How nice of you to take precious time from your busy lives of redefining the world or marketing your latest memorabilia to see what little Cassady might have to say about the one thing you collectively know so little of yet are simultaneously so interested in.

And well you should be. Whether because some of the more astute among your number recognizes the so-called "Taint", you fear for the future or simply because you're curious; taint is within you. Whether you recognize it intellectually as the nature of the downside of wishes granted by the monkey's paw or by the way your own body begins to change and warp you know it's waiting for you.

It occurs to me that breaking this down into morsel sized pieces so as not strain the neuron processing abilities of the less fortunate of our fellows might be advantageous. Shall we begin simply with the issue of alienation? Yes, I think that might make a solid starting point given the number of novas that fear they do not, or one day may not, be just one of the gals.

In the 70's a human by the name of Mori, a Japanese for those of you needing a little empathy with your information, charted the reaction of humans to mechanical constructs emulating humanity. Robots or androids being a hobby of his you see, doubtless another interesting quirk of a repressed male psyche. None the less the results are quite fascinating to those capable of interpreting them. He plotted one axis representing the acceptance level of humanity, versus another axis representing the degree of conformity to the human condition. The results? As the constructs become closer to humanity acceptance and affection increases until a point is reached where the construct is close to human but not quite. The resultant drop off between acceptance and conformity forms a stark chasm he nicknamed "the uncanny valley". You see, humans are repulsed by that which is close enough to humanity to be viewed as such but fails to conform to the expectations of humanity. It doesn't "look", "feel" or "act" quite as expected. And so they - being nothing better than what they are - instinctively reach for the torches and pitch forks.

A million years of evolution have prepared humans to react instinctively to the alien. Of course the intellect allows for other choices but doesn't it always. Personally, regardless of the intrinsic qualities of an individual, I feel a mob is little more than an animal but perhaps others are more trusting.

Thus ends part one. I do so hope you've managed to grasp at least some of it.

Oooh, news flash. People fear what they don't understand. While very eloquent, still a very old and obvious point.

Nice of you to take a moment away from sublime contemplation of the tao according to Gumby and still manage to provide a counter to those that insist cartoons might be detrimental to the cognitive processes.

In view of your recent statements to the good Doctor Redução, it should it surprise me that you would climb on board the propaganda bandwagon along with the Teragen and Utopian you think so highly of yet it does not. Rather than address that let's keep to the topic and see if we can make some headway, shall we? To clarify; the initial installment, in other words only the first of several parts, does not rehash that same threadbare axiom you point to in summary. Quite the contrary; the very point is that "people" do in fact understand. They understand and they... Do... Not... Like it.

We'll get to the specifics of how everyone from the little folks to the novas react to that but let's take this one step at a time so as not to lose anyone on the way.

How cute, a thinly veiled insult.

I happen to think they don't understand. However, I will hold further comment, hoping you will elaborate on this statement

Zeddie, that wasn't insult. There are those that choose physical torments in preference to my scorn. That was merely a petite bon mot for you to savor with your daily dose of sugar puffs.

Now what is it that you think they don't understand? I'm not trying to trick you, Zed-dear, but what is it you think requires elaboration?

Here is something for YOU to analyse, Widget.

Androids and Robots AREN'T Novas.

You see, because of the gift that we now are cursed/blessed with, we may put off some sort of energy that Humans and Animals pick up and they pretty much translate it as "THREAT".

The reasoning? Simple, if someone is carrying around something with the power output of a nuclear weapon, shoud you be afraid? If your answer is no, you should consult a mental health expert.

Another thing, scientists have discovered that if a robot/android is made in a form more acceptable by society (Cat, Dog, or furry and fuzzy cute things), the acceptance of mecha-beings actually goes up. Of course it is still strange to be petting a bot.

But after all, we are machines ourselves.

Darling little Sakurako, responsible novas don't post while dormed.

The uncanny valley isn't about robotics despite it's genesis. If this is serves as an example of what the family Hino has to offer it might be best if you went back to playing quietly while the adults converse.

You seem to have missed the meaning of what I said, just to further show your arrogance.

So let me say my peace then I'll be off, unless of course, a more willing debater or someone with a constructive counterpoint comes along.

The reson why the Taint as it is called scares humans isn't just because of a perception that we are different, but the perception that we have become more outside of normal existance. It is as if what makes us Human was removed upon the moment of our eruption, yet we still carry on as if we are. But, unlike some Novas, I still have faith that I can regain that part of me without sacrificing my gifts.

You, Widget, have completely washed yourself of that concept and have succumbed to your darker impulses. I can see that in the "voice" of your posts.

You call me a child, yet a common child has read your motives.

As they say, kids say the darndest things.

The resultant drop off between acceptance and conformity forms a stark chasm he nicknamed "the uncanny valley". You see, humans are repulsed by that which is close enough to humanity to be viewed as such but fails to conform to the expectations of humanity. It doesn't "look", "feel" or "act" quite as expected.

Nifty theories. Sadly, the field work on this was sketchy, to say the least. Societal models were used, not functioning societies. Likewise, the tech at the time could "bridge the valley", if it can be bridged.

And so they - being nothing better than what they are - instinctively reach for the torches and pitch forks.

We know this how? To imply that humanity jumps first for the "destroy the unknown" option is beneath you, Widget. Most humans avoid conflict and uncomfortable situations, not attack them. Also, people tend to ostracize those that don't conform, not lynch them.

Curious to see where you are going with this.

A million years of evolution have prepared humans to react instinctively to the alien.

Really? Exactly how was this accomplished? I mean, did we smash every new fruit, vegetable, and animal that we came across? Or, did we study it and its effects on the environment?
How about this?
We learned and reasoned it out. Judged it to be beneficial, baneful, or of no immediate value. Humanity has proven itself to be adaptive and creative, not some savage animal that goes "its new, kill it".

Of course the intellect allows for other choices but doesn't it always. Personally, regardless of the intrinsic qualities of an individual, I feel a mob is little more than an animal but perhaps others are more trusting.

Yes sirreah. Nothing like a mob of novas out for blood to scare the bee-geebers out of me. It brings a tear to my eyes, seeing one group of sentiants repeating the mistakes of the well-trodden past.

I eagerly await your next installment.

Jager, I think she's read comic books too much.

1: We aren't mutants, we are Humans with a pre-existing condition that is revealed under intense quantum stress.
2: We arent in a world where there is this bald guy in a wheelchair running a school for "gifted and talented" nodesparks.
3: There's no Nova supremacist in a maroon cape and outfit claiming that Novas are superior beings destined to rule all.

While there are some similarities, ergo Pax and Mal, there is, not to my knowledge, the same situations and personas walking around. [scarcasm] If there is, then I might not have returned to the place I left. >.< [/scarcasm] folks.

Sakura-chan,

1: We aren't mutants, we are Humans with a pre-existing condition that is revealed under intense quantum stress.

Intense Quantum stress induces the growth of a previously non-existent organ originating from a pre-existing condition that otherwise would not have manifested? Your theory sounds curiously like a form of mutation to me.

Of course, since most eruptions occur without the presence of Quantum to trigger it, I myself am curious as to how your theory applies to those that erupted under "Quantumless" circumstances. Ergo, those that erupted under simple intense stress.

Of course, if you are about to choose the argument that it is exposure to quantum energy (ambient in nature) that triggers the M-R Node and not Quantum (Nova released), then essentially, you're saying that a select few HUMAN beings have evolved a new organ as a result of exposure to simply living in their environment.

That's called mutation and evolution, depending on how you'd like to define it.

Ashnod:

Ah, a better debating partner.

Anyways, back to subject.

What I'm saying, is probably a hypothetical, but this may also be my best answer. What we have as a "gift" is actually a disease who's symptoms are the taint.

To explain, in further detail, people who are considered "latent" are actually susceptible to being effected by excessive quantum energy (Through the Galatea explosion or the exposure to a Nova's power.)

This pre-existing condition, causes a person to "erupt" which is infact the onset of a disease. As the disease progresses, feeding off of the quantum energy it produces, if it hits certain thresholds that the body cannot take, taint occurs.

I'm well aware of the Terats and their lauded ability to channel taint, but really, isn't that just treating the disease, and dealing with it?

Unfortunately, what we all have is something that is terminal. The only obvious is to remove the tumor that is the MR node, which is caused by excessive quantum exposure. Unfortunately, this means the death of the Quantum Poisoning victim.

The only way this "disease" can be curtailed into something useful, is the careful use and practiced moderation of a responsible individual. To turn the disease into something positive. A gift.

What is amazing right now, is that the group of novas out there are doing just that. Discovering what is the proper use of the gifts given. There are a few that go beyond and give into their more base impulses, but I feel that I and several others that I know, and others around the world, are doing the right thing.

Perhaps all humans are capable of getting this disease?

Sakura-chan,

1: The Galatea radiation has since cleared up, and there are people today who erupt without being in the presence of Nova-generated quantum energy.

2: A pre-existing condition which is entirely dependent upon exposure to quantum energy to become active is cannot be considered a disease.

3: It is possible to remove the M-R node from a Nova without killing him or her.

4: Terminal? As in simply being a Nova will kill you. How are you qualifying this statement? How many Novas have been documented as having died from Taint alone? Where did this research and information come from? How are you hypothesizing this?

5: The proper use of the gifts given. I find this statement appalling. You imply that not only is there a right and a wrong way to be a Nova, but that if you are a good Nova you have gifts but if you're a bad Nova you are the victim of a disease. That the difference between if you are diseased or gifted is where your morality lies AND how frequently you use these reality-altering abilities granted you by said disease.

How are you qualifying what is a "proper" use of Nova abilities. By not giving into, in your words, "base impulses?" That's bordering on theology, Sakura-chan. Ergo, your soul is clean so long as you don't indulge your base impulses.

You're hypothesizing that the Nova condition is simply a terminal disease, whose symptoms are physical and mental aberration. The only way to control these symptoms is the "proper use of their gifts", or otherwise described, "careful use and practiced moderation of a responsible individual."

What if I use my abilities only to indulge my base impulses, but in a way that adheres to careful and practiced moderation? Allowing myself a proverbial treat after a fast? Hmm?

6: All humans? Interesting. Considering you have to possess a pre-existing genetic condition in order to be diseased by exposure to quantum energy, how would this be possible? By giving into their base impulses? By not practicing moderation in their daily lives? Sounds again, Sakura-chan, like theology.

Well, here is something to think of. What does Alien it mean to be Alien? Is it what one looks like? Is it how one reacts to the world around them? Is it the place they were born?

Well, on some level any of those three things would make everyone an Alien.

And Ashnod, are you having a bad day? Your words seem to be rather sloppy for you.

Well goodness! I take an afternoon off to deal permanently with some tenacious Tech-Reg gestapo and what do I find upon my return; actual debate complete with exchange of ideas. However did that happen?

Lil' Sakurako:
You've almost got your game on, kiddo. Bad points; your logic is crap, you still depend on the kindness of scoobies not to point that out and react with rationalized emotions rather than acting from intellect. Good points; only one but its a big hard one. You're showing signs of being about to think. I will politely pretend your first three posts didn't actually happen, complete with kindergarden debate tactics and dependance on popularity, as you show signs of actually firing a neuron. You may consider this a clean slate with the attendent opportunity to dine at the big table.

Should you fuck it up you will be shredded with only enough hesitation to reach for the salt I shall pour in the bloody wounds. No quarter will be called for, no quarter will be given. If asked politely Jager may explain that last reference. Do be mindful of the observation Vixen provided you the last time you attempted to engage me haphazardly.

And consider actualizing your node, Sweetling. In some social circles a dormant node is synonymous with idiocy.

Jager:
A very nifty theory and yes, I am going somewhere with this. I'm going a lot of places really, but will try and take it one small step at a time as not to lose anyone. I don't mind the disparaging remarks as I have ascertained you rarely goad for reasons other than to gauge intent.

Mine are simple. We're going to get to the bottom of some important issues without resorting to absurd trash of 'mysterious energies', ridiculous references embarrassing even in comic books, or trite soliloquies involving misused terms.

Ashnod:
Interesting observations and questions necessitating a reappraisal of my files regarding you. We will get to many of the points you make. There will also be some harshness involved as I am a solver of problems not an educator. The unruly are dealt with in a manner designed to discourage their polluting of the intellectual pool until such time as I can ensure their offspring need not be saddled with the same congenital defects.

Consider the advantages of that approach.

Sandy Davis:
We will discuss the many aspects of this issue though we will be solving and resolving not merely placing 'deep thoughts' up for comment. My rules of etiquette are quite different from that which you are accustomed to.

Zed:
I understand that you're rethinking your comments before clarifying. Take time but not too much. Let's not wait until the next three installments are posted before providing.

Prodigy:
Levels of your multi-tiered intellect are becoming aroused. Denial is futile.

Geadal Glas:
Watch closely if you still hang around, paddy. We are going to get to many of the questions you first brought up, proving that even the relatively brain-dead are not entirely without value.

Right. Condescending tones do little to foster intelligent debate. Cool it, sister.


Now what is it that you think they don't understand? I'm not trying to trick you, Zed-dear, but what is it you think requires elaboration?

They don't understand novas. Nobody understand how a nova does what he does. And no one knows what 'taint' actually is or why it turns some novas fuzzy while others walk around killing people willy nilly because the believe they are 'gods among primates.'

Widget, you act as if my my comments did not do what I planed them to do.But then again I was not talking to you.You just hapened to be the one who started this thread.

Widget:
I'll start off with you first. I've noticed you tend to hide compliments in insults. For that I can see you still have some appreciation for the up and coming novas out there. Let me remind you that at one time you had been on the bottom looking up. I assure you, how you treat others now will reflect how they treat you when they become your superior.
As for any points I could glean from your anger and scarcasm I could not even try with every ounce of strength to decode. So, I assume that our conversation is over.
And scoobies? It is to laugh.
Ashnod:
I'll say this, I don't have all the answers. The reason why I say our condition is terminal is because the only REAL cure is to have our node removed, thus causing the death of the host.
Of course, I have been mistaken many times on the true nature of our gifts, so, it is for me to learn and for others to teach. You have raised valid points that will adjust or completely re-write previous arguements.

Sandy:
Chill. 'nuff said.

Sakura-chan,

You can remove the node of Nova without causing death.

What? Okay, my information needs updating.
How do you say?

Zed:
"Right. Condescending tones do little to foster intelligent debate."
And yet here we all are, Zed darling. Coincidence exists in the strict definition of the term but is most often the inevitable as viewed by the ignorant. We will get to your observations but despite being valid you will come to see the relevance is only that which you assign.

Sandy Davis:
--amusingly irrelevant comments removed--
Pick the language of choice and I'll explain in as monosyllabic terms as possible that, while we will cover the aspect of the issue in depth, 'deep thoughts' rarely are.

Sakura:
"I've noticed..."
Au contraire, mon cherie. I do what is necessary, as you may one day come to understand. Sorry the conversation can't be about you but I have faith in your ability to rationalize interjecting anyway. And yes, the thought of you and scoobies is one of great amusement.

Ashnod:
"You can remove the node of Nova without causing death."
Yes but was it my specimen jars you'd seen or those of another?

Widget, the conversation isn't about me, oh no. After all, it was you who started this dance. I was a fool enough to try to dance. At least with someone practicing as much subterfuge as yourself.
You see, the answers you seek you already have, and you are just reeling peices of bread behind you in the water looking for fish to bite. You seem to have all the answers (which you love using to bash over my head) yet when I actually produce some sort of something that you call useable you then toss it aside like it has no value.
I'm starting to see through you now, Widget. You're scared. You're scared of a world that is passing you by. That you are yet to understand yet you're scared to tell anyone. To you, to show weakness is a fate worse than death.
Or is it that you are afraid of your own antiquity.

You call I and my friends scoobies, yet you do not realize the full extent of your own words.
You belittle me at every turn, and when you recognize that I have value, you just shove it aside.

Is this some form of training you're putting me through? Or am I going down another yellow brick road?

Something tells me that I'm being lead. Perhaps the others here should take the same mindset.

Perhaps another time we shall dance, Widget. Then you will see how different yet similar we are.

Really? Do tell, what happens?

I think the interesting thing about the whole taint thing is that really tainted Novas don't unerve other Nova's as much as they do the baselines. I've seen Nova's that should absolutely repulse me but they don't. Even stranger are those novas that look pretty different to baselines but don't evoke the same disquiet that I do who doesn't look very much different. It appears that the your every day garden variety of human seems to sense this residual quantum build-up, if that's what it is, and find it uncanny.

I think Jager and Zed are right though, once you understand a thing it's not so bad and you know that you don't have to fear it. However knowing that you have nothing to fear and the fear itself are two completely different things.

I still get the split-second urge to stamp when I notice a spider scurry across the floor.

Depends on the Nova. Ergo, how long the Nova has been erupted, how much quantum remains in the body, and such. In some cases, removing the Node effectively renders the Nova unable to use quantum. In others, the Node has developed sufficiently that it can regenerate itself. Project Utopia's medical staff has done research on this end for Novas that have little awareness or cognizance of the world yet have erupted regardless, and their abilities are deemed "threatening" since the Nova doesn't appear to have any manner of conscious control over how and when they are applied. Do research into the files of Marjorie McCannagh, circa January 2006.

Ah.
I see.
Although, I doubt my node and me will have a divorce anytime.
Let's just say I would miss it.

Nasty business I'm sure, not least for poor UT-117-UK, not the sort of thing they go around advertising, I wonder why?

I saw a few other interesting words in that report as well. How far do you think the definition of sociopathic, asocial and criminally inclined stretches? I sure hope the jumped up little crypto-fascist that wrote that report is now in charge of nothing more important than emptying the bins.

I sure hope the jumped up little crypto-fascist that wrote that report is now in charge of nothing more important than emptying the bins.

Be careful, Walker. Vicious imcompetance is often promoted.


I was once told that removing a node was always fatal. Likewise, I was told that "direct contact with an active node" would be fatal to both participants.

While I have never seen a nova survive having their node removed, who knows?

Having personally removed someone's node, I can tell you that I didn't die and they did.

Lesson: Novas are pretty individualistic. Consider nothing to be absolute.

I'm starting to see the attraction of PU's information/technology supression.

Walker, Jager, let me tell you something someone once told me.

Fact only has value through proof and evidence of existance. Theory only has value if the circumstances can be repeated. Faith is something that can only be quantified if it proves Theory or Fact.

In other words, I don't dare trust any "scientific research" unless I'm doing it. Expecially if it involves Novas. If I had a dime for every Nova urban legend out there, I'd buy out ViaSoft. And that, is a damn fact.

Quite frankly, thinking about nodectomys makes me think of soma harvesting. Sorry, that's barbaric.

That's why I used the word hope, my friend.

Sakurako, are you sure you can trust the evidence of your own senses? They can be fooled after all.

Anyway this conversation is starting to take on some personal significance for me, what with it being about taint and all. However I wouldn't like to hijack this topic of conversation with my own little problemo, even though the idea of getting a tounge lashing from Widget appeals on many different levels. I shall be following the conversation with interest, however.

Shee IT.

It would a been nice to get an invite to this pissing contest. I like Boston and all but reading through after something happens ain't nearly the fun of watching the safe fall and knowing what's going to happen. A couple of things puzzle me enough to ask about them.

Miss Widget (or is that Miss Cassady?):
Are you looking for discussion or just putting this up a piece at a time as you work it through?

By the by - I seen the talk about why you act the way you act. Figure your as smart as everybody thinks you are and got a reason or you ain't. I just want to hear you explain this juice and taint thing. Been here for a spell and ain't nobody managed the trick yet. Got to be a first time for everything so maybe this is it. Tell your story how you like. As long as your planning on getting to the end we ain't got no problems.

Oh yeah. There was another question. What I want to know is why your doing this. Not what you told Jager cause you got to know some ain't going to listen on no account.

The deep thought bit was simplely fluff. The point of my post was that Ashnod seemed a bit off her game, and I was woundering if she was alright.

Widget:
Pshaw. I trust my senses 80% of the time. The other 20%... I'm careful.

As for you going into lurk, well, I'm surprised.