Aberrant: Prometheans Unbound - Prologue: The Genesis of Quantum Prometheus

[Centimane]

"Being Promethean should mean we don't compare ourselves to baselines.

"That's it. Yes, they outnumber us, but this isn't some kind of competition. We are interdependent as of now. And I'm not sorry for it."

He takes a deep breath.

"Oh, and you're including humanity at large in your tactical conception of the Michaelites, which is kind of a misrepresentation."

"Yeah, I have to agree with that" , said James, speaking up for the first time since Divis had left. "Actually", he said, "you may have noticed that I don't refer to them as 'baseline' hardly at all. The term 'Baseline' implies that they're the same as us, albeit in an insulting manner, by saying that they're the 'bottom line' or the base line on a graph chart. But I'm sorry, I'm not some spike on the human's graph chart, I'm my own nation, my own set of ethics, and like you said, I'm not going to be compared to them. So I just call them what they are: Human. And I'll thank them to do the same for me and call me Nova." James paused for a moment before continuing, "As for the Michaelites, that's personal, and as far as I'm concerned this 'nation'", and here he indicates himself, "has every right to view them as a threat and a blight, and I consider it my responsibility and my right to abolish them from the earth in every way possible." James looked sidelong at Bob for a moment while seeming to collect and gather himself before saying, "but I have to agree about the kids Bob. I'm only interested in Michaelites, and so far as I've seen little kids don't qualify", he glanced over at Leiko, Roach, and King Cobra before looking back at the shapeshifter and continuing, "but if I thought they did, I'd still be with you on that."

[SkyLion]

Jane finally piped in for the first time after Mal's exit, snapping herself to attention. "I agree. Those bastards belong on the receiving end of my blade...but I'd rather chop their heads off than stab them from behind. I say we kill one of their leaders in public, like Geryon did a few months back. Remember? That Grand Deacon Piper guy got creamed by a statue of St. Michael, and Geryon was the one that threw it. That church made the mistake of putting Geryon at the top of their list, and he's been hellbent on killing them ever since. I say we join in. We wait until there's a public gathering, with cameras and crowds, and we show the entire world what it means to oppose novas like they do. And if T2M is there, we can make a quick example of them too."

"It's time to show those monkeys we won't tolerate any more. Every moment wasted could mean the life of another nova at their hands!"

Envy has been standing in silence, listening as the debate became more and more heated. At Jane's second outburst, he kneels down next to her. "Jane, can't you see? We are here because "an eye for an eye" makes the whole world blind. I've talked with Geryon and Orzaiz quite a bit, and while I understand Geryon's frustrations, the Count is correct in that he is only exacerbating the conflicts. Though some of us may find Bob's methods distasteful, he does have a point. Humans can feel to their core as much as we do that now is the twilight of their reign. They are desparate and hold an arsenal capable of tearing down all that we strive and fight for... If we sincerely want to avoid open war we are going to have to foster some kind of trust. Perhaps someday, when we are unquestioned in our rule, we can make examples of the nefarious ones, but for now, we would only be shooting ourselves in the foot...If we are to truly be Kings, we must temper our wrath with mercy."

"I know you are conflicted in your emotions, Jane. If it wasn't so, you would still be with the Primacy...Why don't you tell the rest of us why you are here..."

"Being Promethean should mean we don't compare ourselves to baselines.

"No...but we must have compassion for them. The late Alastair Crowley...another of our baseline forefathers to whom Teras owes a tremendous debt of gratitude said that all beings were to "Do as thou wilt." He also said that "Compassion is the vice of Kings." In the context he used it, the vices he refered to were to be done in worship of the universe. Just a reminder that because we are Novas does not mean that we should forget our awe for the Universe that spawned us and continues to sustain us. There are still mysteries unplumbed and I would like to see this conversation include what beauty and creativity we might gift to this world. With all due respect to Mal...it has seen far too much bloodshed already..."

[phoenix]

"With all due respect to Mal...it has seen far too much bloodshed already..."

"No, Envy, it hasn't," snaps Cobra. "You haven't seen what I've seen."

[Alex Green]

Bob says slowly,

"So, we're going to go to war with COMA, but we aren't going to kill any innocents? Am I the only person here who thinks that’s… impracticable?”

:Sigh:

“Oh well, most of it will still work even without that final step. The porn, the skipping town with the money, it’s probably still worth doing.”

[SkyLion]

"No, Envy, it hasn't," snaps Cobra. "You haven't seen what I've seen."

Just as quickly, Envy snaps back, "You forget yourself my friend." He taps his temple..."I have seen far too much. There is a reason the mathematician chooses his words so carefully...every single action spins off innumerable consequences, consequences which can quickly spiral out of control...If we do not show the utmost of care, we will only exacerbate an already dire situation." Reminding himself to maintain some measure of levity, he adds, "I am sure Roach will be very lonely after the Holocaust if we fail..."

"So, we're going to go to war with COMA, but we aren't going to kill any innocents? Am I the only person here who thinks that's… impracticable?"

Envy thinks for a moment before responding.

"Innocence is on a sliding scale in this world. Unfortunately, alot of these radicals teach their children to use guns, so don't let you guard down per se...but the truly young ones, who have yet to crystalize their identities around their parents indoctrination should be spared, if possible."

"Im also not sure that going offensive against the Michaelites should be our first priority here. Are they really nova enemy # 1?" He shoots James a glance as to say "Yes, I know how you feel but consider the bigger picture." "All the brainstorming is excellent but we are going to have to prioritze and tighten our focus. The world can be changed but it happens one action at a time, and not very efficiently if we don't have an arcing vision to connect each step."

[Centimane]

Well this sucks , thought James, way to go man! You really showed them what a great nova you are now with all that vendetta crap! He mentally kicked himself. It wasn't that James didn't feel right about the idea of taking out some or all of the Michaelites; he had a score to settle with them, and they with him and he had no problems with that whatsoever. What bothered him was that something like this was dividing the group. Envy was right, the Michaelites, bastards that they were, were hardly the greatest threat or the greatest priority facing them. As beneficial as it would be for everyone if CoMA was wiped out to a man, helping his fellow novas and developing a greater understanding of how novas channeled quantum and taint would be far more beneficial.

Exploring the scientific differences between human and nova, showing where the first stopped and the second began, would also be a greater help. It would crystallize the growing divide between the two species, laying bare the truth of their differences, and the divide would cease to grow. James knew that doing these things wouldn't remove the divide, nor would it stop all of the violence, but it would stop people (most anyway) from fooling themselves and trying to live in a world that didn't exist. His kind were different from humans, and there was nothing that anyone could do about it. If they were to live in peace together, it would have to be as different species, not as different people.

Then, as had already been mentioned, there were the new eruptees, brothers and sisters who were even younger as novas than James was. They needed help and counseling, they needed strong examples, they needed to be shown the value of Teras before Utopia or some other organization got to them and convinced them to squander their gifts on useless and transient things. James considered himself incredibly fortunate to be here, at the founding of his race, and to have the opportunity to have an impact on all those who would come after him. He didn't want to waste this opportunity on a personal vendetta, he wanted to use it to help the One Race.

And these were all things that James knew he could do, and they were all things that he knew he should be focusing on. The Michaelite problem would be taken care of in due time, possibly even soon, but it wasn't - or at least shouldn't - be the overarcing goal of this fledgeling group. It was too shortsighted. In the long term James knew he had to stay focused on what would help the One Race. Letting his personal feelings get in the way, using them as an excuse, wouldn't help anyone.

James spoke up, looking down at the table as he did so, "Look, I'm not retracting my offer of help with the Michaelites", he said and looked up at Jane, Cobra, and Bob, "I meant it, you need help, let me know, I'll be there." His gaze shifted then to Envy and to Jill and Leiko and Roach (like so many others he seemed to have forgotten Jack was even there for the moment), "But I have to agree with the others, particularly Envy. The Michaelites aren't the real priority here. Our relations with humanity as whole, and what we can do to better help and guide those who've just erupted, and finding a way to search out those who will erupt so that we can be there for them as well; it seems to me that these are the real priorities here. All of us are here because we're dissatisfied with what the Teragen as a whole has accomplished so far and we want to do more. We hope to set an example that others will follow - I think it was King Cobra who said something about that a little while ago", he said and looked over at Cobra, "and I think most of all we hope to make sure that there's a future for our kind. I'm not saying we should ignore our enemies, groups like CoMA and Utopia are going to have to be dealt with whether any of us likes it or not, and it's going to be bloody when we do. And when that time comes I plan to fight and to kill and, if necassary, to die in order to make sure that our enemies have been dealt with for good. What I'm saying, or trying to say anyway, is that we shouldn't let ourselves be distracted, much less divided, by a bunch of stinking, worthless sh*theads like the Michaelites. Like Cobra said, we need to be organized and unified, and to take the long view so that we're still here when the dust clears. I say let Teras show us the way: let the Monsters be ruthless, let the Marvels be the guides, and let the Portents light the path. I believe if we can do that then no one will be able to stand in our way!"

[Alex Green]

Bob nods and replies easily,

"Fair enough. COMA is a side note, call it a shared hobby, not a priority. I'll start doing research and putting together plans. If and when we get the time we'll do something about them."

[phoenix]

"You forget yourself my friend." He taps his temple..."I have seen far too much."

As a mark of respect for Envy, King Cobra forces himself to suppress the grin he feels rising at that comment. Instead, he just lets it go with a shrug.

"All right. I think we're past the point where anyone has anything to say they haven't already said. Colony, keep me posted on the Michaelites offensive, if we're doing one. Envy knows where to find me."

Cobra salutes the assembly, then morphs to shadowform and vanishes into thin air.

[Anyone with military experience notices that Cobra salutes with his palm facing out, inclined in the wrong direction. Although possibly a fluke, this could be taken to indicate that Cobra is not and has never been a military soldier.]

[Blue Thunder]

((Well, it looks like the Prologue is starting to come to a close. You guys can hang around in the Prologue longer if you want while I set up Chapter 1. Besides Chapter 1, I'll also be posting other stuff to help set up the situation of the Night of Long Knives.)

********************Jane********************

Jane watched Cobra vanish. He seemed to be one of the Proms she agreed with frequently.

"Well, I'm glad we got to discuss things and meet each other. I'm staying at Havana right now, so if anyone wants to get into contact with me, you'll know where to go. Bye..."

Jane finished her sake and approached the door to the tunnel that led to the hillside. She left, and as the door closed behind her she activated her hyperspeed, sending a gentle breeze into the room.

[SkyLion]

Envy again clears his throat as he looks at each of the remaining Terats.

"Well. I guess we will have to excuse our comrades. For those of you still here, I hope you will have more patience. These kinds of things take time, especially when composed of such strong individuals."

"As for myself, I have attempted to reign in much of my agenda for the opportunity to hear from all of you. So far we have seen several goals emerge from our murky visions and it would be good to recap them before continuing..."

"I think it is safe to say that our overreaching mision is to improve realations both with the various Terat factions and the baseline populace, with the intention of preserving the future for we who are the future..."

"To that end we need to create a positive name for ourselves. We need allies and intelligience, preferabbly with the Aberrant spies and possibly some of my old collegues from the Directive. We will need a seat on the Pantheon to promote ourselves there. We can use Michaelites for consceince-free covert training. Bob here, can spearhead our covert ops and work on the shadow level to discredit our enemies in the political arena. Meanwhile those of you who are interested can help me create our public debut and a new image of enlightened and helpful Terats, offering an alternative to Utopia's corrupt and sterile agendas."

"Leiko and Flare. You are the best suited to act in the limelight. A Nova community center and clinic sounds like a great way to start, but we must be careful not to reveal ourselves before security is in place, or we will be infiltrated faster than Jane can blink."

"I would like also to reemphasize the need for some Nova-level researchers to provide legitamcay. James...I know your interest burns in that area, so you will be our offical liason...your in-person charisma and lack of photogenicity makes you an ideal recruiter..."

"Roach, I'd like it if you would stay here with me. You will have to refrain from gnawing on the furniture of course, but I could use a bodyguard and I know you could use a good home."

"Jack. I can understand your reticence to communicate but I want you to kno how much I value your insight. You, of all people speak of unity. You understand Utopia. And you have been one of the few who has echoed my desire for a free Nova homeland. Not all of us need choose to live there," he says with a look indicating King Cobra's vacant seat. "But others of us will need to," indicating Jane's place. "I am hoping that you and Jill will assist me in that endeavor, and will also help me act as our ambassadors on the street level to the other Teragen factions, to the Aberrants, and ultimately, to all novas worthy of elevation..."

[Centimane]

Envy again clears his throat as he looks at each of the remaining Terats.

"I would like also to reemphasize the need for some Nova-level researchers to provide legitamcay. James...I know your interest burns in that area, so you will be our offical liason...your in-person charisma and lack of photogenicity makes you an ideal recruiter..."

"Okay", said James with a smile, "I can live with that. Just be aware that my charisma is by no means impressive by nova standards, I'm gonna have to appeal to the better nature of any potential recruits without the benefit of any extra 'persuasiveness', like what the Count has."

[Shade Sentinel]

"Roach, I'd like it if you would stay here with me. You will have to refrain from gnawing on the furniture of course, but I could use a bodyguard and I know you could use a good home."

Roach beams a smile at Envy and has a bit of pride swell up in him. Of all the Novas present, their leader, Envy had chosen him to protect his life.

"Sure'n thing boss. I'll be sure te guard ya back. N' I look forward te learning from ye. I am also hoping to spend a bit of time out of the mansion as well. I'm not the prettiest one, but I can do a bit o' good fer the locals I think!"

[SkyLion]

"Okay", said James with a smile, "I can live with that. Just be aware that my charisma is by no means impressive by nova standards, I'm gonna have to appeal to the better nature of any potential recruits without the benefit of any extra 'persuasiveness', like what the Count has."

,,

"You are humble as ever, dear James. Of course, you won't have to go alone, at least I hope not. I would hope that we all support each other through these various tasks. Perhaps Bob, or Leiko would accompany you should you desire more persuasive power. I want you to know however, that it is for your earnestness and sincerity, *not* your skill at manipulation, that I have asked your help in this area..."

[Alex Green]

Bob just nods, somethings are better said in private.

[BlueNinja]

"You are humble as ever, dear James. Of course, you won't have to go alone, at least I hope not. I would hope that we all support each other through these various tasks. Perhaps Bob, or Leiko would accompany you should you desire more persuasive power. I want you to know however, that it is for your earnestness and sincerity, *not* your skill at manipulation, that I have asked your help in this area..."

Leiko gives James a once-over, as though trying to more carefully gauge his powers of persuasion. "I can convince people of things when I try. But if you are looking for inspiration or charisma, then you are better served looking elsewhere." She gives a slight smile and a shrug. "If you tell me what type of people we are trying to reach, I can probably write you an excellent speech, though."

[Bahamut810]

Jack nods and stands. *Thank you for orginanising this, Envy. I believe this will work wonders.* he transmits though Jill.

He looks down at Roach first and all the remaining novas. *I would also like to extend an offer to everyone but Envy. One of communication. I can add a part of myself to you to allow communication from hundreds of kilometers away. You can use it not only to communicate with me, but I can also relay messages to anyone else on it...or nearby to me. I would offer it to you as well, Envy...but I dont think that would be prudent considering your abilities. Please forgive me for that.*

[Centimane]

Leiko gives James a once-over, as though trying to more carefully gauge his powers of persuasion. "I can convince people of things when I try. But if you are looking for inspiration or charisma, then you are better served looking elsewhere." She gives a slight smile and a shrug. "If you tell me what type of people we are trying to reach, I can probably write you an excellent speech, though."

Seeing the look, James returned it in kind and actually did gauge Leiko's powers. He was honestly impressed with the scope and range of her abilities and was forced to admit that she more or less outstripped him in terms of raw power. When she had made her offer he responded, "To tell you the truth, I don't know what I'd be looking for as far as inspiration or persuasion, I could see either one being helpful. And thanks for the offer, but I don't think I could carry off a memorized speech as genuine - I'm not that good of an actor. Um, as for the type of people we'd be looking for? Well, if they're nova, and we think we can safely talk to them without exposing ourselves or the Teragen unnecassarily, then I'd say they're fair game. Also, I'd really like to look into finding out what our options are for determining latency. I'm wondering if we can't find a nova somewhere who might have some method of determining latency in a human. Just because no one's shown that kind of ability so far doesn't mean it's impossible. So anyone here who's willing to help me, and who's good at finding things out and - what's the phrase? "Keeping their ear to the ground"? And not just for a nova who might be able to help us, but also for any new research or technology that we could use to test for latency, or even just understand it better. If we can manage any of that it would be a tremendously valuable resource. Although, I think we should consider right now, if we actually do find a foolproof method - or even a semi-reliable method - of determining latency, let alone actually triggering eruptions, it would bring more than just legitimacy or fame to our operations. We'd likely be targeted by every single zealot, organization, and country that had any reason to fear a group who could build their own army of novas more or less at will."

[BlueNinja]

"Although, I think we should consider right now, if we actually do find a foolproof method - or even a semi-reliable method - of determining latency, let alone actually triggering eruptions, it would bring more than just legitimacy or fame to our operations. We'd likely be targeted by every single zealot, organization, and country that had any reason to fear a group who could build their own army of novas more or less at will."

Leiko shrugged. "Then we make sure that we can erupt a number of people we know are already sympathetic to our cause before such news gets out. And even a rumor would bring as many hopeful 'converts' as it would new attackers."

[Blue Thunder]

********************Flare/Jill********************

"Leiko and Flare. You are the best suited to act in the limelight. A Nova community center and clinic sounds like a great way to start, but we must be careful not to reveal ourselves before security is in place, or we will be infiltrated faster than Jane can blink."

"But of course, enlightening baselines is what I do. But where to start? So many choices..."

Leiko shrugged. "Then we make sure that we can erupt a number of people we know are already sympathetic to our cause before such news gets out. And even a rumor would bring as many hopeful 'converts' as it would new attackers."

"I think searching for a nova with this kind of power is of great importance. He or she would be a blessing, in every sense of the word. Perhaps if we could convince The Mathematician to point us in the right direction..."

[Alex Green]

"I think searching for a nova with this kind of power is of great importance. He or she would be a blessing, in every sense of the word. Perhaps if we could convince The Mathematician to point us in the right direction..."

Bob comments,

"There should be several ways. Just off hand, that PU blood test already works somewhat. There should be a nova equiv... and heck, maybe I could learn to tell them apart by their taste."

(It's unclear whether or not that last was a joke.)

[SkyLion]

"If you tell me what type of people we are trying to reach..."

"Nova scientists, particularly those with specific insight into our condition and preferably not out on a thin limb like the Apothecary..."

*Thank you for orginanising this, Envy. I believe this will work wonders.* ...I would offer it to you as well, Envy...but I dont think that would be prudent considering your abilities. Please forgive me for that.*

Envy just nods as acknowledgment in Jack's style. When he apologizes, Envy just holds up a hand to show that it's not necessary. Jack can tell that Envy is communicating in this way as a form of respect for his quantum evolution. Obviously the metal nova saw no need to continue communicating through the crude forms of baselines and that was a worthy achievement.

We'd likely be targeted by every single zealot, organization, and country that had any reason to fear a group who could build their own army of novas more or less at will."

"Unfortuanately, we have already been targeted...which is why we must be circumspect in our manueverings..."

"But of course, enlightening baselines is what I do. But where to start? So many choices..."

Envy's response has a sort of stream of conscioussness flow to it, as his mind wraps inside and out of various strategic options.

"While Cuba would be an excellent place to start, I'd like to limit the attention brought to bear on my home. Havana is inhabited by enough Novas to make it more unremarkable. I also think we should tailor our clinics to the environment...something slick will work for the first-world nations, something more down-to-earth for the less developed countries."

"I think searching for a nova with this kind of power is of great importance. He or she would be a blessing, in every sense of the word. Perhaps if we could convince The Mathematician to point us in the right direction..."

"I'll see what I can do... So long as we are asking his aid, perhaps our initial first-world center could open up in Japan. They would appreciate the alternative to Utopia, they value capitalistic enterprise, and we can convince the government that we are providing valuable research. Of course, we don't have to give them our real results...just throw them enough bones to keep them happy. One other concern about Japan is that they are firmly aligned with the Directive, and my old cronies will be buzzing around like vultures on any nova activity...it may be best to *not* reveal the operation there as a Terat front..."

"Otherwise I think that Africa and India are great places to start...We can build on a grassroots level and James was quite correct in his population extrapolation...Come to think of it, India would also give a platform to keep an eye on Kashmir, and Bahrain, and a stepping stone in creating an undground railway out of China...Lets start there..."

[Alex Green]

Bob says,

"We should start here. Cuba. There's already enough illegal crap going on where the authorities look the other way, this would just be one more. We'd have access to the American market, without being in a Directive or PU country. We'd have access to the first world Press, and most first world other resources. If we're serious about getting into bio-tech stuff, Cuba already has a number of those sorts of shops set up. Very little of a linguistics barier, we already have places to hide and some pull with the authorities if it gets nasty. Cuba's pretty close to ideal."

"Then after we find bugs and work them out, after the whole proof of concept phase, then we can branch off and make it work in other places."

[SkyLion]

Bob says,

"We should start here. Cuba. There's already enough illegal crap going on where the authorities look the other way, this would just be one more. We'd have access to the American market, without being in a Directive or PU country. We'd have access to the first world Press, and most first world other resources. If we're serious about getting into bio-tech stuff, Cuba already has a number of those sorts of shops set up. Very little of a linguistics barier, we already have places to hide and some pull with the authorities if it gets nasty. Cuba's pretty close to ideal."

"Then after we find bugs and work them out, after the whole proof of concept phase, then we can branch off and make it work in other places."

It seems somewhat surreal, the two dopplegangers sitting across the table from each other and conversing in the same voice. Only Envy's eyes and mannerisms give him away. Even still, as Bob looks into the softly shining mercury of Envy's eyes, he sees his own face reflected and in this reflection, Bob's eyes are Envy's. Looking in them can have a disconcerting, almosty hypnotic effect, as the refelction within the reflection continues in fractal fashion into an eternal depth.

"Well said, Mr. Goreman...may I call you Colony? I hear there are already clinics in Havana that are offering genetic retroviruses to increase latency...It's probably all a huge scam and most people know it but we could use that fact to our advantage..."

((BTW Alex, Bob would have registered the first time that Envy called him that, that he had never actually revealled his last name to the group AFAICT...))

[Alex Green]

Bob answers,

"Colony's good. Interesting that you know my name but not my face. Someone's idea of a joke, or ah... there's not much point in putting a picture in my file when the face changes so much."

"Actually you seem to know a lot about me... or at least some sections I'm missing. The talk is dying down, would now be a good time for that chat?"

[BlueNinja]

"I'll see what I can do... So long as we are asking his aid, perhaps our initial first-world center could open up in Japan. They would appreciate the alternative to Utopia, they value capitalistic enterprise, and we can convince the government that we are providing valuable research. Of course, we don't have to give them our real results...just throw them enough bones to keep them happy. One other concern about Japan is that they are firmly aligned with the Directive, and my old cronies will be buzzing around like vultures on any nova activity...it may be best to *not* reveal the operation there as a Terat front..."

Leiko shakes her head marginally. "I would like us to wait on opening an operation in Japan, at least until I have had a chance to expand my influence there, bring my fan club under my own control, and find us a secure building site. Our initial operation should open somewhere most of us have familiarity with, and though I am in the minority here, Cuba does seem to be the ideal first location."

[SkyLion]

"Actually you seem to know a lot about me... or at least some sections I'm missing. The talk is dying down, would now be a good time for that chat?"

Envy shakes his head.

"Later. In private..."

[Shade Sentinel]

Roach begins to wonder what Envy and Bob "The colony" as he's been called need to meet in private, but figures it is for more important things than he is required to know. He is a body guard now and must focus on that.

"We done eh chattin' yet about our gameplan fer the group? I could use a spot o' grub fer me rumbling belly. Also, was wonderin' when we're puttin' our new plan into motion? I wanna help where I can!"

[SkyLion]

Roach begins to wonder what Envy and Bob "The colony" as he's been called need to meet in private, but figures it is for more important things than he is required to know. He is a body guard now and must focus on that.

"We done eh chattin' yet about our gameplan fer the group? I could use a spot o' grub fer me rumbling belly. Also, was wonderin' when we're puttin' our new plan into motion? I wanna help where I can!"

"...Perhaps it is a good time for a break and a meal. If you will accompany me upstairs to the Great Hall, there is a feast worthy of the Gods awaiting us..."

[Shade Sentinel]

"...Perhaps it is a good time for a break and a meal. If you will accompany me upstairs to the Great Hall, there is a feast worthy of the Gods awaiting us..."

Roach unconciously licks his lips at the thought of that.

"I'd be 'appy to do that, sir. Was wonderin' also...is there a place fer yer throwaways. Always 'ad a place in my belly fer throwaways...If it bothers you all some, I can do it outside...outa sight."

[Blue Thunder]

********************Flare/Jill********************

Jill looked around the room "A meal sounds nice."

[SkyLion]

Envy leads the others through the secret chambers and hallways, eventually coming to a winding spiral staircase hewn into rock and masoned. They emerge into an ante chamber attached to the great main dining hall, where the baseline staff has prepared a nova-sized feast for all. After making sure that the guests are comfortable and everyone has what they need, Envy leads Roach back into the kitchen to find scraps, refuse and discarded cardboard boxes...

[Shade Sentinel]

Roach re-enters the dining hall with a small armload of various food scraps and the broken end of a mop handle. He piles his mess around his sitting area then begins to gather a few plates of normal food from the well stocked table.

[Bahamut810]

Jack does what could be consider a frown for him.

Only one person (flare included) even aknologed that he had made an offer, let alone speak. He knew there were Anti-Utopia sentiments in this room, but to let a far past history like that blind them to a now fellow terat...

Jack started to walk after Jill, but started down another tunnel. *I will be back later. I think I would like to be alone for a while.* he transmits to Flare, then 'melts' into a shapeless puddle and sinks into the ground.

(Density Decrease to the max)

[Alex Green]

Bob follows, but doesn't eat.

[SkyLion]

After seating the guests but prior to assisting Roach in the kitchen, Envy immediately noticed Jack's absence. Approaching "Jill", he asks,

"I realize Jack no longer consumes food as we do, but was he so eager to leave without farewll?"

[Blue Thunder]

********************Flare/Jill********************

Jack does what could be consider a frown for him.

Only one person (flare included) even aknologed that he had made an offer, let alone speak. He knew there were Anti-Utopia sentiments in this room, but to let a far past history like that blind them to a now fellow terat...

Jack started to walk after Jill, but started down another tunnel. *I will be back later. I think I would like to be alone for a while.* he transmits to Flare, then 'melts' into a shapeless puddle and sinks into the ground.

Jill doesn't register on her face that she hears Jack's message; she continues to beam her glowing expression for all to see. *If you feel its best, darling; I can tell you want some time alone to think. You've dealt with a lot over the past few months. But do come back sometime soon. I will be lonely without you.*

Jill continued to the dining hall with the other Prometheans. She found a seat near Leiko; the artist seemed more similar to Jill than any of the other Terats at the meeting. She seemed to understand the need to sway the masses, and she also possessed the capacity to do so. Her ability to summon creatures out of quantum energy was also interesting.

"I realize Jack no longer consumes food as we do, but was he so eager to leave without farewll?"

Jill sipped a glass of water, then set it down in front of her. "Everyone has their issues, Mister Jericho. Jack just needs to be alone right now. His life hasn't been easy since he left Team Tomorrow. The media still hasn't discovered his Teragen allegiance since all they have are rumors since his disappearance, and it worries both of us how Utopia will react when they confirm that he is a Terat. No member of Team Tomorrow has ever become a Terat before. I hope all of you can understand the pressure he's under."

"He feels out of place, even after embracing the Null Manifesto and finding like-minded souls like yourselves. And not every Terat has been very welcoming to him in return. Give it time."

[BlueNinja]

Jill sipped a glass of water, then set it down in front of her. "Everyone has their issues, Mister Jericho. Jack just needs to be alone right now. His life hasn't been easy since he left Team Tomorrow. The media still hasn't discovered his Teragen allegiance since all they have are rumors since his disappearance, and it worries both of us how Utopia will react when they confirm that he is a Terat. No member of Team Tomorrow has ever become a Terat before. I hope all of you can understand the pressure he's under."

"He feels out of place, even after embracing the Null Manifesto and finding like-minded souls like yourselves. And not every Terat has been very welcoming to him in return. Give it time."

Leiko frowns at the comments between Envy and Jill. "I have the feeling I am missing something. Why can Jack not speak for himself? I am *crackle* ah, I think perhaps I still have a ... knee-jerk reaction to the thought of someone else in my mind. I have seen enough changes in my own body, and in others both Terat and non, that sometimes I worry my mind has not escaped unscathed, and I am merely too close to see the difference."

[Alex Green]

Leiko frowns at the comments between Envy and Jill. "I have the feeling I am missing something. Why can Jack not speak for himself? I am *crackle* ah, I think perhaps I still have a ... knee-jerk reaction to the thought of someone else in my mind. I have seen enough changes in my own body, and in others both Terat and non, that sometimes I worry my mind has not escaped unscathed, and I am merely too close to see the difference."

Bob comments,

"I think we've all changed, or maybe that's 'are changing', some more than others. Think about it like being akin to growing up. At some point you figure out the difference between girls and boys, and then you wonder how you missed it."

[Centimane]

James almost never ate anymore, it seemed so...unnecessary (for that matter, the only reason he still breathed on a regular basis was because it was a habit and because it was necessary for speech), but he followed along willingly to the dining area. Once there he took a seat next to Roach and listened to conversations.

He wasn't sure he followed Leiko's remark, and was about to ask for clarification, when Bob spoke up.

Bob comments,

"I think we've all changed, or maybe that's 'are changing', some more than others. Think about it like being akin to growing up. At some point you figure out the difference between girls and boys, and then you wonder how you missed it."

James replied, "Yeah, I know exactly what you mean! I know not every nova can do this, but ever since I erupted I've been able to 'see' the quantum patterns in the world around me. And I know many other novas who can see way farther into the EM spectrum than any human as well. Thing is, I'd heard about that sort of ability before I erupted, and I'd always thought of it as just another super-ability that nova's had. Now that I am a nova, and I have that 'super-ability', I realize that's not it at all. Now I realize it's yet another ability that humans, and many novas unfortunately, don't have. And it's exactly like you said Bob, it's like figuring out the difference between boy and girls, once you've seen it you wonder how you ever missed it, even as a human."

[Shade Sentinel]

Roach systematically turns his facing to all of the speakers while his mouth is chomping down on what looks to be the remnants of a mop handle. He didn't need to eat, he wasn't hungry or even bored. He just ate out of habbit. A habbit he never understood. His afinity for strange food stuffs was also a mystery...but it was all the same.

"I can spit acid and climb walls with me bare hands n' feet. Could've used that when I was human!"

He continues to chomp on food an look back and forth among the others.