Aberrant: Children of Quantum Fire - [Interlude] GNS - Galactic Navigation Services [FIN]

[Doctor Varroxxian]

May 11, 2027 (New York)

The press release had been sent out on the wire. Certainly, Novas had been flying, porting, and warping round the solar system for years now. They were an invaluable asset to space programs, but there had been no public announcement of a journey to the Stars ... until now. It was likely that the few Novas capable of creating warp gates across the vast distances between the Stars had already done so, but this was a public offer - a first for all humanity!

Exo-planet data was widely available for a range of promising systems, and even since the early 2000's baseline science had been able to do spectroscopic analysis, estimate planet sizes, composition, even measure relative temperatures. The data was still approximate, despite the advances of the Nova age all of these observation methods were highly indirect ... but there was a decent atlas available.

Humanity had had this dream since the early days of science, to step onto other worlds ... to feel the light of other suns. Plus the space technology required to travel by warp was bargain basement compared to the insane engineering required to build something light enough, strong enough for orbital escape. Let alone making those expensive craft - marvels of technology - large enough for a mission of any duration ... but with Warp Gates that changed. You could get around in a sufficiently sturdy metal can. Governments had probably been building large probes and ships for some time, able to still fit through a gate but palatial in comparison to earlier space vehicles. It was only logical these things were occurring, there were even some private efforts that backed up the trend, but that was for system travel. Star had the extra piece to the puzzle, and it was a contest for reaching the Stars:

Galactic Navigation Services, AP Wire, May 12, 2027, 0500 Hours Tokyo Local Time - In under two weeks time ten seats on the maiden voyage of the GNSS Hiraki Maru will be available. The seats are allocated as follows: 4 seats for ticket holding passengers, details at press conference; 2 for qualified academics designated by the Government of Japan; 2 contest winners from the domestic Japanese GNS qualified-lottery process; 2 contest winners from the international GNS qualified-lottery process. GNS Inc. is a registered private corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. Preferred Media Passes will be issued to select media outlets by 0800 Hours Tokyo Local Time. All other media outlets may attend on a first come first serve admission basis, details to follow.

Star had the opnet site and its mirrors ready to go live in moments, the public assembly permit for Tokyo Tower park had already been issued, and the weather was going to be nice. Promotions were set to play out like a row of falling dominoes. The press packets were already timed for delivery both by courier and by a few covert op-net apps (read viruses) she wrote and hand planted in public library computers. The corporation was legal, all the proper forms and voluminous paperwork sorted out. Research indicated that GNS aligned with both popular themes and with the policy platforms of the Japanese government on many levels. It had taken longer than expected, but everything was in order ... and not a word of it had been revealed until she had triggered the wire release. Even the corporation was a numbered company, name optional and formally registered just minutes ago. No one element was directly connected to the other, compartmentalization. Great pains had been taken for secrecy, everything from shape shifting to know-nothing middlemen ...

Surprise world ... surprise!

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Mere moments later ... as Star had been thinking ...

Japan was a special case, a culture uniquely suited to Nova kind. It kept Utopia out, but sought balance by inviting many Nova-centric elements of global culture in. Japan had always been able to mesh opposites and achieve 'wa', or harmony. Interesting that word, such a fundamental concept in the Japanese culture. A culture that in many ways did not change, except when it was to their perceived advantage ... even then. Harmony, a mono-syllabic root concept who's expression said much about the Japanese cultural 'soul'.

和 - sum, harmony, peace, calm, serenity, calmness, repose, peacefulness, contentment, quiet, concord

Star had considered the Japanese situation for some time prior to hatching her current plans. Meeting Kamiko had been sheer good fortune, and her perhaps Father and Mother had spent so much time educating her about Asia for a reason. Father had often shown the capability for unimaginable long range planning and incredible awareness, incredible insight. He had brought her to Japan many times ... not as much as to his remote spots in China, but still. Mother had exposed her to the full range of Japanese culture ... but always in English. If they had been intentionally shaping her cultural perceptions they might have been intent on allowing her to retain a global perspective. Certainly, the mix of stimuli and content during her upbringing indicated as much. Mother had said almost as much when She insisted Star learn only English ... the dominant world language and the best linguistic paradigm match between her and er family. "No need to introduce cross-linguistic noise on verbal communication channels during formative development" she had often said. "The rules for you, little Star, are different since you operate in relative cultural isolation and communicate primarily with us, your parents. Consider the system dynamics my dear" she had also said ... oh so many years ago. Of course, the mathematical proof and communication theory case studies had proved Mother's point on many levels.

So now, Star was an outsider who had gained the insiders cultural perspective. Her study of Japan had been extensive. Kami-chan and Puck had both mentored her in the language. That had been interesting, getting two sets of nuance and interpretation. Plus there was her independent exploration of the nation.

Yes, Japan would serve as her shield. So many corporations conducted their restricted research here. So many Nova phenomenon that were impossible given Utopia resitance flourished here. Plus space exploration - sci-fi made real and then dedicated to Japan, for Japan first - would fire both the imagination and heart of the Japanese people. Added to the fact that what she was doing need not involve any new technology at all, even though it will spur development for baseline ships that only want to use her transit service and not the full support service of the energy hulls. The Japanese would do that all on their own, their own warpers would do it ... even though the vast majority of Novas could only do in system travel.

The world would follow out of economic necessity. If they let Japan have the solar system they would be left behind in a sad state, tiny little powers in a vast Nihon-jin territory. There was no nation, no corporation that would stand for it .. and it was about to happen even if Star hadn't just pushed things past the tipping point. Given what she had learned from Coraline, the Aeon Society would hate this. It made their job much much harder ... even just tracking things in ear earth orbits was hard because space is just that big ... but the idea was out there now. Striking at her was pointless, and would only fuel another scandal. Formal and/or anything but the most subtle informal action by Utopia and/or the Directive would be ineffective and/or extremely costly both in resources and consequences ... The rest of the world would fight for their long held dream of new territory, new resources.

Even if a small proportion of people were spurred by these ideas, it would be enough ... the world was at a tipping point for it ...

...

Star considered the myriad possibilities, setting them into risk analyses, budgets, and plans on the displays in front of her. She was not trying to make dollars, but make dreams instead ... her currency was one of ideas not fiat value. The company only had to break even while funding a healthy amount of R&D, a good legal retainer, and marginal growth with a buffer against economic depression or economic agression. Therefore the core of these plans should remain secret - a sense of mystery would inspire baselines more than having it all laid out in front of them. Off-line terminals for this data of course, never ever to be networked, never even to see the vicinity of Earth again. Even then, long term storage of such material wasn't digital ... it was hard copy. Literally written in sheets of durable alloy by her own energy-formed stylus claws. Carefully cached out in the vastness, the highest security for her archives.

Bing! bing, bing ... bing bing. The opnet terminal chimed. The sites were live in a thousand places on the Op-net. Little blogs, formal mirrors, drops in topically related chat rooms ... files on sharing services ... GNS was live.

....

Hmm, it seemed Kamiko was unavailable - bad timing on Star's part. No worries, Star would get the hard-copy file to her. She was probably training.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

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Galactic Navigation Services - WELCOME - MEDIA - GALLERY - CONTACT

Our Vision: All humanity as an advanced space faring culture living in harmony across the galaxy.

Our Mission: GNS is dedicated to making reliable commercial space travel available to all people.

This is accomplished through a number of services that facilitate space travel directly or indirectly.

Our Services: Our current services consist of:

- Gate Transit - GNS provides travel by Nova warp gates to destinations across the solar system, and for premium clients to other star systems. See transit specifications below for a list of minimum technical criteria that must be met for use of our gate travel service. Click here for more.

Note that Gate Transit not only means moving space ships or space habitats but also planetary vehicles or even mobile platforms ... with GNS you don't have to build a ship or vehicle that can do it all, just build the hardware you need to take with you. We will take you where you want to go.

- Technical Consultation - GNS provides a variety of technical services ranging from assistance with development of space systems to habitat planning, crew psychology analysis, and more. Our consultation services are flexible, effective, and affordable. Click here for more.

- R-and-D Partnership - GNS has a talented scientific staff with extensive space experience that can work in full cooperation on pure and applied space science projects. Click here for more.

- Terrestrial Projects - GNS does not maintain extensive terrestrial facilities because we live and work in space. Currently we only conduct long term planet-side operations in Japanese territory. Click here for more.

- Military Services - Only commercial contracts align with our ethical standards. With the exception of specifically approved disaster relief, search & rescue, or similar operations our services are not available to military or para-military clients. This is also in accordance with the spirit and guidelines of past and future non-military space agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty http://en.wikipedia....er_Space_Treaty. Click here for more.

- The Reid Foundation - Projects and client missions deemed beneficial to the progress of all people, and demonstrating outstanding innovation or values are eligible for grants from the Reid Foundation. This includes, but is not limited to, the provision of all standard services at reduced or no cost.

Currently the Reid Foundation is offering free technical consultation and two free gate transits each month for the most innovative gate ship designs in private industry! Click here for more about the ...

GALAXY INNOVATION AWARDS

This is approved GNS op-net content, which can be corroborated with the Japanese Corporate Information Office.

GNS

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This is just one site ...

GNS maintains all sorts of op-net presence, not tied to a central portal. Many free hosting services, many chat rooms, etc. across the op-net host the GNS message. The messages are automatically renewed, even corrected by various means - especially during the first two weeks of the service. The approved GNS message is registered with the Japanese Government with the rest of the business documentation - and is a matter of public record.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

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Galaxy Innovation Awards

The Contest: The Reid Foundation offers two free gate transits each month to the most innovative design submissions entered into the Galaxy Innovation Awards. It is possible for an entrant to retain the title of 'most innovative' in any given category of the contest if there are no entries that match it. This means that each month, for the duration, a 'title holder' will receive the periodic awards. Designs entered must be at a certain stage of mnaturity, with at least a prototype having been made. The prototype must show the promise of intended function, i.e. it cannot be a mock-up or model. Click here for more detailed submission requirements ...

Contest Categories: These designs are classed in the following categories:

Space Habitat - this includes any structure that sustains people in space, is able to station-keep, but cannot transit a gate under its own power. .

Space Vessel - this includes any vessel intended primarily for space operation that has propulsion sufficient to transit a gate under its own power.

Planetary Platform - this includes any vessel or vehicle intended for operation in an environment other than space, and does not have sufficient propulsion to transit a gate under its own power.

Planetary Vehicle - this includes any vessel or vehicle intended for operation in an environment other than space, and can transit a gate under its own power.

Nihonjin Design - this includes any design that qualifies for another category, a showcase of the technological and scientific expertise that Japan is known for.

Universal Criteria: These design criteria are universal minima that apply to any category of design submission:

Propulsion - station keeping and transiting gates under independent power have technical criteria ...

Life Support - a functional crew of biologically baseline humans must be supported for three weeks or primary life support, plus emergency life support of two additional weeks.

Primary Systems - various primary systems that must be included in any aerospace vehicle according to Japanese Legislation are required on designs that use GNS services.

Secondary Systems - the same safety, communication, identification, etc. systems that are mandated under primary systems must have backup systems on GNS compatible designs.

Intellectual Property: These designs are remain the Intellectual Property of the entrant organization, though entrance in the contest allows GNS to use the designs, whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes. This will likely be for use in GNS non-profit efforts developing technology for cost effective disaster relief, colonization, and other efforts that benefit the entire human race. At no time does GNS claim or attempt to regulate your IP or commercial rights - your creations are your to keep.

... It is our sincere hope that the Galaxy Innovation Awards will allow a wide range of organizations or individuals an advantage in accessing space, exploring other worlds. The Awards are an economic and academic stimulus that reminds people there is a bright future - and that future is in space ...

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[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Audio Log, activate."

'Bing Bing' goes the old data band ...

"Kamiko will be awake in a few hours, but I had better give her time to eat breakfast. She'll probably see the op-net sites coming up in search, after all ... it is the day.

It's also the day I start my scouting. Twenty one systems have been observed first by observatories searching for exo-planets over the last thirty years, and the most promising of those have all been subject to a quick secondary observation series using my main telescope in visible wavelengths. Public data is pretty extensive though, so there wasn't much to add ... mostly it helped callibrate the scope. The plan is simple, one cloaked shuttle every 8 hours, two hours in system with secondary jumps, three of me per shuttle plus defensive servitors. We are looking for promising planets, worlds suitable for colonization ..."

...

"Surveys will be simple affairs, visual observation and recording - no planetfall. Simple spectroscopy will easily yield all the atmospheric, hydro-spheric, and much of the geographic data we need. The scopes and cameras - including the old fleer IR, will yield more than enough data to work with. Cursory analysis can be carried out on site, with three of me there will be plenty of expertise, hands, and eyes to go around ... but detailed analysis with come later. Data collection with be the priority."

The first shuttle was away. One week, and twenty more systems to scout ... while the rest of the Star's attended to the training and management aspects of GNS ... Starseed prime sat in microgravity lotus, hidden away deep in the belt. She opened her node to the cosmos, and let the quantum flow charge her - her other selves might need it.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

/// Darknet Chat - Conspiracy Chat - Anon ///

Lonegun2: Wow, did you see the GNS stuff? Its everywhere, and its finally happening like Galactus09 always goes on about.

Majesticwatch: Galactus9? You mean some warpers with decent range have finally decided to go commercial - not Devires or military or something?

Lonegun2: Yeah, its some sort of newcomer - can't find out who. No one seems to know, maybe its more Deadalus League stuff? Check it out - GNS.

Majesticwatch: Man, these guys are going to get owned by the inner council - you know, the five behind Utopia, behind Proteus, behind Aeon. The five behind the big three ...

Lonegun2: Ok ok, enough about the big five, your 'proof' last week still doesn't hold water. But OK, lets say there is some master council behind all three organizations ... and it would be five orgs ... but anyway, even if there were they aren't going to have much luck.

Majesticwatch: Oh, really? They want to exterminate Novas man, pure and simple. No way they are going to be cool with them migrating to other worlds, make colonies.

Longegun2: Of course Utopia is after Novas, and they have lots of allies, but these GNS people have done their homework. First, they set up in Japan. Japan hates interference with science, tech or industry. Japanese love the idea of space travel, and like all the governments they've already been using warpers to do this anyway. All the governments, even Utopia, has been sending missions into space since DAY ONE. Three decades ago. Sure, they keep it semi-quiet, but plenty of warpers make money from space science and probes and sat placement. This is not a new idea, the GNS folks just have a business model that doesn't gouge people and have a rare warper that can do interstellar ranges.

Majesticwatch: Sure, not disputing that it isn't a new idea. As early as 2001 I remember the Deadalus Leauge site with all the 'you can do space' and 'Novas to the stars' inspirational stuff, and tesimonials, and the trips to the moon. Almost any warper can make it to the moon, so granted - this isn't new. Still the powers that be are not going to be happy.

Longegun2: They haven't been happy with things for ninety years. Since the pre-Novas that we can see began to inspire comics. Yeah yeah, no solid proof of pre-N day Novas I know - no need to flame that - all I am saying is that Utopia was prepared for Novas since before day one. The whole society had been prepared in subtle ways, at least the west. This is a move they saw coming, and since they don't stop warpers working for Devires or private industry they clearly aren't that concerned. Half of the big wigs probly want Novas to leave. Its great for short and long term ... if they are concerned with ;saving us helpless baselines' at all costs then it makes sense let them go.

Longegun2: Besides, how would they stop everyone? Everyone has the GNS site cached by now. The service model is layed out in the marketing material, the tech specs ... you just need half a brain to build one of the simple ships they describe. Not too much money either.

Majesticwatch: I suppose so. If they try to stop GNS is even a slightly wrong way, Japan is going to freak even more. GNS hasn't patented anything, they just leave themselves open to being directly copied. Sure, most copy cats will do in system stuff because of limited range, but it kicks off the craze.

Longegun2: You bet. Everyone is going to be building back yard space ships. Those guys in the states that build private submarines, the club ... they probly have half a dozen subs that can be refitted into ships inside a month of home-shop work. If GNS gets taken down, all those hobbists and companies will just work harder to do it. People are like that.

Majesticwatch: That would be pretty cool, working in space. Would beat my time at the car lot. Plus rich people and companies will come up with ways to make money in space. Then they pay Novas, or maybe they even just reveal the operations they have going on already. Anyway, shoot those files over to the group dropbox. I have to log.

Longegun2: Will do, files are there. Biab ... have to fire up autocad and start a little design. I've been inspired on how you could do it all with car parts and scuba gear / rebreathers.

Majesticwatch: Later.

/// Majesticwatch has exited the channel ///

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Exalt! HQ

Date: May 11, 2027 - New York / May 12, 2027 - Tokyo

Time: 1915 Hours - New York / 0515 Hours - Tokyo

Star walked the halls of Exalt! It was practically a second home, given she spent more collective time here than on her own ship. She wasn't going to check right now, but the op-net would be humming with dreams of going to the stars.

She greeted her friends there as they met, she made small talk - but for just a few more hours she wouldn't say anything about GNS to anyone here but Puck. She had the hardcopy of everything he would need and a datafile with what was safe to distribute digitally, in case Puck needed to send info on quickly.

Where was Puck? Maybe he hadn't gotten the note she slipped under the door in the morning? Maybe she should have two of her selves looking for him? It would be waste to go and visit her prime now, better to just keep looking. Puck would be curious, excited even, at her hints of a 'surprise' and a 'quick trip' in the note.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

Date: May 16, 2027 - New York / May 17, 2027 - Tokyo

Time: 2120 Hours - New York / 0720 Hours - Tokyo

Kamkio, Dan and little Sonjia were old pros at pre-arranged meetings,and everyone seemed to like Mars. This time Star had brought some Victorian style alloy patio furniture and chosen a nice sheltered spot. Complex canyon walls with stable geology cut the winds down to nothing, and here there was gravel instead of fine dust for footing. Few places on Mars were actually red, but this place had a nice gold orange pallet with blue green minerals in the canyon walls.

A very nice spot, plus Star had brought a few bottles of Nova-Thirst sport drink. Tasty, and the sports nipple design would work well enough on Mars if you sucked right on the bottle. She also had a variety of toffees, individually wrapped rice crackers, and hard candies - mostly the treats were for Sonjia but there was enough for everyone. The drinks, rich in dissolved salts, fruit extracts, and natural sugars would be a bit slushy but pleasant in these temperatures.

Her data band vibrated signaling the portal times ...and open two pre-planned portals. They would have thirty seconds to transit, and no longer.

The travelers would arrive to an odd but pleasant scene - a patio party on Mars.

[Sailor OOC]

Mars... Sol IV... Desert World...Dead...Except for a lone Nova and a inbound visitor...

Kamiko hops through first, almost instantly. She'd been dressed all night pacing the floor in the dress uniform she had put together, a seeming fusion of Star's uniform she'd been known to wear and what is seen as the classic macross duty uniform. To be honest the design fit her habit of wearing naval-style uniforms at every turn, but she liked to march to a different drummer. As she walks through, she has a large briefcase over her shoulder, and a smile on her face.

Her body and lungs have already adapted to the thin, carbon dioxide atmosphere when she says her first words. "Hello Star... Admiral Starseed." She says, standing at attention, and saluting. "Captain Kamiko Hideyoshi of the Hikari Maru reporting as ordered, Ma'am."

She smiles after going to an at ease position. "I always wanted to do that." She giggles before adjusting her glasses. "This is the day... finally... You don't know how nervous I've been about this... I'm practically giddy!"

[Shosuro Miren]

Location: Exalt! HQ

Date: May 11, 2027 - New York / May 12, 2027 - Tokyo

Time: 1917 Hours - New York / 0517 Hours - Tokyo

A stream of concerned-looking Exalt! members streamed past Star as she searched for Puck, followed by the nova himself. He was holding an unconscious young man, not possibly a day over sixteen, cradled in his arms; his expression was thunderous. The boy was in ragged clothes and smelled of offal and sick-sweat, red and purple bruises were painted down one side of his face and down under the collar of his stained, threadbare t-shirt. She caught sight of Dr. Loshe rounding the corner from the bank of elevators just ahead in the hallway, the doctor's steps quick and light; she brushed passed Star without any acknowledgement.

"What happened?" she asked as she reached Puck, laying her hands on the injured boy's face. The bruises started to fade and the boy stirred slightly, but didn't wake. Her eyes widened as she became aware of the other injuries hidden by his clothes and Puck's body.

"Liliana," he spat. "I found him chained to one of the dumpsters behind the kitchens."

"They...he...." Sara looked sick to her stomach. "Why?"

Puck shifted the boy as gently as he could so he could touch Sara's cheek, his expression softening as he tried to comfort her. "Because they're insane, Sara. Liliana just....shows it more." The slight jostle of the boy's clothes gave Star and the other Exalt! members clustered around their leader a peek at livid red lines etched into the boy's skin. Whole words couldn't be made out, but letters could and they spread at least over most of his torso.

Sara swallowed and tried to collect herself, motioning one of the burlier men in the group to take the boy from Puck. "He...he's got infections, and some of the...the cuts...are pretty deep. He's lost a lot of blood and I can tell he hasn't been eating enough." Her hands were shaking as brushed the teen's cheek again, "I...he will make it, but....the scars...."

Puck pulled her into a tight hug, both of them ignoring the stench clinging to his clothes. "He'll live. Those scars are easy enough to take care of. Get me word the moment he wakes up. I doubt his body was the only part of him abused. Joy, call the police and get them here. He might have parents looking for him and I want this one official. Those psychos are going to pay for this." His tone said plainly enough that if the police wouldn't act, he would. "Kent, once he's in a bed upstairs, get Eric and everyone that's got even a little knowledge of the law together. Find out what we can do to shut that cesspit down and lock those three up. This is enough!"

The man holding the injured boy nodded and the group broke apart, members scattering to spread the news or going with Dr. Loshe to help in the Wellness Center. Once the baselines had left Star could feel something unleash in Puck; suddenly the fury and frustration bloomed across his face and became a palpable thing in the hallway. He ripped off his shirt, literally splitting the cloth as he wrenched it over his head, and threw it against the wall with an entirely unsatisfying soft thwack against the woodwork.

"Pun'car!"

He almost punched the wall, but caught himself before he did permanent damage to the building and instead laid his palms and forehead against the wood. The whirlwind had happened so fast that Star had barely had time to take it in before it had passed; she wasn't even sure Puck had noticed her until he flipped over and leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and spoke quietly to her. "Sorry. I- There's..." he sighed and shook his head. "Nevermind. I can't talk about it now without getting far too angry. You left a message for me. Something about a surprise trip?"

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan nodded to Sonja. "Remember, this will not be on Earth, adapt quickly." she nodded and took his hand. He led her into the gate and onto the Martian patio scene, and nodded.

"Nice setup Star, as always."

Sonja looked to the food. With a nod from Star she began to help herself, and Dan moved up next to Star, noting Kamiko's dress. "You're taking that very seriously." there was no disdain openly present in his voice, but inwardly he didn't believe her quite ready for it. Still it wasn't his call. it was just up to him to keep her safe.

[Sailor OOC]

Mars

Kamiko scratches her head. "To be honest... maybe not really... after all I'm going to have at least like what... ten, twelve people who's lives may depend on my very decisions? Maybe I sort of lept before I looked. Then again, Star did promise before this my rough edges will be polished... I hope."

Kamiko is aware that she is in uncharted waters. She adjusts her uniform. "As for the outfit... well, after consultation the ship I will be captaining will have a different uniform than what Star uses. Star suggested the Hikari Maru should have something special." She smiles as she continues. "That, and we both designed for an eye towards further funding through merchandising."

"God that sounds like a excuse..." She thinks, but it was the truth.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

"Captain Hiedyoshi" Star said with a smile, and a salute, also handing her a CSF Snake to wear. "Hello Mr. Hawkins, and Hello Sonjia!". She gave a warm handshake to Dan and a little hug to the young girl.

"You all remember how to use these" she said, waiting for the snakes to be on.

"I figured this might make it a bit more comfortable, and we can all sit close around the table. A little bit easier to hear in this atmosphere. Please help yourselves ... on and Sonjia, you pick your drink first. There are all sorts of different fruit flavors ... just help yourselves to snacks too."

"Love the uniform, by the way. You will be in charge of fashion and gear for everyone - subject to some rules on tech, which we will get into ..."

A few steps closer, and they could see that there were a few bags and boxes near the table.

... as the all got seated, Star continued "So, we have a big day coming up. I have a game plan, but I am counting on both of you. Kamiko, we have to get you comfortable in your role as Captain. For these purposes that role is primarily a media and crew relations role. Unlike conventional ships, there is very little actual technology aboard my vessels. You will have two versions of me on board, shape shifted into Japanese officers. One who will appear to be an older gentleman, with the rank of "Commodore" who will be your executive officer. The other will be a younger Japanese male who's rank will be Lt. Commander, your second officer."

Star brought out some hardcopies - in clipboard folders with fine grease pencils and heavy bond paper for notes. Star spoke as everyone looked over the outlines. Little Sonjia even got a clip board with some educational material and puzzle sheets Star thought she might be interested in. Something fun for her, and educational.

"Dan, your rank will also be Lt. Commander, no offense intended - you've held higher I am sure - just have to have the appearance of conventional rank structure with Kami as Captain. As official Chief of Security you have a critical role which I know you have the skills to fill. I can't think of anyone better suited to keeping this event on track. In the files you have everything, all the technical specs, all the approximations on how my powers manifest. I've use a U.S.A.F. / N.A.S.A. format which is probably similar to what you've worked with before ... but if I have missed any critical details I can fill them in over the next 48 hours."

"Kamiko, after the next nine days of preparation - and it will include plenty of holographic simulation on board the actual vessel - you will be well prepared. I have designed some of the training scenarios to stress you Kamiko. Both Mr. Hawkins and I will attempt to emotionally unsettle you before some of the scenarios and you will still be expected to switch into a professional mode. On board, there is rank and order ... perhaps your most important job will be to maintain composure and ensure that the passengers are confident in your performance. Bear in mind, that you will have plenty of time away from the passengers too - but they will be able to watch certain angles of bridge activity from the lounge even when the bridge is sealed."

"I want to emphasize again, I am your friend ... however, in a professional capacity I will be trying to push your limits during these upcoming sessions. You need to toughen up for this - it will be good for you. You have to be the center of attention, so you have to be like a rock. Paper beats rock anyway, right?" Star said, again with a warm smile.

...

The group didn't waste time, and started covering main topics:

...topic: Producing a movie ...

"We can fix minor things, do a little bit of spit and polish by editing footage later, but don't count on it. The goal is to produce a piece of history, a video and enough of it to do a holographic format when that matures."

... topic: The five hour tour ...

"This will be a five hour tour. Including a zero G meal, which should be fun - and a tour of the vessel. They will also be doing some 'space science' mostly simple observation and data collection ... but they get to use telescopes and cameras to look at the new system. Again, should be very entertaining and momentous for them. Before the voyage, the passengers will have seen some holographic presentations from me, so they will know all the safety drills and such. You will both get those presentations before they do, and your questions will help refine my presentation. You will also have plenty of time on board."

... topic: Operations ...

"Internal energy hulls, two of them, will be maintained by the two of me on board. External energy hulls, two of them, will be maintained by more of me on a cloaked shuttle nearby. You will literally be protected by five hulls, six if sheltering in the emergency areas. Gates will be generated by one of me on the shuttle, and communications are handled through the energy hulls ... kind of like sign language. The outermost hull of the main ship will be made 'dark' ...literally a blackbody via use of carbon black. Radio silence will be observed ... and no active sensors will be used at any point - we should have near zero emissions - save a very very small bit of IR mostly radiated away from the system, and I will be checking with instruments from the shuttle."

... topic: Security ...

"Security wise, Mr. Hawkins - I have no networked computers or even programmable controls on my ships. Things like software viruses are not a concern. Cyberkinetics will require hardware control skills, because control of any tech requires physical action, flipping switches, etc. There is no software in any ship system except for the video monitors that provide closed circut TV of the bridge from the lounge. A bit like that old show Battle Star Galactica - where the villains were androids who had what equates to advanced cybernetics ... so the human ships were made with tech as I describe to render that advantage moot."

"Everyone will be wearing snakes, though I will make them smaller. Everyone will be moved between a number of terrestrial locations in Japan before the trip. No one who we don't personally know will be allowed to take any personal items. I am somewhat concerned over implants and such, but candidates with cyberwear will be rejected. As will candidates that must take medication with them. I was hoping you might be able to 'sweep' them as they get moved ... there will be a false 'boarding', unannounced to throw their timing off before they actually come aboard."

.....

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Exalt! HQ

Never really having seen Puck this way, Star took his hand in hers - a friendly and respectful gesture of support.

"I've noticed those people too. You know, one of them was taking pictures of some of us through the window the other day. We just closed the drapes. Maybe we have to have some sort of formal meeting or workshops to deal with the issue? Prepare people?"

She smiles "We'll all get through it together though, so don't worry. We've got your back just like you've got ours. Today, too ... I have something I think you will like very much. Something important too, for Exalt!, for everyone..."

...

At that moment, a second Starseed came round the corner - laden down from shopping and the fruits of a local barter session for space samples at the university. She waves and excitedly says "Hi hi! We ready to go?".

[Sailor OOC]

Mars

"Well... for today, yes. I'm just not sure how this is going to work out in the long run with me... I'm not sure if I'm the right person for the Job, Star."

"What I am seeing is something that outside of me, could have anyone in the position of captain... so my question is... why you think I would be the best choice?"

"I'm just saying, if there is any doubt about this... it should be brought up and if it can't be dealt with it would be better to place someone more qualified in my position. I am not going to put other's lives at risk for a moment of vainglory."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

"The Hiraki Maru is a PR and R&D vessel, non-combat. The reasons I chose you: one, your vast knowledge and creativity. Two, you are both Caucasian and Japanese, and that has a beneficial role given the current - and long term sociopolitical state of Japan. Three, your perspective is different than mine in many ways. I need someone with a different perspective. Four, I like you - as a friend."

"But if you are going to do this, you do need to toughen up. The sessions I have planned over the next week are standard military training and the application of psi-ops principle to induce stress - as happens in every major training exercise for recruits. As I said, it will be difficult."

"I however, feel you can make it through. If you do not do so, we are still friends. Either way, you will have learned about yourself. ... and you need to do that. There are dark days ahead for our kind."

[Sailor OOC]

Mars

Kamiko looks away for a moment. "Tell me about it. All the conspiracies and plots and plans and simple overt hostility... I'm not sure if I am at a tipping point mentally."

"I've been approaching all that has been happening with as logical a mind as I can muster, but I have to admit lately, the stress has been getting to me. Perhaps more than I would like. I'm afraid that if this testing you plan on doing is too harsh... I might not toughen up, but snap... A dangerous proposition for a Nova to be brought into."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

"If you do not feel up to it, be honest. Maybe you would like to be second officer instead. That would focus your functions to crew relations?"

[Sailor OOC]

Mars

Kamiko looks upon the martian surface. "I've come this far... I'm going all the way or no way at all, Star. I'm not going to doubt myself in any position. I gotta be ready for this."

She adjusts her uniform. "I'd be dissapointed in myself if I didn't see if I could do this. And I would be more dissapointed, Star if you took it easy on me."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

"I will not be easy on you, Captain."

"The training is detailed on pages 24 through 129 of your folios. With the exception of training conditions and content that are, necessarily, to be a surprise. Much of the material here is merely supporting detail, which shows where the training techniques come from. You need not concern yourself with any of those appendices, pages 33 through 129."

"To be clear, most of this is not a skill evaluation. You are skilled in all the requisite areas to be in command of a ship dedicated to PR and fleet R&D."

"You encyclopedic knowledge of science, technology, history - space history, and even your extensive knowledge of science fiction are not in question. Those will allow you to administer R&D activities, understand what your engineering staff is doing conceptually, but not be limited by the mindset of an engineer."

"To be clear, I did not offer you the position of Chief Engineer, Designer, or Helm.. rather you are an administrator - a leader. Captain."

"PR and R&D have a peculiar tie for our purposes. People expect space travel, and all the unknowns, to be a certain way. Your particular skill set allows you to understand both of those dimensions, and importantly how the Japanese psyche reacts."

"This enterprise is about capturing the hearts and minds of the Japanese people. I have systematically designed every factor thus far to do so ... one of your primary functions is to further develop that."

"For now, there are instructions to follow - the first launch is a media event. This is the start of social engineering that will convince people to forge their path to the stars."

....

Kamiko knew much of this, but had never been presented with the plan in this way. It had always been discussed as a task-related plan. It had always been about the ship, the operations, and only hints at media relations. Nothing specific of social engineering, until now.

"Also, be aware. This facet of the plan is not the whole picture either. There are other elements at work internationally, only some of which we have time to review."

...and here was the bombshell ... test number one ...

"For example. This plan, the social engineering, may play a large part in the survival of Novas and non-quantum humans alike. Space travel, the transition to the starts, is a vital part of the equation in ALL OF HUMANITY becoming a mature culture. At some time in the future ... an interstellar spacefaring culture without the immature prejudices and internal conflicts of an immature culture."

"ALL of Humanity includes all Nova factions. Including the innocent members of the Teragen."

... Starseed was observing Kamiko, and Dan, in every way available to her ...

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko folds her arms in her seat. A smile crossing her face and and that twinkle that was there prior is back. "Good. We should take every effort to bring every member of metahumanity we can along. Nova or Human"

Kamiko now reads both Dan and Star, this has been something that all of a sudden, that she never knew was there - brewing in her brain like a stiff black pot of coffee was ready and now being tasted. Wakey Wakey. "I don't want Teragen, or Utopians, or Qi Meng Stylists or Aberrants... I want a Crew. working side by side for the greater good."

"You speak as if you are springing a suprise on me."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

Star nodded, took down some notes on the clip board. Tapped on a small ruggedized notebook computer she had in front of her. Flicked some switches on a clunky looking camera - a sort of retro looking device that was obviously of her own creation.

She did not immediately reply to Kami, and when she did it was to act in a very clinical fashion.

"What are five discreet ... discreet in the sense that the topics are unrelated to each other in the context of conversation ... things you would say to Count Raoul Orziaz if he was a passenger on the first flight?"

[Sailor OOC]

"Is this endeavor a far better use of Nova talent than what has been achieved up to this point?"

"Do you feel that any peace between Novas and Humanity on earth an unreachible goal?"

"How have you stayed with your cell for so long and kept your ideals as they are?"

"Could you possibly forgive someone else of a belief that another followed who had killed your parents in your youth?"

"Do you think the goals of one Nova should outweigh all others?"

The question was tough, but Kamiko faced it straight and level. She blinked naturally, but not in giving away a moment of weakness. The only thing she was showing right now was quiet confidence.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

Star once again took readings, made notes, and observed in what seemed a dispassionate manner. She hadn't been kidding when she had mentioned her ability and sometimes tendency for a lack of emotions. Spock indeed. Of course, this was intentional - no need to bias the results.

"Now, for each of those comments, describe the context and theme of the conversations they would be in. Of course, since the criteria for the previous question mentioned that the comments should be discreet, they would each be from different conversations."

"Again, these are conversations you would be having on board, during the flight, with the Terat Count as a guest."

[Sailor OOC]

"The first question would be made after the Count has seen the ship. After all we run an open operation on the Hikari Maru, and I would like to know what the good Count thinks of our project."

"This breaks your rules, but the second and third questions and fourth questions would have be asked at a private moment between I and the Count during the trip. These are questions I would ask the man, but only face to face in private, since I know how private of a man he wishes to be but is sometimes thrust into the spotlight."

"The final question, would be asked at the end of the trip. As a closing thought. To be honest, the question in of itself has stuck in my mind for quite awhile."

She adjusts her glasses, then folds her hands on her lap. "That is how I invision these questions to be asked." She says, improving her posture and looking to Star. She has no doubt in her mind what she said was the truth within. This was her. Kamiko in the open.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

Again, observation.

Then asks "What is your favourite city?"

"Please list three discreet reasons why."

[Sailor OOC]

"Tokyo. You'll never find such a varied, exiting, modern city on earth."

"In one step you are in the thick of a major financial and commercial juggernaut, the next you are walking through a temple, then after that rows and rows of bookstores. All of which are connected through it's transit and telecommunication networks. It almost feels like the city is alive sometimes."

The gleam in her eyes almost seemed like she felt she was there. "That... and the food... just walk a shop or two down and you'll find what you like."

Her stomach growls and she blushes. She mentally shouts at her stomach "Dammit not now... not on my job interview!" Star might have seen a bead of sweat form and start to drip down before it evaporates almost instantly.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Location: Martian Patio Rendezvous

Star, at this point, hands Kamiko a clip board of her own - with a single sheet of paper on it, and a grease pencil - chosen to work well in the local conditions.

The sheet has typed instructions on the top:

In case children are present, please do not verbalize any stressful or explicit material.

Section 5: Describe the death of your parents in 200 to 500 words. This is mandatory. Any corrections made should be done with a single line stricken through the text so it is still legible. Striken text will not be counted towards the word count but will be evaluated. Deviation from these instructions constitutes automatic failure.

[Sailor OOC]

The sudden suprise of the question was enough to cause her glasses to fall to the ground. Star had her in a position... a vary harsh... potentially showstopping spot.

"You bastard..." She mutters under her breath. As she picks up her slightly scratched glasses. "You went there didn't you."

She tosses the clip board back to the table. Her glare now shows a sign of rage that was out a little back before the mountain trip but now was even more glaring.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Language please, Miss Hideyoshi." Star said, glancing at Sonjia. "You have plenty of time. Take as long as you need. Remember, this is something that someone like the Count might know about."

"In a private moment, as you described ... this is a topic he might bring up. Being emotional about issues like this is normal, its healthy. This is a standard part of the evaluation." Star adds, with a slight hint of empathy leaking through her stone faced facade.

This is hard for her, definetly, thought Star ... but this is a pivotal event in her experience. Just think Kami, just work through it. You can do it.

...

"Take your time. Help yourself to refreshments." she added, observing dispassionately - absolutely no emotional reaction once again.

[Sailor OOC]

Mars, the planet of war...

Kamiko takes some paper from her pocket. "I don't need any refreshments, and I don't need this. Good day."

Kamiko opens a warp... but when she sees nothing but space in front of her through the aperture of the tesseract, she closes the gate in front of her and lashes out at the first thing she could see while still on the planet's surface... The table, knocking it over, sending the drinks to the ground.

"You want to know what it was like Star? DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?"

"I HAD EVERYTHING I CARED FOR TAKEN FROM ME. EVERYTHING! MY PEACE OF MIND, MY SENSE OF BELONGING, MY VERY SOUL WAS SHATTERED THAT DAY, STAR. I SAW EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING THAT WAS LEFT BEHIND. ALL I HAD LEFT AFTER THAT WAS MEMORIES AND PAIN! AND WHY? AND WHY? ALL OVER SOME SILLY, BASELINE PETTY JEALOUSY AND ZEALOTRY!"

She walks up to star, her anima flaring like the surface of the sun. "Every ounce of my being, every waking moment of my day since has been thinking of one thing. GETTING BACK SOME FORM OF JUSTICE. You want a machine, Star... find one... I am evidently not it."

She sits back down in her chair, still glaring right at Star.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Remaining seated, Star frowned. She had expected much, much more out of Kamiko - but Star knew what she was feeling. Star just had the good fortune to have worked through it more.

"Well, I think we are finished here. This experience is something for you to think about. Just let me know when you would like to leave. Just remember I am your friend."

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko is stunned... "Is that it? All from that and it's over... done?"

She punches the ground. "NO. Not like this Star. Dammit I promised ymself I'd go all the way with this and it's all over? Just... over..."

She starts to cry. "Why did it all have to turn out like this, Star? Answer me that question?"

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star leaned a little closer, but left Kamiko plenty space ..."Kami, you don't have to worry. I care more about you as a friend that I do about if you go on this flight. This is just one flight, OK? If you aren't ready then you aren't ... its OK."

The evaluation was over, of course, so no need for a clinical demeanor.

"Kami, the important thing is that you heal. If there is anything I can do, you let me know." Star was serious, her concern for her wounded friend evident.

[Sailor OOC]

"Give me another chance, Star... I wanted to be the captain of the Hikari Maru. I still do... but to have it robbed from me like this..."

At this point it almost seems she's begging. "I know I can do this... but this just destroyed it all didn't it?"

She sits on the ground, leaning foreward looking at the upturned table. She sees the tablet laying on the ground with the pen somehow still in the holder. "All over something that happened seven years ago."

Now her emotions turn to disgust... over herself.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"No, Kami - you haven't failed the whole thing. This evaluation was just to test your Teragen social interactions, because I know you have issues. I know."

"You have a lot of work to do though, but I am willing to continue. Plus, you don't have to worry ... The Count or some crazy Terat won't be on the flight."

"Still, I think we are going to have to institute an in flight policy - no discussion of these sorts of issues. You'll have to make a germane change of subject if it comes up."

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko stands up slowly, brushing herself off... "If you will let me sound off of you before the trip... I think this is something that has to be addressed with me. It... can be a wedge someone can use against me and I need to close that chapter before I can continue reading onward. I..."

She almost folds over with a bow. "I was extremely unprofessional, and appreciate your forgiveness. I am sorry."

"And I forgive you, Star... You were right to ask. And I asked for it, didn't I?"

[Shosuro Miren]

Location: Exalt! HQ

Puck squeezed her hand back, taking the offered comfort, and nodded. "I've already got Julia putting together a town hall meeting together a little later this week just to make sure everyone knows what's going on and what to do if there's an....incident." He pushed off the wall and ran a hand through his hair, his equivalent of taking a deep breath, "There's something else...something I've been working on since a few weeks before you joined, that I think I can do. A way to connect us all so there's not so much delay in emergencies and stuff. I've been working with a group...but yeah, it'll be a little longer before I know if it'll work."

He glanced between the two clones and then picked up the remnants of his shirt. "Let me go grab another shirt and then we can head out. Y'know...I'd really like to be able to use eufiber....maybe I should ask Infinity if she'll let me try again, since...since I changed. Maybe I can now..." He shook his head a little, clearing it from the distracting thoughts, "Sorry. Shirt, then we go...wherever we're going?"

At her nod, the three heading upstairs just long enough to grab his change of clothes, then the two clones each took a hand and the three disappeared.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

As the azure gate collapsed after transit Puck and the two Stars were standing in front of floor to cieling windows. The vista before them was an infinite sea of silvery and golden planetoids. It was as if the sea of stone had a subtle flow and was lit by a faint aura of divine proportions. To Star it was the high concentration of particulates in this area...the glow was dust. Yet to any eye this was an amazing panorama. The belt held so nuch variety and so much beauty.

The dim blue glow of the exterior energy hull just outside the thick windows cast upon their forms becuase the lounge was at low lights. After a moment the lights slowly came up ... not enough to spoil the entrancing view ... but a shadow was cast behind the three.

Pucks keen senses had already detected the fouth figure but Star. .. The real Star has waited for the right dramatic moment. "Hello Puck. Welcome to my home. Welcome to the belt."

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan had watched the exchange intently, and sighed inwardly at Kamiko's outburst. She would probably never really get past this. He looked to Sonja, who'sat down and waited for her elders to settle, and he went over and sat with her, waiting for the scenario before them to run its course, so that they could set about setting things right, and dealing with the fallout.