opnet [OpNet] 2nd Eruption?

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Hey there. Something unusual here;

I know that a few months ago I asked people about where new skills come from during eruption (General Question: Skills Mystery). There were a variety of answers but one of the general conclusions was that you could only get new skills mastery via eruption (or by old-fashioned learning). I was looking for a quick and easy way to learn to swim.

Well, all of a sudden, I've picked up mastery for at least a half dozen new skills (including swimming, great!). My perception of time seems to have changed as well; the world has slowed down. My sense of balance has dramatically improved, I no longer lumber around (which was cute when green, less so when pink).

I just noticed it today (and this is really great, not as outstanding as my first experience with this sort of thing, but great just the same).

My tentative explanation is eruption, or rather, a second eruption. But I'm inviting comments.

[Sandy Davis]

Well, my Eruptoin was rather strange....You see when it frist hapen was for lack of better words more powerfuk than I am even now, at least it felt that way..But then again about for years ago, something like this happened to me..

I mean in one day I knew kung fu.Umong other things, like I could walk on a fishing line..And the Next day I stoped a cold blooed killer by a wink of the eye...It was strange,but I liked it.

[Centipede]

The only case of a 'second eruption' that I know of is the nova dubbed Pendulum by media. His first eruption occured while lecturing telekinetics on applied force, vectors, cause and effect etc. It seems he got so frustrated with Ragnarockette not understanding what he was saying that he erupted with powers of tk and a 'listen-to-me' prescence.

He had a few hours of fame and then disappeared back to his university, not interested in joining Utopia or any other organisation.

His second eruption happened a few years later, appearantly while thinking really hard, and his intelligence skyrocketed.

However, the uppie scientists who analyzed the phenomenon came to the conclusion that there had been only one eruption. Pendulum's pride in his own intellect had supressed his enhanced intellect and only years later, when he really needed them, did his other powers surface. I have no idea how they came to this conclusion and whether it is honest or a cover-up.

In case you want to know, Pendulum is a little known, local celebrity in Uppsala, Sweden and has no contact with 'Nova society'. He happily lives the same boring life he did before his eruption, hardly ever using his powers.

[Hugin]

Eruption is the lay term for a Nova 'activating' their MR Node for the very first time. Eruption occurs and the latent Nova is now a realized Nova. Therefore a second 'eruption' is not possible.

What Dr. Smith seems to be speaking of is the sudden realization of new quantum expression, and yes, this is possible. I myself experienced it during one of the thankfully few occasions I found myself the target of hostile Novas. I spontaneously developed the capability of near instantaneous regeneration of lost or damaged tissue. Unfortunately, in my case, this sudden adjustment to my portfolio of quantum expression brought with it further aberration, a not too uncommon occurence for those Novas who rush their development or attempt to large of a leap in their capabilities.

Most of us are restrained in our growth. Our own subconscious keeps us on a certain path of quantum development. THe nova who erupts with the ability to lift great mass and to resist anti-tank weaponry will doubtfully develop the ability to control water at a later point. Not because he cannot, but because his self image rules his development. Some of us have managed to break out of this self-imposed limitation, but, really, with effort, we all can. Dr. Smith, perhaps you are one of those talented few. If so, good for you.

[Dr. Arcturus]

I give my greetings to the patrons of this forum. My name is Chen Mu Yi, named for the great archer of Chinese myth, who shot down ten suns.

I have had some experience with the phenomena of second eruptions; namely, my own.

I was, in my baseline life, a member of the Chinese security force, where I served as an agent under my best friend. When my mother, a powerful advocate for objective philosophy and rational thought, was gunned down by my friend for being contrary to the views of The State, I erupted, becoming the living image of my mother's creed: a powerful, capable soldier, with the mind of a leader and a clear vision of the way China SHOULD be.

My second eruption did not occur for three more years. Since my eruption, I had become an Elite, in an effort to raise the funds and create the contacts needed to see my goal of a clean China reach fruition. It was during such a mission (the details of which I can not divulge) that I came into contact with the "stimulus" needed to advance further than I had ever believed possible.

When I erupted, I gained vastly increased physical capabilities and intellectual prowess. During the encounter I mentioned earlier, the rest of my unit had been massacred by a force I will not go into. When the threat made its way for me, I found myself spontaneously endowed with a tremendous quantitative and qualitative advancement in my capabilities. I found out from some contacts that what I had gained was a previously uncharted capacity to control certain aspects of my muscular-skeletal, neuro-muscular and dermal systems. To wit: where I could once

[Sakurako Hino]

My theory on all this...

Novas develop in stages. When you first erupt, it's like birth. Then adolesence, puberty, adulthood, then venerance. Novas I guess follow similar processes of development. As the Quantum energy channelled increases, the body tries to evolve to adapt to the increased "current". Sort of like upgrading from a 28.8 modem to a ISDN line. You get so much "Juice Bandwidth". Of course I was referring to pre N-Day tech.

I just hope that if I start staging, I don't power-up one day and discover I have spiky gold hair...

Sorry, I'm still an irrepressible otaku.

[Centipede]

Mr Meehan:

Eruption is the lay term for a Nova 'activating' their MR Node for the very first time. Eruption occurs and the latent Nova is now a realized Nova. Therefore a second 'eruption' is not possible.

Or with a slightly different definition, a second eruption, if possible would perhaps mean a second node? I'm sure there must be a nova or two out there with more than one brain, perhaps an 'auxiliary brain'just below the neck, or a very advanced spine, or two heads...

Or for that matter (as I'm sure you will agree, I'm not an expert on novahood) what reasons are there for not developing a second node next to the first? That would seem to me a simpler thing than, for example, acquiring two extra arms.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Hey, wait a minute. Before people were saying that you only get skill mastery during eruption.

A week ago I couldn't do any of these things, but now I'm a master at swimming, dancing, juggling, playing tennis, doing acrobatics, and walking on my hands. My fire arm skill has increased dramatically, and now I'm almost graceful. Admittedly, it has been very annoying being the most (the only) clumsy elite around here, and I'm been trying to over come that, but to get all these things in one fell swoop seems a bit much.

[Sakurako Hino]

Well, you must have a slow "upload" time.

Some brains I guess adapt more slowly than others. It took me 1 and a half years for my nosebleeds and headaches to subside. After that, I could do a ton of different things I couldn't before. Hell, I could even understand my mom's technobabble for once.

[Jordan]

Quantum is a Dynamic force, as are Novas. Eruption is the beginning of a process and no one knows just where it will end.

Dr. Smith, I too have experienced what your talking about. Three times now. Each time I experienced this it has brought a cascade of new talents and abilities. However, in the strictest sense, Prodigy is right.

The current definition of "eruptiuon" refers only to a Nova going from latent to active status. This can only happen once but it doesn't mean the growth process stops.

My advice is to enjoy the "growth spurt" you've just had. Hopefully it won't be the last for you.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

David 'Dr. Troll' Smith yelled:
Hey, wait a minute. Before people were saying that you only get skill mastery during eruption.

I still am.

You erupted while in the presence of quantum in a manner that brought with it a host of problems to trouble you. You chose a resolution to those problems that required you work harder than you've ever worked before while learning more, and faster, that you've ever had to before. You kept a secret then went on your cherry op, which didn't go as simply as most would have hoped for. Then you were involved you in a media event before ducking out to Europa for a pack of smokes.

Quick sum up time - you've been distracted. You're looking for an explanation of something new, which this probably isn't.

Consider; you don't shoot faster only more accurately. You don't swim like a fish but you know how to use your body composition and strength to most effectively propel yourself. You can watch a game of tennis or volley ball and serve better than the people you've been watching, right?

Want to try something really wild? Get Annie to spring for a backstage pass to the Bolshoi Ballet as part of your training. After watching a rehearsal try getting up to practice with them and I think you'll find you intuitively know how to make use of your higher center of gravity enabling you to match them move for move. If you find that I'm right then come to the weekend game and I'll explain it to you over cards.

Don't wait too long though as this coming weekend will be the last game for a long time.

[Jager]

I have heard of some novas hitting platueas in their abilities and then going through something we used to call a "Phoenix Effect". Not an eruption, but a sudden, dramatic increase in power and capabilities. It has been a while since I have seen or heard about one, but now we seem to have two episodes for the record books.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:
Well, you must have a slow "upload" time.
Some brains I guess adapt more slowly than others. It took me 1 and a half years for my nosebleeds and headaches to subside...

Now there is a scary thought. I don't really feel pain anymore. If I could, would I have headaches? Is that warning signal being muted and could it be signalling something wrong?

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
Consider; you don't shoot faster only more accurately. You don't swim like a fish but you know how to use your body composition and strength to most effectively propel yourself. You can watch a game of tennis or volley ball and serve better than the people you've been watching, right?

I haven't tried volleyball yet, but you are on target with tennis, and those twisty olympic dives can be added to the list.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
Want to try something really wild? Get Annie to spring for a backstage pass to the Bolshoi Ballet as part of your training. After watching a rehearsal try getting up to practice with them and I think you'll find you intuitively know how to make use of your higher center of gravity enabling you to match them move for move. If you find that I'm right then come to the weekend game and I'll explain it to you over cards.

By "center of gravity" you are refering to my having grown a foot during eruption, and yeah, that did throw everything off (everything but fighting ironically enough).

As for the ballet, I have never seen one before. It should be a good experience whatever happens. You're on.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

Doc Troll sez:
By "center of gravity" you are refering to my having grown a foot during eruption...

Well that and the fact that you have a chest the size of an old fashioned Volkswagon.

Let me know how it goes.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Ah hah! You mean that my greener self should try prancing around. I thought you meant the smaller version. The vision this brings to mind is pretty shaking.

[Fortune's Son]

Yeah, it gives me the willies too.

It's a helluva acid test though isn't it?

[Teknokat]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
Ah hah! You mean that my greener self should try prancing around. I thought you meant the smaller version. The vision this brings to mind is pretty shaking.

Well, that's what the camera'll pick up anyway (the shaking, that is...)

[Sakurako Hino]

Hey, it's sorta my fault. I allowed Dr. Troll to kick my arse so hard I kissed the moons. Just kidding.

But it would be scary seeing the Hulk look alike doing ballet... Although his agility would improve greatly...

Not to say I didn't learn anything from him either. I have a few new maneuvers and techniques I've been testing out on inanimate objects. I'm learning how to use my kinetic bolts with greater precision, and using my high reaction time and flight abilities to their apex of current potential.

Perhaps a friendly sparring match with the good doctor would enlighten me on if my current training regimen has helped.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino:
Perhaps a friendly sparring match with the good doctor would enlighten me on if my current training regimen has helped.

Be glad to. I'm in Moscow at the moment (Anna went for Jack's idea... actually I got the impression that I'm not the first to try this). I should be back late tomorrow and would love to play "semi-animate object"

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
Be glad to. I'm in Moscow at the moment (Anna went for Jack's idea... actually I got the impression that I'm not the first to try this). I should be back late tomorrow and would love to play "semi-animate object" [/qb]

Perhaps... But not at this time. I'm tied up with training. Can you take a rain check for a couple weeks?

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Not a problem. I'll just keep playing punching bag for the others.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
Want to try something really wild? Get Annie to spring for a backstage pass to the Bolshoi Ballet as part of your training. After watching a rehearsal try getting up to practice with them and I think you'll find you intuitively know how to make use of your higher center of gravity enabling you to match them move for move.

Jack, you were pretty close to being totally correct. I watched it twice (the clone stayed small), and my smaller self was perfect. Big green could have been perfect, but the difference between body types was too much. They do moves that I just don't have the flexiblity for while green (& I looked absurd). I got the feeling the guy in charge would have liked to offer a job to my smaller self.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
If you find that I'm right then come to the weekend game and I'll explain it to you over cards. Don't wait too long though as this coming weekend will be the last game for a long time.

Looking forward to it. Are you are taking some much deserved vacation?

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

It looks like I owe all of you an apology. As has been explained to me, this new development falls under the category of "standard quantum development" rather than "2nd eruption".

Ah well. On the up side, this is/was pretty neat regardless... Yet another side effect of this is that I can actually use the BFG Bill left me. I wonder if he knew?

[Sandy Davis]

Um, what about the fact that one day I coul fly, and I mean fast like almost twice the speed of sound fast.I Just one day could do it,and I mean I could always light myself up like a sun, but man I have lasers, and not the kand that come out of my hand eyes or anything that just come out.And well,

I mean honestly the oddest thing happened I think I made a nova!What I mean is that when I was -couch-closse-coughs- to this man, he shot laser out of his eyes and start to move really fast.I was freacked out and so was he..we left our own ways...But Well, is that normal?

[Jager]

Aaaahhhh .... No. The presence of one nova (as a stimuli) can cause a latent to erupt, but it is rare. Otherwise, nova battles would generate more novas. Usually, it just generates corpses.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
It looks like I owe all of you an apology.

Don't worry about it, Troll.

With every nova potentially breaking the rules you wouldn't be the first to overlook a possibility or three while looking for an answer.

Congratualtions by the way, you're now officially what the human race calls a "natural athlete" and the second biggest reason novas and baselines don't compete in sports. The primary reason having to go with the term "crunchie".