Aberrant: Children of Quantum Fire - [Interlude] Secrets Revealed [Fin]

[Dan Hawkins]

July 3rd 2027

The lesson had been longer this time, Dan pushing Star hard, She'd come along nicely, but today was abit different. While reciting Sun Tzu during the entire lesson, sometimes while doing something completely out of step with the cadence of his voice, Dan began to count.

He kept separate tallies for Star's offensive movement and her defensive movement and found the difference staggering. Siixty offensive strikes, though he deliberately led at least two dozen more openings for her to press an advantage, and two hundred fallbacks into defensive postures, centered largely around protecting her torso.

He began to probe further, first going after her legs, which saw little increase. He moved back to her upper torso and found the same. The next was her thighs, which saw a spike in the intensity of her defense. He nodded imperceptibly and moved up, below her breasts this time. The intensity backed off again. Finally he came in at her bellybutton level, Even his lighter attacks were met with a ferocious defense. She even intensified her offense.

He struck back hard, stepping up his own game, throwing quantum into it even, and her defense was impressive, but it told him the truth of things, and inwardly he winced as his bokken connected against her stomach, though it was a tenth of the force he normally used.

They pulled back and she looked as though she expected another exchange. "That's enough for today."

He looked at her, his eyes not accusing but inquiring.

"Your skill at defense has improved, I think because you have an even better reason now than you did when we began these lessons. Is that not so?"

His tone was the same calm and serene one he used most of the time, though there was that fatherly tone she'd heard a few times when Sonja started acting up abit.

It was her move now,and he had allowed concern into his facial features. He knew, but he wanted her to feel she could tell him openly.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Yes Sensei. Your senses do not deceive you. I have not been completely candid with you, though it is not due to a lack of trust. More trying to find an opportunity to discuss the topic." She bowed to him deeply.

"It is, however, nothing that you need be so concerned over. It is extremely good news I assure you. Even if it was not planned, and the timing is less than ideal. I, or rather this version of me was also not supposed to say anything."

.... Star met is gaze with absolute sincerity, and a serenity of spirit that he had seen in very few others over the years ....

"You must understand, that being planetside is already something that gets my guard up. I've only been sending alternates for some time now."

[Dan Hawkins]

"I know this. I was not pleased, it felt at first that your vaiue of these lessons was minimal. Then over thirty years of experience in the harshness of this life explained it for me. I bear no ill will regarding it. If you would though, I would hear it from your lips, your real lips. I have no pressing engagements today, and if you can make the time, I will go where I need so that you can feel safe to discuss this."

His tone carried the authority of a man who knew the way of things, wasn't happy about it, but abided, knowing safety was impossibly important at this stage. His words carried not the tone of a demand, but of a polite request, one he'd seldom made.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Sensei ... there is always time for you. I might warn you though, the these days the original me is sometimes a bit ... er ... cranky." Star said, smiling.

An azure gate opened with its now familiar glow, and the two stepped through it to the science deck of the Far Star. The gravity spin was on, with the slight Coriolis forces perceptible but well within comfortable range ... There, another Star sat, working at a bench on some sort of high energy optics system splayed out in front of her. Normally, it was nearly impossible to tell a cloned Star from the prime. There simply were no physical differences and the quantum differences were very hard to make out ... Star's ability with the masking of her signature was better than most.

Today, though ... it was easy to tell. This Star was showing a noticeable baby bump. Small, and easily mistaken for extra weight unless one recalled that Star was a rail thin nova. A feature that was only slightly present in the alternate Star, but fully present in the expectant mother.

"Mr. Hawkins!" prime Star said with cheer. "The lesson is over early ... and I think I know why you are here. Please, sit and I will fix you some tea."

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan smiled. "That would be nice Star. It's Dan when we're not training. We're good friends and colleagues after all. I'd go so far as to say you're virtually family."

He look the offered seat and watched her, remembering a time almost seven years ago, the last time he'd dealt with this particular development. "I see you're busy no matter where you are, that's good. I do hope you take time regularly to simply relax and enjoy things yourself though. Sonja's asked about you, even though it's only been three days. She said something seemed off about you."

He went silent then as he thought about what he himself had found out in that time, and what it would do.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Force of habit ... oh, this ... its just a side project. Developing a tunable surgical laser based on organic florescent dyes ... all of these lenses are actually organic too. Thin film crystal deposited like coral. Do you know Sakura, from the Congo? I am figuring out how to work with these materials ... then once I get the configurations back to her she can use the specs to grow the systems instead of me building them. They are pumped by sunlight too ... no need for electricity unless you want to operate them at night. Could give modern laser surgery suites to everyone in developing nations. Also good because I learn how to work with Sakura and she learns some physics. So its mostly fun." She says, bringing the tea water to perfect temperature and pouring ... the clone cleaning up the optics work bench and then being absorbed by Star prime.

Star sits down, continuing "Dan, I didn't exactly plan what has happened. Of course, I took the action. I know how it all works, but I was just not thinking. I've never felt something like that before, and then it all just happened. He was, and is, very good to me ... and he doesn't hurt the eyes at all. He is sweet, and it was so gentle ... it was just like my brain switched into some different mode."

"I am going to have a child. A healthy nova child that so far shares the common traits of both Puck and I. We are really not sure of the gestation ... its a child with an almost pure energy biology. I am about 94% energy, the child is closer to 99% ... unless it kicks. It, we are not sure of gender yet ... can take material form. I think it might be a he ... I've been having sporadic telepathic and emphatic contacts. They seem male, and maybe showing signs of language. Would make sense, Mother said I could speak when I was born. Told the maternity nurse to stop talking non-sense when she used baby talk on me."

[Dan Hawkins]

"I've not met her, no. I've not been back there in a month or so, and certainly not the palace. I try to use the Congo as a safehouse, nothing more."

"Lust and love all in one, I remember those days." He tried to hide his smile. "I'd wager it was also your first time in that situation as well, was it not? I've seen it happen before, though only twice in novas."

He looked at her. "I won't say I'm not disappointed, I know you're smarter than that. But I'm not going to ream you over this, it's not my place."

He Shrugged. "I told Cora I hoped that the third generation would be abit further off, once all this insanity we're involved with was settling down, but I knew better even then that it wouldn't." He chuckled.

"I'm concerned due to your unique nature, regarding energy compositions and what not, but it's somewhat beyond even my grade in medical science. I know several extremely discreet novas who could potentially help if you require it. That said you may not need it. We'll find out I imagine as your pregnancy progresses."

He shook his head. "Honestly. First time out. That's all it takes sometimes."

"That you're already getting any kind of mental signal does worry me slightly, in as much as you can't be what two months along or so, judging by your baby bump? That's about how Sarah looked when she was pregnant with Sonja at around two months, and she was never as thin as you, but her stomach was perfectly flat."

He sat back. "I'm almost in shock so you know, and that's a rare feat. Of Course you can count on me for whatever help I can provide, that's a given."

"And since I've not said it yet, Congratulations, I'll save "Welcome to the club" when you have your child and officially become a nova parent." He smiled sincerely, happy for Star despite some misgivings. It was an unexpected thing, but not something she seemed to destest, indeed she herself seemed quite happy.

"Any strange cravings yet?"

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Cravings! You bet. They are crazy too ... and even my alternates have them. I normally didn't even need to eat ... now I am eating enough to make a normal person sick. Scans indicate the little one needs the trace elements, as they don't show up in my system after absorption. Lime jello with hot sauce and pine nuts ... a ketchup and squash relish mocha tirmasu with mint frosting. Those were my discoveries this morning. Amazing."

"Thank you ... it really is great. Its funny, I am not shocked at all. I was for a moment, of course ... I should be, but it seems like the maternal instincts are compensating. You'll have to have dinner with Puck and I. I'd like you two to get to know each other."

"Truth be told, I held off for weeks ... almost two months really. He didn't push either, he's pretty conscious of what his nova social powers can do ... but still, hard to resist when I worked so close to him and he's so good to me."

"Don't worry ...the child is healthy and so am I. There are not that many Nova doctors who know as much as I do, and none of them know my body as well as me. I weave copies all the time, and I can sense deep into the quantum layer. Of course, Puck is a Terat so we had specialists who checked up on those sorts of things. Everything is as normal as it can be."

"We have an open relationship, as that is what we both want ... but I am not very adventurous yet. Its nice and all, but there is work to be done first." She said, realizing she was mixing a whole bunch of information together - but Dan would be able to fill in the blanks. "Life is complicated, as usual".

"I will definetly be able to babysit for you ... soon enough ... Sonja is a good helper too."

[Dan Hawkins]

He shrugged. "I cannot say I'm that surprised he's the father. I will say one thing, please do NOT let that be known, or any of the Ties GNS has to the Exalt or other terats. You think we're on the radar of Aeon now, let it get out that you're with child, with His child, and Tthings could become very, complicated, to say the least."

His tone was firm and serious. He didn't so much as disprove, and she could tell that he was speaking as her head of security, nothing more. "I would like to discuss this with him as well, with your permission of course, much in the same vein that I speak with you, though I admit, I have no personal feelings regarding him. Terats and novas like myself don't get along particularly weill, due to some things I've not discussed with anyone in some time. Still this is important, and if you don't feel it inappropriate, I'd offer some unsolicited advice, one nova father to another."

He smiled. "Sonja has come to think of you like a big sister Star, you and Kamiko both, Even Coraline has found a way into her little heart." He chuckled. "Puck too truth be told, She talked about him for two days straight after the meeting. That was the first time she's really met a nova quite like him. I'm thankful she's not a teenager right now."

He smiled, drinking the tea. "This is good. Sibja would love to come stay with you sometime, and I know she'd be thrilled to help you with your little one once the time has come. An open relationship can work, provided you are both honest with each other. Miko and I have just such a relationship, though It's simply been a dinner here and there. Something has her attention in Japan, and She's such a dutiful woman." He nodded. "She wished to convey her thanks again for allowing her to accompany the first flight. Her influence in Japan has done much for GNS, and she is a great friend and ally to cultivate."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"We are doing our best to keep it very quiet. Very quiet. Soon I will be copy-cating all my alternates to a new image ... just to hide the residual baby bump in public."

"I am sure he would welcome it. I'll set up the dinner date soon. Heh, you should be thankful she is too young ... and I was happy to have Miko along. I'd like to get to know her better too."

"I know I can't have Puck to myself. Weird, but I don't want him all to me either. Does that make sense? I don't want him to stay the same or remain static either ... but I think its his nature to be more than a bit of a playboy. Maybe he has some Hefner genes in there somewhere. Lets just say that I am not the only surprise he has had. He wasn't thinking with his brain either ... and is quite fertile."

"Take a look at these" ... she says as she fetches more tea, some onigiri and scans of the child "I'm snacky ... they are normal ones though. Red bean paste, very nice... more than enough. Have some."

She lets the pictures speak for themselves ... its like looking at a nebula in astronomical false color. She points one out "There, in panel seventeen. You can see a little palm print. Sometimes he materializes limbs for just a bit. Mostly, incorporeal though."

[Dan Hawkins]

He nodded. "That's amazing." Staring intently at the photos he was astounded.

"So you are one among many, but unique?" There was a touch of anger to his voice, but he reined it in quickly. "If you are happy with your arrangement, and no harm comes to you or your child, then I will be happy for you, You're not a kid anymore, though intelligent as you are, I wager you'd likely never have wholly classed as a kd by my archaic definition."

He shrugged. "Does he know he's got multiple children on the way? I'd assume so because the more people involved, the harder to keep a secret. Young men seldom think with their brain, I see that's breeding true in novas. I'm wagering he's been reamed out over it at least once, if only for making life somewhat difficult for so many."

"You're further along than I thought, or perhaps, he's developing faster than normal. Usually fetus don't have hands so early." He could see it clearly though. "Congratulations again, I think you and Puck are going to be in for a wonderful time of it."

"The onigiri is quite good, have you been taking cooking lessons as well?"

He smiled. "I am happy she's too young, Out of principle if this happened to her I'd probably be much more upset and bound to do something assinine. Still, I want to have words with him, if only for the future, to keep this sort of thing to planned occurences, not unplanned."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"He's been scolded something fierce I am sure. Not by me ... I am in no position to criticize. I mean, I have more medical knowledge than many people accumulate in a lifetime ... and I still forgot about the birds and the bees. Yep. the little one is growing quickly. I might be naturally fertile or something."

"Its been a security headache, we're dealing with it. I really shouldn't say too much without the permission of those involved. I am only saying because we can do some things on our end to compartmentalize things. So I may be over stepping my bounds, but my intention is good anyway. Best I don't say too much more and we keep it very quiet."

"I have been trying out some Japanese cooking classes. I made an onigiri robot. They are super good space food if made right. Even if a few grains of rice get out, they are big enough not to get into things so much." She grinned.

[Dan Hawkins]

He nodded. "GNS is your "baby" pardon the phrase, so we'll play it how you want to play it on that front. I'm more thancapable to keep things secret."

He smiled. "I can help with both traditional Japanese foods, and my personal best, my heritage, Cajun food. With all the variety there, Sarah had me cooking something at least twice a week that was so hot it would melt the enamel off a normal person's teeth."

He chuckled regarding the robot. "I'm surprised you didn't simply use a clone. Then again if they share your appetite, I can undertstand not doing so."

He looked down. "Kamiko may have some issues with this Predominantly because Puck is a member of the Teragen."

"Has she ever told you why she dislikes the Teragen? It's not because her adopted parents or I instilled, it, we all have some friends there, though less than in the past. I realize there's little to be done about it, but I just want to warn you, that when you do finally see fit to tell her, there may be a slight kami-esque backlash."

He looked abit ashamed, and sighed. "She's getting better, but it's slow going. Finding the library has helped some. I know something that might help more, but there's no small risk involved."

"Are you planning on joining the movement?" It was a serious question, one that his tone suggested held great import.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"No, not planning on joining. Not until a whole lot of political shifts go on. I just can't get past the hatred some of the members have for baselines. I think some of them might consider me a sort of Terat by now. Its true that I do push my personal development with science. I try to understand myself, and succeed in many ways. My personal philosophy is very close to Teras in many ways ... not that I'd risk trying their techniques. Not without knowing so much more about it ... and to do that, I have to join."

"Kami has mentioned certain things ... never the full story. Enough though ... on Mars. She is so great, I don't ever want to hurt her. I worry about her, and its a reason I have been keeping my Exalt! life and this life with you, Kami, and everyone else separate. Speaking of that, I am guessing you can pencil the dinner in for the 5th. I have to check schedules to find an exact time, but I'll pick you up. One of my alternates can spend a few hours with Sonja. I know she wanted to visit that new chocolate shop we pass on the way to the GNS offices. I could see it catch her eye."

"Heh ... actually, the robot was for gifts and for use in habitat modules. It is a really compact breadbox sized device ... and it will be able to do great sushi too. It can handle Maki rolls now, but have to work on ingredients and such. Everything starts dry and sealed. I want people in space to have fresh, healthy comfort food. Plus its already patented. Going to be part of a GNS product line to help fund research. Also ... the Japanese, love their robots. Who can blame them really?"

"Oh .. keep this robot under your hat. Its also a surprise for Kami."

[Dan Hawkins]

He smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way. Some members like Count Orzaiz seem to understand the truth of the matter as you do.We are beyond the bounds of humanity in many ways, but I don't think of humanity as being inferior. I am for understanding oneself, mastering oneself, I've pursued this in my own way and succeeded far beyond what I thought possible. The disregard of humanity, how at best they're no better than chattel, that rankles deep within me. Virtually all the members of the Teragen Were baselines at one point." This was obviously a subject he'd discussed often, and vehemently.

"Kamiko will appreciate that, she thinks the world of you Star, like the sister she never had. I can tell you, if you wish of what happened. I was the first to answer the call for aid, and I was nearby."

He changes gears so fast it's amazing, almost as though they're holding several independant conversations. "Sonja would like that. You are one of barely a handful of people I would entrust her safety to without my direct oversight." It was an admission that was also perhaps the veteran Elite's highest praise. His daughter was the most important thing in his life, keeping her safe while trying to let her live a fairly free life was his primary mission as a father, and he had already killed to do this. It was meant as compliment, admission and encouragement all in one.

"Dinner on the firth is quite acceptable." he looked at the robot and nodded. "Will certainly give me something to play with onboard, that's for sure."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Dan and Star talked the evening away. Some shop talk, but mostly not. Its strange, thought Dan, how Star of this month was so much more ... grown up ... than Star of last month. She wasn't a girl any longer ... and it wasn't all some sort of mental bias from her being with child. Yes - some of it was perceptual, but mostly not. She had changed at a phenomenal rate ... like some of the jumps in development young kids often experience. Though this was writ large, and just went to show how things were so different for novas ...so different from nova to nova even.

The days went quickly ... more training ... and then the dinner hour was upon them. Star was 1/10th apprehensive about Puck and Dan having some sort of agument. Puck though, was a perfect gentleman. He had insisted on setting a martian dinner for them. All Star knew what that he had bought a prototype inflatable mars tent from the same suppliers that had made Kamiko's JAXA shelter. Star only knew that much because she kept computers running to ferret out these sorts of purchases. She didn't let on that she knew.

Puck really is great ... doing it all, even transport. Star thought to herself "I am a lucky woman." as they arrived on the Martian Scene.

[Shosuro Miren]

July 5th, 2027

Puck was a little nervous. He remembered meeting Dan and he was pretty sure the nova had been a touch offended when he's called him by his name in their first meeting, but even beyond that he just felt...odd. But he was a friend of Star's and is was important to her that they have this dinner and try to get along, so he'd done what he could.

He'd had the tent custom made: it looked like a Roman-style pavilion, complete with a veranda around the raised dining area set in the center of the enclosure, giving the feel of being sheltered from the Martian environment while still able to look out on the vista from the leveled area on the lip of the main caldera of Olympus Mons. They could see for hundreds of kilometers from their vantage point, as well as down into the rolling patterns of the heart of the former volcano. He'd dressed up for the meeting, having taken up tailoring as a hobby in the past few days; he was still in all black, but the clothes themselves were of a neo-victorian pattern with pressed slacks, finely made boots, a silk shirt under a fitted vest, a black tie tucked in under the vest with a diamond-shaped sapphire pinned just under the knot. The cuff links on the shirt were black robin heads with sapphire chips for eyes; they matched the robin earring on hanging from his left ear, save that the earring lacked the blue eye. His hair, usually spiked up and tipped in whatever color had caught his fancy for the day, was instead left to it's natural black locks, parted and styled just enough to give it volume and keep it out of his eyes. His only concession away from the carefully tailored theme was the panel cut from the sleeve of his left arm, carefully embroidered with stylized dark grey robins on the cloth so that it was clear from a glance that the panel had been removed purposefully. It framed the swirling and sharp tribal tattoo that his sister wore an identical match of on her right arm.

He'd brought them directly into the enclosure so that they wouldn't disturb the food or candles laid out by opening the seal of the tent. Bethany and the rest of the kitchen staff at Exalt! had cooed over the opportunity to create a meal fit for the largest mountain in the solar system, and the large circular table was laden with fresh fruits, delicately spiced and cooked meats and vegetables, wedges of cheese ranging from good plain cheddar all the way to some fruit-infused hard Parmesan concoction. Drinks were laid out: a glass of water for everyone, a selection of teas, coffee drink variations, fruit juices, wines, and even hot chocolate. Despite the variety and quantity of the meal provided, the table was elegantly laid out and balanced, with settings for three spread just far enough apart for room to eat but still close enough for easy conversation. The middle setting of plates, utensils, and glasses was adorned with small star-shaped jewels and condiments were set just in front of it of the craving-foods those at Exalt! had heard of or seen Star indulging in most often.

Puck nodded politely to Dan and motioned to the setting on the right of Star's, then held out the middle chair for Star. Once they were all comfortably seated, the first drinks poured and plates filled with the first round of offerings from the table, Puck ventured, "So, Dan, Star said you wanted to talk to me...?"

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan noted the elaborate spread and sighed inwardly He was a man of simple tastes most of the time. Still Puck knew how to set the tone. He was impressed, he wondered if she'd told him why Dan wanted to speak with him.

"I did ask to speak with you yes, In my capacity as the head of security for GNS, as well as several other aspects of who I see myself as."

"First though, it is good to see you're doing well. I have been following activities at Exalt as my time allows. You and your compatriots there have been quite busy." The way he said the last world employed a dual meaning, if not more.

He nodded. "We should probably go ahead and eat first, then we can discuss my business with the two of you like civil adult novas. I'm in no rush, and from the spread you've set before us, I'd wager you aren't either."

There was a totally unnatural calm emannating from Dan, unlike any nova Puck had met previously. On a quantum level it was as if he were viewing a perfectly calm still pool of water, deeper than the sea itself.

For Dan, there was an utter alienness to Puck. He had a human shape, a human voice, but all the same There was something that seemed inhuman about him. It wasn't necessarilly a bad thing, it just spoke of his Status as a Terat, but even more, of his being a second generation terat, among the few he had ever met.

He knew he wasn't in the best position here, but he did ask for this.

[Shosuro Miren]

Ah, 'civil adult novas'. I am beginning to tire of this particular lecture. He won't be last one, and he'll likely be kinder than most of them. Though he might be the most unnerving so far. The stillness from the other nova made Puck uneasy, like he was sliding down smooth ice when he considered the elder nova. He felt the urge to pick at that serenity, to make a chip in the ice to see if anything nova truly existed beneath it. He set the feeling aside, none of his thoughts showing on his face as the three of them ate in semi-companionable silence for several minutes.

At the first lull in eating, Puck tried again to start up the actual discussion. "You said you wanted to speak as the head of security of GNS and personally. Do you have a preference on which you'd like to start with?"

He realized he was also unnerved because this far from Earth, he could no longer feel the buzz of the rest of the Exalt! gestalt in his mind. He'd known that his connect would drop this far away from others, and that he'd be able to rejoin as soon as he got home, but the silence in his mind now was almost as unnerving as the stillness of Dan. He'd come to enjoy being able to communicate with at least some of his friends and family with only a thought, to even see what they were doing or feel what they were feeling at any given moment. As he paused his eating to wait for Dan's response, for a moment he felt almost heartrendingly alone.

Then Star looked up and smiled at him; he reached out and squeezed her hand, immediately feeling connected again. Thank you, luv. She might not be able to hear his thoughts at the moment, but she knew his expression and him well enough now to read the sentiment anyways.

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan looked at Puck He's had this discussion before, it likely didn't go all that well. "To start, GNS, a professional level I imagine is best." His gaze seemed to narrow. "Starseed's Pregnacy does create some security concerns for GNS, though for awhile yet I imagine they'll go unnoticed. I was able to put two and two together quickly because I know Starseed Well, and even in her clones, the fact she's with child is beginning to tell. I can only surmise this will continue as her pregnancy progresses. In that even we will need to limit her exposure to the public, simply put to avoid painting an even larger target both on the organization and Starseed's person."

"Her clones show the beginnings of it, they have her cravings, they fight with her instincts, which was what really put me onto it. If that trend continues, then the risk for exposure of this secret greatly increases. You think Proteus and all the other outfits engaging in motherhunting gun for Second gen novas and their fertile parents, A Fertile second generation nova and her third generation child are going to light a fire under them with Fuel Air Explosive... They are going to come hard, fast and with every reasonable asset they have. And it won't just be Starseed and GNS and your child, but everyone around them too."

"Add to this fact that you are a member of the teragen, an organization still reviled in many circles, and things can become even more complicated. I know you've been providing financing for GNS, that factor's been kept very quiet, and needs to continue to be so. I've done what I can to muddy the waters on our end, mostly because I don't want to agitate Synapse to the point he takes an active interest in me. Japan loves money, but the teragen is another story. Many of Nippontai's battles have come against the terragen. Hell I'm old enough to remember Geryon dropping abuilding of people to buy time for his escape Kou will never forget or forgive that. I'd tread carefully when there, even with my personal ties to The Hideyoshi Family and Nippontai."

"I'm going to try not to be critical here. I would like to resolve this in such a way that everyone is happy, everyone is safe, and life goes on with relatively the same path it did before."

He sighed. "That sums up my professional concerns. The rest of what I have to say is largely as a man, and Nova Father." His tone changed as he said this, and he paused, wondering exactly how Puck would respond here. He'd done his best not to be critical and air real issues, not things that were mundane.

[Shosuro Miren]

"Synapse shouldn't be a problem. He can be a bit of jerk when he thinks it'll get him something - he usually asks me for pictures of girls - but he's got nothing against GNS and he knows I'm involved there. That'll make him more inclined to help if asked and to keep out of anything active with it if asked." He was lounging in his chair now, the fingers of one hand laced with Star's. The surety of his voice and the intensity of his presence made it hard for Dan to determine just how old the Terat was; his looks were perfectly balanced between the vigor and freshness of youth and the settled, centered calm of maturity. "As for the motherhunters and Star's own safety, she's been telling me of the plans she's already putting into place; we've been making arrangements together as well. As for my membership in the Teragen...."

He gazed at Dan for a long moment, then gave an elegant shrug. "There are advantages and disadvantages, just as with belonging to any group. There are those in the Teragen that do not like me, but all of us value nova children. Starseed is a second generation nova herself and pregnant on top of that. The movement will defend her, many of them to their own deaths if need be." His tone left no question of which camp he was in. "And Geryon can be an ass and completely unreasoning at times, but on this particular matter that will always and only be in our child's, Starseed's, and my own protection. In that order."

He leaned forward and picked several red grapes from one of the bunches on the table, adroitly popping one in his mouth before continuing. "I don't think Japan will be that much of an issue either. When we began work on setting up a branch of Exalt! there, I was asked to move to the new building and become a Japanese citizen, even as a Terat. The incentives were quite...impressive. I hold a sort of honorary citizenship, negotiated so because I've no desire to hold actual citizenship in any country at this point. I am not Geryon and the Japanese government and populace seem quite aware of that." The tone was too mild for Dan to tell if Puck was admonishing him or simply stating fact.

He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled expression, "I'm curious about your wording, Dan. What exactly is there to be 'resolved'? Starseed is well protected, both by her own abilities and planning and by the care and protection of those around her. Everything else mentioned is neither something that can be changed, as in the case of Geryon's previous actions in Japan, nor going to change, such as my open and public devotion to Teras or Star's plans with GNS - unless she decides to alter her plans, of course."

[Dan Hawkins]

"You're correct Puck, there is little to resolve. a poor choice of wording on my part. I simply wished to air my concerns, but if you say they are moot, I will abide by that. More than that, I wished to meet you, to get a feel for you. I do not know too much about you, and those within the teragen I know are tightlipped regading you, though that's not particularly new. When Star told me she was pregnant I admit to being disappointed, put it passed quickly. That stemmed mostly from the fact that I know Starseed to have great intelligence and more sense than to become pregnant like this. Still it is hypocritical of me to really castigate either of you, Sonja came about in similar fashion, and I older than the two of you combined at the time." He shrugged slightly, "It's also not really my place to be disappointed, and of course the fact that the third generation is already on the way does provide some hope for the future." He smiled.

"The wonders of being a parent are vast and endless, something I've come to know for myself. I can speeak only from my experiences, and I can say I wouldn't trade those memories and experiences for anything. There will be good and bad times ahead, there always are in parenting, and I would offer my help should you have need of it."

Starseed is one of a handful of people I trust that live with the safety of my daughter Sonja, without my presence. She's only six and while fare more advanced than any baseline child, She is still a child, so I'm overprotective. Most Fathers are. Fathers who have had to kill others in front of their daughters to keep them from being killed, even moreso."

He sits back. "I'm not trying to come off as having the moral high ground, I certainly don't. What I'd like to accomplish is to get to know you better, since I imagine your presence will become regular in the life of GNS. More than that, You're going to be the father of the child of someone I consider at the very least a favored Niece and good friend. I freely offer what advice and wisdom I have to give if you ask it, and even my hand in friendship."

Tthrough it all he remained calm on the surface, though Puck set him on edge. He was doing this for Star, and yes for himself and GNS. Still, something about Puck seemed Twisted, and just plain alien, and off. It wasn't overt, but he could simply feel it. Still there was sincerity in his words, and since this was the Path Star had chosen, he would support her as he was able.

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck nodded and then grinned a little in self-deprecation, "We're enrolled in the parenting classes at Exalt! now, but words of advice from another parent is welcome. Especially as none of the instructors at Exalt! are nova parents."

"Perhaps in a little while you'd like to come see the child care facilities of Exalt!? There will be nova infants, at least, there by the end of the year, along with a number of baseline children. Sonja might find some playmates and a safe place to socialize and play." It was an honest offer, given freely and with no indication that Puck would be offended if Dan demurred. "As for GNS, though, I leave the level of my involvement to Star's discretion. I'm willing to be a silent monetary supporter, if that's the most she wants, or more if she desires."

He smiled at Star, inclining his head to her so he didn't seem to be talking about her instead of including her in the conversation. It was nice to hear that his fellow Teragen were keeping quiet on the more unusual aspects of his history, and interesting to know that Dan had contacts in the movement. He also just flat out ignored the comments about disappointment; one aspect of being raised in the Nursery and within Teras was a deep belief that each person had their own path to walk and disappointment was something reserved for a person to feel about themself, not for others to put upon another.

To express disappointment in another is to have decided that you know their path better than they do. That is a baseline mentality and has no place among novas. That was the closest Puck had ever come to hearing Scripture actually angry at any of the children in the Nursery and was delivered to a trio of young Terats that had been complaining of how Infinity had failed Divis Mal and was an embarrassment to novas in general and Terats in particular. Dan wasn't a Terat and the strange still feeling that emanated from him seemed to drive home the point even harder than the arrogant words and their almost immediate retraction.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star has been eating ravenously, and just letting the convo progress. Things were going well. She piped up after some particularly great curry rice ...

"It is a blessing though ... not to sound religious, which I am undecided on ... but there is some sort of force or energy behind probability. I can manipulate it, though its hard to describe in language other than philosophical and metaphysical terms ..."

"In any event, even without my own effort or intervention ... I am so lucky. So blessed. To know you both, and to have this child. Heck, even to be fertile since they could easily be cooking up new vectors for that poison as we speak. There are so many people in my life now like both of you ... people that are family."

"I see Exalt! as sort of a family - much more than it is technically a business ... and GNS as more of a business than a family. Mainly because GNS has to grow up one day into something highly disciplined and structured ... it has to be an easy organization to understand from the outside. The paramilitary naval kind of theme achieves that, even though there is already a strong sense of camaraderie."

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan nodded. "I've been expanding the circle of novas Sonja meets gradulally.. She'd never forgive me if I turned down your request. She talked about you for two days straight when we got home after the first time we met on Mars. Of course I'd be glad to see the facilities."

He nodded to Star. "You are certainly right on that point. Children are a blessing, that's always been my opinion. Nothing really religious there in my mind, they can bring joy to a life of sorrow. My siblings have taught me that. I have many baseline Nieces and nephews. My own Daughter helped me get over her mother's loss, and gives me a reason to look forward and work for a better tomorrow.. He looked at Star. "As do some others." His hardened facade seemed to soften, and it was obvious that the feeling that he was family was reciprocated fully. "Even if they find new vectors, novas will find a way around it. Life always finds a way." He could think of several examples against it but pushed the thought away. It was a good moment.

"

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star enjoyed the moment too, smiling at Dan and squeezing Puck's hand as if she could somehow share the warmth in her heart with him through touch. He was very perceptive, so perhaps she was doing just that.

"Its a good idea to get the children to play together. Something that would really make me feel safe is if we had a place off world. Even out of system just in case. It doesn't have to be large or fancy ... just farm style living. Comfortable. I have been thinking about New Hope quite a bit. Both Puck and I can reach there easily, and GNS is actively recruiting interstellar warpers."

"Its not like I want to abandon Earth, not at all ... its just that it would offer me real piece of mind to have a safe place for friends and family to lay low. We three are going to have to fight, I am sure of it. Even this planet isn't all that safe. Partly that is because of me, because GNS is opening up system wide activity quite quickly. Almost nothing is happening on the interstellar front ... but my time in Exalt! and my time visiting with you and Kamiko at the mountain estate, it moved me. Those places really get me feeling, I don't know, homey. Maybe it is my old fears talking ... but I don't want to loose another home. Even if I loose a place, thats fine ... but loosing the people that make that place a home ... we have to take steps. We have to avoid that at all costs."

"I don't think its selfish either. We will be more effective with our loved ones - those who lack the strength to fight - safe behind the lines. Speaking in a somewhat literal sense..... Oh, can you pass the cake. I love that layer cake ... that is the holiday one we had before right Puck? With the touch of mint in the dark chocolate buttercream?"

[Shosuro Miren]

He passed the cake over and smiled, "Yes, Bethany made this one just for you. She said she'd keep one frozen for you in the kitchens, if you get a craving while you at the US headquarters. She also sent the recipe to the Japanese headquarters." He pursed his lips in thought, "Mmm...I would say somewhere else. New Hope is known now; if you want somewhere safe then we should take a day or two and look for another habitable world and set up a small colony there."

"I've been working on some of my abilities. I think between the two of us we could have a viable settlement up and running by the end August." He grinned at Star, "And I think I know a few volunteers that would be willing to relocate."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"That would be great! To be safe, we should also survey for hostile alien life in whatever area we do. I'm able to transit anywhere in the galaxy more or less. You too, so we can pick and choose. Try and get an area with no aliens, or at least no spacefarers nearby. My first thought would be to ask Sakura for some help with biosphere-comparability, but she is so busy. Its the only issue we can't thouroughly cover ... but she is over stressed I think. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to bond with my Mother again. I've been to see her once ... it was, OK. Just OK."

She smiled and cut a piece of cake, first for Dan with a vigorous nod and simile that said 'try it, try it' as she passed him the plate. Then she served Puck, and then herself.

She mentioned, after savouring a few bites of amazing cake ... "Dan, I think you should hold off on meeting Mother. She isn't the same person as when I knew her ... I have been communicating with her, and even went to see her ... but she really changed mentally. She's recently recovered from taint related brain trauma, but she changed. I have to get to know her all over again. She likes me, but its not the same. She remembers things, but sometimes seems like she is not recalling the emotions. Its like ... like she's a distant but well meaning aunt now."

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan nodded. "I would agree with Puck on finding another world. If you like the cold, I know the Arcturus system has a nice world, temperate in the equatorial climes, and arctic everywhere else."

He looked to Puck. "Though if you put your mind and quantum might to it, you really shouldn't need to leave Earth. Perhaps this version, yes, but consider, This Earth is not the only one that exists. I've been to several, and I'm sure one could be found that meets your approval."

Shen had taken him many places, decades ago. His inability to do it himself was somethin ghe lamented from time to time, though other concerns came up when he sought to continue his efforts.

He took the offered cake and ate, "That is good. Bethany did an excellent job."

He looked to Star. This was the first time in awhile that she'd mentioned her mother, and the first regarding him meeting her. "Taint, when improperly channeled is never good. What is worse in my opinion is when a nova errupts with such a degree of taint that any sort of over exertion, any push can be the one that robs a nova of their sanity, their humanity. I've seen it happen, and the results. I am glad she has recovered and that you are still able to meet with her and talk with her, even if your relationship with her has changed. At least she still means to do well by you. There's no rush for me to meet her, unless you feel I should."

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck frowned and asked Star, "Can you do that? Shift between dimensions or whatever?"

Star shook her head and Puck followed suit. "I'm not looking to abandon Earth, this Earth, Dan. The colony is just an alternative and a safe place for people to go if things become too dangerous for them on Earth. I'd rather keep that safe place somewhere that Star and I can reach, and provide access to for the rest of our family - for Exalt! - as well. Thank you for the suggestion, though, and the information on the Arcturus system. Looking for a world that's habitable but not an ideal colonization world or even moon could be a very good idea so that we're not constantly having other nova - and eventually baseline - explorers knocking on our doors."

He nudged Star playfully, reaching forward to wipe a stray bit of icing clinging to Star's lips. The gesture was cute, a very couple-in-love action, but the thrill that ran through her body from the touch was far less innocent. His ability to behave stretched only so far, it seemed....

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"I can't do that ... at least not yet. Actually, on a couple of outings ... I have been unraveling a bit of a mystery. A legacy my father left me. He had some spooky powers, things he and mother never let on about even to me. I had figured out when I was a kid that he was a precog, but it seems he left me messages in a way."

"Dan, when we were on that rafting trip, and then again at the ruins in China ... I noticed that something was bugging me about the trips Dad and I had taken. We always went on outings, he was really only bowing to Mother in living an urban life. So we went camping quite a bit, and he'd tell me stories and such ... but I think he was taking me to alternate earths. On those outings, I discovered some patterns ... things we did together had a structure with various meanings ... clues."

"Not a bad idea for a really secure getaway. The colony is something we could do now though. I have no idea how I would go about developing a power like that. Besides finding a teacher and just giving it a go. Whatever world we put a little getaway spot on though, I do want it to be full of life. Good for baselines and novas ... for a bunch of reasons, but also because I have baseline family and friends that might need to come along in case of evacuation."

"Not that I am abandoning this world, this earth, either. Its just like I said ... having your vulnerable friends and family in a safe place gives one more freedom to act. More piece of mind."

[Dan Hawkins]

"I'm working on it again, yes. Recent developments have led me to believe it may be something worth establishing myself. I've yet to successfully do it, but with some effort, I expect I can make it a reality soon enough."

"I do know someone who can teach it, but he's, unreachable, at the moment. Perhaps upon his return he could help on that front."

"Still since farflung planets are currently more in line with your capabilities, I've been to a few over the years, very remote, and I have to say surpisingly nice."

[Shosuro Miren]

"Well, perhaps we could survey the ones you know, first. If we find a good match, then we can get to setting up the colony that much quicker." Puck smiled gratefully at Dan, doing his best to set aside the imp inside that still wanted crack the cool and calm facade of the other nova. "Would there be a good time for you? I can usually move meetings and whatnot around if needed, and I don't require sleep, which opens up many more options."

"You could drop by the Exalt! headquarters and give us the coordinates, or we could get together and go look at the planets together." He shrugged, "Or both. Can you have a clone to spare when we get schedules worked out, Star?"

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan nodded. "A Week's time should be sufficient. That should be enough to gather the proper stellar coordinates." He nodded. "Some aren't far flung, They're just overlooked because nobody ever thought they were real. A few truly die hard fans proved they were, and I gotta say, It's damned impressive."

"Taking you there, and relaying the story when we go would probably make the ones who discovered them happy, continuing the legacy, as he called it with me."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"I can make one of my selves available for sure. In fact, I can speed the process for setting up an initial encampment by indexing available GNS designs with approximate environmental conditions. Bring along a few supply caches early on - bare necessities only - and seed them for emergency before we break real ground. All three of the GNS ships have good medical bays. With extra medical supplies laid away, any one of them can serve as a ready clinic post any evac. One or two of me is on each one at any time."

"Far flung is preferable. So is nice stable weather. It can be predominantly warm temperate or sub-tropical ... having a nice big band of either will do nicely ... but stability in weather patterns is the key. I don't want to depend on quick fixes like what they've done to Africa here either ... those are short term, speaking on a planetary time scale ... and require maintenance."

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck nodded. "Just gather up what you need. I've been working on my powers and at this point I'm pretty certain I can attune anything you want to take with us. As long as everything can survive moments in vacuum, then we can go anywhere. I can usually get about ten lightyears a jump without pushing, but if I push at all, there's really not a limit."

"If we need to jump from atmosphere to atmosphere, I'll just need the coordinates first." He shrugged, "Either way, I think I can get us around pretty easily. If we're going to jump a number of times, though, we might need to trade off with your warps, Star, or any travel ability you have, Dan. We could take pictures for your friends, Dan, or video, or anything else you think they'd like."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Its easier if we just warp most of the distance once with my gates ... then you can take us Puck. My weak point right now is navigation. I can potentially travel to the edge of the visible universe with four or five of me working together. Though I've never handled that much power, it should be straight forward. Problem is, best I can do for sensing is to send probes or clones I expect to loose through the portals. Provided that an initial poke doesn't reveal I've goofed and put a portal into the heart of a quasar or something. Nothing like that has happened yet though, telescopic observation goes a long way if you can model the surrounding celestial mechanics."

"But if your short hop is ten LY, then I can do 99% of the trip in one warp and then you take us to the pinpoint destination with your senses."

She said to Dan, the security expert "We have pretty good Star maps, the analog-optical crystal ones on the Far Star we set up to work without computers. We could store the information there and in the extra-solar caches I set up last week. Should be safe enough, you think?"

"My primary concern is keeping everything about this place as secret as possible. Of course, it worries me if these are worlds people have already been to. Close friends from the past are fine ... but I'd like to pass security checks in any event. Friend or no, we have to be careful for everyone's sake."

Star was full, and cuddling up to Puck's shoulder while the three of them talked. This was so nice, and going well despite the obvious differences between Dan and Puck.

[Dan Hawkins]

"That won't be necessary. There's only one known record of the world anywhere aside my memory. The discoverer was going to gift it to humanity, but didn't feeling I think that humanity wasn't ready for such a thing, that they'd exploit the world's resources and spoil it. I've kept the secret until now, mostly because I had no way to go back."

He nodded. "To my knowledge, only one other person walked on that world aside from Max and I, and she died shortly afterwards." He put up his hands to forestall questions. "Advanced pancreatic cancer. It was the last place he took his baseline wife, to giver her an experience she could have never had otherwise."

"He gave me all the data he amassed on the world, a Map he spent ten years making, complete with what he assured me were accurate names, and a detailed report on all the major indigenous species of higher life. The Geological survey was one of his specialties, and is as complete as a single nova working for a decade can manage." There was a sadness to his voice. The nova who'd discovered this world was obviously no longer alive. "I'll get the records, and bring them to you both for your perusal."

[Shosuro Miren]

Puck slipped his arms around Star and settled her more securely against him. He enjoyed the warmth and closeness, and Star's unique scent mixed with his own. He nodded to Dan, catching the tone of loss in his words. He spoke with the softness of respect for the dead. "That would be very kind, Dan. Thank you."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Date: Some days later

Location: Martian Staging Area

The dinner had finished out well. Small talk was a bit challenging at points, but everyone was doing their best ... so much so that anyone without nova level social awareness would not have thought anything of the odd stresses and strains in the conversation.

Plans were laid, and executed. Dan had provided the date on Towne, a planet that would be ideal for quiet family estate. There were plenty of nice spots, and there was so much growth potential. Having the detailed survey data helped immensely.

Now, on the martian soil - actually more rusty orange and gold than red - sat a convoy of large flat nosed trucks. It was dark, and earth rise was hours away. The rise of the land and the planetary facing meant that the space above was nearly empty - the few eyes in the sky that looked at this spot were either looking in ways that could not be countered, were not satellites ... or belonged to GNS.

A caravan of seven thirty footers modified for some serious off-roading. Each crew cab was its own micro-habitat, every truck was engineered to GNS standards - back up systems for everything. Deep space rated. They had follow-along automation AI - standard milspec systems: only a lead driver required. They were even amphibious ... though they wouldn't make the best boats by any stretch of the imagination, they would make it to land in case of a splash down.

The Martian plains would give the trucks a decent run up, though they convoy wasn't so long that they needed much of it. Turned out that supplies for an expedition camp are not all that dense, and the loads weren't all that heavy. With Puck, Star and Dan likely along for any 'camping' there were also plenty of items that didn't need to come along. Star could construct earthworks and stone buildings in hours ... and the systems within them were easily deploy-able by anyone with a trade-college level apprenticeship half done. Star had of course prepared a number of modules to be hidden in supply caches around the new world. Materials and long-term supplies that would be incredibly difficult to detect in a natural setting once secured under even a few feet of soil or in a shallow bottle of water.

The transit would occur as the three had discussed earlier. Star would cover most of the distance, she had four of herself here including the original. The actual gate would be formed via her servitor symbiosis method, as per normal from Mars to deep space. All were outfitted in her armored form, ready for anything - and the original would be rather insubstantial until a threat eval had been conducted on site. Star was being careful these days ... nothing would happen to this child.

That caution was why Puck was doing the "fine flying" and taking them from deep space to the planet. Puck's vast spatial senses would be much better at that leg than Star's sequential gate-and-observe method.

With the trucks running, the status boards at all green, Star smiled at Puck and turned to Dan "I think you are the most experienced driver here. Please, if you would do the honors I will cue the gate when we hit the red-line. Not nearly 88-mph, but then again I'm not Emmett Brown either. Twenty kph will do at the red line, then I kick in the gate."