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Aberrant: Quantum Zero - Quantum Zero


ProfPotts

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I'm glad you like the ship. (...)

\"I'd love to visit the inside someday. I peeked through the windows on my way here and it seemed quite nice.\"

I was hoping we could interest you in helping us out with that. I fully trust our people & technology, but with your abilities to hand we'd have a 'safety-net' in case anything did go wrong. NASA highly recommended you, & since I paid for two of the latest modules for the International Space Station, I doubt they'd object to me poaching you from them!\"

\"As long as you respect my independance and way of doing things, I'm sure we can come to some understanding...especially when lives are at stake.\"

\"What'sh the differensh between a Nova & God? God doeshn't think he'sh a Nova...\"

Terry frowns at the priest and the crowds start shrinking away

"I don't "think" I'm God. However, unlike "God", novas seem to actually be making a difference other than just starting wars..."

Terry maintains his stare for a couple of seconds then smiles and extends his hand to the newly introduced crowd...

"Terry Nathanson; pleased to meet you."

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The gentleman in the dark tuxedo is Mr. Alex Green, whom, I do believe, has also been on the OpNet news in recent months - something to do with Team Tomorrow & the University wasn't it?

::embarrassed cough:: (mumbled) “Yes, they helped me right after my eruption…” Alex quickly motions for another drink.

...Miss Susanne Winter, who, if I'm not mistaken, is pursuing a highly successful modeling career before she completes her Masters in Psychology..

Alex thought to himself, *She is turning out to be an interesting person…*

\"What'sh the differensh between a Nova & God? God doeshn't think he'sh a Nova...\"

“The church used to think that surgeons and navigators challenged God…” (Alex trails off because the Father is too wasted for an intellectual response).

\"Derek,\" explains Dr Chen, \"was just telling us of his interest in molecular & sub-atomic physics.\"

\"And, if I may, \" adds Ash, \"I belive Mr. Green may have some thoughts on the matter as well.\"

(To Derek & Dr. Chen). "Really? We should compare notes sometime. Call me Alex"

(To Derek.) "Say, you erupted recently didn’t you?"

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\"I don't \"think\" I'm God. However, unlike \"God\", novas seem to actually be making a difference other than just starting wars...\"

Terry maintains his stare for a couple of seconds then smiles and extends his hand to the newly introduced crowd...

\"Terry Nathanson; pleased to meet you.\"

"How do ye do, Mr Nathanson? Please excuse Father Martin, I seem to have led him quite astray this evening...." Gerry turns to the priest (who is currently propped up against the bar) "Father? You seem a little unwell. I think it might be best if you get you taxi home. Now. Miss Ash, would you be so kind as to arrange for someone to help the good father to his cab?"

Gerry also turn his attention to Masters "How do ye do, Mr Masters. It's nice to know I won't be the only one out of me depth tonight ::bigsmile"

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\"Father? You seem a little unwell. I think it might be best if you get your taxi home. Now. Miss Ash, would you be so kind as to arrange for someone to help the good father to his cab?\"

After a few moments (as the words seep through his alcohol-sodden brain) Father Martin seems to be persuaded by Gerry's suggestion, mumbling,

\"Aye, 'tish getting late, sho it ish... Massh in the morning... \"

Ash, meanwhile, has called over a couple of the \"priestess\"-costumed waitresses & quietly asks them to help the Father to the limo that'll be waiting outside. An athletic looking young man dressed, like most men here, in a tuxedo, also comes over to help, & the cleric is escorted away.

\"How do ye do, Mr Masters. It's nice to know I won't be the only one out of me depth tonight \"

Masters smiles ::smile at Gerry's comment, replying,

\"Well, Gerry, I'm a great believer in letting people get on with what they're good at - folks like us don't need to understand all this science business to reap the benefits. Each to his, or her, own talents I say!\", he raises his glass, \"A toast: to all our unique talents!\"

\"I'd love to visit the inside someday. I peeked through the windows on my way here and it seemed quite nice.\"

\"The interior is supposed to be about style & luxury - we've tried to maintain that whole 1920s ambiance that goes with people's ideas of airships. I'd love to show all of you around her sometime - she's a point of pride with me at the moment, foolish I know, but I feel you're allowed a little pride when you own an airship!\"

\"As long as you respect my independance and way of doing things, I'm sure we can come to some understanding...especially when lives are at stake.\"

"Such respect is the cornerstone of Masters International's reputation, Mr Nathanson.", suggests Ash, "The same cannot be said for certain other employment options open to Novas, or the rest of us, today."

Dr Chen looks Terry up & down, commenting,

"Gravitational abilities would be helpful in confirming equipment performance specifications pre-stage 3."

Turning to Alex she asks,

"Am I correct to believe that you have a personal interest in astro-physics? Your Project: Utopia file included certain interesting theories about the fundamental nature of your Nova abilities."

Susanne seems to be stuck staring at Terry with wide-eyed appreciation... ::blink

She does manage to muster a,

"Wow!"

But that's about it...

Ash, meanwhile, turns again to Derek, quietly asking,

"How are you feeling? You're doing fine.", she smiles ::smile , "Is there anything you need?"

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A black limo pulls up to the carpet leading to the entrance of the building.

The driver gets out and opens the door for the passenger, quickly stepping back as if he doesn't want to get to close to him.

At first, it doesn't seem like there's anyone in the dark interior of the car. Then, a figure detaches from the rest of the darkness and steps out. Very obviously a nova, seemingly bald, with jet black eyes, and covered from head to toe in jet black eufiber, he is carrying a large black metallic briefcase which is handcuffed to his right wrist. As he begins walking down the carpet towards the building, the crowd pulls back a bit, seemingly put off by this nova. The few reporters that get close to snap pictures find that their flashbulbs flare more brightly than normal, burning them out.

As he gets to the door of the building, he pauses, turning to one of the tuxedo-clad guards and saying in a voice slightly muffled by the eufiber covering his mouth, "Excuse me, but do you happen to know where I'll be able to find Mr. Masters? He's expecting me. I have a package for him that he's most eager to recieve." Indicating the briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. ::ninja

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"Yes, in several ways. I was working on my PHD when I erupted. Now I seem able to generate something that is, for lack of a better word, Dark Matter."

Alex motions for a refill on his drink. While the bartender fills his glass, Alex puts his hands together and when he pulls them apart, there is a inky black disk between them. The disk is totally black. So black it is hard to tell that it is there.

"Whether this is truly Dark Matter remains to be seen. It might be only quantum powers making darkness solid, but it is interesting."

Alex takes the 2 foot disk with one hand and interposes it between Susanne and Terry, breaking sight contact. With his other hand he starts drinking his alcoholic beverage.

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Each to his, or her, own talents I say!\", he raises his glass, \"A toast: to all our unique talents!\"

"No, to humanity and what our talents can do to ease its pains" Terry looks off in the distance and two champagne glasses float towards him, the liquid inside the glasses forming almost perfect spheres. One of them stops in front of Terry and as he picks it the yellowish sphere flattens gently into the glass. The other glass floats in front of Miss Winter "Please...as flattered as I am by your reaction, we're not that different"

Terry starts rising in the air, the crowds staring at him in wonder as he raises his glass. His deep voice rumbles:

"Ladies and gentleman...I would first like to thank Mr. Masters - Terry bows gracefully in his direction - for inviting us all to this wonderful party. I also want to remind you all, that despite all this glamour and roomful of wonders, children are starving in our streets. Please remember why we are all here...think of the future...give generously. - raising his glass higher for emphasis - To the children!"

Terry sips and lands as the room joins in his toast and applauds

"Like I said, to what our talents can do for others."

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[Lobby]

The guards shift nervously in the presence of the black-clad Nova ::ninja (the guy in the black tux was bad enough, this guy must be trouble - are they getting paid enough for this gig? ::confused ). One of them touchs a finger to his ear, & starts to whisper softly, as the guard facing the Nova raises his palms towards him in a somewhat defensive manner & says,

"We're just confirming that, sir. It'll just be a moment."

Indeed, a few moments later, the guard who was whispering looks towards his companion talking to the Nova & gives him a quick "thumbs up". All the tuxedo-clad gentlemen appear to relax a little (but only a little), as their spokesman again addresses the Nova,

"If you'd like to follow me, sir.", & moves to escort the Nova through the casino & to Mr Masters' location.

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[Club Atlantis]

Susanne flinches as the black disc is placed in front of her face, & turns back to Alex, somewhat startled,

"Hey", she says, "I didn't know you could do that, 'Lex! I thought you were just scissor-proof! I..."

Her voice trails off as the champagne glass floats in front of her. Nervously she takes it, & sips at the liquid, blushing ::blush as Terry addresses her directly, then watching him, awe-struck ::nervous , as he rises into the air to make his speech. As he lands she moves past Alex's dark barrier & right up to Terry, visibly trying to overcome her nerves as she comments,

"That was amazing! I can't imagine what it's like to fly like that."

Masters smiles as he looks around at the crowd, all digging just a little deeper into their pockets to donate than they were a few moments ago.

"Thankyou Terry", he says, "& I'm sure the Father would thank you also if he hadn't had to leave in such a hurry.", he glances at Gerry & raises his glass just a little to him, "In any case I'm sure the orphans will be pleased!"

Meanwhile, Ash has moved a little away from the group, her head tilted as if she's listening to something. She whispers a few words, seemingly to herself, then returns & whispers in Mr Masters' ear. He nods, whispers something back, then addresses the group,

"It appears that we'll soon be joined by another Nova guest, here to donate a considerable sum to the cause. I believe he goes by the name of... What was it again?"

"Nullifier.", prompts Ash.

"Ah yes, Mr Nullifier will be along shortly." concludes Masters.

Turning again to Alex after Terry's impressive display & Masters' news, Dr Chen comments,

"If your abilities stem from Dark Matter that would seem to imply some extra-spacial or extra-dimensional component to their make-up, perhaps related to the warping effect attributed to certain teleporting Novas. It certainly deserves more study. Do you mind if I take a sample of your brain-tissue for analysis?"

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\"If you'd like to follow me, sir.\", & moves to escort the Nova through the casino & to Mr Masters' location.

Nullifier nods to the guard and follows him to where Mr. Masters and the others are waiting. Along the way the crowd seems to part for him and the guard more than strictly necessary. A small sigh, inaudiable through his eufiber, escapes his lips. ::sad

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Mr Masters step towards the black-clad Nullifier, offering his hand,

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Nullifier.", he eyes the case, "That'd be the donation then? Be sure to thank the gentleman who donated it, the orphans need all the help they can get."

Masters doesn't seem put-off at all by Nullifier's unusual appearance, in fact, around the bar-area, the atmosphere is generally more friendly & laid-back (for some reason ::wink ).

Turning to the rest of the group Masters starts the introductions,

"Mr Nullifier, this is my lovely assistant, Ash, & her companion for the night, Mr Derek Chalmers. Dr Mary Chen there is accompanied by Mr Gerry Mandering. Miss Susanne Winter is in the company of Mr Alex Green...", Masters trails off as he notices Miss Winter's interest in Terry, "... or maybe Mr Terry Nathanson; I get so quickly lost at these social functions..." ::confused

Ash steps in to cover her boss' momentary confusion,

"So, Mr Nullifier - or do you prefer simply 'Nullifier'? - any hints as to who the mystery man behind that donation is? You've been spotted in the company of a certain European Count before, correct? Your patron couldn't be him, could it?"

She smiles innocently. ::halo

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Mr Masters step towards the black-clad Nullifier, offering his hand,

\"Pleased to meet you, Mr Nullifier.\", he eyes the case, \"That'd be the donation then? Be sure to thank the gentleman who donated it, the orphans need all the help they can get.\"

Reaching out to shake Mr. Master's hand, he says, \"The gentleman conveys his best wishes and his hope that this money will in some small way help to alieviate the burden of innocent children who, through no fault of their own, have been left without parents.\"

\"Mr Nullifier, this is my lovely assistant, Ash, & her companion for the night, Mr Derek Chalmers. Dr Mary Chen there is accompanied by Mr Gerry Mandering. Miss Susanne Winter is in the company of Mr Alex Green...\", Masters trails off as he notices Miss Winter's interest in Terry, \"... or maybe Mr Terry Nathanson; I get so quickly lost at these social functions...\" 

He begins to speak, getting out the words \"Excuse me, but...\" before Ash jumps in.

Ash steps in to cover her boss' momentary confusion,

\"So, Mr Nullifier - or do you prefer simply 'Nullifier'? - any hints as to who the mystery man behind that donation is? You've been spotted in the company of a certain European Count before, correct? Your patron couldn't be him, could it?\"

She smiles innocently. 

Turning slightly to face Ash, he says in a slightly annoyed, but good-natured, tone of voice, "Nullifier will be sufficent. And I would remind you that the gentleman in question is not my patron, but the orphans'. As for your rather unsubtle reference to me being seen in the company Count Raoul Orzaiz, I do not deny it. He is a most tolerant, thoughtful, and civilized individual. Qualities which I find quite admirable in any individual." Turning back to Mr. Masters, he says seriously, "Now, if we're done with the pleasantries, may we get down to business?" Opening his left hand, he reveals a small key, which he unlocks the cuff around his wrist with. He then holds out the case to Mr. Masters. "My instructions were to deliver this to you personally. What you do with it subsequently is not my concern, so long as it it used to help those who so desperately need it." ::halo

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As he lands she moves past Alex's dark barrier & right up to Terry, visibly trying to overcome her nerves as she comments,

\"That was amazing! I can't imagine what it's like to fly like that.\"

\"I imagine different novas use different techniques...but in my case you don't feel any propulsion at all. Its either much like falling, only upwards...or nothing at all, just the world moving below and a gentle breeze to confirm that you're moving. Remind me someday and I'll show you what its like...in such a crowd if I start now, everyone will want to have a go. ::wink \"

Thankyou Terry\", he says, \"& I'm sure the Father would thank you also if he hadn't had to leave in such a hurry.\", he glances at Gerry & raises his glass just a little to him, \"In any case I'm sure the orphans will be pleased!\"

\"Please - Terry raises his hand - it is nothing...I only wish I could give more\"

Miss Susanne Winter is in the company of Mr Alex Green...\", Masters trails off as he notices Miss Winter's interest in Terry, \"... or maybe Mr Terry Nathanson; I get so quickly lost at these social functions...\"

"I wouldn't presume...- gives a short bow towards Alex and Susanne - I came on my own tonight. Please to meet you."

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Turning back to Mr. Masters, he says seriously, \"Now, if we're done with the pleasantries, may we get down to business?\"

Masters sighs, saying,

\"Nullifier, without the pleasantries, what's the point? This is a party, after all. Stay a while, have a drink, take a load off, relax.\" ::smile

Opening his left hand, he reveals a small key, which he unlocks the cuff around his wrist with. He then holds out the case to Mr. Masters. \"My instructions were to deliver this to you personally. What you do with it subsequently is not my concern, so long as it it used to help those who so desperately need it.\"

"Well", says Masters, "normally Father Martin would accept the donations on behalf of the orphans, but as he's left early I guess I'll do."

Masters glances at Ash, who gives a quick nod, then takes the case & hands it to a passing waitress, with the instructions,

"Put this with the rest of the donations. And add an equivalent sum to the amount I'm giving - we wouldn't want to be shown-up by the Teragen now would we?" ::wink

Turning back to Nullifier he says,

"Thanks again, friend. What are you drinking? It's on me, of course." ::biggrin

Meanwhile Susanne remains looking starry-eyed at Terry, as she says,

"Wow, you'd really show me! That's amazing!"

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\"Nullifier, without the pleasantries, what's the point? This is a party, after all. Stay a while, have a drink, take a load off, relax.\"

Rolling his eyes, though it is nearly imperceptible to anyone by the very observant, he shrugs, ::rolleyes \"Buisness before pleasure, Mr. Masters. You should be at least somewhat familiar with the concept, I'm sure.\" ::dry

\"Well\", says Masters, \"normally Father Martin would accept the donations on behalf of the orphans, but as he's left early I guess I'll do.\"

Masters glances at Ash, who gives a quick nod, then takes the case & hands it to a passing waitress, with the instructions,

\"Put this with the rest of the donations. And add an equivalent sum to the amount I'm giving - we wouldn't want to be shown-up by the Teragen now would we?\" 

Sighing somewhat theatrically, he says, \"Though I suppose you won't believe me, I'd like to assure you that the Teragen had absolutely nothing to do with this donation, as much as it might help have helped their image had that been the case. However, if they are true to their beliefs, they would believe that they have no business interfering with something they would view as purely a baseline affair, that being the disposition of orphaned baseline children. The party responsible for this donation obviously does not share this belief, and just as obviously, neither do I.\" ::sly ::malrules ::sarcasm

\"Thanks again, friend. What are you drinking? It's on me, of course.\"

Noding his head slightly in acknowledgement, "You're quite welcome. As for what I'm drinking, anything sweet would be fine." Though the first sentence carries with it unmistakable sincerity, the second is said with a slight lack of enthusiasm. ::withbeer ::sarcasm

Turning to the rest of the group, "Sorry to have stolen away the attentions of our esteem host. You may call me Nullifier, and I am pleased to meet all of you." Under his eufiber mask, he breaks out into a large grin, clearly perceptible through the flexible covering. ::ninja ::biggrin

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Susanne:  \"Hey\", she says, \"I didn't know you could do that, 'Lex! I thought you were just scissor-proof! I...\"
Alex replied..., \"Oh, I'm a man of many talents\"...
Susanne: ...looking starry-eyed at Terry, as she says, \"Wow, you'd really show me! That's amazing!\"
Mentally to himself... “But it looks like I may have lost my date anyway. Ah well. Contacts and possible job first, date second.”
Dr Chen comments,  \"If your abilities stem from Dark Matter that would seem to imply some extra-spatial or extra-dimensional component to their make-up, perhaps related to the warping effect attributed to certain teleporting Novas. It certainly deserves more study. Do you mind if I take a sample of your brain-tissue for analysis?\"
”Now THAT I'd mind. But something less invasive might be doable.” Alex signals the bartender for another refill.
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\"Wow, you'd really show me! That's amazing!\"

\"Really? I don't see what's so amazing about it...Remember what I said before, we're not that different...I'm just an ordinary man who happens to be able to fly amongst other things...\"

Rolling his eyes, though it is nearly imperceptible to anyone by the very observant, he shrugs,  \"Buisness before pleasure, Mr. Masters. You should be at least somewhat familiar with the concept, I'm sure.\" 

"I'm sorry to interfere but there is another saying...Work hard, play hard...Business before pleasure just leads to impotence, depression and suicide or seizure, whichever comes first. Just ask any japanese widow of victims of Karoshi. Death from overwork has become a true sociological plague in the Land of the Rising Sun...a lot can be learned by travelling the world...I for one intend to heed those lessons and enjoy myself when I can. - Terry gives a dashing smile - Now! If anybody cares to join me, I think I'll break the ice on the dance floor."

Terry eyes everyone to see if anybody will follow then heads towards the musicians.

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Now! If anybody cares to join me, I think I'll break the ice on the dance floor.\"

\"Gladly!\", replies Susanne excitedly,

adding,

\"Uh, if that's ok with you, Sir?\", with some nervousness, as she follows on after Terry, her date seemingly forgotten.

”Now THAT I'd mind. But something less invasive might be doable.” Alex signals the bartender for another refill.

\"Pity\", comments Dr Chen, \"why is everyone always so fussy about brain-tissue? Still, less invasive procedures may yield some interesting results, we'll have to see.\"

Still looking in deep thought she absent-mindedly takes Gerry's hand & leads him towards the dance floor, occassionally muttering about sub-molecular displacement waves or other such scientific nonsense.

Sighing somewhat theatrically, he says, \"Though I suppose you won't believe me, I'd like to assure you that the Teragen had absolutely nothing to do with this donation, as much as it might help have helped their image had that been the case. However, if they are true to their beliefs, they would believe that they have no business interfering with something they would view as purely a baseline affair, that being the disposition of orphaned baseline children. The party responsible for this donation obviously does not share this belief, and just as obviously, neither do I.\"

"And that", says Masters, "is why I don't allow politics at my parties!"

He excuses himself, & heads off to talk to his many other guests.

Ash moves back to Derek & whispers quietly to him,

"Would you like to dance?"

Meanwhile an Arabic man, about mid-thirties, dressed (naturally) in a tuxedo, & sporting a rather curved goatee beard, approaches the bar to get a drink. As he waits he turns slightly to address Nullifier, his accent only mild,

"So, you are a Nova? And the man who flew? Who else here? I am suprised, since I wasn't aware that Masters employed Novas. Well, none with such powers anyway."

He glances over at Alex,

"And you, what can you do?"

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\"Gladly!\", replies Susanne excitedly, as she follows on after Terry, her date seemingly forgotten.
To himself, Alex wished that this had been a surprise.

Alex glances ruefully at his glass. He signals to the bartender.\"Another refill, but this time give me something much stronger. Scotch just doesn't do it.\"

\"Pity\", comments Dr Chen, \"why is everyone always so fussy about brain-tissue? Still, less invasive procedures may yield some interesting results, we'll have to see.\"
To himself Alex thought, \"Is she for real???\"
\"And you, what can you do?\"
"Me? Oh, juggle tanks, walk on my hands, resist injury, and make these really nifty solid darkness opjects. A small puppet of a man juggling what might be tanks briefly appears in Alex's hands, it quickly morphes into a Japanesse fan (the fan is better than the puppet), and then morphes into nothing.
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\"Me? Oh, juggle tanks, walk on my hands, resist injury, and make these really nifty solid darkness opjects.\" A small puppet of a man juggling what might be tanks briefly appears in Alex's hands, it quickly morphes into a Japanesse fan (the fan is better than the puppet), and then morphes into nothing.

The Arabic gentleman takes a step back away from Alex, eyes wide ::shocked , gasping & muttering under his breath something that sounds like,

"Neter-nebet nej shemsui!"

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\"Gladly!\", replies Susanne excitedly,

adding,

\"Uh, if that's ok with you, Sir?\", with some nervousness, as she follows on after Terry, her date seemingly forgotten.

"Of course..."

Terry and Susanne head towards the dance floor, the tribal beat picking up as they start dancing.

"You wanted to know how it was..."

Susanne gasps as she looks at herself, her hair starts rising as if she was underwater. The couple rises and dances aptly to the music Terry at times letting Susanne twirl seemingly endlessly in the air and leading her above the dance floor.

"There's no sense in our having all the fun..."

The few couples that dared approach start floating clumsily in the air, most obviously enjoying themselves...those who couldn't seem to manage promptly land on the floor, apparently unaffected by the zero-g dance floor while Terry and Susanne continue their dance on the ceiling of the room, Susanne obviously bewildered while Terry leads and the crowd watches in awe.

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\"So, you are a Nova? And the man who flew? Who else here? I am suprised, since I wasn't aware that Masters employed Novas. Well, none with such powers anyway.\"

For a moment, it seems as if the black figure's attention is elsewhere, even though there are few outward signs of this. Then turning his attention to the Arabic gentleman he says in a quiet yet perfectly audible voice, "I'm not employed by Mr. Masters, and I'm afraid I couldn't tell you which of the novas here are or aren't. "

Looking at the antics of his fellow novas, a slightly amused chuckle escapes his lips. Leaning close the Arab and speaking in a voice meant only for him, " It's awfully nouveau riche of them, don't you think? Like children with new toys that they must show off to everyone. " Indicating both Terry and Alex, he chuckles again, and shakes his head slightly.

::rolleyes ::cool

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The Arabic fellow, like most everyone else, is captivated ::nervous by Terry's display of Nova power, so jumps at Nullifier's soft voice. Obviously trying to calm his nerves he takes a swig of drink, then forces a smile ::lookaround at the black-clad Nova, mumbling,

"Yes, yes... like children, very apt..."

He backs away from the bar, still trying to smile, & says,

"Thankyou for your answer I... I won't disturb you any longer..."

before turning & heading off into the crowd again.

Meanwhile, on the ceiling, Susanne is completely star-struck, but a surprisingly good dancer, despite the unusual circumstances. As the guests divide into those backing away from the dance floor with concern, & those rushing to join the fun, she twirls into a close embrace with Terry, dares to look him in the eyes, & softly whispers,

"Are you going to kiss me now?" ::blush

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Meanwhile, on the ceiling, Susanne is completely star-struck, but a surprisingly good dancer, despite the unusual circumstances. As the guests divide into those backing away from the dance floor with concern, & those rushing to join the fun, she twirls into a close embrace with Terry, dares to look him in the eyes, & softly whispers,

\"Are you going to kiss me now?\" 

As they dance around the chandelier Terry looks above at the upside-down people looking towards them in admiration. Directly above couples were doing flips and twirls...his eyes become distant and he looks back down again.

"It wouldn't be very fair of me, would it?"

Terry looks up again, smiling...

"But then...who said life was fair?"

The couple slowly descends as they embrace, suddenly hidden from the prying eyes of the gawking mass by the rising circle of dancers below, now devoid of any control over their movements but enjoying themselves all the same. The dancers orbit around the couple as they all slowly float down towards the dance floor. Once on the floor again, the dancers applaud and spread apart to reveal the couple standing in the middle of the dance floor. Terry waves his hand at the crowd while walking towards the bar, closely accompanied by a gasping and starstruck Susanne clinging to his other arm.

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The eufiber covering his face does little to hide the smirk he directs at the fleeing Arab's back. He is both amused and slightly bitter at the man's reactions. He did, after all, approach them without any invitation to do so. Sighing slightly, he shrugs almost imperceptably and places his drink on the bar.

Turning to Alex he says in an wry tone of voice, " Well, I suppose that's what he gets for being so nosy. One should never ask questions if one is not prepared to deal with the answers. Don't you agree, Mr. Green? " ::sly ::wink

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"One should never ask questions if one is not prepared to deal with the answers. Don't you agree, Mr. Green? " ::sly  ::wink

Alex signals for another drink and replies, "For the most part. There are exceptions, but this, is a demostration," here a black fork appears in Alex's hand, "that, is showing off." Here he points to the dancers with the fork before starting to eat a piece of cake he liberated from a passing tray.

"Let me reverse the question; What do you do?"

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Alex signals for another drink and replies, \"For the most part. There are exceptions, but this, is a demostration,\" here a black fork appears in Alex's hand, \"that, is showing off.\" Here he points to the dancers with the fork before starting to eat a piece of cake he liberated from a passing tray.

He inclines his head slightly in acknowledgement. \" A subtle, but imporatant distinction. \"

\"Let me reverse the question; What do you do?\"

Nullifier seems to study Alex for a moment, then chuckles saying, " A little of this, a little of that. Nothing that I care to demonstrate at this juncture. Besides, why define what I do? Defining such things imposes limits that retard growth and understanding. So I try to keep an open mind about my abilities, you know? "

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"Aaaahhh, but the first step to understanding and problem solving is defining what you know" - quipped Terry as he arrived at the bar, apparently oblivious to previous comments -

"Where would nuclear energy be without Einstein's defining of the Theory of relativity or basic physics without Galileo's theorems?"

,,

- Terry looked at the bartender -

"I'll have a Jameson, no water, no ice...and something softer for the lady, whatever she'd like. Thanks Tiny..."

- Turning back to Nullifier -

"I'm of the "practice makes perfect" school of thought."

- Terry winks at Susanne and nods towards the dance floor -

"I've always wanted to try that. Still...to each his own I guess. "

- Leaning back against the bar as he sips at his Jameson -

"So, would I be right in assuming you're here at Masters' invitation for recruitment opportunities or were you only on an errand?"

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OOC: Was quite busy over the weekend, so didn't get a chance to reply to ye.

her companion for the night, Mr Derek Chalmers.

Derek starts at this, and takes a quick drink to cover up.

However, if they are true to their beliefs, they would believe that they have no business interfering with something they would view as purely a baseline affair, that being the disposition of orphaned baseline children.

To Nullifier (with a hint of heat in his voice):

\"They wouldn't help children whose parents are dead? How heartless. Aside from that, how many of those children are potentially Novas? Choosing to ignore those children is an exceptionally short-sighted idea, purely from a potential recruitment point-of-view. If the Teragen were half as smart as some of them like to claim, then surely they would see *all* baselines as a purely pre-Nova stage of evolution, and thus would go out of their way to assist all baselines on the basis that they would be helping some become Novas and therefore increasing the ever-so-small population of \"the one race\".\" ::angry

Realising that this is probably the longest he's spoken all evening, Derek quickly focuses on his drink ::blush

Mumbling to himself \"Either idiocy or hypocrisy..... Hmmm.....\"

You may call me Nullifier, and I am pleased to meet all of you.\"

"I'm sure you are. And you may call me Derek Chalmers, though I'll answer to Derek quite happily" ::biggrin

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Ash moves back to Derek & whispers quietly to him,

\"Would you like to dance?\"

::blink

"Um.... Sure." ::biggrin

"Seeing as the conversation has gone slightly sour, I could use a breather."

Derek offers his arm to Ash, and the two move off to the dance floor.

Derek looks slightly uncomfortable, as if this is not something he gets up to regularly, but makes up for it with a large amount of enthusiasm.

And is thoroughly outclassed by Ash.... ::biggrin

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OOC - What Brilyn said.... ::wink

Gerry and Dr Chen continue dancing after Terry's rather.....flashy display.

Eventually they return to the bar, and Gerry refills his glass with whiskey. Pausing for a second, he retrieves an empty champagne glass and uses that instead.......

Gerry smiles at the masked newcomer "So, Nulli - wha's up wi' th' mask? Ye're not horribly deformed or somethin' are ye?" ::biggrin

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Nullifier seems to study Alex for a moment, then chuckles saying, \" A little of this, a little of that. Nothing that I care to demonstrate at this juncture. Besides, why define what I do? Defining such things imposes limits that retard growth and understanding. So I try to keep an open mind about my abilities, you know? \"

Alex signals for a refill and responds, "That's very Zen, but I'm an engineer. Let me ask a different question. As a brand new nova, do you have any advise employment-wise?"

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Aaaahhh, but the first step to understanding and problem solving is defining what you know\" - quipped Terry as he arrived at the bar, apparently oblivious to previous comments -

\"Where would nuclear energy be without Einstein's defining of the Theory of relativity or basic physics without Galileo's theorems?\"

....

\"I'm of the \"practice makes perfect\" school of thought.\"

Nullifier shrugs and says, \" I don't think of my abilities as problems to be solved, so that sort of definition is unnecessary for me. I do, however, practice with them quite frequently, as it is most enjoyable to do so. \"

To Nullifier (with a hint of heat in his voice):

\"They wouldn't help children whose parents are dead? How heartless. Aside from that, how many of those children are potentially Novas? Choosing to ignore those children is an exceptionally short-sighted idea, purely from a potential recruitment point-of-view. If the Teragen were half as smart as some of them like to claim, then surely they would see *all* baselines as a purely pre-Nova stage of evolution, and thus would go out of their way to assist all baselines on the basis that they would be helping some become Novas and therefore increasing the ever-so-small population of \"the one race\".\" 

After Derek finishes his little rant, Nullifier nods, \" I agree with everything you just said, actually, with the possible exception of the heartless part. Sticking to one's principles is, after all, an important and worthy trait to have. Besides, the Teragen also believe, with a certain amount of justification, that conflict is inevitible between novas and baselines, so helping baselines is, to them, helping a likely enemy. \"

Gerry smiles at the masked newcomer \"So, Nulli - wha's up wi' th' mask? Ye're not horribly deformed or somethin' are ye?\" 

Nullifier laughs softly, \" Not exactly, but I don't particularly think that everyone needs to know exactly what I look like. Call me paranoid if you will, but they are out to get me, you, and every other nova on the planet. \" ::ninja

Alex signals for a refill and responds, \"That's very Zen, but I'm an engineer. Let me ask a different question. As a brand new nova, do you have any advise employment-wise?\"

Turning back to Alex, he shrugs, " Employers are good for three things: money, backing, and information. They also come with three distinct disadvantages: they can exert a certain amount of control over you, they are in a position to betray you, and they posses a large amount of information about you. So, if one must seek employment, one should probably try to increase the former and decrease the latter as much as possible. "

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Turning back to Alex, he shrugs, \" Employers are good for three things: money, backing, and information. They also come with three distinct disadvantages: they can exert a certain amount of control over you, they are in a position to betray you, and they posses a large amount of information about you. So, if one must seek employment, one should probably try to increase the former and decrease the latter as much as possible. \"

Without looking up from the drinks he's preparing the bartender, Tiny, mutters,

"Sounds like someone doesn't want a job...",

then glances up, looks at Nullifier & smiles ::biggrin ,

"Oh, I'm sorry, was that my 'out loud' voice?"

He glances at Nullifier's untouched drink, shakes his head, tutting to himself ::confused ...

SUDDENLY!!!

There's a loud BANG & a FLASH from the casino area, & smoke starts to pour down the steps, along with guests & staff all gasping & choking, & staggering blindly as best they can. At the same time the club's video-screen walls & ceiling go blank. A moment later there's a scream from over by the band, as several men, dressed head-to-toe in hooded jumpsuits, with gas-masks & flak-jackets, each sporting a submachinegun with laser-sight (& carrying other weapons & equipment on military-style webbing: handgun, knife, grenades, spare ammo, radio, etc.), run into view from the stage-door behind the band.

These figures are joined by several others from the casino area, all dressed in a similar manner, trying to herd the crowd together in the middle of the dance floor, shouted threats distorted & muffled by the gas-masks they wear. Short bursts of gunfire can be heard from the casino area as well, although the smoke obscures the view. Lines of red laser-light can be seen sweeping the room.

As this all starts to sink in, a huge face, also in gas-mask, appears on each wall, & the ceiling, his electronically distorted voice booming loud enough to be heard over the screams & yells of the crowd,

"Do what we say, & some of you may yet live! There are several devices placed throughout this building's ventilation system that contain a rather deadly chemical agent - I'd rather not use it, but I will if I have to. All exits have been wired with explosives, & my men are willing & able to execute any trouble makers, & those close to them. Cooperate, & things will be over soon."

There appears to be at least twelve men in the club, maybe more in the casino.

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Nullifier shrugs and says, \" I don't think of my abilities as problems to be solved, so that sort of definition is unnecessary for me. I do, however, practice with them quite frequently, as it is most enjoyable to do so. \"

\"All education involves problem solving, if only the problem of \"How do I push myself further?\" I...\"

\"Do what we say, & some of you may yet live! There are several devices placed throughout this building's ventilation system that contain a rather deadly chemical agent - I'd rather not use it, but I will if I have to. All exits have been wired with explosives, & my men are willing & able to execute any trouble makers, & those close to them. Cooperate, & things will be over soon.\"

Terry whispers to the group at the bar...

"Ok...I know I can take the men out without bystanders...at least one of the groups."Nods to the group by the stage and the other by the casino stairs.

"However, unless someone can do something about the gas and explosives, I suggest we wait and get them while they escape, which might not be that good of an idea if they intend to blow this joint anyway...other suggestions?"

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A teenager with bleached white hair tied back in a ponytail sidles up to Terry.

Excuse me, but maybe I can help in some way? I'm a Nova of some power; I'm dormed down right now.

He has no outstanding physical traits, though he looks to be in good shape. At the others' looks of disbelief, he protests, You have to believe me! Look, when I go Nova, I'm.. dangerous. I can hold myself back when I'm dormant, but as a Nova, I just go crazy and usually end up smashing and freezing stuff. What should I do?

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define \"go crazy\".

It's like.. it's like I can still think, but whenever I attack something, or something attacks me, or even bugs me a little, I have to crush it. It's not a feeling which is easy to restrain. I only erupted maybe 6 months ago, when I was caught in an avalanche on a hiking trip up in the mountains. My parents were killed by the impact, but I stood it out, and then pulled myself out. When I got back to civilization, I was still in nova mode, and I almost killed the first person I met.. I managed to dorm down just in time. After that, I only powered up when I was by myself, usually far away from people, in order to train. I came here partly because I wanted to see some other novas, and partly because I was hoping that I could find something I could do with my powers.

The newcomer speaks with a distinct American accent.

My name's John, by the way.. John Walker.

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