CONNIE YOSHIDA LEOPARDS & LAWYERS [Connie Yoshida, a San Francisco attorney, has taken the case of a teenager who has been trapped in the body of a leopard. After a (relatively) pleasant dinner with her ex-husband, she prepares to retire for the night.] [GM] Curt doesn't rough house with you, but watches while you play with the children. "Night night Curt!" says Margaret, when you put her to bed. After Bart leaves, Curt runs straight to the laptop and types: Alison is reading my mind im sure of it! <><><><><> Connie: "Is," She changes her mind. As the information sinks in. "How do you know? What has been happening?" <><><><><> [GM] Curt types: id think things at her, shed answer. like i ask her questions, how old r u, what tv show you like, toss me red ball pleas. she giggles and answers like i talkd 2 her. i been doin it all night, to be sure. she is reading my mind! also your old man, i think- cople times she says daddy worried about me or daddy unhappy. <><><><><> Connie: Connie looks worried. OH Curt. I guess we'll have to test her. Tommarow morning we will see if we can duplicate these incidence and see if she can read any one else. I hope you are wrong Curt. My poor Allison, She is so young I'm not sure I can help her if she has any problems with this. <><><><><> [GM] You sleep restlessly, worried about Allison and your other two children, and Curt. A telepathic two year-old. The next morning, Curt is the first one awake. He's watching TV, with the sound very low, flipping channels with the remote. He flicks his tail in greeting when you enter the darkened living room, blinking a few times rapidly when you turn on the lights. It's time to get the children up. <><><><><> Connie: She comes downstairs washes and in sweats. "good Morning Curt. You're up early. Want some breakfast?" She goes to the kitchen start the coffee before waking the children. She thinks about what Curt may want for breakfast. Cereal? But being in a leopards body perhaps you need a little more protean. What about canadian bacon and eggs?" If you wake the girls I'll get Russell ready. Then I'll fix breakfast and feed Russell. Get every one dressed and take the girls and Russell to the sitter and then get off to work. After work today I was going to go to my aerobics class but I was wondering if instead you would like to go running with me. You probably need exercise asmuch as I do. It really helps me with the stress. This evening I will pick up some books at the library and make a deck of cards to test Allison. We can make it a game. Like concentration. <><><><><> [GM] ::OK:: Curt types. ::yes, i feel stiff like my mussles have to tsretch more, running probably woiuld be good:: Curt wolfs down the bacon and eggs, then goes to wake Allison and Margaret. "I'll bet Curt is smarter than Carol's golden retriever," Margaret says over breakfast. "He's way smarter than any dog or cat I ever met." "He too smart, you stay outta me, Curt!" Allison says quite sternly, wagging a spoon at him. "It was just a accident, Allison," says Margaret. "I know, he said so but I tell him, so make sure he don't forget," Allison says. Then you get the managerie in the car, and take them to school and daycare. At the office, Joel greets you, and says good morning to Curt as well. Then he takes you aside. "Any progress with Mr. Dawood's case?" he asks. "You know you can't keep bringing him to the office. It's probably not good for him to be cooped up all day here either." <><><><><> Connie: Margaret, Allison Curt isn't really a cat he is a person and as smart and feeling as any person. Carol's golden retriever is just a dog. Later that day ... Joel, I would have thought the doctor and the specialists would have contacted me by now with all the messages i have been leaving. You know I have temporary custody and a restraining order which I feel is a step in the right direction. I need to sechedule an appointment with a nutritionist, and a physical therapist. And I'm looking into a tutor since regular school would probably not be able to handle his case. We are going jogging afterwork today. Curt does need to get more exercise and I could sure use some aswell. She calls all the support staff again trying to make appointments and hire a driver to take him to his appointments when she is not able tobecause of work. <><><><><> [GM] You do have some messages...a veterinarian and a physical therapist have both been found that are interested in the case. The social services department still hasn't been able to find anything in their regulations to cover Curt's special case. You arrange for Curt to visit the vet (after making sure everyone understands that he's a human in leopard's body), courtesy of the vet himself, a man who's also a zoology professor at Berkeley. He agrees to take Curt to the therapist afterwards, where you can pick him up. That takes you a little out of your way after work, but it does give you most of the rest of the day to get your normal work done, with just a couple phone calls to make sure Curt is OK. You have one client, a handsome Vietnamese businessman who's buying a number of low-rent tenament buildings in San Francisco, who is extremely friendly with you. He asked for you specifically when he found out you were the only Asian-American associate in the firm. He doesn't actually say anything that could be considered flirting, but asks a few friendly questions (about family and such) that edge towards the professional/personal line, possibly probing your interest. After work, you pick Curt up at a medical center. The therapist and veterinarian's findings are that Curt is in very good health, for a leopard his age. Which is another concern, since as a leopard, his life expectancy is now less than half what it should be. He needs to get some exercise, and should probably practice leopard-like activities, like climbing trees, and sprinting and pouncing, to adjust to his body better, and keep proper feline muscle tone. The vet also made an extensive list of dietary requirements. Curt needs to eat more like a leopard. If he can't develop a taste for raw meat, then trying to stick to very rare meat would be a good idea. He's going to need a lot more of it, too. There is a short list of "human food" that he can still enjoy, and a much longer list of things he has to give up. The vet advised a number of ways to add mild natural herbs and spices and bread crumbs and the like, to various meats, which might make them more palatable to Curt without upsetting his leopard metabolism. Back at home, you go running with Curt. Naturally, you are winded before Curt is even breathing hard. He sprints back and forth ahead of you, and tries leaping into a couple of trees. (He does this much less gracefully than a real leopard probably would.) You get a lot of strange looks, and people tend to give Curt a VERY wide berth. You certainly have never felt so safe on the jogging trail. <><><><><> Connie: "I should have thought to bring the bike. then I could keep up with you better." Connie dreaths deeply out fo breath though not after a good run. "Whew! I don't think I'll ever ask you to race. Why don't we head down to the Carosell it will be closed by now but they have a few hills there that may tire you out some." Connie plans as she joges: **Stop by the butcher and natural food store. Buy a larg refrigerator for the garage. I wounder if a jungle gym and tree house would be a good idea they would have to be large. This is really a great place to run.** <><><><><> [GM] You and Curt drive to the daycare center to pick up your children. You find a cluster of concerned parents there. The center is handing out warning flyers, cautioning parents to be extremely careful. A 3-year old girl, who was one of Allison's playmates, was abducted yesterday from her parents' apartment building. She hasn't been found yet. Margaret and Allison are quite concerned, and rush over to you. Allison is sniffling. The other parents look more concerned about Curt. <><><><><> Connie: "Margarett, Allison I'm here now; you're fine." She sais soothingly to her daughters. Folding them in her arms as she usually does when she comes to pick them up. " Abducted?" She turns to one of the adults handing out the flyiers. " Where does she live?" (i.e., how far away?) Part of Connie wants to leave this circus of milling concerned parents and part wants to know more. "Do you have a picture or description? Was their a ransom note?" <><><><><> [GM] The girl lives only a few blocks away. There's no suspect yet, and been no ransom. Allison mumbles "It was a bad man." You feel a shiver go down your spine. <><><><><> Connie: "Yes Allison, he is a bad man. " Wondering is she really does know any thing more. She finishes her embrace and looks Allison in the eyes. "Did you see any thing strange today sweety?" <><><><><> [GM] "It was a man an' he thought bad things" Allison says, lower lip trembling. "I don't wanna see bad man again!" <><><><><> Connie: Did you see the man Allison? <><><><><> [GM] Allison nods. "I saw him an' he thought bad things," she repeats. Curt is hanging close, ears pricked. He makes a growling sound, which alarms the other parents nearby. A daycare center worker comes over and says cautiously, "Ms. Yoshida...is that animal trained? Umm, isn't it...illegal?" <><><><><> Connie: Oh, Ms. Bentorill, Hello. This is ny client Curt Dawood. He is not actually a leopard he is one of the unfortunate victims of what ever is causing the paramormal generations. And just to make it legal I have a permit and judges restraining order. Every one here is safe. Infact I doubt a mugger ro kidnaper would try any thing with Curt around. He does groul but seeing as he can no longer talk. He has very limited communication options. His groul doesn't indicate that he will pounce. Just dissatisfaction; and a he is upset that some one would kidnap a little girl. Does any one have a description of the kidnaper? I could circulate it around the neighborhood mand I'd like to give one to Russells baby sitter. <><><><><> [GM] "You're joking." Ms. Bentorill doesn't look completely convinced by your assurances. She continues to watch Curt nervously. "No, there's NO description. All we know is that Laura Martin disappeared from the front yard of her apartment building. Her mother just went inside for a minute. If any suspects or descriptions turn up, we'll be sure to post flyers. The police are already going door to door, asking if anyone saw anything." <><><><><> Connie: Connie is a little disappointed that such a kind teacher can be so thought less. "Well, Ms. Bentorill, you could be polite and say hello, may be even make friends. (Sadly) He really is a person." "Thank you, I'll be sure to watch for them. If there is any thing I can do, please let me know." She gathers her charges and buckles them into the car. And drives them home. After dinner she sits down with Allison in her study to talk with her. Allison, can you tell me where you saw the bad man? <><><><><> [GM] "He was driving" Allison says. "He watched me an' Laura an' Jenny an' everyone, and he thought bad things, I think he wanted to hurt us. He wanted to put us in his closet." She starts crying. <><><><><> Connie: Connie picks her up and puts her on her lap and holds her close. Kisses her daughter on the top of the head and rocks her gently. After she has calmed down; Sweety, can you tell me what he looks like? <><><><><> [GM] Allison puts her hand in her mouth, thinking. "He was big an' had a hat an' a coat, and he had bright eyes." <><><><><> Connie: Did he have blue eyes? <><><><><> [GM] Allison shakes her head. "Green. Like Curt's. I'm scared of him, Mommy!" <><><><><> Connie: It's OK to be afraid honey only you need to let me and daddy take care of you. If you cna tell us more about this man maybe daddy can help find him. <><><><><> [GM] "I told you Mommy, he's a bad man an' he has green eyes. I don't know who he is." <><><><><> Connie: I know Allison, I don't expect you to know him. But I need to know what he looked like? Did you see what color hair he had? Was he as big as daddy? <><><><><> [GM] "Black hair, but not as big as Daddy. An' he had a van." You try to coax more information out of her, but that seems to be as good a description as you can get from the child. <><><><><> Connie: Holds Allison for a while longer. They grow up so fast. Later that evening she askes Curt if he would watch the children. " I would like to have some quiet time to call Bart and tell him what Allison saw. I just don't know what else to do, I don't know how he is going to take this but it's what we have to do." She sighes and goes into her office to Call Bart. "Hello Bart..." Answering machine or in person? <><><><><> [GM] Bart is at home. He predictably throws a fit. "!@$#!! I don't want the kids going back there, if some sicko is staking the child care center out! Hell, we already have men watching the place. Did this guy see Ally? Did she tell you what color van?" He tries to get more info from you, but you can only tell him what Allison was able to tell you. "Tell her not to worry," Bart says. "Tell her Daddy's gonna get this scumbag." <><><><><> Connie: If you want I will look for a new day care center tomarow. And I'll tell her you are going to catch the man. When she gets off the phone she goes in to look after the children. <><><><><> [GM] Curt is hovering over them protectively. Margaret is practicing her reading, and Curt is growling or purring affirmatively when she spells out a word. "Curt can read, Mommy!" He waits for you to put the kids to bed, then asks (with his keyboard): What do we do tomorow? <><><><><> Connie: Well Curt, I should begin calling around for a new day care. Bart isn't sure where they are at is safe. Get you to your appointments and find you a tutor. Why don't we get up early and take the children for a run before we get off to work and school. How does that sound? I think I'll pack you a large lunch. Want to keep me company while I start you lunch. That way it won't take too long to get out tomarow morning. Connie asks him aout what he prefers and gets breakfast for tomarow ready aswhell. Cooking large quantities of meat takes a lot of time. When she is finished she hangs up her apron and washes her hands before putting the children to bed. After such a full day and week she is exhausted. She sits down heavely on the couch and puts her feet up. Sighing heavely she uses the remote to start the sterio and puts the radio on one of the jazz stations. She closes her eyes. <><><><><> [GM] Actually, tomorrow is Saturday, so you don't need to go to work. You wake up late that night. Curt has pawed off the lights and let you sleep on the couch. He is curled up on the rug. He doesn't stir as you softly make your way to your bedroom and go back to sleep there. In the morning, the children want to play with Curt, while you make breakfast. They're eager to go running with you too (not that you'll run very fast with the children accompanying you.) As you quick-walk through the park, carrying Allison and letting Margaret push Russel's stroller, with Curt padding along easily beside you, Allison suddenly screams. "The Bad Man!" she wails. <><><><><> Connie: Connie brings Margarett and Russell in closer to her. Then she asks Allison To point to the man hopeing she can get a good look at him before they start foe home where she will call Bart. <><><><><> [GM] Tearfully, Allison points- at a car cruising by on a main street. You get just a glimpse of a white man behind the wheel, possibly with dark hair. Curt growls- and in a flash, begins sprinting after the car. <><><><><> Connie: Connie calls after him. Curt no. Stay away from him. She waits there with her children and watches to see what will happen. And if possible ger the license number of the car, as well as the make model and of course color. <><><><><> [GM] The car is already disappearing down the street, too far to get the license plate. It's dark blue, and you think it was an Accord, or something similar. Curt, however, keeps running after it, though he does not run out into the street, but stays on the sidewalk...startled pedestrians part to either side in panic, and Curt is soon out of sight also. "It was the bad man, Mommy!" Allison sobs. "Will he hurt Curt?" "Maybe Curt will get him?" Margaret says hopefully, and obviously without understanding what that would mean. <><><><><> Connie: Finally remembers she caries her celphone. I'm going to call Daddy. Curt might be in trouble. She speed dials his number at work and hopes he is there... <><><><><> [GM] Unfortunately, he isn't. Another detective answers. "The bad man is going really fast," Allison says in your other ear. "I don't think Curt can catch him." Neither the car nor Curt is in sight anymore. <><><><><> Connie: With just a touch of diatress in her voice. Hi, This is Connie, is Bart there? I really need to talk with him. Just a minute honey. We can't just go running off after Curt. He is too fast for us to catch up with. Detective, Could you tell Bart that Allison thinks she saw the kidnaper and Curt has gone to follow. I tried to stop him, but he is real fast. I will be heading off in the same direction hopeing to meet Curt on his way back. It was a blue car like an Accord. I didn't get the license but may be Curt did. Connie gathers the children. Margarett you stay close with Russell and follow me closely. She keeps the phone line open, and carries Allison. <><><><><> [GM] "He's out on a case," the other detective says. "I can beep him if it's an emergency." You can follow Curt by the wake of startled people he's leaving behind, at least for the moment. Allison, rubbing her nose, says "Maybe the girl will help." <><><><><> Connie: In the phone: It's not an emergency but it is very imprortiant. Would you beep please? Allison? A girl? Is the little girl here too? It will occure to her that a three year old wouldn't be in a position to help but she con't understand what other girl would be in a position to help. <><><><><> [GM] "OK, I'll beep him," says the officer on the line. "He hates his beeper though- he's notoriously slow about answering it." "No, a big girl," Allison says. "She's talkin' to Curt." You see a police car rush past you, without sounding its siren, but obviously in a hurry. By now, someone has probably called the police to tell them that a leopard is running loose through San Francisco. <><><><><> Connie: We had better hury. I don't want to have to bail Curt out of the zoo. Connie is reassured that there is a police car as she hurries over. <><><><><> [GM] The car keeps going, past you. You see it flash its lights when it gets almost out of sight. Down the street, it seems to be pulling over a van. <><><><><> Connie: We head on down the street. When I get closer, still giving a wide berth, to the Police with the van, she watches as she passes by. Keeping the children close. <><><><><> [GM] As you walk past the van (across the street), you see a large, bald black man sitting in the driver's seat, waiting for the police officer who's now approaching along the side of the van. Allison suddenly points at the van and says "Curt an' the girl are in there, Mommy!" <><><><><> Connie: Does the officer have a partiner? If he does she will approach the officer. Concerned, "We just came from the park and my doughter sais that there is a young girl in that van. And I don't think her mother knows where she is. Connie steps back to the store fronts. Drawing her children back with her hopefuly well out of the way, unless the officer has something to ask. If there is no officer She will still manouver the children close and away from the Van. She also gets the license number. <><><><><> [GM] The police officer is alone. As he approaches the drivers' side window, you see a teenage girl (white) leaning in front of the black man to wave at you. Then Curt yowls out the window. This startles the police officer, who immediately takes a step back and puts a hand on his gun. <><><><><> Connie: Connie is shocked. Stepping away fron the childern a few feel. Curt what are you doing? <><><><><> [GM] [to Kim] Curt thinks to you **Uh oh...you better say something before she gets the wrong idea! And she better say something before that cop gets the wrong idea!** <><><><><> Kim: The girl in the van waves at Connie, and opens the door to let Curt out if he wants to leave. <><><><><> [GM] Curt leaps out of the van, further alarming the police officer who now actually draws his pistol. The leopard sprints across the street in a flash, to seek cover behind Connie. The cop tracks him, then lowers his weapon when he sees a woman and three children in the line of fire. "Just stay calm, lady..." he says. "Nice kitty....." reaching slowly for his radio. "Mommy!" Allison says indignantly. "THAT'S not the bad man!" As usual, it's a little difficult to know exactly who she's talking about. Then with a worried look she says "Mommy, don't let the p'liceman hurt Curt!" In the van, Barney says to Kim: "If I had the slightest idea what was going on here, I might intervene. Since you are the telepath, I suggest you do so." The Personality suddenly "speaks" up: **One of that group across the street is also a Shabaali. Besides the allegedly Functional animal.** <><><><><> Kim: "It's alright officer", Kim says to the policeman, "He's tame. He belongs to that lady over there." **Any idea which one?** she asks the Nag. Meanwhile, she extends her powers across the street, to try and contact the "Shabaali". Kim quickly explains to Barney telepathically. **That leopard is called Curt, and he's intelligent - a bit child-like, but intelligent. The woman over the road is Ms. Yoshida, a lawyer who's been looking after his interests. Curt was chasing a man who attacked a little girl - maybe one of the ones with Ms. Yoshida, I don't know. There's also another Functional nearby** <><><><><> Connie: Connie is really unsure about what to do. But is worried that the officer might decide to use the gun. "Officer, this is not a wild animal and not dangerous. I assure you he willnot harm you. Connie looks at the girl puzzled that she would wave at a stranger after being pulled over by the police. Let alone just open the door to let a leopard out while an officer is on edge and ready to draw his weppon. <><><><><> Kim: The girl calls out: "It's Ms. Yoshida, isn't it? I recognized the leopard." [OOC: Does this go down as one of the weirdest lines uttered in an RPG? ] <><><><><> [GM] The cop looks back and forth from the van to the group on the sidewalk. "What the hell is going on here?" he demands. He continues speaking into his radio...calling for more units, and an animal control officer. Barney mutters to Kim, "Yes, you already explained that the leopard is intelligent. Since I can't read it's mind, I'll have to take your word for it. I suggest we come up with a very speedy explanation of why you are in my company....a teenaged girl alone in a van with a grown man is going to rouse suspicion in the mind of a police officer, and the racial difference may well compound the problem. Adding mention of a child molester will not help the situation, then factor in this leopard running about....we'll be very lucky to avoid a lengthy and problematic questioning." The Personality says **I cannot pinpoint which one is the Functional until they either separate, I am taken closer, or the Functional manifests more intensely.** Kim herself feels a slight mental "buzz" when she concentrates, but it's faint and conveys no real information. The Personality then surprises her by adding a very un-Shabaali suggestion (or at least, very unlike Ashiya): **I recommend you use your Function to divert this police officer. Did Ashiya ever teach you such techniques? If not, I can aid your efforts, though it will then lack subtlety.** <><><><><> Kim: **No, Ashiya didn't teach me such techniques** She hesitates for a moment, torn between worrying about affecting another's mind, and curiosity as to whether she could do it. Her curiosity wins inside half a second . **I'll need your help. I won't try anything complex - just try to give him a feeling of peace, calmness, and everything being in control** Kim, with the Nag's help, tries to reach the policeman, just gently conveying a feeling that everything's OK, there's no need to be alarmed, the situation's under control. <><><><><> Connie: Connie is still on edge though she doesn't think things will get out of hand too quickly. But is suspicious of these people who show up out of nowhere with Curt in their van and an officer pulling them over for who knows what offense. "Officer I will be happy to explain what I know. Perhaps we should wait though, untill your backup arrives." A girl who knows her name and sais she recognized the leopard seems real wrong. The news hadn't picked up the story and young girls don't go riding around in vans recognizing strange people and especially leopards. Suspicious because this young woman seems to treat being stoped by the police the same as a chineese fire drill. "Young lady, (NOT in a recrimination or parental tome) perhaps you haven't noticed but there is an officer who has just pulled over your vehicle and isn't to happy with a leopard running loose. Perhaps you and your companion had better address yourself to answering his questions before he gets too nervious. I would prefer that Curt were not shot because of a mistake." "Curt," she directs behind her "I suggest you look as nonthreatening as you can." Connie again moves to place herself between the van, the officer and the children. <><><><><> [GM] [to Kim] The Personality forms something not unlike the construct that Ashiya formed for you when you combined your powers to escape from the Sebth spaceship. But instead of being the conduit through which Ashiya focused her own abilities, the Personality attempts to channel your mental concentration. As you insinuate yourself into the policeman's thoughts, it mentally "paints" areas of the man's mind, directing you to "push" there, while it tries to convert your mental send into something more directive. It's as confusing as it sounds...you have a general impression of what it's doing to allow you to attempt this trick, but it's very much like holding a gun in your hand while letting someone else point it for you, before you pull the trigger on a target you can't see. The first time, the policeman's thoughts immediately become alarmed; you can tell he senses something amiss, and has become even more alarmed at the sensation of intrusion he's getting from you. **You must try harder** the Personality urges. A second effort is more difficult than the first, but you sense the police officer's anxiety fade.... ..... The officer looks confused and alarmed for a moment...before his expression becomes placid and, in fact, rather vacant. "Oh no, that's OK," he says, waving his hand at you and putting his gun back in his holster. "Everything's fine." He looks around, and starts walking back to his car. Allison inexplicably begins giggling. ..... In the van, Barney looks sharply at Kim. "Not very subtle," he says. "Now what will we do about the backup he called for?" ..... The black man behind the driver's seat opens the door and gets out. "Excuse me, officer," he says. "I believe I have a possible crime to report." The cop looks up, startled, and looks back at him. "Uh...oh. OK." He shakes his head. Barney mutters to Kim, "I suggest you go speak to Ms. Yoshida and her leopard." <><><><><> Kim: >"Not very subtle," he says. Kim sighs. "No - it was my first ever attempt. I'll talk with Ms. Yoshida." She gets out of the van and walks towards the woman with the leopard. Her head is in a turmoil - should she let yet another person in on her secret? Why did things always get so complicated so quickly? Still, Curt already knew, and could apparently communicate with this woman, so she'd know anyway sooner or later. And it would make things slightly less complicated. Connie hears a voice in her head, even though Kim doesn't appear to speak. **Ms. Yoshida, please don't be alarmed. I'm able to communicate with Curt, the same way I'm communicating with you now, which is how I know your name and how I know that Curt isn't a wild animal. He said he was chasing a child molester in a car - we tried to help, but the police stopped us** (Kim is a skinny teenage girl with untidy brown hair, currently wearing a black T-shirt and green & grey cycling shorts). <><><><><> Connie: Connie is allarmed and taken aback. " Oh!" She sais aloud. She catches on fast. Softly with respect, (the tone she uses with most strangers). "I would strongly suggest that you speak. You are setting a poor example for the children. And I would consider it disrespectfull for some one to interfere with the duties of this officer and I do not want my children to think that what you did was appropriate behavior." I was very public spirited of you to help in the apprehension of this person. Would you care to tell the police what you saw. Did you get the license? All I got was a look at the car. She hopes she can convince this young woman to cooperate with the police with out any more "monkeyshines". (Where did I get that word? Oh well the media culture) She seems nice enough though she has a tendency to leap befor she looks. <><><><><> Kim: **Curt got the number** she sends **But I can't say the driver was a child molester without creating some very awkward questions, and I'm afraid "The leopard told me" isn't likely to go down too well** She nods at Connie's comments, and goes over to the policeman. "We saw a dark blue car being driven hurriedly - it nearly hit us, so we turned to get its license plate: 6AMV344. The driver should be stopped before he runs into someone." <><><><><> [GM] The cop looks somewhat baffled, though less wary. "All right, now what about that leopard?" Meanwhile, Connie hears someone calling out, over her phone line. Pressing the cellular phone back to her ear and replying, she hears the detective who was on the other end; "I got hold of your husb- Bart, Ms. Yoshida. He said to hang up your phone and he'll call you." <><><><><> Kim: "It isn't the most everyday thing to see in the street" admits Kim with a smile, "I'd heard rumours about a tame leopard, and this one certainly wasn't behaving like a wild animal. But opening the van door to get a closer look wasn't a very bright move, because it suddenly jumped inside! "Luckily, it *was* the tame one, because it calmly sat in the back until I opened the door again. I think it was just curious. It's been well-trained by someone: I've known plenty of worse-behaved dogs." Kim knows it is a far from perfect explanation... but it's a lot more believable than the truth. If being thought an airhead idiot is the price she has to pay, so be it. <><><><><> Connie: Ms. Yoshida picks up the phone again. OK and thanks you. She closes the flip pnone to hang up and allow another call to come in. Finally she relaxes a bit and follows Kim over. Though she hasn't forgoten the man driving. And keeps one curious and cautious eye on him. Officer, I am Connie Yoshida and this is Curt Dawood. Presently I have legal custody of him. We have a temporary restraining order; the declaring that the leopard is *provisionally* recognized as Curt Dawood until it can be conclusively proven or disproven. Curt, my family and I were in the park when my daughter told me about the blue car she thought she recognized a man who could be the one who kidnaped the little (Fillin the name) girl yesterday. <><><><><> [GM] "The leopard is...Curt Dawood?" The cop looks back and forth between Connie and Kim, looking like he's beginning to regret having pulled anyone over. A few feet away, the tall black man, with just about the darkest skin Connie has ever seen, stands with his arms folded, showing impressive muscles in his arms and chest. His head is perfectly bald. She notices his facial features seem a little odd. Not unattractive, but anomolous, in a way she can't quite place. **Now I feel a more plausible explanation** the Personality sends to Kim. **Curt Dawood is a Functional human. Somehow his powers have trapped him in the form of a leopard.** It sounds almost relieved to have its insistence that an animal couldn't be Functional vindicated. If its theory is correct, of course. The little girl in Connie's arms whispers loudly to her mother, "Mommy, she has someone in her bag!" **I feel perhaps the youngest female is the other Functional.** the Personality says, with no trace of irony. Connie's phone rings, as the police officer begins calling in the license number that Kim gave him. <><><><><> Kim: Kim looks puzzled (or tries to), since she wants the cop to think that she thought it was a tame leopard rather than an intelligent leopard - or, as it appears, a human in the form of a leopard. Telling the truth is usually simpler, she reflects. Except when the truth involves telepathy. She starts when the little girl cries out. *Perfect* thinks Kim ironically, *Just what we need to complicate things even more, another child Functional* Outwardly, she smiles and opens her backpack. "Nothing in here but a couple of empty coke bottles" - the sight of which makes her smile falter for a moment. **If you've been communicating with the child** she sends to the Nag, **You'd better tell her it's a big secret and she isn't to mention it; otherwise, you'll be found out. If you haven't, I'll try.** <><><><><> [GM] The little girl looks at Kim dubiously as she opens her pack. Inside, the Personality says **I have NOT been communicating with the child. Obviously she sensed me with her Shabaali Function.** <><><><><> Connie: When the young lady starts and opend her bag at Allison's whisper that there was some one in her bad. She believes her daughter has something but that the bag isn't the whole answer. Yes sweethy, something strange is happening. But this will be daddy on the phone. She opens the flip phone and brings it to her ear. Excuse me she sais to Kim. Hello Bart? <><><><><> Kim: Kim considers communicating with the young girl directly, but doesn't want to frighten her. Instead, she sends to Connie: **I think the young girl has somehow sensed something. Can you keep her quiet for the moment?** <><><><><> Connie: Connie is getting annoied but she as always, doesn't let this disturb her calm deminer or her good mood. And into the phone: "Just a minute Bart there is a young lady who wants to speek with me." The mother sais aloud as she had before but in a low conspiratal tone ment only for Kim and her children. If you please, it is not for you to decide if my daughter should whisper to me or speek at all. And once again I request that you communicate by more typical means. Sympathetically she requests again." Please respect my wishes. I recognize that you may be put out by her recognition. Be assured that all my children are well intentioned and for the most part well behaved. She will not do any thing that will compromise you if you are cautious. Please, we can speek of these things later. As it is, what my daughter has said has been recognized by ourselves only and we can keep it that way with out resorting to shushing a child who has done the right thing and told her mother about something suspicious a stranger has in her purse. Every thing will be fine if we just attend to finishing with the police officer. Then we can discuss the details at our leasure." She returns the phone to her ear to resume her talk with Bart unless Kim has any thing to add. <><><><><> [GM] Bart says on the phone, "Connie! What the hell is going on? Where are you? Are the kids OK?" <><><><><> Kim: Kim nods. She hopes that Ms. Yoshida's child stays quiet. <><><><><> [GM] The little girl gives you a hurt look. You are beginning to pick up her thoughts...and realize that she picked up yours! <><><><><> Connie: Begins as simly as possible. "Yes Bart, the children are fine. Allison thought the strange man was in a car while we were at the park. She pointed out the car to me and Curt took off after it. The children and I couldn't keep up and frankeyl I didn't want to bring the children any where near the man. So we followed his general direction after he was out of sight and I called you. Well as we got closer a police car pulled over a van and a young woman opened the door and Curt jumped out. Needless to say, we are just getting it all straightened out. And the car is gone." Since she is trying to get it all in one breath so Bart won't need to interupt, it's a good thing her lung capacity is up to it being a trained orator and all. "It isn't a screaming emergency but I was very worried that either Curt would get hurt or that that man would do something." <><><><><> Kim: Kim keeps her thoughts gentle, though she doesn't explicitly try to make telepathic contact with the little girl. *I'll tell you all about it later. It's a big secret* ..because, the way things are going, the little girl is going to have to be told, somehow. Kim wonders how many other Functional children are appearing over the world, experimenting with their powers, breaking things... <><><><><> [GM] "I di'n't break any'ing!" the girl protests (which to Connie will sound like yet another strange outburst from Allison.) Meanwhile, Bart's head of steam seems to have been somewhat deflated by Connie's rushed spiel. "If you're totally sure everything's all right for now, then I have some business to finish up here. You'd better tell me if anything's wrong!" He knows better, of course- Connie would never keep anything hidden from him if it involved the children's safety. Then again, Allison's telepathy shows rapid signs of developing into a major problem.... The policeman notes down what he can and says "I sent out a call on that license plate...someone may pull him over. As for you people-" he looks at Connie. "Even if that cat is, uh, a person, running around on the street like that he's likely to scare someone." <><><><><> Connie: Connie looks at Allison sympathetically thinking how hard this must be for her daughter. Knowing things that others don't know and "hearing" other peoples stray thoughts. "I know honey. Don't wory about it now we will talk when the officer is done doing his job." Bart, yes the children are fine and we got the license of the car. The officer sais he'll call in the license. Bart I hope you catch him. And yes she sais relieved; I'll let you know if any thing is wrong. Connie seems a bit sheepish at the officers implication. Actually I feel safer with him around. But yes I supose some might but he wasn't just running down the street he was after all trying to do something right. <><><><><> [GM] "All right," Bart says gruffly. "Call me back in half an hour, if nothing urgent comes up before then." He hangs up. The officer gets into his car, with another odd look at Kim. The large black man cautiously moves forward. "I believe...." he pauses, and looks at his young companion, "we have things to discuss, perhaps. But here in the middle of the street is not the best place for it." Katherine seems a bit intimidated by the towering fellow, and shrinks closer to her mother, clutching Russel's stroller and looking up at the stranger with wide eyes. Curt looks back and forth between Kim and her chauffeur, tail twitching uncertainly. Allison seems fascinated by the man. <><><><><> Kim: Kim begins to shift her weight from one foot to the other. She looks at Connie, with a slightly sheepish smile. "Ms. Yoshida, is your place nearby? I could really use the bathroom!" <><><><><> Connie: We could always go back to the park or I know a small cafe near here. Either place would probably do. "There is a public restroom around the corner here if you have to go. I have to change Russell any way." She takes the now crying baby in her arms and heads for the restroom with the girls in tow. Connie glances back at the tall black man. "Isn't your friend comming? He can wait outside with Curt. Changing the baby will take a while." <><><><><> Kim: Kim looks thankful, and turns to Barney. "Is that OK? We can then go and talk somewhere private - I can understand someone being reluctant to take 2 complete strangers to their home." **I don't know if you caught the exchange** she adds telepathically, **but Curt - the leopard - is apparently a human trapped in the form of a leopard. I don't understand how, but it explains a lot** [OOC: Assuming everything's OK...] The teenage girl follows Connie round the corner and hurries inside the restroom. <><><><><> [GM] The black man sighs. "Yes, very well. First I had better move my van to a more appropriate parking spot, though." While he does so, Curt sits patiently outside the restrooms. He looks a bit agitated though. While Connie and Kim are in the women's restroom, Katherine asks "Are they gonna catch the bad man, Mommy?" Allison, meanwhile, stares at Kim curiously after she emerges from the stall. Kim can tell her attention is still diverted to her backpack, and the person she thinks is inside it. <><><><><> Kim: Kim, no longer distracted, smiles at Allison. She wonders how much Connie knows about her daughter [...assuming Allison *is* her daughter!]. Unfortunately, she's largely avoided babysitting, and has no real idea how to talk to the very young. She contemplates telling her that there's a little man inside her backpack, or maybe an invisible teddy bear, then decides that the truth is best. Or, at least, as much of the truth as will make any sense. First, though, she checks with the Nag: **Unless you've got any good ideas, I'll have to tell the child - the Functional - something about you. Otherwise, she might keep on about the "person" in my bag, which will only draw more attention** [Assuming the Nag has no bright ideas, and assuming there are no other women in the restroom...] To Connie, she says: "Barney doesn't know about the computer, and it's important he doesn't find out. The story is a long and complicated one, but basically Barney and the computer come from opposite sides in a war, and the computer might do the electronic version of commit suicide if he got hold of it. And I need both of them to help rescue someone." Then she squats down beside Allison, and adds: "I've got a special computer in my backpack" she says to Allison, "It's very clever. But it's also a secret. Promise you won't tell anyone?" <><><><><> [GM] The Personality seems not entirely pleased. **A pre-maturity savage is hardly suitable for entrusting Galactic technological secrets with. But obviously some explanation must be offered. This child is obviously a Shabaali; thus, it needs to be taken under the protective guidance of a trained, civilized Shabaali. Unfortunately, you are the nearest approximation to such we have available.** Since it offered no counter-suggestion, yours has to stand. Allison listens to you, then looks at Connie. "I'm not s'posed to have secrets from Mommy an' Daddy." <><><><><> Kim: "Mommy and Daddy are OK, but no-one else." <><><><><> Connie: <> She turns to her oldest. "Daddy and the police are trying very hard to catch the bad man. A look of confusion rushes accross her delacate oriental features. "Computer? What are you talking about? OK, Barny must be your friend. You are obviouslu a paranormal. And you have helped Curt. But at the moment you really aren't making much sence to me. Perhaps you would like to think this through before you continue. <><><><><> Kim: Kim stands up again, and sighs. "It doesn't make much sense, but I'll do the best I can. The Earth was a dumping ground for the genetic undesirables of certain alien races. Over the centuries, their genes have mixed with the rest of society. Now, for some reason, various people have suddenly begun to develop paranormal powers - to become `Functionals', in the aliens' jargon. However, whereas the aliens have a specific set of abilities for each race, we're coming up with a random mix, which is supposed to be impossible. The Shabaali are a race of telepaths, and my computer was made by them; the Sebth are a race of teleporters at war with the Shabaali, and Barney is a Sebth agent." She grins. "Go on, tell me I belong in a padded cell. But I wouldn't be in there long: I've developed both Shabaali and Sebth powers." Then her smile fades again. She tries to put up her shield to protect Allison from some gruesome memories; she'll stop if the child becomes distressed. If Connie prefers, she'll relay the more unpleasant bits by telepathy. "The next bit is horrific. There's at least one Shabaali agent in this country, too. Her name was Ashiya; she was very gentle, and a bit naive: an innocent. The sort of person who wouldn't defend herself against a mugger in case she hurt the mugger. She had a mission to contact all Functionals and tell them about her Galactic society. But some of the Earth's Functionals are using their powers to hurt others, and we ran into one of those. A man with incredible telepathic powers, able to actually take control of people. A man who enjoyed brutally torturing Ashiya. After he had extracted information from both our minds, he gave Ashiya to his two thugs. "We managed to escape, but he attacked us again, taking Ashiya and leaving me unconscious. At the same time, he took control of at least one other Functional: I think his aim is to ensure that every significant Functional is either dead or under his control. With his powers, he could easily take over the country, operating the president like a puppet on a string. "Since then, I've been trying to help the Justice department locate him. With no success at all: he's just vanished. I ran into Barney when he tried to communicate with his own people, and I sensed his beacon; he agreed to help me. To a Sebth, if there's one thing worse than a Shabaali, it's an aggressive Shabaali. "The computer was Ashiya's, and can sometimes detect Functionals. It detected a powerful telepath, and suggested he or she might be persuaded to help." She glances down at Allison and smiles again, a bit ruefully. "Unfortunately, it can't detect age. Your daughter is the powerful telepath it sensed." With a final shrug, she adds: "And that's about it. Your daughter - any Functional - is in danger." <><><><><> Connie: Condern and scepticism play accross her face as she directs her attention from the newly diapered child to the young woman who may have just changed her life. From what you told me Allison is in danger two fold. From this meglomaniac, and these Sebth. She breathes a deep sigh "and I was so looking forward to this weekend. Just a few days to slacken the pace of life a bit. I don't buy your whole story but I won't rule it out either. Something must have happened to allow for the paranormals popping up in quantity at the same time. The genetic dumping ground does not address that. From her statement you might gleam the rational mind that runs the show at the moment. She plays with Russell a little before she puts him back in the stroller. Under the circumstances perhapse we should get together later and discuss this at length. This evening I know a small cafe where we won't be desturbed. As it is, with three children it's difficult to cary on a conversation. They take a lot of attention. <><><><><> Kim: "She won't be in danger from the Sebth, any more than any other Functional. They're at war with the Shabaali race, rather than everyone with Shabaali powers. I think you'll want the whole story, rather than just the edited highlights." Kim smiles. "I'm told I was enough of a handful at that age. The cafe will be fine, if I can persuade my parents to let me go. I'll need to get back soon, before they start worrying about me." <><><><><> [GM] Barney and Curt are waiting in the mall area outside. Connie gets another look at the man Kim claims is an alien. He looks human enough...although his ethnic features are rather remarkable. Besides the size and the *very* dark skin, and the baldness (which could of course be an affectation of his own), Connie notices on closer inspection that his facial features actually look more caucasoid than negroid. His lips are relatively thin, his nose is high and narrow, almost Roman, and he has prominent cheekbones. Allison looks at him curiously. Barney looks at her back, with an arched eyebrow. Allison smiles and waves, which is unusual for her, she's usually more shy around strangers. Conversely, Katherine, who is the more extroverted daughter, remains intimidated by the large black man, and continues clinging to her mother. Barney says "Curt and I have been...communicating. His situation is most unusual." To Kim, he thinks **I believe Curt was the powerful Shabaali we were seeking. He seems to have the ability to transfer his consciousness, his entire mentality, into another host body. Certain Shabaali are rumored to be able to do this, but even we Sebth considered such tales exaggerations.** <><><><><> Kim: Kim is surprised (well, for a millisecond at least ). She hadn't realised Curt was telepathic. **You're telepathic?** she sends to Curt. <><><><><> [GM] Curt looks at you in surprise. **Telepathic?** he thinks. **Hell no, if I could do what you can, d'you think I'd be trying to type on a computer with these damn cat paws?** <><><><><> Kim: Kim looks confused. **Sorry, I thought Barney said you were communicating?** <><><><><> [GM] **We were** Curt answers. **He asked questions, and I meowed yes or no.** <><><><><> Kim: Kim suppresses a smile at the thought of Barney nervously asking questions of a leopard, and the leopard meowing back. **Sorry, I misunderstood. How did you become a leopard?** <><><><><> [GM] **By accident** Curt replies sourly. He pads over to Connie and looks at her quizzically. <><><><><> Connie: Well, it's time to go. Are you ready Curt? We will be seeing them tonight if you would like. Connie has places Ruddell in the stroller and she and the girls are ready to go. Connie smiles to Kim and Barny. The Cafe Pacifica is two blocks from here. She sais pointiing down the street. I'll meet you there at 7:00 if that's OK. Do you think your parents will let you come? If you have any trouble use this number. It's my beeper number. We can reschedule or relocate. ... (if there isn't any thing else.) Connie takes her younger daughter by one hand and makes sure the older one is pushing the baby carriage. "Say Good Buy. Bye Kim. Bye Barny." She takes her little family back to the safety of their home.