LEOPARDS & LAWYERS [Kim Brenner and Connie Yoshida met on a San Francisco street, when Curt Dawood, a teenager trapped in the body of a leopard, was in hot pursuit of a child molester who was sensed by Connie's telepathic three year-old daughter, Allison. Meanwhile, Kim was being chauffeured by a Sebth named Barney. The weirdness has just started...] Kim: "I hope so, but I'm not exactly in their good books at the moment. They may want to ring you." She looks at Barney. "Is 7:00 OK?" [Assuming it is, Kim will ask Barney to drop her off near her home, so she can arrive home on her bike, and will arrange a suitable pickup for a couple of hours or so later] <><><><><> [GM] "Seven o'clock is certainly fine with me, though I wish we were spending time more productively," Barney says, watching as Connie, her children, and Curt, walk away. "Come, let's get you back home so your parents don't have more cause to be upset with you. I presume the wisest course of action would be for me to drop you off a few blocks from your house. I will pursue some other investigations while I wait, but call me if you will not be able to meet Ms. Yoshida." Back at home, your parents ask the usual mundane questions about how your date went and such...they seem in a reasonably tolerant mood, considering the last few days. Of course, they might not be so tolerant about your meeting a leopard, a lawyer and an extra-terrestrial for dinner... <><><><><> Kim: Kim answers the inevitable questions about her date, before bringing up the subject of dinner. "I ran into a woman who's young daughter has got the same strange ability I've developed. I've been invited to dinner tonight, to talk about it; she's left me the number of her bleeper." (She suspects that mentioning the other dinner guests might not be a good idea ). <><><><><> [GM] Your parents look alarmed. "Her daugher can read minds too? What's her name? Maybe we should meet with her also." <><><><><> Kim: "Her daughter's very young. She isn't old enough to know what telepathy means, she just reads thoughts as naturally and instinctively as speaking, with all the problems that causes: if her mother notices that she's out of milk, her daughter might immediately burst into tears. Her mother wants to be able to talk with a telepath, find out things that could help her daughter. The last thing she wants is for her child to become the centre of attention." She doesn't add that the child in question is probably more powerful than she is... and a telepathic temper tantrum could be very unpleasant! "I'm being picked up on the main road - that was easier than trying to give directions to someone who doesn't know the area." <><><><><> [GM] "I'd still like to talk to this woman," your mother says. "Oh, she could have a terrible time with such a young child possessing powers like yours!" "Did you tell her about those, um, aliens?" your father asks. <><><><><> Kim: "I've got her bleeper number" repeats Kim, "I can get her to call you". [If her mother agrees, Kim rings the number then waits for a call] To her father, she adds: "I've told her a little about the aliens, not much." ========================================= Connie: The young mother, goes about her usual Saturday chores and plays with the children and gets them to help plan a jungle gym for the back yard where Curt will be able to get some more climbing in. She arranges for a baby sitter and tells them where she will be. Connie keeps the beeper close so she won't miss a call from Kim, should it come. Hopefully she can catch a nap when the children take theirs since she still hasn't recovered from that stressfull week. <><><><><> [GM] You don't get to take a nap before someone calls. Not Kim, though. Bart, as he said he would. "Connie, I'm back in my office. Now, we ran the plates and actually caught the guy whose license plate you gave to the cop on the scene. But they had no probably cause to search his car, and we can't get a warrant to search his house without something more concrete than Allison thinking he's a bad man. What got her and that cat so upset, anyways?" <><><><><> Connie: Connie is a little hurt that Bart refered to Curt as "that cat" but it was typical Bart behavior and she had come to expect this sort of thing even if she didn't like it. Bart please, his name is Curt. Well, Allison thought she recognized the man who kidnaped the little girl yesterday. Curt has been upset that some one would do that kind of thing ever since he heard. So naturally like many young men he felt, I suppose, he had to help. Since we couldn't make out the license number, He took off after the car. I'm glad you found him even if you couldn't arrest him right away. At least some one saw what he looks like. And some one there can begin investigating. It allows me to feel a little more secure. <><><><><> [GM] "What investigation? We've got nothing. I'll see what I can do, but I don't see any follow-up on this based on Allison's imagination. Is she having nightmares or something because of what happened to her friend?" He sounds concerned, if a bit dismissive of her fears. <><><><><> Connie: Bart I thought you understood about Allison. It isn't just her imagination. That was what we were talking about earlier this week. I really think some one should at least look into this. She isn't just an imaginative child Bart. Why don't you come by tommarow when you can find the time and we'll talk about this. <><><><><> [GM] Bart sounds vaguely disquieted. "All right, I'll see if I can push for more of an investigation. I'm gonna come over tonight to talk to Aly." Very soon after you hang up, your beeper goes off....it's Kim's number. <><><><><> Connie: I have the sitter comming over tonight Bart I have an appointment to keep. I"ll probably be back by 9:00. You are welcome to come over any way. Or wait till I get home. Either one. She finishes her conversation with Bart and gives Kims number a ring. Hello, Kim?... <><><><><> Kim: "Hi, Ms. Yoshida. My parents would like to speak with you." (and assuming Connie doesn't slam the phone down, she hands it to her parents). <><><><><> Connie: Hello? You wish to speek with me? <><><><><> [GM] An older woman says "Hello, Mrs. Yoshida? I'm Susan Brenner, Kim's mother. Umm....I was wondering if we could talk. It seems we both have a child with some unusual talents..." <><><><><> Connie: Well I suppose so. I have some time. What would you like to talk about? My child is much younger than Kim. I'm not sure I can be of any help or solace. <><><><><> [GM] "No, no, I realize you probably don't know much more about these metahumans powers than I do. It must be even harder with such a little girl trying to deal with them." Mrs. Brenner is silent for a moment. "Kim says she's planning to meet you tonight, I was wondering what you had in mind. We're a little nervous, because her powers seem to have involved her in a lot of dangerous situations lately." <><><><><> Connie: Actually, I didn't have much of anything particular in mind. I haven't had any trouble with Allison so far she has been a well behaved little girl, possibly because she can tell what I expect from her before I tell her. I don't know. It was my impression that Kim was concerned, and wanted to speek with me about possible dangers to Allison bacause of her talent. That is what I am most interested in. <><><><><> [GM] "Yes, we're concerned too. We've learned more than we want to about the hazards Kim has been exposed to because of her metahuman powers. Do you think we could come with Kim to talk to you this evening?" Mrs. Brenner laughs, a little nervously. "Maybe we'll start a support group for parents of metahuman children." <><><><><> Connie: Well, I don't have any objections to meeting with you. But I'm concerned about Allisons safety, and I need to be back by 9:00 when the sitter has to go home. Would that be enough time for your concerns? <><><><><> Kim: Kim's heart sinks. She doesn't want her parents with her, treating her like a 13-year-old again. And explaining Barney - and explaining things *to* him - is going to be a major problem. <><><><><> [GM] "I've been waiting for the non-abridged version of the story myself," Mrs. Brenner says, with a meaningful look at Kim that Connie, of course, does not see. "But we'll make sure not to hold you too late. Thank you, Mrs. Yoshida, we'll see you at 7:00." <><><><><> Kim: Kim gives her mother a hurt look in return. She *gave* her the whole story. *What does she want me to do, start inventing things to make everything sound better?* she wonders. On the other hand, she reflects, she hasn't mentioned any subsequent events. She'd better contact Barney somehow, find a way to meet him at the cafe. That'll make her parents do a double-take . <><><><><> [GM] Kim's mother says good-bye to Ms. Yoshida and hangs up. She turns to Kim. "Well, I guess we'll all meet at seven." <><><><><> Kim: Kim waits for an opportunity to slip out and phone Barney at the Cornell (she wants to avoid parental questions like "who are you ringing?"). If he isn't back yet, she'll ask the person at the desk to take a message. [In person...] "Barney, I've got a problem. My parents want to come to this meeting; instead of picking me up, can you go straight to the meeting?" [...or message left] "Barney, please go straight to the meeting tonight, I've found my own transport." <><><><><> [GM] "That will be....problematic," Barney says. "But very well. You will have to brief me telepathically as soon as we arrive, so I will know what you have chosen to reveal to your parents. Bear in mind that I have no intention of involving them more than absolutely necessary, and I certainly do not wish to reveal my own status to them. If you wish my cooperation, you are going to have to find some way to limit how many non-Functionals are involved in this." ..... 7 p.m. At the agreed-upon cafe, everyone arrives promptly on time; Connie, without her children, Kim and her parents, and Barney. Everyone looks at each other uneasily as a waitress approaches to ask about seating. <><><><><> Connie: Table for five please. Connie turns to the group arriving. You must be Kim's parents. I am Connie Yoshida. Pleased to meet you. <><><><><> Kim: Kim makes an effort to look a bit smarter for the meeting, mainly to please her parents, by wearing a white blouse and black leggings. With her skinny frame, the supposedly full-length leggings are more capri- length, but the result looks OK. Unfortunately, her hair still has a hedge- backwards look to it, despite attention from a comb. When she sees Barney, she gives him a quick telepathic briefing. ** I haven't told them anything about you. I don't want my parents involved, but they insisted on coming along. They know I am Functional; I've told them that Ashiya was an extra-terrestrial, but they don't believe me. ** What job do you use for cover, so I don't mess it up? ** *Things will be simpler once I get to Virginia* she thinks to herself. Since everyone is stunned silent, Kim takes it upon herself to do the introductions. "Hi, Ms. Yoshida, Barney" she says out loud, "these are my parents. Mom, Dad, this is Ms. Yoshida and Barney." Inwardly, she wonders how her parents are going to react to Barney. The cat is now firmly on collision course with the pigeons... <><><><><> [GM] Barney smiles slightly. *Most recently, I have been a bartender.* As usual, he seems disinclined to elaborate any more than absolutely necessary about himself. [also, I neglected to ask, are you bringing the Personality along? It will obviously have some things to say if you plan not to... ] Kim's parents, David and Susan Brenner, introduce themselves and shake hands with Connie and Barney. Kim is a little surprised and somewhat disappointed at their reactions to Barney....they are very liberal and progressive, and would never admit to any racism....yet Barney, a very large, very intimidating black man, immediately rouses a wariness in them which they don't even consciously recognize. The thoughts are formless and unspecific, but Kim senses that while they'd naturally be suspicious of any mysterious man who's taken to associating with their daughter, their alert sense of caution would probably not be so acute if Barney wasn't black. "So," Mr. Brenner says, after everyone has been seated. "Ummm....Barney. I'm afraid Kim didn't get around to explaining how you're....involved in this." Barney thinks a moment, before replying. "I know something of...metahumans, and other matters which Kim has discussed in part with you and Ms. Yoshida." He taps his fingers thoughtfully on the table for a moment. "You are naturally concerned for your daughter's well- being. I realize you want to know more about me for that reason. But, I feel it is unwise to enlighten you to the degree that you would like." The Brenners blink. "You are not...metahumans. Your involvement should be limited..." Barney continues. And Kim senses a firestorm of protest building in her parents' minds. Barney clearly is not a parent, or has limited notions of what parenthood means to Terrans... <><><><><> Kim: Much as she disliked the idea, Kim has brought the personality along in a brown leather shoulder bag: it may have something useful to contribute. Kim somewhat expected her parents' reaction. She could hardly claim to be spotless herself, since her original thought had been to cancel the meeting with Barney. ** Thanks ** she sends to Barney, ** That's a good explanation. My parents will probably assume you're working for the government. But be careful about my parents' "limited involvement": I'm their daughter, and they're going to be protective of me whatever. Parents look after their children here ** - and Barney can detect an amused subtext **(even when they don't want to be looked after!)** ** Perhaps you could rephrase that as `Your involvement should be limited - your daughter's powers aren't as disruptive as some': it's handy that English is naturally ambiguous! But avoid mentioning any dangers: I know about them, but my parents only see me as a little girl they love and want to protect ** <><><><><> [GM] *I am more interested in discussing with you and Ms. Yoshida the nature of her daughter's powers, and what we must do to find your missing Shabaali friend....something which Ms. Yoshida herself will be of little help in, so they are two seperate issues, actually* Barney thinks back. Meanwhile, Kim's father speaks first. "We are VERY involved in our daughter's life, and that's not going to change for any reason. Are you a metahuman yourself, Mister...um, Barney?" <><><><><> Kim: ** My parents are interested in the former, at least. They hope to get a handle on my powers by talking to Ms. Yoshida, and learning about her daughter. She's also a guardian - a representative - for two metahumans, in the same way that my parents are my guardians. There's always a chance that her daughter, young as she is, might be able to contact Ashiya - she might even do so by accident. I don't know if Ms. Yoshida realises how powerful her daughter really is: she read my thoughts so effortlessly that I wasn't aware of her presence. ** You'd better say something to my parents, to put them at ease. They're having enough difficulty with the idea of their daughter being a Functional, without being told that they shouldn't be involved. ** "Ms. Yoshida, when did your daughter get her powers?" she says aloud. <><><><><> Connie: some what relieved that the conversation has taken a different direction, responds readily to Kims question. Well, I couldn't tell you exactly when. It only came to my attention when Curt joined our household. You see since he can't talk we knew she wasn't responding to his voice. Curt noticed that she would act as if she had heard what he thought. That waonly earlier this week. If she had this ability any earlier I really couldn't tell after all, her language skills are still that of a three year old. <><><><><> Kim: "That would be about when I first noticed my power. I'd suddenly become a lot fitter over the course of a couple of weeks, but things suddenly started happening about a week ago, when I teleported in my sleep." <><><><><> Connie: That is interesting, all these emerging powers occuring at roughly the same time. Less than a year ago no one would have believed any of this. You wouldn't have any theories on why your powers manifested when they did? <><><><><> [GM] Barney clears his throat. "Latent metahuman functions are most likely to manifest if the latent Functional is exposed to an active Functional." Kim's parents look at him, startled. "You mean using superpowers around other people is likely to create MORE metahumans?" "Not exactly," Barney says. "A certain percentage of your...the population, is already metahuman, but with no cues to trigger the manifestation of these abilities, the way most children are stimulated to use their inborn faculties for speech and visual and audial differentiation and other natural abilities, these metahuman Functions may remain dormant until triggered by coincidence, or a traumatic event. Or by the presence of other Functionals." "How do you know all this?" Mrs. Brenner asks. Barney smiles tightly. "I believe your daughter already told you, but you were unwilling to believe her." <><><><><> Kim: *That's going to cause even more confusion* thinks Kim. ** Barney, I thought you weren't going to reveal that you're a Sebth? ** she sends, slightly puzzled. If Barney says he's changed his mind because Kim has already told her parents about the Sebth, she'll say out loud (but quietly): "Barney is a Sebth. One of the extra-terrestrials I was talking about." <><><><><> [GM] Barney thinks *Your parents obviously will not allow you the necessary freedom of action without what they consider a sufficient explanation. I had forgotten the intrusiveness and patronization of Terran parent-child relationships. I will have to hope they can cope with this information in a reasonable manner." Mrs. Brenner stares at Barney. "*You're* a space alien?" she asks, as the waitress approaches to take your order. <><><><><> Kim: ** I'd have put it differently, but you're correct ** she sends to Barney, ** I hope they can handle it too ** "There's a waitress coming" says Kim, hoping to anchor her parents increasing confusion with a piece of reality. <><><><><> [GM] Everyone waits in tense silence, except for placing orders. Once she leaves, Mrs. Brenner repeats; "Are you saying you're a space alien?" "The term has certain implications which I think may present an inaccurate image," Barney replies calmly. "But yes. I am from another planet. And do not bother asking me to prove it. Whatever metahuman powers or exotic technological artifacts I may possess, I am not going to demonstrate them to assuage your skepticism. Your opinion is not really relevant to me. I am here for Kim's sake, and for the sake of Ms. Yoshida, who has at least one metahuman child." The black man turns and looks at the young lawyer. "I am not a geneticist, and Terran metahuman genetics are clearly outside my realm of expertise; they do not seem to conform even to my layman's knowledge of heritability. But, if you have one metahuman child, then you or the child's father is at least a latent carrier of metahuman genes. Any other children the two of you may have produced are therefore likely to be metahumans as well, and if one child is manifesting, her use of her Function is likely to trigger the others. Your friend Curt may have something to do with this as well." <><><><><> Connie: Excuse me Barney, but if that is the case, we can expect many more paramormal manifestations. But that still doesn't explain why, all of a sudden, there are so many manifestations. A single manifestation can triger others but this could should have happend in the past many times given what you said about a certain percentage of our population already having the potential.. What has been happening here looks to be MORE than a chain reaction from a spontanious manifestation. There must have been a catalist that would effect a larger number of people. I would be interested in knowing how all this came about, and what I can do for my daughter. I don't care if you came from Atlantis let alone outerspace. I'm more interested in a reasonable explination that will allow me to investigate and plan for the future. Mind you, that doesn't mean that I will take your word for every think. These theories and explinations, I expect to have backed up with facts. How early can the abilities manifest? I have a son who is not yet a year old. And another daughter of 5. <><><><><> [GM] Barney says "I do not know why your population is suddenly manifesting so many Functionals. I do not even have any theories, except what uninformed ones I might invent for myself. From Kim's description, the Shabaali she met earlier would probably be more qualified; she was probably a scientist. I am not." "I have plenty of 'facts' to offer you, Ms. Yoshida. But I do not know what would convince you they are true facts, and I am not overly concerned with convincing you. Either my people or the Shabaali will probably arrive soon, and you will have plenty of proof." "Among our people, children are usually *born* with these abilities, though like walking and talking, it takes some time for them to access them. Your younger children, if Functional, could manifest any time." "Which gives us another incentive to find Kim's Shabaali friend. Your daughter is a Shabaali, and will need training. It may be quite traumatic for her to pick up the thoughts of everyone around her without the ability to screen them out. I do not think this involves you directly, though, since you cannot be of any help. We should probably speak to your ward, Curt. His power to switch bodies is unknown to me, but if anything, it probably falls within the Shabaali Function." "Hello, time out," Mr. Brenner says. "What are all these functions you're talking about? And Shabaali? And what do you mean, your people are going to arrive soon?" <><><><><> Kim: Kim looks downcast at the mention of her alien friend. *Ashiya, where are you?* she thinks plaintively. "I told you, Dad. `Functional' is just another term for `paranormal' or `metahuman'. Ashiya was a Shabaali, an extra-terrestrial telepath. And one of the extra-terrestrial races is bound to come here, to try to fix this mess." *If there's anything left to fix* she wonders darkly. [OOC: actually, she *hasn't* previously explained the term `Functional' to her parents ] <><><><><> Connie: Fortunately, Connie is well trained in keeping her composure though the worry she has been feeling over this conversation is mounting. Perhaps his grasp on the culture and language don't allow him to communicate clearly. "Barny are you saying that I have no say in my daughters schooling? That you are not interested in providing information on that actual scientific explinations behind what has happened to my daughter? And just to make sure I understand you, your "people" or these Shabaali when thy arrive, will provide scietific evidence on how these powers work and what has triggered this or are you mearly stating that their arrival will be proff enough that any thing you say should be taken as the the truth. Barny, even if you are an alien you need to communicate clearly. Wether you want to prove any thing to me or not is in consequential. I will accept or reject your information on it's own maret. I require this information, and the purpose for this meeting was for you to communicate to me the dangers my daughter may face and any additional information I might use to assist my daughter. Please, let's continue on this subject and return to the periferal issues of invasion threats and the kinds of functionsm later. <><><><><> [GM] Barney looks at Connie with a calm, but slightly piqued, expression. "I am very precise in my communications, and I have more experience with your language and your culture than you do, Ms. Yoshida. You are not concerned with what happens when Galactic civilization makes its presence known here, very well. We may as well disregard that event, since any plans we might make now will become greatly altered when it happens." "Your daughter faces two primary threats that I know of. First, this evil Shabaali Kim has encountered. Secondly, her own lack of training. How will you, a....non-metahuman, train her to use these abilities? It will be like a fish trying to teach a baby bird to fly." "I cannot teach the Shabaali Function. Kim is barely trained in it herself. So, your most likely teacher is Ashiya. If she can be found. If not, the effects of an untrained Shabaali exposed to your culture can be quite traumatic, I understand." The Personality sends to Kim **I could in fact provide some training...or at least shield the child from what she is unable to screen out herself. But, the Sebth is correct, another Shabaali is needed to truly develop the Terran Shabaali's potential.** <><><><><> Connie: Connie doubts he has more experience with her language and culture. But even if he does he sure wasn't clear untill now. Thank you Barny for your clarity. I agree that I would not be capable of teaching my daughter in these areas and that it would be benificial for her to have an experienced instructor. However I am selective in choosing my childrens schools and would like to speek with Ashia before I give consent for the training. From what you have said I gather that she is lost or missing. I take it that you are in the process of finding her? <><><><><> [GM] "We are seeking the means to do so," Barney says. "With very few clues right now, it has proven difficult. She is in the clutches of an extraordinarily evil and sadistic man, who could have taken her anywhere by now. A very high Magnitude Shabaali, or perhaps a well- trained Tua- another Galactic race- could find her, but we cannot unless more clues present themselves." He sighs and settles back in his seat. "You should also be aware, Ms. Yoshida, that Galactic law does not permit Functional children to be left untended in the care of non-Functional parents." That gets a mental exclamation mark from Kim's parents. "What. Exactly. Does that mean?" Mr. Brenner says slowly. "Are you threatening...to take Kim away from us? And Ms. Yoshida's daughter?" "I threaten no such thing," Barney replies, unperturbed by the instant hostility. "I have no interest in taking your children away. But Galactic law will not permit Functional children to grow up untrained in their natural abilities. We regard it as a form of...child abuse. And the bad effects of such lack of training are becoming increasingly evident here on this planet. On the other hand, this situation is unique in human history. I do not know what accomodations will eventually be made." Kim senses outrage building in her parents....Barney has quite blithely stepped on exactly what worried them most. The Personality chips in with **'Accomodations', as this Sebth calls them, will be far less tolerant and respectful of the feelings of Terrans under the Sebth than under the Shabaali. If the Sebth reclaim this world, your parents and the mind-dead Yoshida woman have every reason to fear never seeing their children again.** <><><><><> Kim: ** Ashiya explained to me ** she sends to the Nag, ** Comparing her description to Barney's, there doesn't sound like much difference. ** Kim looks at her parents. "Before you say anything, I've already had exactly this argument with Ashiya. The Galactics - people like Ashiya and Barney - have lived by a set of laws for 10,000 years. That doesn't make them very flexible: asking them to go against their law is rather like asking one of us to go against the Constitution, only fifty times worse. "Ashiya told me that, normally, a Functional would have the choice of leaving a planet of non-Functionals or else of having their Functional powers removed. However, the Earth is in a position unique in Galactic history, in that people are developing multiple talents - which is supposed to be impossible. That makes us valuable as experimental subjects" - she pulls a face. "Imagine the situation if we discovered a primitive tribe living in a remote corner of the world. That tribe has just discovered a box of modern weapons - suddenly finding themselves with powers greater than they ever dreamed, they are killing one another in large numbers. We'd consider it a humanitarian action to go in and disarm them, whether they wanted to disarm or not. From the Galactics point of view, Earth is in a similar situation, except the weapons that have been unearthed are people. I don't like it... but you only have to look at the news to understand why they want Functionals removed. The idea of being forced to leave you is horrible... but so is what that sadist Functional is doing to Ashiya and no doubt many more. He's discovered that being able to control minds lets him murder, torture and rape." Kim senses the immediate question forming in her parents minds. "I wasn't raped, but Ashiya was. She was also tortured, by the sort of person who enjoys slowly pulling someone's fingernails out with a pair of pliers. She's now his prisoner again." *There*, she thinks, *That should kill everyone's appetites* "Going back to the analogy: once the weapons were removed, the tribe might hope to go back to peaceful isolation. But suppose the disarmers had noticed that no-one in the tribe ever died from cancer. They'd never be left alone, as scientists tried to find out what made them special. That corresponds to the multiple Functions appearing on the Earth. "The irony is, the Galactics could probably achieve everything they want voluntarily. If they suddenly showed up, and explained that they could end the rampages of the worst of our Functionals, but only at a cost of removing all Functionals... how long would it be before the governments of the world agreed? Would it take any longer than one more atrocity? But they'll probably arrive with all the subtlety of nineteenth-century European missionaries in Africa, and make just as big a mess of things." <><><><><> Connie: Connie having those emotions common to mothers who are told that their children will be taken from them (even if it is from a dubious source); puts those feelings aside for a more rational approach. "There isn't realy anything we can do about this at the moment. Your galactic laws are not effective here untill someone comes to enforce them. And when they do perhaps something can be arranged. You said untended. And that means to me that there may be a way for us to be with our children. You see Barny, child abuse is against our beliefs aswell and I would like to see my daughter have every opportunity to develop her skills but it is also considered child abuse to remove the child from a nurchuring and careing home. It is also a violation of the parents rights. What we need to do is have a training center with certified instructors here on earth. (Connie doubts that the governments will bliethly stand by while aliens take a portion of their population away and enforce laws in which they have had no say in making or adopting.) <><><><><> [GM] "We are not heartless," Barney says. "And I understand very well what you fear. I told you, I have been here for a while. But you are right, there is little you can do about it until one of the Galactic races arrives. So. Somehow we must find a way to locate Ashiya. Kim is a Shabaali, your daughter and Curt are apparently Shabaali as well. Our best chance might be the three of you." "Wait a minute, Kim isn't about to run off to confront that....that psychopath again!" Mrs. Brenner says. "From everything you've told me, I'd just as soon she not have any involvement with any more metahumans, at all!" "That is not an option; her powers will draw her into contact with others whether she tries to hide or not," Barney says. "The same is true of Ms. Yoshida's daughter." <><><><><> Connie: Barny, both Kim and Curt are underage and under my care. I will not allow either of them to be used as bait. I have difficulty with the implication that a three year old child be used in such a manner. In either case it is child endangerment. I intend to do every thing I can to shield, hide and protect my daughter and Curt from this mad man and I know I will need help. If you wish to assist me I will be gratefull but I will not allow either to be used. As for finding Ashia; there is a newly forming government agancy that may be interested in helping you in this matter. I can put you in contact with them. And I will facilitate in any way possible with your search, short of endangering my family since I do not have these "functions" I suppose that there is little else I can do for you. I hope you understand, Barny, it is not that I do not want to help you find Ashia. But my daughter is hardly able to defend herself from any mad man. It is my responsibility to see that she reaches maturity and becomes a productive member of society. I will not endanger her or Curt, this matter is for adults to handle. My ex-husband may be willing to assist in hisi official capacity. My husband is a police officer. <><><><><> Kim: "I am not a Shabaali", Kim says quietly, "I'm from here. I'm a Terran, or whatever you choose to call this planet. I have Shabaali powers, I have Sebth powers. What does that make me - a Sebaali? Or a Shabth? "The psychopath who has Ashiya may come looking for me: to be honest, I don't know why he didn't kidnap me as well. If he comes looking, there is nothing that anyone with no defence against Shabaali powers can do about it, no matter how much they might want to. Nothing! This is a man who can walk into a building under full police surveillance and walk out again, without any of the police noticing. Why? Because he can dip into their minds and *make* them not see him." <><><><><> [GM] "According to Galactic law, you are Shabaali." Barney pauses. "Also Sebth. I have no idea what will be done here. But-" He looks at Connie. "She raises a good point. You may not have the option of hiding, Ms. Yoshida. Metahumans can be *sensed*. We located your daughter and Curt with a Shabaali device that Kim has. Shabaali with training do not even need devices. Your daughter probably is not able to cloak her Function, and this evil telepath has very potent Shabaali abilities, and a scientifically-trained Shabaali prisoner." "I do not wish to place your daughter in danger. But she is already in danger. I did not ever suggest using her as bait." <><><><><> Kim: Kim smiles. "I think that's clear evidence that Galactic Law wasn't designed to handle a situation like this. Ashiya told me I'm part-Atla as well." <><><><><> [GM] Barney raises an eyebrow slightly. "Well, you certainly don't have an Atla's temperament. But then again, you certainly don't have a Shabaali's either." "Ms. Yoshida, I am not interested in trying to personally enforce Galactic law. And if you do not wish to be helpful, nor to discuss whether your daughter or your charge, Curt, might be helpful, then I am not going to try to convince you, I am not a diplomat. I suggest we stop wasting each other's time." He rises from his seat. <><><><><> Connie: Barny, I am willing to assist you. But all you have told me is that this man is dangerous and that he may be interested in my daughter and Curt. Also, that they and I, and you and Kim for that matter are helpless or nearly so, in doing any thing about it. That doesn't leave me with a way to help. All it tells me is that my daughter and Curt are potential victims and that you can do nothing to prevent it. Even if you did stay close to my daughter and wait for this person to show, what could you do to protect her? Give me a way to help my daughter and I will! Putting her in danger with no resources or protection and we are mearly speeding the time when she will be taken. I could not agree to that. <><><><><> [GM] Barney says, "Well, to begin with, we could find out what your daughter's range is. It is very unlikely that she is powerful enough to sense and locate Ashiya- that would be a feat beyond the abilities of all but the most powerful Shabaali. BUT, many of your metahumans are in fact displaying phenomenal magnitudes of power. And as young as she is and untrained as Kim is, Kim might still be able to teach your daughter to at least recognize what a mental probe by another Shabaali feels like, and that might warn her if this evil Shabaali comes near." <><><><><> Connie: Well, (Connie thinks for a moment). If Kim would like to show Allison some techniques I'm not opposed to that. If her powerlevel is capable of locating Ashia after this training I will want to know more about this before I consent. If the use of her powers to locate Ashia could attract the attention of this "Shaballi" criminal, I'm not sure I like the idea. Please, understand Barny; though I would like to help Ashia I can't take any chances with my daughters safety. She is only 3 years old. Would your people place their children in such a position? Isn't there a way to locate them in other ways? <><><><><> Kim: "I can try to teach her, though I'm still a beginner myself. "I wouldn't want to see anyone hurt by attracting the attention of that criminal, least of all a young child; actively searching is out of the question. But if she really is powerful, there's a slight chance that Ashiya may reach her if she ever gets a momentary chance. Has your daughter ever said anything about voices in her head?" <><><><><> Connie: No, Allison has been a normal little girl. Though she has told me about things she should not have known. Though she has never expressed them as voices in her head. <><><><><> [GM] "An active search would be unwise...Kim is right, the evil Shabaali might sense another telepath probing in his vicinity. But likewise, your daughter might be able to sense when someone is searching for *her*, and that is important." "And there is still the matter of Curt. He can transfer minds, that is a powerful ability that is probably Shabaali in origin. He may be able to manifest other Shabaali abilities that he is unaware of." Kim's parents look lost. "It's bad enough you want *Kim* to get involved in something this dangerous, you're talking about risking the life of a three-year old-" Barney turns to Mr. and Mrs. Brenner, impatiently. "Neither Mrs. Yoshida's little girl nor your daughter have a choice, Mrs. Brenner. Their powers put them in danger, that is unavoidable. Now should they do nothing, or learn to use their Functions in a manner that might allow them to protect themselves?" He rises. "I *do* have other things I must do. Mrs. Yoshida, Kim knows how to reach me. Feel free to contact me if you wish my help." <><><><><> Connie: Thank you Barny. She watches as Barny leaves. " I'm really not sure what to think of this? Kim could you tell me more about this man?" <><><><><> [GM] Kim's parents look at her attentively, obviously wanting to hear whatever she says in reply to Connie. <><><><><> Kim: "I don't know much more. He's a Sebth, and he's been working undercover: I don't know whether he should be considered a spy or a researcher. He's been here a number of years. When I met him, he was trying to make contact with his ship - unsuccessfully, I think." <><><><><> Connie: Why is it that you trust him, if this is all you know? <><><><><> [GM] "She ran off to Chicago with Ashiya, knowing not much more about *her*," Mrs. Brenner says unhappily. <><><><><> Kim: Kim scowls momentarily at her parents . "I don't *trust* Barney as such: I'm sure he has his own reasons for wanting to help. But the Sebth are even better equipped than the government for helping to rescue Ashiya." <><><><><> Connie: How are they better equiped? It sounds to me like they are as much at a loss as any one? <><><><><> Kim: "They have known telepaths for thousands of years, whereas we seem to have only just discovered them. And their technology is far beyond ours. "Ashiya - the Shabaali - explained to me that telepathic screens could only be built using galactic technology. Even if that was being overly dismissive of our scientists, someone from a higher technology background will be a great help in shortening the development process. "But we must do *something*. Otherwise, we might as well just abandon the world to the whims of a telepathic madman. Someone who could twist your mind to make you kill your own children and enjoy it." <><><><><> [GM] Kim's mother says "Well....I don't think Kim will be taking any more sudden trips to Chicago, or anywhere else. If there are really aliens and mind-controlling sadists running around, it's a job for the government, not for a teenager who happens to have acquired some...unusual abilities." "Mrs. Yoshida, if you'd like Kim to help you with your daughter, feel free to call us. She's *usually* very responsible for her age, if you want a babysitter, too." Mrs. Brenner smiles. Then her smile fades as she turns to Kim. "If even a fraction of what you're saying...what you've been told, is true, then yes, something must be done. But *not* by you." <><><><><> Connie: "It would be nice to have a reliable baby sitter since Allison now has special needs; and I could pay her to tutor aswell." Connie looks to Kim for approval. " Would you be willing to baby sit the children and tutor Allison a days a week? " <><><><><> Kim: Kim hesitated. She didn't enjoy babysitting - babies were an alimentary canal that leaked at each end, while young children made her feel that Rosalyn got off lightly with Calvin. But babysitting a leopard would be a new experience... And it would be helpful to get into her parents' good books again. And she was probably the best-qualified to teach Allison. And if Ashiya managed to contact anyone, it might well be a powerful telepath like Allison. "OK, yes. How many nights a week?" <><><><><> Connie: Would Two be enough to get Allison started? I really don't go out much it's more the working mother working late type of thing. And if Curt is home he is good at looking after Margarett and Allison. His only problems as a sitter are that he can't communicate and take care of the baby. Typically I end up working late on Monday and Wednesday, till about 9:30. And I have their sitter pick them up from day care. IsS this a problem? <><><><><> Kim: "I think two would be OK" - she looks towards her parents for confirmation - "Though picking them up might be a problem - I don't have my own car" *...yet* she adds mentally. <><><><><> [GM] "We can give her a ride," Mrs. Brenner says. She seems quite happy that a discussion about alien invasions and sadistic telepaths has turned into a babysitting assignment. "I hope Kim can help your daughter." <><><><><> Connie: Thank you. If you would n\like to begin Wednesday that will be fine. I'have to contact the day care and the regular sitter and let them know of the new arrangements. You can feel free to call me at home or work. She gives them her card with her home number written on the back. I really should get back now. It was nice meeting you. She shakes hands with Kims' parents and offers her hand to Kim. Picks up the bill and takes it to the register to pay. Feeling that she had invited them to this place, she feels it is her place to act as host.