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Aberrant: Quantum Zero - Quantum Zero


ProfPotts

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Orziaz frowns,

"Obviously you don't grasp the sensitivity of the issues involved here. I can hardly be expected to reveal to you the specific information the Harvesters require if you're going to turn around & report to Masters on the matter. I can tell you that Dr Zia considers the information vital to the future of the Nova race, but that's hardly going to convince you if you don't trust the Teragen's agenda, will it? If you gentlemen are unwilling to put your lack of trust for your fellow Novas aside long enough to engage in this mutually beneficial enterprise, then the Harvesters will need to find another way of getting what they require - & any such activity will be made considerably more difficult if Masters has been pre-warned by you exactly what they are after."

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Laying his hands flat on the table, The Stranger speaks in a calm voice.

"So. Essentially we are at an impasse. We want to make sure the girl is fine, and in order to do so, we must provide certain sensitive information regarding Masters or his company. Count Orzaiz, you are not asking for trust, you are asking for blind faith. Forgive my cynicism, but unless you are willing to provide some assurance that the girl is at the very least alive, I can't see why we would be wiling to proceed."

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The Count parts his hands in an open gesture,

"Look, I'm just here to help facilitate communication between you & the Harvesters. I simply ask if you'd consider taking actions that Masters would not approve of if it meant you could meet with the girl. If not, then I'll inform the Harvesters of your descision & that will be that. If you are willing to take that risk, then I can give you further information about what it is the Harvesters seek. As it stands you've asked much of us, & offered nothing in return. I like to be helpful to my fellow Novas, naturally, but even my famed generousity has some limits." ::sly

At that point Orzaiz's 'phone beeps softly. Appologizing, he takes it from his pocket, flips it open, & answers the call, turning slightly away from the group in the booth,

"Hello... Ah, Nullifier, I was wanting to speak with you... yes, I've spoken to her... sure, but can it wait? I'm in a meeting right now, I'll call you back soon. Thanks, bye."

With that he flips the 'phone closed again, & turns back to the group,

"Sorry about that, gentlemen. Where were we?"

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The Stranger smiles beneath his mask. "Ah, forgive me. I misunderstood. Speaking only for myself, I can say that I have no reservations with procuring information in return for the girl's safety."

At hearing the Count speak Nullifier's name, The Stranger stands. "Excuse me, but I need to make a call of my own. My apologies." Walking off a few metres, he disappears into the crowd.

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I simply ask if you'd consider taking actions that Masters would not approve of if it meant you could meet with the girl.

Derek speaks up

"That appears to a pretty simple question. My answer: Yes. I'll consider that."

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As it stands you've asked much of us, & offered nothing in return.

Will goes back into buisness mode "Quite the oposite, you said it yourself, they want something that's 'Vital', will cause us to betray a trust, and all we get to do is to meet with Natalia... This is sounding too much like a ransom, but all we get from it is to talk to the hostage... No dice! You only get the info in exchange for Natalia herself, willing or otherwise, all this talk makes me sure she's physically fine, but as to her mental state... ::closedeyes" Will pauses to take another breath, still not completely over the last vision "That's the deal Count..."

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Quite the oposite, you said it yourself, they want something that's 'Vital', will cause us to betray a trust, and all we get to do is to meet with Natalia...

Derek sighs.

Speaking softly:

"Will, I think you'll find that he said it was vital to the welfare of Novas, not to Masters. If you're not prepared to consider that option, then you won't get any more information."

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Shaking his head a little, Blaze says "You know... I thought somebody said Natalia was there of her own free will. Doesn't really sound like it, count. Now, I'm perfectly prepared to consider exchanging information for Natalia, if we can just stop pretending that she's got anything to say in the matter. I don't care if you have any part in it or not, but this definitely sounds like a kidnapping, like Will says."

"To answer your question: Yes, I'd consider taking actions Masters would not approve of if it means I can meet Natalia. But if she's held against her will, there will be no exchange of information unless she comes with us. I agree with Will on that part."

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The Stranger smiles beneath his mask. \"Ah, forgive me. I misunderstood. Speaking only for myself, I can say that I have no reservations with procuring information in return for the girl's safety.\"

The Count also smiles ::sly ,

\"I was unaware that the girl's safety was in question, but if that means you'd be willing to find & deliver the information in exchange for a meeting with Natalia, then that's all well & good.\"

\"That's the deal Count...\"

Orzaiz frowns as he listens to Will ::angry ,

\"That's a 'deal' you know I cannot agree to. I'm only here to act as contact between yourselves & the Harvesters. It took a great deal of effort on my part to even get this offer on the table, young man, I'm not about to return to the Harvesters with your ludicrus melodramatic notions about kidnapping & passing Natalia around like a piece of property.\"

\"Will, I think you'll find that he said it was vital to the welfare of Novas, not to Masters. If you're not prepared to consider that option, then you won't get any more information.\"

The Teragen spokesman again smiles ::smile ,

\"Well said, Interface. Even if your current alliegance is suspect, your reputation for intellect is well deserved.\"

Shaking his head a little, Blaze says \"You know... I thought somebody said Natalia was there of her own free will. Doesn't really sound like it, count. Now, I'm perfectly prepared to consider exchanging information for Natalia, if we can just stop pretending that she's got anything to say in the matter. I don't care if you have any part in it or not, but this definitely sounds like a kidnapping, like Will says.\"

\"Paranoia\", states the Count, \"does not become you, Blaze.\" ::dry

\"To answer your question: Yes, I'd consider taking actions Masters would not approve of if it means I can meet Natalia. But if she's held against her will, there will be no exchange of information unless she comes with us. I agree with Will on that part.\"

"Now that", replies Orzaiz, "at least sounds reasonable. So, can we all agree that you will covertly aquire the information - subject to your approval of it's nature, naturally - & will then meet with Natalia? Then, after you have confirmed her voluntary residence with the Harvesters, you will hand over the information to them?"

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Thinking the count's statement over a few moments, Blaze says "Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to believe that my own free choice is important, right? In that case I don't want any telepaths around when we meet the Harvesters. It's not very likely, but if she is held against her will it would be very easy for them to change their minds and ask for something else instead if they've already telepathically read the answer."

"Now I know it's peanuts for you to trick us here, and I don't know your position in this, but I want your word that there won't be any telepaths involved if you have anything to say about it. OK?"

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"I'm not sure that'd be an issue, Blaze", offers the Count, "I do know what the Harvesters require - I'm just not about to reveal it until we have the beginings of a reasonable understanding. There's no way they could change that requirement later. By the time you meet with them you'll - we hope - already have the information they have requested. Your paranoia about telepaths also seems a little... 'pointless'? If PathFinder wanted to 'interfere' with you mind, she could do it right here - why wait for later? Telepaths exist & some are Teragen members - that's just a fact of life you'll have to live with. I'm not going to make a deal that discriminates against a select few amongst Novas just to please you - it'd go against the entire philosophy that we strive to live by."

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- "Well, she's been reading my mind since we arrived, so... If you by 'interference' mean that she could alter things in my mind I'm grateful she can resist that impulse. Just as I'm sure she's grateful I'm not a walking fire hazard... ::sly "
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So, can we all agree that you will covertly aquire the information - subject to your approval of it's nature, naturally - & will then meet with Natalia? Then, after you have confirmed her voluntary residence with the Harvesters, you will hand over the information to them?\"

Derek frowns slightly.

"Subject to my approval of the nature of the information requested, I agree to these terms.

"I would also like to request, I would like to emphasize request as this is nothing remotely resembling a demand, that I have access to whatever medical tests they have performed on Natalia.

"Call it professional curiousity." ::smile

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Orzaiz looks pleased by Derek's interest ::bigsmile ,

"I'm sure that Dr Zia would be glad of your opinion on this matter, Interface; it's a credit to your evolved intellect & open-mindedness that you even offer. Thankyou."

PathFinder, meanwhile, looks at Nate,

"Really? You want to what... start some kind of Quantum pissing contest? Grow-up Blaze, your thoughts are an embarassment to our race."

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Having missed the last bits of conversation, he still notices the tension between Pathfinder and Blaze. \"Did I miss anything?\"

PathFinder glances up at the re-appeared Stranger,

"Not really, Blaze was just threatening me... nothing to be worried about." ::sly

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The Count turns to Will & Nate,

\"Well? What's it to be?\"

Will grudgingly nods, then cocks a thumb over at Pathfinder and calmy says "She doesn't have to be there, right? It's not that she's a telepath, it's that she royally pisses me off, I'd like to be in a clear state of mind when seeing Natalia. And I am sorry for my outburst earlier, you're right, you've been nothing but helpful, it's just that I've had one hell of a day" he ads trying to maintain the peace.

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Orzaiz looks serious,

"PathFinder's presence at any meeting will be up to her & the Harvesters. Since I'm hoping she'll consent to providing transportation for you all?..", he looks to PathFinder, who nods, then he continues, "... it would be something of an insult to request that she not attend."

PathFinder herself smiles 'sweetly' at Will ::halo ,

"Don't worry - I'm positive you'll not be in a 'clear state of mind' no matter whether I'm present or not..."

Orzaiz tries to ignore his fellow Terat's provocations, & instead turns to Nate,

"Well, Blaze, it looks like it's up to you. Are you willing to consent to the offered deal, or are you going to stick by your baseline Masters?"

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\"Well, Blaze, it looks like it's up to you. Are you willing to consent to the offered deal, or are you going to stick by your baseline Masters?\"

Taking a deep breath, Nathan looks at the count and says "I already agreed, didn't I...? I said I'll consider taking actions Masters wouldn't approve of to help Natalia. I'm coming along."

Glancing at Pathfinder he continues "And maybe I'll get a chance to understand your viewpoint better, as well... Cause so far it's only been provoking me, which is probably why Pathfinder thinks I threatened her. She's probably going to take this the wrong way too, but if I'd meant to threaten her, I would have done so out loud. The fact that I didn't means that I may have wanted to, but chose otherwise."

Looking at Pathfinder he hopes she won't misunderstand and provoke him again "Just wanted to make that clear."

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PathFinder looks less than impressed by Blaze's 'excuse', but (for once) keeps her own thoughts to herself. Orzaiz seems pleased by the way things are going so explains the deal further,

"Good, I'm glad we can all co-operate in this venture. There may be hope for the Nova community yet!" ::wink

"The information the Harvesters have requested is a journal - a medical journal to be precise - written many years ago by a man named Dr William H. Maxwell. They believe that it will shed some light on Natalia's condition. The book has never, to their knowledge, been transfered onto any electronic medium, & only one copy exists. That copy is held by Masters, but where exactly is unknown. Find this book & turn it over to the Harvesters, & you can meet with Natalia. Since the information in the book may well help her in any case, you can't really loose - if the girl's well-being is your priority." ::sly

"Certain parties believe that Masters would sacrifice anything, his own granddaughter included, to prevent others from possessing the information in Dr Maxwell's journal - so caution & a covert approach are suggested."

Orzaiz then takes several business-cards from his pocket, & hands one to each of the Novas,

"Contact me when you have the book, & I can arrange further transport."

He smiles ::bigsmile ,

"See, gentlemen, nothing too sinister. Now, are there any questions?"

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\"See, gentlemen, nothing too sinister. Now, are there any questions?\"

- "Yes. Masters or his closest will of course ask us how this meeting worked out. Since you're asking us to lie to them, do you have any suggestions what we should tell them? Didn't we find you? Did you point us on to someone else? Did you deny everything? Did you admit to having Natalia and set some other term for an exchange? Better if we all tell the same lie, don't you think...?"

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\"After all\", adds PathFinder, \"they're only baselines, right?\" 

Will explodes in a condecending laugh "Bwahahaha!!! ::smiley1 Oh, you haven't got a clue, do you?" He snaps shuts and give the Count an apologetic look (OOC:etiquette's a b!tch), looks back to Pathfinder "Never underestimate Masters, he's as sharp as they come, baseline ::sneaky2 or otherwise".

Will get's up "Again an honour to meet you Count Orzaiz, pitty it wasn't under better circumstances. Pathfinder, I suppose we'll see you later ::sly" Will intentionally slips in a little message incase she's reading his thoughts *Bite me!* and walks off with a grin. He seems far more relieved than before, he doesn't care about some old medical journal, getting Nat back is his priority and right now, it's looking more likely. ::smile

"Hey John! You comming?"

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Since you're asking us to lie to them, do you have any suggestions what we should tell them?

The Stranger responds the the question, though it's not directed at him. "Perhaps it would be best if we allowed Derek to do the talking when we return. Masters' employees certainly won't trust anything I say."

Turning to the Count and Pathfinder, he makes his goodbyes. "Count Orzaiz, a pleasure meeting you. I hope sometime that we can speak again under less pressing circumstances. Pathfinder...thanks for the dance. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."

As he walks away, he tosses a thought in Pathfinder's direction. *Tell Virus to say clear of me and mine. I will not forgive his slaughter of innocents. I will not seek him out, but tell him to stay clear.*

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PathFinder leaves the Count's booth with the others, & as they go they notice one of the waitresses escorting another Nova (an attractive young Asian woman with glowing green eyes - they don't recognise her) to see the Teragen spokesman.

\"... Pathfinder...thanks for the dance. Maybe we'll meet again sometime.\"

PathFinder smiles ::bigsmile ,

\"Count on it.\" ::wink

\"Hey John! You comming?\"

PathFinder sighs ::rolleyes ,

"Give the guy a break, ok? Not all Novas can get by as zip-lickers, let Glacier & Eel have their fun whilst they can. He's a big boy, he can make his own way home. Anyway, he can always get Masters' lackies to pick him up, right?"

With that the Teragen female gives The Stranger a quick kiss on the cheek ::wub, blows a kiss to Blaze ::wub, & heads off into the dancing crowds.

[so - what's the plan now?]

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\"Perhaps it would be best if we allowed Derek to do the talking when we return. Masters' employees certainly won't trust anything I say.\" 

::blink

As they leave, Derek quietly pipes up.

"Um.... guys? I appreciate being nominated as party spokesman and all, but I'm not exactly the lying type. I'm not particularly good at it, nor am I particularly comfortable with it.

"I know this sounds crazy, but why not run the truth past Masters? I mean, what could be in a 40+ year old journal that's worth the life of his granddaughter?"

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Stepping close to Derek, he speaks quietly, yet loud enough to be heard over the music. "I understand your concern, but here and now is not the best place to discuss this. Let's get out of here first, then talk about this someplace with less ears about."

Backing away, he tries to gather the others' attention. "Shall we return to the States immediately, or stay here and work out a plan?"

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- "If it wasn't for the fact that I can't help but feel we're being watched I'd love to stay, but I think we'd better get back. Or maybe find some other place to discuss our plans."

"How about a dreadfully ordinary baseline ::crazy ::wink club or something? I bet Pathfinder wouldn't go anywhere near a place like that... And guys... I apologize if I made things more difficult than they had to be back there. That chick just pisses me off bigtime. I'm sorry."

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\"How about a dreadfully ordinary baseline club or something?

\"Sounds fine to me, I'm getting sick of the elitism already, and I grew up in an elitist world!\" Will says bitterly ::sneaky2

And guys... I apologize if I made things more difficult than they had to be back there. That chick just pisses me off bigtime. I'm sorry.\"

"Nevermind, she pisses everyone off..." shaking his head "Try not to let her get to you, we need as many clear heads around these people as possible, if she keeps pissing you and me both off, they're always going to have the advantage".

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The Stranger nods. "Alright then. We all agree that we should at least leave here. Perhaps we should check into a local hotel, have a meal, and consider plans there. May I suggest that we arrange our own accomodations, and not contact Masters for a little while?"

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\"Sounds fine to me, I'm getting sick of the elitism already, and I grew up in an elitist world!\" Will says bitterly

::dontgetit

\"It's not elitism if one is quantifiably superior. Which we are...... Though the constant goading of potential allies does strike me as remarkalby.... stupid.... of Pathfinder.\"

May I suggest that we arrange our own accomodations, and not contact Masters for a little while?\"

"Masters is pretty much out of it for the moment. I agree with the meal though, and perhaps the accomodation. I suggest that we contact Kane with some sort of excuse as to why we're not returning immediately. Perhaps something along the lines of Orzaiz is willing to make contact, but it'll take a day or so? That should give us some time to make up our minds, one way or the other."

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\"It's not elitism if one is quantifiably superior. Which we are...... Though the constant goading of potential allies does strike me as remarkalby.... stupid.... of Pathfinder.\"

\"I agree. Though I believe she simply enjoys being provocative.\"

\"Masters is pretty much out of it for the moment. I agree with the meal though, and perhaps the accomodation. I suggest that we contact Kane with some sort of excuse as to why we're not returning immediately. Perhaps something along the lines of Orzaiz is willing to make contact, but it'll take a day or so? That should give us some time to make up our minds, one way or the other.\"

"Good idea. Technically, your excuse is valid. If we're going to get the info they want, it will definitely take a day or two. Why don't you contact Kane, I'll arrange transport and accomodations for us while we're in the city. Let's go."

With that, The Stranger heads outside, removing his cellphone to make the arrangements.

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It's not elitism if one is quantifiably superior. Which we are......

::shocked ::blink - "What!?! You don't really mean that, do you? Doesn't matter if we're stronger, faster, smarter or have superpowers. It still doesn't make us better."

Somewhat lost for words, Nathan follows the Stranger outside (giving him whatever privacy he needs) and waits for Derek to talk to Kane.

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\"What!?! You don't really mean that, do you? Doesn't matter if we're stronger, faster, smarter or have superpowers. It still doesn't make us better.\"

::dontgetit

Derek raises an eyebrow.

"So, you're saying that it doesn't matter if we're better, better, better, or have better abilities, it doesn't make us better? Intriguing.....

"Let me see if I can clarify what you are saying:

"Two people attempt to benchpress weights. One lifts 150kg, the other 100. Are you saying that the first person is NOT better than the second?

"Two people run 100metres. One completes it in 12 seconds, the other in 10. Are you saying that the second person is NOT better than the first?

"Now, the smart thing is not really quantifiable. IQ tests are a beginning, but are culture-biased. Other than that, I think you and Mr. Logic need to go have a talk. And no, I'm NOT talking about a Nova."

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The Novas step from the noise & lights of the club into the noise & lights of the crowds of fans, journalists, & wannabe's surrounding the infamous Nova night spot. Before they leave the security of the roped-off entrance area the glowing female Elite, Sunbolt, smiles at them ::bigsmile ,

"Leaving so soon boys?"

She looks them over,

"And fully dressed too... I guess you aren't here 'off-duty' then? Pity - you should stay for the foam party later on - those are always wicked!" ::wink

She looks past the group to see if anyone else is with them, then adds,

"Lose the 'bear' did you? I bet he's a real party animal."

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As soon as he hits the crowd, The Strangers costume shifts back to his earlier outfit; baggy clothes, ballcap and sunglasses. Covering one ear so he can hear the reservation agent on the other end, he continues his conversation. After a minute or two, he hangs up and walks over to the rest of group.

"I've arranged hotel rooms and vehicles for us. We can take a taxi to the hotel whenever you're ready."

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