With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Darko · Feb 18, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
15th May 2282
Fallin (part 2)
Fallin (part 3)

This should say 18th May, since in this and the previous chapter it said 18th.

Mr Zoat · Feb 18, 2021

Coda said:
Extra space
Remove "the"
I think this supposed to be "in Los"?
"Ana" unless I don't know my Fallout lore.

Darko said:
This should say 18th May, since in this and the previous chapter it said 18th.

Thank you, corrected.

Chojin Patriarch · Feb 18, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
18th May 2282
19:35 MTZ

Marcus is staring out into the night as I approach. Thanks to the Garden of Eden Creation Kit research carried out by Diana and Tlaloc, the Mojave is a good deal greener than it used to be. We've even started reintroducing insects based on the genetic samples Diana stored in Paradise. While they're a good deal less fearsome that the mutant insects that have been plaguing this part of America since the war, the new sound they've added to the night is making more than a few locals nervous.

They're more used to the screeches and hisses of nocturnal predation, I take it? And interesting to see them working to change the environment itself. Perhaps create plants capable of absorbing radioactive material from the soil and condensing it into inedible fruit, for safe and self-sustaining clean-up, perhaps?

"Good evening."

"I'm not sure I'd say the same."

I stop just behind him waiting to see if he's got anything else to say.

Oh, come now, the new insects can't be that noisy... Or are you referring to the company?

I first met Marcus when I started researching FEV. A super mutant named Dok-Tor had already told me that the Master wanted vault dwellers because their ancestors didn't have the low level FEV exposure that most of the west coast got when the Great War happened and Mariposa was hit. They and other isolated populations had no antibodies against his mutagen, and so had the 'easiest' transformation. I wanted to see if there was a way to correct the damage interrupted FEV infections caused, so that we could increase the intelligence of mentally stunted second generation super mutants. Marcus was willing to help, but as he wasn't involved in the dipping process himself he didn't actually know all that much. But I've shared what we learned and I like to stop by this sanctuary whenever I'm in the area.

So, something of an enigma, then? I mean, if they could create a form that didn't include sterility... They could make a whole new form of Humanity...

"I didn't really know Keats, back when we used to work for the Master."

"A lot of super mutants worked for the Master."

The only place that would accept them, I suppose. 'Normal' humans would have rejected them as monsters...

"I used to think it was all of them. It wasn't too long ago that I'd never met a super mutant who wasn't created by the Master, or at least created by one who was."

I nod. "Did you know Attis?"

Gee, well, he looks like a reasonable fellow... I must say, the shoulder spikes add a certain touch.

"He was one of the Master's generals. He gave me orders a few times, but I can't say we were close."

"What exactly did you do when you fought for the Master?"

I'm guessing Super-Mutants with higher intelligence got roped in as logistics and science workers...

"Oh, that stuff doesn't matter. It's ancient history."

I chuckle quietly. "If dealing with Mr. House, Diana and the zetans has taught me anything, it's that a hundred and twenty years is recent for things that can come back and bite us."

So, Krono's been solving a few of the DLC questlines? I suppose someone has to?

"Or maybe I just mean that I don't want to talk about it."

I nod. "Maybe."

You're going to have to sooner or later, friend. Krono won't leave it at that....

We enjoy the night for a few moments in silence.

"Going to be a lot quieter around here."

Without giant wandering monster mutant animals? I would expect so...

"Once the insects have stable populations, we can introduce birds."

"The cazadores will appreciate the food."

I'm guessing that's not some kind of local tribal hunter? More of a predatory species?

"I didn't mean ostriches."

"Cazadores start small too."

...Definitely a predatory species... A large one, from the sound of it...

"Alright Marcus, I've got to ask: you speak Latin and French. You know what an ostrich is, despite there not having been an ostrich in America for two hundred years. Are-."

"That is ancient history." He turns around to face me. "I don't know who I was, but I'm just as capable of making deductions as you are. I stayed smart, which means that whoever I used to be probably came from a Vault. Maybe Vault Eight. Maybe not. Nothing about what I remember about that life makes me want to remember any more. I have absolutely no interest in you doing to me whatever you did to the First to make him think he's still Andrew Shaw. "

So, he's not interested in the man he used to be, and would rather be left alone to live out his life in peace? Not that kind of world, big man.

"Good, because I actually can't. That was some sort of interaction between the my psychic abilities, the Odious King's psychic abilities and whatever… Ritual he was performing. But I would like to ask about him."

"You probably know more about him that I do."

Hmm... So the whole mental restoration thing wasn't entirely intentional? Fascinating...

"He was wearing a purple robe, like the Children of the Cathedral used to."

"And Keats is wearing a purple suit. That doesn't necessarily mean anything."

Purple is a nifty colour, and quite regal, especially given the historical difficulties involving Indigo dyes.

I'm surprised Krono hasn't gone in for a nice orange-accented robe, though...

"But it might. I definitely… Saw something about a Cathedral. And some of his followers had headwear designed to look like psychic nullifiers."

"The Master did experiment with psychic powers. Sometimes, injecting FEV into a human's brain caused them to get strange abilities. But usually they just died. Gideon could hear people's thoughts, but none of the Master's psychics were allowed out of the Los Angeles Vault. I can't think of any reason why a group up in Oregon would wear the robes of the Children. And I don't see how any of the Children could have developed psychic powers."

Convergent development? Splinters of some pre-war military program? I'm guessing Krono is intrigued enough to bother finding out, sooner or later.

"They could have injected themselves later."

"And where would they get the FEV from? The Citadel was completely destroyed by the nuclear explosion. Mariposa was destroyed as well. Until I met the First, I didn't think there were any other sources of FEV in western America. Maybe not even the world."

I doubt the program that created it would put all its research in one place. Especially if there was some manner of cold war on before things went mushroom-shaped....

"There aren't any caches anywhere?"

"Not that anyone I ever spoke to knew about. That was why Attis went east; trying to find a new source of FEV, because otherwise there wouldn't ever be any new super mutants."

Gee, if only its' creators had thought to allow them to reproduce, even at a limited rate...

"But if Keats has been creating new super mutants, he must have taken some with him."

"Maybe. Or maybe Attis found something and shared it with his lieutenants."

Would he have been the sort to do so, even as a carrot to egg on loyalty?

"But why would there be FEV anywhere else?"

"It doesn't have to be a store of FEV. Could be they found a pre-War workshop or laboratory of some kind. What I'm curious about is why you don't know already."

Without having the man on hand, there's no way to be sure, I suppose.

"How do you mean?"

"The Master never finished his work on telepathy, but I saw what the prototypes could do. Your people aren't prototypes. You don't have their drawbacks. Sure, you're not any physically stronger than regular humans, but all your people are telepathic receivers. Why not just read their minds?"

Because they have a code of conduct? They don't like to pry? It's extremely noticeable? Doing it too fiercely causes cranial explosions?

I sigh, nodding.

"Yes, we could do that if we could find him, but by the time I even heard that Shale existed he'd already vanished. The regular mutants I can get my people close enough to scan don't know exactly where he is or where the FEV comes from other than 'somewhere in Los'. Using telepathy to hide from a lot of people at once is really hard, to say nothing of robots which are totally immune to it or ghouls or super mutants who can be pretty darn resistant. And there aren't.. that many of us, not trained for that sort of work. Besides, Keats is an ally, and I.. can't be sure that he wouldn't notice. You remember the Master speaking in your mind, right?"

Not too many yet. I'm sure Krono has plans to expand the number of psionically active people around. Presumably once local politics have settled down a bit though...

"He had a distinctive voice. Voices."

"Ours don't stand out quite as much. But if you know where to listen-" **-you still hear it.**

And there's no telling just how sensitive someone is until you try.

"So there's no way to find out what's going on it Los?"

"The Texans are busy with Santa Anna. Lanius has put his expansion on hold so he can help Mister Sallow. The Republic of the Rio Grande is thanking their lucky stars that Santa Anna was feeling diplomatic. We could breach Los with an army but we don't have one spare." I shake my head. "Unless you've got some insight, the only realistic option we've got is to stop worrying about it and focus on the Legion."

So, it's a one-day job - They'll get to it one day. And to be fair, I can see them being more concerned with the current crises than something minor down the line.

"'We'? I appreciate that the NCR aren't antagonising my people any more, but I don't care about Caesar."

"There's a difference between being a second class citizen and being chattel, Marcus."

Probably not that big of a one, as far as some are concerned?

"The NCR have already got the super mutant leader they want. But they'll never let anyone make any more super mutants in NCR territory."

"No. But Texas would."

So, is he advocating approaching the Texans about such a project, or is he suspicious that they might already be doing so?

And once more, fascinating subjects that I know little to nothing about. Still, it's interesting to see a Paul basically trying to drag a world out of a post-apocalyptic age by hook or by crook. Bet there's some frustration to be had as people just don't do what he's want them to...

Darko · Feb 18, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
I'm surprised Krono hasn't gone in for a nice orange-accented robe, though

We don't have a physical description of what he looks like, so he may wear such clothes.

jasonh23761 · Feb 18, 2021

It's interesting seeing Super Mutants who are in control of their faculties legitimately want to make more Super Mutants. I've always viewed Super Mutants as victims who are usually too far gone to truly understand their actions. Then again, my first serious Fallout experience was FNV when I was like 15 and I spent a lot more time talking to Lily then I did to Marcus.

Mr Zoat · Feb 18, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
They're more used to the screeches and hisses of nocturnal predation, I take it? And interesting to see them working to change the environment itself. Perhaps create plants capable of absorbing radioactive material from the soil and condensing it into inedible fruit, for safe and self-sustaining clean-up, perhaps?

The Shi invented that in Fallout 2.

The only place that would accept them, I suppose. 'Normal' humans would have rejected them as monsters...

No. They were being created by the Master. The ~~east~~ west coast didn't have any 'wild' super mutants.

Gee, if only its' creators had thought to allow them to reproduce, even at a limited rate...

Sterility wsn't intentional pre-War. They were trying to develop a cure for the New Plague and ended up with feature bloat once the military got interested in using it to enchance soldiers. The Master didn't even know about it.

So, is he advocating approaching the Texans about such a project, or is he suspicious that they might already be doing so?

The first. The Unity of Austin was already part of the Texas Economic Union before it was conquered, and they were well aware that Keats peacefully advocated for super mutant conversion. While the old Republic of Shady Sands wasn't ever targetted by the Master's army, a lot of major settlements in the NCR were. Allowing them to start converting people -even volunteers- is not politically acceptable.

ForeverShogo · Feb 18, 2021

So, since you aren't aware of what they are, Chojin.

Cazadores are Tarantula Hawk Wasps that have been deliberately mutated by a mad scientist, becoming enlarged to the point that they're roughly the size of a large dog. (Think a Great Dane.)

In real life, the wasp they're based on is the one that stings a tarantula to paralyze it, drags it to a burrow, and lays an egg on it that will eventually hatch into a larva. Said larva will then burrow inside of the tarantula and devour it from the inside, deliberately ignoring vital organs to keep the tarantula alive for as long as possible.

Despite this gruesome aspect of their life cycle, adults are actually nectivorous and will eat flowers and fruit. Hell, they're even known for getting drunk on fermenting fruit. They're also not an aggressive wasp species and it's rare that they'll actually sting outside of the whole egg laying thing. That being said, their sting is one of the most painful of all insect stings.

Of course, that's the wasp they're based on. Unlike the originating insect, the Cazador is extremely aggressive and quite happy to attack people in swarms.

Oh, and this is what they look like.

Tembu · Feb 18, 2021

Just realised this is a new branch story......

nick012000 · Feb 18, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
No. They were being created by the Master. The east coast didn't have any 'wild' super mutants.

Have you forgotten about the Institute super mutants? They were created by the Institute and released into the wild, and IIRC at least some of them managed to figure out how to "reproduce" by infecting baseline humans with their blood.

Mr Zoat · Feb 18, 2021

nick012000 said:
Have you forgotten about the Institute super mutants? They were created by the Institute and released into the wild, and IIRC at least some of them managed to figure out how to "reproduce" by infecting baseline humans with their blood.

Sorry, got the wrong coast. That should have read west coast. Though in actual fact the Institute only started studying FEV in 2178, so there weren't any wild super mutants on the east coast prior to the Master's death either.

Vaermina · Feb 18, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
Sorry, got the wrong coast. That should have read west coast. Though in actual fact the Institute only started studying FEV in 2178, so there weren't any wild super mutants on the east coast prior to the Master's death either.

Incorrect, there were Supermutants around Appalachia due to a combination of groundwater contamination and other things.

Silverias · Feb 19, 2021

Do we have a timeline on Vault 87 super mutants?

Mr Zoat · Feb 19, 2021

10th July 2012
21:23 GMT

That's five hours of my life I never want to revisit.

The sick bay of the Third Principle is a friendly blue colour, and I'm in what I now remember to be the passive mode I adopt when visiting the dentist while the ship's physicians and the Atlantean wizards try and work out how functional I am.

The lead physician steps away from the bed first. Since I'm not wearing my ring at the moment I'm getting everything translated by an earpiece. Which means that conversation is like listening to a dub; you hear the actual words being spoken a little before the translation starts to come through.

"You're as physically healthy as you were when Lantern Gozzi cloned your current body. I can't see any of the usual signs of dysmorphia or neurochemical instability. Though since your power ring will alter your body to however you want it, neither are entirely surprising."

I smile and nod.

"I don't suppose you've got any idea why I haven't recovered the abilities I gained from enlightenment, have you?"

"Spiritually inclined members of my species -the ones who don't worship demons made of eyeballs- can show altered brainwave patterns in some situations. I had assumed that 'enlightenment' was a sort of metaphor for extreme selflessness. I can show you how your brain patterns are different to theirs, but I'm afraid that I can't offer an explanation as to why."

"How about how I've changed from my own baselines?"

"If you wanted me to do that, then you should probably have visited a physician and got baseline scans taken."

Damn. He's right. I had plenty of data on my own physiology, but I kept it all on my rings. I never actually bothered getting any sort of standard medical assessment. Have to fix that.

"Schedule me one once I'm fully mission-fit." I glance at my new ring where it sits on the bedside table. "But once I take the ring off, any problems should start to show almost at once, shouldn't they?"

"Assuming that your body works like those of most humanoid species I've studied, yes. But as-" He glances at Dr. Damon. "-your fellow humans are demonstrating, that might not mean very much."

For obvious reason, Atlanteans don't really identify themselves as 'human'. I mean, genetically, all of them are at least somewhat human, but the term somewhat loses significance when you're talking about a man who looks like a shark with arms and legs stuck on. Or a man with dolphin skin stuck on, in this case. Mundane physicians can't really work on Atlanteans due to not being able to safely deal with the interspecies elements.

"Thank you for your work. And..?" I glance at the Atlanteans. "Metaphysically?"

They remove their hands or wands from my body. With my tattoos still working, any study of my arcane systems requires direct physical contact.

They look at each other as I sit up, then Dr. Wilsone shakes her head.

"You're more there than you were, but there's still a good deal missing. Working from Professor Sephtian's previous study of your soul structures I think that you've regained nearly all of the earthly magic you ever had. As much as you're going to get, essentially. But there's still only a fraction as much orange light as there was, and the complexity is massively reduced."

I nod. "In practical terms?"

"There's enough earthly magic that you shouldn't have to worry about the usual consequences of hollowing... Not that you did anyway." I nod. "You should be able to reproduce without difficulty, resist arcane influences and so on. The lack of some of your exotic structures might relate to your… 'Enlightenment failure', but… Atlantis doesn't really study that sort of psychological shift in the way we do purely arcane ones."

Dr. Damon nods. "And they're not about to start, despite the obvious utility."

I shrug. "Sorry. There are only so many researchers, and arcanotechnology is going to continue being my priority for the foreseeable future."

"I don't mind the official focus being on other disciplines; I mind being insulted when I'm pursuing valuable avenues of my own. Are you planning on attempting to help other Lanterns go through the same spiritual transitions you have?"

"Yes, that's what I'm trying to do with Lantern Gozzi."

"I'd like to scan her. To do a full longitudinal study of her spiritual and psychological shifts. It might help you handle future acolytes."

I nod. "I think that's probably a good idea, but she'll need to agree as well."

I hold out my left hand and want my ring onto my finger. Ugh, yeah, that's definitely taking more focus than it used to. Less than it did a few hours ago though, so I'm moving in the right direction. I send the earpiece to subspace as my environmental shield reengages. I open and close my left hand a few times before returning my full attention to the wizards.

"So is the rest just gone, or is it elsewhere?"

Dr. Damon shrugs. "I can only think of two places it could be, if it still exists. If it even makes sense to talk about it as an object. One is your personal lantern, and the other is what you call 'The Honden of Avarice'."

"I'm not sure where my personal lantern ended up."

"Where did you last see it?"

"I last used it on Maltus, but the subspace pocket I kept it in was tied to my first power ring. Which… Means that it either reappeared when my ring was destroyed and.. almost certainly got destroyed along with my rings, or it's still there waiting for an order to be released. Should be simple enough to check. Illustres to Lantern Gozzi."

There's a moment of delay, then her face appears.

"Yes, Illustres?"

"If you've got a moment, could you please check the place where I died and see if my personal lantern survived. It should be in a subspace pocket."

"At once."

"And thank you again for resurrecting me. Top acolyte marks."

"Ah-. You're welcome."

Her face disappears and I return my attention to the physicians.

"There's a ritual for making a connection to the Honden, and I know how to perform it, but… I'm not a natural for surviving it any more. I'll need all the same protection you used for the ships, and I'll need a thaumically active world to do it on."

Dr. Damon nods. "You've done this before, then."

"Not… Exactly like this, but yes." I float myself off the bed and onto the sick bay floor. "And since you're the elementalist, do you have any advice on how to approach the Ophidian?"

"You've already established a relationship with her, so it shouldn't be too difficult. She might rage at whoever harmed you, but since you want them dead anyway that shouldn't be a problem."

"But will she recognise me?"

He nods. "Yes, because your spiritual makeup is different and that's how she mostly perceives you. I can't be certain, but I think that she will. She knew you at earlier stages of your development, and your core drives are more or less the same. She might be confused about it for a few moments but I very much doubt that she'll see you as an intruder."

"And will she try possessing me again? The situation that allowed us to separate last time was a bit unique."

"Based on your history, I doubt it. Your reports said the separation was a mutual decision."

"Yes, but she really likes me. If she decides that it will help fix me, she might just do it. She's… Not a great long term planner."

"As I said, I can't be certain. But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession."

…

I regard him levelly.

"Sure."

Mr Zoat · Feb 19, 2021

Silverias said:
Do we have a timeline on Vault 87 super mutants?

Full Fallout timeline here.

Darko · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
inclined member of my

'members'

Mr Zoat said:
nearly of the earthly magic

'all of the'

Mr Zoat said:
valuable avenue of my own.

'avenues of'

Still pissed at Sephtian, eh doc.

Mr Zoat said:
bed and only the sick

'onto the'

Mr Zoat said:
Your reports made the separation was a mutual decision."

'reports indicate'

moralrelativity · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"As I said, I can't be certain. But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession."

I like this guy.

Mr Zoat · Feb 19, 2021

Darko said:
'members'
'all of the'
'avenues of'
'onto the'
'reports indicate'

Thank you, corrected.

Vaermina · Feb 19, 2021

Looks like Paragon has completely forgotten the rules of the Evil Overlords list in his drive for power.

Pez · Feb 19, 2021

If I really knew anything about Fallout and cared about those versinos of Paul, I wouldn't feel like this nerf is lasting too long. If the Fallout and Marvel interludes had been switched, I wouldn't feel so frustrated that this is still going on.

I'm looking forward to a merger with the best snek, and that's really the only snake I can tolerate him handling, and while I joked about Jade blowing up Reach suns (yeah, I know that's not her style), best snek would have no problem with that.

I mean, when best snek collapses the Reach homeworld into a series of five blackholes (because one isn't enough, and six is a waste of her time), they might learn that you don't mess with her boy toy.

Chojin Patriarch · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
10th July 2012
21:23 GMT

That's five hours of my life I never want to revisit.

The sick bay of the Third Principle is a friendly blue colour, and I'm in what I now remember to be the passive mode I adopt when visiting the dentist while the ship's physicians and the Atlantean wizards try and work out how functional I am.

So, lots of poking and prodding with assorted technological and thaumatological instruments. I hope you're not stuck wearing the usual backless tunic they usually give people... You've had enough embarrassment for today (and it's a shame we missed the fun...)

The lead physician steps away from the bed first. Since I'm not wearing my ring at the moment I'm getting everything translated by an earpiece. Which means that conversation is like listening to a dub; you hear the actual words being spoken a little before the translation starts to come through.

"You're as physically healthy as you were when Lantern Gozzi cloned your current body. I can't see any of the usual signs of dysmorphia or neurochemical instability. Though since your power ring will alter your body to however you want it, neither are entirely surprising."

Yeah, no Orange Lantern would ever be so much as one iota less than perfect health for their species, unless some physical trait is so ingrained it's part of their self-image....

I smile and nod.

"I don't suppose you've got any idea why I haven't recovered the abilities I gained from enlightenment, have you?"

"That's between you and your priest, I'll tell you now."

"Spiritually inclined member of my species -the ones who don't worship demons made of eyeballs- can show altered brainwave patterns in some situations. I had assumed that 'enlightenment' was a sort of metaphor for extreme selflessness. I can show you how your brain patterns are different to theirs, but I'm afraid that I can't offer an explanation as to why."

"How about how I've changed from my own baselines?"

Uh, OL, did you ever share your baseline data with anyone?

"If you wanted me to do that, then you should probably have visited a physician and got baseline scans taken."

Damn. He's right. I had plenty of data on my own physiology, but I kept it all on my rings. I never actually bothered getting any sort of standard medical assessment. Have to fix that.

Well, that's one thing to bite you in the ass, eh? Lesson learned: Always have off-site backups!

"Schedule me one once I'm fully mission-fit." I glance at my new ring where it sits on the bedside table. "But once I take the ring off, any problems should start to show almost at once, shouldn't they?"

"Assuming that your body works like those of most humanoid species I've studied, yes. But as-" He glances at Dr. Damon. "-your fellow humans are demonstrating, that might not mean very much."

Welcome to the world of Earth Bullshittm... One of the most physiologically diverse species in the universe, rivalled only by New Gods and a few others... Thank you, White Light Entity.

For obvious reason, Atlanteans don't really identify themselves as 'human'. I mean, genetically, all of them are at least somewhat human, but the term somewhat loses significance when you're talking about a man who looks like a shark with arms and legs stuck on. Or a man with dolphin skin stuck on, in this case. Mundane physicians can't really work on Atlanteans due to not being able to safely deal with the interspecies elements.

I cane see it... Things like skin capable of resisting the pressures of the Ocean depths, lungs able to extract oxygen from water and air alike, eyes able to see clearly in ocean depth or surface alike? Understandable, since they're apparently human-plus. Fully functional fish, cetacean or even crustacean bits stuck on a mammal body?

Bloody wizards, no sense of right or wrong!

"Thank you for your work. And..?" I glance at the Atlanteans. "Metaphysically?"

They remove their hands or wands from my body. With my tattoos still working, any study of my arcane systems requires direct physical contact.

A minor inconvenience for OL. Little trickier for the people studying him, though. There's only so much space, after all. Maybe they can develop contact sensors they can read from a distance!

They look at each other as I sit up, then Dr. Wilsone shakes her head.

"You're more there than you were, but there's still a good deal missing. Working from Professor Sephtian's previous study of your soul structures I think that you've regained nearly of the earthly magic you ever had. As much as you're going to get, essentially. But there's still only a fraction as much orange light as there was, and the complexity is massively reduced."

So... Best Snek took her heart back when he got Qwa'ded? Because that would be the biggest source of Orange Light i can think of...

I nod. "In practical terms?"

"There's enough earthly magic that you shouldn't have to worry about the usual consequences of hollowing... Not that you did anyway." I nod. "You should be able to reproduce without difficulty, resist arcane influences and so on. The lack of some of your exotic structures might relate to your… 'Enlightenment failure', but… Atlantis doesn't really study that sort of psychological shifts in the way we do purely arcane ones."

Ah. So, his current soul doesn't quite have the right adaptors at the moment? Looks like he might need to get some upgrades...

Dr. Damon nods. "And they're not about to start, despite the obvious utility."

I shrug. "Sorry. There are only so many researchers, and arcanotechnology is going to continue being my priority for the foreseeable future."

For one thing, it's easier than more esoteric subjects. More fun, too.

"I don't mind the official focus being on other disciplines; I mind being insulted when I'm pursuing valuable avenue of my own. Are you planning on attempting to help other Lanterns go through the same spiritual transitions you have?"

"Yes, that's what I'm trying to do with Lantern Gozzi."

Of course, now he has to work out how to do it safely from the same starting point. The last thing we need is Gozzi going Cake-Man on the galaxy.

"I'd like to scan her. To do a full longitudinal study of her spiritual and psychological shifts. It might help you handle future acolytes."

I nod. "I think that's probably a good idea, but she'll need to agree as well."

See, OL. This is why you need to get regular check-ups. You're flying blind into some of the craziest parts of Orange Light Shamanhood.

I hold out my left hand and want my ring onto my finger. Ugh, yeah, that's definitely taking more focus that it used to. Less than it did a few hours ago though, so I'm moving in the right direction. I send the earpiece to subspace as my environmental shield reengages. I open and close my left hand a few times before returning my full attention to the wizards.

"So is the rest just gone, or is it elsewhere?"

Because if he's going to have to do the fleshy weather balloon thing again somewhere else, he's gonna need some time to work up to that, I think...

Dr. Damon shrugs. "I can only think of two places it could be, if it still exists. If it even makes sense to talk about it as an object. One is your personal lantern, and the other is what you call 'The Honden of Avarice'."

"I'm not sure where my personal lantern ended up."

Probably smeared across the system with the rest of his Subspace stash, depending on whether he had it stashed locally or not.

"Where did you last see it?"

"I last used it on Maltus, but the subspace pocket I kept it in was tied to my first power ring. Which… Means that it either reappeared when my ring was destroyed and.. almost certainly got destroyed along with my rings, or it's still there waiting for an order to be released. Should be simple enough to check. Illustres to Lantern Gozzi."

Make sure to give her your Subspace keys.

Don't want the pocket to go into security lockout mode...

There's a moment of delay, then her face appears.

"Yes, Illustres?"

"If you've got a moment, could you please check the place where I died and see if my personal lantern survived. It should be in a subspace pocket."

I hope he didn't have anything else valuable in it... Can you imagine losing all your treasured stuff because someone wanted to play around with a substance that can wipe out universes in large enough quantities?

"At once."

"And thank you again for resurrecting me. Top acolyte marks."

Teacher's pet.

"Ah-. You're welcome."

Her face disappears and I return my attention to the physicians.

"Eeee! Sempai Noticed me! ...Eh-hem. No-one saw anything, did they, Ring?"

"There's a ritual for making a connection to the Honden, and I know how to perform it, but… I'm not a natural for surviving it any more. I'll need all the same protection you used for the ships, and I'll need a thaumically active world to do it on."

Dr. Damon nods. "You've done this before, then."

Oooh, that's a big downer. Until he gets back in Best Snek's good books, he's locked out of her house.

"Not… Exactly like this, but yes." I float myself off the bed and only the sick bay floor. "And since you're the elementalist, do you have any advice on how to approach the Ophidian?"

"You've already established a relationship with her, so it shouldn't be too difficult. She might rage at whoever harmed you, but since you want them dead anyway that shouldn't be a problem."

As long as she doesn't go all Orange Twilight on the entirety of Reach space, at least...

"But will she recognise me?"

He nods. "Yes, because your spiritual makeup is different and that's how she mostly perceives you. I can't be certain, but I think that she will. She knew you at earlier stages of your development, and your core drives are more or less the same. She might be confused about it for a few moments but I very much doubt that she'll see you as an intruder."

Her reaction will probably be more along the lines of "My Agent! Who has scraped your paint job! I will destroy them!"

"And will she try possessing me again? The situation that allowed us to separate last time was a bit unique."

"Based on your history, I doubt it. Your reports made the separation was a mutual decision."

Only by introducing her to the concept of 'Do Not Want'. The question is whether she'd accept that excuse again.

"Yes, but she really likes me. If she decides that it will help fix me, she might just do it. She's… Not a great long term planner."

"As I said, I can't be certain. But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession."

Because losing a potential war asset and the Illustres of the Corps shouldn't get in the way of SCIENCE!

…

I regard him levelly.

"Sure."

Be honest, OL: How many smart-arse responses did you have to bite back there?

Aw, we missed the fun part? Oh, well, I hope we get to see him calling up Best Snek and letting her get her righteous indignation on. Let's just hope that she does actually recognise him. Although it could be funny if she's fully aware of all this and goes "Wholeness Rightly Fucking Assumed" on his soul...

With an admonition of "What took you so long, my Agent?"

...able to safely deal with the interspecies elements.

Double Space.

Darko · Feb 19, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
Yeah, no Orange Lantern would ever be so much as one iota less than perfect health for their species, unless some physical trait is so ingrained it's part of their self-image....

I can see Ragnar and other warrior types leaving their scars on their bodies.

They're probably healed enough that they don't impede them, but they're still there.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Bloody wizards, no sense of right or wrong!

Blame Ahri'ahn, the bloody bigot.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Eeee! Sempai Noticed me! ...Eh-hem. No-one saw anything, did they, Ring?"

If they did I think they'll just decide they were mistaken.

It's just too unbelievable.

It's also why Clark's disguise works in a way.

I mean Superman, a godlike being with an ice palace, works as a reporter?

If you tried to tell this to someone in universe they may laugh you off since it sounds so absurd.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Orange Twilight

Now I'm thinking of the violet version in Twilight.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Be honest, OL: How many smart-arse responses did you have to bite back there?

We both know he'd have asked a similar question to someone else.

Citizen · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"As I said, I can't be certain. But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession."

…

I regard him levelly.

"Sure."

I mean, he did ask nicely.

Mr Zoat · Feb 19, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
Double Space.

Thank you, corrected.

FreeGod · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"As I said, I can't be certain. But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession."

…

I regard him levelly.

"Sure."

When Paul was enlightened he likely would not have been at all offended and in fact would have been the one suggesting it. No pause or glare.

Istaran · Feb 19, 2021

Vaermina said:
Looks like Paragon has completely forgotten the rules of the Evil Overlords list in his drive for power.

That's how devious the Reach plot was. They blew up his memory of the Evil Overlords list.

Idkusername · Feb 19, 2021

Vaermina said:
Looks like Paragon has completely forgotten the rules of the Evil Overlords list in his drive for power.

What are you talking about now? What has Paul done/neglected to do that you feel is so disastrous this time?

Vaermina · Feb 19, 2021

Pez said:
If I really knew anything about Fallout and cared about those versinos of Paul, I wouldn't feel like this nerf is lasting too long. If the Fallout and Marvel interludes had been switched, I wouldn't feel so frustrated that this is still going on.

I'm looking forward to a merger with the best snek, and that's really the only snake I can tolerate him handling, and while I joked about Jade blowing up Reach suns (yeah, I know that's not her style), best snek would have no problem with that.

I mean, when best snek collapses the Reach homeworld into a series of five blackholes (because one isn't enough, and six is a waste of her time), they might learn that you don't mess with her boy toy.

The problem with escalation is that it only works if you have the ability to escalate far enough beyond the other guy that there is nothing they can do about it.

Paragon can't.

The Reach can match Black Hole for Black hole, and now they have Qwa matter weapons which could kill Entities given how Zoat described Qwa matter working.

Istaran said:
That's how devious the Reach plot was. They blew up his memory of the Evil Overlords list.

Okay, that's fair.

Idkusername said:
What are you talking about now? What has Paul done/neglected to do that you feel is so disastrous this time?

Evil Overlord List Number 28.

No matter how tempted I am with the prospect of unlimited power, I will not consume any energy field bigger than my head.

Agent Orange · Feb 19, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
I can't see any of the usual signs of dysmorphia or neurochemical instability.

I'd ask for a second opinion

Mr Zoat said:
I mean, genetically, all of them are at least somewhat human,

...

Wait a moment. Didn't Athlanteans look completely human under a ring scan despite having obviously non-human features? I remembered it because it was nonsensical.

Mr Zoat said:
But just in case, would you mind carrying some recording equipment as well as the wards? We don't get to record many instances of elemental possession.

Hah! They want to do Science! to him. I like this doctor person.

hkim · Feb 19, 2021

Vaermina said:
No matter how tempted I am with the prospect of unlimited power, I will not consume any energy field bigger than my head.

Unless my classical education fails me, there's also one about how turning into a snake never helps.

Silverias · Feb 19, 2021

I previously predicted this would be about OL's Metaphysical state. I take that back. I think this is going to be about OL and Ophidi-chan's relationship.

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

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