these are the only clothes ah wear, really. Cain’t model without clothes.”

She sat stiff in her chair, almost rambling through her justifications without thinking. Her claims to a lack of grace were patently ludicrous - even most other physically-oriented Novas would have felt envious to see her in motion – but she said the words with sincerity.

Brute focused on the picture of the gull instead, blinking quickly and trying to move away from the shadows gathering in the corners of her mind. She scratched her head. “Ah have to admit ah never really thought ahead. It’s a real pretty bird, though. It could work, ah guess.” She smiled and handed the picture back. “Actually ah was sort o’ thinkin’ o’ some sorta trahbal desahgn. Saw some nahce ones on the OpNet, ones on the shoulder or on the forearm. But this seems sorta better. Ya got better ahdeas than me.” She flashed him a smile.

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "You're beautiful, my dear. I hope some day you'll believe that. And there's nothing about two left feet with the modelling I'm talking about, even though I'm pretty sure you could walk down a runway in three foot stiletto stilt shoes and still make the other women look like they were clomping around in snow boots. As for clothes, we could buy anything you wanted and we've got a whole hotel full of stuff already. I could even make you outfits, if you wanted."

He grinned and nodded to Darrik, "Now he's only allowed to model in clothes because you're are guest at the moment." It was that infectious grin again, teasing both of them while he sifted through images on the OpNet. "Alright, do you like any of these? I can do some more searching if you don't, these are just the first ones that came up. And we can modify one, if you like some parts but not others."

He held the phone out to her again to look through the handful of designs he had picked out.

Tribal Tattoos

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik noticed something odd in the lack of self-esteem she was putting out. Why did it remind him of Epiphany so much? Well it did sound similar in some indescribable way. At least the familiarity seemed somewhat easier (and harder too) when his foster sister's memories were in his head. "You look very pretty, Brute. At some point you'll realize it. I'd suggest a certain outfit if you wanted proof, but Puck would not approve, to be honest."

He grinned as he peered at the images. "My suggestion? Go with the sun. Light, warmth, hope, a new beginning."

[Shosuro Miren]

The three ended up clustered around Puck's OpPhone, going through hundreds of different examples of tribal band tattoos as they built up a unique design for the two of them: a combination of flowing swirls that tapered into sharp lines around the edges of the design, combining the feminine and the masculine and somehow a perfect combination of what was Puck and what was Brute. He pulled out some paper from one of many bins around the room and sketched out a final draft of what they'd discussed.

"There," he said, holding it up for Brute and Darrik to see. "How about that?"

Brute took the paper and let her eyes rove over the lines from one side and back again, a slow smile lighting her face. Puck's own happy smile in return gave Darrik the first real look at their resemblance, their mirrored delight of the moment.

"Yah," she said softly, tracing the lines with a fingertip. "That's just perfect."

"I'll send Cyndi an OpMail tonight, then. We should be able to get them done by the end of the week." He stood and gave her kiss on the forehead, pulling her into a tight hug. "Now...Bethany is making some sort of new desert for Gateway tonight, a mint creme brulee or something..." He steered the three of them towards the door, radiating a complete bliss as he prattled on trivialities and the inane little joys of life.

**************

April 21st, 2027

Starseed walked into the lobby of the Exalt! building, mid-afternoon sunlight streaming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrapped around the large, open space. A woman standing what would have been the check-in area if the building had still been a hotel smiled at her, patiently waiting to see if she was just passing through on her way to the restaurant, spa, gym, or one of the conference rooms. Her smile widened, genuinely pleased, when the young nova made her way to the counter.

"Hello! My name is Amelia," she beamed. "How may I help you?" If she was unnerved by Starseed's appearance, she hid it well.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Starseed six had decided that using a disguise in this instance would be a waste of energy. Those who might be watching already knew all about Mother and would no doubt suspect Teragen involvement. Let them speculate, let them 'think' they've learned something.

She actually felt free not having to hold her body into a jointed form, though she didn't go crazy with contortion. Funny, she thought, how the Terat philosophy might approve of that feeling and she should be thinking it right now.

"Hello Amelia. My name is Starseed, and I'd like to meet Puck. I like what he is doing here, and I am interested in hearing a bit more about the ideas behind it." Star says, smiling back and looking around the place ... her neck turning just a little too far as she panned her head.

[Shosuro Miren]

"Of course," she said, picking up one of the phones on the lower counter set behind the upper one. "Let me call up to his office and see if he's available." The phone rang for several moments before someone picked up. "Puck," Amelia smiled into the phone with obvious affection. "There is a person who would like to speak with you about Exalt!, a nova by the name of Starseed. Are you available?"

Star could hear a male voice on the other end of the line, though the words were indistinct. Amelia nodded and replied, "Wonderful. We'll see you in a moment, then." She hung up the phone and motioned Star to the other side of the lobby where several elegantly appointed conversational areas were arranged around a beautiful Art Deco fireplace. "Please, have a seat. Puck's on his way down and should be here in a moment or so."

As Star selected a couch near the fireplace she discovered that the furniture was as comfortable as it was elegant, and that she could barely hear the conversations going on around her in the other conversational "pods" just several feet away.

Puck's entrance to the lobby was unmistakable. Conversations lulled at best and stopped entirely for most of the lobby as heads turned to track the unearthly beautiful man as he crossed room to where Starseed was just standing back up again. He held a hand out and smiled. "Nice to meet you, Starseed. I'm Puck." He motioned for her to sit again, taking a seat across from her on the coffee table in front of the couch with an impish smile and an inhuman grace. "You're interested in Exalt!. Do you have an specific questions, or just a general curiosity?"

Puck's Presence

Enhancements:

Immaculate

Natural Style

Seductive Looks (not activated, just for reference)

Splendor

The Voice

Confessor (again, not activated, just reference)

Endearing (ditto)

Seductive (ditto)

Soothe (ditto)

Merits/Flaws:

Natural Leader

Sexy

Lusty

Aberrations:

Quantum Beacon

Sex Object

Surreality (Puck is fascinating)

Heartthrob

Addictive Looks

+2 difficulty for social interaction from Star's True Clade and Puck being a Terat

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Wow. He is quite ... something. Nice, tingly? Hmmm ... arousal is a complex phenomenon. I had better be careful and not start reweaving energy patterns on instinct. Quite ... cool in here, all of a sudden. No thats me ... I like the smile.

"A pleasure ... I have been reading about Exalt! since I saw the press release on it - the first one, with the photos that made it to the London Opnet Times. Thing is, its different, interesting. I am only passingly familiar with the Teragen, but from what I see your organization is different. Its the inclusion of baselines too, very interesting."

"So I'd say general curiosity at this point. I was in the neighborhood so .."

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck chuckled and settled back, "Yeah, I get flack for that from some Terats." He shrugged, "Teras is about finding your own way. I don't think that that has to be restricted just to novas, only that novas generally have more options and direct methods of channeling their evolution. An advantage, but not a requirement. That's my opinion, anyways."

He looked around the room as he gathered his thoughts, "Well, that's really the heart of Exalt!: finding what gives you passion in life and pursing it to become a new you, and then do the process all over again. Never-ending evolution of the self." He blinked at an older man passing through the lobby, his shirt stretched from a middle-aged gut and his hair thinning into greying wisps. He shook his head, clearing it of some distraction and focused again on Starseed. "The process starts by discovering consciously just exactly were a person - nova or baseline - is, then working with them to find where they want to be, and then forging a path from the is to the new being. Then we take stock again and set new goals. Each member charts their own course, their own path or evolution, and we help each other along the way. It's like..." He leaned back up, pressing his hands together at his lips as he searched for the right words, "like a family, only a chosen one with a unifying purpose."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"So, I understand that ... a noble goal. What if, though, two or more members of the family have conflicting paths. I'm not talking about something trivial, we're talking they each feel their core beliefs are the best." asked Star, clearly thinking hard behind her smooth golden facade.

"I am also wondering how the baseline humans do it, I mean evolve. Do you train or tutor them? Is it evolution in the sense of self-help books, or something different?

[Shosuro Miren]

"To the first question, the very basic philosophy of the organization is that each person is the only one that can determine what core beliefs and path are best for them. Those that feel a compulsive need to enforce their views on others are not admitted as members, unless they reapply after having overcome that particular personality trait. There are certain basic agreements that have to exist for the organization to function at all, such as respect for the well-being of all the members; you may not always respect everyone, but seeking to harm another member or prevent their progress is grounds for expulsion. Members may always choose to leave of their own accord, of course, if they feel that their path leads elsewhere or they find that they cannot abide by the core agreements anymore."

He smiled that dazzling smile again, "And as to the second and third questions, yes, it's essentially self-exploration and then training and tutoring. By others if there are experts available, either in-house or contracted from outside; some interests can't be taught by experts, and then the person must build the path step by step. Not quite self-help books, as we have a fully licensed psychiatrist for assisting with any self-esteem issues a member may join with. Most self-help books are really just about that, about trying to teach confidence and a coherent sense of self. Myself, for example: I explore art under the mentorship of Chang Zha-Yang, and I teach what I know to those that aspire to be artists themselves within Exalt!. Amelia, the lovely lady over at the Welcome Desk, teaches others how to effectively communicate and present exactly the image of self one desires to. She's also taking martial arts lessons at a dojo nearby and will begin teaching here once she's learned to a teaching status there."

"Evolution isn't just about becoming a nova or learning how to warp the energies of the universe in new ways or to new heights." He motioned with his hands, encompassing the entire building with the gesture, "It's about become more than you are now. People are an impossible gestalt, always more than the components that they are composed of. Evolution is just pushing that gestalt in one's desired direction and moving forward with purpose. That's what Teras means to me, and part of my own evolution is attempting to share that with the world, instead of confining it just to one section of novas."

​He spoke with the conviction of a religious leader, but without the fervor, contempt or defensiveness of fanaticism. He was centered in himself, moving and shaping the world around him with a clear vision of the future he wanted - for himself and for the people that decided to follow his lead.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Again, very interesting. I may be facing a challenge along these lines. Soon, though I can't reveal the details, I am going to offer a number of baselines the chance to live their dreams. Many shining examples of humanity will volunteer, however, many of them will be unprepared. Even after any training they might be unprepared, but my thinking is at least they can work to their best potential. If what can be done is done then that is what should be done ... and I suspect you've thought a great deal about what can be done to help them evolve, what can be done."

Star paused, and added "... I've got a decent idea of what baselines can expect - and I don't say that in a derogatory fashion but to indicate that most of the non Nova human genetic and environmental development tends to remain very tightly around a statistical mean ... a baseline...."

"... What of Novas? If we're talking case by case we can talk about me if I were to join ... but what might be specifically done with novas who have the genuine desire to practice a philosophy such as yours? What kind of facilities, what kind of training, what kind of options they'd have ... the process".

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck stood and offered a hand to Starseed. "Showing is better than discussing, as well. How about we take a bit of a tour. I can show you the public areas and speak of how they're used by members for their pursuits, and perhaps take you up to my own living spaces to show you what has been done there. The levels inbetween are not generally available to non-members without personal invitations as they primarily function as the homes of members."

Taking his hand to stand, Puck took the liberty to link and arm with hers and guide her through the tour. Every step of the way, baselines stopped to stare at the pair; it wasn't difficult to tell those that were members and those were simply visitors either. Members would nod or smile at Puck; they had a sort of intimate familiarity with him, an ease around him that the visitors did not. "Well, first is Gateway. That's our restaurant that's open to the public. Bethany generally heads up the cooks, some of whom are members and some of whom are employees. Members can volunteer for cooking if they're interested, and we have hired staff on-call if there's a shortage of hands for any given time. Bethany herself is not a 'trained' chef in the usual manner." He grinned, "Her culinary school was seven younger siblings growing up and parents that could burn boiling water, to quote her, and then her own brood of five that she raised mostly on her own. Handling a busy, industrial kitchen was a dream for her and she's learned a great deal just from the experience and from the hired chefs and cooks that have had formal training. We've had food critics through, but asked them not to publish their star ratings on the restaurant, but simply a description of their time here. So far the reviews themselves have been mostly positive."

They entered the brightly lit restaurant, sunlight warming the spacious room and lighting up the Art-Deco stained glass decor. Along one wall was a waterfall, gently splashing into a crystal clear pool with brightly colored fish darting too and fro in it. The wall glowed with a gentle golden light and in the center of the pond was a large platform with a statue of a man and two women intertwined and a reverent embrace. The statue was made of various kinds of translucent stones and gems; Darrik cast in shades of black, with ochre-red highlights through his hair and eyes. The women were light to his darkness, their bodies made of milky white stone with clear swirls throughout for the skin and one with yellow topaz or diamond for her cascading hair, the other like the man, all darkness and shadow for her own long tresses. The glow from the wall through the water shone through them, the light refracting through the statues to cast interesting and subtle shadows over the pond. It was a masterpiece, even for a nova, and Puck fairly glowed with pride as he drew her attention the over to it. "This is Darrik, Gwen, and Agatha, the first three novas to begin the process of acquiring membership. They're just now entering their second week. The process usually takes about six weeks for a baseline that can commit to three or four hours a day for the first four weeks. They're moving along much more quickly both because they devote most of their time to the process and because only Gwen requires any time to sleep."

He guided her out of the restaurant and down a long, sumptuous hallway, "Which does bring us to your last question. So far, there are few resources here that can accommodate physical training for novas. I'm building capital to be able to change that, as well as looking to purchase the North and South Brother islands just east of here, for more space for members, especially for novas exercising and expanding on powers that require more room or a buffer area in case of accidents. As for mental and social types of training, there are little needs for any sort of machinery. Members could volunteer to assist a nova attempting to expand on such abilities, and even novas can learn from baseline members intricacies of social interactions or the knowledge's of experts in their fields. Options are limited only by our imaginations...well, once I can rival Count Orziaz for resources." The last was said with a chuckle, "A daunting task, but Rollin, my financial adviser and mentor in all things business and money related, is hopeful for me."

"Here we are," he said, guiding them through french doors into another small lobbyroom-like area that smelled of flowers and warm air. Everything in the room was plush and cozy; even the light was reduced to a soft glow. "This is the spa. We have members and hired staff here for many different types of massage, mineral and mud baths, body wraps...honestly more relaxation methods than I know at this point. There's also meditation and silent yoga rooms, even silent prayer rooms for those so inclined. The official title of the Spa is the Exalt! Day Spa, but mostly we refer to it as the Sanctuary. As with the bar and restaurant, members come here to learn from hired staff and practice to perfect their knowledge and skills."

They moved on to the gym, the conference rooms, a computer lab with an impressive mix of computer types, accessories and available softwares; they peeked in on the daycare rooms and finished the circuit with a tour of the art studios. Everywhere there were people, and again there was that easy distinction between the members, at ease in their home, and the paying public that was simply taking in a taste of what Exalt! could offer. They didn't return to the lobby, instead settling into a private salon room where Puck poured them each a glass of some amber liquid. "Bethany calls this Ambrosia, and I have to agree. It's a blend of fruit and vegetable juices allowed to steep in tea and spices for a day. It's sweet, but filled with subtle flavors."

He proffered her the drink and settled in on a love-seat flanking the couch she was sitting on. "There's other amenities here as well, but they're only available to members for the moment at least, and on those restricted levels." He sipped at his drink, obviously enjoying the sweet, spiced flavor. "Also, a note I find most important to emphasize when speaking with novas about membership: there are no different grades of membership. Baselines and novas are considered as equals in access and...luxuries, I suppose you could say. Novas with special needs or requirements are accommodated for those, so long as they do not violate the core agreements, just as baselines with needs like handicap ramps or rooms are also accommodated. There is also no deception or avoidance of the understanding that novas have capabilities and potentials beyond baseline members and are able to achieve types of evolution not available to non-novas in the organization. The point is the continuous evolution of each individual self, however far that evolution can be stretched."

He smiled easily at her, "Has that answered your questions so far? Has it raised others?"

The Statue

36 successes achieved to create the statue. It is a work of art a practiced and established nova artist would be able to define their career by.

....I wish I could make something like that in real life.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star admired the likeness of three Novas but was still taking in the place, looking at details. They had renovated the old hotel on a schedule it seemed, there was a central plan with a timeline pushing this place - yet there was enough organization, attention to detail, evident by this far in the tour for Star to believe that some serious thought had gone into it. Puck could see that she was scrutinizing the little things too, admiring the beauty of the statue but not letting it draw too much of her attention. It was a magnificent statue, though, truly magnificent.

When Puck said ".... Options are limited only by our imaginations...well, once I can rival Count Orziaz for resources." The last was said with a chuckle, "A daunting task, but Rollin, my financial adviser and mentor in all things business and money related, is hopeful for me."

Star replied with a grin "... and imaginations can be vast. I'm wondering, what drives the finances behind the organization? The ethics of the funding are almost as important as the ethics of the operation."

...

In the spa Star looked around like it was an alien landscape, though she would die before admitting it she'd never been in a place devoted to this sort of thing. She was still looking for details, things that had potentially been missed. The attention to each are would tell her the areas that had received a great deal of personal attention from Puck or Nova talent, and things that had been left to baseline methods, outside contractors or simply had been judged 'good enough' and not given new life in the renovation.

The 'sanctuary' was instructional in this way. Puck clearly liked to enjoy himself.

...

Gym, OK ... conference rooms, expected ... now the computer lab. This was interesting, and Star spent a little extra time there. She looked behind the equipment to check connectors. Network configurations, through put estimates, and the presence of backup power supplies told Star that this was a decent setup. Way way better than working at a public library, but of course she'd sill have to observe precautions. This organization itself was going to be watched. The connection here was robust enough that she could download wide swaths of information and then do sub-searches for what she actually wanted on a stand-alone terminal. This could be handy.

....

"This does taste very good." Star said, sipping her drink. Sitting with him she says "Its actually that bit of giving equal consideration to both that attracted me here. Its not something I expected from a Teragen mindset. So I am wondering what your associates in that movement think of all this?"

"I am also wondering exactly what I would need to do in order join. Forgive me if I sound a little hesitant. I'm interested, but I am not a 'joiner' by nature."

[Shosuro Miren]

Star greeted the three Novas "Hello Darrik, Gwen, Agatha." but was still taking in the place, looking at details. They had renovated the old place on a schedule it seemed, there was a central plan with a timeline pushing this place - there was enough organization, attention to detail, evident by this far in the tour for Star to believe that some serious thought had gone into it. Puck could see that she was scrutinizing the little things too, admiring the beauty of the statue but not letting it draw too much of her attention. It was a magnificent statue,

When Puck said ".... Options are limited only by our imaginations...well, once I can rival Count Orziaz for resources." The last was said with a chuckle, "A daunting task, but Rollin, my financial adviser and mentor in all things business and money related, is hopeful for me."

Star replied with a grin "... and imaginations can be vast. I'm wondering, what drives the finances behind the organization? The ethics of the funding are almost as important as the ethics of the operation."

Much of the decor of the main floor was still what it had been from the building's time as the Jumeriah Essex House hotel; the Jumeriah hotel corporation was wealthy enough to have hired nova designers to update their higher end hotels, like Essex House, for the Nova age. So far, the only new nova-born creation to the public areas was the statue Puck had created - it out-shined the general decor and was an example of what was to come as the hotel was slowly converted into something new.

"Stock market investments, at the moment. Rollins is helping me understand how building wealth works, and yes, how to do so ethically. The eventual idea is to make Exalt! as self-sustaining as possible on all basic needs, and to earn monetary wealth for luxuries after that by offering services and our creations to the general public." He gave her a half-smile, pleased at her question, "The goal is make all the monetary transactions that occur for Exalt! as ethical, equitable and positive of an experience for both sides."

"This does taste very good." Star said, sipping her drink. Sitting with him she says "Its actually that bit of giving equal consideration to both that attracted me here. Its not something I expected from a Teragen mindset. So I am wondering what your associates in that movement think of all this?"

"I am also wondering exactly what I would need to do in order join. Forgive me if I sound a little hesitant. I'm interested, but I am not a 'joiner' by nature."

He gave an elegant shrug, "Most in the movement think it's foolish or rather backward-looking at best, given the involvement of baselines. Count Orziaz and many of his adherents find it a fascinating experiment and are watching from an interested but removed position. Others are...less enthused, to say the least. We are not tight-knit singularity of thought or action, despite what many would like to think - especially those that would paint us all with the same brush as the most violent or most outspokenly racist among our numbers. We're like a family - we're bound together by Teras instead of blood, but other than that we're pretty much exactly like a loud, large, and very opinionated family." He grinned at that last and gave another shrug that could have meant many things. "My opinion is that Teras need not be the sole prerogative of novas, that as a philosophy it is applicable to everyone. There are aspects of being a Teragen that baselines simply cannot practice or achieve, but while an understanding and alignment with the mindset of Teras is necessary for those aspects, the reverse is not true. Teras can stand on its own as a - well, not merely - but not a philosophy that requires nova capabilities to follow the basic guiding principles."

"As for joining," he sipped as his drink, watching her over the rim of the glass, "well, first there's a battery of tests: psychological, knowledge base, physical fitness and ability for everyone. A full disclosure of powers for nova applicants, with again as testing of ability with said powers, though there is relocation for such tests that might be dangerous for the people or buildings in the area. I've been using two abandoned islands just a little ways to the east of Manhattan so far and am in negotiations to detangle exactly who actually owns the islands so I can purchase them once I have the capital. Powers that would require even more distance from the city haven't been an issue yet, but arrangements would be made. Those tests and a general education about the basic agreements and internal structure of the organization are what comprise those first four weeks, or short period if the person can apply more time to the activities. The second step is a two week live-in here in the Exalt! building, to allow the prospective member and the current members a chance to really get to know one another. If the prospective member is well-received in general and abides by the agreements during the live-in, they are extended a formal invitation for full membership. Currently, I hold a veto power over that invitation even if the general reception is positive; this is primarily as precaution against a socially or mentally gifted nova from making their way through the entire process with duplicitous intent. That may change as the organization evolves. Or it may not." He shrugged again, "Time will tell."

"Once a person becomes a member, they have space set aside for them here, but they're not required to live here," he inclined his head to her, "if that's part of your concern. As for the...responsibilities?...of a member, it's mostly about being available to teach and mentor members interested in what skills and knowledge's you have to offer, as well as showing a personel initiative for your own evolution - through whatever means you feel comfortable with. At points it does become about stepping outside of your comfort zones in order to push that evolution passed plateaus and points of self-applied restrictions." He held up his glass like a toast, "As an example, we have a member that was terrified of heights. So terrified that they refused to go up more than one flight of stairs even inside buildings. They had climbed onto the top of the roof of their three-story house as a child and fallen off, breaking several bones and ending in a rather extended hospital stay. They overheard doctors remarking that it was a miracle that they had survived at all and that there appeared to be some brain damage from the impact. When they joined us, they stated that one of their goals was to overcome that limitation, as they wanted to travel but couldn't afford the few cruises that were trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific. We're not to the point of getting them on a plane yet, but they are living on the fourth floor now. Each time they are able to make a push passed part of their trauma, they move up another floor. By the time they're living on the top floors, we'll start looking into short airplane trips." He grinned, "Their first benchmark point was zip-lining over a creek during a camping trip some of the members took. It was huge step and the party that night was epic, so I hear."

"That's what we do here. We search and walk our individual evolutionary paths, lending a helping hand to one another along the way, or a shoulder to cry on for the times when we miss the mark and fall a little." Her pursed his lips and added, "Something else to mention specifically for nova applicants: while Exalt! is founded on the guiding principles of Teras, joining Exalt! is not joining the Teragen. One may do so at the same time, as Darrik did so fairly close together. Neither Gwen nor Agatha are members of the Teragen, nor seeking membership, despite applying for membership with Exatl!."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Good that you make the distinction, of membership here not being Teragen membership. I would have to take the later under much more consideration given the nature of that organization - especially as you say, it being a family with all the problems of a family. As to your requirements those are all doable, though I would need assurances as to the confidentiality of any information I divulge." Star said, after having listened intently to Puck - one of the most incredible Nova's she'd ever met.

"Actually, I have no place to live per-se. I maintain no permanent residence, and stay on the move. To tell the truth, I might well be absent for short periods on an irregular basis - living in one place might be uncomfortable because I am essentially nomadic and value that sort of freedom. So living here would still require me to come and go on a daily basis - though I could easily spend most of the day here. The reason behind this is the same reason why I would worry over giving up personal information, or even joining organizations. Lets just say that a certain large and shadowy organization wants me dead for being born, and its definitely changed my perspective on living." Star said, assuming Puck would know exactly what she was talking about and could extrapolate the rest with reasonable accuracy.

"It doesn't mean I don't remember living with a little more luxury than I do now. Though my family lifestyle was utilitarian compared to your facilities ... well my current lifestyle leaves even more to be desired in terms of luxuries. Excepting, perhaps, the many wonders and pleasures there are to be found in nature. I would enjoy time here, making new friends, doing interesting things. I mean, who in their right mind wouldn't enjoy this sort of experience?"

Star looked in thought for a moment on what Puck said about Orziaz views on the organization "Would it present a problem that I too view Exalt! as a fascinating experiment? I don't make that appraisal in any derogatory way, rather I offer it as a compliment if you would take it as such."

[Shosuro Miren]

"Proteus." He said flatly, a dangerous mix of anger, hatred, and disdain held in the few syllables of the word. "Yes, between them and the independent mother-hunters, second generation novas without a great deal of protection face quite unacceptable danger simply for being born a nova."

He let a tense moment last, then pass as he moved on to her other questions and concerns. "For confidentiality, members post what skills and knowledge - and powers on the part of nova members - that they are willing to teach or offer for use on an internal network site. The tests taken during a member's application provide a rating system to indicate a person's aptitude with those abilities. We've also been looking at sending several members to collages in the area to acquire teaching degrees and bring back that knowledge to set up lessons for members that are interested in using formal teaching techniques as opposed to more apprenticeship-style approaches to imparting their skills."

"Travelling is no concern, nor are absences, though going years away from any contact with the organization without reason would be wondered at. Exalt! is not a cult nor intended to confine members either physically or in any other way, within the bounds of the agreements. The agreements, by the way, are rather simple and in place to protect the safety of members and promote a positive, cooperative culture within the organization." He fixed that wickedly sultry grin of his on her again and finished with, "Exalt! is an experiment! That's the point. A never-ending, always evolving experiment. We track everything we can think of to track, so that we can see the trends, see what works over time and what doesn't. Both for the organization as a whole and on a personal level for individual members. Please, do view it that way. I certainly do."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star really liked where this was all going. This was much farther along than the Den, and it didn't preclude her membership there either. This approach also seemed to be less of a pity-party-for-poor-kids. Here members were expected to rise to challenge, not sit for lectures. Not that the Den didn't have good intentions, its just that some of the organizers at the meeting had been so full of themselves. No, that wasn't a fair assessment ... they were all good people. Still, that meeting had mostly been a disaster from an empirical point of view. Star smiled at the mention of tracking everything, assessing trends. That was interesting because she'd be able to analyse the data to see if the organization was legit. Statistics don't lie, if you know how to read them.

"Tracking everything and posting on internal networks is fine - so long as the information doesn't get outside. Information, by its nature, has a desire to be free. In less poetic terms, it can be seen as highly subject to the second law and by extension zeroth laws of thermodynamics expressed as information entropy."

"I could be of help in teaching, as a large part of my education consisted of formal distance learning. So in terms of being qualified to teach, I hold twenty seven masters and thirty four undergraduate degrees. Though I don't have any teaching experience, I can see myself picking some up. Unfortunately, I hold no Doctorates as most schools will offer Masters without a thesis but not a PhD. Since I did distance learning, the process and relationships required for a Doctoral thesis were impractical."

"Also, could I establish a laboratory to explore in ... within budgetary reason? My interest is two-fold. First is the advancement of technology that can be replicated by baselines and Novas alike. Second is the investigation of the Nova condition and possible application in terms of training aids, both methodological and technological. I should mention I have no money, but I can make economically significant contributions. This could dovetail nicely with function in education, as members wishing to learn and practice a wide variety of laboratory techniques could be happily accommodated."

"Last pertinent matter I can think of at this time. I could dedicate four to eight hours here per day for the application process. No years long absences barring unforeseen cricumstances ... I promise."

This was the way things should go. Smooth, no beating around the bush. Plus his smile is very nice, and this is a great drink thought Star.

[Shosuro Miren]

"Information always does, but keeping paper files is just as much subject to security breaches. We do what we can, though if you prefer only a paper file, that can be arranged. It's no large inconvenience either way." He smiled as she explained her educational background, looking both excited and impressed. "That is very...impressive and attractive, Starseed. Perhaps if you wished to pursue doctorates you could do so at some of the colleges in the city during times that you're here? Assuming, of course, that you become a member." His smile was easy, but the point was one he made sure he reiterated even with the most promising of potential members: membership was not guaranteed until it was offered.

"We do also have a small medical lab set up on the Health & Wellness floor, but it is small and entirely too primitive for the types of experiments you're looking to conduct. That is one of the areas I'm looking to expand on as we acquire capital and look at major renovations to floors of the building, hopefully within a few months. Also, at this point, I don't allow donations from members or those that have stated the intention to start the application process until after at least a full year of membership. This is set up both as a sort of "buyer's remorse" policy for anyone that decides within that year that Exalt! is not the fit for them that they thought it would be, and as an attempt to show good faith with the general public that Exalt! is not a scam or cult seeking nothing more than the enrichment of myself at the expense of others. So, the financial situation of applicants and members isn't a consideration, really."

"Four to eight hours should mean that the initial process will last between two and four weeks; then the next step would be the two week live-in." He stood and offered her a hand in perfect gentlemanly form, "Shall I take you to the Launch Center to get things started now, or shall we set an appointment for another day?"

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"I am ready now. I have approximately seven hours left with this body, nine on the outside. I live in a distributed form, woven out of energy and quantum filament, but its not permanent yet. This one has to get back to the rendezvous point on time to merge memories. Ready to do a full shift, no time like the present."

"Oh, and a paper file would be appreciated - along with the best chocolate item you serve. It may sound frivolous, and it is ... but it will let me judge how well your place handles my favorite food. I only eat and drink for pleasure or research purposes. I don't need much either, just a taste if that's OK?"

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck arched a brow, intrigued by her powers, and nodded. "Well just set the session for six hours. I always like buffers on time just for any oddities that might pop up. And I'll let them know at the Launch center to keep the profile to paper. It'll make some of the assessments longer, but it's no real difficulty."

He chuckled at her comment on chocolate as he led her out of the room, catching a person with a blue armband around their upper arm and sent ahead the request for the best chocolate item on hand in the kitchen to be delivered to the Launch Center. He didn't bother to ask for 'just a taste'. "I don't require food or even clothing, for that matter, for my own survival, but such things can be quite pleasurable, and life should be full of pleasures. Please do give an honest critique of the desert; Bethany will appreciate it, as will William, our main pastry chef, and if you're to be about and around on a regular basis it will help the kitchen create chocolate dishes to your greatest delight." His smile was sincere and warm, though his demeanor came decidedly into professional mode as they set up in one of the interview rooms of the Launch Center.

The desert, an exquisite chocolate cheesecake drizzled in a white chocolate and raspberry sauce, was served with a cup of steaming hot chocolate concoction of half cream, half whole milk, a blend of spices that harkened back to the original cocao drink of the Incan's and topped chocolate whipped cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles on top. It was decadent and superbly prepared, though not of level to mark it as the work of a nova chef. Two servings were brought and the two novas indulged while settling into the paperwork.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

This Starseed sat with Puck, working through the application efficiently. "I will, but it is extremely tasty." she says to Puck of the cake. "Thank you, and my compliments to the chefs."

Initial testing and evaluation also proceeded smoothly, though she explained the she couldn't actually demonstrate the full range of her powers today ... there was simply too much variation. From memory she drew up a power-profiling-metric model that she had developed for herself years ago to track her own progress. It was an outline with approximate data points, but it showed the vast range of options she had as an energy manipulator - especially since quantum is a form of exotic energy - and covered key developmental benchmarks as well. She had been tracking her own progress in detail for fourteen of her seventeen years, admittedly with Mother's help in the first year. The PPM model was divided into three broad categories, familiar, unfamiliar, and theoretical. Given the complexity of the estimates in the later two categories she focused on familiar capabilities. Even describing those without a PPM style model would have required days of tedious back and forth ... but then Star had an advantage: she'd been doing this for more than a decade.

Anyone looking over the data could see that she was already attempting to direct her own development, even changing the composition of her own body - rewriting matter with energy, isolating the quantum properties by a process of elimination and inductive experimentation. Again, she explained that her Mother is a brilliant physicist and contributed to her development - especially in understanding the nature of what Star called her 'ascending form' ... a physical body that was definitely maturing into some sort of exotic energy - quantum physiology over time. Of course, this was nothing like Teras. This was a Nova gifted with a form that was already evolving, was already 'ascending' as she put it, in a way that put her in control. She was an energy being who could weave and warp energy with incredible finesse - and she was still developing at a breakneck pace.

She did show a few basics, holograms were also helpful for describing where words would not adequate. She also explained that actual demos of some capabilities would come but she would have to use another location - indoors to avoid surveillance but a much bigger space.

As to her education and more mundane information, she had them postpone certain sections until the next day. She had extensive records from her own files that she could bring to them. It would be much faster and more accurate than filling out manual forms - and since it was already public information about her she didn't mind having that on the internal network. Her enemies already had all that sot of information. (The next day, she did in fact, bring a large volume of information on herself - collated from the files of her old op-book.)

The last significant part of Starseed's history came out late in the session. Not that she had been avoiding it, but she hadn't been quick to volunteer it either: Her Mother was now a member of the Teragen. Though Star had not seen Mother in many months and didn't exactly know where to find her either. It was another reason she'd been willing to share this much information ... somewhere, there were Terats who know, or at least had access to, much of what she had related today.

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck took in Star's information, gently slipping in the normal interview questions while they talked and started the assessments. This was going well - Starseed would be the fourth nova to join, the fifth total, and he'd only had the organization public for a little over three months!

As their sixth hour drew to a close, the two made a schedule for her return or the return of one of her clones - Puck was still grinning from the thought of just how cool that was. Sure, a couple of the kids in the Nursery could do the same thing, and so could Gwen, but Starseed, like all novas, was different about it. She seemed very....intellectual and focused. He like that and she would be a fantastic teacher for the organization. After she had left for the day, he started going over the member files again, just to keep everyone in mind. The work rotation requests for next month also needed to be put up, and the laundry machines on the sixth floor needed maintenance.......

[SalmonMax]

It was two days after Starseed's adventure into Exalted that a nondescript young woman walked in, and up to the receptionist's desk. She had mousy brown hair that hung limply over her ears and down just past her shoulders. Her face had the last lingering scars of acne still haunting her cheeks, and her eyes seemed to bulge comically behind her thick-lensed glasses.

"Hi," she said on gettig to the desk. "I'd like to speak with the man who founded Exalt, please."

(OOC - Just let me know if this time is okay)

[Shosuro Miren]

April 23rd, 2027

The man at the converted check-in counter smiled at her, his features Asian and handsome for a baseline; he began to say something and then stopped as a hand lighted on the girl's should and gently turned her around. A man handsome beyond any human standard smiled at her; he was dressed in immaculate black attire, goth-punk in style and accented with a studded leather belt and wrist cuff was a bit. "I've got this, Andrew," he told the man behind the counter.

"Alright, boss," came the easy reply, the title said with a teasing smirk.

The nova rolled his eyes and the greeter laughed; he gestured for the girl to follow him over to one of the seating areas across the room, sliding into a seat next to her where they could easily converse. "Please, sit. I am Puck. You were asking to speak with me?"

[SalmonMax]

"Yes. Just a moment."

The woman sat down and took from her purse a small plastic object that looked a little like a garage door opener. She set it on the end table and relaxed.

"My apologies for the presumption. I have no idea what kind of security you have here, and this conversation must remain private. Even from your own staff. I'm Genesis, a nova. We've never me, but we have friends in common. I believe you know Shadowheart?"

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck blinked and frowned slightly at the device, but didn't protest. "Yes, I know him. And there is very little staff on the premises anymore. If you are referring to members of Exalt!, please refer to them as that. Members. Is there an issue between you and Shadowheart? Or are you concerned about his association with Exalt!? You asked for founder of the organization, not me by name."

He glanced at the object again, then leaned forward, "If you're wanting privacy, then perhaps we should move this conversation out of the lobby? I'm not exactly sure what that," he motioned to the device, "does, but it seems a little silly to be clandestine out in the open, no? There are several smaller meeting rooms we could use here on the first floor, or we could move to the conversation room next to my office on the 44th floor."

He was polite, but Genesis had certainly put him on guard with the gadget and the immediate insistence on surreptitious conversation.