Steve nods at Omar's statements and says,

"Good points. The blowback from colonialism is going to be harsh, and probably the most ruinous effect was the creation of state borders that don't match what the people would have chosen. The good news is we still have time to get involved."

"As for oil... the curse of oil is it ends up being seized by the ruling elite who then use its profits to oppress their people. Saddam is a perfect example of this, without oil the West might not have tolerated his antics and he wouldn't have had the money to build nerve gas and the like. Worse, Saddam isn't the exception. The Shah of Iran, his priestly replacements, The House of Saud, the list goes on and on. Even Canada had problems with this issue, oil is only present in one province and the federal government used it at their expense in the 80's."

"Oil doesn't just let bad governments stay in charge and lord over their people. Oil actually encourages this, and it encourages the West to get involved in ways they shouldn't. Oil also destroys non-oil parts of the economy. The Kurds have oil, the Japanese do not... who is better off?"

"I'll have to look into the Alantropa before giving an opinion."

Andrew pipes up once more, "The advantage of things like ethanol and bio-disel is they rely on crops being grown in surplus of what is needed for food or using the byproducts of the food production. Any land where crops can be grown can have the facilities built to produce these fuels. We'll be helping to maintain self sufficiency and providing an valuable economic outlet which is less volatile, if you'll pardon the pun, than oil."

Steve says,

"The other good thing about biofuels is I think a farming crisis played some part in starting the Great depression.

Morgan nods, "Yeah, I think it was a combo of over farming and not rotating the crops caused soil depletion, combined with a bad drought and you ended up with the dustbowl. That meant the one really steady supposedly reliable occupation that shouldn't have been effected by the stock market also happened to colapse right at the wrong time."

"Well, how do we want to start?" Omar finally said after several more minutes. "Do we pick one thing to 'fix' and then all of us get to work. Or, do we break up into teams and work on several things at once?"

"Where do we start?" Omar reiterated, looking anxious and slightly nervous.

Steve says,

"We start with Stalin and his gang. That's the root of evil that grows into Hitler, Mao, Stadam and others. You, me, Morgan, and especially Cody will handle it. We know historically where they are, when they'll be vunerable, that sort of thing."

"Andrew starts by figuring out how biofuels can be adapted into the local economy, and how to avoid the farming crisis."

Andrew mock scowls, "If I must... I'll need supplies though. We should make a trip to the surface I'll need to work with current era equipment and chemicals to make sure the process works with the lower grade inputs of this era." Andrew begins working on a list of chemicals and equipment he will need to convert 21st century processes to early 20th century materials.

"My people still need the oil. There is not much in the way of agriculture, so they need to import their food. It is not so much a problem in some areas, like Iraq, where we have a lot of fertile land, but for some other areas, it is." Omar was concerned that they were embarking on a path that would starve some of the Middle Eastern people out of existence. Oil was something that their economies were based around, and Omar knew all too well the abuses that arose from it.

"Luckily, we can build up the nations and economies, so that they will function for the benefit of the citizens. Maybe we can use the oil in Mesopotamia for generating electricity, instead of petrol. That way, they can grow their economies by exporting power."

Jokingly, Omar gives Andrew a hopeful smile. "Contrary to what most people think, my people can't eat sand."

Steve says,

"Omar, no offense, but you're making three mistakes here. The first is that we're going to get rid of oil as a resource. We aren't. We're going to diminish it's importance, but it'll still be important, it just won't dominate."

"Secondly, the only reason your people have nothing to sell but oil is because of oil. Kurdistan has the world's largest deposits of sulphur, they're just outside Erbil. Kurdistan has very significant quantities of copper, iron, zinc and cement quality limestone. Kurdistan has mineable qualities of coal, gold, and marble. Oil strangles other resources."

"And thirdly... I'm not sure we have the power to make nations function for the benefit of the citizens. We can push, but that's a big task."

(OOC: I'm using Wikipedia for Steve's knowledge of Kurdistan.)

Andrew chuckles, "Omar, you need not worry about oil being inconsequential, there are a great many uses for it that chemistry will not be able to match for some time. Plastics, lubricants, and more. I only propose to ensure that oil never gains the importance that it had in our timelines, that should help prevent the governmental abuses of that oil later on. Nevermind that we can probably help the environment substantially."

Morgan also looks to the big man and says, "We definitely won't be forgetting about your people Omar. If done properly and using modern techniques that we will give them, we can irrigate the entire Mideast. There are desalinification processes that we've discovered in the last 10 years subjective time that are cheap and easy to produce even with limited technology that will allow for unlimited water to what is currently a harsh desert. Your people can base their economy off of agriculture if they wish or any combination of those other products that Steve mentioned. The main thing is that they have the choice. Oil is an easy route to money, once it becomes dominate it will be all over for your people. Right now we have the time. Oil has only been considered a commodity for 20 years at this point and although it is big business, it doesn't control the worlds economy yet." Morgan closes his mouth surprised at himself for speaking that much.

"I hate to interrupt your discussion guys, but I have something you may want to check out before you start on the path of world domination" Lorean says with a twinkle in her eyes.

The image of the "To Do" list disappears and is replaced by an image of a news paper article in the New York Times. Title of the article reads, 'The Next Houdini?'
'Magician takes Manhattan by storm with supurb illusions and death defying stunts.' The article goes on to say that Bradford Oliver Gaines the III's career has suddenly taken off with the introduction of some amazing new material that has to be seen to be believed. Even other magicians are hailing some if his new material as very innovative and worthy of envy.

Lorean adds, "Oh, one other thing. While you guys are doing your business with adjusting world leaders and such. I am going to visit the major capitals of the world and hire a local staff in each to collect local news publications and keep their ears open for information that might be useful to us. That will keep me busy since there is no internet or other media in this time period. It was a freak chance that I discovered this article. I just happened to photograph a copy of the newspaper lying open on a park bench as I was doing a flyover of New York. There is no guarantee that this Gaines has erupted, but sounds like it is worth investigating. At the very least it might make a nice evening out." She chuckles as she shifts her outfit into appropriate evening fashion for going to the theatre.

"You know, there are some who belive that when the world is at piece, the new ruler will think of himself as God, and will be the worst dictator in history. Given my new 'situation', that actualy seems more likely." Phillip says, sounding like he wants to contribute but doesn't think he has much to add at the moment.


Phillip opens his mouth to add something, but then changes his mind.

Omar looks at Lorien and nods. "If others are starting to erupt as well, then we have a different problem. Since we would no longer be the only Novas around, we may not have the power to adjust others, or stop conflicts. The only thing we have going for us, is knowlege of possible futures, and the means to time travel. I think it is something we should investigate."

"Lorien, if you think you can handle gathering the info yourself, I will go to Russia and help speed Communism's demise. If you want some help, I would be glad to accompany you.""

Steve comments,

"Excellent ideas and work Lorien. He doesn't have to be a nova, he could just be a different type of inspired. But..." Steve was obviously going to say something but changes his mind.

"We know where Stalin is historically, we'll pay him a 3am visit. 3am Moscow time is... 7pm New York. Cody is a linguistics genius, I suspect he’ll be able to translate our historical record into something Morgan can use in short order. We grab him, we tie him up, then Cody spends several hours reworking him.”

“Lorien, it’s possible I’ll, I mean some of us will, be done with our part in time to join you, but if not then please see the show by yourself.” Steve is obviously torn between going with Lorean and dealing with Stalin.

"I can go with Lorean to check this guy out. I can easily setup some automated experiments and be away for a few hours without falling behind. Luckily engines that run off bio-fuels and bio-deisel are almost identical to normal deisel and so only the fuel processing is needed. And as for that, well, I'm just trying to increase the fuel efficiency. Some of the engines can run off straight vegetable oil no chemistry needed..."

After a few minutes to get ready, Lorean and Andrew make their way to the teleporter and step out into the New York evening into the alley next to the theatre. Once at the ticket window in front of the theatre you notice that the playbill explains that only a select number of audience members will be allowed to see the 'Special Performance' which include the maestro's newly developed illusions and magic tricks. Slipping one of the ushers a gold coin insures that you are both seated so as to be picked for the special performance.

The show goes pretty much as you might expect for a magic show, except that his Houdini like stunts seem just a bit too suspenseful. As he is suspended upside down in a tank of water bound with chains, he seems to hold his breath longer than a normal person should, and when he emerges from the tank he is dry as a bone. The audience seems suitably impressed. Then the time for the special act comes and there is a big production made of choosing randomly from the audience members based on tokens drawn from a hat matching seat numbers. Of course your seats are picked. The rest of the audience is ushered out and you all move forward to the front two rows.

Bradford Olliver Gaines the III, or "The Amazing Warlock" as he called himself on stage, was having a great night. The audience was eating up his performance, and he was about to bowl them over with some new illusions.

"And now, my friends, I will perform my newest illusion, for your eyes and your eyes alone. It requires much of my concentration, so that is why I perform for only you select few. Well, and any lovely ladies that should happen to sneak in, " he adds with an overdramatic wink of his piercing grey eyes to one of the ladies in the reduced audience.

"I call this one 'Indecisive'. I don't know about you, ladies and gentleman, but it's hard to find a good seat in a theater like this, wouldn't you agree? I mean, the balcony has plush seats..." With that, he disappears in a puff of orange smoke off stage and reappears on a seat way in the back of the balcony, dozens of feet away.

"...but, it's kind of empty up here. Maybe down in the front row..." He again vanishes and reappears standing on a seat in the front row.

"But, you might strain your neck looking up at a fabulous show like this one. Maybe somewhere in the middle..."

He reappears in a seat between two theater patrons. "This is a bit more cozy, but I guess the best view..."

He reappears on the stage "...is right up here looking at you fabulous people."

With a flourish of his arms, he takes a melodramatic bow as the audience "ooh" and "aah" and clap with delight.

"For my last trick of the evening, ladies and gentleman, but hopefully, not the last of my career, I shall perform what I call 'The Blind Man's Catch.'

A woman in a fairly revealing show-girl type outfit comes from off stage and blindfolds The Amazing Warlock with a blue cloth.

"My assistant will fire this pistol," he says as he a brandishes a small handgun, "and I will attempt to catch the bullet, using nothing but my bare hands and steady nerves." Nervous mumbling begins throughout the small audience. The girl walks to the other side of the stage and aims the pistol.

"Natalia, if you please, on 3. 1...2...3!"

The gun fires. After what seems like an eternity, the Amazing Warlock spins at an incredible speed and claps his hands together. If you look closely, there is an almost imperceptible smirk on his face as he catches the bullet. He rips off the blindfold with one hand and throws the spent bullet into the audience.

"And so the Amazing Warlock lives to perform again! Thank you, and good night, New York!"

He bows again, gesturing to Natalia. She bows as well. The Warlock throws his blue cape over the shoulder of his black suit, and the two of them leave the stage to the sound of great applause.

"Ill go with you." Omar says to Cody. "We have no idea what sort of security will be there when you arrive. There could be an entire batallion of men there. He was a historically paranoid man."

"After wards, I will travel to Azerbaijan, where I have a few ideas of my own, about how to attack the Communist system."

"Umm... I would love to help, but I don't have a good founding in what you are talking about. I know I am untested, but I would like to do what I can. If you guys can let me know where I would be of most use, that would be apreciated"

Morgan smiles at the native gentleman. "Well, now that you mention it, you'd probably be best help with Lorean and Andrew. Seeing as you are a local so to speak, it might help having you there to give your perspective to this magician."

Andrew sits in the audience, between Lorean and Philip and his lady freind, impressed by the show he does his best to try and determine just what gifts this man was bestowed with. For that matter he tries to recall the face of this man at Hammersmith's party.

As the performance nears it's end Andrew is shocked by the man's teleportation, or apparent teleportation. Clearly this man had gained quite a bit of power. They would need to meet him and hear his story at the least.

After the show Andrew pulled the others along in his wake and made his way backstage. Dressed as he was in a formal tuxedo with Philip also wearing a tux and the two women dressed in impeccablly beautiful eveningwear they easily gained access to the backstage area with Andrew claiming to be a weathly lord looking to speak with the master illusionist about a private performance.

Outside the performers dressing room Andrew rapped on the door three times and waited giving his companions a charming and confident smile.

Phillip had seen illusions before, but the "Bradford Olliver Gaines" that appeared in variouse places during the performace looked to real. It was "imposible" to move that fast, so maby he was the real deal? He scrutinised his work carefully, and could not find a flaw. Maby this person could help save humanity!



Phillip follows Andrew's lead, but before reaching the door he realises something and whispers to Elizibeth "This guy may be able to help us. I know you would be eager to debunk him, but please be carefull to make a good impression." .

Bradford hastened quickly to his dressing room. The faster he got there, the fewer hack illusionists whose inane questions and pleadings he had to endure.

His sparse dressing room held only a small desk with a mirror and three plain wooden chairs. Natalia helped him remove his cape as he sat down to read some fan letters brought in by the theater management.

"This show is making a killing, and these audiences haven't seen the least of what I can do", Bradford thought to himself.

Then, he heard three raps on the door.

"Adoring fans, I'm sure," he said. He marched briskly over to the door and slid the small peep hole open just a fraction. The patrons standing outside were some of the audience for the "special performance."

"I'm sorry, ladies and gentleman, I'm afraid I can't sign any autographs right now. My performance has left me a little drained. If you have any questions, please speak to the theater manager Mr. Carlisle at the front office."

Andrew arches an eyebrow, "Sir you misunderstand, my freinds and I wish to discuss a ... a unique opportunity for you and your talents. My name is Andrew Murphy, this charming creature is Lorean, this is Philip and Elizabeth, freinds and associates of mine." Andrew pauses for a moment and give the man an easy smile before continuing.

"If you would I have reserved the private dining room at Winchester's for nine o'clock. If you are interested in hearing us out please meet us there. You will need to tell the Maitre'De you are to meet with the Nova Group for the Betterment of Mankind.

"Or if you would like to let us in we can dicuss and I will have my car take all of us to the restaurant in," Andrew checks his pocketwatch, "About twenty minutes..."

Bradford scanned each of the visitor's faces. None of these people were the regular crowd of patrons or hangers-on. He was bit worried about the man's use of the phrase "talents."

"Could he know? How could he know? I haven't told anyone about what happened," he thought to himself.

He closed his eyes and concentrated.

"Very well. We will discuss your opportunity here and then we can dine," Bradford said, opening the door with a flourish.

The dressing room looked more like a throne room. Elaborate tapestries and furniture decorated the cavernous room. Various trinkets and artifacts made of precious metals and adorned with gemstones lined the room. Even more impressive, the Amazing Warlock hovered several feet above the ground, legs crossed as if he were in meditation, and crackled with blue electricity.

In a booming voice, Bradford said, "The Amazing Warlock has granted you an audience! What is it you desire of me?"

Andrew looks suitably impressed scanning the room momentarily before entering. Once his companions have come in behind him he closes the door behind them.

"Very impressive sir! Now allow me to ask is this at all real or simply an illusion conjured out of your mind? Ah, nevermind secrets are secrets, of course. Let me ask instead, did you recently gain your miraculous abilities? You see my associates and I belive that in the days after the Hammersmith accident that people have been displaying ... shall we say unique talents. For instance ..."

Andrew extends one of his tendrils out and down his sleeve and uses it to pick up and examine one of the peices of gold and jewel encrusted grandure. Simultaneously he shifts his eufiber into a costume more appropriate to a Ottoman courtier.

Lorean smiles and follows Andrew in. "Indeed we were impressed with your performance, but like my friend has mentioned, we are somewhat used to that which is out of the ordinary." She changes the color of her dress through several shades of red, blue and green as well as changing her own features, though without making any of the drastic changes that Andrew is capable of.

Bradford felt a small trickle of seat fall down his left temple. The newcomers would not see it, of course. Or would they? The man grew some sort of strange appendage before his eyes and had shifted his clothing in the blink of his eye. The woman had done something just as amazing seconds later. He needed to know who these people were, and more importantly, what in the world they wanted with him.

The Amazing Warlock snorted and waved his hand. The room shifted to a spartan dressing room, more like what this sort of theater would have. "A magician never reveals his secrets, but my powers are of the weird and mysterious. As for your other question, yes, my already incredible abilities of prestidigitation, fortitude, and agility have recently been notably boosted. I don't know what a Hammersmith is, but I think a more important question is: who are you people?"

Phillip mouth starts to water at the sight of the electricity, but tries not to let it show.



Following Andrews lead, and to take his mind of "food", Phillip whips out the blowtorch, rolls up a sleave, and proceeds to torch his arm. His arm is untouched, there is no smell of burnt hair, and Phillip's facial expresion relaxes.

Andrew looks mildly suprised, I suppose not everybody reads the papers, he thinks to himself. "A few days ago in London Dr. Sir Calvin Hammersmith was performing a scientific experiment for a group of eyewitnesses, there was an explosion and a fire and most of the people there, including Hammermsith, died. Since then there have been strange goings on. My freind here," Andrew indicates Philip, "Has gone through a remarkable dietary change as a result of his exposure to the accident, as you can see."

"At first he though the effects would be localized but when we read about your remarkable illusions we decided to come and talk to you. We are trying to determine the full effect of the accident and simultaneously we wish to gather together people who were empowered by the event to use their new abilities for the betterment of mankind."

"I'm a little balled up, sir. An explosion and fire happen in London, and you t