"Cross my heart.  Won't say a word," he responded without hesitation.  "So ... you have an older brother?  Any idea where?"  Nearby, animatronic statues of Bacchus and other gods began a show with lights and music from atop a marble fountain.  A camera-laden crowd of tourists packed tight around it.

"Probably still back home.

So, I don't really know how to explain this, but I need someone to understand, so I'm just going to start by showing you..."

Phantasm's body changes subtly as Dillon watches: she loses several inches in height, her bone structure shifts subtly, and her figure becomes less defined.  She looks to be somewhere around 15 years old, maybe a little younger.

"This is what I really look like.  I think.  It's been a while, so I might have forgotten something..."

Quickly she shifts her features back to the older, more ambiguously aged, form.

"I remember everything.  Even the stuff I don't want to remember.  I erupted after I was kidnapped by a nova, and had been strapped down in his basement for a week, and used as a guinea pig.  He wanted to explore his "nova nature" and he needed people to "help" him.  And I think he wanted to play out his sick fantasies from before he erupted too.

But anyway, I... Got away.  Went home, pretended like nothing happened.  I couldn't stay there anymore.  I never really fit in back in school, or even at home, but after erupting... I just couldn't do it.  I also wanted to know what I could do, and I NEEDED to do something to protect people from novas.

So I came to utopia. I told them this whole story about amnesia, shifted myself so their scans wouldn't figure out who I was.  When I erupted I... I learned how to lie really well, and how to figure out problems, and how to keep people out of my head.  I guess it was what I needed to keep me alive at the time.  But it also helped me get halfway across the country and trick Utopia."

Phantasm, after her long and rapidly stated explanation, manages to look relieved and panicked at the same time.  Then she starts to cry a little.

"I need to be here, but I also can't do this all alone.  It's too much, and too fast, and I can't take it all in.  I think so fast now, I see everything, and I... I can process it all, but it doesn't help me UNDERSTAND, and it doesn't help me deal with all the feelings and... I'm sorry, I'm a mess, its just been like this for months and..."

"Damn ... that's ... sorry."  He looked around to make sure they weren't attracting attention.  Bacchus was still spinning around in place and making a racket, so no one seemed the wiser.  "Hey, don't cry.  It's alright."  Now the awkward part ... hug or no hug?  He fidgeted a bit, trying to decide what was best.  "I'm not gonna tell on you or anything.  Secret's safe."  He looked around, saw a cafe with fake outdoor seating and snagged a cloth napkin for her.  "Long way from home, huh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Sun 19 Apr 2009.

"It's- it's ok. Sorry to make a scene. I'm better now. I just, it's weird talking about this after so long.

Why don't we just meet the others over at that nova club?"

“Oh? You sing. I would like to hear you perform latter, David. I’ve always wanted to sing. Perhaps I will ask for your tutoring. Tell me, does your mother live far away? We could get go on a road trip and see her after we settle down here.”

In the Gallery:


“‘N'ere do well.’ Hm. I like the ring to that.” Zero mused to itself.



If they could see the Nova’s face under the mask, it would be beaming. “Finally. People who appreciate my art,” the Doctor muses to itself.

Z's head is held high.

At Caesars:

An ugly looking, hunched over man is sitting at the bar. He’s got the kind of face that is so uninteresting that you feel good about your looks while talking to him, but not hideous enough to make you feel uncomfortable to look at his face. He’s got a nervous smile, like he want everyone to be his friend and is nervous to offended. He slaps $20 on the bar and asks the bartender to give him the strongest thing that’ll buy. “I’ve lost a grand at the table. God, I wish I was a Nova. ‘Could just mind them dice and win every time! God.” The man tries to warm up to the bartender, and then slowly directs the questions down to how much the casinos fear they have been loosing to Novas. “They’ve got to have an idea. I mean, if ya just compare the numbers from before the Fireman to today, ya know, ya know? Damn Aberrants just ‘ave it too good!”

OOC: Zero wants a cut of the casino’s profit. The doctor is too much of a pragmatist to bother with gambling. The idea is that the casinos need a Nova to sniff out cheating Novas, but Zero wants a ballpark figure before he talks to someone in charge. Zero is trying to snoop and find out what the rough figure of nightly damages to the casino’s to haggle, and will talk to several employees to get a feel for the situation. I am guessing these would be Investigation Rolls?

Edit: Did roll:
10:30, Today: Dr. Zero rolled 9 successes using 14d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,7,2,9,1,8,10,4,1,10,10,2,7,10. Investigative Check, 1 Die Mega. .
10:29, Today: Dr. Zero rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,8,9,4,7,3. Investigative Prodigy, 1 Mega Die.

Those should be a total of 10 successes on the last Investigation Roll, as the first die was a Mega-Die.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Sun 19 Apr 2009.

"Yeah, sure.  Uh ... you might want to put your ... face back on first."  They started walking, keeping an eye out for any of the others.

"So ... don't mean to pry, but ... what should I call you?  Do you have a name?  And does your family know you're out here?  I mean, like, I'll back you up with them and Utopia and all.  But I'm going to want some help with my homework, alright?"  He laughed a bit, trying to lighten the mood.

"Umm Doc, I said my MOM says I sing like an angel I think I sound like a drowning cat...that's dead....heh," David says obviously uncomfortable.  "I also..nevermind, we can talk later...you know you kind of remind of the guy I met when I first came to Utopia..Silent Knight I think it was...."

"You can just keep calling me Phantasm.  It works on multiple levels.

They don't know where I am exactly, but before I left I told them what I was, and why I wanted to leave.  They weren't too happy about what I'd become, and they never came looking for me... I hung around for a while to make sure.  They did file a police report, but I think it was to cover themselves.

And yeah, if you need help with your work, I'll be there"

"Alright, P.  And hey," he shot her a smile, "we're all weird here, right?"

They set out to find the others and make their way to Archon.

Imp quietly rolled out of bed and made his eufiber take on his usual suit.  The woman, Mandy, was sound asleep, and was likely to remain so for an hour more at least.  He grinned, left her a short note, nothing sleazy, just thanks for a great time and that Imp hoped he'd bump into her again soon, and headed to the Archon.  This should be an eye opener, a nova only club.  He just hoped that Crimson Dawn wouldn't be there.  That'd suck.

Before the Gallery:


"'Silent Knight,' eh? I bet there are a few that wish I was. I used to go by another quirky, ridiculous name. I'll tell you, but you must promise to keep it between us, and only the two of us." The Doctor points at both of them to make the point crystal clear.



"I do love that title, though. Mind if I use it? I know someone who needs a... 'code-name.'" The sarcasm drips off of Zero's tongue when referring to Nova names.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Sun 19 Apr 2009.

David shrugs "Wasn't my name, you'd have to take it up with him, I'm fairly sure he said Silent Knight cause everyone wished he WOULD stay silent, heh heh, Are you saying that your name is really Zero? That's an interesting last name Doc, but yeah, I can keep a secret," David's face gets a little mroe focus at this possible new revelation.

Investigation:
Dr. Zero finds that the casino has in fact had a few problems with unscrupulous novas in the past.  Most were caught and removed, though one did start a fight that required not only a great deal of effort to stop, but also a great deal of money to cover up (the casinos have to maintain a veneer of control and safety to stay in business).

At first, your questioning and odd attire nearly get you thrown out, but your deft questioning and the potential you represent eventually gets you a meeting with one of the casino's managers, Don Castano.

"Not sure what to think of you sir, I'll just be blunt.  You come in hear looking like this, asking questions you've got no business asking... But if you really are a nova, we could use someone on our payroll to ensure the security of the place.  So, if you've got some sort of proposal, let's here it."

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

At the Archon:
The Archon is expensive.  The cover is $100 just to walk in the door for Novas, and $1000 for baselines (all novas have to display an ability before they walk in the door, which also makes the club a tourist trap all its own, since people are lined up all around the area just to get a look at nova powers in action).

Upon entering you are escorted, by a scantily clad hostess, into the club proper, after dropping off anything you don't want to be wearing at the check in desk.

The decor is both tacky, and impressive.  The walls are covered in electronics, with TV screens replaying the most impressive displays of nova power ever recorded, while "high-tech" devices glow and pulse in time with the blasting music.  Baseline staff (all exceptionally attractive, and of both sexes) in skintight outfits (that leave nothing to the imagination) provide guests with whatever they like (which is sometimes more than is appropriate).

The club has a single large dance floor, on which several novas are dancing with groups of rich human groupies, and displaying their powers in flashy and flamboyant fashion.  Behind the dance floor a bar serves liquor to those more interested in socializing than dancing.

Above the ground floor are rooms reserved for private parties, and a large sitting area for the more refined nova to get a bit to eat and drink while the watch their less evolved brethren through a layer of soundproof glass.  Looking up, one can barely make out the people in the upper rooms.

The young woman escorting your yells loudly over the music:
"I can take your drink orders if ya want, and I can reserve you a table up top.  Just let anyone with a name badge on know what you need and we'll be happy to provide anything ya need." The way she said "anything" makes it clear that the services provided for the nova guests extend beyond those in more mundane establishments.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You can go where you like in here.  The three areas of interest are the dance floor, the bar, and the upper floors.  More discussion goes on in the upper area, but for those looking to have fun and be active, the bottom floor is the place to be.

---

David waits for the bouncer(?) to check his id...."Excuse me, I was just wondering if it'd be ok for me to go in there if I promise that I won't be having any alcohol? I'd just like to go where I hear things are fun for novas," David says politely.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

The "bouncer", a short, wiry, nerdy looking guy wearing an expensive suit, just laughs.

"We're nova's kid, do you think anyone's going to check your ID?  Seriously.  Get in there and have some fun.  Just don't cause any trouble, or I'll have to toss you out."

The Gallery

The thought of discussing the bible with David makes Samuel rather nervous, but he decides to accept the invitation. "Sure," he says with a smile "it's alw-w-ways good to learn someth-thing new."

The Casino

Since he's not particularly good at cards, Samuel decides to stick with the slot machines, despite his earlier desire to stay away from them. His first few cranks result in nothing, but a little accidental shock results in a jackpot. He was afraid someone would call him out on it, but no one seemed to notice. He grinned. Very nice.

The Archon

Samuel had the misfortune of being stuck behind David as he nervously addressed the bouncer. "Y-Y-You'll have to exc-c-cuse my friend here." he said to the bouncer while nudging David. "He's n-not quite used t-t-to special the treatment that c-c-c-comes with being a n-nova yet."

David looks at the bouncer then at Samuel, obviously bewildered. "I'm confused, shouldn't we more have to adhere to the law, because we have been blessed with such gifts that allow us to...." He trails off after getting nudged by Samuel and walks into the club. "OH MY..." He averts his eyes at some of the goings on and smiles quickly at the coat check girl's friendliness "Thank you very much"

"Not a problem.  We're all new to it really.  Just remember, the world's your if you want it, you just have to play your cards right...

Hey.  If you guys need anything in Vegas, show tickets, a get outa jail free card, that sorta thing, let me know.  And when I'm in your neck of the woods, maybe you can hook me up... Oop gotta go, they're frisky tonight..."

The bouncer hands both Samuel and David a card before running off to stop a Nova guest from being mobbed by the autograph seeking crowd.  The bouncer's power is apparently to create some sort of force field or force wave, as the crowd is pushed back from the area long enough to allow the nova entrance.

The card, btw, simply says:
"Adam Bower, The Shield
Nova Bodyguard
(939)555-9383"

David puts the card in his pocket before speaking to the coat check girl.

Imp walks up to the club, "Well, I guess my cover's blown." he sighs as he walks towards the doorman.  "Hey buddy, how's it going?  My name's Impetus." Imp drops a quarter and, just as it's about to hit the ground manipulates its momentum so that it arcs left, then up then drops back into Imp's hand.  "Is that enough?"  After getting a nod of assent, and a quick check of his quarter to see if there were strings, Imp pays his fee and walks in, scanning the people inside fore the telltale quantum signatures of his teammates.  He stops at the bar, buys a vegetable juice, and moves over to his friends with a friendly wave.  "Hey guys, is this place crazy or what?"

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I assume that i will arrive last. just posted cause i don't know when/if i will be back at the computer today.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

"So ... this is different."

With Phantasm and everyone else he could find in tow, Comstock walked to the front of the line.  Once he had a better idea of how things worked, he turned to Phantasm.  "Alright ... let's see if we can sneak you in without showing off your ... changing thing. 'kay?"  The crowd, the camera flashes, the shouting ... he turned to the hungry onlookers and let the metal out.  A gleaming, polished, argent marvel, gleaming in the neon and lcd jungle.  "Thank you ... thank you ... can I get inside now?"

The best thing, Dillon decided, about being a metal man, was that he couldn't sweat, and his expression was too stiff to show fear.

Solitaire makes her way down the strip to Archon, getting sidetracked here and there, it wasn't hard to spot, you could tell by the massive ring of people and cameras around the place. That, and and Comstock was in metal mode right outside, so it must be the right place. She could see him quite clearly, ways off though she was, her eyesight was very good.

The crowd was too dense to get through easily, after several Nova's showing up in succession, so Solitaire decided to do this the easy way. She coiled back and sprang forward, launching herself up and over the heads of the assembled gawkers. Halfway through her arc, she concentrates and slows down, lowering herself toward the red carpet. She loses focus a foot from the ground, but drops gracefully even so, landing lightly on her feet. She strides up to the doorman, shakes his hand and inquires, "Busy night, eh? I don't envy you having to deal with this crowd all the time. Call me Solitaire." She offers him a hand and flashes a smile in greeting.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

Phantasm leans in close enough that only Dillon can hear "I can do other stuff too.  I just don't like to because it creeps people out."

I sickly green light begins to cling to Phantasm's skin, glowing brightly for a moment before flickering out.  Something about it turns off the crowd, causing them to feel a sudden sense of anxiety.

"That should get me in.  Though I think they liked you better."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
For those that care, I took a unique weakness that makes that magnifies taint while it is in effect.  It basically causes fear and trepidation in those looking at it in use.

---

Quentin had only stayed in the casinos for about half an hour, trying to actively avoid games in which he might have been tempted to abuse his powers. It just didn't seem fair. This largely meant slot machines, video blackjack, and other automated games were about all he played.

He looked up after exhausting the credits on the machine he was playing to notice that he couldn't find anyone else. They'd been planning on meeting at that club anyway, so it hardly seemed to matter.

He tried to keep up a pleasant demeanor as he approached the nova club, and, arriving at the door, tipped down the sunglasses he was still wearing, even though it was dark to reveal his totally black eyes to the doorman. "Is this enough, or should I do something a bit more showy?" He jerked his head subtly to the crowd clustered haphazardly around the entrance - many of which were simply waiting for a show. [Private to GM: Trying to keep Sooth up so that they don't all get a bad impression of T2M's newest members - though they don't know who we are...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:13, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

Two hundred dollars down and coat checked in.  "Alright ... we're going to have to sit down and talk about all those cool little tricks and things, P.  Because that was weird, seriously weird."  He was about to say more, but it took him a few moments to suppress his "natural" sheen.  Enough time for the hypocrisy to sink in.

It didn't take too long to notice Prodigal and Samuel, but Dillon took a moment or two to scan the whole dance floor before heading over to meet them.  He tried taking a count of the number of novas actually present.  He started looking for obvious powers, too.  "Quentin's going to go nuts when he gets here.  Hope he won some money gambling after we lost him."