005: In the Presence of True Power

[Thumper]

"An' no tellin' anyone we talk about relationships - that could utterly destroy the "bad boy" image".

Walt scrunches his face and snarls:
”Eew! No, We weren’t talking relationships. No way in Hell!

[terrymixon]

"An' no tellin' anyone we talk about relationships - that could utterly destroy the "bad boy" image".

Walt scrunches his face and snarls:
”Eew! No, We weren’t talking relationships. No way in Hell!

Feelings are next.

[Thumper]

Walt-
Before you begin your recitation to Dr Metz, how about you briefly explain your non-normal functions you just stated you were suspending until explicitly instructed to perform. What are they?”

[Thumper]

"Mind you, the subtle clues are there. She might be a Blue Stratos girl - an' there lies the danger!"

”Oh the things I’m going to do for my country!”

[terrymixon]

Walt-
Before you begin your recitation to Dr Metz, how about you briefly explain your non-normal functions you just stated you were suspending until explicitly instructed to perform. What are they?”

"I have been reconfiguring the residence to support Human Masters and Mistresses. That activity is now suspended. That is all, Master."

[ateno]

"Understood, Master, though as a household majordomo, my knowledge of such is quite limited. My responsibilities revolve around keeping your home running, so my knowledge is curated for that task."

"Got 'cha, bring refreshments, we only have about 5 hours. Do you understand hours?"."

Arkar

[terrymixon]

After a few minutes of light conversation, Jaelah takes a sip of her wince and holds the glass in both hands, looking down into the ruby liquid for a moment. "What do you want, Roscoe?"

"The wine is quite good, so I might have a second glass and another sandwich," he said.

Jaelah smiles gently. "I meant, looking ahead at the lives set before us. We have centuries to live. Certainly, we will work for the Imperial Crown, as they are our defense, our bulwark against those who would take all of this from us. We are probably the most powerful individual sophonts in the explored galaxy. Given all of that, the lands that we hold, and the things, such as the ship, we own or control, what do you see as your place in all of this?"

He took a sip of his wine and leaned back, looking up at the sky for a moment. "I had originally intended to leverage my abilities to create a mercantile empire, but that seems almost trivial when compared to something like this. I'm still going to do that. I intend to open a brokerage on every world in the Marches that I can. I'll also have ships that ply the main routes, using robotic brokers I will create to gain market share and build wealth. I suppose I dream of being a merchant prince."

Then he sighed and looked back at you. "Yet that somehow feels like I'm missing something. The acquisition of wealth is a game to me. One I am good at, but it is still a game. I am a person now, flesh and blood if I choose to be. I should have goals that mean something to me personally, but I am only just over a month old. My lack of experience is keeping me from knowing what I want."

He took another sip of wine. "What do you want, Jaelah? With this comedy of riches and excitement, what do you desire from life?"

[terrymixon]

"Understood, Master, though as a household majordomo, my knowledge of such is quite limited. My responsibilities revolve around keeping your home running, so my knowledge is curated for that task."

"Got 'cha, please respond to the earlier question, then let me know where I might find psionic information, a library, a inducer? Something like that."

Arkar

"Your library is quite extensive, though I am not privy to much of the contents. I would suggest looking there, Master."

[Thumper]

Walt-
Before you begin your recitation to Dr Metz, how about you briefly explain your non-normal functions you just stated you were suspending until explicitly instructed to perform. What are they?”

"I have been reconfiguring the residence to support Human Masters and Mistresses. That activity is now suspended. That is all, Master."

Walt-
Oh no, go back to doing that. That’s a good thing to do. We’re the only Ancients we know of anymore. Unless you know of any still in existence besides us?”

Upon hearing of the library, Walt will pull out a couple of grav drones and send them off to explore this area. He’ll record each item on this level and reach out to each with a touch of Psi Device skill and Telepathy to see if any are reactive. He’ll ask for directions from the statue on any items of interest…state purpose and function… Otherwise, he lets the statue drivel on to Metz and eventually goes on to explore personally inside. He’ll record the drones’ transmissions on the Nl and view it crimes speed to learn of the layout and interesting items before he lays eyes on those areas.

[joertexas]

He took a sip of his wine and leaned back, looking up at the sky for a moment. "I had originally intended to leverage my abilities to create a mercantile empire, but that seems almost trivial when compared to something like this. I'm still going to do that. I intend to open a brokerage on every world in the Marches that I can. I'll also have ships that ply the main routes, using robotic brokers I will create to gain market share and build wealth. I suppose I dream of being a merchant prince."

Then he sighed and looked back at you. "Yet that somehow feels like I'm missing something. The acquisition of wealth is a game to me. One I am good at, but it is still a game. I am a person now, flesh and blood if I choose to be. I should have goals that mean something to me personally, but I am only just over a month old. My lack of experience is keeping me from knowing what I want."

He took another sip of wine. "What do you want, Jaelah? With this comedy of riches and excitement, what do you desire from life?"

Jaelah nods as Roscoe describes his dream of building a shipping empire. She thinks over his question for a moment. "All I'd ever wanted was a family. Henri and I were on the way to making that happen when he was murdered. Even through my change of fortune," she smiles wryly and tosses her head at the pitiful understatement, "that desire is still there." She sighs, takes another drink and turns to face Roscoe directly. "Look, I know this isn't how such matters are handled, but I suppose that I can do as I see fit in my own land. I need a husband, Roscoe. I need him to be my partner, my sounding board, my friend, my lover, and a good father to our children. For a lot of reasons, you are the best choice I will ever have. I will absolutely stand with you while you build that shipping empire if that is what you desire. I respect you as a person who is facing more changes that the rest of us, and you're doing well at conquering them."

[terrymixon]

Walt-
Before you begin your recitation to Dr Metz, how about you briefly explain your non-normal functions you just stated you were suspending until explicitly instructed to perform. What are they?”

"I have been reconfiguring the residence to support Human Masters and Mistresses. That activity is now suspended. That is all, Master."

Walt-
Oh no, go back to doing that. That’s a good thing to do. We’re the only Ancients we know of anymore. Unless you know of any still in existence besides us?”

"Acknowledged, Master. I do not know of any other Ancients as that knowledge was not necessary for the performance of my duties."

Upon hearing of the library, Walt will pull out a couple of grav drones and send them off to explore this area. He’ll record each item on this level and reach out to each with a touch of Psi Device skill and Telepathy to see if any are reactive. He’ll ask for directions from the statue on any items of interest…state purpose and function… Otherwise, he lets the statue drivel on to Metz and eventually goes on to explore personally inside. He’ll record the drones’ transmissions on the Nl and view it crimes speed to learn of the layout and interesting items before he lays eyes on those areas.

The only things on this mountaintop are the well-ventilated lab and relaxation area. There are two teleportals, however. They do not open to admit the spy drones, so you cannot send them beyond.

Nothing is PSI reactive. It is all obscure to you.

"How long do you estimate it will take you to tell me everything you were instructed to?" Metz asked.

"Approximately twenty-three local days."

"Yeah, I'm not standing here that long, Garvin," Metz said as he walked toward one of the tables to look at the items on it more carefully. "If you want to know what it has to say, you listen."

[Tiglath]

"An' no tellin' anyone we talk about relationships - that could utterly destroy the "bad boy" image".

Walt scrunches his face and snarls:
”Eew! No, We weren’t talking relationships. No way in Hell!

Feelings are next.

Garvin smiles "Just as long as we're on the same page. Roscoe, sub rosa off".

Annnnd Nope.

Whoa, Icarus.

And see above...

[terrymixon]

He took a sip of his wine and leaned back, looking up at the sky for a moment. "I had originally intended to leverage my abilities to create a mercantile empire, but that seems almost trivial when compared to something like this. I'm still going to do that. I intend to open a brokerage on every world in the Marches that I can. I'll also have ships that ply the main routes, using robotic brokers I will create to gain market share and build wealth. I suppose I dream of being a merchant prince."

Then he sighed and looked back at you. "Yet that somehow feels like I'm missing something. The acquisition of wealth is a game to me. One I am good at, but it is still a game. I am a person now, flesh and blood if I choose to be. I should have goals that mean something to me personally, but I am only just over a month old. My lack of experience is keeping me from knowing what I want."

He took another sip of wine. "What do you want, Jaelah? With this comedy of riches and excitement, what do you desire from life?"

Jaelah nods as Roscoe describes his dream of building a shipping empire. She thinks over his question for a moment. "All I'd ever wanted was a family. Henri and I were on the way to making that happen when he was murdered. Even through my change of fortune," she smiles wryly and tosses her head at the pitiful understatement, "that desire is still there." She sighs, takes another drink and turns to face Roscoe directly. "Look, I know this isn't how such matters are handled, but I suppose that I can do as I see fit in my own land. I need a husband, Roscoe. I need him to be my partner, my sounding board, my friend, my lover, and a good father to our children. For a lot of reasons, you are the best choice I will ever have. I will absolutely stand with you while you build that shipping empire if that is what you desire. I respect you as a person who is facing more changes that the rest of us, and you're doing well at conquering them."

He opens his mouth to respond but seems to realize he has no idea what to say. "I need a moment to think about this. I mean no offense, but I have never considered anything like that and do not wish to make a mistake or proceed with an answer that is not fully considered. Excuse me, please."

Roscoe stood and walked a few dozen feet away and looked out over the farmland. He occasionally sipped his wine, but mostly seemed to be...thinking. Thinking hard.

After a few minutes, he returned and sat back down where he had been, setting his glass aside and giving you his full attention. "I apologize for not having an immediate answer, but that was a subject that demanded my complete attention while I considered the ramifications in full. I feel that I must point out that I am an unknown factor. I am so inexperienced that I will make mistakes. Probably some serious ones. I have never had any kind of relationship and the idea of being so ignorant of what is required and expected is daunting. I, uh, didn't have genitalia until the Ancient device made me able to change to a biological being. I don't know how to perform in that way. What if I hurt you? I am much stronger than I suspect you realize, Jaelah."

He swallowed nervously. "I would like to be your partner in these things and more, but I believe I am having anxiety over my potential performance. Would you want someone who is so greatly lacking? I don't even know how to be a good friend yet. How could I help raise children? Is it wrong to be somewhat frightened at the possibilities? Are you sure none of the others would be better?"

[terrymixon]

Annnnd Nope.

Whoa, Icarus.

And see above...

What? Jaelah's post? She's much more grounded than you yahoos. Roscoe? He's in over his head.

[Thumper]

Walt will attempt to open the teleportals. If successful send a probe in each one instructed to search in widening circles sending back data. He’ll leave the library and artifacts to Arker and William.

”Then dojo master, please tell Metz of your top 10 functions that you think would be important for newly raised Ancient masters to know.

[terrymixon]

Walt will attempt to open the teleportals. If successful send a probe in each one instructed to search in widening circles sending back data. He’ll leave the library and artifacts to Arker and William.

”Then dojo master, please tell Metz of your top 10 functions that you think would be important for newly raised Ancient masters to know.

Do I look like I'm going to answer all those questions? Nope. I may have him burn out so I don't have to.

"I am ill qualified to advise a Master on such. I'm a majordomo."

The teleportals seem active, but fail to open for you.

[helvorn]

William checks in on Aster and Ciencia while they are under the weather. Since Garvin is dealing with Aster, William will give Ciencia his take on the experience both good and bad. He will bring up a book on the reader from old Terra. It is Alice in Wonderland. "Something to read during the worst of it when you can't focus on serious stuff but need a distraction. Given what is happening to us the irreverence in the book is kind of balancing. We are going to look some more at the residence but we promise not to hog all of the excitement ourselves. I can't think of a better person both politically, intellectually and personally to be involved in this expedition. We need your power and smarts just as much as we need your imagination and exuberance. I'm glad you are here. Just take care of yourself and ride it out and we can tilt all of those windmills."

She is grateful to hear all your stories and is attentive to what you say. Even with the exuberance earlier, she does seem a bit uncertain now. Perhaps a bit vulnerable, too.

"It's going to be alright, isn't it? We'll do this together, right?"

William smiled gently as her sudden uncertainty and vulnerability stirs his heart. His voice softened from the normally gravelly Marine Sergeant sort of vibe. "I truly do think it will be more than alright. We have some of the best people in the universe right here with us investigating and taking action. I have no crystal ball but in the end good people make good things happen." William placed his hand gently on hers. "We will all do this together. The whole group, and you… And I if you wish. Above all thrones and powers and principalities of this world I would like to go through this together with you as your friend and perhaps more if you would consider me." He let his hand remain resting on for holding hers if she did not object. "It's like a fairytale adventure with wizards, brave knights, dragons and even a real princess. There is a story to be told by all of us and I would like to tell it by your side. I would like to experience the fun and the wonder of it all." William shook his head a bit ruefully and then chuckled. "And it is going to be a kick ass story at that!"

[helvorn]

I would like to slip this into the stream of consciousness somewhat earlier before we headed off in different directions. My posting windows are limited so apologies for the time slip. I'll just take a short jump to the left…

After they return to the ship from the experience at the residence William pulls Roscoe aside. "Are there any physiological differences after uplift versus our baseline? Are our bodies somehow more efficient? Do you think this is a genetically driven modification at the very basic level? Are we detectably something different?"

[terrymixon]

William checks in on Aster and Ciencia while they are under the weather. Since Garvin is dealing with Aster, William will give Ciencia his take on the experience both good and bad. He will bring up a book on the reader from old Terra. It is Alice in Wonderland. "Something to read during the worst of it when you can't focus on serious stuff but need a distraction. Given what is happening to us the irreverence in the book is kind of balancing. We are going to look some more at the residence but we promise not to hog all of the excitement ourselves. I can't think of a better person both politically, intellectually and personally to be involved in this expedition. We need your power and smarts just as much as we need your imagination and exuberance. I'm glad you are here. Just take care of yourself and ride it out and we can tilt all of those windmills."

She is grateful to hear all your stories and is attentive to what you say. Even with the exuberance earlier, she does seem a bit uncertain now. Perhaps a bit vulnerable, too.

"It's going to be alright, isn't it? We'll do this together, right?"

William smiled gently as her sudden uncertainty and vulnerability stirs his heart. His voice softened from the normally gravelly Marine Sergeant sort of vibe. "I truly do think it will be more than alright. We have some of the best people in the universe right here with us investigating and taking action. I have no crystal ball but in the end good people make good things happen." William placed his hand gently on hers. "We will all do this together. The whole group, and you… And I if you wish. Above all thrones and powers and principalities of this world I would like to go through this together with you as your friend and perhaps more if you would consider me." He let his hand remain resting on for holding hers if she did not object. "It's like a fairytale adventure with wizards, brave knights, dragons and even a real princess. There is a story to be told by all of us and I would like to tell it by your side. I would like to experience the fun and the wonder of it all." William shook his head a bit ruefully and then chuckled. "And it is going to be a kick ass story at that!"

Partway through your speech, her gaze sharpens, and she pays more attention to what you are saying. She doesn't move your hand but now seems more aware of it... and you. "I appreciate that, and all your help. I am very grateful and would dearly like to continue this adventure with you and the rest. I appreciate your attention, but I must warn you that I must be certain of that kind of thing, and to do so, I will need to know you much better than I do now. You are a handsome man, and I feel a tug, but I must be the mistress of my own hormones. I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes, either.

"I suspect that you might not be alone in seeking my affections. Walt seems to perhaps be giving me hints. I'm not sure yet because he hasn't been so straightforward. My mother and father had an arranged marriage, and that never appealed to me. I want to care for the person I marry, and I don't know yet what that means or who it might be with. Would it hurt you if I said yes to some gentle courting but kept things light? As I am now an Ancient, I suspect that narrows my choice of husbands to those who both know my secret and can keep up with me. That means the men aboard this ship."

She chuckled. "Fredrick will have a cow. In any case, I would be remiss if I didn't learn more about all of you that seem interested. I'm sorry if that isn't romantic, but I will one day be responsible for the Imperium and have to be clear eyed. With those caveats, I am more than willing to spend time with you, but I don't want to hurt you by doing so."

[Thumper]

Do I look like I'm going to answer all those questions? Nope. I may have him burn out so I don't have to.

I tried….

”Hey, majordomo, how do these tekeportals ooen? Can you do it? These seem to operate a little differently than the others we’ve found?”