Question I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore

The story is published, but due to lack of practice (Kristin usually does this), it's got a date of April 2. You'll have to look on the "Stories" tab and then "Generation 2" and scroll down the list to find it - at least until the date can be fixed by someone with higher permissions than I have.

You can also follow this link: I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore, Part 1
Sorry.

Thanks for posting, I needed my Whateley fix.

So we finally get our first glimpse of Whateley Academy ten years on. A lot has changed, a lot has stayed the same, or similar enough.

I'm really feeling for poor Tia, as I give a generous three days before the Playboy Bunnygirl becomes old news. Likewise for a rumour of certain freshman being involved in whatever major event went down in NYC.

Still a great many questions remain, but those will be left unspoken for at least a while longer so that answers may reveal themselves.

Above and beyond my normal appreciation, kudos to those who authored and proofed, for I couldn't find even a single error.

Thanks for the new story guys!

Was wondering about Paramount picture, but was talked about when reviewing Gallery. No mention of Having To Be Seen requirement, and no naming of Paramount. Hints at Paramount not being relevant anymore? Or just not worth mentioning? Or something else?

From the title, I thought it'd be another Origin Story... 'Cause it's got the travelling idea, with the line from right after the Wizard of Oz tornado.

... More Oz refs later? ... Like how Jadis and her stuff is Lion, Witch, Wardrobe ref?

And speaking of Origins, it seems there'll be more Origins this Generation. ... Is secret lab gonna be some under-group responsible for story important mutations, like Nimbus is guessed as being? Wonder on part count, wonder when in-universe this story will end, note that Tia seems to be in the spotlight...

Concierge is part of Hugh's network at Whateley?

Hikaru really will wither if not fed? 'Cause she's mainly solar-powered, perhaps? Like a plant? ... Okami-ref with plushy!

Wonder when tunnels as shelter will be used... Or is Red Herring? ... Christmas Attack?

Who is other serum test subject?

Nice part! Good work on glossing over the stuff we already know about!

Tiff Lock explains more about the variability in BITs, and good canon ref for anyone wanting pop-culture BITs to justify it. ... Historical BITs? Like Presidents / Luther King, Astronaunts/etc? ... Space Shuttle BIT... Uhh... No chance of latter, I'd assume...

... Hmm... Gonna get everyone's POV in this story, maybe? So, who's not done yet?

What happened in NY to cause the big kerfuffle, 'cause it seems something else happened, that wasn't the Squidly? Was that in a previous story and I forgot? ... Did we get ... Yes, we got Dragonblade's full origin. IIRC that's not in the right place to be the NY-kerfuffle? ... I guess we'll see it in The Road To Whateley?

Hmm... Wait... Is it just gonna be the Calamari set that's gonna be focused on?

... And, who'll replace Peeper and Greasy for Gen2? ... And all those clubs revealed in the character sheet...

IDTWIKA is written mainly by Elrod and Nagrij, so its basically from their characters pov.
We dont really need multiple pov's on some things, like the tour of Whateley, for example.

However this isnt the whole story; there will be two additional parellel side-stories, one from Neomagus (Tanya and Vic pov), and one from me (Morgana pov) with additional stuff that centres around them. You will find some things that are just mentioned in the main story are explained in detail there. It's something we are trying to keep the main story from bloating into something the size of Godzilla. Hopefully it will be a success.

I think Ibby or Hugh is responsible for the Melville thing, clearly not knowing the secret of Poe, classic well intentioned mistake.
Still Melville is where a lot of the non-Poe changelings end up, particularly when that development is well known for a student as would be the case when it happens after they arrive at Whateley. At least SOME of the students in Melville will know 1st or 2nd hand how media can be, and sympathize.
Kimba curse...
Nothing new mentioned at Homer Gallery...


The Porsh will get a new paint job and become an equalizing tool for Tia and invaluable for Kimba G2, her mental package learning capabilities mean she will be able to keep up with some gadgeteers, finally we get to see the defensive driving courses. With all the security features it has, there would be room for owners to add additional custom ones, NO-ONE with that kind of money sticks to factory features, after all if someone becomes familiar with the stock security features, to the point where they can find the weaknesses, it is no longer secure.

This story made me nicely nostalgic for the earliest WU stories. Taking the tour, seeing the freshthings learn that there are other changelings around, finding out that somebody's housing is being screwed up by the administration... It's just like old times!

Watching Jimmy approach the group, and then stop when he realizes that he now has the attention of a large group of pretty girls was hilarious. I suspect that there is much teasing in his future.

Poor Tia. I'm definitely getting some Ayla vibes from her - hobnobbing with the rich and famously anti-mutant (anyone taking bets on how long it is before someone from the labs decides that they need to humiliate and/or injure Tia to "defend Julie's honor"?), but without Ayla's training or experience to cope. Plus, her Porsche guarantees that she has to spend lots of time with devisors! (although admittedly, that's probably a good thing, although she certainly won't appreciate it)

The two most obvious sources of her move to Melville are a misguided attempt by Uncle Hugh to be helpful (as Mhalpern said) or the mysterious organization that wants to experiment on her and thinks that it will be easier to keep an eye on her in Melville. Although that doesn't make sense if Laura is the other candidate.

Nice to see that Thulia is still keeping an eye on her adopted sister. Although she's clearly behind on her research if she asked "what's the worst that can happen?" regarding Whateley.


I wonder if the increased ID security is related to a certain G1 framing for murder?

Nice to see that the legend of the Kimbas lives on.

Also, I love the "Whateley App"!

mhalpern wrote: I think Ibby or Hugh is responsible for the Melville thing, clearly not knowing the secret of Poe, classic well intentioned mistake.
Still Melville is where a lot of the non-Poe changelings end up, particularly when that development is well known for a student as would be the case when it happens after they arrive at Whateley. At least SOME of the students in Melville will know 1st or 2nd hand how media can be, and sympathize.
Kimba curse...
Nothing new mentioned at Homer Gallery...


The Porsh will get a new paint job and become an equalizing tool for Tia and invaluable for Kimba G2, her mental package learning capabilities mean she will be able to keep up with some gadgeteers, finally we get to see the defensive driving courses. With all the security features it has, there would be room for owners to add additional custom ones, NO-ONE with that kind of money sticks to factory features, after all if someone becomes familiar with the stock security features, to the point where they can find the weaknesses, it is no longer secure.

On, Ibby or Hugh being behind Tia's cottage placement, there is a good chance you're correct. (I won't tell you how high the percentage is and spoil ).

Homer gallery was glossed over by consent of the team; it's not that there isn't anything new, it's that the place and tour for most teens (all those not Tanya) is boring.

As for the Porsche... nope. You can't repaint it, the colors are impregnated into the body panels. So is the logo. The car is what it is, a playmate of the year car. Why Tia got one when she hasn't even posed or joined the organization yet, will be explained later. (or maybe, if someone can tell me why they think Hugh is doing all this or helping do all this, I'll explain at least that much early?)

o.o

Nagrij wrote: As for the Porsche... nope. You can't repaint it, the colors are impregnated into the body panels. So is the logo. The car is what it is, a playmate of the year car. Why Tia got one when she hasn't even posed or joined the organization yet, will be explained later. (or maybe, if someone can tell me why they think Hugh is doing all this or helping do all this, I'll explain at least that much early?)

I'm guessing Promotion, like said in Rabbit 3, 'cause Playboy needs to expand or diversify or something.

Sort of like... Absinthe being the MCO Liaison or whatever between Whateley and the MCO in her fanfic. ... I feel there's a better canon example, but I've scarcely an idea what. ... Like Jobe marketing Karedonia?

Astrodragon wrote: It's something we are trying to keep the main story from bloating into something the size of Godzilla. Hopefully it will be a success.

But... but... some of us really like chapters the size of Godzilla!

And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Malady wrote:

Nagrij wrote: As for the Porsche... nope. You can't repaint it, the colors are impregnated into the body panels. So is the logo. The car is what it is, a playmate of the year car. Why Tia got one when she hasn't even posed or joined the organization yet, will be explained later. (or maybe, if someone can tell me why they think Hugh is doing all this or helping do all this, I'll explain at least that much early?)

I'm guessing Promotion, like said in Rabbit 3, 'cause Playboy needs to expand or diversify or something.

Sort of like... Absinthe being the MCO Liaison or whatever between Whateley and the MCO in her fanfic. ... I feel there's a better canon example, but I've scarcely an idea what. ... Like Jobe marketing Karedonia?

That's certainly part of it, but there is another reason. One that let Estrella stick it to Hugh a bit in contract negotiations.

And Jorey, don't worry.... IDTWIKA is plenty big at the moment. You'll see soon enough.

Nagrij wrote: And Jorey, don't worry.... IDTWIKA is plenty big at the moment. You'll see soon enough.

We have 3 parts "in the can", and the fourth part is currently over 116 pages with a bunch more scenes to go - so it'll be probably a 6-parter.

Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2

elrodw wrote: Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2 :evil"

Well, "freaking" might be a bit too strong of a term, but it'll definitely turn some heads, to be sure.

NeoMagus wrote:

elrodw wrote: Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2

Well, "freaking" might be a bit too strong of a term, but it'll definitely turn some heads, to be sure.

It's most definitely a "Holy Crap on a Cracker! I did NOT see THAT coming!" kind of thing

Oh, most certainly, Elrod. I can definitely agree with that.

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

She's barely shown up. Who knows what evil you're planning in the background for the poor innocent girl.

So lots of hints at something going on in the background, with the way Mrs. Horton is complaining about changes and the administration, a couple of other small comments that are briefly mentioned and then told that it doesn't affect them. I'm worried.

The new kids are in for a rough time, if people start thinking they were in the important New York fight. I see a lot of challenges to put the newbies in their place.

Poor Tia, she can't just slide off into the background can she?

Nice description of some of the changes that have occurred on campus. Nothing really jumped out at me in this chapter, but it all flowed together nicely giving a good overall view of things to come.
Excellent work.

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Bad memories, bad, BAD memories of what happens when we do that.

I mean, really bad memories.

Kristin Darken wrote:

elrodw wrote:

NeoMagus wrote:

elrodw wrote: Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2

Well, "freaking" might be a bit too strong of a term, but it'll definitely turn some heads, to be sure.

It's most definitely a "Holy Crap on a Cracker! I did NOT see THAT coming!" kind of thing

Is that when they find out...?

It's true... Tavi is a Palm AI!

Ok... that's totally not true... Tavi isn't even really an AI, he's a VI. Well, actually he's an education/tutoring based expert system with a kid targeted personality overlay. None of that matters though... he's cute. And its all about image. Tavi in ninja ferret mode is NOT to be missed.

I thought we had Tavi as a love child of a Palm and one of Hartford's experiments in AI!

(clamps hand over mouth) OOPS. Never mind. Ignore that last bit!

elrodw wrote:

Kristin Darken wrote:

elrodw wrote:

NeoMagus wrote:

elrodw wrote: Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2

Well, "freaking" might be a bit too strong of a term, but it'll definitely turn some heads, to be sure.

It's most definitely a "Holy Crap on a Cracker! I did NOT see THAT coming!" kind of thing

Is that when they find out...?

It's true... Tavi is a Palm AI!

Ok... that's totally not true... Tavi isn't even really an AI, he's a VI. Well, actually he's an education/tutoring based expert system with a kid targeted personality overlay. None of that matters though... he's cute. And its all about image. Tavi in ninja ferret mode is NOT to be missed.

I thought we had Tavi as a love child of a Palm and one of Hartford's experiments in AI!

(clamps hand over mouth) OOPS. Never mind. Ignore that last bit!

That is a seriously weird mental image.

elrodw wrote:

Nagrij wrote: And Jorey, don't worry.... IDTWIKA is plenty big at the moment. You'll see soon enough.

We have 3 parts "in the can", and the fourth part is currently over 116 pages with a bunch more scenes to go - so it'll be probably a 6-parter.

Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is going to freak at the end of part 2

Hmm... So, 1-2 = Set-up, 3-4 = Climax, 5-6 = Denouement?

So, whatever's in part 2 isn't foreshadowed?

Malady wrote: So, whatever's in part 2 isn't foreshadowed?

Oh, it's foreshadowed alright, but only if you know what to look for.

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Bad memories, bad, BAD memories of what happens when we do that.

I mean, really bad memories.

Elrod said he'd be nice.
I made no such promises...

Astrodragon wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Bad memories, bad, BAD memories of what happens when we do that.

I mean, really bad memories.

Elrod said he'd be nice.
I made no such promises...

I'd say be nice to your characters, they're just kids, but I really have no right to complain about writers tormenting their creations.

Domoviye wrote:

Astrodragon wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Bad memories, bad, BAD memories of what happens when we do that.

I mean, really bad memories.

Elrod said he'd be nice.
I made no such promises...

I'd say be nice to your characters, they're just kids, but I really have no right to complain about writers tormenting their creations.

Come on, I haven't been that nasty to Morgana! Well, not really. Maybe a little...

Astrodragon wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

elrodw wrote: And no-one has commented about how nice I am to sweet, innocent Laura...

Bad memories, bad, BAD memories of what happens when we do that.

I mean, really bad memories.

Elrod said he'd be nice.
I made no such promises...

You read it here folks... Elrodw said he's being nice to Laura... it's what Astrodragon does to her at the end of Chapter 2 that's REALLY mean.

BTW, Elrodw... did we remember to intro your REAL new character?

My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

Nagrij wrote:

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

Is the car factory-spec? Or does it have an AI and other stuff to give Tia an edge? ... Perhaps that stuff is in the trunk?

... But, that's still, "Why put all that in the car? That obscurity isn't gonna be worth much..." ... Smuggling something in? ... No, if discovered, too many repercussions?

Nagrij wrote:

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

It's pretty obvious why Hugh is doing all of this.



He's got a furry fetish focusing on rabbits. And while Tia is too young, he's too old to do anything, so all he can do is shower her with gifts instead.


I'll go back to my gutter now.

Domoviye wrote:

Nagrij wrote:

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

It's pretty obvious why Hugh is doing all of this.



He's got a furry fetish focusing on rabbits. And while Tia is too young, he's too old to do anything, so all he can do is shower her with gifts instead.


I'll go back to my gutter now.

Bad Domo, bad!

No, that's not it. I mean, maybe he does, who am I to speak for Hugh? But no that's not why he's doing this.

And yes, the car is factory spec, at least for WU. It boasts better tech than the one in our world, so it's got slightly better performance.

I'm not entirely sure if it was the intent that you're talking about, but the car is sure to help establish Tia's "Melville cred" as a well-off individual so as to avoid some amount of scorn from the uber-rich, at least.

Having such a high-end car on campus would probably overwrite a number of her concerns about fitting in, and even attract a number of schmoozers, thus instigating social contacts which should benefit both her and Hugh.

That's as much as I'm going to speculate on that matter now. Time will tell if you don't spill it early, Nagrij.

Domoviye wrote:

Nagrij wrote:

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

It's pretty obvious why Hugh is doing all of this.



He's got a furry fetish focusing on rabbits. And while Tia is too young, he's too old to do anything, so all he can do is shower her with gifts instead.


I'll go back to my gutter now.

no joking and all true

I work in Hollywood and have done many jobs for said bunny guy over the years (personal parties) and have meet him

he would do this...spending money to influence others to get into a better spot to negotiate talent!

i have seen a party drop Rolexs just for the 'talent' to wear and maybe be seen in paparazzi pics!

Hugh has a few precog contacts and they all tell him she's going to need a GTFO device.... Yes THAT'S my theory......

I think the goal of the car is very simple: to get Tia associated with the Playboy brand, one way or another.
Tia is already a (minor) celebrity; if she's spotted driving a Playboy-branded Porsche, (and a PINK Porsche is bound to attract attention anywhere she goes), well, then she must be working with Playboy, doncha think?
Without the car, there's a chance that Playboy will get exactly _zero_ exposure in exchange for the retainer they are paying Tia. With the car, the equation changes.

There is one question about the car I am surprised no one has asked yet, is there a button hidden in the shifter for the removal of bad passengers?

lighttech wrote:

Domoviye wrote:

Nagrij wrote:

Ametros wrote: My guess about the car is that Hugh is trying to give Tia a shove into association with Playboy. Despite there being a clause that says she doesn't have to model at all, I bet he's hoping to draw the attention of Venus Inc and have them coerce Tia.

You're not wrong, but what I was getting at was why. There are cheaper ways to go about it than negotiating a deal for a half a million dollar and up supercar with Porsche.

It's pretty obvious why Hugh is doing all of this.



He's got a furry fetish focusing on rabbits. And while Tia is too young, he's too old to do anything, so all he can do is shower her with gifts instead.


I'll go back to my gutter now.

no joking and all true

I work in Hollywood and have done many jobs for said bunny guy over the years (personal parties) and have meet him

he would do this...spending money to influence others to get into a better spot to negotiate talent!

i have seen a party drop Rolexs just for the 'talent' to wear and maybe be seen in paparazzi pics!

Well if you have the cash, that could be a great investment.

But the precogs knew Kristen would be telling the Gen 2 authors that they don't exist, and have planned out ways to convince TIN2CC that they do exist.

Kristin Darken wrote: Shh... we've been telling the Gen 2 authors there's no such thing as a precog.

I saw that coming.


So chapter 2 ends with Elmer Fudd showing up?

So the Underdogs, Alphas, and Gearheads are still around.

I think Tia is going to spend a lot of time trying to get back into Poe. I'm betting more Ibby than Hugh to get her into Melville.

I can't wait to see what caused all of the chaos.

As for the Porsche... nope. You can't repaint it, the colors are impregnated into the body panels. So is the logo. The car is what it is, a playmate of the year car. Why Tia got one when she hasn't even posed or joined the organization yet, will be explained later. (or maybe, if someone can tell me why they think Hugh is doing all this or helping do all this, I'll explain at least that much early?)

Because when the money doesn't matter, there's a certain fun to playing sugar daddy just for the hell of it.

Sir Lee wrote: I think the goal of the car is very simple: to get Tia associated with the Playboy brand, one way or another.
Tia is already a (minor) celebrity; if she's spotted driving a Playboy-branded Porsche, (and a PINK Porsche is bound to attract attention anywhere she goes), well, then she must be working with Playboy, doncha think?
Without the car, there's a chance that Playboy will get exactly _zero_ exposure in exchange for the retainer they are paying Tia. With the car, the equation changes.

You're not wrong, Sir Lee... but there is a wrinkle here all of you are missing. Picture this; you are Hugh, and in the midst of rebranding to save your company (much like Playboy actually is, right now). along comes a person who is young, fresh, and bears your distinctive look (mostly) like Ibby did all those years ago.

Since you cannot own the rights to someone's actual likeness without their consent, if she were to go and model for another company, at a time like the one described? It would be a disaster. In effect, your distinctive icon would be stolen out from under you and used by a competitor, and there would be nothing you could do about it. It would further muddy the rebranding and possibly destroy all marketing attempts.

How much would you pay then, on top of trying to be nice old uncle Hugh, to keep that from happening?

Nagrij wrote:

Sir Lee wrote: I think the goal of the car is very simple: to get Tia associated with the Playboy brand, one way or another.
Tia is already a (minor) celebrity; if she's spotted driving a Playboy-branded Porsche, (and a PINK Porsche is bound to attract attention anywhere she goes), well, then she must be working with Playboy, doncha think?
Without the car, there's a chance that Playboy will get exactly _zero_ exposure in exchange for the retainer they are paying Tia. With the car, the equation changes.

You're not wrong, Sir Lee... but there is a wrinkle here all of you are missing. Picture this; you are Hugh, and in the midst of rebranding to save your company (much like Playboy actually is, right now). along comes a person who is young, fresh, and bears your distinctive look (mostly) like Ibby did all those years ago.

Since you cannot own the rights to someone's actual likeness without their consent, if she were to go and model for another company, at a time like the one described? It would be a disaster. In effect, your distinctive icon would be stolen out from under you and used by a competitor, and there would be nothing you could do about it. It would further muddy the rebranding and possibly destroy all marketing attempts.

How much would you pay then, on top of trying to be nice old uncle Hugh, to keep that from happening?

Phase would approve of such investments...

I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore Part 1 comments
Jimmy Cannes, for a teen knowing he is among a lot of fellow mutants, is surprisingly calm. Though he seems to rely on his VI to interact with others a little too much, instead of simply talking to them. And poor boy is nervous around pretty girls, he is going to be in hell at Whateley. Oh brother, Tavi definitely has a personality all his own. Wonder if Tia reacts that way to Tavi because she thinks he is devisor-based. Jimmy trying to get on the good side of a group, is it because he wishes to make friends or because he sees them as strong and people to be on the good side of.

Bianca demanding to know why he would think they were in a fight or were a team, probably suspecting that he might be someone sent after the White Lady at this point after all she has been through.

"No, Tavi. Don't tell me the odds. Never tell me the odds."

Bwahahaha, nice Star Wars reference. All the details of the fight add up to it being them, but Bianca doesn't want it getting out. And Laura spells out they are trying to be the exact opposite of Team Kimba, no reputation as trouble-makers or tough kids who bullies target to prove how tough they are.

Elaine Claire still working at Whateley, good to know. Jimmy assure them he is just trying to make friends and not put the moves on them, good idea with this group. Then Cally teasing him about thinking he is too good for them or they aren't worth his time, poor guy can't catch a break. Jimmy, if you don't learn to tell when a girl is teasing you, life at Whateley is going to be a lot worse. And Tanya is nice to Jimmy, inviting him to hang out with them, especially since Taka and Vic need more guys.

Bailey had to drive to Whateley with her mom, ouch, especially with how her mom is asking about the phone and being overprotective. Ah, so Bailey is Backtrack, and I was right about overprotective. I don't like cars, still have a minor phobia of riding in them to this day due to a past incident, and yet 20 mph seems slow even to me. Going more than 5 mph under the speed limit except for baring road conditions and weather is just as reckless as speeding, especially with other drivers on the road.

Car transport truck with a tarp, oh no, don't tell me they sent Tia's new Playboy Mustang up to Whateley with her. Let the embarrassment begin. And does her mom Dot have a mental condition, believing there is a pursuit when there isn't one. Or is she a supervillain and being paranoid just part of the job. A baggage cart and she is in Poe, another changeling or simply a lesbian? Having to wait a half hour for the rest of the group to show up, ouch.

Good to know Thulia and Bruce are keeping an eye on Morgana, even if they can't see through the wards of Whateley with her scrying.

"She's only going to High School, right? What's the worst that can happen?"

Never, ever say what's the worst that can happen, you are just tempting fate.

Tia still nervous around Laura despite all that has happened, her fear of devisors is going to get her in trouble at this rate. And wary of her fellow students and how they might see her, hope counseling helps. What is going on at Whateley to cause staff and older students to be so frantic and stressed out? Ah, we finally see how they divide up the non-Poe students for the school tour, quick and efficient. Tia's observation skills showing again, what is with so many out of state plates, and the guy in the lab coat without an ounce of dirt or grease on him.

Who is that girl with the multi-colored hair and rose tucked behind her left ear, wonder if she is related to anyone we know already. Interesting mix for the groups, a non-Exemplar for the guys who was checking out Taka and a shy girl taking in everything like Tia and probably Bianca are doing. An RA that is not from their cottage, this is going to cause problems, I just know it. Krystal Barrett aka Flower, swear there is something familiar about her.

And Tia realizes why send 4 RAs when one would have worked with whatever is happening right now. Yet she doesn't think the group she is in could all have something in common, so insightful, yet blocking out the common connection she might notice if not for fear of discovery. And she thinks Krystal knows about her and her history with the way she keeps looking at her, when it is probably the fact they are all changelings. Notices those things about Clayton but files it away for later, Tia keeps to realize even the minor mysteries are worth solving, especially if they might nag at you until you do.

Annette Carpenter, with only 2 lesbians for her tour, which Laura notes she bats for the other team. And the mystery of the separate groups grows, as the students will find out why shortly. Kareela Greer, is she just very short or one of the junior high students?

Hikaru shows up and the guard makes a snide comment about another rich kid. She thinks they got there first, not knowing the other kids arrived first. Straight to Melville and nice description of Hikaru's nervousness with tiny shinobi butterfly bursting their cocoons in a coordinated strike. A job for Hikaru which will help her figure out who she is now, at least the goddess is the voice of reason and experience. I can understand Hikaru's doubts, it is often others, including friends and family, who see what we are capable of even when we ourselves doubt being capable of something.

Tiff Lock looks just like Tifa Lockheart, that means BITs can be based on characters from fiction beyond characters like Tennyo and her connection to the Star Stalker. Considering the movie that came out within the last couple of years, I wouldn't be surprised to see a student who looks like Elsa from Frozen with cold and ice-based powers. On an increase in anthropomorphic animals due to Zootopia's popularity.

Ah, so Hikaru is an RA, with her personality and skills she can do that no problem. Oh boy, Tiff has the famous Tifa twins which even straight girls can't resist looking at. The chaos is from something that happened 2 weeks ago and New York, hope we learn what happened two weeks ago soon. SIC's sound like a good idea overall, imo. And no MCO in Japan except for U.S. military bases and only U.S. citizens on those bases, way to stick it to those idiots.

Kurenai is a Cortana, wish we had some of the tech they do here. Register her at Cyber, yet Kurenai has no respect for the Whateley database and is already in, oh boy. Tiff taking a breath causing Kurenai's eyes to widen to comical levels, priceless. A mage and Exemplar who liked Final Fantasy 7 before she manifested, which probably influenced her look. Hikaru we knew was an avatar, but specialized exemplar, regenerator, and external sunlight energizer, she has more power than I first thought, though the drawback of using it all, ouch.

Undersell it, low key, some past students could have benefited from that advice. Spelling out the job of an RA to Hikaru, guess she didn't know some of the students would be special needs. Materielle and Inkblood, interesting names. Tiff is insightful, knowing that Kurenai already has her number. And I hope Tiff doesn't have any junior high kids like the TLW in her bunch. Whistling a piece of Star Wars music at being accused of already having Tiff's number, oh boy, Kurenai is going to be little trouble maker. Ack! The anime club is still around and stalking any student which resembles an anime or Japanese video game character still.

Dr. Stauffer berating Bruno, despite a meeting with Major and Herr Rolf on the schedule and soon. Wonder what this serum is she has to have it produced in living subjects. Quinten with a cat-monkey creature in his arms, almost radiates a Dr. Claw vibe to me. Sterile and over 95% of the test animals die, good grief, that is monstrous. And they are going to test the serum on human subjects, ugh. Herr Rolf calls the deaths of innocents they kidnap and subject to their experiments 'the price of our...project.' *imagines subjecting these monsters to their own experiments*

Wait a minute, 2 test subjects of this serum, both being watched by operatives and at the same location. Those mystery men following Laura and then the guy on the plane with Tia, were they somehow abducted and experimented upon, then returned without anyone the wiser?

Great, the assistant found the genome combination in common between all the animals which survived the experiments and now they can breed more, thus doing more experiments on humans sooner. Pre-manifestation age and incomplete meta-gene complex, what are they up to, trying to build an army of mutants under their control or something worse. A teleconference with the entire Committee and a Director Muller, why is this starting to sound more and more like some kind of black-ops group that went rogue from the MCO to me.

Oh boy, only seen the outside of Whateley so far, Tia is in for a shock at all the strange things in some of the buildings. 4 more stories to Melville cottage, oh brother, wonder whose donation payed for that. Krystal reminding the kids there are always others a lot worse off, Hawthorne cottage hasn't changed in that aspect. Plus how most of the Thornies are nice and just wish to be treated like normal teens, the more things change. Schuster Hall a madhouse due to whatever happened 2 weeks ago and the New York incident, smart of Krystal to not go in.

Flower...manifest flowers and nothing else, beat it isn't that simple. At least Tia realizes she isn't the only one who was short-changed in the powers department anymore. Gadgeteer and devisor is still considered unusual to have both. Love seeing them all in on the gag of messing with their guide, codename and simple explanation for powers only. Wonder what powers Backtrack has, psychic can cover a lot. Back entrance into Schuster Hall to see Homer gallery, wonder why the back entrance isn't used more.

Never knew about Homer gallery being a dead zone before, at least not that I can recall. And the big reveal to all of the changelings, never a dull moment there. Far too many changelings at once and have everyone worried they will be another Team Kimba, what is going on with the spike in changelings though? Mrs. Horton is still around, yay! Laura either figured it out already or is the most comfortable in her change, a mystery for another time.

Ah, the old "don't rat each other out or else" rule of Poe, wonder if any over the years have been kicked out of Whateley for breaking it. Bailey freaked out about the news, wonder why that is. Flower knows about Laura, wonder how soon Laura will let the others now. And Krystal knows about Tia, oh course the staff informed the RA about the celebrity among them. And Mrs. Horton has probably improved the spell which prevents Poe cottage students from accidently spilling the beans about the secret over the years.

Dang, Tia got the meaning of the pile of gold that so many other students fail to understand.

'you can triumph regardless of the hurdles placed before you, if you just keep going.'

Yet she thinks she got it wrong, if she told Mrs. Guzman her guess she would beam with pride.

And now down to the tunnels, one of the coolest parts of the school tour imo. Tia and Laura having to use the tunnels on yellow and red flag day, did they have a Whateley app for text alerts about when it wasn't a green flag day in the past? Tia, almost any student except for the rare ones like Jade would freak out at a slimy tentacle monster, even if it is a fellow student, the first time they meet. Having to keep the Whateley secret, it still sucks that students with GSD can't be out in public in yellow and red flag days, even if it is a neccessary evil.

Barking up the wrong tree or Flower, as the case may be. *groans* I would have face-palmed at that too. Laura loving the sight of the power plant, geothermal in Gen 2, nice. Dang, wish they had that Whateley app in Gen 1, so many ways to get lost in those tunnels. Ouch, poor Morgana, claustrophobia due to all that time locked up in that cell. And Crystal Hall is still as majestic as ever. Pulled out of the food line by security to discuss New York, when they have already been punished for it, oh boy.

Tanya has a bit of hero worship for Champion, with they way she went on about his uniform. And Sergeant Clauser is off to a rocky start, chewing them out for something they were already chewed out for. Clauser is trying to intimidate them into not helping people when they can, and stating Whateley security can do the job, sounds like they just don't want another Team Kimba on their hands and are trying to scare them out of any notions of being heroes, which is going to backfire. And I was right, trying to scare some sense into them with this tactic, not even a report from New York and probably not authorized to do this by Mrs. Carson either. This little stunt is going to come back to bite Sergeant Clauser in the butt sooner or later.

Poor Tia, all that meat and she can't eat. Underdog Corner, wonder if any of the past Underdog left any marks behind there that last to this day. Morgana saw through Clauser's stunt as a scare tactic but refuses to be intimidated, knew it would backfire.

Oh boy, those 3 boys at the next table are going to cause trouble sooner or later, believing they were involved in the huge fight in New York, instead of the minor one. Krystal saying to take security's advice and let them handle it, unless they have improved on surveillance and response time in the almost 10 years that have passed that isn't always a good idea. Movie night, poor Tanya left out, and hoping Kid Wonder isn't played for Tia's sake.

Nice to know the official class schedule for the day, no wonder some students days seemed longer than others, they took all the available classes for the day instead of the minimum required. Is Krystal flirting with Laura, a sophomore and freshman dating, not unheard of. Hard to get more than 6 classes and need admin approval, wonder who is going to try that in this Gen.

Ack! They call it the Kimba Curse, that is a hard legacy to live down. English, a math class, powers theory and lab if you have certain powers, magic theory if you're a mage, gadgeteer lab classes for gadgeteers and devisors, and martial arts or survival. Dang, if you have certain powers, are a mage, and a gadgeteer or devisor you fill up all 6 class slots right there.

Sync their schedules, smart move if possible. Each of them having a secret they don't want to reveal to the others just yet, with the origin stories we've already seen that is understandable to say the least. Meeting a group of potential friends, they having them split up between the cottages, guess they will have to work harder to interact more often.

Bianca and Morgana as roommate, both because they are mages and each has a lot of trauma to deal with the other can understand. Ouch, both wake up screaming from nightmares, hope Dr. Bellows is still around or if not his replacement is as good as he was, these kids need it.

Bwahahaha, Tia thinking the cottage might get up on legs like Baba Yaga's hut and walk around. Though at Whateley that isn't that far fetched a thing to happen. Mrs. Horton hasn't changed much, plus Mrs. Savage I recognize, Mr. Babich and Ms. Everette I'm having a hard time recalling if they were in any of the older stories or not. Bailey's last name is George, as in a play on George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life.

I definitely don't remember Mr. Babich as being a house parents in Poe before now. Oh boy, Tia's stuff wasn't delivered to Poe, something isn't right here. Tia was placed in Melville in the room right by Hikaru's! Someone is messing around with the system and Mrs. Horton is going to have words with them. Who in administration would move Tia like that, when she needs the support system of Poe for various reasons.

Mrs. Horton is ticked at the person in admin who did this, even stating all freshmen Poe beds are full, I pity them when she gets through chewing them out. And Tia can't accidently slip up and reveal the Poe secret now, not that she would anyways. When both house parents agree a student should be in Poe, it should be taken as more important that some idiot in admin mucking things up.

Tia having to go to Melville, plus talking with Hikaru about the plushy and how she sometimes dresses like an idol singer. Hikaru saying Tia will learn restraint comes off a bit creepy to me. Wolf plushy from cousin and Hikaru gave her a lot of evasion training, yikes. Kurenai is one of the new AI that is making its way out into the civilian world after being used by the military for years. Did the fear of AIs due to Palm go mostly away in the past 10 years?

That is a new security feature for the tunnels, blast doors and lock down inside them incase of an attack or other disaster. Hikaru is right, no one in their right mind attacks Whateley, especially with the neutrality and accords. Tia thinks about using the tunnels to run from trouble, yet thinks it paranoid to do so; at Whateley it is always a good idea to have an escape plan. I knew Melville was rich and pampered but that is just ridiculous. Poor Tia is being sucked in by the lifestyles of the rich and spoiled of Melville, she needs to get out of there fast.

Hikaru makes a joke and denies it, even getting Tia to smile. Concierge, oh brother, as if Melville wasn't bad enough. A house parent named Lindy who is a devisor, why do I have the feeling Tia is going to be forced to interact with her sooner or later. A handbook just to explain everything in Melville and the rules for each, oh boy. Hikaru says to come to her with any problems or concerns first; hope time in Melville doesn't change Tia.

Alpha clubhouse on the 12th floor, oh boy, hopefully they haven't slid back to being as bad or worse than they were when the Don was in control. Dang, wish I had a bed like that, might be able to get to sleep in less than an hour. Hikaru loves her fruit. And a letter with the Porsche logo on it, car keys inside, meaning Ibby or Hugh had her Playgirl Mustang sent to Whateley, arrggh!

Ibby got her a car alright, one she is going to hate owning, Tia will figure out a way to have payback, I know she will. Porsche 918 Spyder in Playboy Pink, this is bad, poor Tia won't be able to live this down for a long while. Fingerprint and retinal print security scan, dang. Hikaru teasing Tia about Playboy and Uncle Hugh, she is going to use this against Tia for years. Hikaru, how can you even suggest that, just eww. Quinn of Whateley Academy Automotive Club, good to see it is still going strong. And helping Tia with the paperwork, don't want to upset Hugh by getting her new car towed and possibly wrecked.

Jules Boucher, new name. Defensive driving and be a member of the Automotive Club to have a car as a freshman, ouch. Hearing it is a Porsche Spyder got a reaction out of Jules and Quinn, guessing it is a huge deal. A driving test and Defensive Driving classes every Saturday at 10 am, that is one way to jolt you awake in the morning. Quinn insist on putting the car in the lab, don't tell me he wants to tinker with it, not sure that is a good idea.

Tiff upset at Hikaru for not showing up for dinner almost an hour ago, yikes. Tiff seems like the perfect person to get Hikaru to lighten up. Tiff actually likes the Playmate Pink of the car, oh brother. Seeing a door that size, you would think a tank could be behind it, especially at Whateley. Restoring an old Dodge Challenger, Quinn is dedicated; 440 with a six pack, that is some horsepower. Uh oh, sleeping the nude, that is going to get her in trouble sooner or later, someone will barge in eventually.

Personally, I love that Tia's woes would be good things to anyone else. Can't really make up for what happened to her, but her suffering through being privileged is hilarious in its own way. Bianca is sort of in the same boat, but with a far less humorous slant to it.

I assume she will be forced to go into modelling to pay for some of this.

Was Hikaru's unladylike weakness for fruit hinted at earlier and I missed it? Or is this the first appearance of what will hopefully be a minor way of bringing her back to earth once in a while?

Katssun wrote: Personally, I love that Tia's woes would be good things to anyone else. Can't really make up for what happened to her, but her suffering through being privileged is hilarious in its own way. Bianca is sort of in the same boat, but with a far less humorous slant to it.

I assume she will be forced to go into modelling to pay for some of this.

Was Hikaru's unladylike weakness for fruit hinted at earlier and I missed it? Or is this the first appearance of what will hopefully be a minor way of bringing her back to earth once in a while?

I think this is the first mention of the fruit. It probably won't be the last.

Okay it's official: Lapin is the new Tennyo.

Think about it,

Powerful/rich sponsors

Being moved to a new cottage against their will

Has the image of a famous character in the WU

Soft spoken

Changed into the form of a girl by a malicious prank

Only keeps getting into trouble because other people keep pulling her into it

The MCO is taking special interest in them

Do I need to keep drawing parallels for my crackpot theory or is this good? I'm new to this whole conspiracy theory thing (sort of).

...except for the minor difference in power levels, it's going well. I mean, Tennyo does not just go to Eleven, she goes to Eleven Thousand, while Lapin is... a bit under One?

Kristin Darken wrote: All the Gen 2 characters are on the lower side of the power scale equation. But they will probably still give TK a run for their money on snark and genre-savvy.

Tia's snark and pranking power are at amazing levels, easily.

At least a 5 at prank-fu.

Kristin Darken wrote: All the Gen 2 characters are on the lower side of the power scale equation. But they will probably still give TK a run for their money on snark and genre-savvy.

I like the lower power levels, it makes the characters have to think on their feet more.

Kristin Darken wrote: All the Gen 2 characters are on the lower side of the power scale equation. But they will probably still give TK a run for their money on snark and genre-savvy.

Except for Laura, who's just cool and laid-back and rather unobtrusive.

For now.

Dreamer wrote: Flower...manifest flowers and nothing else, beat it isn't that simple.

Well, that depends. Can she manifest a corpse flower ? There are a lot of flowers in the world. Depending on her flexibility and limitations, Krystal may not be as weak as she passes herself off to be.

Never knew about Homer gallery being a dead zone before, at least not that I can recall.

It sounds familiar. I know they've talked about Homer Gallery having defenses before, can't remember if any specific ones were mentioned.

Far too many changelings at once and have everyone worried they will be another Team Kimba, what is going on with the spike in changelings though?

That's easy - we got a new set of authorlords.

Mrs. Horton is still around, yay! Laura either figured it out already or is the most comfortable in her change, a mystery for another time.

Laura was trans before her change.

Calamari part 1 wrote: At least Laura's mother and little sister Julie loved her. That thought brought a smile to her face as she recalled the tears in their eyes as she departed on her trip. The hugs and kisses and promises to call and text and e-mail often. Her little sister's gigantic, loving hug for her bigger sister. And her mom's and Julie's acceptance of her change, even when Larry admitted - reluctantly - that he wanted to change, that he'd always felt wrong.

Flower knows about Laura, wonder how soon Laura will let the others now.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

And Sergeant Clauser is off to a rocky start, chewing them out for something they were already chewed out for. Clauser is trying to intimidate them into not helping people when they can, and stating Whateley security can do the job, sounds like they just don't want another Team Kimba on their hands and are trying to scare them out of any notions of being heroes, which is going to backfire. And I was right, trying to scare some sense into them with this tactic, not even a report from New York and probably not authorized to do this by Mrs. Carson either. This little stunt is going to come back to bite Sergeant Clauser in the butt sooner or later.

This wasn't a chewing out. This was an assessment, disguised as a chewing out. He made good points, too. The Kimba lectures often felt hollow because in several cases they didn't have reasonable alternatives. But in this case the situation could have been handled just fine. Of course, they didn't know that, but it makes for a good talking point to emphasize the problems of chronic hero syndrome. But the main point of the lecture was to meet the kids, and see how they react to a bit of pressure, to be better prepared when they end up in trouble again. Clauser knows exactly what he's doing.

Poor Tia, all that meat and she can't eat. Underdog Corner, wonder if any of the past Underdog left any marks behind there that last to this day. Morgana saw through Clauser's stunt as a scare tactic but refuses to be intimidated, knew it would backfire.

Well, at least one did. Remember why the Underdogs sit under an air vent?

Is Krystal flirting with Laura, a sophomore and freshman dating, not unheard of.

A sophmore and a freshman dating isn't unheard of, but Krystal is a senior. Which also isn't unheard of, but is a bit more questionable.

I definitely don't remember Mr. Babich as being a house parents in Poe before now.

There's a reference made to Mrs Horton being unused to there being two house parents, so I'm guessing that this is a new development.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: bunch of speculative stuff

Answers are as follows:

1. Could be.
2. nope, but it's very plausible
3. tradition
4. yup. most comfortable
5. don't get the question
6. bingo
7. hadn't thought of that, but yeah, it sort of is
8. nope
9. yup, it's new

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

Poor Tia, all that meat and she can't eat. Underdog Corner, wonder if any of the past Underdog left any marks behind there that last to this day. Morgana saw through Clauser's stunt as a scare tactic but refuses to be intimidated, knew it would backfire.

Well, at least one did. Remember why the Underdogs sit under an air vent?

Killstench, and occasionally Miasma, would eat under the vents, the Underdogs didn't eat under the vents.

The only lasting mark left by the Gen 1 Underdogs is a half melted seat.

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

Flower knows about Laura, wonder how soon Laura will let the others now.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

5. don't get the question

I'm not sure what Dreamer meant by "Flower knows about Laura", because I'm not sure what Flower knows about Laura. That she's trans? That she's lesbian (or bi?). That she's a devisor/gadgeteer? Some other secret that I missed?

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: A sophmore and a freshman dating isn't unheard of, but Krystal is a senior. Which also isn't unheard of, but is a bit more questionable.

8. nope

Do you mean "no, Krystal isn't a senior" or "no, seniors and freshman dating isn't unheard of", or "no, seniors and freshman dating isn't questionable"?

elrodw wrote:

Kristin Darken wrote: All the Gen 2 characters are on the lower side of the power scale equation. But they will probably still give TK a run for their money on snark and genre-savvy.

Except for Laura, who's just cool and laid-back and rather unobtrusive.

For now.

Methinks thou doth protest too much.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: I'm not sure what Dreamer meant by "Flower knows about Laura", because I'm not sure what Flower knows about Laura. That she's trans? That she's lesbian (or bi?). That she's a devisor/gadgeteer? Some other secret that I missed?

I meant she figured out that Laura is a lesbian and wondered how long it would be before Laura would tell her friends about it. Thought the scene the comment was connected to would make that obvious, guess not.

It was subtle, but there. A tiny bit ambiguous about exactly what she was picking up.

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

Flower knows about Laura, wonder how soon Laura will let the others now.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

5. don't get the question

I'm not sure what Dreamer meant by "Flower knows about Laura", because I'm not sure what Flower knows about Laura. That she's trans? That she's lesbian (or bi?). That she's a devisor/gadgeteer? Some other secret that I missed?

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: A sophmore and a freshman dating isn't unheard of, but Krystal is a senior. Which also isn't unheard of, but is a bit more questionable.

8. nope

Do you mean "no, Krystal isn't a senior" or "no, seniors and freshman dating isn't unheard of", or "no, seniors and freshman dating isn't questionable"?

Does Flower know Laura is a lesbian? Maybe. All will become clear in part 2. Does Flower know Laura is a changeling? Obviously since Laura is on her wing. Is Flower going to get a thing going with Laura? Nope. Is SOMEONE going to date Laura? Dunno. Is someone dating Flower? Dunno. Will Fran tell James that she's carrying his baby? Will Fran's mother survive her emergency surgery? Will the doctor be able to do the surgery on the woman he's been having an affair with? Will James reveal to Fran that he's gay? Will Fran's Mother's third-husband ever discover the affair? For the answers to these and other questions, tune in again tomorrow for another episode of "As the Whateley Turns"

Is it Madaraki Fran?

'Cause I'm a fan of hers.

I dont know why I didn't mention it before but the AI being called a "Cortana" is an obvious Halo ref, so long as it isn't a "Wheatley" or "GLaDOS" we should be fine, (I stand by the theory that another entity is at work for H5 Cortana or that she isn't as whole as she thinks she is, and is therefore malfunctioning), we will also have be concerned if an AI is called Spark or 7³ or the previous letters for the each letter of the acronym name of International Business Machines + a DBZ power level that's frequently surpassed.... But then again, something tells me that all those entities are at the school, or at least very accurate recreations of them....

And WHY exactly am I getting the feeling that both VI and AI are frequently found in Devisor and Gadgeteer powersuits? More specifically that VI are seen as substitutes for full AI, suitable for testing and prototype phase equipment, and for piloting drones and such that can be directed by a full AI but aren't advanced or durable enough to justify the use of such a program, also I am assuming that while an AI could control multiple units at once, directly, that doing so could strain it, so having one command VI in the units (or a biological person command the VI of course) would be more efficient.

I'm guessing that with the exception of some devisors who make AI as more or less a byproduct of their power, by in large the most AI anyone can be expected to have is 1 to 3, hardware and network limitations, and the non-devise AI are really expensive, with anti-cloning safeguards. I also suspect the Palm fear was surpassed by the fact that the best defense against AI (and Cyberpaths) is other AI and cyberpaths.

It is a development that makes me think that Devisors and Gadgeteers are no longer considered as being easy targets, even a low level Gadgeteer would have access to VI, even without a full AI, that could mean minion factory.

Re the Underdogs table and the vents:

The Underdogs table is under the air-conditioning vents -- meaning, air is blown INTO the Crystal Hall.

Killstench and (sometimes) Nate would eat under the exhaust vents -- which blow air OUT of the Crystal Hall.

It makes sense, sort of. In normal days, Nate would sit at the Underdogs table -- where the air current from the AC would dissipate quickly his "minor" emissions. In chili days or such, that wouldn't be enough, so he would be exiled to the exhaust vents.

mhalpern wrote: I dont know why I didn't mention it before but the AI being called a "Cortana" is an obvious Halo ref, so long as it isn't a "Wheatley" or "GLaDOS" we should be fine, (I stand by the theory that another entity is at work for H5 Cortana or that she isn't as whole as she thinks she is, and is therefore malfunctioning), we will also have be concerned if an AI is called Spark or 7³ or the previous letters for the each letter of the acronym name of International Business Machines + a DBZ power level that's frequently surpassed.... But then again, something tells me that all those entities are at the school, or at least very accurate recreations of them....

Cortana is slang on the net for the class/level of AI
To put it broadly
VI, Civilian AI, Military AI.
Personal, intermediate, installation class.
Personal VI/AI's are generally called SIri (Tavi is an example), Peppers (Civilian AI), Cortana (Military AI)
As for your theory... Consdier who her human is, and who the commsioning (ie, the people who paid for Kurenai). As for her 'complete' status, depends what you mean.

All AI's and VI (to a lesser extent) are regulated by most nations and INTERNATIONAL treaties (not UN ran, not MCO ran, usually), and yes, Kureani is gagdetter programmed.

And WHY exactly am I getting the feeling that both VI and AI are frequently found in Devisor and Gadgeteer powersuits? More specifically that VI are seen as substitutes for full AI, suitable for testing and prototype phase equipment, and for piloting drones and such that can be directed by a full AI but aren't advanced or durable enough to justify the use of such a program, also I am assuming that while an AI could control multiple units at once, directly, that doing so could strain it, so having one
command VI in the units (or a biological person command the VI of course) would be more efficient.

More like VI has a LOT less restrictions on it, than AI. AI's are _heavily_ regulated, and the creators/owners are fully liable both CRIMINALLY and Civil for their actions, within some reason, plus several other aspects, as well as military class AI is even MORE restricted and frankly, if not authorized to program one and you do... and keep it without authorization and other issues of a legal nature, a good way to get put in jail for a looong time.

I'm guessing that with the exception of some devisors who make AI as more or less a byproduct of their power, by in large the most AI anyone can be expected to have is 1 to 3, hardware and network limitations, and the non-devise AI are really expensive, with anti-cloning safeguards. I also suspect the Palm fear was surpassed by the fact that the best defense against AI (and Cyberpaths) is other AI and cyberpaths.

There are no legal limits to the NUMBER of AI you are the human of (well, per the AI's anyways), it's more cost/hardware limitations.
Eh, acutally AI per say isn't expensive, at least hardware wise, programming, even not so much. Still pricey, no question, mind you, and most people won't have htem (VI is good enough and FAR cheaper)
Kurenai and her direct sisters, are VERY pricey, but that's their HOUSING/HARDWARE that's the cost, in their case, high end gagdetter. If Kurenai's hardware was the size, of oh, say a full tower PC, figure her cost would be a fifth, easy. One thing to remember, is that the 'kernal' of most VI or AI, can be shared amoung others, though Kurenai's own personality base load is less shared, and her adaptions to Hikaru, can't be copied.

And yes, Palm VI (they're not really AI as the term is) are ALWAYS hunted by ANY AI.
Period. No ifs, ands or buts. To put it midly, Mossad and other anti Nazi groups in the 60's would take notes on how zeolusly and rutlelessy any AI would go after a Palm.
And they usually win.

It is a development that makes me think that Devisors and Gadgeteers are no longer considered as being easy targets, even a low level Gadgeteer would have access to VI, even without a full AI, that could mean minion factory.

Eh, remember above, regulation, and the difference between Civilian applications (Tavi) and military (Kurenai), as well as hardcoded limitations as well as some other things you' will learn.

One additional point (which won't be brought up for a while)
AI's of this generation (G2 WU), aren't 'sentient' on first boot. They have a kernel (most AI's share a very similar one, some differences, but it's not significant), and a 'template' personality they come with, but before and during first boot/intinzation/load, and for a while (varies) afterwards, they _are not sentient by definition_. It takes INTERACTION with humans for them to cross into actual 'begins' and truly thinking and acting AI/individuals. Kurenai has crossed that threshold.

What about sentient devises? I take it there are legal options to protect those and their makers when they become useful byproducts? Or are they not considered the same way as the ones that agree with physics? And made to be kept airgapped when possible? From what I understand, sentient devises aren't exactly uncommon, even when the devisor has no intention of making them intelligent.

The limitation on AI I would expect people to have was mostly cost oriented, also because the students who would have them would mostly be because they were "build a best friend" projects. The legal responsibility for AI and VI is as I would consider them somewhere between a pet or child and tools

AI is AI, is the law. if it's a sentient non organic? You're on the hook under AI laws, no matter how the AI showed up.

Period. While AIs are loved by the military and the majority of their users, the simple fact is, there's (reasonable, fair enough) fear of them. the AI's that you see (Kurenai, and a few others that will appear later) are specifically _not sent out_ 'sentient' for very good reasons. Kurenai for at least (ie, I haven't decided) the first month or so of her existence would not qualify as 'sentient'

And no, the limitation on AI's is three fold: 1: Rarity (even the best AI crèches only 'intinalize' 2-3 a day, at best), 2: Outside Pepper/Cortanas (which ARE VERY costly, as noted, because of the hardware they need, Kurenai is even more costly, given how small her hardware is, and her preloaded expert/skill sets), AI's pretty much have to have their home built AROUND them. IT's possible to refit a house more or less for an AI, mind you, but it's very costy, while building it from the get go for an AI, is about 1/3rd to 1/4th the cost. 3: Demand (Military wants them badly, for example, and you can figure any million or so dollar home is being built "AI ready", at the least, maybe even cheaper houses), then Cost. (which, admittedly, is a function of demand, too, and currently the demand outstrips the supply.)

AI Creches (as I think they'd be called) are HEAVILY regulated, and cannot, cannot, cannot sell/give their AI's until they've been cert'ed by their host goverement.... and this might be one of the TWO things humanity agrees on nearly (and the nations that don't, are HEAVILY watched by cyberpaths, dedicated installation class or better AI's, and elite elite elite hackers) unversially, that _should be heavily watched and monitored and regulated_.

Say, as a hypotethical? Japan has _3_ total that can sell their product/authorized for it outside the lab. 9 AI's a day at most. How many of those are less than a year (hades, less than 6 months, even) gotten permission to release their AIs?
AI's are _new_. As Lapin points out, they're _FINALLY_ making their way out of military labs.
Finally.

Side note: Kurenai (well her crèche group, anyways) was in my mind the first Cortanas released by Japan for non lab testing.
That tells you all you need to know, really.

And yes, the laws, the rarity, the cost, oh, my, the cost, and fear from non users, is why VI is far more popular and more commonly used. AI, without question, is far superior over all, but for what most people want/use? VI gets it done, and it's far safer, and far less regulated/monitored.

MageOhki wrote: AI is AI, is the law. if it's a sentient non organic? You're on the hook under AI laws, no matter how the AI showed up.

Period. While AIs are loved by the military and the majority of their users, the simple fact is, there's (reasonable, fair enough) fear of them. the AI's that you see (Kurenai, and a few others that will appear later) are specifically _not sent out_ 'sentient' for very good reasons. Kurenai for at least (ie, I haven't decided) the first month or so of her existence would not qualify as 'sentient'

And no, the limitation on AI's is three fold: 1: Rarity (even the best AI crèches only 'intinalize' 2-3 a day, at best), 2: Outside Pepper/Cortanas (which ARE VERY costly, as noted, because of the hardware they need, Kurenai is even more costly, given how small her hardware is, and her preloaded expert/skill sets), AI's pretty much have to have their home built AROUND them. IT's possible to refit a house more or less for an AI, mind you, but it's very costy, while building it from the get go for an AI, is about 1/3rd to 1/4th the cost. 3: Demand (Military wants them badly, for example, and you can figure any million or so dollar home is being built "AI ready", at the least, maybe even cheaper houses), then Cost. (which, admittedly, is a function of demand, too, and currently the demand outstrips the supply.)

AI Creches (as I think they'd be called) are HEAVILY regulated, and cannot, cannot, cannot sell/give their AI's until they've been cert'ed by their host goverement.... and this might be one of the TWO things humanity agrees on nearly (and the nations that don't, are HEAVILY watched by cyberpaths, dedicated installation class or better AI's, and elite elite elite hackers) unversially, that _should be heavily watched and monitored and regulated_.

Say, as a hypotethical? Japan has _3_ total that can sell their product/authorized for it outside the lab. 9 AI's a day at most. How many of those are less than a year (hades, less than 6 months, even) gotten permission to release their AIs?
AI's are _new_. As Lapin points out, they're _FINALLY_ making their way out of military labs.
Finally.

Side note: Kurenai (well her crèche group, anyways) was in my mind the first Cortanas released by Japan for non lab testing.
That tells you all you need to know, really.

And yes, the laws, the rarity, the cost, oh, my, the cost, and fear from non users, is why VI is far more popular and more commonly used. AI, without question, is far superior over all, but for what most people want/use? VI gets it done, and it's far safer, and far less regulated/monitored.

So legal difference (for devisors) How do they determine the difference between a Dev AI and Dev VI?

I'm missing some cultural reference here. Siri, yes, Cortana, yes, but why the civilian AIs are nicknamed "Peppers" instead of, say, "Jarvises?" AFAIK (but I haven't seen the latest Marvel movies), Pepper Potts was never an AI.

Jarvis got taken for intermediate class Civilian AI. I haven't thought of better slang yet.

XD

As for how they tell AI/VI apart, assume they have a working 'test' they can do, to see if the 'program' is VI or really AI in disguise.

MageOhki wrote: Jarvis got taken for intermediate class Civilian AI. I haven't thought of better slang yet.

XD

As for how they tell AI/VI apart, assume they have a working 'test' they can do, to see if the 'program' is VI or really AI in disguise.

Ahh, a Turing test then.. but harder to cheat

So, what makes a Palm VI, a VI, instead of an AI?

Just want to politely suggest that the AI/VI discussion be taken to its own thread, rather than cluttering up this one.

Update!

Nice first scene! Funny! ... What are those special cases? ... Will the admin issues be solved in this part? ... I'll read and see!

... So, Laura knows what a Glamour is? ... Did someone else tell her? ... Who else has a Glamour?

OMG! Pat and Chessa! [And the rest of their family...]

"Mganga" ... That's not a typo... Right?

Beaverly isn't an Exemplar, then? [Perhaps I shouldn't edit this post that much...]

I'm waiting anxiously for the first "Holy Crap on a Cracker" reaction.....

elrodw wrote: I'm waiting anxiously for the first "Holy Crap on a Cracker" reaction.....

You may have stunned them into silence...

Holy crap on a Popsicle stick!

OK, not really. But this was a very unexpected surprise. I was expecting something more confrontational.

It brings up a few questions.

How many trustees are left? We had six named from Gen 1, and I'm gussing Stephen Hawking wasn't dragged down into the tunnels.

Which Trustee is Ms. Hartford's fiance? Is it one of the named trustees? Or someone we don't know.


How much will le Compte change how things are run?

And just how did a boob like Forsythe become assistant Security Chief?


On the other front what happened to the SFL? Tractor has that we won, but everything got really fucked up feeling going on.

Valentine wrote: How many trustees are left? We had six named from Gen 1, and I'm gussing Stephen Hawking wasn't dragged down into the tunnels.

Which Trustee is Ms. Hartford's fiance? Is it one of the named trustees? Or someone we don't know.

Two were named to be with Carson... Lord Paramount and Ty West. Of the rest... the remainder of the current roster of them is still around and doing things like asking Ms. Hartford to resign... and appointing new headmasters and other such meddling.
.

How much will le Compte change how things are run?.

Not as much as you may fear... more than you may expect... we'll have to see.
.

And just how did a boob like Forsythe become assistant Security Chief?

You may be thinking of Reynolds... Forsythe was seen as the best of the Gen 1 crop of officers... well, other than Delarose and Everheart.
.

On the other front what happened to the SFL? Tractor has that we won, but everything got really fucked up feeling going on.

More will be told of that soon-ish... the rest will have to wait. If it's ever really talked about completely.

Well, it seems I'll have things to look forward to tomorrow!

Continuing from where I stopped...

***

... Well, that's a disturbing nightmare. Good job! ... Slut-bunny... Like slut-kitty? I guess it doesn't need a lot of imagination?

"The shower head looked a little weird," - Hydroflux showerheads! Or something like them. ... I wonder how Tia'll react when she discovers/hears about, their special features? ... That is, if I'm right, of course.

Nice convo about ronin and stuff, and shows the Hikaru-Taka relationship!

Rumors are forming from misconceptions. Those who've got accurate info are gonna be interesting! ... Who owned that table before??

Bellows! ... Wow. So much thinking! Sneaky good!

"Bear of a man ... redhead"... Oh! Right! This is Tractor and Vanity Girl! .... And noted in-story. ... What are those 'issues' involving Kayda, Kodiak, Loophole, and others? ... Magical? Seed related?

What is going on with Admin??

Prudhomme's the European counselor. Who's the Oriental or whatever one, if it exists? I guess we'll find out with Hikaru and Taka...

It's really funny watching Malady calmly posting reactions, knowing what is coming up in the story.


Speaking of which. figs. When the RAs started streaming out in tears I guessed that something had happened to Carson, but the full scope of this disaster is impressive. Many of those missing could hold off entire armies on their own. For them all to vanish together, without a sound? We're going to need a bigger boat school...

While foul play was definitely involved, I have difficulty imagining any villain or even an entire organization of villains pulling this off. But I can't help but remember a certain mysterious horrible gate that Jade spent some time cleaning ten years ago...

It's good to see more cameos, and old friends becoming teachers. And Pat and the Schrodinger siblings have treacherous journey from fanfic to canon! Three cheers for them! (And yes, I know that the journey is fraught with peril, and they may not be quite like we remember them. But still)

I burst out laughing at learning that Morgana thinks that there's something she wouldn't be able to buy at the school store.

I was a bit confused by the introductions bit, though. Is Misty a sophomore? Because I thought that we had met all the changeling freshthings, but Misty acted like she was new to Poe. Also, my impression was that Mganga (although I didn't know his name) was the only boy present (not counting Pat, who was mistaken as a girl until introduced) in the group, up until Bewitched started speaking, and suddenly there was a second.

Tia is an idiot!* For those that don't know I'm studying to become a mathematician, so I know how math works.

She is correct in that some math at the lower levels is all formulas but that is not true for all math. Starting with algebra math starts being about being able to figure out puzzles, you have a goal and a set number of actions you can do to get to that goal. I will admit there are some formulas which if you memorize than you can pass at highschool algebra (which has very little relation to university algebra) but at any higher level this is considered ridiculous and stupid because of the complexity of the formulas. Being able to derive a formula from the tools you are given is half the point of giving you the tools.

That doesn't even get me started on calculus. The entire point of calculus is that there is no formulas! Well okay there are formulas but no one uses them unless they have to. The formulas can turn a 5 second question into a hour length one. What,you need to learn are the methods, which are simpler, easier to remember, and more useful. The methods are derived from the formulas but still.

*I apologize for my rudeness, it was unnessecarily hurtful. I try not to say anything negative online, in the heat of the moment I forgot myself.

In my mind the events in the tunnels either reek of foul play or GOO/ class x events.

The car accident reeks of foul play, though.

I'm wondering if these will be a separate set of events from the gen1 battle vs the bastard or if the new headmaster is a thrall of him, suddenly making Whateley much less of the "safe haven" we know and love.....

With half the major trustees missing....

Here's what I think happened:

shadeofred wrote: I'm wondering if these will be a separate set of events from the gen1 battle vs the bastard or if the new headmaster is a thrall of him, suddenly making Whateley much less of the "safe haven" we know and love.....

I would bet my right shoe that Mazarin has been quietly been scouted as a possible replacement for Carson for years now, by Carson herself as well as by the trustees. There is no way she would leave the fate of her school to chance if she was gone. I have no doubt that Mazarin will bring about some many policy changes as he decides how the school is best to be run, but I sincerely believe that he has the best interests of the school in mind.

Jarjaross wrote: Tia is an idiot!* For those that don't know I'm studying to become a mathematician, so I know how math works.

She is correct in that some math at the lower levels is all formulas but that is not true for all math. Starting with algebra math starts being about being able to figure out puzzles, you have a goal and a set number of actions you can do to get to that goal. I will admit there are some formulas which if you memorize than you can pass at highschool algebra (which has very little relation to university algebra) but at any higher level this is considered ridiculous and stupid because of the complexity of the formulas. Being able to derive a formula from the tools you are given is half the point of giving you the tools.

That doesn't even get me started on calculus. The entire point of calculus is that there is no formulas! Well okay there are formulas but no one uses them unless they have to. The formulas can turn a 5 second question into a hour length one. What,you need to learn are the methods, which are simpler, easier to remember, and more useful. The methods are derived from the formulas but still.

*I apologize for my rudeness, it was unnessecarily hurtful. I try not to say anything negative online, in the heat of the moment I forgot myself.

Most of math builds on the formula you learn at the lower levels, methods or not. Tia, potentially lacking a few of those and not knowing it, could well be in for some severe pain, but she's stubborn. She wants to do what she was able to do before. Will she be able to pull it off? who knows? But she wants to try, and she has had a few months to study and relearn things she lost.

By the way, I'm not offended. the fact that you picked up on Tia being human means I wrote her well, and you're invested in the character; that's about the best compliment you can give me.

My thoughts exactly. In which case there will need to be a storyline about them eventually
escaping Sarah's intestinal tract.

A quick comment right now, a training team of eleven sounds pretty big. I wonder what the trainers are going to think of that.

So the board and Mrs Carson accidentally released Sara and she was HUNGRY!!!!!! ?

Given the gravity of that situation, not being able to move Tia back to Poe makes even less sense.

Domoviye wrote: A quick comment right now, a training team of eleven sounds pretty big. I wonder what the trainers are going to think of that.

yeah, I was thinking that too. Might as well add in the entire freshman class from poe while they're at it..... if they didn't already. Still trying to keep track of the new names. I have to be bashed over the head repeatedly in order for me to remember names.

Domoviye wrote: A quick comment right now, a training team of eleven sounds pretty big. I wonder what the trainers are going to think of that.

If they are smart they will realize that that training team goes up to eleven.

Finished reading! ...

***

Massive structural reorganization! ... What happened down there??... Not a tunnel collapse? Falcon as Assistant Head... ... Not a big a shock as it would if I wasn't reading the comments... Well. pretty interesting and surprising developments! ... Now to read the comments...

Following up my first impressions post with some additional thoughts.

jmhyp wrote: So the board and Mrs Carson accidentally released Sara and she was HUNGRY!!!!!! ?

What i get for posting without reading is finding out someone else had the same idea.

Given the gravity of that situation, not being able to move Tia back to Poe makes even less sense.

In fact, there should be something in place to do a end run around the computers trying to give you the runaround. Ms Horton should be able to invoke the Pejuta Protocols (I know, should be Tennyo Protocols, but that lacks alliteration) to immediately move Tia back to Poe. It's not hard to break the "sorry Poe is full" issue. Just ask the computer to list all the students in each room. When it starts making up students, you know it is compromised and clearer heads should prevail.

Goodness, I have to say I get a chuckle out of this. It never ceases to amaze me how conservative some of your guesses are when speculating about this universe. Especially the knee-jerk ones, it's almost like as a collective fan base you're afraid to imagine large.

Let me just say there are FAR WORSE things in those tunnels than Sarah.

Or, to quote the movie, "You think that's air you're breathing? Hmm."

Aside from potential Kellith dealings, I did enjoy the scene with Tractor, he seems embarrassed talking about Debra and Kayda.

mhalpern wrote: Aside from potential Kellith dealings, I did enjoy the scene with Tractor, he seems embarrassed talking about Debra and Kayda.

We shall learn much, much more about Tractor. Much, much more. Bwah Hah Hah Hah!!!

jmhyp wrote: Following up my first impressions post with some additional thoughts.

jmhyp wrote: So the board and Mrs Carson accidentally released Sara and she was HUNGRY!!!!!! ?

What i get for posting without reading is finding out someone else had the same idea.

Given the gravity of that situation, not being able to move Tia back to Poe makes even less sense.

In fact, there should be something in place to do a end run around the computers trying to give you the runaround. Ms Horton should be able to invoke the Pejuta Protocols (I know, should be Tennyo Protocols, but that lacks alliteration) to immediately move Tia back to Poe. It's not hard to break the "sorry Poe is full" issue. Just ask the computer to list all the students in each room. When it starts making up students, you know it is compromised and clearer heads should prevail.

An assumption here, jmhyp, is that the 'protocol' doesn't involve the HM, or AHM, who (well, Falcon is, so) might not know the reason behind the move back, or isn't the factor. With the decapitation this close of the senior staff, it'll take time. There ARE other reasons why Mrs. Horton isn't pulling every string, as well, one of which she stated, in the scene.

Valentine wrote: Which Trustee is Ms. Hartford's fiance? Is it one of the named trustees? Or someone we don't know.

Warning: Spoiler! [ Click to expand ] [ Click to hide ]

Totem would be choice.

Actually, I'm assuming that Lord Paramount might be Hartford's fiancé. I mean, there was some implication in one of the Gen1 stories that she had a "secret boyfriend" who was (a) a big-shot villain and (b) rarely able to visit. Although your suggestion would be good too. Delicious irony.

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Aside from potential Kellith dealings, I did enjoy the scene with Tractor, he seems embarrassed talking about Debra and Kayda.

We shall learn much, much more about Tractor. Much, much more. Bwah Hah Hah Hah!!!

Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Aside from potential Kellith dealings, I did enjoy the scene with Tractor, he seems embarrassed talking about Debra and Kayda.

We shall learn much, much more about Tractor. Much, much more. Bwah Hah Hah Hah!!!

Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Aside from potential Kellith dealings, I did enjoy the scene with Tractor, he seems embarrassed talking about Debra and Kayda.

We shall learn much, much more about Tractor. Much, much more. Bwah Hah Hah Hah!!!

Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

Nope. Most faculty and staff do NOT know the secret of Poe. Key people know - like Dr. Bellows, headmaster and assistant headmaster, Dr. Tenent. But not everyone.

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

Nope. Most faculty and staff do NOT know the secret of Poe. Key people know - like Dr. Bellows, headmaster and assistant headmaster, Dr. Tenent. But not everyone.

Well, if you're gonna be counseling Poesies, shouldn't you know about Poe? Is there any way that the Secret could be assumed to be irrelevant??

... Well, it's (sorta) Tractor's fault for having the pictures out?

***

In other news. ... Glee... Hmm... There are spirits of human traits like Femininity aren't tied to cultures like Wihanape is tied to Native Americana?

Malady wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote: Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

Nope. Most faculty and staff do NOT know the secret of Poe. Key people know - like Dr. Bellows, headmaster and assistant headmaster, Dr. Tenent. But not everyone.

Well, if you're gonna be counseling Poesies, shouldn't you know about Poe? Is there anyway that the Secret could be assumed to be irrelevant??

... Well, it's (sorta) Tractor's fault for having the pictures out?

So he's a sentimental dude. He has a picture of friends. But there's something no-one picked up on relating to that picture. We'll see if anyone gets it.

And we'll find out more in part 4

elrodw wrote:

Malady wrote: Well, if you're gonna be counseling Poesies, shouldn't you know about Poe? Is there anyway that the Secret could be assumed to be irrelevant??

... Well, it's (sorta) Tractor's fault for having the pictures out?

So he's a sentimental dude. He has a picture of friends. But there's something no-one picked up on relating to that picture. We'll see if anyone gets it.

And we'll find out more in part 4

What? The kids? I was like, "We have Wicked MID/Chara. sheet. So, meh?" ... Well, actually, I just forgot to mention them... ... That can't be it anyway, as they were mentioned in-story...

Which picture? There's at least 3 being talked about in that scene.

So, Part 4. and not Part 3... Hmm...

Also, I brought up Glee in my previous post, and her being a spirit of a human quality, and apparently disconnected from any specific culture.

Well, obviously from the things he said and the way he said it, something... bad happened to Vanity Girl prompting the couple to retire from active heroing. Not fatal -- Barton speaks of his wife in the present, as a living person -- but perhaps disfiguring, since "she doesn't use the Vanity Girl name anymore."
Other interesting points...
- Kayda appears to have become a member of the Sioux Falls League, since she is in the group shot.
- Tractor and Vanity Girl appear to have become good friends with the unnamed couple (which, from the description, sounds like Kodiak and Loophole)
- "Assumed-to-be-Loophole" has a pair of children, which is consistent with the example character sheet for 2016-version of "Wicked/Loophole" E.E. leaked a while ago. (Although in that sheet, Lainie had 8-year boy-and-girl twins and a 6 1/2 son).

And again, those 8-year-old kids would have been born sometime around 2008... which is before Lainie is supposed to graduate. But we still don't know how much of that character sheet is canon and how much is red herrings. We don't even know if that sheet is for 2016 or, say, 2020.

E. E. Nalley wrote: Goodness, I have to say I get a chuckle out of this. It never ceases to amaze me how conservative some of your guesses are when speculating about this universe. Especially the knee-jerk ones, it's almost like as a collective fan base you're afraid to imagine large.

Let me just say there are FAR WORSE things in those tunnels than Sarah.

First, what makes you think we aren't aware there are far worse things in the tunnel, given that someone pointed out the entity that Jade encountered? Second, I was joking, which I thought was obvious from the excessive use of exclamation points in my post. Frankly if it turns out to be Sarah I would be disappointed.

Tangent: Other than rushing to the forums to make a joke, the big event of this episode didn't really blow me away. Probably because I was expecting something big to happen. I so despise spoilers. They create expectations and I prefer to read stuff cold. (Part of why I've been posting a lot less frequently during the G2 ramp up.)

On the nature of Glee... yes, avatars can be spirits of concepts. You'll see more of that eventually.

jmhyp wrote:

E. E. Nalley wrote: Goodness, I have to say I get a chuckle out of this. It never ceases to amaze me how conservative some of your guesses are when speculating about this universe. Especially the knee-jerk ones, it's almost like as a collective fan base you're afraid to imagine large.

Let me just say there are FAR WORSE things in those tunnels than Sarah.

First, what makes you think we aren't aware there are far worse things in the tunnel, given that someone pointed out the entity that Jade encountered? Second, I was joking, which I thought was obvious from the excessive use of exclamation points in my post. Frankly if it turns out to be Sarah I would be disappointed.

Tangent: Other than rushing to the forums to make a joke, the big event of this episode didn't really blow me away. Probably because I was expecting something big to happen. I so despise spoilers. They create expectations and I prefer to read stuff cold. (Part of why I've been posting a lot less frequently during the G2 ramp up.)

Re-read my comment.

First off I don't single out anyone on purpose. It's a general comment directed to the entire fan base which tends to be quite conservative in their guessing. I don't comment on what you know or don't know are in the tunnels, only clarifying there's much worse things than what is been put forward.

So relax there's no finger-pointing it's just something I find humorous.

Malady wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote: Does he walk in on them? That's the only explanation I can think of for his embarrassment

Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

Nope. Most faculty and staff do NOT know the secret of Poe. Key people know - like Dr. Bellows, headmaster and assistant headmaster, Dr. Tenent. But not everyone.

Well, if you're gonna be counseling Poesies, shouldn't you know about Poe? Is there any way that the Secret could be assumed to be irrelevant??

He's only helping with classes, and general stuff, not anyone's emotional well being. Some student counsellors are very hands on and caring, like Barton seems to be, while others aren't (who is Ayla's useless counsellor?). Picking and choosing who knows and who doesn't could easily lead to trouble, So while it might help a little for these counsellors to know, it's better overall to have them in the dark.

Despite the dire reveal at the end...am I the only one wondering if Bianca will find a place to fish on campus, and how the non-Poesies (and a few Poesies too) might react to her having such a "dull and boyish" hobby?

Well Tennyo found a fishing spot, so Bianca can to.
And it's not that odd for a girl to fish depending on where she's from.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: I was a bit confused by the introductions bit, though. Is Misty a sophomore? Because I thought that we had met all the changeling freshthings, but Misty acted like she was new to Poe. Also, my impression was that Mganga (although I didn't know his name) was the only boy present (not counting Pat, who was mistaken as a girl until introduced) in the group, up until Bewitched started speaking, and suddenly there was a second.

Yeah, Misty is new to Poe too... she's a Freshman as well. She just didn't get the tour with the others. Whether that was because of her complicated nature or more confused mental state we can't say...

And, Oops?!?... Noah was there from the start. In writing and re-writing the scene to make sure everyone was accounted for we missed marking him out as having been present. I think it has to partially due with his nature. As a Male he tends to lurk a bit when surrounded by girls. The last thing he wants to do is be forced to be one of the group since he enjoys his time as a male.

I've just finished part 1, just about to start part 2, will post comments on both parts together. It's taken me a while, not only because of RL (I just love hayfever - NOT!) but due to noting down various reference stuff, e.g.:

Staff from G1: Elaine Claire, Mrs Linsford, Bella Horton, Trish Savage

New existing staff/students: Officer Kamos, Krystal "Flower" Barrett, Julian O'Brien (Poe boys RA), Annette Carpenter (Poe girls RA), Tiff Lock (Melville RA), Sergeant Clauser, Officer Kamos, (Officer?) Jenkins, Materielle (Melville fixer), Inkblood (deputy fixer), Mr Babich (Poe house parent), Ms Everette (?), Concierge (Melville house parent), Matthew Woodruff (Melville house parent), Lindy (Melville house parent), Quinn (Automotive Club), Jules Boucher (Gearheads Faculty Sponsor?)

Other new students: Kieren Mason, Leland Patton, Clayton Adams, Terry Adams (Poe boys), Alicia Godwin, Jeanette Quinn (Poe girls), Kareela Greer (elsewhere)

Boys dorms: Taka, Jimmy and Vic
Girls dorms (+ Melville): Tanya, Erica, Cally, Tia (possibly temporarily), Hikaru
Poe: Morgana, Laura, Bianca, Tia (possibly eventually), Bailey

I have a feeling that Tia's situation is not going to be resolved anytime soon and she's going to have to suffer in the lap of luxury for some time.

Which brings up a few questions. She is a known changeling. A lot of her fellow dorm mates are going to know she was once a boy, and those that don't will be filled in quickly.

This is not Poe, they won't be happy with her sharing the girl's washroom, and no way will they expect her to shower and bath with the boys. Seems likely she's going to get access to a one person bath.

Might this result in her getting upgraded to a senior's room? which I'm betting has a private bath.

I'm not sure how much bigotry I should expect. She was clearly transformed against her will. It's hardly her fault. Might be a few girls who see her as a chance to let their inner life coaches out.

A certain type of male might see her as an object of bragging rights. Not to date, just to do.

Others would be totally creeped out by her.

I'm way too far out of the loop to figure out how her association with Playboy would be read. Twenty years ago, sure, Playboy was a thing every hormonal boy was well acquainted with. These days, not so much. though I'm sure it's still part of the male culture to a certain extent. Playboy bunny likely still brings certain ideas to mind.

This might worsen her situation. As a victim she gets a certain amount of slack, becoming associated with Playboy of her own free will will cost her points.

Mind you, again some boys might think taking advantage of having that body to cash in only makes sense.

Girl's might view her in a more negative light for it. Or maybe it will just confirm to them that Tia's still male in mind.

This segment also revealed that Tia is becoming substantially more timid. She's developing a fear of confrontation, like when she refused to join in on Laura's plan to secure a table.

Her new neuroses are really well handled by the authors, with a natural and understandable progression, but it is troubling nonetheless.

Was it just the Jamie nightmare that caused it? Is it something more? Ibby couldn't be less like this though, brimming with confidence where Tia is backing away. Perhaps she's still just not used to herself, yet.

Laura was a excellent contrast to Tia here. Compared to the nervous wreck she was in New York, she's really blossomed into her own. No more fear of being ostracized for being blue? She's recognized that she can re-center herself at Whateley, while Tia is still rejecting it.

mittfh wrote: I've just finished part 1, just about to start part 2, will post comments on both parts together. It's taken me a while, not only because of RL (I just love hayfever - NOT!) but due to noting down various reference stuff, e.g.:

Staff from G1: Elaine Claire, Mrs Linsford, Bella Horton, Trish Savage

New existing staff/students: Officer Kamos, Krystal "Flower" Barrett, Julian O'Brien (Poe boys RA), Annette Carpenter (Poe girls RA), Tiff Lock (Melville RA), Sergeant Clauser, Officer Kamos, (Officer?) Jenkins, Materielle (Melville fixer), Inkblood (deputy fixer), Mr Babich (Poe house parent), Ms Everette (?), Concierge (Melville house parent), Matthew Woodruff (Melville house parent), Lindy (Melville house parent), Quinn (Automotive Club), Jules Boucher (Gearheads Faculty Sponsor?)

Other new students: Kieren Mason, Leland Patton, Clayton Adams, Terry Adams (Poe boys), Alicia Godwin, Jeanette Quinn (Poe girls), Kareela Greer (elsewhere)

Boys dorms: Taka, Jimmy and Vic
Girls dorms (+ Melville): Tanya, Erica, Cally, Tia (possibly temporarily), Hikaru
Poe: Morgana, Laura, Bianca, Tia (possibly eventually), Bailey

You forgot Jake "Tractor" Barton and Valerie "Vanity Girl" Barton in the staff list.

mhalpern wrote:

mittfh wrote: I've just finished part 1, just about to start part 2, will post comments on both parts together. It's taken me a while, not only because of RL (I just love hayfever - NOT!) but due to noting down various reference stuff, e.g.:

Staff from G1: Elaine Claire, Mrs Linsford, Bella Horton, Trish Savage

New existing staff/students: Officer Kamos, Krystal "Flower" Barrett, Julian O'Brien (Poe boys RA), Annette Carpenter (Poe girls RA), Tiff Lock (Melville RA), Sergeant Clauser, Officer Kamos, (Officer?) Jenkins, Materielle (Melville fixer), Inkblood (deputy fixer), Mr Babich (Poe house parent), Ms Everette (?), Concierge (Melville house parent), Matthew Woodruff (Melville house parent), Lindy (Melville house parent), Quinn (Automotive Club), Jules Boucher (Gearheads Faculty Sponsor?)

Other new students: Kieren Mason, Leland Patton, Clayton Adams, Terry Adams (Poe boys), Alicia Godwin, Jeanette Quinn (Poe girls), Kareela Greer (elsewhere)

Boys dorms: Taka, Jimmy and Vic
Girls dorms (+ Melville): Tanya, Erica, Cally, Tia (possibly temporarily), Hikaru
Poe: Morgana, Laura, Bianca, Tia (possibly eventually), Bailey

You forgot Jake "Tractor" Barton and ValerieVanessa "Vanity Girl" Barton in the staff list.

Minor error corrected. Vanity Girl is "Vanessa Miles Barton". I was momentarily confused between Val (Eurydice) and Vanity Girl. Fixed here, and I'll double-check parts 3 and 4 to make sure it doesn't happen again.

E. E. Nalley wrote: It's a general comment directed to the entire fan base which tends to be quite conservative in their guessing. I don't comment on what you know or don't know are in the tunnels, only clarifying there's much worse things than what is been put forward.

Hmm... How about all the disappeared Admin found Nimbus's stuff and triggered a trap, like the stuff from Esoteric. There's enough Avatars in the disappeared set... ... Perhaps some latent traps, if Nimbus is dead in G2.

The Tunnel could be a Rocks Fall, Everybody Dies. ... Body Swap like Crystal Wavers... An Insane Crystal Waver attacks and uses Body Swap as revenge?

Bastard attack?

One of Palm's HAITs somehow got into Whateley and attacked? ... There's so many possible actors. And so many possible outcomes. Even Death might not be Final...

WMG: Magical Baby creation, out of randomized genetic material of the Tunneled. Ala this.

elrodw wrote: But there's something no-one picked up on relating to that picture. We'll see if anyone gets it.

Sir Lee wrote: Well, obviously from the things he said and the way he said it, something... bad happened to Vanity Girl prompting the couple to retire from active heroing. Not fatal -- Barton speaks of his wife in the present, as a living person -- but perhaps disfiguring, since "she doesn't use the Vanity Girl name anymore."

So, Elrod, did Sir Lee guess right? Or are you not gonna say? *shrugs*

I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore Part 2 comments
Laura and Bailey as roommates, didn't see that coming. And Laura outed herself to Bailey, guess she isn't that shy about it, at least with fellow Poesies. And teasing Bailey like that with all those questions, Laura definitely has a sense of humor we haven't seen before now. And Laura is a hugger, wonder if that will lead to confusion with other girls in the future.

At least Morgana is planning ahead, some students don't realize what the school store has and panic, overloading themselves with luggage. Plastic storage bins for under the bed, and Bianca doesn't think the school store will have them. Boy, first time in there is going to be a shock for her. Sound-proofing the room with a spell, always a good idea around a Whateley dorm.

Common room isn't that common in appearance anymore, from what I can remember of it in the older stories. All those m-t-f changelings and only 1 f-t-m, poor guy better watch what he says or the pranks in retaliation would lead to school-wide embarassment.

"And no short, one-word answers."

Already have a reputation with Flower. Okay, actually grabbed my own throat scared when Flower mentioned manifesting flower petals inside your windpipe. I knew she was a lot more dangerous than 'manifesting flowers' first suggested, never underestimate someone just because a low power rating or because their power doesn't sound dangerous at first. Laura is right to be nervous when thinking about the Underdogs, they have gotten a lot more creative over the years, that is for sure.

Geez, I agree with the girl who yell, Laura's dad is an asshole. Great, her dad owns a restaurant chain, and H1 supporter and Big Bob's Barbeque are really big with H1 groups, oh boy, that just lost him some customers. And her mom having to leave with Laura and her little sister Julie, all because her idiot of a father can't figure out being a mutant isn't a choice and not something you can control. And it is good to hear Laura's story and how she is happy with the way she changed, expect maybe the color change, plus she is already making more friends. Can't wait to read the long version of Laura's story eventually.

Toni aka Antonia Warren has a similar tale but came from a large family, with father and grandparents happy to have a girl to dote on. One of her brothers even wishes to be a mutant too, with a family that size wonder if at least one of her siblings might manifest as well. Dang, sponsored by the Windy City Guardians, and a power mimic code-named "Ditto", this Toni is a powerhouse in the making. She mimicked an avatar, ouch, should have a warning about that for power mimics in the school pamphlet.

"I don't have a glamour!"

Smacked my forehead at this, it is Fey all over again. How did Laura get a glamour which makes the girls fawn over her, I wonder. Possibly a devise she made or a relative or friend of the family did something, it couldn't be those mysterious people who are watching it who gave it to her, could it.

Ouch, a changeling from North Carolina, with what is going on down there in our reality, I hate to think how much worse it is in the WA universe. Dang, home-schooling like that I would have loved to have, travel the world for a true education. I hope her mystery father doesn't come back later on as a problem for Bailey. Exemplar 3 and esp 2 with danger sense...where she sneezes when she senses danger. Hope someone doesn't prank her with pepper right before a huge threat is about to show up. And Krystal has a point, didn't even think what people would think if Bailey caught a cold, yikes. Plus a power related to psychometry, that power is a lot more useful that Bailey realizes.

Ouch, Morgana has PTSD and due to the forced nature of her becoming a changeling isn't adapting as well to it as others. Can see why Krystal was made an RA, noticing things left unsaid and realizing when someone needs counseling are important parts of the job. Oddities which the Power Testing wonders will be fascinated with is code for lab rat, all that extra testing just to pin down how your powers work, oh boy, poor Morgana. At least she can joke about her dragon transformation.

A new Misty at the school and the poor girl has been forbidden from seeing her sisters by her own parents, poor girl. A functional hermaphrodite, no wonder, at least she can get the help she needs in Poe. Yikes, Cheri and Deci are that aggressively bi, keep Misty's secret from them at all cost. That many bi girls, dang, hope Misty can adapt to her change before they find out. And no religion should be used as an excuse to treat your child badly, no matter how they change.

Aunt is a fellow mutant and got her sponsored by the Bay Area Mutant Society, at least she has some family who doesn't care how she changed. An Exemplar 2 and PK-4 who can fly, with a neat codename, rarely see codenames in other languages even in comics. Over 200 mph in a dive, Misty has a very dangerous attack move. At least Misty will get counseling, with all her new friends in Poe hope she starts to cheer up more.

Celerity, Christina Cobryn, who goes by Chris. Member of the Capes, wonder how they have changed over the years, plus Exemplar, ESP, and Warp able to accelerate or decelerate things that pass through her warp field, that is a power I've never seen used before in any form of fiction. Laura's musing over what Celerity can do for her teammates barely scratches the surface of that powers potential.

Oh boy, hope no one figures out who Bianca is based on the type of magic she is telling them she can do. Revealing all that about her powers, plus now her history, oh boy. At least she isn't being more specific, though someone with the right drive and resources could figure out who she is based on everything she has said alone. Plus stating Chicago, hope no one here is connected to anyone back in Chicago or Scorn in any way.

Noah aka Bewitched lost his father to a supervillain his family has an old grudge with, yikes. Noah can turn back into a girl!?! Avatar and host to spirit of femininity name Glee who can shift him back and forth, no powers as a boy but can manifest a combat outfit as a girl, plus has to remain a girl outside of Poe to keep it secret, ouch. A little sister Darcy who changes codenames regularly, of boy. Distinct personalities when Noah and Nina, bet that has the Power Testing wonks working overtime to try and figure it out.

Pat Barnes, aka Hat Trick, who is a female-to-male pre-op transsexual and ask everyone to remember that. Only dressed up because he lost a bet with older sister, ouch. Ack! A pink poodle skirt, Pat's little sister is his complete opposite. 'Twin sister' Na'Chessa Rakia Barnes, saying to call her Chessa, codename Maidenclaw. Put same date for birthdays and didn't notice until it was too late when getting new official identities, oh boy. Wait, what, new body hatched?!?

Ah, involves a magic item and unclear wish, those will always screw you up. Chessa sneezes electricity sometimes, plus talk of her father and such makes me think the water tower incident was attempted suicide, yikes. Pat is an empath and Chessa is an energizer, plus tarot reading though that is probably not part of their powers, interesting. Little brother Marcus and a big sister which hasn't been named yet and the little brother has it worse than Chessa, what in the world happened to them. I want to read their origin story, you have me very curious now.

Lesley Wainwright aka Ping, gadgeteer specializing in electronics, and somehow turned into a girl by a devise but doesn't remember that. Damon Carpenter aka Mganga, a female to male changeling. From Denver with parents from Nigeria, parents tried to 'cure' her when she started changing; strong healing and weak empathy, with work-study job in Doyle, nice job if a bit stressful at times.

Beverly Taylor, another victim of a devisor transformation, from her own sister who has promised to fix it but is too scatter-brained to remember. Yikes, no wonder she is pissed off. A devise that caused her to manifest and become a girl in a process, oh boy. Oh boy, get Bianca and Bailey's hopes up about Beverly's sister being able to reverse a BIT-based gender change. At least Krystal warns them about trying such a thing, too dangerous to even try, could end up dead or worse.

Woah, are all those things in the basement from Ayla's renovations of Poe between her 1st and 2nd school year or has further stuff been added on since? Rumors about something involving the staff, this is very bad. No is talking to the students about what happened at the school, something involving Ms. Hartford even.

Laura and Bailey didn't like the movie, plus a warning from Bailey about the old curse of living in interesting times. And Laura thinks just because she has had enough of interesting times that they will stop, too bad the curse is true for more than a few Whateley students. Talk of classes and trying to get them together, Laura planning on testing out of a few classes. Laura joking with Bailey about rooming with her so she could be her private tutor, Bailey needs to learn to understand a joke instead of getting all nervous.

And another kid who doesn't know how to act around other kids her age because of how she was raised before her transformation, oh boy. Bailey saying it is like Laura was always a girl, shocking even Laura to learn this. Lessons on how to be a girl, with Laura stating her little sister says she gets cranky when tired and thus a poor teacher. Off to sleep for these two, where another day at Whateley awaits.

Good lord, that is a grade-A nightmare for poor Tia, dreaming Jamie transformed her fully into a female rabbit and put her in a cage with a bunch of male rabbits. Plus calling her slut-bunny, she needs to be back in Poe for the support she needs, or this will only get worse. Good, she is definitely seeing a shrink, hopefully several times a week. Darn it, Ibby! Replacing her old clothes with new stuff that are analogues to them, she needing something from her old life to help her feel safe as she adjust to her changes.

All those changes to her clothes, dresses and Rogers original Whateley Academy uniforms, plus a taunting note about Tia not being able to be a wallflower anymore. I would have texted Ibby about vengeance as well. At least Ibby wasn't excessively cruel by making some of the outfits pink, Tia would have taken them outside and burned them.

Worrying about her fellow students ogling her, she is going to drive herself nuts with thoughts like that. Going for a run only to see Kenshin with his shirt off and doing advanced and precise katas, impressive to land in the same spot in the air no matter where he started from. 30 minutes for that jog, she is faster than she realizes or the area she ran around is smaller than I expected.

Tia, I would risk being beat up for some of the Crystal Hall pancakes, especially since as long as you don't bump into anyone they probably won't start something. And Tia finds out the one things all the dorms have in common, communal showers and bathrooms. Gold pipes and fittings for the bathrooms and showers, oh brother. All that and no one else showed up once, I would be creeped out like Tia is too. Michelle Brown, a lesbian who didn't want to be in Poe by the way she is acting. Poor Tia has an admirer now.

Yikes, seeing Morgana's scars for the first time would make you curious as to their source. Good to know she and Bianca also have mandatory counselling. Laura talking with Morgana about how her devise functions, nice to see friends have similar interests to talk about. Laura modified her neural neutralizer and now it looks like the Star Trek Original Series phaser, priceless. Plus she read the handbook and knows something that can help them with their seating arrangements, a student who actually reads the handbook on the first day, she is a rarity.

Hope Tia gets away with leaving her ears out on a yellow flag day. Okay, what did Laura learn that gets them a table on one of the upper levels? All standing up for themselves about using the table and Bianca calls Laura Smurfette, she is playing with fire by teasing her with that nickname. At least they all agreed not to use it anymore and Morgana says they will smack anyone who does, oh boy, that is going to start a lot of fights.

Dang, they have stepped up the rules on upper level tables in the ensuing years. But to claim the table, that means they are going to become a training team, that is going to be a big team. Oh course Tanya shows up during the discussion and is confused. Laura, saying it isn't a real team won't matter to the administration, especially when it comes time for Team Tactics classes in the sims. All this talk of eating, wish I could dine at the Crystal Hall. And no wonder the school feels empty, today and tomorrow the rest of them are coming in, which means Melville will be a lot more crowded soon.

Yikes, knew Tanya would be upset about the news of Tia not being in Poe, but not like that, guess she has strong feelings about where Tia needs to be. Laura didn't like the movie because it was the bumbling devisor, at least Tia wasn't there to see it, might have triggered PTSD. Tanya teasing the Poe girls about being known as crazy, which Laura sticks her tongue out at. Ah, so Tanya knows the truth about Poe due to blabbermouth friend back home who was in it.

Can't believe Laura got Hikaru to simply sit down and hear her out. Uh oh, Laura doesn't know about the loophole on freshmen who have already formed a training team being required to train in the sims or she might rethink this plan. Hikaru saying as the most experience Taka must lead them, yet he gives her a good counterpart and she simply nods in response, never thought I would see that. Tanya thinks Whitman is like an insane asylum in a movie, due it to being mostly empty right now.

Talk about their respective cottages and with the way Tia is talking Hikaru thinks she likes it enough she won't want to leave. The Everett Aquatic Center and Pool, that wouldn't be connected to G1 Gloriana would it, hope it isn't a memorial named place. Wonder if the indoor pool beneath Holbrook area is still there.

Tia hearing whispers about New York, hope the story doesn't get blown too out of proportion. Laura wasn't kidding about loving shopping, good grief. Team Squidbusters is bad, the rest would just draw more trouble. Mutant Mayhem Machine, Laura isn't using common sense when she came up with that and now they are using it as a placeholder. Ouch, subject of her burnout still painful for Hikaru. Trying to synch up their class schedules and forming a team, things don't always go as planned. Plus more chatter about them from people who assume they were in the big fight in New York, instead of just asking the rumors are going to snowball.

Yay! Dr. Bellows is still around, just who the kids need to help them. At least someone is encouraging Tia and saying she did the right thing in New York, it may not get the heroes praise but calling the police or other authorities is always the right thing. Good, Dr. Bellows stopped Tia from putting herself down, she needs to realize she can still do a lot of things. Calculus, Tia really wishes to prove she can do at least some things she used to do as Luke even now. Tempting her with candy to test if her medicine is working, sneaky. Depression and feelings of inadequacy, know those all too well. Impulse control worsening, oh boy, he is right to worry but not tell her, that would freak her out more. Wonder what the text from Boucher is about.

Wait, a man of that build and Laura is feeling slightly out of breath after seeing him, Tractor! And says he was drafted into the job of History Department chair, sounds like something he would jump into without learning everything the job entails first. Pain plus issues with several of his closest friends, why do I have a bad feeling about this. A picture of Jack and his wife, Vanity Girl, with another couple, a bear of a man whose arm is wrapped protectively around a stunningly-curvaceous redhead, Cody and Lanie! Another picture with Vanity Girl and Lanie clutching the twins, awww. Debra still and Kayda joined the Sioux Falls League alongside her, yay!

Laura figures out who her advisor is in the photo and he ask what makes her think one of those heroes is him, bad Tractor, no messing with your students. Ouch, angst about Vanessa not having used the codename Vanity Girl in a few years, what happened to her. Retired, the way he talks about it something happened that nearly killed his wife and he didn't wish to risk that ever again, which I understand. Laura asking about the other couple, she is curious and inquisitive. Ah, Thursday night for burgers and explanation of the other couple in the picture.

Don Pardo, the team gadgeteer for Sioux Falls League, and Laura reminds Jake of him. Showing off her new neural inhibitor, which is a good thing, as she now knows she has to register it and take firearms safety classes to be allowed to carry it. Testing out right then and there with no time to cram, good way to see their true ability. And Cornflower and Pejuta, calling them best friends like that, guess he doesn't know who he can trust with their secret. But Laura recognizes the look in their eyes towards each other and wants that kind of relationship. Plus the way Tractor was talking about all 4 of them, that is 4 others confirmed to be alive still in Gen 2. Yay!

With a few exceptions like Crystal Hall, Whateley was proving to look as boringly mundane as any other school.

Had to stop typing for a minute there from laughing so hard, Morgana has no idea what she is in for at Whateley. Freshman due to needing a lot of special tutoring in her powers and magic, plus Whateley always tries to get each student for at least 4 years somehow. All those classes and calculus as well, Morgana is trying to gain back a part of her old life as well. Saturday morning for 3 hours, she says she is okay with that now, wait till she has to wake up early for it. Nice schedule, and Morgana, don't wish for more excitement when it will come to you anyways.

Admin still being pig-headed about the computer system not being wrong about the Poe freshmen rooms all being full, oh brother, no wonder Mrs. Horton is so angry. Even if Tia is stuck in Melville for now, Mrs. Horton still considers her one of her Poe children and will everything she can for her, always good to have her on your side. Miss Bellamy is Concierge's real name and she is the house mother, oh boy. Didn't see that coming, thought she was someone hired to do that job. And saying Tia can visit Poe anytime she likes, so she won't be without her support system all the time. And Taka is with her and didn't leave, Mrs. Horton knows why and says Tia has a lot to learn.

Tested out of 3 classes and has the perfect class schedule, things sure turned around for Laura since we first met her at the airport having trouble with the MCO and a stolen bag. Shock and many openly weeping, what news brought that on, only the loss of one or more beloved staff could trigger this. No, please no, not Carson and any of the others. Krystal unable to walk and an all-cottage meeting, something happened to several of the staff, dead or disappeared, this is major. And why is Brita Baumann glaring at her like that, oh, I get it, she likes Krystal and thinks Laura is stealing her away.

Mrs. Carson disappeared from campus two weeks ago!?! Along with several facility and trustees to show them the state of tunnels, they went in one tunnel and never came out. Including Ms. Hartford's fiancé, yikes. Mrs. Shugendo is an medically induced coma due to a car wreck rushing back to the school and won't be back for months, was wondering why she didn't pick the freshmen Poesies and other students. Ms. Claire is the Dean now and Geoffrey Mazarin is the headmaster, talk about unexpected changes. And he is retired Syndicate, oh boy, even with Whateley neutrality things are going to change around Whateley Academy now.

Retired hero of the Star League is the Assistant Headmaster now, his wife, Lily's mom, continuing as an instructor for the PE department. Missing: Mrs. Carson, Lord Paramount, Ty West, Langley Paulson, Hakim Al Fayez, Drs. Carstaires, Zalman, Quintain, and Hendricks, Dr. Christy McBride. Ouch, several old favorites, including Dr. Quintain and Hendricks.

Strange power surges coming from the tunnels that were causing problems, this is much worse than I thought. All those tunnel sections shut off, hope no stupid or curious students decide to investigate them on despite orders to stay away. Magic and psychic wards to keep them out and warn if any student goes in, still going to have troublemakers who think they know better. What happened in tunnel sections Baker 9 to 12, Charlie 7 to 17, and Moby Dick Avenue from the intersections of Baker and Charlie tunnels? And are their survivors to find, I hope. And Bianca is right, this is the perfect time to strike at Whateley Academy, hope no one tries.

One guess, the strange power surges coming from the tunnels and causing problems, even blocking the security cameras from working, is connected to something from the past. Wouldn't surprise me if Hekate's Master was connected or another supernatural threat of some sort. Either that a mixing of technology and magic that has been dormant for years and went active, causing no end of troubles. With the Whateley Academy universe and its known history, characters both past and present, and the kind of things that exist in it, it is hard to narrow it down until more is known about what happened in those tunnel sections.

Dreamer, I appreciate you writing down your reaction as you read. The tunnel disappearance thing was a "Holy Shit" moment - but it seems that people kind of expected that, or had a "meh" feeling about it.

There are a lot more secrets. We have a 4-year plot laid out with more twists and turns and surprises than you can swing a dead cat at

elrodw wrote: Dreamer, I appreciate you writing down your reaction as you read. The tunnel disappearance thing was a "Holy Shit" moment - but it seems that people kind of expected that, or had a "meh" feeling about it.

There are a lot more secrets. We have a 4-year plot laid out with more twists and turns and surprises than you can swing a dead cat at

Yeah, I don't get the kind of expected or "meh" feeling about the tunnel disappearance. A lot of major Gen 1 characters disappeared, not just Carson but some very powerful individuals. Anything which can do that leave no signs of how it happened or if the people are simply missing in some pocket dimension, dead or sent to another time or place in the process is something to go "Holy Shit" at and something to be very afraid of. Even a team of powerhouses/creative power users like Team Kimba would think twice about messing with something like that.

Well, I was spoiled by the comments... ... Could be some just coincidental Dev+Gadg+Magic accident?

Like the Forger's List Secret's Extra-Dimensional Space, and Admin was just caught in its collapse.

Dreamer, as usual it is a pleasure to read your reaction post to the story. There are however two points I would like to address.

Dreamer wrote: ... Chessa sneezes electricity sometimes, plus talk of her father and such makes me think the water tower incident was attempted suicide, yikes.

ROFL!

Given that Chessa and her family are transfers from one of Wasamon's already published fanfics, I think it's safe enough for me to point out that there was nothing "attempted" about it. She successfully jumped off an actual water tower (if you can really call such a sad thing a success), and despite her attempts to convince people otherwise, it's rather hard to "miss the ground" when you do something like that.

Yes, her backstory is complicated if you couldn't tell, as is the rest of her family's, but if you want any more detail than that, you'll have to ask Wasamon if he'd be willing to share the fanfic again. Although that might be a while, as I do believe he's in the process of editing it to bring it into compliance with these now canon versions of the characters.

Dreamer wrote: Tanya teasing the Poe girls about being known as crazy, which Laura sticks her tongue out at. Ah, so Tanya knows the truth about Poe due to blabbermouth friend back home who was in it.

What makes you think Tanya knows the Poe secret? She knows what the accepted cover story is, but that doesn't mean she's aware that it's actually a cover story. She just knows from experience with her friend (more like aunt, really) that the rumor isn't necessarily all it's cracked up to be. The reason she's reacting the way that she is to hearing about Tia's situation is that she was expecting Tia to be in a dorm with other friends she knows will watch out for her, nothing more than that.

NeoMagus wrote: Dreamer, as usual it is a pleasure to read your reaction post to the story. There are however two points I would like to address.

Dreamer wrote: ... Chessa sneezes electricity sometimes, plus talk of her father and such makes me think the water tower incident was attempted suicide, yikes.

ROFL!

Given that Chessa and her family are transfers from one of Wasamon's already published fanfics, I think it's safe enough for me to point out that there was nothing "attempted" about it. She successfully jumped off an actual water tower (if you can really call such a sad thing a success), and despite her attempts to convince people otherwise, it's rather hard to "miss the ground" when you do something like that.

Yes, her backstory is complicated if you couldn't tell, as is the rest of her family's, but if you want any more detail than that, you'll have to ask Wasamon if he'd be willing to share the fanfic again. Although that might be a while, as I do believe he's in the process of editing it to bring it into compliance with these now canon versions of the characters.

There are the archives linked to in my sig... ... Should make those proper links for more visibility... ... Presumably, no one has issues with them being available? Else, talk to me?

E. E. Nalley wrote: Goodness, I have to say I get a chuckle out of this. It never ceases to amaze me how conservative some of your guesses are when speculating about this universe. Especially the knee-jerk ones, it's almost like as a collective fan base you're afraid to imagine large.

Let me just say there are FAR WORSE things in those tunnels than Sarah.

Or, to quote the movie, "You think that's air you're breathing? Hmm."

I jumped straight to the Gate at the bottom of the sewers. I mean the "freaks out Stan and Morrie, the intrepid Whateley Janitors, so bad that they strap on suicide suits, and give one to Jade. Where one previous janitor got pulled in, and repeatedly came back as a zombie for over half a decade. Where 6 months in a hole can do more weathering than a decade of hard weather. Where the small pests are deadly unless you cut them out immediately. If the Sigil of the Gateway went down...


On an entirely different note, I'd like to quote myself from before part two:

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

Dreamer wrote: Flower...manifest flowers and nothing else, beat it isn't that simple.

Well, that depends. Can she manifest a corpse flower ? There are a lot of flowers in the world. Depending on her flexibility and limitations, Krystal may not be as weak as she passes herself off to be.

Do you think Krystal has read Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic? By the later books, Briar is using seed balls of thorny plants than can envelop, impale, and kill a horse.

elrodw wrote: Dreamer, I appreciate you writing down your reaction as you read. The tunnel disappearance thing was a "Holy Shit" moment - but it seems that people kind of expected that, or had a "meh" feeling about it.

There are a lot more secrets. We have a 4-year plot laid out with more twists and turns and surprises than you can swing a dead cat at

That's because you're only seeing us comment after we've had a chance to absorb it a little. I anticipated it a little bit from when the RAs started crying, but even so I got as close to cursing as I ever do.

Yeah after reading the bit with Carson and half the major trustees going missing, my brain was giving me an "Error does not compute" Still I have to push it to the side in terror just so I can work on other theories. We're not in Kansas, but we CERTAINLY are not in Oz, or in Tia's case, Wonderland.. And unless the kitchens have become powered by imagination (the energizers would never stand for such a thing), they aren't in Never-land either even if a fair number of the students can fly.

For me, the news about the administrative turmoil was big. It overshadowed the rest of the chapter, and my brain immediately started ticking over with potential repercussions of the upheaval.

They lost the most influential and supportive individuals, along with a good deal of talent among a few other areas. With things as they are now, Whateley seems to be vulnerable to both outside influences and internal policy shifts which might jeopardize the reason for Whateley's being. Not to mention how crucial Carson, Paramount and Ty West would have been for maintaining neutrality.

Then there's the matter of Wallachia, and whether it can survive without its Lord.

And of course the many questions of "who, what, how" and "why?".

Hmm... Was the Tunnel Predicted? ...

I'd assume everyone had plans incase they were suddenly removed... So things won't change too much, but they will change?

Malady wrote: Hmm... Was the Tunnel Predicted? ...

I'd assume everyone had plans incase they were suddenly removed... So things won't change too much, but they will change?

How deep of failures did they plan? Example - here at NASA, we plan for 1 or 2; the number of combinations and unlikelihood of a triple failure (or worse) are astronomical, and those types are generally very catastrophic. Did they plan for any one of them being out? Most definitely. Two? likely. All three? i doubt it. And in the single or double, one would logically count on the remaining 1 or 2 to provide continuity. that's now gone.

Speaking of tunnels, I wonder whether the intrepid Stan and Morrie are still around, or if not, who their successors are.

Have you guys considered that maybe there's nothing nefarious going on at all, and all that happened is they saw a shiny down a side corridor, went to check it out, and got lost?

And if they are trapped in a pocket dimension or something, well, Mrs. Carson probably needed a vacation anyway.

peter wrote: I have a feeling that Tia's situation is not going to be resolved anytime soon and she's going to have to suffer in the lap of luxury for some time.

Which brings up a few questions. She is a known changeling. A lot of her fellow dorm mates are going to know she was once a boy, and those that don't will be filled in quickly.

This is not Poe, they won't be happy with her sharing the girl's washroom, and no way will they expect her to shower and bath with the boys. Seems likely she's going to get access to a one person bath.

Might this result in her getting upgraded to a senior's room? which I'm betting has a private bath.

Back in G1, both Reach and Jobe publicly turned female, and neither of them got special accommodations other than being transferred to Melville and being made to room with somebody of their new sex who was somehow involved in their change. I don't remember anybody making a big deal about which bathrooms they used except for that one scene with Jobe and Mr. Prickles. But it's been a while since I read those stories.

Tia didn't mention anything about roommates though. Maybe she has a single, or maybe there just aren't enough Melvillians on campus yet for unplanned roommates to be a thing.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: I was a bit confused by the introductions bit, though. Is Misty a sophomore? Because I thought that we had met all the changeling freshthings, but Misty acted like she was new to Poe.

The batch of students who'd routed through New York during that one specific time period got to Whateley a day late, but clearly those were not the only freshmen on their way to Whateley. The people who took a different route or an earlier flight would have arrived on time and gotten separate tours the previous day, as would anybody who showed up earlier on Tuesday than the Mutant Mayhem Machine and associates.

If I remember correctly, Jobe got some shit at first, but it was still while the transformation was going on, Jobe was being obnoxious, and it was Jobe.

I think Reach got a bit of lip from someone, but mostly it was sympathy, and THOU SHALT NOT TALK ABOUT THE SHOWERS! (First rule of Shower Club,)

Speaking of showers, I look forward to seeing the new characters' reactions to the showers. Assuming that they still incorporate Hydroflux tech.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: Speaking of showers, I look forward to seeing the new characters' reactions to the showers. Assuming that they still incorporate Hydroflux tech.

Someone spilled the beans in 2012, and in a fit of pique (mostly because Hydroflux hadn't installed one in Whateley House) Mrs. Carson banned them entirely, with a cottage by cottage inspection to ensure that only standard hardware was present.

Yeah, maybe. maybe not. We shall see, I guess.

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: Speaking of showers, I look forward to seeing the new characters' reactions to the showers. Assuming that they still incorporate Hydroflux tech.

Someone spilled the beans in 2012, and in a fit of pique (mostly because Hydroflux hadn't installed one in Whateley House) Mrs. Carson banned them entirely, with a cottage by cottage inspection to ensure that only standard hardware was present.

Yeah, maybe. maybe not. We shall see, I guess.

Speaking of which, they may cause quite the problem for Tia...

elrodw wrote:

Malady wrote:

elrodw wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote: Not necessarily. Consider this - the Whateley Universe is not a friendly place for LGBT individuals. He has a student looking at a picture which includes two gals he knows are lovers. She asks questions, which brings out an instinct to cover for his friends. He does NOT know at this point of the student's inclination. Net result - he's furtive and reluctant to answer questions.

Hmm but don't all the staff know what being assigned to Poe means?

Nope. Most faculty and staff do NOT know the secret of Poe. Key people know - like Dr. Bellows, headmaster and assistant headmaster, Dr. Tenent. But not everyone.

Well, if you're gonna be counseling Poesies, shouldn't you know about Poe? Is there anyway that the Secret could be assumed to be irrelevant??

... Well, it's (sorta) Tractor's fault for having the pictures out?

So he's a sentimental dude. He has a picture of friends. But there's something no-one picked up on relating to that picture. We'll see if anyone gets it.

And we'll find out more in part 4

I Don't think.... Part 2 said
"And I have to apologize for making you wait. I was ...," his face clouded momentarily, "dealing with some issues with several of my closest friends." Though he tried to hide it, a flash of pain couldn't be completely disguised. He circled to his own office chair and sat down with surprising grace. As he called up a file on his computer, Laura looked around; one entire wall was full of books - all related to history of one period or another, and there were photos of him with a truly gorgeous woman. Judging from the ring on his hand and the setting of the picture, she had to be his wife. There were a few other photographs, one of which was Dr. Barton and his wife and another couple - a bear of a man with his arm wrapped protectively and possessively around a stunningly-curvaceous redhead; all of them were in a park somewhere, and looked to be having a picnic. In another, Mrs. Barton and the redhead were posing with two children who the redhead was clutching lovingly. The family had to be friends of Dr. and Mrs. Barton. Several of the pictures appeared to be a superhero team; it took only moments to pick out which of the heroes was her advisor. More surprisingly, it looked like his wife was also a member of the team. There were several others, including a stunningly curvaceous blond with her arm around the waist of a Native American-themed girl with braided, silky black hair.

So how old are those kids? Wyatt and Doc's kids that is...

Hmm... If the sim makers have learned the lesson of proper evals of sim teams from the Wondercute Incident, I feel I'm making some bad assumptions there... ... Anyway, the SimTeam of Gen2 might have a different experience if it's known that they only made the team for the table.

@Malapern - According to Sir Lee, 8 and 1/2 at most.

I'm wondering if Tia is having memory problems when she is asking to be in Calculus. We know that she has memories missing, So if she is asking to be in Calculus because that is a math class that she remembers coming after Algebra, as opposed to Geometry or something else more appropriate because she doesn't remember the order she should be taking the classes.

Malady wrote: Hmm... If the sim makers have learned the lesson of proper evals of sim teams from the Wondercute Incident, I feel I'm making some bad assumptions there... ... Anyway, the SimTeam of Gen2 might have a different experience if it's known that they only made the team for the table.

@Mhalpern - According to Sir Lee, 8 and 1/2 at most.

Well I ask for obvious reasons

Valentine wrote: I'm wondering if Tia is having memory problems when she is asking to be in Calculus. We know that she has memories missing, So if she is asking to be in Calculus because that is a math class that she remembers coming after Algebra, as opposed to Geometry or something else more appropriate because she doesn't remember the order she should be taking the classes.

Tia wants to take calculus because Luke was going to take calculus next school year. Luke was going to take Calculus next year anyway, and Tia wants to honor that. (sorry, had to edit this, it's early).

In relation to the bathroom issues for Tia, let me go Real World parallel here for a moment:
Yeah, I know that the WU is less tolerant to LGBT*.* than our world...
STILL, if you go to the parallel situation in our world, like the current fuss about "bathroom laws," time and time again it turns out that the people making the fuss are not the ones who actually use the bathrooms.
Predicted reaction about Tia:
"Isn't she the one who was a boy?"
"Yeah."
"Well, even if she is still a boy inside and keeps ogling us, it's not worse than Darcy the Dyke, and we deal with her. Who knows, maybe she and Darcy will pair up and let the rest of us alone."

Sir Lee wrote: In relation to the bathroom issues for Tia, let me go Real World parallel here for a moment:
Yeah, I know that the WU is less tolerant to LGBT*.* than our world...
STILL, if you go to the parallel situation in our world, like the current fuss about "bathroom laws," time and time again it turns out that the people making the fuss are not the ones who actually use the bathrooms.
Predicted reaction about Tia:
"Isn't she the one who was a boy?"
"Yeah."
"Well, even if she is still a boy inside and keeps ogling us, it's not worse than Darcy the Dyke, and we deal with her. Who knows, maybe she and Darcy will pair up and let the rest of us alone."

I was thinking bathroom issues in terms of Hydroflux systems and Tia's medical problems....

I Don't Think... Part 2 said
Tractor smiled. "Cornflower and Pejuta. They're ... best friends. They're damned good friends of ours." He waxed nostalgic for a few seconds. "We can talk more at the get-together," he said with a smile, gesturing again to the computer.

Laura gulped nervously as she looked at the two women in the picture. They looked a lot closer than just best-friends; she could practically read the twinkles in their eyes for each other in that picture. That made her think about what she wanted in a relationship

[/color]
Two things
1 The fact that a picture of those two together is enough to figure out their feeling towards each other is adorable
2 Shipwrites start thinking with the color Blue and fast, because she's looking now.

I ship Blue Bunny, due to Tia's personal issues, she needs someone who will try and see deeper in their partner than sex but we need to see more of all the characters before the real shipping can commence.

I'll do a long-form comment later (on my second-pass read - I always read the stories / chapters first, then go back with Pluma in a second window, noting down dates, PoVs etc. - and in this case, given all the events in both parts, writing comments on some of the major events on each). Oh, and the reason the staff list earlier didn't include Tractor and VG was that at that time, I'd only read Part 1 - needless to say, it will be expanded when I do the second pass for Part 2.

Anyway, the entire tunnel incident is decidely odd for a number of reasons:

1) "Mrs. Carson ... disappeared from campus two weeks ago... They ... never came out of one section of the tunnels."
Although we're told that section of tunnels was fragile, there's no mention of a collapse - the two groups entered the section of tunnels, didn't come out, and the remaining faculty are too scared of the potential consequences to send anyone / anything down that section to investigate.

2) "There was a trustees' meeting, and Mrs. Carson, with some facility assistance, went to the tunnels to show[...] the trustees the state of the tunnels, and how fragile some sections are"
There's obviously more to this than meets the eye - why the heck would the Head, a bunch of faculty, AND a bunch of trustees personally investigate, as a group, a section of campus known to be dangerous? If there was an unsafe building on site, they'd look at it from a safe distance. You can't exactly do that in the rabbit warren of tunnels - besides which, given the regular damage to above-ground structures plus other associated costs of the school, I can't imagine Carson would need to make such an impassioned plea for extra funding for tunnel maintenance.

So either that's a cover story, and they went down to the tunnels for another reason entirely, or something manipulated them into going down into the tunnels at that particular time. In the former case, it's remotely possible they used the tunnels as a teleportation point to go on a Top Secret, Need To Know Only mission (in G1, The Atlantean League was a student-organised group along similar lines, maybe by Gen 2 there's a need for a similar group in Administration) - probably with uncertain survival odds and for an unknown period of time (I'm probably barking up the entirely wrong tree). If the latter case, it required a lot of intelligence, planning and resources - probably including an insider since it would be difficult to remotely implant hypnotic suggestions on such a diverse group of faculty and sponsors.

Meanwhile, Tia's situation suggests that someone with excellent computer skills is exploiting the fact Hartford's not around with their manipulating of the cottage occupancy database. Although Tia's move to Melville is farily minor in the grand scheme of things, going to the lengths of telling the database that every single cottage is at full occupany (something that never happens) should ring metaphorical alarm bells across campus - especially if it's still in place for the inevitable late starters.

Finally (for now) and out of context, it'll be interesting to see how many of the newly introduced Poesies will be 'bit part' characters (with occasional sightings and shower greetings only), how many will be secondary characters (with dialogue but no PoV inserts) and how many will become fully fledged PoV characters. Of course, it's also possible that over time, some characters will be upgraded depending on author availability / motivation...

Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.

Regarding Tia being kept in Melville, Hikaru's AI, Kurenai, has been hacking the network already ("permission or not"). Tia was relocated to Melville, and just who happens to be right next door...

Hikaru has been showing an unusual interest in Tia from the first time they met, and already had Kurenai hacking Tia's phone.

The hacking going on seems to be a bit more innocent to me. Just Hikaru and her AI not recognizing boundaries.

Elrod gets the Zuko award of "not as evil as he could have been" for Cornflower and Pejuta apparently still being together.

Katssun wrote: Just Hikaru and her AI not recognizing boundaries.

To elaborate, Hikaru has consistently been shown to be rather "aggressive" in her efforts to befriend Tia. Perhaps to go along with her unladylike behavior with fruits, Hikaru has a secret fondness for kemonomimi?

Since Taka and Hikaru both seemed to know about her, I'm guessing her story went through the Japanese variety shows, with various comedians, idols, and talentos fawning over news of a real life bunnygirl (even though she's not the first). Hikaru has even overcome her distaste for continuing to interact with Taka in order to sit with Tia in the cafeteria.

I'll have to do some rereading of Calamari through the POVs sections when no one knew each other's names to see if there were any other hints.