Aberrant: 200X - The Space Between Beats [Mature] [Complete]

[Edward Mansfield]

The doors to the Blackburn opened, and Edward stepped into the lobby of the lavish hotel. He took in a deep breath, and let it out, glancing around slowly. He had been in Europe for some time now, and it had been awhile since he had been back to New York. The sights and the smells were a delicious experience as always.. indeed, America itself was always quite a change from the pace of European life. It gave one a bit of a kick to their step, in his opinion - the whole country had an energy, a vitality, that his home continent seemed to lack. Not that either was superior, of course.. Edward had far too much experience in temporal matters to assume that faster was always better.

He was dressed elegantly, in a black tailored Italian suit that contrasted well with a pearl-gray silk tie and silver hair that was touched only lightly with pale streaks of brownish-blond and leftover youth. Deep brown eyes were shadowed by a pair of sunglasses, but he reached up and slowly pulled them off so he could take in the grandeur of his surroundings. Careful fingers pulled a leather case out of the inside pocket of his jacket, and he popped it open long enough to place the sunglasses inside it before clicking it shut with a snap. He tucked the case smoothly back into his jacket, and glanced over his shoulder. Time was endless, but he didn't care to waste it, and the man who had driven his limousine was getting close to taking a bit too much of it to bring in his luggage.

But only one and a half wasted minutes later the man appeared with Edward's luggage on a hotel cart, and began apologizing, first in Spanish - a language Edward knew, and responded to him in before he had a chance to switch to English.

<"To the counter, and make it quick, if you please sir.">

Man and driver walked to the front desk, and the driver pulled the cart alongside him. Edward reached into the other side of his suit jacket, and pulled out a simple but expensive-looking leather wallet. It was the kind that you opened like a book, not folded in half like a one dollar bill, although the note hpulled out and handed to the driver to pay for his services seemed much larger. After a confused look and a moment's quiet conversation, the driver smiled warmly and headed towards the door he had come in, whistling pleasantly on his way out. Edward turned back toward the counter, and smiled warmly at the woman behind it, his brown eyes twinkling under sharply-defined silver brows.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance today, Miss. I do believe I'm expected.. the name is Mansfield. Edward, that is."

The woman nodded, and turned to her computer. The Blackburn didn't serve as an actual hotel, but for appearances sake operated as one during the day. Baselines attempting to make a reservation to stay at the Nova-focused location always found it frustratingly difficult to nail down a time they wanted to come that wasn't booked. The best they could usually do is make it to the club, or the lobby, hoping to catch a glimpse at some famous Terat. The glanced at the computer, which served more as a hub of information on who was coming and going (and actually invited) at the exclusive place, and typed in a few swift keystrokes. She shifted her attention back to the distinguished-looking man.. though it hadn't ever completely left him in the first place. Working here had exposed her to a wide variety of the Teragen's most handsome novas, and he certainly wasn't one of those who's looks would cause a traffic jam. He was certainly attractive by any human standard, though he had to be close to twice her age, and it showed in the lines of his face and the gray in his hair. But something about the way he smiled at her, and the deep timbre to his voice as he murmured his request to her in a slow British drawl made her heart skip a beat or two anyway.

"Of course, sir - I see that one of the upstairs apartments have been prepared for you. Please, follow me, and I'll be happy to lead you up to your room."

She smiled pleasantly at him, then stepped outside of herself, leaving the original young attendant standing behind the computer while an identical young attendant stepped around to take hold of the cart, and guide him towards the elevator. The counter-version held out his key to him.

"We hope you enjoy your stay here at the Blackburn, sir - and if there's anything you need, please let us know, and we'll be happy to assist you."

Edward nodded at her, nonplussed by the girl's sudden cloning act. He lowered an arm to his waist, tilting his head slightly in a polite nod that served as a substitute bow in today's informal society.

"My thanks, Miss. I am sure, as always, that I will."

He addressed the counter-original first, before turning to the cart-clone and continuing.

"If you could deposit my things in my room, I believe I will be indulging in a drink before I settle in."

The clone smiled at him politely as well, a mirror image of the woman still behind the counter. Then she began to push the cart off towards the elevator down the hall. Edward turned back to the young lady behind the counter one last time, and slipped her a tip as well, with a wink.

"A handy trick. I tipped a clone once though, and found him in an argument with his originator later over what happened to the money, so I don't like to take chances. They can be a fickle lot sometimes, it would seem."

The counter-version of the woman nodded with a little laugh, and motioned towards the side of the lobby, and a beautiful art-deco archway.

"The bar is just over there sir. Do have a wonderful day."

Edward turned back to the lobby and the mingling of the crowds, with a thoughtful look on his face..

(Edited to try and portray the Blackburn as more accurate to the Teragen book. Thanks for your patience.)

[Edward Mansfield]

He sat quietly at a table, holding his scotch and swirling it slowly with the ice in his glass to chill it. His gaze lazily drifted around the room, searching for something. After a moment, he sat the glass down and pulled out a phone, his finger flipping lightly across the screen to pull up an image of his objectives. He lingered on each picture for a few long moments, taking in each of their appearances. He studied the dark fey looks of the handsome young Terat on the screen in front of him. Edward had heard a good deal of interesting rumors about him, and he'd come to find out how many of them were true. Another flick of the thumb switched the image on the screen to one of a beautiful young woman of at least partial Asian heritage. She was rumored to be one of the young Terat's followers, and had been seen constantly in his presence of late. Then he flicked through a couple more photos.. images acquired through Edward's attentive connections of the two strikingly beautiful young Novas in the presence of another young Asian man in San Francisco, boarding a boat. Then in the presence of a willowy black-haired young woman with pale skin and haunted eyes. And then with a young white man, with short brown hair and full lips. He had two pictures of the brown-haired young man, though.. one here in New York, with the stunning nova duo, and one in Los Angeles, with a middle-aged man at a coffee shop. That last one had been particularly hard to find, but his acquaintance had managed. He flipped between the pictures quickly, his eyes absorbing the details. And then he turned off the phone and tucked it away.

His eyes closed for a moment, and he could feel the seconds begin to tick faster and faster in his mind. Time around him seemed to slow to a crawl, though the knowledge that it was only him who was perceiving reality so much quicker kept him oriented in reality. He looked around as people moved, his mind registering their brisk movements in deathly slow detail. The dangerously beautiful young man was not present - Edward would have noticed him the moment he walked in, he had no doubt. And even his stunning female Asian companion was nowhere to be seen. But he carefully studied each person as they crept along. He studied the colors of their eyes, and the way they held themselves. He studied the cut of their clothes, and the movement of their mouths. And finally, his eyes rested on a clue. There, through the large arch that led into the bar, sat a woman. She was beautiful and young, with red hair and pale skin. She sat, curled in a large, comfortable looking chair in the lobby and read from an electronic OpBook. With time passing by him in a slow crawl, he could see that though she pretended to skim the book, her eyes really flickered up every few moments to the crowds of people. She seemed to hang on their every movement, watching them with an discreet attentiveness that rivaled his own. Hanging from her wrist was a simple Celtic charm.. the same charm that hung from the wrist of the young Asian man in San Francisco. And from the wrist of the pale Gothic girl in New York. And from the wrist of the average looking boy who'd had coffee in a diner with a middle-aged cop.

Edward smiled slowly, and allowed time as it affected him to slow down. Voices shifted gradually from monotonous slurs to crisp conversations, and he could hear the slow crinkle of paper transform itself into the sounds of someone shuffling quickly through a stack of notes. He stood, and picking up his drink, he walked slowly to the young woman. He sat down next to her, crossing one leg over his knee, and motioned to the slight bustle of the lunch crowd.

"I enjoy watching them as they go by.. trying to figure out what the hurry is. Where they're in such a rush to be, or what moment they think is more important than the one they're in now. Have you.. ever done that?"

He smiled charmingly at her, and his amber-brown eyes twinkled with hidden knowledge.

[z017]

Shae looked up at the man, startled to have been approached. She was wearing the face they knew here and that generally meant she was left to her own devices when she came to read and watch in the lounge. She studied the intruder, noting the handsome features and the accent that sent pleasant chills down her arms. She smiled back at him, feeling bolder after her time with her lovers.

"Not quite like that, but I do like to watch. We are an interesting race." Her voice was light and sweet, with just enough of an Irish lilt to be endearing. She let her OpBook settle on her lap, the screen set to a page of Machiavelli's best known book. "I have not seen you here before. Are you new to the Blackburn?"

Though her thoughts ached with the desire to know this man in that peculiar way she could, Tomas had cautioned her about doing so with other novas, and specifically with other Terats. Move slowly to move surely, my love. Baselines are toothless beasts to us, but the One Race is made of claws and fangs. Even some of us will not understand you; they will fear what you could be to them and they will act foolishly on that fear. He'd warned her thusly after she had shown him her powers of mimicry, both physical and quantum. He'd been intrigued, and more, as he'd stared at his doppelganger. So she held herself back, practicing restraint and giving herself long enough to learn this new nova before she took a taste of being him.

[Edward Mansfield]

His gaze flickered around to the lobby, pausing for a moment or two on several of the figures before returning to her, his expression thoughtful and his hands forming a faint steeple, fingertips touching lightly.

"We are at that, aren't we? To answer your question, no.. I am quite the opposite, I must confess." He smiled faintly, and motioned around. "I stay here every time I make it back to New York, though I admit it has been a bit over a year since my last visit. But I could say the same of you.. I thought I knew most of New York's most enchanting Teragen.. at least in passing. Might I have the pleasure of your name, my dear?"

He tilted his head at her, waiting expectantly, a hint of a smile still touching the corners of his lips.

[z017]

"I am Shae, and I am not yet a member of the Teragen. I'm still learning." She held up the OpBook as if it were proof of her words.

Her skin flushed faintly at the praise, just the perfect balance between pleasure and embarrassment for someone her sex, her age, and her complexion. Her eyes traced over the lines of his body, coy without being invasive. She said with them you are interesting, you are worthy of my attention and I am worthy of yours. "And you?"

[Edward Mansfield]

"How very rude of me.. you have my deepest apologies my dear. I am Edward Mansfield, of London."

He stood, stepping a bit closer to her. He held out his hand for hers.. not in the American manner, but as if she were perhaps a lady of high society. When she placed her hand tentatively in his, he lifted her fingers gently and brushed his lips over her knuckles. He pulled back, but let her fingers linger in his hand for a long moment - it was one to savor, after all.

"You seem like an intriguing young lady, Miss Shae. Perhaps if you're learning, there is something this weathered old Terat could teach you over a drink?"

He motioned towards the bar politely, his warm gaze lingering on her face, capturing every expression.

[z017]

She hadn't actually tried any of the drinks from the lounge yet; she'd been too absorbed in her new teachers and all the information she had to learn about the world. She smiled warmly at the offer, genuinely pleased and flattered.

"I think I might enjoy that a great deal. To start, do you have a suggestion for a drink?" She reached out gently with her quantum-born gifts, creating a space inside herself that could in time become a mirror of Edward Mansfield. The day was looking more interesting with each moment.

[Edward Mansfield]

"Why, most certainly, my dear. Although I suppose which drink would depend in part on you."

He held out a hand to help her up, and as she stood he shifted the hand politely to his arm and began to escort her to the bar.

"For instance.. I must first inquire to whether or not you have experienced much in the way of alcohol in your young life?" She shook her head slightly, and he nodded. "I thought as much.. though you do have the sound of the Emerald Isle to you, so goodness only knows I might have been wrong there."

He arched a brow at that mischievously as he led her to the bar, and pulled out the bar chair for her before sitting down himself. He held up the glass he had been carrying up for a moment as he spoke, then sat it off to the side.

"I think perhaps we should find something a bit more mellow for you than this then, to start. Bartender, I think the lady would like a nice light wine, something a bit sweet.. perhaps a taste of a Moscato d'Asti chilled, if you have it?"

The man behind the bar nodded politely, and pulled a bottle from the small refrigerator behind the bar. He poured a small amount into a glass and handed it to Edward, who swirled it around lightly before sipping it. He nodded to the bartender in return, who then poured Shae a glass of the sparkling white wine and after a gesture from Edward, filled the glass that held the sample. He quietly took the half-empty Scotch away and moved to the other end of the bar to give them some privacy, although not without a lingering glance at the beautiful redhead, and a brief look of envy at the older man.

"Now, don't get me wrong - the Moscato d'Asti is not the most expensive wine.. or by far the finest. But I find that it suits many a beginner's palette.. and I've always found it foolish to force a fine vintage upon an unaccustomed novice."

He smiled gently at her, and took a small sip of the delicate wine, enjoying the slight bubbly texture and the faint taste of fruit. As he drank he watched her, as if caught up in the anticipation of her response.

[z017]

She sipped carefully at the drink, the small part of him inside her mind gently telling her how to taste and savor the liquid gift. Beside him, the part of Tomas she always carried with her watched them both in amusement. He was pleased at her whole-hearted experience of the drink, of her reveling in the sweet fruity after taste and her dislike of the sharp tang of the alcoholic bubbles alike.

She sipped at the glass again, aware of his eyes on her and wondering if was more than a pretty face or the chance of an afternoon tumble that had captured his interest. "I like it," she declared quietly. "Thank you."

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward watched her for a long moment, a studious look on his face. He seemed to enjoy doing so, but not in a manner that she had grown accustomed to. It was not the look of the men who gazed at her as she moved down the streets with Tomas and Saori. It was certainly not the look of them men or women who had leered at her in alleyways or backstreets, until she had learned to look unassuming. It was unlike anything she had ever felt herself, although someone paying the more attention than anyone probably would to two strangers might have noticed that he studied her the way a scholar of art would observe Michelangelo's David, or a painting by Carravagio.

"I do hope so, though if you do not, it is quite alright to tell me so. I would hope to find myself too experienced to mourn such a trivial manner, and that way I could choose wiser for you next time."

He smiled warmly at her, and tilted his head in a curious manner, looking as if she had done something that pleased him.

"Do you know what I find fascinating about you, my dear? I think perhaps that you take nothing for granted. I can sense that about you.. as if you could learn to admire the simplest of nature's creations or the most complex of man's discoveries with the same sense of wonder, if only they are brought to your attention. I wonder.. do you think I shall find your companions as interesting?"

He quietly counted the milliseconds as he waited for her response.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

"I don't know. Will you?" Came a smooth light voice from behind them that sent a thrill of excitement down both spines, tinged with slight trepidation in the Englishman despite his expectation, nay, desire for such an encounter. Turning with deliberate unhurriedness, he saw the other two members of the Trio gazing at him from a few metres away.

Such a shame... the photographs don't do them justice, especially him.

The girl was lovely, an ivory goddess of the Orient who held an aloof mixture of suspicion and interest in her gaze as she studied Edward's features, noting his clothing and composure even as he studied hers. Her dark gaze held his for a moment, the force of her personality and the strength he saw there making him wonder if he had misread the dynamic in this trio. Surely this girl was nobody's follower. Even for one such as stood beside her.

And there he was, the mysterious Tomas, studying him with an intent interest that for some reason put Edward in mind of a snake regarding a bird. The elder Terat reminded himself that he was no helpless creature as he met that breathtaking crystalline stare with a warm, courteous smile.

Ye gods, but he is a work of art. The Englishman thought to himself. Tomas was no taller than Saori or Shae, a slim figure whose beauty was as much feminine as masculine. The translucent loveliness of his pale skin and the midnight fall of his dark hair added to the unearthly sensuality that Edward had heard so much about from other Terats. And those eyes... They were the irridiscent shimmering green of a jade dragonfly's wings and contained an ageless, timeless Knowing that sparked all manner of sensation and emotions in those that looked into them, and could steal the soul of those who did so for too long. In the back of his formidable mind, Edward distantly wondered exactly how long too long was. About three seconds, perhaps?

"You were looking for us. For me." It wasn't a question that fell from that perfect mouth as Tomas stepped up next to Shae and placed a protective arm around her waist. The girl, Saori did likewise on the redhead's other side, and they both gazed impassively at Edward as Tomas's lips twitched upwards slightly. The other two relaxed a little as Tomas smiled, Shae looking at him as though he had spoken to her before turning her gaze back to the stranger. Saori's expression was less aloof now, interest warming her beauty as she seemed to reconsider Edward without her previous suspicion.

"Well? Are we what you expected?" Tomas asked with a coy tilt of the head as his smile turned playful.

Click to reveal..

What Tomas read and passed on to the other two silently:

Edward specifically came looking for Tomas, but is definitely interested in the other two.

His reasons are definitely not malicious.

He did some homework on them before he came.

He was able to identify Shae by xir's bracelet.

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward studied the three intently, his gaze lingering over each of them in much the same manner they had Shae only moments ago. He was particularly pleased by his impression of Saori - that sort of inner-strength was something to be admired, and Tomas himself would prove much more interesting if he could elicit the devotions of one as strong willed as she appeared to be.

He took another sip of the wine he had still been holding before setting it down and addressing Tomas in return. He seemed a man in no particular hurry, and for a moment he was tempted to stop time itself for them, so that he could gaze on them as long as he desired. But he refrained, for now.. luxuries such as those came at more appropriate times, when important questions were not waiting to be answered.

"You seem to misunderstand me, my good sir.. I did not know what to expect, and even now have had precious little time to form a truly insightful perception. I do hope to remedy the situation, though. My name is Edward.. Edward Mansfield. It is a pleasure to meet you, Tomas.. and you as well, my dear Miss Xiao."

He inclined his head again in that polite nod, and extended his hand to Saori much as he had done with Shae. He gently touched her skin only lightly against his lips, keeping the touch polite but with a hint of charm to it.

The name Edward Mansfield was a familiar one to Tomas.. he wasn't the most well-known Terat out there, but he was one of those Terats that seemed to know a few of the most well-known, and a good deal of the lesser-known ones as well. He was whispered to be fairly well off, and incredibly charismatic. He had never heard other Teragen members speak of Mansfield's good looks - the women always seemed to be too taken with his charming personality, and the men that had met him always seemed to think him a fantastic fellow. Tomas could see it now, in the way he smiled at Saori and the smooth tone of his voice as he spoke to them all.

[z017]

Panic had gripped Shae when this stranger had asked so casually about her family, intimating a knowledge of her life that dragged her back to the Arizona desert and the grimy LA streets. Tomas voice and his and Saori's nearness were the only thing that kept her from acting on that panic, either to flee or to make a mess of the Blackburn lounge. Violence was frowned on in the hotel, but neither entirely unheard of nor always a grounds for expulsion. This was after all a home for Terats of the One Race, some friction even amongst themselves was expected and tolerated.

She leaned into her lovers' embraces, still a fragile and frightened child in comparison to their strength of will. Tomas' revelations about the stranger calmed her somewhat but her heart was still beating fast; this man was no baseline toy that they could walk away from once they had had their fill of him. He had come looking for them. He wanted something from them.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori was curious about this kindly-looking older man. His kiss made her tilt her head a bit as she wondered if the old-fashioned gesture was natural to him or affected for their benefit? "If he is Tomas, then I am Saori," she said softly, intending to make her equality with Tomas known immediately. Many Terats had thought to her be a mooning hanger-on, a perception she always attacked viciously. Tomas was her partner, mentor and lover, a three-way balance that worked for them. He guided her when she needed it, but in no way did he control her.

"Tomas may know of you," Saori said softly, "but I am new to the movement, and I have not heard of you. Nor have I heard what you seek from us." There was no concern or fear in her voice; a mild interest that might have been mixed with a touch of warning. Edward's plans didn't have to be malicious to be painful, a lesson Saori knew well.

[Edward Mansfield]

"Well, my dear, that would be because I have yet to tell you, now wouldn't it? A matter which I would be most happy to rectify, if perhaps we could find a place somewhat more appropriate?"

He gestured casually at the bar, where several people had now begun to pay attention to their conversation, if only because the beautiful young woman accompanied by the finely-dressed older gentleman had now been joined by two more blindingly attractive companions. And the more beautiful (or rich looking) people in a crowd, the more attention they drew.. and that was true of human and nova alike, Edward knew.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

"I confess to being interested." Tomas idly reached for Shae's wineglass and took the merest sip, wetting his lips and barely tasting the contents. Whether or not he approved was undetermined as that eerily beautiful gaze stayed level with Edward's eyes. "I have never been sought out by a Terat not resident to the Blackburn, and then only for simple tasks and minor favors."

He smiled and shrugged his slim shoulders in an elegantly sensual gesture, his fingers behind Shae's back lightly caressing Saori's waist in silent approval of her declaration of strength. Tomas was no Delorimier to require sycophancy from others of the One Race, after all. The more Saori asserted her independence of thought and will, the more captivating and exciting he found her. Shae was another matter - the changeling was still 'young' and discovering her own personality. Tomas and Saori both saw it as their responsibility to nurture that growth and protect their precious lover's sense of identity.

"By all means, let us retire upstairs. There is the 'members' lounge there where we can speak privately enough." Tomas smiled and led the way out of the bar, through the lobby and to the elevator, passing his electronic key over the sensor and ushering his companions inside before pressing the button for the next floor up: the 'real' Blackburn as some thought of it.

This early, there was little difficulty finding a secluded booth in the dimly lit lounge area. This level of the Blackburn was for Terats and their trusted guests, and no humans save the cleaning staff had ever seen it, and they only when it was unoccupied. A short pause while drinks were ordered and the four novas settled into the booth, Shae sitting securely between Saori and Tomas as all three gazed expectantly at Edward.

"So why does Edward Mansfield seek us out?" Tomas asked in a polite tone that nevertheless betrayed the directness of youth. "What do you wish of us, sir?"

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward chuckled slightly at Tomas' straightforwardness. He sat back casually in the booth, and began to speak to them all. Now that he had seen the interaction between the trio, he could see that this was no pair of groupies to Tomas' star appeal. They seemed instead more of a team.. a family, protective of each other. Only Shae failed to exert the confidence he had seen from the other two, but that in time could change, and she - or he, he didn't know for sure - had shown itself fascinating enough to be worth the effort, even if that assurance never flourished.

"Well, I think that perhaps there is much more to it - and yet, less - than just wanting something of you.. of any of you. What I wish is the opportunity to get to know you, and for you to do the same. I wish us to become acquainted. I would like to give you the opportunity to for me to teach you.. and for you to teach me. And after that - after we have used each other for a bit, in that manner that all sentient creatures do.. after we have gleaned something from each other that we did not know before.. then perhaps there is more we could do for each other. Or.. perhaps that will be it, and it will be enough. Either way, I think we would all come out the better for it.. for I possess something that, no matter how rich or experienced your lives have been, you can never have more of than me, until I die and you live on. And that is experience. And you.. all three of you.. possess something that I can, at best, only hope to absorb a little of, though any bit is better than none at all. And that is perspective.. for the only perspective I can truly posses is my own, and the best I can do is enhance that perspective through my interactions with others."

Edward spoke, and as he spoke the others found themselves compelled to listen. He was ever distinguished, and verbose, but as he spoke, his voice became richer, and heavier with intent. So many others, when trying to convince someone of something, seemed to adopt the mannerisms of a debater at best, and a used car salesman at worst. Edward, on the other hand, didn't argue or cajole. He merely spoke, and as he spoke, he believed, and he believed because he knew, with the knowledge of one who has done. And that was, in the end, it.. they could feel the truth of his words - the knowledge that this man offered himself to them, knowing that they could learn from him, and he from them - because he had done it before, and would do it again, whether they chose to accept the opportunity, or let it pass them by like a whisper on the wind.

[z017]

Shae took in his words the same way she had sample the wine he'd bought for her, with her strange mix of innocent inexperience and keen curiosity. Her panic had subsided with the presence of her 'parents', their strength becoming hers as she sat contentedly between them. And in her simple complexity she asked a most pertinent question.

"Why us?"

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward nodded, and leaned forward slightly, gazing at her.

"A most insightful question, my dear. And in answering it, I believe that a sharing of wisdom that I hope you will choose to want to continue."

His attention turned to them all again, and he paused for only a moment as their waiter brought their drinks to them, placing them quickly on the table before leaving them to their privacy. As he spoke, Edward picked up the mint garnish on his mojito and crushed it gently between his fingertips before dropped it into the drink and stirring it with the long silver tea spoon he had requested.

"You see, I am a well connected man. And as any well-connected man, or woman for that matter, will tell you - it is not who you hear about. It is who you hear about more than once, and for what reasons. You see, your natural gifts have drawn some attention, Tomas.. and more recently, Saori's as well. I had heard your name spoken of once or twice, and paid it little mind. There is always some new nova who capture's people's attentions. Whether it is a beautiful young Terat, or Utopia's newest foolhardy poster child, people will always whisper. But the more I heard about you, Tomas, the more interested I became. People whispered of your unearthly beauty, and your ability to bend the minds of those around you. Whether this was true or not.. I did not know, nor do I now. But I do know that the stronger of a response someone can cause in others, merely by being.. the greater their possibility."

He picked up his drank, and took a small sip before continuing.

"So I did my research. At my request, you were observed - not during any of the most intimate moments of your life, surely, but in public, amongst humans and novas alike. I researched your pasts - all of you, though for the most part that gave me precious little information. I wanted to see if there was any truth in the whispers, to understand you better than I might from a rumor, or a tall tale. And when I was satisfied that you might indeed be worth the effort of knowing further.. well, then.. I came here."

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

"You see an opportunity." Tomas sounded amused, a faint smile on his lips as he nodded to Edward. "You have come seeking us because you believe you and we can offer each other substantial benefit. A man like you does not travel so far for little gain, after all."

He curled elegant fingers around his drink and raised it to his lips, taking a sip. His eyes regarded Edward over the rim of his glass as he did so, both curious and seductive.

"You wish our perspectives, and that is all?" He smiled again, lightly mocking Edward's words before offering his own insight in a more serious tone. "You have been waiting for ones like us, haven't you? You have made friends and extended contacts both within and without the movement, and sat like a spider in the center of that web, waiting for the strands to align. For the right people to surface on your radar." He toyed with his drink, his gaze assessing Edward with gentle knowingness.

"I think you are like us, Edward. All of us have that common ground here. We all need, and need to be needed, but not by just anyone. By a special few." Tomas's demeanour seemed more welcoming, less arms-length than before, his eyes part-serious, part-flirtatious as he smiled more genuinely. "We are discerning creatures, are we not?"

[Edward Mansfield]

He laughed at that, but it was not a malicious laugh, or even a mocking one. It was genuine, for he was amused at the contrast between the young man who sat before him and himself, a contrast defined more by their differences in age than anything, for as a young man, he had been much the same, full of his own importance. But he nodded slightly in response, gazing at him meaningfully.

"You are indeed, young Tomas. Most discerning indeed. Although I must caution you that I mean what I said. I do wish your perspectives, and what we can do for each other.. and indeed, how much we may come to need each other in moments, or days, or years to come will be determined then, an no earlier. I am no youth, to make snap judgements based on mere introductions. Nor can I look into your minds, as you mostly likely can into mind, and read your innermost thoughts and motivations. And as you have said, I have been weaving my web for a very long time, and am ever cautious about any strands that I choose to integrate."

He sat back, his confident expression somehow softening the caution in his words, making them merely a statement of fact, as opposed the warning they may have implied from any other, less able lips.

[z017]

She watched the older Terat, every word, gesture, and expression settling into the part of her that was now him. She contemplate him and that space in her mind, turning his words over from her perspective and his. She spoke as carefully as she had tasted the wine or watched him watching her, "What do you want from us, then? You said that we will use each other until we know one another well enough to do more or to part ways. What is the use you wish to put us to?"

Her words could be taken as flirtation or accusation, and in truth both were present: the former from the example and training her lovers had impressed upon her and the latter from all her memories before them. Most of all, though, there was simple curiosity. This man did not seem to fear them or worship them, but neither did he try to dominate or control them. Shae was unused to dealing with equals.

[Edward Mansfield]

"That has yet to be determined for certain, my dear, even by me. You see, every moment has it's purpose. There are moments for learning, and moments for planning, and moments for doing. It is not yet time to do, and indeed, not even time yet to plan. For first we must know, as that will guide all our actions."

He looked at her, studied her for a heartbeat.. and then another. And in that space between beats, he seemed to reach a decision. He leaned closer to them, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

"What I can tell you is this. This world is in a period of transition. We are the next step, the next progression. Those that are like us have indeed left our forebearers behind, but yet so many of us cling to them like infants, terrified that when they let go of our hands, we will not be able to stand on our own. Those few of us - Teragen, mostly - who know the truth, that indeed we can not only stand on our own two feet, and even move and dance in ways our parents could never have fathomed, have taken such joy it the knowledge that we have no desire to pursue it beyond the very moment of discovery."

His eyes narrowed at them slightly, as if studying them, and he sipped his drink quietly before he continued.

"You are like that now, I think.. as I once was. Young godlings, rich on power and desire and knowledge. You have discovered your capabilities, or at least some semblance of them, and now you revel in them. You are like the gods of Greece, so caught up in your frivilous dalliances and petty distractions that you have yet to move beyond those moments and see them as what they truly are - lessons. I do not think less of you for this, as we must all experience ourselves in order to get to know ourselves. But I have watched, and waited as time passed. I have looked for more like me - for someone enlightened enough to move beyond the beautiful discovery of our new reality, who is willing to see what lies beyond. But like the gods, and the dead civilizations of which I spoke, I see us drifting into the mist. I see the moments as they fall into place, and watch as the same thing happens again, and history repeats itself. The ancients were so caught up in their ideas and discoveries, so fresh and new, that they were never able to solidify them. And so much time was wasted, as humanity learned.. and learned again.. and again, the very same lessons it had already learned once. I do not wish to see that happen this time. Time is too precious for us to waste so much of it on the same old cycles. This time.. if given the opportunity.. we could use this moment as a springboard for greatness, instead of decending back into the darkness from which we came."

He waited quietly, his demeanor patient and reserved as they abosrbed his words. The only sign of his true emotions were the fire that blazed in his words as he spoke, and smoldered in his eyes as he watched them. Surely his observations were not wrong, surely these beautiful young creatures were capable of knowing and understanding the truth in his words, as far-reaching as they seemed. Surely there were a few nova who were willing to rise above the rest..

[z-Xiao Saori]

"I have already come far from the slavery that I'd put myself into," Saori said, her dark eyes glittering softly. "Those 'frivolous dalliances and petty distractions' have served me well to this point. Why should I assume there is more? What can you offer me, to convince me to change my path?

"When Tomas found me, he showed the ugly illusions and lies in most people, and that embracing my own ugliness would free me," she added. "I looked at who I was, and what I was becoming, and I change to be what I wanted to be. So why should I change yet again?"

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward shrugged slightly, gazing at her, observing her reluctance. Old ways were hard to part with, and indeed, he had met very few who had shown any willingness to do so thus far. Perhaps Saori would be another like he had encountered before.. but perhaps not. Time, as always, would tell.

"Only opportunity, dear Saori. The chance to find out if there is more to be had. No doubt your distractions have served you well. As I said, we must all experience such a time in our lives to help us discover who we are. If that is truly all you are, my dear, then by all means.. amuse yourself with it. Revel in it. But realize that without further change, you will never become more than what you are now. Do you think that will suit you, for the rest of your existence? You have certainly accomplished what Tomas set out to do, it would seem - you have freed yourself. Does it serve you to continue that path? You can use your knowledge now as a tool, or you can immerse yourself in that aspect of existence alone. Perhaps you desire to do so.. like an artist, maybe you wish only to understand it in depth, to look it at from many different angles and show it to people so that they may see their own ugliness reflected in you. If so, then I wish you luck. But I am not content to be a mirror to lesser beings, to show them their own faults and fallacies. I am not here to convince you of anything.. merely to expose you to the possibilities. It is yours to decide what to do with."

His eyes rested on her alone as he spoke, their amber gaze focused deeply on her own. He answered her question with the utmost of seriousness, and the manner in which he spoke wove pictures in her mind - not in any unnatural way, but merely in the way a good writer paints a picture with words. She could see that in his mind, he could see her as something different, and yet, he could also see her remaining as she was. Somehow, in the back of her mind, his words brought forth a curiosity to know what potential he saw in her, and what he thought she could learn to accomplish, other than what she already had.. whether she chose to do so or not was an entirely different matter.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

"I see no need to growth to exclude any aspect that we enjoy within ourselves." Tomas spoke up quietly, considering what he had heard as his eyes rested on his drink reflectively. "I am a sensual creature. I also enjoy showing others the truth of themselves. Where humankind is concerned, it is a game for me to show them these truths, to peel away their eyelids and force them to look in the mirror. I do it because I enjoy it." That lethally beautiful gaze lifted to regard Edward, sparkling with inhuman amusement and malice towards mankind. "I see no reason for that to change, whatever else I become."

"With our own kind, however, I see it as liberation. So many of us trapped in the human mold, as much caterpillar as butterfly. I mean to wield my insight with my gifts like a scalpel and attempt to help them break free, as I did with Saori, and as we both did with Shae. Not all can withstand the truth any more than a human could, and they will probably fall as a human will into insanity." Tomas shrugged. "So some care is needed, no doubt." He looked at Saori and smiled, a lovers smile, just for her despite the fact that they had company.

"Saori has been a slave to human hypocrisy and oppression her whole life before we freed her together, she and I. So it is understandable, even laudable that she wishes to enjoy that freedom to the fullest before thinking to herself 'What now?'." Tomas opined with quiet authority before turning to regard Shae, taking her hand before looking back to Edward. "Shae is another matter. We will not go into great detail here, but suffice to say that like Saori, and indeed like me, she has suffered at someone's hands and is learning what freedom means to her."

Tomas sat back, smiling a little. "Of course, the end result of that learning is that true freedom means true personal responsibility. But one cannot force or hurry such learning. Everyone evolves at their own pace: what is important is that we continue to evolve."

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward nodded slightly, though he sighed very softly and they could see a hint of disappointment in his eyes - not hurt, or anger.. just disappointment. Perhaps he had indeed misjudged these young Terats, so caught up in their startling new emotions and perceptions. Perhaps they were too young, and too new to life for his schemes and ambitions.

"I believe you have misunderstood, both of you, and for that, you have my deepest apologies. At no point have I meant to imply that I want you to change who you are, or how you do what you do. Nor even that you should stop pursuing those things that bring you joy. I merely intended that perhaps, the time has arrived to do so - at least sometimes - with purpose beyond our own enjoyments."

Edward pulled out his wallet, and his careful fingers pulled enough American money out to cover the drinks and a healthy tip to reward the waiter for the distance he had maintained. He laid the bills down, and stood, pulling a card out of his wallet at the same time.

"I will be in town for at least a week or so. I have business in many places, and prefer to deal with it at opportune times. Perhaps you would like to think my offer over, and talk amongst yourselves. It may be that I could find a way to demonstrate to you how my ambitions and your skills could work together for our mutual benefit. If that is something you would desire, please contact me. If not, then it has been my most humble pleasure making your acquaintances.. all of you. I have no doubt we shall meet again, one way or another."

He took the ladies' hands, one at a time, and kissed them again. Indeed, now that Saori saw the gesture a second time (this time for Shae), it did seem natural to him. Somehow, she could not quite picture him doing otherwise upon meeting a woman in civilized company. Then he held the card out to Tomas patiently, waiting to see if the young man would take it.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

Pale slender fingers reached out with slow deliberation and took the card, though Tomas's eyes narrowed a little as he weighed Edward's words.

"Perhaps it is you who misunderstand, Edward. Though that is in part my own fault for not being more clear." The beautiful young man smiled. "As I said before, I am interested to hear what you have in mind. Thus far, however, we have but broached the philosophy of growth and the proposition of vague mutual advantage. You established your position, and I established ours." Green eyes flickered over the number on the card before his tucked it into the breast pocket of his jacket, and the Marvel tilted his head as he looked up at the older man.

"If you have an idea for a demonstration of what you are talking about, by all means I invite you to lay that on the table so that we may discuss it as a case in point." Tomas gestured lazily with his hand at the table. "If we were to talk it over amongst ourselves with no clue beyond your intriguingly mysterious talk of ambitions to go on, we would merely chase our tails wondering whether we could trust you and what you had in mind."

Tomas leaned back and looked boldly at Edward. "In short, sir, interest us with something concrete, if you please. And forgive us for being children of a more immediate, less circumspect age." The smile became good-humored. "I do not wish to be rude: I merely mean to be true to my nature. I am circumspect around my enemies, potential or otherwise. Around those I wish to ally with I am direct, for there is no need to be otherwise."

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward studied Tomas for a brief moment, and suddenly something seemed to flicker in his eyes again, and the curious gentleman was back, the disappointed look in his gaze having disappeared. He nodded, and sat back down.

"You are right.. I ask for your perspective, and upon receiving it, I almost reject it for what it is. If we are to become acquainted, we must all learn patience for our varied approaches. I for you, as well as you for I. Once again, my deepest apologies." He studied them for a moment, looking thoughtfully between them. Then he nodded slightly. "You would perhaps like a demonstration, then, of what I am suggesting? A test, perhaps, of not only each other's abilities, but what, when combined, we can accomplish with them? Very well.. I have a suggestion for us. Something more.. concrete."

He picked up the drink he had almost left, and took a slow sip. He sat the glass down, and did a brief, cursory glance around the room. Satisfied that there weren't any prying ears nearby, however, he continued.

"New York, as I am sure you know, has one of the largest, and most efficient Rashoud clinics in the United States. While I do understand the need for a place for young nova to go for assistance, they make no secret about the fact that they are essentially recruiting grounds for Project Utopia. I have been doing some consideration, and have come to the conclusion that this is, by far, an unsatisfactory situation. After all, young nova are exceptionally impressionable much of the time, and the Utopians are - to great advantage - turning the situation in their favor. Now, that is not to say that they do not need some place that can help them, when they discover their true natures.. many nova indeed need just such a place. However, I think the time has come for someone to interfere with Utopia's monopoly over the recently-awakened, and I think we may be just the people for such a job."

He pulled out his phone again, and with a press of a button, the screen came to life. He flipped his thumb across the screen - antiquated in manners, he may be, but obviously not in his attitude towards modern technology - before finally settling on a picture, and placing it on the table in front of them.

"I think this man is our key to such a possibility. He is a doctor at the Rashoud Clinic here in New York, and a most prominent one at that. He deals with many of the young arrivals on a one on one basis. He is, indeed, a nova himself. But I have done some research, and this man - Jackson is his name, Alexander Jackson - he has seen his share of troubles. I think he has lost many that he has grown to care for - patients, and perhaps friends alike - to the mechinations of the Utopians. And I think.. with gifts more subtle, and trickier than mine.. this man might begin to see things in a different light. Perhaps he might come to see a different perspective. And then, the possibilities abound.. perhaps we might be able to present a different opportunity to young minds? Offer them the opportunity to think and live for themselves, instead of being turned into pawns for human desires.."

He settled back in the booth again, watching them carefully, his fingertips playing along the edge of his glass.

"Tell me, young Tomas.. is this what you mean when you say "concrete"? Is this type of demonstration you require?"

[z017]

The changeling was conferring with the part of herself that was Edward while Tomas and the actual Edward sparred and sought for common ground. The idea of infiltrating Utopia and bending someone to there to their will sent a happy little trill though the young nova, one oddly approved of by her usually taciturn and angry Gordian knot. She sent her paramours her approval of the idea, along with the conclusions she and Shae-Edward had come to. Namely that she'd like to see the older Terat in their bed at least once.

Her personal Imp of the Perverse was attracted to the nova's self assurance and poise and wanted nothing more than that calm exterior shattered as the three of them took him to the heights and depths of their particular brand of debauchery. They had toyed with the occasional baseline that had caught their attention over the past two month or so, using the experience to teach their changeling the Art both of them were already so adept at. They had yet to so 'hunt' another nova. A demonstration of their powers on this Utopian lackey might prove to all of them that their talents had application outside of sex, but that was no reason not to also share with this potential ally the crucible of pleasure and pain that had shaped the three of them. If he fell to insanity or worship like the baselines they had included in their games before, then they would know that he was not ready for them.

All this was conveyed as she continued to watch Edward with luminous eyes, her hands playing idly across the thighs of her 'parents' under the table. Despite the fear Edward had invoked in her when he spoke of having tracked her and her past she always felt safe with Saori and Tomas near.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

Originally Posted By: Edward Mansfield

"Tell me, young Tomas.. is this what you mean when you say "concrete"? Is this type of demonstration you require?"

"A perfect example of what I require, in fact." Tomas smiled winningly at the older man, his mind confirming to Shae and Saori that yes, this one would indeed be an interesting addition to their bed, if only to find out what stuff he was made of under the poise. He picked up the phone with a languorous gesture of his right hand as his other hand trailed up the inside of Shae's thigh in a wickedly pleasurable teasing motion. He studied the picture there, then passed it to Saori for her perusal as his eyes returned to Edward, gleaming more beautifully than they had before. "I, for one, think your idea has a lot of merit."

"Now you have my interest fully engaged." he breathed, his perfect lips curving in a smile that was as sensually inviting as it was unbearably beautiful. He looked as though he were taking a third look at the older Terat and liked what he saw there, and Edward felt a faint heat rise in his body as he realised that fact. He had been prepared for Tomas's strength of personality. He'd expected intelligence and beauty and mental abilities that were as insidious as they were effective. He'd expected those things.

He hadn't expected this beautiful boy with the face of a fallen angel to smile at him quite like that. He didn't smile in the public covert shots Edward's agents had taken. He certainly hadn't smiled so... desirably. The soft curve of the young man's lips was a siren song of desire, subtle as it was inviting. *I like you* it seemed to say *I know you like me. We can do great things together... together we can do... many things.*

Click to reveal..

Using Seductive Looks & Seductive enhancements.

So far Tomas is just bein' all sexay-like at Edward, not overpowering him.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori picked up the vibe from Tomas immediately, and her polite, distant smile slowly faded, becoming much more aggressive and intimate. "I like this," she said softly. And it was no lie; the idea had much merit to her. She took the phone and considered the picture for a long moment, making sure that Shae had a chance to study it as well. Then she handed it back to Edward, making sure he took it from her hand, and that their fingers brushed as he did.

"Do we know what he likes? Men? Women? Both?" The question was a bit loaded, and her tone subtly invited Edward to share his own preferences with the Trio. "Do we know if he's with someone who might influence him against our view?" She wasn't asking these questions with the intent to just seduce him, but their gifts were subtle enough that such things truly mattered. Her head tilted and her hair slid over her neck like silk as she asked, "What else do we know about him... personally?"

Her quantum whispered to her, telling her how to smile, which way to hold her hand and how to touch her tongue to her lips as she licked them. Her gestures were automatically and subtly attuned to Edward's personal tastes in partners.

Click to reveal..

Activating Seductive

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward listened quietly, and with pleasure, as Tomas spoke to him. He was glad to have gotten through to the young man, although the gaze Tomas gave him set his nerves on end slightly, and at first his logical mind didn't register the effect the young man was having on him.

He took the phone back from Saori as it was offered, and his gaze lingered on her features for a moment. He felt her silken fingertips brushing across his hands, and his eyes met hers. The three of them saw the slow realization dawn in his eyes, the knowledge that they were playing with him, in much the same way he had suggested they do so with the Rashoud doctor. Of course, experiencing it was far different than hearing, or even knowing about it.

Click to reveal..

Activating power: Dilate Time

Almost unable to resist, he willed the time around them to slow subtly, so that he could savor the moment. The experience was.. unique. Edward manipulated behind the scenes, and never before had he found himself in a complex situation with this particular flavor. He knew that the three young people in front of him were using, no doubt, only a hint of their charms, and the idea intrigued him. To the three devastatingly beautiful nova sitting across from Edward, it felt as if there were a shift, of sorts, in reality. Everything seemed just a touch.. more. The movement of Saori's hand against Edward's was a touch more sensual, because they could absorb it slowly, instead of as a brief, passing moment. Edward's gaze as it moved between them was just a bit more understanding, because it lingered on each of them, and the moments as they gazed back in return seemed longer, allowing them time to savor the subtle reactions they were having on him.

As time lingered, his gaze traveled lazily over the trio, and he absorbed the subtle movements of their muscles that gave an indication of the intimacy of their touch. He could feel a slight warmth begin to spread through his skin, and despite his reserved demeanor, the young nova could tell from the slight part of his lips, and the faint darkening of his eyes from amber to a deeper brownish-gold, that their actions were having the intended effect.

Thus far, he hadn't responded, but though (in a way) it felt like it had been minutes, it also seemed perfectly natural that he hadn't spoken in return, as if the time for a response had not yet arrived, and the moments they were existing in seemed to merely encourage observation.

[z017]

Click to reveal..

Activated Seductive and Seductive Looks in response to Tomas and Saori.

That hungry part of Shae that took from her lovers their own gifts to share back with them hummed in happiness across their mental bonds as Edward evoked his own quantum-born abilities to savor their attentions. Her light eyes met his dark ones, lazy and luxuriating in the time between heartbeats that he had created just for them. Her fingers continued their tracings over Tomas and Soari's skin, languorous in this slow-time that enveloped them. Yes, Edward Mansfield could be quite an interesting dalliance for them. Perhaps more. Time would tell.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori drank down the attention from the older man. This was nothing new to her; Edward was actually younger than one of her boyfriends back in Japan. She knew that she was desirable, and for Edward's body language to confirm it deepened her coy smile. She liked it when novas desired her, and Edward was no exception.

Now was the time for patience. He would answer her questions, when the time was right.

[Tomas Saint-Etienne]

Tomas watched with bemused distraction in his gaze as he felt something happening, as though he were moving through syrup. The slow glissande of his fingers on the inner thigh of Shae's jeans became slower yet as he fancied he could feel every fibre of her denim garment with his sensitive fingertips. He turned his face towards xir and smiled seductively as he leaned in closer, his lips grazing Shae's ear as he kept his eyes on Edward, noting the slow growth of the older man's arousal. Whatever was happening, the dark princeling clearly approved, the scintillating green of his gaze conveying the heat of his enjoyment in it's usually cool depths.

[Edward Mansfield]

After a few long, slow moments had passed, Edward slowly allowed time to shift back to it's normal flow. It was a gradual shift, allowing the extra moments he had bought them - and that he had observed with pleasure as the other three novas had enjoyed - to come to an end without any jarring effects.

"I am afraid, my dear, that I do not have all of those answers. He is a single man, and so far I have been able to discover little about his personal life before his work at the Rashoud Clinic. Given a bit more time, I may be able to find out more - this is cursory information, at best. He has never married, and does not, that I was able to discover, have any current partners.. of either gender. I will find out what I can for us, but some of that may be for you to determine."

He glanced down at the phone, and tucked it away inside his breast pocket.

"I do know that he owns his own condominium on the outskirts of New Jersey, and that he commutes every day to New York for work. He owns a cat by the name of Oliver, and he collects mid-century contemporary art that he purchases at auction. He lives alone, and often works overtime at the Center in order to help as many of the young, vulnerable nova as possible. A regular bleeding heart, the good doctor."

His lips twitch slightly in amusement, as he contemplates what the three nova in front of him could do to the man, given the opportunity.

[z017]

Tomas' lips on her ear made her shiver, the heat that rose to match his mirrored in her eyes. Eyes that were still on Edward. She tilted her head, giving Tomas easier access to her ear and neck, her fingers playing skillfully and far more firmly over the sensitive areas of Soari's and Tomas' laps.

But her eyes were still for Edward. She smiled at him, asking, "And what do we get for doing this? You said 'use' to begin with. If we give you this man, mold him and make him into a tool for you, what do we get? What is our prize," she paused momentarily, her smile forming into a lazy grin, "from you?"

[Edward Mansfield]

Edward's gaze was transfixed momentarily by the scene before him, and the beautiful young nova gazes he found fixed on him. His eyes seemed to drink in their actions, as if he couldn't quite will himself to resist watching, even though he had allowed time to resume it's normal course. Other than the intensity of his gaze, the older nova offered no outward reaction to their eroticism. But when he spoke, his voice had a slightly huskier quality, and they could sense the arousal in it, though whether it was willing or not they didn't know.. nor did they probably care.

"I suppose I could say that your satisfaction could come from giving options to those poor young nova who have only recently discovered their possibilities. But that would be naive of me, I would think. I suppose, my dear, that the true question would be.. what the cost of your assistance is?"

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori didn't disagree with her family aloud, but she let them know that she'd be willing to do this for the satisfaction, as Edward had assumed. But she wouldn't nay say Shae in front of an outsider, no matter how right he was.

Shae's mind was in contact with hers, and Saori listened to her 'child's' voice in her mind. Xir suggestion, to see the real him, held merit, Saori had to admit. "Would it not be fair to allow us to take your measure, as you seek to take ours?" Edward quirked an eyebrow at her choice of words, and Saori licked her lips and smiled coyly at the older man.