Aberrant: The Long March - Chapter 6: Making History

[Mr Fox]

Morgan nods and points to Omar. "He does," and grins. "If you want though, I can place you guys where ever you want to go without the need to go myself. I don't particularly want to face a telepath."

[Omar]

Omar raises his hand. "I've been itching to get out and do something."

Omar smiled at Morgan. "I dare him to do his 'Jedi mind tricks' with me." Omar felt proud that he included a pop culture reference. The Star Wars movies had been popular in his native Iraq as well.

[Joani]

Originally Posted By: Ulric Reikspar

Ulric reaches out and takes Joani's hand in his own. He remembered what it was like to stand in such exalted company, with the fate of lives and nations in the balance and to be so unsure of who you were to be here amongst greatness.

To her, he whispers,
"The sun will rise tomorrow. The world still turns. We do what we can in the time alotted and may we do memorable deeds to inspire those who will come after us."

Joani smiled nervously and held onto the Presidents hand. The discussion about the Sphynx had reached a critical climax and she knew whatever the outcome was it would change her. Her conscience struggled between Andrews arguments, Steves facts and her own involvement in the case. Slowly the emotional trauma crawled to the surface of her consciousness and she felt as if the air around her just got thinner and harder to breath. Not wanting to have a nervous break down in public again she suddenly let go of the Presidents hand and took a few steps towards Lorean.

"Can you please show me to my quarters. I can't..." she couldn't finish the sentence but her eyes spoke more than a thousand words. She raised one hand to wipe away the few tears that broke out and fought against more to come. Just as Lorean showed her the way her pace quickened.

"I'm sorry..." was all she could say to the others.

OOC: Assuming Lorean shows her the way she hussles to get to her quarters.

[Andrew Murphy]

Originally Posted By: Courier

"Agreed, and Agreed. Considering he's a psiad he should be physically weak, but mentally strong. Let's take some in the car and hold Morgan in reserve. So who wants to come?"

Andrew shakes his head, "I feel ill, I'm going to stay here."

He looks at the others, "When do we convene the court?"

[Courier]

Originally Posted By: Ziggurat

Omar raises his hand. "I've been itching to get out and do something."

Omar smiled at Morgan. "I dare him to do his 'Jedi mind tricks' with me." Omar felt proud that he included a pop culture reference. The Star Wars movies had been popular in his native Iraq as well.

Steve smiles at Omar and Morgan, this was the reaction he was hoping for. He says,

"I'm sure he will try to take you Omar. It's his best card to play. That's why you need to take point."

"We have a lot of ground to cover tonight, his home, his business, his backups, While it might be possible to do it all by warping it'd be pushing it."

"How about Cody takes the 'car' down. Morgan warps into his bedroom, Omar takes point with me following behind a hair. We grab him. We'll bring trank darts and knock out juice in case he doesn't make Omar KO him. Then Omar goes back through the warp with him and I stay behind."

"Cody and I search his place. Grab his keys, grab everything he's written about us, put it in the car, then go to his shop and do the same thing. Ditto his backups."

[Andrew Murphy]

Andrew rises, "Give me twenty minutes and I'll have a suitable fast acting tranquillizer for you." He heads out of the bridge and down to the lab.

"Lorean, please connect me to my secretary, I should let her know I need to cancel my dinner plans with Albert."

[Mr Fox]

After the Physical Lorean leaves the room to accompany Joani, Hologram Lorean speaks, "I have traced the records and it seems Mr. Harold Green flew from New York to Los Angles, this was day before yesterday. I have no records of him leaving the city by plane. That should narrow Cody's scan considerably and make him much easier to find."

[Mr Fox]

Lorean leads the way to Joani's quarters putting her arm around Joani's shoulders and offering what comfort she can. The quarters are very comfortable and have a sense of home about them. Something in the little details like a book open on the table, and coffee mug next to it suggest family and coziness. "I hope you like the quarters, I put together what I thought might help. I can reconfigure them later to whatever suits your tastes."

Lorean also connects Andrew to his secretary so that he can clear his schedule.

Max returns to the discussion now that there is no longer sensitive things being talked about. "I have 2 other specials ready to judge the woman. They are both very perceptive and adept at detecting lies. I hope that satisfies everyone. I think it is the best we can do under the circumstances. If she weren't what she is I would include psiad telepaths in the tribunal, but that might be dangerous under the circumstances."

[Courier]

Steve sighs, he'd really wanted to back up Omar in going after the man. He says,

"Well, ok then. Probably we'll want to take this aboard Lorean? All the evidence, investigators, victim, and defendant are already here. I would think she can prepare some rooms. Then I'd think Morgan could warp them up, Lorean's energy is a bit low."

"After that, well, I think Joani is recovering in her room, Omar, Cody, and maybe Michael are going to be busy, so we'll start with me and Andrew?"

[Joani]

Originally Posted By: Mr Fox

Lorean leads the way to Joani's quarters putting her arm around Joani's shoulders and offering what comfort she can. The quarters are very comfortable and have a sense of home about them. Something in the little details like a book open on the table, and coffee mug next to it suggest family and coziness. "I hope you like the quarters, I put together what I thought might help. I can reconfigure them later to whatever suits your tastes."

Sobbing lowly Joani sat down and thanked Lorean. "You're very kind. Can I take a bath somewhere? I feel awkward. And please tell the others that I need a break... unless the President asks for me."

She hugged Lorean and tried to smile confidently. "I'll be ok... I just need some time."

[Mr Fox]

Lorean smiles at Joani, "I understand dear. Take all the time you need. There is a bath just beyond that door with big fluffy warm towels and everything you should need. There is also a closet in there with some clothes. If you need anything or just want some company, you only need to speak aloud and ask and I'll return as quickly as I can."

Morgan makes a series of warps and the judges for the tribunal assemble and Lorean escorts them to a conference room to review the basics of the case at hand and why they've been assembled.

Morgan looks to Cody and Michael, "As soon as you tell me where to go I'll open you a warp."

[SkyLion]

After seeing to it that all the necessary preparations have been made, Cody turns his attention to the next step: apprehending Harold.

Cody removes one of his gloves, allowing skin to skin contact with Michael. While such a thing wasn't strictly necessary, Cody found that the touch acted as a focus for their gestalt. Cody being the more experienced and stealthy telepath initiates the scan allowing Donnighal's brainwaves to ride along like a sympathetic frequency on a carrier wave.

Closing his eyes, his perceptions reach out. Millions of whispers float through his mind but he lets them pass, ephemeral ghosts. He focuses on the name, on the bank numbers they have been given, on conspiracy pamphlets and a dead man's switch. These could all be seperate thoughts, but in one man the ingredients are collected into a single thread of thought. This all happens in an instant, for conscioussness, unconstrained by the laws of matter is limited by the speed of light.

Cody and Donnighal search for Harold.

[Ulric Reikspar]

Ulric looks at his watch unhappily.

"I have to leave for the next three hours. I would like to be back when the sentance is handed down. I need to make this meeting with the British though."

Turning to Matthew and his butler,

"I need to go for the next few hours. Once we have Harold we can return you to your home, but feel free to observe the first formation of a Special's Tribunal. It's history making. The two men over there are Maxwell Mercer - head of the Aeon Society. The other man with him is Michael Donnighal - one of the most gifted novas on the planet."

"Lorean, could you transmit me back to my apartment in London, please?"

On the top of his lift was the formation of INTERPOL, and he was starting with the right people. Now this meeting would be more than just the window dressing that had been planned for the meeting with Matthew.

[Andrew Murphy]

Andrew completes the toxins and loads them into injection darts. Taking them to Omar and Cody he says, "Unfortunately the equipment of the times allows for only a single shot loaded at a time. The dart will inject the toxin which should be sufficient to render a baseline unconcious within seconds. Good luck."

[Mr Fox]

Morgan opens the warp for Ulric, to avoid draining Lorean's power any further and shakes his hand before he passes through.

Lorean provides a wallscreen view of the tribunal for Matthew, and a hologram of the scene for anyone in the bridge. Only the tribunal and the person addressing them currently are being allowed into the conference room.

Inside the room Max addresses everyone, "I know this is being recorded for posterity, so let me make formal introductions. I am Maxwell Mercer founder of the Aeon Society I've been asked to head this tribunal. On my right is Henrietta Jones a nova with strong abilities with perception and able to tell if someone is lying. On my left is Lawrence Focault a Psiad and known for his sound judgment and legal expertise. It has been suggested that there should be a representative of each of Humanities variants. Henrietta will take the seat for Homo Sapiens Novus, Lawrence will sit for Homo Sapiens Psionus, and I will sit for Homo Sapiens Sapiens since there was no one available at the current time qualified to sit on this tribunal." Max goes on to say that this case will set precedent and that the judges will take not only the current situation in to consideration but also what the case may mean for the future. He also explains that this situation is very time sensitive and that a life is believed to be at stake such that long back and forth arguments and cross examinations will not be possible. He is very eloquent in both his words and his bearing, and the other two judges also look as though they understand the importance of what they are about to do. When he finishes his statement and sits he asks that the accuser be brought in to make his opening statement.

[Courier]

Steve walks in wearing a very formal suit and tie as is custom for an event of this nature. He gives a short bow and says,

"Lady. Gentlemen. My name is Steve Courier, and I am a nova with investigational powers. During the New Years' celebration a woman made headlines by using her powers. I decided to look into the matter. After figuring out the nova in question was a Miss Joani Walters, Andrew and I met her. For various reasons I was expecting to meet a fairly scatter brained young woman who'd been put up to it by someone else and who desired a movie contract."

"What I found was a sensible young woman who claimed she'd been subjected to extensive mind control and outright domination for roughly a year. She'd claimed her memories have been mostly erased and she'd been forced against her will to attend parties and perform numerous sexual acts with numerous men over that period of time, ending shortly after her public flying stunt. My powers told me she was telling the truth."

"The only reasonable possibility appeared to be a body jumper. Someone either without a body of their own, or with the power to get rid of theirs, stepped inside hers and road her for a year. I had Miss Walters take me to her place where I gathered more evidence on this body jumper."

"I discovered money, vanity, and evidence which suggested that the next body which had been jumped was the local maid. As we were about to leave we were interrupted by said maid, and given her reactions to me and Andrew she was obviously the body jumper. Andrew and I captured her and detained her for questioning."

"She readily admitted to using Miss Walters as a horse, she also admitted to being in the process taking over the world, apparently because she is a superior intellect. She also claimed she no longer has a body of her own. Again, my powers told me she was telling the truth. During the course of interrogation I came to the conclusion she is suffering from multiple taint based insanities. I got her to admit to reprogramming various people as 'sleeper agents' in her mad quest. She has already programmed them to cause vast disturbance if she doesn't not make contact with them in a set time."

"She is overconfident, obsessed with ruling the world, and sociopathic. My senses tell me she has absolutely no intention of giving up her quest and is waiting for us to make a mistake so she can continue it. Further, any body she inhabits runs like a nova, in effect she burns them up like fuel or food. In a baseline this is fatal in a few days. The current body she is wearing is a baseline and will die in a day or perhaps a few days."

"If you have read the transcripts you will see I made many deceptions to the defendant during interrogation. She's so overconfident she decided the only way she could have been captured is with the aid of a time travel machine. I decided to let her believe this although it's not true. I then used this belief to get her to tell me exactly who she has brain washed into being a sleeper agent, etc." Steve gives an embarrassed shrug, "What can I say? It worked."

"I need to mention the device we're using to shield the world and her sleeper agents from her telepathic influence will run out of power in less than a day. Additionally we're not sure at what point the damage being done to the maid will be irreversible."

"Thank you."

Steve waits for any questions.

[Andrew Murphy]

Andrew sits on the bridge watching the tribunal. Max's opening arguments did much to relieve him, to assuage his fears that this woman would not get justice but instead only punishment. He watched as Steve entered and gave an account of their deeds which lead to the capute of the Sphinx. He sighed, glad to know that they would be setting a precent of justice by trial and trial by one's peers, and happy to know that the chances of this woman escaping her fate were such that even Vegas would not take bets against.

[Mr Fox]

Lawrence clears his throat after a moment. "This is a facinating tale. I can tell that you truly believe what you say, and we have reviewed the recording of your interview with the defendant." He looks to the other two members of the tribunal, "What concerns me is not the case itself or even the consequences itself, though I certainly would not want to see harm come to an innocent. In fact what most concerns me is the trial itself. I am familiar with many different systems of jurisprudence and this current tribunal falls outside of any of these. I understand the time critical nature of the situation, but I want the record to show that the great rush of this event without being given time to fully review and cross examine all concerned bothers me and were a life not at stake I would refuse to participate."

Henrietta follows giving a slight seated bow to her fellow judge, "I think we all are disturbed with necessity to make such a rapid decision, but with the life of an innocent at stake I agree that what must be done shall be." Looking back at Steve, "I will add my voice and say that my own abilities tell me that Mr. Courier completely believes the statement he has just given. Further, from the recording of the interview, I am in agreement with his conclusion. Also, I am very impressed with the technology of your recording and I can understand how the defendant could believe you must come from the future. I have never seen such recordings before and I look forward to seeing such things available to the public."

Finally Max speaks, "I also do not like how rushed this must be but agree with the necessity. Further, though I lack the particular capabilities of my two companions, I am known as a pretty shrew judge of character and I have known Mr. Courier for over 10 years and have always known him to be completely forthright in his dealings. Given both the recorded confession and Mr. Courier's statement I can also in good conscious say that I agree." Looking to his two companions, "Do either of you have further questions of Mr. Courier?" Seeing they do not he concludes, "I thank you for bringing this to our attention, now if you will leave us we will speak with the defendant and her council if she choses to employ one."

[Courier]

Steve bows again and leaves.

[Mr Fox]

After Steve leaves the room the judges ask for the defendant to be brought in. A hologram appears of the defendant. She blinks and looks at the three and her eyes narrow. "I hope this is not what I think it is."

Max Mercer looks serious and introduces himself and his fellow members of the tribunal then asks, "May we have your name?"

She looks considering for a moment before answering, "Caroline." With some sarcasm she continues, "And if I may ask, by what right do you sit in judgment over Me?" The capital letter in Me is audible.

Lawrence frowns at her, "Caroline is it? Well, we sit in council to determine your fate because it is alleged that you are in the process of killing the body that you currently inhabit. We are a tribunal of your peers, and though we are recognized by any world government, someone must make this very difficult decision, and those who captured you felt that it would not be appropriate for any of their own number to judge you. We were asked as impartial third parties who are capable of making this decision." Looking at her again, "The first and most serious of the charges brought against you is that you are in the process of not only usurping the will of the victim whose body you currently inhabit, but are in the process of killing said victim. Is this true?"

Caroline laughs, "Yes to both charges, though it need not be so. Mr. Courier promised to provide me with other bodies. I could avoid anyone dying that way."

Henrietta purses her lips, "She is telling the truth." Looking to the other judges, "Before we continue questioning this woman further, I would like clarification on whether Mr. Courier did promise this, if so it would bring his own character into question in my mind."

Max speaks, "Please ask Mr. Courier to attend us."

[SkyLion]

Originally Posted By: Andrew Murphy

Andrew completes the toxins and loads them into injection darts. Taking them to Omar and Cody he says, "Unfortunately the equipment of the times allows for only a single shot loaded at a time. The dart will inject the toxin which should be sufficient to render a baseline unconcious within seconds. Good luck."

After the results of the telepathic scan, no doubt successful with Donnighal's power boost, Cody accepts Andrew's ammunition.

*He is Hollywood, in the same hotel where we picked up Joani and our Maid. He seems to be agitated. I suggest we move fast.*

*Payload won't be a problem.* He holds out his hand and a modern (from the future) autoloading pistol materializes. Cody loads in several darts through a breech chamber. He holds out his other hand and a laser electroshock pistol appears.

*I'm ready* Turning to Omar, Micahel and whomever else is coming with he leads his way to the "Cruiser" currently resting in the Main Shuttle Bay behind the Bridge section. It is currently configured to look like an advanced alien spacecraft with stylize winglike protrusions reminicent of Lorean's original form.

At a thought it transforms into a limosine of the era and a warp portal opens in front, leading to an empty alleyway. When everyone is aboard (and with seatbelts buckled) The car simply drives a few meters to Earth...

[Mr Fox]

The hotel is exactly the way it was this morning. Given all that has occurred it seems odd that not a thing should have changed here, but only hours have passed. Omar is the first out of the car and leads Cody and Michael up a back set of stairs that Lorean told him about. Harold is on the third floor in the room directly above the one Joani has been staying in. At the door to the hallway you take a moment to prepare before proceeding.

[Omar]

Omar has his Eufiber form itself over his head. He didn't want to take the chance that Harold would recognize him.

* Did you want me to break down the door, or knock?

[SkyLion]

Originally Posted By: Ziggurat

Omar has his Eufiber form itself over his head. He didn't want to take the chance that Harold would recognize him.

* Did you want me to break down the door, or knock?

*Cody does a nother quick surrepitious scan to locate where Harold is in the building and what his surface thoughts are at the moment. He also checks in with his intuition, making sure they aren't walking into a trap.

If he gets good information from his probes he responds to OMar over the link.

*Knocking would alert him. Trouble also usually comes through the door or windows which he might have prepared for. Better to take him by surprise...bust through the wall...*

Cody indicates the best position for Omar to do just that, knowing that his large companion will appreciate a little direct force...

[Courier]

Originally Posted By: Mr Fox

…Caroline laughs, "Yes to both charges, though it need not be so. Mr. Courier promised to provide me with other bodies. I could avoid anyone dying that way."

Henrietta purses her lips, "She is telling the truth." Looking to the other judges, "Before we continue questioning this woman further, I would like clarification on whether Mr. Courier did promise this, if so it would bring his own character into question in my mind."

Max speaks, "Please ask Mr. Courier to attend us."

Steve steps back into the room (he hadn’t gotten far and was expecting more questions at some point). Informed of the question, he answers,

“Yes, I did say that; and No, not in the way you are thinking.”

“Let me explain. Sometimes the brain dies, and with it the personality, but the body lives on. Obviously the body dies shortly after, but that leaves a window of time, sometimes hours, sometimes days, where a talented healer could step in. Repair that body and you have a mindless husk that could be animated. Speaking of whom, the most talented healer on the planet is a few rooms in that direction.” Steve points, then continues, “As I explained to her at the time, I did not and do not have any specific bodies in mind, or available, but I felt the odds were heavily stacked in our favor.”

Steve says forcefully, “But that plan works for every decade or two, NOT every few days. She never mentioned she kills, much less how quickly. If I had a mindless body available, and I don’t, I would have had her swap already. The maid would have been out of the picture before you three got involved.”

Steve shrugs helplessly, “And that’s only workable if we have a days or weeks to search, which means only if the containment field can be lowered. Keep in mind you know a lot more now than I did at the beginning. When I made the offer I was serious.”

[SkyLion]

On the way down to the planet Cody sends an idea to Steve.

*There may be a way for us to open and shut this case. Since this creature is declaring it's innocence, then it wouldn't mind peaceably allowing the tribunal...either the psiad or myself and Michael to freely probe her mind. This would take away the stigma of mind rape on our part. After all, she claims she is innocent, the Tribunal is third part and she should have nothing to hide. It would be a harmless and pain free means of getting at the truth. That is, if she sincerely is innocent and wants the truth to come out.*

*For that matter I myself would submit to such an examination. I have nothing to hide.*

[Courier]

(This would be before the trial)

Steve sends back,

*That's an option I'll keep in mind... but with lie detectors I doubt it will come to that. For that matter, I half expect her to explain why her rule would be a good thing and we should be glad to serve her. Ego will trip her up.*

[Mr Fox]

Max nodded thoughtfully to at Steve's words and when he was done said, "Thank, you may wait outside in case we have further questions."

Henrietta spoke up after the door closed, "Again I detect no like from Mr. Courier. His explanation makes me a bit easier about what the defendant claims." Looking to Caroline, "Whatever you believe that Mr. Courier or his companions have or have not promised you is not at issue here, and since we have been asked to sit in judgment anything that has gone before will be subject to our ruling; whether it be your freedom or some other outcome. Now, if the gentlemen will permit, I will ask you two questions that are weighing on my mind." Seeing their ascent, she continues, "First, is it true that the body you are inhabiting and the other bodies before it are damaged by your presence? Second, if it is true how many have died from this?"

Caroline looking very innocent smiles and answers, "Died? Is that what they say about me? No one has died because of me."

Henrietta narrows her eyes and speaks, "She is lying, I can sense it. Do you gentlemen concur?"

Lawrence and Max nod in agreement, and Lawrence speaks, "We do not believe you, but unfortunately we cannot wait until the body you are currently in dies as proof. I can see for myself that the body is under a great strain and is weakening. After this is over I will insist that the physician that Mr. Courier spoke of gives the woman a full examination and the evidence from that is entered into the record."

Max follows Lawrence, "It is the finding of the court that the defendant has lied about both the damage being done to her current host, and to killing previous hosts. On this evidence alone we must insist that the host be relinquished even if this means your own death for lack of a body. Even so, other charges have been made and we will address them before deciding on a sentence."

He continues, "The second charge is that you usurped the body of a young woman and erased her memories, and forced her to preform sexual acts against her will. You did this for a year before releasing her temporarily, but with no intention of freeing her. In fact you intended to keep her in a form of bondage unlike any contemplated before for the rest of her life, in effect you made her a slave. How do you plead on this charge?"

I will finish this post when I get home.

Caroline listened to the statement and then the new charge. Her face took on a sneer, "You charge me with these things? I do no recognize your authority and demand you bring this to the authorities, I demand due process as a citizen of the United States of America!"

Lawrence frowned at the outburst. "I am sorry Ms. Caroline, but authority or not, we are the best you will get. I have already stated my objections to the necessity of passing judgment in such a rushed way and outside the statutes of a recognized nation, however, given that an innocent life is at stake, I am willing to accept the responsibility of my actions in sitting on this tribunal even if it might later mean that I stand before a court of law and answer for whatever is decided here today." He pauses significantly, "That will not change the fact that we ARE here to judge you. I suggest you cooperate to the best of your ability, we did not step into this room predisposed to decide for or against you, but you have not yet helped your own case."

Caroline smirked, "You sit there in such pompousness looking down your nose at me. I do not believe your words, or your abilities, or even that people will believe the charges against me. I hope that someday this will all come out and you will be tried in a Real court for what you do to me. I told the truth, I've hurt no one and killed no one that did not deserve it." Her face contorts in a horrible sneer, "These people are involved in a conspiracy to rule the world, they have subverted governments and the media. I was doing what I was to expose them and to take the power away from them if I could, they do not deserve to rule, they are so weak they can not even make the decision to kill me when they intend to do so, instead the produce this farce of a trial to keep their own hands clean. Well, I will not take part and dance like a trained monkey to your tune. Go to hell, you and the puppet masters controlling you!!!" With the last statement she turns her back, and the maid convulses and screams in pain.

Max looks pained, "I believe we must make our decision with haste. All the charges brought against her are proven true to my satisfaction, how do you find?

Henrietta nodded grimly, "Yes, she is guilty."

Lawrence looks pained, "I concur. Let us decide quickly on the sentence, I fear the host will not last beyond the hour."

With that the recording goes blank, and only a few minutes pass before the three emerge and Max speaks, "I believe that the entity known as Caroline must be removed from her host immediately lest she die. We understand that this means that Caroline will perish." Looking at those assembled, "Please make it so, and when it is over we would like to speak to the maid and enter her testimony into evidence."

Everyone not planetside is present to hear the verdict, including Ulric who was called back when the recording ended.

[Omar]

Omar grins as he prepares himself to buldoze through the wall. He pushes a little quantum into his body just as his body impacts the wall. He hears an explosion as the wall in front of him vanishes into a million harmelss shards. His body continues until he is standing in a similar room.

(OOC: 4 Quantum to Irresistable Force: 5 Mega-Strength damage to wall.)

[SkyLion]

Cody's special lenses switch to infrared, making it easier to scan through the dust and debris left in Omar's wake. He has both pistols drawn, the targeting lasers cutting red beams into the dusty air.

[Joani]

After an extended bath Joani prepared herself to get ready to hear the verdict. Lorean was so nice and kept her up to date regarding the process. Again her eyes fell on the stash of papers which were the collected recordings of her former life. And again she didn't read it. Putting on an elegant dress Joani prepared herself mentally to meet her tormentor. She still felt insecure but fortunately the bath gave her enough time to get emotionally stable.

Entering the courtroom Joani made sure to sit next to the President. She felt more comfortable being near someone familiar and caring as he had been to her. Her muscles tensed in anxiety as the judges stood up to speak their verdict.

[Mr Fox]

In the hallway of the hotel room Omar flexes and slams into the wall which explodes inward in a shower of plaster dust. Inside the room Harold who was sitting in one of the chairs leaps to his feet in obvious surprise, but only for an instance. Just behind Omar Cody steps into the room tranq gun raised, he aims and deftly fires putting a dart in the mans neck. Just as the dart hits, however, Harold has a look of concentration on his face which quickly fades as his eyes roll up in his head and he collapses to the ground. At the instant that Cody notices the look on Harold's face his spidey sense kicks off and he knows in his bones that something just went wrong. He has the feeling that Michael is in danger, he turns to say something to him and warn of imminent danger.

One or two doorways in the hall open as residents look out to see what has happened. Just about the time Omar is reaching down to pickup the unconscious form of the telepath and Michael is about to ask what Cody means, shots are heard in the hallway and Michael lets out a cry and collapses blood fountaining in the air. The shots are from the unmistakable sound of tommy guns. After the brief burst in the sudden silence you hear several pairs of feet pounding down the hallway toward the room.

(Omar goes at 17, Cody goes at 13, Michael bleeds in annoyance.)

[Ulric Reikspar]

Leaning in to Joani, Ulric whispers,

"I suggest keeping a diary of this day so that the passage of time does not diminish with the passage of time. This is the first day of what will be the start of a spectacular life and ground-breaking in many ways."

When the verdict is read, Ulric nods once. This was acknowledged to be an imperfect solution, but the ground had been set for nova specific laws - some pretty harsh, Darwinistic laws for the future.

"Civilization - our civilzation - will defend itself," Ulric said resolutely. It was that simple.

But, was there any other way? Really?

[Omar]

To Cody: *Can you get Michael somewhere Lorien can TP him without others seeing? I will hold off these men.

To Lorien and the others with urgency in his sending: * Michael has been shot! He needs healing. TP him up if you can? If not, have Morgan bring someone who can, here.

Omar runs out the giant hole in the wall and into the hallway. He left Harold in the room. They needed him alive.

The big man turned to face the direction of gunfire. As soon as he sees someone who is armed, he charges and tackles him.

(OOC: Tackle. Not sure if is same scene..if it is, IF is still on.)

[Mr Fox]

As Omar steps into the hall and over Michael's fallen form, the men charging down the hall become visible. There are 5 of them and they all have tommy guns with drum clips. The other doors in the hallway slammed shut at the first sign of gunfire; anyone who might have witnessed anything unusual are now cowering in their rooms hoping not to be killed.

Omar makes a flying tackle and takes out three of the five men sending them sprawling to the floor under his massive frame. The other two men charge on and jump over the pile of bodies racing for the room ignoring their downed companions. One of them does fire a quick burst into Omars back which does very little other than anger the big man.

Iniside the room a warp opens just inside the room and to one side of the hole Omar created earlier, but it will take precious seconds before Morgan will be able to come through.

[SkyLion]

As the bullets start flying, there is shimmer of electric purple light and a slight ripple distortion in the air that coalesces into a powered battle suit around Cody.

Quickly grabbing Michael, the distortion envelops him into the ripple shield deflecting any further bullets back at their attackers.

Not wanting to risk any mistakes, Cody opts for a different tactic. The electroshock pistol fades from view with that same shimmering distortion. In its place appears a massive canon that wraps around his forearm and is supported by a gyroscopic stabilizing arm that attaches to a shoulder cowling that wraps around his back, also materializing around the armor.

Cody fires a flash bang grenade (a combo of concussion and flash) directly into the room aiming for the two men rushing in. Ideally it will take them out non lethally and cause minimum harm to Harold. At least nothing that Morgan can't patch up in just a few seconds.

{{Meet Cody's super-BFG}}

[Mr Fox]

The two men charging down the hallway do not seem to register the oddness occurring in front of them, in fact their faces seem very expressionless for men who have just gunned down one man and anticipate killing another. Regardless of what may be going on in their minds they continue forward and let loose with another burst at the odd armored form before them. Most of the bullets ricochet off the armor or bury themselves in the ceiling above Cody as the kickback makes their guns rise out of control. After the hail of bullets ends the gernade flashes down the hall and explodes at their feet rendering the two men unconscious and bleeding from the ears. For that matter Omar's ears are also ringing though he doesn't seem to be otherwise phased by the incident. The men beneath him cease their struggles as well.

As if summoned by the sudden silence Morgan runs through the portal and dives behind Cody reaching for Michael a golden glow already enveloping him as his healing energies flow into the blood soaked man. After a few seconds Michael coughs out a mouthful of blood and sits up blinking. With a thick voice says, "Thank you Morgan, you are truly a life saver."

In short order everyone is rushed back through the warp and onto Lorean's bridge. Michael thanks Cody and Omar and excuses himself to get cleaned up before the trial ends so that he can hear the pronouncement. Harold and the other prisoners are taken to separate holding cells until they can be questioned later. Cody's cruiser returns home on autopilot and everyone readies themselves for the verdict which will be pronounced momentarily.

Just after everyone arrives back on the bridge, including Michael in a fresh set of clothes, the doors open and the Tribunal steps forth and gives their pronouncement.

[Courier]

(OOC: As I understand it, Steve's awareness of what is going on begins with the following and not with the maid screaming)

Originally Posted By: Mr Fox

With that the recording goes blank, and only a few minutes pass before the three emerge and Max speaks, "I believe that the entity known as Caroline must be removed from her host immediately lest she die. We understand that this means that Caroline will perish." Looking at those assembled, "Please make it so, and when it is over we would like to speak to the maid and enter her testimony into evidence."

Steve says,

"That's our cue. Lorean, please try to gas her unconscious. She may try to take the maid with her. Everyone else other than Cody and Micheal, stay put. This is where she tries to force a mistake on our part."

[SkyLion]

Originally Posted By: Courier

(OOC: As I understand it, Steve's awareness of what is going on begins with the following and not with the maid screaming)

Originally Posted By: Mr Fox

With that the recording goes blank, and only a few minutes pass before the three emerge and Max speaks, "I believe that the entity known as Caroline must be removed from her host immediately lest she die. We understand that this means that Caroline will perish." Looking at those assembled, "Please make it so, and when it is over we would like to speak to the maid and enter her testimony into evidence."

Steve says,

"That's our cue. Lorean, please try to gas her unconscious. She may try to take the maid with her. Everyone else other than Cody and Micheal, stay put. This is where she tries to force a mistake on our part."

Cody appears for the verdict, encased in his armor like a sort of futuristic executioner, masked, silent and vigilant.

He opens the link to Michael.

*Thanks for not dying back there. Aside from Lorean, and this...creature, I haven't had the pleasure of knowing any telepaths. It changes one, in consciouness and outlook, exposing all of humankinds greatest dreams and deepest failures. On the quantum level, all we are is energy given form, patterns created through thought and will.

*Since our powers are expressions of our conciousness, then to free our minds is to open the doorway to unlimited potential Humanity is evolving. We are taking the next step, and I believe it was in search of this that our world's Divis Mal became so alien. At what point in using our powers do we lose our humanity?*

Cody is pensive, and is in a very sober mood even for him. It is obvious he is considering the creature Caroline, and reflecting on how close he has come to the edge of derangment in delving the human psyche.

*...I have been considering the method of her execution. I had originally thought that our telepathic gestalt would be enough, now I question the harm that this will cause the hostage. We must override her will. It will be a fitting penance for her. We can override her will and force her to leave the host, without harming it. In order to truly succeed at this, I will need your help. Are you prepared for such a thing?*

Quote:

Michael smiles wanly, "Thank you all for your well wishes, it was a bit close there." He looks to Cody and nods saying aloud, "Yes, I think that is a fitting way for her to end and I am well enough to assist you." He looks as grim as Cody and follows as he is led down to the brig where Caroline the sphinx and serial killer is lying unconscious having been gassed with a light dose of sedative. Lorean makes a doorway and the two men enter.

Walking up to the maid, Cody kneels down and holds her head in his armored hands. Turning her head to face his he grasps her face so that her eyelids are pried open. HIs grip strength is phenonenal.

*Lorean you may wake her now. She will not face her sentance unawares.*

The Red glowing Eyes of the armor slide back, and then the protective silver lenses. To the Maid the experience is terrifying, a psionic scream overriding all her senses and washing away the world into a tyrannicsl and inescapable cacophany. Nothing stands still, as if caught in an earthquake and a hurricane simultaneously, yet there is no respite, no way to hide from the onrush of information as it feeds directly into her synapses. It is for this reason that, on his home world where Novas took identities to distinguish and market themselves, he had taken the moniker of Overload... No doubt the experience is very painful, as painful as it was to Cody from the moment of his eruption until the mysterious changes Hammersmith's accident wrought.

Caroline, her own senses hijacking the neurons of the poor Maid screams out in pain. To those watching on camera it is the Maid screaming in utter agony although Michael, inside the walls of the shield can feel the scream echo into the etheric space where thoughts are omnipresent.

Quote:

After what seems like a long time to those watching on the recording, but is really only a couple minutes Cody replaces his glasses and taps Michael on the shoulder. Michael sensing that something is different with the prisoner nods and waits for Cody to lead. Again the men assault the sphinx's will. This time they succeed and breach her defenses and their will becomes her command.

Finally, the creature lays passive, too broken to control her host anymore and a thin trail of drool dribbles down from the maid onto Lorean's deck.

With one hand grasping the Maid's head as if palming a basketball and the other grasping Donnighal's hand the two telepaths begin their gestalt. Suddenly with no warning the maid sucks in a great gasp of air and opens her now glazed eyes at the two men.

Over the Speaker systems Cody proclaims the final sentance although to Caroline it is a Voice, all encompassing and all concuming to which she cannot disobey.

*Caroline, for the counts brought against you, you are sentanced to immediate and forced expulsion from your host and denied the life support of her nor any other other being.*

*Reveal Yourself. NOW.*

[Omar]

Omar was silent and stood motionless as the he heard Caroline's verdict. The mask protecting his identity was still on. He also felt a twinge of sadness and guilt. Were it possible to keep her alive for study, rather than execution, Omar would have asked for it. Unfortuatley, due to who..what she had become, it was an impossibility. In many ways, it reminded him of the trial of Saddam Hussein. For Omar, it was what the dictator represented that was dangerous. As long as that man remained alive and in prison, there was always that chance he could return to power.

He was glad the Michael was alive. It worried Omar, watching the future...the man who would have become Divis Mal bleeding- out in a hotel hallway. At least they had the one responsible. Hopefully this one could be reasoned with. Psiads did not suffer from taint.

Omar turns to Micheal. "I'm glad to see that you are in good health once again.."

Omar leaned closer to Micheal and Cody and speaks a bit to them both. "I don't wish to watch someone's execution. But as I am one of those responsible for her trial, I feel it is my duty to witness it." Omar had a pained look on his face. Omar truly felt sorry for Carloine.