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Aberrant: Children of Quantum Fire - Interlude - Investment & Commitments


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Date: June 5, 2027

Location: Kinshasha, The Palace of King Einjerhar

This thread follows the activities of the many Starseeds over the course of the day...

King Ein was a busy man, and Star had sent her letter requesting an Audience expecting to wait much, much longer than she had. She'd been a bit vague in the letter too - what she was going to ask, by necessity had to be somewhat secret. She was waiting in the waiting area ... Shaman had been out, otherwise she would have stopped in for a visit with him. Still, she was looking forward to a talk with the King.

King ... it was a functional title. She could see Chang's point of view on the matter, but maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all when interacting with baselines. Baselines could more readily benefit from social planning and hierarchical order ... they were more predictable than Novas by far. As a functional structure, an extension of power a country was a useful asset. The question in Star's mind ... did it take more effort than it was worth? She was running a much smaller organization at Exalt! Japan... and she had already formed a hierarchy of advisers, functionaries. Her position there was much easier not only in scale, but because she had guidelines and support from Exalt! Global.

Mental Note: Have that meeting later today with Puck. Overall status was good, but some things were slow going. Japan required special attention, stricter screening on the psych profiles, some sort of improved and customized intake procedure perhaps. On the other hand, Japan was a friendlier environment overall, and they had run into very few bureaucratic obstacles.

Inspired by some of the Anavasni Star had taken to shaping herself into her ceremonial garb ... ultra-thin-golden-glowing-bright-chitin-over-rippling-synthetic-seeming tissue done in the head-to-toe-space-suit-ceremonial-armor style that she had been further refining since the big Terat gather. Now, however, she had just been taking the shape of the armor... a hollow humanoid functional in every way. Since she had first debuted the form, the style had been getting cleaner and less human. Gone was the veil, if she wanted clothing she'd use accessories.

Star referenced the last of the data she'd brought with her. With her recently expanded mnemonic abilities she had the desire to constantly read. She had an entire culture to record, and comprehend. Inside her armor-shell-self, she was using one of her shielded portable computers to pile through a mass of data sticks, and the rest of the room was occupied with one of her stealth-shuttle servitors in a post-summon form. The post-summon shuttle was smaller than her, and quite fluid in form before it expanded and shaped into a hull: so it made a perfect torso and head for the armor. In effect, a manikin - but a great way to have a shuttle on hand. The visual effect, with some shaping on the inside of the armor's transparent inner visor to provide the optical illusion of facial features, was quite interesting - a radiant blue visage of Star with pleasant ephemeral qualities.

Mental Note: Have to call in all the selves after the Puck meeting, need to go to the latest meeting with Zeph informed. Going to have to ask Puck for a clearer set of guides on what not to reveal to Zeph. He was trustworthy, but technically Puck and Zeph were in opposition ... even though Exalt! was a better organization for the world than Utopia ever had been. Maybe I should finally get those two together? They are both fine fellows ... they might like each other. It would be easier not to have to keep so much from Z, even though he understood and was cool with it. Their talks over the last few weeks had been good ... he was even sort of fatherly.

... and she waited, reviewing data - starting to build some more detailed data models for the Congolese automotive and mining equipment industries ...

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"I understand that, Madam Secretary." the rumble of Einherjar's voice preceded him into the comfortable hallway/waiting area like the first heralding rumbles of thunder preceded the torrential storms his kingdom was known for. The guards standing by the entrances, as well as the functionary who'd shown Star into the waiting area, drew themselves up almost reflexively as the large man strode into view, speaking to empty air at first glance, till one noticed the earpiece tucked into his left ear. "Rest assured, you can count on the Congo's cooperation in this endeavour. I shall instruct our ambassador to vote appropriately." The sunlight glinted from the pale gold of his hair as he turned to look over at his guest and nodded politely before replying to the person on the other end of the line. "Not at all. And you too. Good day." A small beep sounded as he pressed the 'off' button, then tossed the earpiece to his aide, a young man in a dark blue uniform that was almost military in theme, without actually carrying insignia of rank or unit. "That will be all for now, I trust?" he asked the man, who nodded and smiled before bowing, tucking the earpiece into a pocket as he did so, and turning to leave. The Storm King then moved to greet the young lady who'd been waiting for him, his mind running over the dossier he'd been given.

Starseed, real name Jennifer Reed. 2nd generation nova, hyper-intelligent, manipulates energy in hard and normal states. Known to associate with Exalt! and mother is a Teragen affiliate. She's been a guest of the Children here a few times, and was involved with the Dragon's Den talks. True agenda unknown, but does a lot of research on matters of astrophysics, from what we know a matter of personal interest. Powerful social presence, but not known to be a mover and shaker as yet. Possible ingenue, possibly Sphinx. Let's see what the lady wants to see me about...

"Starseed." Einherjar extended a hand for a gentle shake that belied the strength in his quantum suffused muscles. "My apologies for this being our first meeting. I'm usually less busy and more able to greet guests in my house." Eyes the colour of pale ice smiled down at her, but the intelligent young nova didn't doubt that the mind behind the friendly smile and Nordic good-looks was evaluating her as sharply as any chess opponent. "I hope you've been enjoying your time here, regardless?"

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"Yes you Majesty. You have a wonderful nation ... and actually somewhere I can feel safe." She said to the handsome sovereign, bowing to a medium bow almost reflexively in a the distinctly Japanese habit she had picked up ... "Please, no apologies. I know that you have responsibilities ... and keeping them does take time."

"I am grateful, however, for the audience. I have several things to both ask and offer. Perhaps first, I should explain my present situation. Last year my family was attacked by motherhunters who had the unofficial support of various otherwise legitimate agencies. I can provide the details to you, but suffice it to say that I am no longer able to safely reside anywhere where the United States, some UN member nations, and anywhere the shadowy masters of Utopia have their way in the way they actually want it. I have no criminal record, nor did or does my family ... but calculations indicate a with a high degree of certainty that I would suffer an accident, fall into legal 'trouble' in some arranged fashion, etc. were I to live there openly."

"Given the death of my Father, we are involved in the ongoing 'investigation' of his murder and the attack against us. With my official citizenship being U.S., I am essentially trapped from legally emigrating anywhere. An interesting legal tactic that renders free determination an illusion."

"My Mother and I survived, but times were tough because we didn't have anything, or anywhere. Mother sought shelter with the Teragen ... but I disagree with much of their politics. I lost contact with her, then followed my instincts ... and fled to space. One could say I am a creature of space, and I happily explored the solar system .. building what I needed, going where I wanted ... scavenging and salvaging things planet-side when unavoidable. It comes naturally, plus it has always been my dream to live a star faring life. Having built the first of my fleet, I was ready to leave the system and explore the stars. I did not." She paused, gauging the Kings reaction and seeing he was apparently satisfied with this level of detail for now ....

Continuing, she said "Several emotional and rational considerations drew me back to this world ... I will of course, provide details but in short: I am attempting to reconnect with my Mother. I desire the company of humans, baseline and Nova, in my explorations. Also, my projections indicate a rapidly rising probability of destructive global conflict in this decade and early in the next." She paused, a pensive cast came across her features ...

... and she added with emphasis "Ethically, as an individual with the power to help ... I should help those without that power. I suspect you subscribe to similar notions."

"Thus, the first thing that I ask is to reside in your kingdom ... under a secure identity."

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A fleet? Ein filed that piece of information away for later, the rest of his mind dissecting the other facts as Starseed had presented them.

"An interesting request." Einherjar said, stepping down the corridor and waving to the young woman to walk with him, two of her steps to every one of the large warrior's strides. "I assume the secret identity is for your protection, and so that you don't attract negative attention?" He glanced sideways to see Star nod, and nodded with her. "It's not my preferred way of doing things, I admit. If someone is a citizen of the Congo, then they should be able to be so without fear. Your status in the U.S notwithstanding, you have the inalienable right to renounce your citizenship. They can't stop that, young lady. As I understand it, you're not being prosecuted for anything, and are of good character." Blue eyes twinkled in the sun-browned face. "All you need to do is go to the consulate here, sign a document of renunciation, and that's that. Then we give you your Congolese citizenship." He paused as they walked along, then glanced down at her again. "You're probably wondering why I am persuading you to do things above-board."

"It had occured to me to ask, your majesty." Starseed ventured.

"Because otherwise you're playing on tricky legal ground. If the Directive find out you have secret Congolese citizenship whilst retaining your American status, and trust me, they are good at finding out things like that, then they will try to prosecute you, and you'd have given them that ammunition. As things stand, as a citizen of the Congo, the Directive won't bother you unless you commit crimes in Directive nations. Take it from me in good faith: your Congolese citizenship would serve you best under your real name. Any action taken against you would be an act against our sovereignty, and there's very few people in the world willing to risk that. Even those factions within Utopia you mentioned tread very carefully here, mainly because I have no interest in playing nice or fairly with motherhunters, and they know it."

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"Very well. I have an alternate identity arranged, legally of course, in Japan. They also, in the end, wouldn't have it any other way. Under the provisions of their Saisho legislation it was enacted to be a multiple citizenship with Japan and the U.S. under special provision. The paperwork was ... delayed by an unfortunate beurocratic error on the part of the very pleasant officials in Japanese Nova Immigration, but the U.S. now has formal notice by now. It was for that reason, the temporary nature of my Japanese anonymity, that I sought a covert identity here."

"Yes, I will do as you say. My record is clean. Renouncing U.S. citizenship now will also simplify matters in Japan. Provided, of course, I am permitted to maintain multiple citizenship here in the Congo. My affairs in Japan are properly arranged for open multiple citizenship with approved nations, and the Congo is on that list of approved nations."

... she paused, and brought up a hologram - a display globe hovering above her left hand. It showed the outline of a plan, and economic plan ... along with a sidebar that outlined scrolling information about the Galactic Navigation Service ...

"Of course, as an immigrant I should demonstrate a value to the nation. I am a silent partner in GNS, and I have a proposal that will stabilize and expand several major sectors of the nations economy. It will also strengthen ties with Japan, as corporations there have been the major early adopters of GNS services." she said, as the holographic presentation unfolded with slick and expert style ...

"We have scouted several locations in the solar system that offer mineral riches well beyond what is available on earth. The locations here are matched to the Congoloese economy, allowing mid sized and above business interests to mine new minerals and build up on-site infrastructure by drawing upon the existing automobile and heavy equipment industries of the nation. This does not compete directly or disrupt current industries or market sectors in the Congo. Instead, it complements them ... expands markets, and in the medium term starts a growth curve that can only be matched by other nations who tap the incredible resources of the solar system."

"In terms of international law, this is a peaceful effort. It does not tread on laws or UN guidelines against the militarization of space. It follows all the precedents of established space law ... GNS itself is dedicated to the peaceful exploration and expansion of space. My contributions to that are a driving force behind GNS, though if Japanese interest is any indication there is going to be a general movement to do what we are doing. This is an opportunity for the Congo to get in on the ground floor ... to ride the wave from the start."

.... as they spoke, the presentation revealed schematics of trucks, mining equipment, space shelters, and more ...

"These are select designs that I have prepared for distribution to medium sized businesses or individuals of means in your nation. This will allow organizations without the in house design talent but with the resources for construction to immediately enter the new industry sector. This lowers the barriers to entry, and stimulates healthy competition. To that end, these designs are relatively easy to construct and also easy to modify. The technology does not need to be advanced becuase we don't launch with rockets. The billions of dollars that go into making space planes and satelites that perform and survive in space while also being light enough to launch are unnecessary. These designs are, as they seem, sealed fuel cell trucks and adapted mining equipment that uses many commonly avoidable components. The shelters and habitats are simple, sturdy, modular affairs ... with conditions better than typical submariners are used to."

"This is off the shelf technology, with a few design innovations, that can be put onto production lines - with minimal retooling. From there, people drive them or push them onto other worlds or into space. Also note, that this plan does not rely on GNS. Of course, we have experience and are ready to offer consultation or support services ... but there are quite a few warpers who can manage lunar operations ... plenty even that can manage Mercury, Mars or the inner belt."

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Einherjar remained silent as she spoke, studying both the data presented and the presenter with equal attention. The king, Star noticed, had one hell of a poker face. The only expression he wore was a faint smile on his lips, which may or may not have been an indicator of his true feelings.

His eyes, seemingly made of softly glowing blue ice, remained unreadable as Starseed finished her pitch, regarding her for a long moment.

"Miss Reed." his powerful voice rumbled with a tone that was both mildly impressed and faintly amused. "It appears you've thought this through."

"There would be little point otherwise, your majesty." Starseed replied with a polite bow of her head. Einherjar nodded once, appearing to reach a decision.

"Very well." his tone became businesslike as he resumed his striding pace down the corridor. "I will arrange an escort if you would feel better about it, but the first order of business is to renounce your U.S. citizenship at the embassy here. Once that's done, our own officials can fast-track your citizenship, starting with a residency permit and, within a few weeks, fully naturalising you. With regards to the designs and technical aid, the Congolese government will need a proper department for this Space program. Upon formation of this department, it will need a minister. You know how these things work, you have the job... if you want it. You'll be liasing with Industry and Defence, mainly. We'll make sure you have some competent aides to assist you in navigating the bureaucracy." He stopped abruptly and turned to face her.

"I'm a decent judge of people, Miss Reed. It's one reason I'm alive and a monarch, rather than dead in a ditch. I'm offering you this post in my government because you are the best person to oversee the proposal you just set in front of me. You don't have to accept, of course. We'll be happy to hire you as a consultant instead, which - if I'm being honest - will mean shorter hours, less responsibility, and a lot more pay." His eyes twinkled good-humoredly. "What do you say?"

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Star accepted the escort, and with smooth efficiency that lacked for no element of grace and nobility the King had her in the bureaucratic care of his palace staff. His schedule was maddening, and Star empathized ... he seemed to try and do as much as she did but without the benefit of clones. A prime example of how a hierarchical organization could elegantly extend personal effectiveness. Before the American Ambassador called ... again ... Star had formally accepted the position "Minister of Extraterrestrial Affairs" and thanked him one last time. Then he was away, like some weather pattern flowing through the environment of the palace - shuffling functionaries with their files like wind through a forest of trees.

Star thought to herself, 'This is a good place, a place where great things can arise. Long live the King.'

She filled out some virtual forms virtual forms they had on hand while her escort was en route - a Justicar apparently. Star knew nothing of this fellow, but it would be interesting to see another key member of the royal organization.

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Location: Mr. Hawkins Dojo, Japan

Starseed #3

Star arrived, at the appointed place, at the appointed time in her familiar born form ... best suited to this interaction with friends. Her snake was for concealing this meeting, in fact anyone who was monitoring her would easily be able to predict that she had been preparing for eventual conflict, honing her combat abilities. Of course, to date it had been the selection and crafting of tools for that conflict. Tools for protection, specifically first generation prototypes of a portable information system, armor, a Katana, and an assault rifle. The design work was ongoing, and training with Mr. Hakwins would inform the design process.

For now, she had brought a rather sturdy alloy version of a boken. Weighted properly, and blunt, but the aerospace grade alloys would be more durable. She had also brought her prototype blade, though at the moment it had only dummy-modules in place of eventual sub-systems. The blade would perform correctly, and was a very nice piece of work thus far ... even if the techniques employed in its manufacture were somewhat less than traditional.

Mr. Hawkins would have questions. Naturally, he was the sort who would question why a student wanted to learn. This was not a concern, for Star had clear and concise reasons ... and had considered the ethical case.

These thoughts, and a thousand more, passed along her streams of consciouness in the mere moment it too to step out of the azure gate in space and allow it to collapse to close.

"Good Morning Mr. Hawkins ... and hello Sonja" Star said with a wider smile than normal. Star held a box five centimeters square, a familiar shade of bronze alloy that Sonjia knew was probably another little treat. Star had made a habit of bringing little things for Sonjia ... it made her happy. She was such a good girl to soldier on the way she did at her age. Mr. Hakwins was doing an incredible job raising her under the conditions of this crazy world.

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Sonja ran up and hugged Star, a clear sign of Dan's approval that he'd let her, and thanked Star. "That you. You know you don't have to bring me anything when you come."

Dan moved up and nodded. "Sometimes Sonja friends do that, they don't have to, they want to."

For his part there was a rack behind him, containing various bokken, even shinai. Of course on a separate rack was a a daisho, the matched set of Katana and Wakizashi that Dan had earned from Rho, two decades before. The Scabbards were black laquered wood, with dark blue parely noticible markings. To the very perceptive, they looked like liightning flashing along midnight skies.

This place had long served as a training grounds of sorts, it was well known, but where it was was a guarded secret. "I admit I was inititally surprised you asked for this. Then, as I consider what it is you've proposed to do, it makes a sort of sense, to be ready, just in case."

He nodded. "May I see the weapons you brought with you?"

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Star gave Sonja the box, which on opening revealed a stunningly beautiful geode set with green and gold-flecked-black crystals ... in a display case with a little plaque "Epsilon Eridani - S207A" and a small opti-tag that presumably contained the scannable data about the piece.

Star smiled even wider at Sonja forgetting that her flexibility might make her look a little surreal doing so ... "It reminded me of you." She said to Sonjia.

Star handed the weapons over to him, in the fashion of an Edo period Samurai - with all the subtle gestures and posture of respect.

"I don't craft of wood as it does not tolerate hard vacuum well, but the boken should be functional and of equivalent density, balancing, though of higher tensile strength. The Katana is a serviceable blade, though its systems are inert at the moment. it is my fifth attempt at a full Katana, though not likely to be of use beyond the prototyping phase ... Yes, it is true I previously had little interest. However, it seems prudent preparation for the rapidly approaching future."

"Also, I am a citizen of Japan. I have been immersing myself in many aspects of this culture. It occurred to me that I lack a noble art. This seemed more appropriate to the times than other leading candidates of flower arrangement, calligraphy, or tea ceremony . Though I am studying those to a much lesser degree."

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Dan took the blade, and it was an interesting thing to see his eyes narrow as he studied them. "With respect to your abilities, while you're here, we will use the traditional wooden boken. There are a number of reasons, and while generally moving with the times is commendable, in this I prefer to offer Instruction in the same way I was instructed." He removed two of the bokken from the rack, placing Star's swords in their place.

He nodded, presenting her with her choice of bokken. "In truth I could see you coming to master the ceremony. I can of course talk to Miko if you wish, She is truly a master, and all things considered, I know she'd agree."

"Calligraphy and Kendo were actually my sensei's preferred means of expression, though now, I have to say it's gardening. With his claws, he never needs a shovel."

He smiled. "Have you any experience in swordplay whatsoever?"

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Star bowed in acceptance, saying "As you wish, Sensei." and selected one of the wooden swords.

"I would enjoy that. The ceremony is a deeply interesting form, and has ties to such profound cultural history. I am hoping to eventually get a garden of my own on Mars. Unfortunately, time is finite and I also need to learn battlefield tactics and proper use of firearms."

"No, I have zero experience. Though I am familiar with dojo etiquette, the philosophies, lore, and sports medicine tangentially involved." She said, watching his every move and nuance.

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He took the other Bokken and nodded. "What you wish to learn is not Kendo as is represented by the sport though is it? You wish to learn how to wield a sword as a means of personal defense. I can teach both but I just wish to be clear, as it will influence how you will be taught."

Sonja moved away dutifully, moving to the other set of mats and going into the same martial arts kata that Star had seen her do at Kamiko's.

He smiled "I wonder if teaching this to her will affect her adversely, but my hopes are it wiil prove beneficial."

He looked back to Star. "Show me how you would hold a sword. In a hypothetical situation where you were allowed to take the stance of your choice."

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"Sensei. My first priority is defense, not only for myself but also for others. The sport can come later." she said, adding "If I had concern only for my own defense, I would use one of the ways available to avoid engaging in battle directly. I also anticipate that this form of conflict will occur most often in a planetary gravity range. If it is a better approach, we can exclude any thoughts of micro-gravity combat for the time being - or not as you would have it. I trust in your instruction, as you know my circumstances. Sensei."

Star adopted a posture she had seen many times in media, a ready posture typical of realistic Japanese swordplay depictions. Her stance was naturally graceful, and her remarkable natural dexterity showed ... but she was not at all a skilled fighter. To the trained eye, this was obvious.

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Dan nodded. "So be it." That said he moved behind her. "Now, relax your body, I'm going to show you a proper stance, once by repositioning you as you should be." While she held herself the same, He made slide adjustments, squaring her shoulders, nudging her feet slightly further apart, He lowered her hands while bringing the tip of the sword parallel to her heart. "This stance is a Middle Guard. The tip is much closer to the body, allowing a better defensive posture, and for focusing the strength of your arms to whichever direction is needed. It is the best guard for beginners, and how I was first taught."

He walked away from her, settling into a similar stance, though the form was more elongated. "This will serve you well initially."

"Now I want you to move about with the sword as you if you were defending an attack. The key here will be returning to that stance quickly and from memory."

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Star did as she was told, keeping her balance and not overextending. Without having the muscle memory of being skilled she was relying on her quick mind and raw reflexes to control her movements ... she was an extremely fast learner however. For that particular stance, she was able to retake it as demonstrated, even after trying a few wider, faster and farther movements.

The additional defense movements were, again, approximations of what she had seen. In fact, she had watched quite a bit of footage and was going through recognizable forms that mirrored - though imprecisely - what a trained individual might do. The part forms were also disordered, despite being approximately correct versions of what her mind had recorded days ago.

She continued until Dan instructed her to stop ... she was imagining an opponent attacking her as she went. In short order Dan could deduce what was going on in her mind. Some of the sequences even seemed familiar ... from some All-Japan Kendo final videos back in the '14 and '15 Kendo nationals. A particularly well known set of matches involving Satado Motohashi, who held top titles for ten years running - a household name in Tokyo back in the day.

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"Stop."

He'd let her go for over an hour. "You've obviously studied, but at the same time you are using mostly kendo blocks. Watching you, you're covering your body, and your head, while at the same time, trying to protect your hands." Those were the three places to score points in Kendo matches..

He nodded. "Not a bad approach. Would you like to see my own drill?"

"Perhaps, I should simply have you come at me, and I can show you how to use that stance?"

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Star nodded in the affirmative, and did her best to defend. For fifteen minutes Dan 'schooled' her ... as they would have said back in the '90s when he was learning. Indeed, she learned various aspects of the defense mostly through failure - but she picked up on every one of her own mistakes and rarely made the same errors twice.

He was exactly right about the Kendo style, it was of use to her only as a foundation to build on. She should have watched more advanced material, then again she might not have been able to make use of it.

"Stop, hold ..." he said. "Now, lets do the full drill."

Star simply replied "Yes Sensei." ... her manifold mind still in a learning mode that seemed to more or less 'push' conversational instincts aside.

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Dans full drill was a full hour. It began at a slow fucsed base, building to a crescendo of rapid fluid motion, a martial dance of phenomenal skill and powerful motion,finally subisiding like the tides at sunset, fading and slowing to a final stance, in the exact same spot as he began, the exact same stance, and same look upon his face. The full routine mixed more than a dozen styles, some incredibly obscure, and yet, it was all perfectly blended together.

He smiled to her. "That is my full sword Drill, something I like to run through at least once a week."

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"It is a very interesting routine. I clearly have much to learn ... it is quite enjoyable. I am just beginning to see the appeal of an art form ... any art form. I had been concerned that my neural structure was adapted away from an artistic side ... I already know that I don't feel certain emotions in the same way that many others do. I feel certain things more intensely, and other emotions process almost rationally ... I feel them, but there is a layer of analysis that allows me to separate and even suppress them. Swordplay ... It is ... a passion I am relieved to have discovered. I think I enjoy it as much as I enjoy discovery."

"In time, I would like to learn all that you would teach me. It is also an interesting thought ... to learn a tradition such as this. Styles, technique, and philosophies all wrapped up in the art that your Sensei passed to you, theirs to yours, and so on ... back in time. In a way it is the same with medicine and science ... but here there is a more continuous progression. In science, paradigms shift with new discovery. Very little of what would have been the medical knowledge of the ancients is useful today, save perhaps elements such as the Hippocratic sentiment. Here, with a style such as this, I cam well imagine a master and his student standing in a dojo a thousand years ago. The lesson may have been quite similar, which is a profound notion."

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Location: Kinshasa, The Palace of King Einherjar

Being deluged in work was a common place fact for Donald, but considering how much it kept him penned up in an office (cage), with all that had been going on of late, this was a welcome release (escape from captivity) for the Justicar of the Congo. The second generation was something of an intriguing thing, with the Den and the fertility nova Sakura about, plus Ein's long-lost children and their foster relations with Shen.

The only one whom Evo had any reasonable amount of time with was Prince Shaman, and that was more of a meeting the future ruler thing. Honestly with all the bubbling under the waters about what the youths were capable of, it was in his interest to find out.

So he'd left upon immediately receiving the message from Ein. Jennifer Reed, aka Starseed, member of the Den, apparently watched a lot of sci-fi... and acting on it. Minister of Space Affairs, woweee.

The low-level buzz was with him, as he chose to run high-tilt through the palace, adroitly getting around any obstruction in his path without a risk of collision... his pulse pounded, and there was little but a brief breeze to mark his passing. At his pace, most people (novas included) couldn't even see him.

All of a sudden, he was in front of Star, perfectly composed (not rejuvenated by the race) and extending a hand. "Ms. Reid? Justicar Donald 'Evo' Wallace, at your service."

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Location: Evo's Office ... Kinshasa, Congo

"Mr. Wallace ... Evo? Please, its Starseed ... or just Star. Nice to meet you. I was hoping as my 'escort' over the next fwe days you could show me around, introduce me to all the people who I will be working with, show me the security procedures so I can follow them." Star said as she took his hand and shook it.

"Today though, maybe a hand attending to the basics, say finding some secure quarters? Something with a little office space and a decent op-net pipe? Maybe not too far from Lady Sakura's garden if possible?" she added, running down her mental checklist "Also, lunch. If I can drag you away from the paper work."

Anyone with the slightest look at the scene would note that Evo needed to get out the office. Perhaps Ein had realized this ... maybe this was an opportunity to get out and stretch the legs a bit.

Her smile was natural and warm, despite her very Nova-mod-sci-fi appearance ... a charming smile "Not even a working lunch. I'd like to get to know the first ever Justicar I've ever met."

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Location: The Dojo, Mountain Estate.

About to reply to Dan, Star was cut short by old Jin-san who had come to the door, and politely slid the shoji screen back and was waiting. In his expert way, he had interrupted without interrupting ... and at the right moment said "Forgive the imposition, a visitor is here. Perhaps, I could fetch some refreshments and have a summer tea set out?"

Star had gone back into a neutral stance just short of guard the moment the lesson had paused, waiting to be told if the lesson was over for the moment or not. As Jin-san spoke everyone could hear Kamiko had stopped outside and was talking with a gardener about the flowers. Her cheerful banter was unmistakable. Jin knew he did not need to announce who it was, and simple smiled the bowed deeply to excuse himself back one step - clearing the entry way to the dojo but also waiting for instructions.

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Location: Kinshasa, Congo

"Of course." Evo gestured ahead, and led Starseed out. Yeah, I think she's going to be a natural for the Space program. "For the record," Evo explained, grinning like a maniac and proud of it, "I'm the only Justicar. And you can refer to me however you please. But ladies first, especially in business right now. Let's get you set up."

The paperwork was a quick breeze, the accommodations for Starseed more than adequate and placed within proximity of Sakura's garden refuge- easily arranged under Evo's watchful eye and authority, though the bureaucracy was rather efficient anyway- and then the two co-workers were steered by Evo's advice to Valholl.

Rolf was pleased to see Evo, and after a bit of greetings and the introduction to Starseed, Rolf personally ushered them to a private side booth, waving and departed. "Enjoy your time here, fraulein!"

Seated, and looking through their orders, Starseed finally bit the bullet. "So, how long have you been with Ein?" She asked with ingrained curiosity.

Evo leaned back and went through the old memories as he filled her in- seeing the happy moments of liberation- the pained deaths of child soldiers as the Jungle Demon- and the embarrassing moment of finding himself in bed with a dozen or so village girls somehow. "From before the War of Liberation. About the time Ein broke with DeVries, I was an elite with the Argus Agency... and I too found that the mess in Kinshasa and the country too much to ignore. So I basically spent several months as the 'Jungle Demon', hunting down interhamwe in the northwest and eventually tussling with soldiers because I made the government look bad."

"Eventually Ein caught up to me right after I killed an Elite by the name of Tank. Suffice it to say I was more than convinced to follow him. Of course, my part in the war was mostly bandit-cleaning and side theaters like that, but people were thankful enough that the Senate was more than willing to accept me as the Justicar... a title I ended up inventing when they couldn't decide one. And you? What's your life been like?"

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Location: The Dojo, Mountain Estate.

As Star replaced her boken on the rack she said "I don't know. Last I had heard she was busy with work on the station. Another one of me was scheduled to spend time with her for a girls afternoon out ... shopping in Tokyo ... but that was tomorrow ... maybe she was coming her to see you?"

With GNS busy, lots of training, and a skyrocketing financial portfolio she had been occupied. "If there is one thing about Kami-chan we can count on ... it is needing to expect the unexpected." Star added with a grin and a wink.

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Location: Kinshasa Restaurant

Star listened intently, and recounted her own experiences ... far less interesting in many ways, and far less action. As normal a childhood as a second gen could expect ... parents who sacrificed everything to live some sort of public life, and have on for their daughter too. Of course, compared to the average girl she had been tightly regulated ... visitors carefully controlled, always living in high security, even if it was concealed.

Then, last year, it had caught up to her parents. "I don't know most of he details. I am sure that both Mother and Father had to make deals to keep the status quo. They were commodities, pure and simple, to the powers that be. Those powers, once they had decided that the deal was off ... those powers orchestrated the attack on us. There is so much they didn't tell me, so much they couldn't tell me ... they wanted to keep my conscience clear I think. I know Father had worked with shady people in Japan, and apparently Mother's academic friends weren't all nice people either. Who knows, her work on military contracts for the U.S. could be what got Proteus after us. Its so hard to say, they had been forced to build such a house of cards."

"Anyway, Father didn't survive. Mother, she had some issues ... depression, reckless experiments and taint. She ended up getting help with the Teragen. They did heal her, but some of their members are so hateful. I just couldn't be around all the hate. I like people ... all people. Sentience is sentience no matter how you view it ... and that is special. So I left earth and lived out in the system. Though many times about leaving for good - I have the range to roam the galaxy. Didn't though, because of a few things. I wanted to find Mother, wanted to find out more about what happened with the attack. Still tracking down some friends of the family who went to ground when the attack happened."

"Also, I wanted to experience the culture here. I wanted to experience it directly, instead of reading about it or watching holo-vid. Also figured it would be really interesting to assemble a crew, and take a team out exploring. Not so much for safety, but it just seemed to be the right way to go about it. I do think I like heirarchies, since I have one with my multiple selves."

"Oh, yeah ... thats the other major thing about me. I live as multiple selves, integrate the memories. I also have a very different brain compared even to most Novas. You could say I have a different way of thinking."

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Location: The Dojo, Mountain Estate.

​Kamiko enjoyed talking with the groundskeeper. She has really begun to take an interest in the smaller things. Her busy life with her starting to fulfill her obligations with her recent publicity has been a change she's been uncomfortable with. She's been uncomfortable even in her own skin, and she's been stressed every day. The meditation has helped, but the overall outcome has been her occasionally slipping off her usual disciplined path. Encountering Shadowheart didn't help. Then there was her getting caught by Mary... she's liable to bring it up. She walks up to the Dojo. She's been there a few times so she knew the layout. But she wondered if Mary was watching... If anything she didn't need to discipline you. The guilt alone was enough.

She walks to the front of the Dojo entrance and bows formally. She was wearing, oddly enough, a plain white t-shirt, cargo shorts, and a backpack that looked like something for school than for anything else.

"Dan-Sensei! Mary should be arriving in moments. She had to grab a few things from Minneapolis."

She awkwardly pauses. "She wants to speak to you about tonight, Dan-Sensei... and I'm offering my services as babysitter for Sonja."

She turns to Star, smiling. "Oh, and before I forget, Mary's accepted your request for firearms training. She said in 3 days, at 0700 hours central time, she will want you to report to her residence in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a full setup for marksmanship training, and looks forward to the first lessons."

​She adjusts her shirt. "Sorry for sounding like I was reading a script, but Mary wanted her message delivered precisely."

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Location: The Dojo, Mountain Estate.

Mary didn't want to do things like this, but she was really watching Kamiko carefully. Her self control was very good lately but she's slipped up in a place she shouldn't. But she's going to bring that up in private with Dan. And it can wait. Today she has to square away something that's been a long time in coming between her and Dan and in a couple days with Star she was going to actually be a mentor to someone for a while... perhaps she felt guilty over what she did in the Sahara, and wanted to properly teach someone, but to be honest she wanted to know Star more, and how she interacted with Kamiko.

That and she really thought Kamiko should start dating someone with her spare time.

She slips from the rooftop and goes through a open window after listening to Kamiko's messagem and through a hop or two she deftly reaches the center of the Dojo floor. With a bow she presents herself.

"Well delivered, Kamiko."

She shoots off a glance to her, one of disappointment. "Noting who is present I will forgive what you forgot to mention."

She walks over to Dan, her expression softening to a smile. "I'm sure Kamiko will enjoy Tomorrow. And her assignment afterward."

She nods to Star. "Hopefully Dan-Sensei hasn't been working you too hard."

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Kamiko gulps.

"Umm.. yeah, Mary. I... I'll be sure to enjoy the time I and Star have."

She turns to Star. "Star... Ahead of time... I think you and I should have a talk while we're out tomorrow. I... I got a matter to discuss. I've made a mistake and that's really sidetracked me from the big picture. I..." She coughs. "I think in the end, you'll see what I had to do as necessary to get back on the path of my calling."

"Also... perhaps I should be open. Maybe the first step to understanding is to know you have a problem."

"Dammit, Kami it's not one of those things!" Mary shouts. "Wait... Dan knows too doesn't he?"

"Umm... sorry... Star... I'll elaborate later. Not around Sonja."

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Star just sort of looked at Kami, Dan, Sonja and Mary ... not really knowing what the heck to make of what Kami was saying ... but no matter, she'd tell when she told. Outwardly, she smiled her reassuring friendly smile ... inwardly she thought Kami will be fine. A tough time, but an ideal time to learn as fast as possible ...

To Mary she nodded and said "Great. Count on one of me being there. I will bring some prototype weapon specs so you can see the kinds of gear I am building."

To Mary and Dan "I came to train under Hawkins Senei for the express purpose of working hard - but smart too. It has been very illuminating, though I have much to learn."

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Mary adjusts her suit, looking very professional suddenly. "Excellent. After tomorrow then. Oh right she said in three days... golly I told her yesterday this message... The Day after tomorrow works great for me. Also, unless you intend to continue with todays lesson I will be... having a date with Dan."

Mary was notorious with being blunt when she needed to be. She decided to just be right out and say it. "Unless Dan had any last minute instructions for you, or for Kamiko for her duties tonight I'll just sit over here."

She sits at the edge of the Dojo near the entrance, watching Kamiko and Dan closely. Star as well, observing her body language mostly. In particular she observes how Star balances herself. Something to keep in mind when training with a firearm. "I would be happy to see the designs after the lesson, Star. That sort of thing is a specialty of mine... well... as long as the weapon is feasible."

"A guardian is only as good as her weapon... and her armor. I would hope you are just as well equipped in terms of defense or avoidance as you are with a weapon once I am done."

She adjusts her "uniform". "Also Star, While in Minneapolis... I think you deserve a treat. You work hard and deserve some reward for your efforts. Particularly in putting up with Kamiko."

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"Naturally, it is feasible. Firearms design is elementary engineering. What I am concerned about is performance. This weapon will also be suited to my personal capabilities ... it will be fairly compact, a bull pup design ... but massive. Mass and recoil are now little to no concern of mine, given my recently discovered reserves of physical strength. Very dense alloys, and a caseless hypergolic firing system allowing a large magazine capacity and a large calibre simultaneously. I am manufacturing various types of round along with the weapons myself. It will be suitable for a wide range of environments."

"Though testing will decide which of the prototypes I eventually adopt as standard. Conventional technology has some definite refinements, so experimental trials may indicate the use of existing technology. The system can also be adapted for my further evolution. Truly though, it is intended to be a means of economizing my expenditure of quantum energies in battle. Especially in high volume of fire applications like suppression fire ... which is a plausibly non-lethal tactical set I have been meaning to ready for the field. Sometimes shooting near someone is more effective than actually shoot at them."

"My Armor, and associated systems are also in development. I will bring along the current files."

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"Excellent"

"We will be using training rounds during the session, using laser targetting systems to simulate hits on targets. This sort of style is what multiple armed forces throughout the world use to train their soldiers. Shouldn't be too hard. And Rifles are what you're shooting for..."

Mary smiles... perhaps this might be her first student... "You know you might want to learn a sidearm, like Pistols... What is your preference?"

"Calm down, Two-Hands... This is a kid... she can't possibly grasp the concepts yet required for your method of gunplay. Not yet anyways..."

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She looks at the first file. "Sweet jesus this is a BFG in the form of a rifle... You're not going to pull any punches..."

"Although to get to this level you will have to train with the basics and climb up from there. Marksmanship doesn't teach geometrically, it's a linear process. Hopefully. If you have the talent though we could bend the curve up accordingly."

"I'll do my best to understand what you need. But you'll have to go through the basics like everyone else first. You may know what you need but you might not know how much you need to know."

Mary nods. Impressed by her matter-of-fact personality.

"Okay... this isn't a overclocked Kamiko... she's a whole different animal already. She's both unnerving and... fascinating... at the same time."

"Very well. I hope that we'll be very productive. I may have underestimated you, but let's see how much of a natural you are."

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Evo grinned, as Star talked about her different way of thinking. "Clones. Excellent for a hard-working minister, yes? As for me," he divulged, "you might say I have a different way of living. Literally. Post-eruption, the doctors who examined me actually questioned if they were looking at a human's innards anymore. One of them did, at least. My body is not only completely mind-boggling in the organs and multiples thereof, but in chemical fluids too. Not even counting how simple it is for me to shapeshift and/or much more smaller changes. It's my specialty."

His fingers began to drum on the table... and at a rate so quick that Star could not see them move, but know the constant thrum bump of his fingers. "That and being tough as nails and-" He paused and with difficulty slowed down his fingers. "Sorry. The other thing being inhumanly fast. Sometimes sitting still gets eternally slow as molasses."

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"A Date." He'd made the off hand comment about Mary getting out more, and actually living life. That she'd ignore her known proclivity for women, or at least more attractive men, and choose him however, well that was something of a real surprise.

"Well Star, if you have no further questions, we can pick this up in a few days. I know you're spreading yourself out alot, and my schedule is largely open."

He looked to Mary, curious what exactly she had planned.

"I believe Kamiko I'll take you up on that. Whatever Mary has planned, may take some time, so I'll trust you to take care of Sonja for me until I get back."

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Kamiko Salutes. "Will do."

Sonja runs over and hugs Kamiko. "Are we gonna see your paper friends again?"

"No dear..." Sonja looks sad for a moment. "...We'll get to play with them!"

Sonja perks up and giggles. "Awesome, Space Librarian!"

Kamiko blinks. "Space Librarian?! Umm... well... I guess... I am." She straightens out her blazer she wore at the second meeting of the minds and makes sure her glasses were in place.

"Star, Tomorrow, we'll head to Tokyo... in fact, whatever city you want." Kamiko says, happily emphasizing the last for words of that sentence.

"Now, looking at the time, I believe it's lunch time for Sonja!"

"Not Spam again..."

"No... I was thinking some nice ham sandwiches. With cheddar..." Sonja shakes her head. "Okay Swiss cheese?"

Sonja smiles. "You're a tough negotiator, Miss Hawkins... To the Kitchen!"

"Lieutenant Hideyoshi..." Sonja adds, "Thank you for the uniform."

Kamiko smiles. "Can't have my future Ensign not be properly dressed to serve on my bridge. Now, Mess, 5 minutes."

"Okay!"

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Star bowed deeply to Dan in perfect, natively spoken Japanese "Thank you teacher. Do not worry, I do not tire easily. I will attempt to surprise you by gaining in ability between now and our next meeting. Perhaps the day after tomorrow ... as early as you will have me arrive. No time like the present."

...

Star says to Mary "I think it will be productive. We seem to share many interests, and I look forward to technical shop talk as well."

...

"For sure Kami-chan. Though I do have a critical stop in Shibuya, but its only 15 minutes - we could do Kinshasa too. I would like to stick to nations where I have legal and protected status."

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