opnet [OpNet] Close calls and free-for-alls!

[Sakurako Hino]

Oh man... *wipes sweat* what a day this has been. You guys should read my post that I put up on the "Vignettes" thread. I won't go into details here, but let's just say for one I've saved my mom's keister.

In other news, I got a question, while in a fight... do you seem to... well... do without doing? Sort of a Zen like style of combat? Because in this fight earlier today, I seemed to tap into something I thought I never had. Even as a nova. Any thoughts?

[Walker]

Hmmmmmmm, It sounds like you pushed your powers to the max, reminds me of the first time I made a succesful warp gate out of the solar system, the energy just seemed to take off inside me and explode outward, pushing the far end of the gate way beyond what I was 'normally' capable of.

This sort of thing seems to be not unusual for Novas, there aren't really many limits on what we can do with our powers, especially under stress OR with sufficient focus.

My abilities are not really combat powers as such, I achieve a meditational state, not unlike Zen, then focus on 'pushing' my powers out.

You noticed a slight pause before the scope of your powers expanded. This I believe was an unconcious focusing that you did out of the neccessity of saving your life. Given a bit of practice you can acheive the same state without your life being in danger.

[Fortune's Son]

Flat out something unexpected? No but then my abilities are of a different order than yours.

Somebody, one of our two resident Utopian hotties I think, talked about every nova knowing instinctively what they could do. The analogy she used was having a name on the tip of your tongue, something that you knew but didn't necessarily think about consciously. You see a variation of that with most novas as they train to use their abilities and trip over the centipede syndrome.

And another aspect of that might be that, if you didn't have a conscious interest, the knowledge would remain at a subconscious level waiting for a need to manifest.

[ 07-04-2002: Message edited by: Jack Chance ]

[Sakurako Hino]

Whoa. This seems to validate my theorys about the MR node. We novas have some control over it, yet, because it's near the frontal lobe, for which things like self control reside, it also controls our actions in an "instinctual" manner.

Yeah, I really shocked myself when I let that bastard of a brother of mine have it. He posed a threat to all novas and people, and I had to do something. He was dealing with something dark, and possibly dangerous. He had to be stopped. Unfortunately my discoveries had to come at the loss of a life. He was a killer, and fortunately not as powerful as I percieved. Hopefully while I'm in San Fran for a couple of weeks, I can straighten out and clear my concience.

-out.

[Sakurako Hino]

Jack: One quick question, what's the "centipede syndrome"? Just curious.

[Vile Bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
Jack: One quick question, what's the "centipede syndrome"? Just curious.

Shit sweetpea, Ol Bill can answer that one for ya. There's a story see, some fucker sees a big ol centipede truckin along and he say 'hey little guy, you got like, a zillion legs, how you keep track of all them little fuckers?', and the centipede, he stops and he starts thinkin. He ain't never thought about it before, he just did it, cuz, he's a centipede and thats what centipedes do, walk with a buncha fuckin legs! But, now he's thinkin about it. He thinks and thinks and he don't know *how* he does it. So, when he starts trying to do it, he's thinkin about it, and he can't do it, cuz he's thinkin and not just doin.

That work for ya Sweetness? Hey, since you're gonna be in the States, how bout you hook up with me? I ain't talkin about trying to violate your little tender, you a little skinny for me, but I thought I'd like apologize for the smart talk and take you out on an Elite's Night on the Town. Boomslang and Harry the Hammer and Shutterbug, we can show you how an Elite really lives and maybe that help you make a decision. Bring your momma, we wouldn't want her gettin worried or nothin.

I can arrange for some quick transport, show you the sites and it won't matter that you are still a little young. Most bouncers know to let it be when I flash em a smile.

[Fortune's Son]

Colorful, but it pretty much answers the question.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

"centipede syndrome"

That explains so much. We eventually get better I take it?

[Fortune's Son]

It usually takes about a month in a decent program like the one available thru DeVries. IF memory serves correctly it takes about six weeks in the training regime Utopia uses at their Rashoud Facilities.

[Hugin]

Or, if you make the effort to study and understand the workings of our quantum gift you will develop the ability to guide your evolution with much more self-determination rather than simply work on the abilities granted to you by chance and the subconscious.

Please understand that I do comprehend the difficulty involved in this particular path. It requires dedication and a very specialized self awareness, however, the freedom gained is quite heady.

Mr. Chance, I've never had the opportunity to experience DeVrye's training facilities, is one month your own experience or the norm? You are correct however about the time period for Utopian backed facilities. I wonder, what differences in training are there that would account for the difference?

[Fortune's Son]

One month seems to be the longest it's ever taken anyone to adapt and consciously adjust to the process while undergoing training at DeVries. And I'd say the biggest factor is motivation.

While there is a difference in the attitude of the people doing the training, the overall structure is very close to that of a Rashoud Facilities. In fact of lot of the training and paraphysician personnel were hired away from their old jobs at the RF's.

Personally, like I said, I believe the biggest difference is in the motivation both on the part of the novas and the trainers. Novas want to learn what they can do and how to apply it. The training personnel want them to be prepared and capable so they work with them to go as far as they can as fast as they can. Personally, I think they're supportive in ways that an RF doesn't even think to be.

And then there's the willingness of the company itself to long term commitment.

- Financial security; all Elites are required to invest at least 25% of their incomes.

- Self improvement; Anna pushes education like a dealer pushes drugs.

- Life; the only successful nova fertility clinic for those interested.

- Personal Security; Anna doesn't give up one of her own until she's gone to the wall and failed. Needless to say that hasn't happened yet.

All of which makes for a highly motivated and very enthusiastic learning experience.

[Jordan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Vile Bill:
Boomslang and Harry the Hammer and Shutterbug, we can show you how an Elite really lives and maybe that help you make a decision.

Hey Bill, 'slang's a bit tied up right now. We are neck deep in something nasty, so you'll have to find another drinking buddy for the time being.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:


- Financial security; all Elites are required to invest at least 25% of their incomes.

- Self improvement; Anna pushes education like a dealer pushes drugs.

- Life; the only successful nova fertility clinic for those interested.

- Personal Security; Anna doesn't give up one of her own until she's gone to the wall and failed. Needless to say that hasn't happened yet.

All of which makes for a highly motivated and very enthusiastic learning experience.

Ah, greed. Anna does seem to have her pulse on the motivation of the world.

Education eh? There are some of your compatriots that I think should have that option forced upon them at gunpoint and not just offered. My god, how do you work with some of the simpletons there?

Children? Nice thought. Procreation is a nice concept. Some of us though have decided to try something new.

Thank you for the data Mr. Chance. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to meet under more auspicious conditions. This time I promise not to bite.



Perhaps I could interest you and your paramour in a nice dinner? If rumors are true, she would be quite an interesting guest to try to satisfy. I'd have to come up with some new recipes.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

Originally posted by James 'Prodigy' Meehan:
Ah, greed. Anna does seem to have her pulse on the motivation of the world.

That is a valid perspective. Another way to look at it though, is the heirarchy of needs that have to be met before an individual can turn their attention to greater endeavors. A nova that's worried about where the next meal is coming from, where and how he's going to live, etc... isn't going to spend his days productively. If their time is spent dealing with the basics of life I can pretty much guarantee they aren't going to spend it reviewing a philosophical treatise.

And truthfully, the greed comes into play just by signing on with Devries. Even with the company taking between 10-80% of any and all fees the average Elite still makes more than with anyone else on the planet. Annie's investment policy isn't really one that appeals to the greedy since they want the money now rather than in the future.

Quote:

My god, how do you work with some of the simpletons there?

Truthfully it takes all kinds. Some even find me difficult to work with.

Annie spends more than a little effort creating a bonding environment. We play tricks on each other, beat the crap outta each other when we're on opposite sides and sometimes off the field as well, but you can bet the farm that an Elite won't cheat another Elite or do him dirty without nasty repercussions.

Quote:

Children? Nice thought. Procreation is a nice concept. Some of us though have decided to try something new.

You'll have to elaborate on that sometime.

Quote:

This time I promise not to bite.

You took as good as you gave and the pieces have mostly grown back.

Quote:

Perhaps I could interest you and your paramour in a nice dinner?

Hmmm... I will convey your exceedingly polite invitation. And thank you.

[ 07-08-2002: Message edited by: Jack Chance ]

[Sakurako Hino]

*grins like a cheshire cat*

Oh man, talk about so many suggestions, so little time. I'm just doing the self trained approach. Although Hinocorp is trying to get into the Nova training thing, but the money just isn't there yet. There's just not enough Novas. At least enough to put up the resources required in such an endeavor.

I'm at my wits end right now with my roomie, Debugger. Let me explain her little life story. After her node decided to say "hi", she... well... sprouted a cat like tail and ears. She also has a fine layer of fur. Not to mention an intellect sharper than mine, and a just as deadly wit. Not to mention claws that can cut titanium. Anyways, me and the neko-jin had a short sparring session. I still have some bandages on. Not to mention I'm the only Nova I know with stitches. *sigh* Oh well, that which dosen't kill you and all that jazz...

*grins* Well, it is sort of interesting what I'm going to have to get involved in eventually. Interesting and scary. But then again, so is the unknown variables of life.

Vile: Thanks for the offer, but I'm pretty sore right now. No thanks. ; I think a night club is the least of my needs at the moment.

[Jager]

Endeavor, I sending this on the run, so I've got to make it fast.

Trust people, not organizations. Find a place were you fit in and your compatriots goals are similar to your own. Even if that means your working with yourself.

Jack, next time your being pragmatic about Utopia, try being pragmatic about DeVries. Why don't you tell Endeavor about Ripsaw (Patrick McCauley) or Headhunter (Gustav Czerner).

Ripsaw was killed recently while in the procsess of murdering... sorry... performing the contract killing of a business man and his associates in Columbia. He also killed five security guards and two maids. It must suck to be 'collateral' damage.

Headhunter is still doing time in Baharain for 'Crimes against Humanity' for, among other things, his actions in the Trans-Tanzanian Conflict.

In DeVries favor, if the authorities don't catch you at the scene, they will hide you and have their legions of lawyers keep you from being extradited to any court of law. Be a good little asset, and they will take really good care of you.

Screw up, get caught, and its a short trip to the Hague and then off to doing hard time in lovely Bahrain. Utopia has some really good lawyers, too.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Why don't you tell Endeavor about Ripsaw (Patrick McCauley) or Headhunter (Gustav Czerner).

Because;

1. She didn't ask.

2. She didn't want to work for DeVries despite going to the effort of actually doing an interview.

3. I didn't think speaking disrespectfully of a dead kid I happen to have liked would serve a purpose.

So where exactly do you think the line should be drawn on full disclosure? Should I tell her some personal memories of Patty-cake or maybe show her a couple of slides from an after action report? How about showing her the film from his original interview? Should I show her the video from his birthday party where Anna presented him with the birthday cake and then held him while he blew out the candles with that big goofy grin on his face?

Or should I just pull up the video from one of the ops your little contributions with DeVries made possible?

I haven't forgotten what I am, Jager.

[Vile Bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Why don't you tell Endeavor about Ripsaw (Patrick McCauley) or Headhunter (Gustav Czerner).
Ripsaw was killed recently while in the procsess of murdering... sorry... performing the contract killing of a business man and his associates in Columbia. He also killed five security guards and two maids. It must suck to be 'collateral' damage.
Headhunter is still doing time in Baharain for 'Crimes against Humanity' for, among other things, his actions in the Trans-Tanzanian Conflict.

Jager, you cold man. That ain't right bringing up them boys like that.

Head was a solid bro and I don't like you dissin his rep. Yeah, he did some shit, he was an Elite. But they made an example out of him. I was part of those ops and I personally saw about six other Elites doing the shit Head was convicted for. Anything that he could have possibly done was pinned on his ass simply cuz they caught him.

'Crimes against humanity'? Shit, he was a soldier. A soldier for hire yes, but he wasn't any more pscyho than the baselines with rifles that were all around us. He was just more effective.

And don't you talk about Rip. The kid had problems and everyone knew that, but you catch him off the field he was a nice kid. He still didn't deserve to have that Uppie beat his ass to death like that. What happened to stopping after you beat someone unconscious? Hard went nuts and everyone is callin him a damn hero for catchin the big bad murderer.

Yeah, the paper say murder, but you know DeVryes. Nondisclosure means nondisclosure. Just cuz it would make a man look better we still don't talk.

Man Jager, I didn't think you'd dis a man like that. There are lots of tried and true fuckers in this business, pick on them.

[Vile Bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jordan Rossi:
Hey Bill, 'slang's a bit tied up right now. We are neck deep in something nasty, so you'll have to find another drinking buddy for the time being.

Sunufabitch. That fancypants little muther is always skippin the party when it's his turn to buy.

Well, it it's nasty, I hope you guys do all right.

[Jager]

...and if someone was shitting on DeVries, I would stand up for them, if no one else did.

That wasn't my point. My point was that while DeVries does all these good things for you, they ask you to do things that are often illegal and can be deadly. Since Endeavor has now killed someone, her view on the world might change. She doesn't appear to be a super-genius and if she has any sneaky stuff, she is keeping it secret. What she does seem to do is blow things up...real well.

If she now decides that she should take a second look at DeVries (which isn't a bad idea, frankly), she should be aware of both the pros and cons before she signs on the dotted line.

Jack, would you take a contract without being paid up front? Isn't that against company policy?

[Sakurako Hino]

*grins*

Hey, I can't help it if I play my cards close to the chest. I may not be the super-genius that my mom is, but I can use the old grey matter when I have to. As for killing, it was in the defense of family. Pure and simple. Don't think for a second that I liked it. Now, I've been known to fly off the handle and pop open a huge can of hurt on something or someone. But that's a rare occasion. Most of the time, I like the walk away and think about it approach. As long as you don't tick me off, I'm a happy little schoolgirl.

I know now that the elite life isn't for me. I'm just not the physical specimen that Totentanz or Lance Stryker are. I'm one of those tactical types. Strike at long range and fade. My appearances make me look like even less of a threat. I mean really, deep down, no one in their right mind would take a short stack like me seriously. All the better.

Now as for the suggestion I should trust people, not organizations; like, DUH! The fewer people you have to deal with, the more you know of those people! Simple numbers, my friends, simple numbers.

[Jager]

So taking a sentiant life no emotional toll on you, Endeavor? Better you than me, I guess.

"It's not the dog in the fight, its the fight in the dog." I will go out on a limb here and say that Jack would agree with me here. A true professional doesn't care what you look like, but what you can do.

Likewise, the Flying Gun is a very common and useful nova-type th...

.......................................

Ow. Sorry.

..................................++++

One moment.........................

...............................

..that can generate a great deal of money as an elite. Ever heard of Lotus Infinite? Five feet nothing and she kicks serious ass from a distance.

Jack, is she still in the top ten earners at DV?

By the way, glad to see you made it across the Pacific in one piece. How is your mother taking all of this? It's got to be tough on her. Please, give her my condolensces.

[Fortune's Son]

Endeavor, don't put your faith in an innocuous appearance or youthful guile as a method of protection. Everyone has a blindspot they will swear unto the moment of death doesn't exist. The trick is finding it then giving them the opportunity to visit that moment.

Jager, she already has parents and they get listened to as little as she's listening to you now. Your only options are to let her live her life or crush her innocence.

Now that we have that out of the way; are these strictly hypothetical questions and are you asking me or DVNTS? The standard answer is that assurance of payment is required, usually full payment in advance but half-and-half was the industry standard for a long time a still sees play on major operations. Nowadays, its usually full payment in advance to be held in escrow by a neutral third party with bonuses payable on completion. But to quote Lexington;

"There are always exceptions."

What did you have in mind?

[Fortune's Son]

Prodigy, your invitation is most satisfactory and you have our heartfelt appreciation for the offer.

Mme. has a craving for kosher if that is not an inconvenience for you.

[Guest]

...

[Sakurako Hino]

...What you think? Like I don't stay awake for what I did? I'm running on 3 hours sleep in the past 3 days. Yeah, it effects me. I was defending my family, yet I STILL have my concience gnawing at me.

Don't think for a second I don't feel sorry for what I did, but it had to be done.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by <Mrs. Hitomi Hino>:
...

Yeah, I know, mom. You have been giving me the silent treatment for a week. You knew what had to be done, I did it.

You have to realize what that f**k was capable of doing. It was either us or him, and I chose for us. Now get off your high horse and walk with me for a while. Usual place.

See you there, and drop the facade. We have to deal with this. Like family, not enemies.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
[QB]Endeavor, don't put your faith in an innocuous appearance or youthful guile as a method of protection. Everyone has a blindspot they will swear unto the moment of death doesn't exist.

That's why I have a plan B. As in get your behind out of dodge!!! 'nuff said.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
That's why I have a plan B. As in get your behind out of dodge!!! 'nuff said.

Wisdom beyond your years. Congratulations young lady and having learned a very important lesson without having to have a major body part blown off first.


Mr. Chance, how about this Saturday? Michael will arrange transportation for you. Kosher is not a problem, though it is an interesting challenge.

[Sakurako Hino]

Well, I haven't lost a body part yet, but I've lost a pint of blood at least. But, experience is best had doing the do than reading about the do. Do or do not, there is no try. There is no spoon and all that junk.

But...... I still have much to learn. I guess that's why I wear the schoolgirl outfit and you don't! *grin* No insult intended. Just a joke. LAUGH Y'ALL LAUGH!

Ahhh... comedy. I'll crawl back in my hole of self loathing now... *sulk*

[ 07-11-2002: Message edited by: Endeavor ]

[Fortune's Son]

Not... that... freakin'... movie... again!

Endeavor, I'd think seriously about taking Bill up on his offer. If he says you'll make it home unmolested he's utterly serious and woe to the club troll that thinks he's gonna get something exotic for his scorecard.

Seriously; you need to get out of the house. I'm sure your friends and family are the coolest people you know, but as supportive as they want to be, there are things that are just a little outside of their experience.

Hell, I'd tag along but some friends of the family called in a favor so I'm busy for a couple of days.

Prodigy, your timing is impeccable as my current tasks should be completed by early that very day. Please pass our regards to your associate for arranging transportation. Hopefully the more congenial circumstances of this meeting won't be a disappointment to you.

[Sakurako Hino]

*sigh* Allright. What'll it hurt?

Vile: Alright, I'm game. Just give me the loc'. and I'm there! I'll even find some clubbin' gear I can borrow from DeBugger that DOSEN'T have a tail hole. I have been to raves before, so I'm... sort of experienced.

Jack: Heh. No prob. As long as Vile don't look under the skirt, I'm game. *grins*

[Guest]

HEY! You're the one rummaging through my stuff?!? grrrr.... You don't see me raiding your sailor suit collection!!!

Oh well, let the kitty-cat come along, and I'll keep your mom from finding out about this little tryst.

*wink*

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by <Debugger>:
HEY! You're the one rummaging through my stuff?!? grrrr.... You don't see me raiding your sailor suit collection!!!
Oh well, let the kitty-cat come along, and I'll keep your mom from finding out about this little tryst.
*wink*

Wha? So, that's why I got cat hair in my favorite outfits. Clubbing with my stuff huh? ; After all the trouble I go through to get my wardrobe sent here...

[Guest]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
Wha? So, that's why I got cat hair in my favorite outfits. Clubbing with my stuff huh? ; After all the trouble I go through to get my wardrobe sent here...

== heheh.
And the name is Debugger, not DeBugger.

[Vile Bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
*sigh* Allright. What'll it hurt?
Vile: Alright, I'm game. Just give me the loc'. and I'm there! I'll even find some clubbin' gear I can borrow from DeBugger that DOSEN'T have a tail hole. I have been to raves before, so I'm... sort of experienced.

Well all right mah little Wasabi! Tell you what, tommorow night is Harry the Hammer's birthday party and we got a schload of us boogien' on over to the Amp Room. Got us access to one of those Orbital Plane jobbies so we'll be there in a blink of an eye. I'm in L.A. right now, so I'll hop on up to pick you up.

Oh, and Sweetness? I didn't want to be accused of tryin' to persuade you unfairly, but since you said you comin' anyway I'll let in you in on part of the guest list. Harry is down tight with some of the bro's in the XWF. Core and the MegaGoon is gonna be der. So dress fancy now, and Jack is right, you got my word ain't no cowpoke gonna give ya a poke. We just be dancin' and partyin'.

[Sakurako Hino]

<---Cancelled Post--->

[ 07-13-2002: Message edited by: Endeavor ]