Aberrant: Quantum Zero - Quantum Zero

[Nullifier]

"You said it yourself - we have each been granted the powers of a god. It just so happenes that mine is a dark god. What sort of god are you?"

In the pause after she says this, he replies in dreamy tone of voice, "Any sort I want to be. As are you. We all have such unlimited potential..."

"I presume you know that in the original 'mythology' the beings later identified as 'angels' were, in fact, refered to as gods - each ruled a part of the Earth? Do you honestly believe that line they feed you about this being the first time in history there have been creatures such as we 'Novas'? Where do you suppose 'mythology' comes from?"

::smiley1 Laughing he says, "That may even be true, but even if it is, so what? Most if not all of them are long gone, and haven't been seen for thousands of years. At any rate, I'm more interested in you telling me all about this religious (I use that word loosely) orginization of yours. Where it is, what your fellow novas powers are, what you hope to accomplish, the power structure, and so on. "

[ProfPotts]

"That may even be true, but even if it is, so what? Most if not all of them are long gone, and haven't been seen for thousands of years..."

Beltaine smiles,

"Ah. So you'd fall into the category of those 'doomed to repeat the past' then, right? Besides - think what Novas have learnt about themselves & their abilities over the past ten years - then try to imagine the secrets the ancient gods learnt during their millenia ruling the planet. Some of us feel it's worth a little effort to look into..." ::sly

"... At any rate, I'm more interested in you telling me all about this religious (I use that word loosely) orginization of yours. Where it is, what your fellow novas powers are, what you hope to accomplish, the power structure, and so on."

"The specific focus of my own study & worship of the black arts is the 'Church of Astaroth'. Like any church it is a community of souls, not a specific location. We do, however, claim several spikes of power - the five Altars. These are: Hagalz Hall in Lillehammer, Norway - although the exact location often moves; The Burning Man festival at Black Rock desert in Nevada - that's a once a year thing; The Black Altar - that's the OpSite chapel of the church, at ReignofEvil.com; The Black House in San Fran' - which is the club I run, & historical centre for the black arts; the fifth Altar has yet to be found."

"My fellow Novas in the church - the Domitori - draw their power, like me, from an aspect of the great Beast & demonic god - Astaroth. Of course, Astaroth was originally known as the goddess 'Ashtoreth' - so I, as the only female Domitori, & Voice of the Beast, am closest to her true nature. Astaroth - the Nova that is - was the first of us, & is the Body of the Beast; Belial is the Mind of the Beast; Grimskull is the Might of the Beast; & Mammon is the Heart of the Beast. There is a sixth Domitori, who is yet to be found... You never know, maybe that's you?"

"Our most devoted worshippers are the Daemons - some even take on demonic aspects thanks to their ritual use of specialised drugs, magic, & sin. Beneath them are the general slaves & cultists. We also get a lot of hits on the OpSite from 'interested parties'..."

"We hope to accomplish power - what else? What do you hope to accomplish?"

There's a pause, then the young Nova licks her lips, & whispers,

"It's like your words by-pass my own will & force me to do what you dictate - you can make me do anything, can't you? You're using my own power on me - this is the first time I've felt it. It's... liberating... isn't it? No wonder all those slaves come crawling back to me; a girl could get used to this..." ::devil

[ezekiel]

Derek raises an eyebrow at the frothing going on around him.

"Ahem. I would like to point out that all of this is rampany speculation at the moment. While I do agree that it's highly unlikely that a human would completely vapourise in a car explosion, we cannot begin to decide on motives prior to finding the woman and having a polite conversation. To leap to conclusions at this juncture is more than premature. It's, frankly, idiotic.

Terry seems unfazed by this

"Of course we can't know what motives would've lead to her disappearing. We don't know if she's dead, escaped or kidnapped. It is however highly likely that the Count would like to know what happened...unless he's in on it. Either way its a good idea to investigate the matter while the scene is still hot...besides...its not like we're doing anything constructive in the mean time and we can more than afford to let the Stranger look into it."

"And finally, Terry, sorry you have been out of the loop. The book in question is a medical journal from Dr William H. Maxwell. The Harvesters 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. We were asked to find this book & turn it over to the Harvesters, and then we will be allowed to meet with Natalia.

"The Harvesters believe that Natalia is a Nova who has had her Node suppressed somehow, they presume by Masters and believe that this journal has some connection."

Terry rubs his beard thoughtfully

"So they want Maxwell's book...have they said why? And when you say we'd be allowed to "meet" with Natalia, does that mean she wouldn't be coming back with us? Seems like a bullsh!t deal if you ask me...Derek, you're a scientist, do you think there's any truth in this bit about suppressing Natalia's Node? Is that even possible without killing someone?"

Terry looks towards the speaker phone

"Kane, when can we meet with Masters? Where is he? Uhmm...I take it they didn't want him to know about this, should we give him all the details when he wakes up? You know him and his organisation better than any of us. Considering that Natalia is in danger, would he want us to keep him out of the loop in order to save her?" ::confused

[ProfPotts]

"Kane, when can we meet with Masters? Where is he? Uhmm...I take it they didn't want him to know about this, should we give him all the details when he wakes up? You know him and his organisation better than any of us. Considering that Natalia is in danger, would he want us to keep him out of the loop in order to save her?"

There's a long pause - longer than any that's occured in a converstaion with Kane before. Just as the Novas start to wonder if the speaker-phone is still working or not, the voice finally answers,

"That is a very direct question."

There's a further pause; then,

"As I previously informed the others - Mr Masters cannot allow the book in question to fall into the hands of the Teragen. The book is safely in the vault upstairs. The safe return of Natalia is of absolute importance. I cannot keep information from Mr Masters once he has woken up. My proverbial hands are tied."

[ezekiel]

There's a long pause - longer than any that's occured in a converstaion with Kane before. Just as the Novas start to wonder if the speaker-phone is still working or not, the voice finally answers,

"That is a very direct question."

There's a further pause; then,

"As I previously informed the others - Mr Masters cannot allow the book in question to fall into the hands of the Teragen. The book is safely in the vault upstairs. The safe return of Natalia is of absolute importance. I cannot keep information from Mr Masters once he has woken up. My proverbial hands are tied."

Terry waits a few seconds and sighs

"I understand Kane, I'm sorry I asked...- Terry's tone quickly changes into an upbeat, no nonsense cadence as he stands and walks around the table while thinking aloud - So! What do we know about these "Harvesters" then? They kidnapped Natalia, right? Pathfinder helped them do it so she definitely knows where they are. Does Masters Inc. have any idea of where they might be situated? What do they do, why do they call themselves harvesters? I somehow doubt that they're into farming...What happened exactly during the attack? They tried to kill Masters, that much is obvious...did they try to grab Emma? What about the others? - Terry then looks at Nate and Will - How did the meeting go with Orzaiz and Pathfinder? What did they want exactly? Derek, you're sure secrecy wasn't an absolute demand? Did anything else happen during the meeting? Oh, and how did they contact you in the first place? You just knew they hung out in the Amp room? Its time we share everything and we attack this problem head on..."

[phoenix]

"As I previously informed the others - Mr Masters cannot allow the book in question to fall into the hands of the Teragen. The book is safely in the vault upstairs. The safe return of Natalia is of absolute importance. I cannot keep information from Mr Masters once he has woken up. My proverbial hands are tied."

John gives the others a significant look with raised eyebrows. Is that Mr. Intrigue's equivalent of a go-ahead?

[Nullifier]

"We hope to accomplish power - what else? What do you hope to accomplish?"

In the pause that follows Nulifier says in a subdued tone of voice, "I hope to make the best of a bad situation. Sometimes I think I should just cut my losses and leave this mudball, but then I realize that I can still do some good, so I stay."

There's a pause, then the young Nova licks her lips, & whispers,

"It's like your words by-pass my own will & force me to do what you dictate - you can make me do anything, can't you? You're using my own power on me - this is the first time I've felt it. It's... liberating... isn't it? No wonder all those slaves come crawling back to me; a girl could get used to this..." 

There's a pause that extends into a long silence. Finally Nullifier asks, "Have you or any members of your chruch ever seriously harmed or killed a nova?"

[ProfPotts]

... "So! What do we know about these "Harvesters" then? They kidnapped Natalia, right? Pathfinder helped them do it so she definitely knows where they are. Does Masters Inc. have any idea of where they might be situated? What do they do, why do they call themselves harvesters? I somehow doubt that they're into farming...What happened exactly during the attack? They tried to kill Masters, that much is obvious...did they try to grab Emma? What about the others?"...

Kane's answer comes quickly,

"As far as we know 'The Harvesters' are a group of deformed Novas with Teragen ideals. Leviathan is presumed to be a member or leader of the group. Dr Altaz Zia is also suspected of involvement in the group. Dr Zia was a bioengineering researcher for Horizon Pharmaceuticals - a group linked to the Triton Foundation - who hid the fact he'd erupted whilst he embezzeled large amounts of money & resources from Horizon. Dr Zia was discovered by a T2M-Am' investigation four years ago - but managed to escape & has not been seen since. If The Harvesters & Dr Zia are involved in Natalia's kidnapping it may well be that Dr Zia found out about Dr Maxwell's research whilst he was working for Triton. We don't know at present where The Harvesters are situated. We don't know why the are called The Harvesters - the name has come up in several investigations into Teragen activities."

Nullifier's Pad:

"Have you or any members of your church ever seriously harmed or killed a nova?"

"Not to my knowledge", answers Beltaine, "we usually play with those who are yet to find their inner Daemons. Have you?"

After a pause she adds,

"Anyone can achieve the state known as 'Novahood', by harnessing their inner Daemon. We help people do this. Those too weak to rise to that challenge are fair game for the strong."

[ezekiel]

Dr Zia was discovered by a T2M-Am' investigation four years ago - but managed to escape & has not been seen since.

"Does this mean we could work in collaboration with Team Tomorrow or is that out of the question. I'm not a big op-net tabloid user so I don't know much about them but one of them might be able to help."

If The Harvesters & Dr Zia are involved in Natalia's kidnapping it may well be that Dr Zia found out about Dr Maxwell's research whilst he was working for Triton.

"Now this begs the question, Why do they want the book so badly? - Terry's looks around the table - Guys, I tried reading through Maxwell's reseach but I couldn't understand any of it. - Terry looks a bit embarassed down at the floor ::confused - Quantum evolution or something. It's mostly about Emma , at least the bit I read...could it be they just want to get a clue on how to unleash Nefertiti? Or is there really research in it on how to turn off a node? - Terry looks at Derek - What exactly did you work on for Masters?"

[brilyn]

Derek raises an eyebrow at Terry's remarks.

"I would be surprised in the extreme if a scientist from 40+ years ago had researched into the possibility of disabling the M-R Node of a Nova, considering how little of the normal human brain was known about at that stage.

"Granted, given that I'm sure he would have been pretty focused on 'saving' Emma, the necessary technology to investigate the human brain hadn't really been developed to any significant degree.

"As for my work with MI, it's been on a variety of projects, the vast majority of which focused on increasing the tensile strength of a variety of materials, and other such things. A lot of which I signed non-disclosure agreements on, so I can't really go into any more detail than that. I can say that none of it had anything to do with directly manipulating the human/nova brain {not whole truth}."

While saying all of this, Derek looks at each of the group in question, waving to get attention where it's needed. Once he's got everyone's attention, he circles his hand (indicating all present), then points up. He repeats this twice more, hopefully getting the message across.

A thought seems to strike Interface, and he speaks to Kane (in a calm, distinctly non-confrontational, matter-of-fact manner).

"As a matter of interest, Kane, would I fall into the category of 'Deformed Nova'?"

[ezekiel]

While saying all of this, Derek looks at each of the group in question, waving to get attention where it's needed. Once he's got everyone's attention, he circles his hand (indicating all present), then points up. He repeats this twice more, hopefully getting the message across.

Terry nods understandingly

[ProfPotts]

"Does this mean we could work in collaboration with Team Tomorrow or is that out of the question. I'm not a big op-net tabloid user so I don't know much about them but one of them might be able to help."

Kane quickly replies,

"No - we want Natalia back alive. Team Tomorrow have a reputation for excess. We should keep this in the Masters family if at all possible."

[After the talk of Maxwell's research]

"Dr Maxwell's work is classified. The medical notes released to Mr Nathanson were an exception to that rule."

[archer]

While saying all of this, Derek looks at each of the group in question, waving to get attention where it's needed. Once he's got everyone's attention, he circles his hand (indicating all present), then points up. He repeats this twice more, hopefully getting the message across.

The Stranger nods in response, looks around at the others. Quietly picking up a notepad and pen from the table, he slowly(making sure to use big block letters), writes a single word, then sets the notepad in the center of the table, face up. HOW?

[phoenix]

John, reading the Stranger's note, points to Terry.

OOC: Post edited due to me suddenly remembering that we have a warper now. ::blush

[ezekiel]

Kane quickly replies,

"No - we want Natalia back alive. Team Tomorrow have a reputation for excess. We should keep this in the Masters family if at all possible."

Terry answers as he grabs the pad

"I see...do you have any suggestions or should we just follow this lead and hope it leads to something?" and scribbles on it with a wry smile: Can you do the beer trick with the book?

[brilyn]

Kane quickly replies

Interface's face grows darker at Kane's lack of answer regarding his skin.

Can you do the beer trick with the book?

Derek quickly grins, and gives a single quick nod.

[Nullifier]

"Anyone can achieve the state known as 'Novahood', by harnessing their inner Daemon. We help people do this. Those too weak to rise to that challenge are fair game for the strong."

Nullifier thinks for a bit then says, "So you torture baselines until they either die by some hideous means or another, or erupt? As I understand it, to become a nova you have to have a certain genetic pre-disposition. Which means unless you've found some means to either bypass or meet the genetic requirements, you're actively torturing baselines to death. Tell me truthfully, is this what you and your church are doing?"

[phoenix]

John, reading the recent remarks on the paper, gives an alarmed looks and scribbles:

telepath

indian gift

The second expression is inside a circle with a slash through it.

[brilyn]

indian gift

Derek looks confused at this.

Then quickly points to the intercom, makes 'talking' sign with his hands, as it suddenly dawns on him that there's likely been a couple seconds silence on our end at this point.

[archer]

"No - we want Natalia back alive. Team Tomorrow have a reputation for excess. We should keep this in the Masters family if at all possible."

Noticing Derek gesturing to the intercom, The Stranger speaks up, in a very dry tone. "Speaking of which, I don't suppose you've done the courtesy of informing the girl's parents? I'm sure that sometime, they will try to reach their daughter, or her grandfather. You won't be able to keep this under wraps forever, Kane. I am curious, though. What's the line you're feeding everyone not in the know?"

While speaking, he picks up the pad again, putting a question mark next to Glacier's entries...

telepath= ?

indian gift= ?

Then adding his own words again, in the same child-like writing: WHO GOES? CAN TERRY GET THERE? SEEN IT BEFORE?

[ProfPotts]

The Masters Building:

Interface's face grows darker at Kane's lack of answer regarding his skin.

[Oh - you noticed that did you?.. ::squid ::wink ]

"I see...do you have any suggestions or should we just follow this lead and hope it leads to something?"

"Masters International is doing everything it can to locate Natalia. We were hoping that your companions' meeting with the Teragen would have produced more to go on. Is there anything you haven't told me yet?"

"Speaking of which, I don't suppose you've done the courtesy of informing the girl's parents? I'm sure that sometime, they will try to reach their daughter, or her grandfather. You won't be able to keep this under wraps forever, Kane. I am curious, though. What's the line you're feeding everyone not in the know?"

"Colonel & Doctor Masters are currently off-planet. Those 'not in the know' have no reason to even suspect that this incident occured."

Nullifier's Pad:

"So you torture baselines until they either die by some hideous means or another, or erupt? As I understand it, to become a nova you have to have a certain genetic pre-disposition. Which means unless you've found some means to either bypass or meet the genetic requirements, you're actively torturing baselines to death. Tell me truthfully, is this what you and your church are doing?"

Beltaine shakes her head,

"Not at all. The talk you've heard of 'genetic pre-dispositon' is the Establishment's way of trying to prevent everyone with the courage to do so from reaching the power of their inner Daemon. In your terms - anyone can erupt, it just takes effort, dedication, & fearlessness. The trials our followers endure in seeking an evolved (or, of you like devolved) state they endure by choice. Are you suggesting we curtail their rights to religious freedom?"

She giggles ::laugh , then adds,

"That's not to say we don't tortured people to death now & then..." ::devil

[phoenix]

telepath= ?

indian gift= ?

Frustrated, John grabs the pen and taps the word "indian gift", and rapidly writes, D. can't give fake notebook and keep real one - P. would know

thought that was what T. was saying This remark is accompanied by an arrow leading back to Terry's question about the beer trick.

[ezekiel]

"Masters International is doing everything it can to locate Natalia. We were hoping that your companions' meeting with the Teragen would have produced more to go on. Is there anything you haven't told me yet?"

"Well, I wouldn't know...Could Masters give us forensics equipment, everything that the Stranger needs? I know he's not an employee of the corp but considering the circumstances I think exceptions should be made, I'll take responsibility. Ideally he should be sent back as soon as possible for as you know, most crimes are solved in the first 72 hours, after that the chances of solving a case fall drastically."

Terry grabs the pad and points to Telepath = ?

"Pathfinder - Terry looks meaningfully at the Stranger - is our real problem here. She's the only one who knows where the harvesters are and she'll spot any deception immediately. We need some way to pressure or convince her to help us...I haven't met her but from what I've heard it won't be easy..."

Terry shrugs at the indian gift entry and points at the rest while nodding

WHO GOES? CAN TERRY GET THERE? SEEN IT BEFORE?

"Derek and I will go to my apartment, if you don't mind Derek, I'd like to show him my transcripts to have an idea of what uses they could be put to. Anything to give us a clue of where they might be...I'll be needing a rest after I send back Stranger so if anyone wants to go back to Ibiza with him, you're welcome to go. If not, I propose we all take a break and meet up tomorrow. Any comments or suggestions? "

[ezekiel]

Terry grabs the pad and circles D. can't give fake notebook and keep real one He adds under it...Keep fake, give real. We worry later.

[Nullifier]

"That's not to say we don't tortured people to death now & then..." 

Again there's a pause, then Nullifier speaks again, "Wonderful. Although I'm interested in the idea that anyone could potentially erupt, I'm not sure your way is the best way to test that theory. Tell me everything you know about the Church of Astaroth's offensive and defensive capabilities."

[archer]

"Well, I wouldn't know...Could Masters give us forensics equipment, everything that the Stranger needs? I know he's not an employee of the corp but considering the circumstances I think exceptions should be made, I'll take responsibility. Ideally he should be sent back as soon as possible for as you know, most crimes are solved in the first 72 hours, after that the chances of solving a case fall drastically."

The Stranger nods in agreement. "Yes. I need to get back to the crime scene as quickly as possible, before any evidence is contaminated. Kane, if you're able to provide the equipment, I'll give you a list. If not, tell me now so I can go retrieve my own."

Derek and I will go to my apartment, if you don't mind Derek, I'd like to show him my transcripts to have an idea of what uses they could be put to. Anything to give us a clue of where they might be...I'll be needing a rest after I send back Stranger so if anyone wants to go back to Ibiza with him, you're welcome to go. If not, I propose we all take a break and meet up tomorrow. Any comments or suggestions? "

"Once I have the necessary equipment, I'm ready to go. It shouldn't take me long to get the evidence I need, then I'll return here. Terry, would you prefer to transport me back at a predetermined time, or have me make my own way back?"

[brilyn]

"Derek and I will go to my apartment, if you don't mind Derek, I'd like to show him my transcripts to have an idea of what uses they could be put to.

"Not at all, I'd like to get that done."

Turning to the Stranger:

"Once you've collected that data, I'll be happy to help you analyse it. My crime-scene skills are sadly lacking, but I should be able to make up for it once you've got the information." ::wink

[ProfPotts]

The Masters Building:

"Stranger", replies Kane, "I'll have any equipment you need sent up immediately. I've also contacted the Spanish authorities & arranged for you to examine the evidence. That took more effort than usual. I suspect someone else was trying to prevent just such an occurance - the obvious suspect being Count Orzaiz. He has the neccessary connections & influence to cause a cover-up. Fortunately Masters International has more."

Nullifier's Dungeon... er... 'Pad': ::tongue ::wink

"Wonderful. Although I'm interested in the idea that anyone could potentially erupt, I'm not sure your way is the best way to test that theory. Tell me everything you know about the Church of Astaroth's offensive and defensive capabilities."

The captive girl shifts in her seat for a few moments, then replies,

"I'm not sure what you mean - we're a church, not an army. I guess we Domitori could be classed as 'offensive' & 'defensive' capabilities. Then there are the Daemons - although the really violent ones are Astaroth's vikings - they're sort of like an army, just a really old-fashioned one... Er... What else?.. Some of the Daemons carry guns & stuff... I don't know..."

She trails off, then adds,

"Is that what you meant?"

[archer]

Stranger", replies Kane, "I'll have any equipment you need sent up immediately. I've also contacted the Spanish authorities & arranged for you to examine the evidence. That took more effort than usual. I suspect someone else was trying to prevent just such an occurance - the obvious suspect being Count Orzaiz. He has the neccessary connections & influence to cause a cover-up. Fortunately Masters International has more."

The Stranger quirks an eyebrow beneath his mask, but keeps his tone level. "Thank you for such a quick response. Somehow I'm not suprised there's a cover-up in the works. Now, this is what I'll need..."

Quickly and concisely, the Stranger proceeds to rattle off the equipment needed for his investigation. That done, he turns to Terry, and looks around the table at the group. "As soon as that's here, I'll need you to send me back. Does anyone else want to go with me?"

[Ayre el KaBeer]

Will looks alittle nervous, "Ah, Kane do you have a description of Dr. Zia? Maybe a picture, you know, post eruption?". While waiting for a response seemed to be focusing on something and takes the pad and pen. He unlderlines the word fake and scribles Duration? Same as microscope?

[Nullifier]

"Is that what you meant?"

There's silence for several moments as Nullifier thinks about it then says, "Yes, but tell me more details. The novas in your group, what are their powers, and/or superhuman traits and abilities you know of? What are the numbers of these various groups, both baseline and nova? What are they armed with, armored with, and what drugs if any do they use? What if any training do they recieve, how many of them have seen actual combat situations, and what are the hierarchies in such situations? Where and when specifically does your Church congregate, and how would I go about finding them? I think those will do for a start. "

Picking up a pad and pen, Nullifier patiently awaits her response.

[Asbjørn]

Nate has been outside the discussion for a while, scribbling something on another piece of paper while from time to time keeping up with both the written and spoken conversations. Now he walks over to Terry and hands him the note.

MAXWELL'S WORK = KEY TO EMMA / NEFERTITI'S CONDITION

KIDNAPPERS = TERAGEN

THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES.

WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO LOSE THAT BOOK

GET E.s OPINION??

Out loud he adds "Well, I'm probably the least useful guy in an investigation... I'll stay here till Masters wakes up or I'm needed in the investigation. Kane, I'm gonna need that location now so I can get back to work and at least be of some use while the others are busy in Europe. Where is she?"

[brilyn]

Derek is starting to look frustrated.

Writing on the pad, quickly.

"If we finish the DAMN phone conversation we can talk NORMALLY!!!! Aside from which, once we have the book, it'll be easy to smuggle out. Don't worry about the details. Please finish up with the pad, and I'll destroy it."

[ProfPotts]

The Masters Building:

"Ah, Kane do you have a description of Dr. Zia? Maybe a picture, you know, post eruption?".

"I'll have a Triton file photograph brought up with The Stranger's equipment."

Kane, I'm gonna need that location now so I can get back to work and at least be of some use while the others are busy in Europe. Where is she?"

"For obvious reasons I'd prefer to keep that information on a need to know basis. If you're not likly to encounter Pathfinder again in the near future then I can have you taken to Miss Nazir's location."

Nullifier's:

"Yes, but tell me more details. The novas in your group, what are their powers, and/or superhuman traits and abilities you know of?.."

"We all possess various aspects of Astaroth's power - body, mind, voice, might, heart. Astaroth - his Body aspect that is - has a demonic body & commands the flames of Hell. Belial is a master of the mystic arts. Grimskull is incredibly strong & tough & can control metal & machines & stuff. Mammon can possess people. Me - I'm the embodiment of pleasure & pain."

"What are your powers?"

"... What are the numbers of these various groups, both baseline and nova?.."

"Baselines, I don't know - enough for my needs in any case. 'Novas' - just the Domitori. Care to join us?"

"... What are they armed with, armored with, and what drugs if any do they use?.."

"Er... The usual stuff I guess - guns & knives & stuff... I guess the viking guys use axes, but I really wouldn't know. My pets tend towards whips & floggers & lots of leather - but that's less 'armaments' & more 'decoration'... As for drugs - who knows? None of that stuff affects me any more, so what do I care?"

"... What if any training do they recieve, how many of them have seen actual combat situations, and what are the hierarchies in such situations?.."

"Um... The baselines do what we say, naturally. I have no idea about 'combat situations'. My slaves are all well trained - to better serve their Mistress."

"... Where and when specifically does your Church congregate, and how would I go about finding them? I think those will do for a start."

"Find us at 'ReignofEvil.com' - most people do. Other than that we 'congregate' at the various Altars."

Cocking her head to one side again, the childlike Nova inquires,

"Is all this going somewhere? I've paid for harsher interrogations than this..." ::devil

[archer]

((OOC: Assuming that the equipment is delivered, and there's nothing else Kane wants to talk about...))

The Stranger turns to Terry after gathering what he needs. "Ready when you are. Anyone else coming?"

[phoenix]

"Ready when you are. Anyone else coming?"

John shrugs. "I'll come. Not that I'll be any help."

[archer]

Surprised, The Stranger glances at John. "You may be more use than you know. You're welcome to come along."

He looks around the room, seeing if there are any other volunteers before Terry opens the portal.

[Nullifier]

"What are your powers?"

::smiley1 Chuckling, "I can do just about anything I can figure out how to do, and it seems I learn more every day."

"Is all this going somewhere? I've paid for harsher interrogations than this..."

There's a long pause, which extends for several minutes, finally Nullifier speaks again, "You keep offering for me to join you. Tell me why. What is it you think you have that I want badly enough to join you?"

[Asbjørn]

As the conversation is about to break up, Nate leans forward and writes something on the notepad before he too looks expectantly at Terry and the Stranger. "I don't think you'll need me. Do you?"

Those looking at the pad can see the last scribbled words at the bottom of the page:

BTW: THERE ARE CAMERAS HERE, U KNOW...

[brilyn]

Making sure everyone has seen the last entry on the pad, Derek takes it and the additional note.

Interface concentrates for a moment. The silver sheen of his skin extends and envelops the papers.

After a second or two, the sheen recedes back down the length of the pad, but where it leaves, the pad no longer exists.

Derek turns to the group (primarily Terry).

"Right so, ready when you are" ::wink