Myst-ified (Tornado Company)

[MKR]

Footsteps followed a familiar path, the red carpet underneath showing signs of the wear and tear of many footsteps that all lead to a single door. The Raumerben main building looked over most of the surrounding environment, for a good reason as this grand building had been constructed on the back end of the war. A time where having the ability to watch one's enemy approach could mean life or swift death and even now for the cult it had saved them several times.

A hand went out of its pocket and three swift knocks came upon the door announcing the arrival of August Mertz to the woman within.
"Come in." A stern voice said

Doing just that the captain of the white knights entered the office of the Supreme Pontiff, bowing after taking a few steps inside, the overcoat that was part of his uniform dangling loosely as the unworn sleeves nearly dropped to the ground.
"Supreme Pontiff. I've arrived." the cultist formally said.

The leader of the cult was looking outside through the massive window would turn to meet her knight, and walked up to him. Brushing a few wild strands of hair out of her eyesight as she looked upon her follower.
"Rise Mertz."

The man rose, adjusting the overcoat so it did not fall to the ground. The pontiff was about to remark but she knew more than anyone the response he would give, he would wear it normally for an hour before letting it loose once more, so instead she got to the point.
"As you are aware we are about to receive guests, I would have you receive them and guide them to the foyer. Myself and a member of the newtype study team will be meeting you there. Understood?"

The blue eyed man nodded. He internally sighed at his leader's decision to join in herself. She needed a rest but layering task upon task on herself to keep herself busy was her life currently, as as such he also knew better then to remark at it. Not out of fear, she always promised to 'when things calmed down' but they never did, so she never did and as such asking was futile.
"Yes ma'am. Anything else?"

"No need to get combat ready or out of atmosphere so stay in your uniform but otherwise nothing out of the usual." She answered. August raising an eyebrow in response, the thought of leaving not only himself but the entirety of the Romfeld sector open to some random group didn't sit well with him.

"Are you su-" His objection was cut off by the pontiff raising her hand.

"Don't get too excited or overly cautious, they approached us and their history shows no intent or reason for them to turn on us, you will be acting in your role as a representative of our cause instead of purely as a knight."
She took the time to explain, there was no need to get his blood boiling or to otherwise make themselves seem a threat, the Weiss Shinanju already sufficed on that on its own.
"I know you care about our safety, so take small precautions like having them dock a short ways away if you deem it necessary but remain friendly."

The captain of the white knights relaxed and nodded. "Yes Supreme Pontiff." He answered.

---

30 minutes later

The Weiss Sinanju watched the horizon as the heart of the Romfeld sector lay at its back, the group he was receiving would arrive shortly and an area for them to land had been prepared. Inside the cockpit August fiddled with one of the buttons on his overcoat, he simply hoped the assessment the pontiff had made was correct.

 

[Lukas]

While the Mesa was by no means attempting to hide its approach, the first of Tornado's assets to enter the sector was actually a funnel. One solitary funnel, that would jet up to the Sinjanu for a moment before withdrawing. It would be swiftly followed by Alicia Kent's newtype pressure - and very quickly the woman herself, having also sortied in her Mobile Suit of choice. The Kshatriya appeared to be unarmed and was moving in a non-threatening fashion - but it had all four I-Fields active, in case anyone got any ideas of loosing a shot at her.

"My apologies for the precautionary measures. We had some difficulties leaving Io, and considered it wise to keep one suit deployed at all time in case of an ambush. Are you to be our escort?"

Alicia's tone was somewhat guarded, and she was deliberately attempting to block herself from connecting with Mertz. Almost as if she had something to hide.

 

[MKR]

As the funnel approached the singular blue eye of the Sinanju tracked the floating object, its shield ready should the device decide to turn aggressive but otherwise remaining motionless. When it withdrew to be followed with a newtype pressure and the lingering Endra class in the background it identified them as the persons he was supposed to meet and escort, though from the sounds of their communications they were playing their cards close to their hand.

He could hardly blame them, he suggested the same.

"That I am, I am August Mertz, the captain of Raumerben's white knight squadron it is a honor to meet you. A location to land your ship has been prepared a short ways away from our destination. You are free to keep your unit deployed but I will request you turn off any weaponry or funnels to prevent any intent from being misunderstood." August stated, the Sinanju stepping slightly to the side and heading into the direction he didn't fully trust these circumstances but that was no reason to be rude.
Worst come to worst the Barzams had been readied to deploy at a moments notice and he himself could likely leverage his superior mobility against the immediate threat of their unit should it come to it.

Those inside the Kshatriya and the Mesa would likely be able to see their immediate destination, an old docking bay where there clearly had been previous fighting. Left in a mild state of disrepair due to being on the outskirts of the area and as such was difficult to protect.
The rest of the area was loomed over by a single building, with the symbol built into its structure it was clear that this was the Raumerben home base.

 

[Lukas]

Alicia seemed to nod, the funnel slotting itself back into one of the Kshatriya's wings as the Endra pulled closer. However the I-Fields remained active, with the wings slowly shifting around in an attempt to cover as many angles as possible. She pulled back once more, matching speeds with the Mesa as it approached the dock. She opened a line to the Endra's bridge, keeping her other line open in case August wished to say something but muting herself.

"I don't think it's a trap. But that man.. feels just like them."

"The kids? I mean, I don't pretend to know how your senses work - but didn't you say that everyone felt unique? And I seriously doubt that grown man is the same as ours."

"Of course not. It's similar, though - We came to the right place."

"Or the wrong one!"

Joshua's tone was relaxed and even casual, but that didn't mean he was letting his guard down. The Mesa slowed down further as it approached, beginning to turn so it could dock side-on while leaving the MS catapults clear. He took the chance to insert himself into Mertz's conversation, having apparently been listening in.

"I'll just get her settled in now. Don't mind the positioning, but Alicia's gotta get her mech back in somehow - not gonna leave a prize mech like that lying around unattended, I mean." His laughter echoed through the microphone. "Anyway. You wanna meet one of the kids, or both? All of em wanna say hi at some point, but we've gotta have someone watch the ship, make sure nothing breaks and all that."

 

[MKR]

For his part August remained quiet too, with the ship closer and preparing to dock he could feel the presence of several more newtypes, though calling them newtypes would either be an over or understatement depending on one's opinion.
In fact these felt very similar to one another, telling them apart when put so close together was tough. The Supreme Pontiff should be able to but the best he could tell currently is that there were more then one.

The Weiss Sinanju stood guard, mono-eye trained on both the MS and the ship it belonged to as they approached in a calm quiet. When the second person came into the line he was hardly surprised, given the information he was given he had expected one to listen in on conversations with the other.
"Of course, we wouldn't dare ask you to leave a MS such as that out in the open. As for the kids, both would be best as you've mentioned they are 'unusual' it would allow us to check for any differences or similarities aside from the obvious. I can of course understand not wanting to bring both immediately and if you wish to bring one in later that is acceptable."

As he talked a Zaku Tanker, lacking its weaponry currently and painted in black, red and gold drove up, a civilian vehicle moving behind it.
While the Weiss Sinanju did get on the transport vehicle as a sign of good faith, it would wait for the Kshatriya to enter the Mesa before shutting down properly.

 

[Lukas]

"Of course, of course. Alicia'll be coming over with one in a moment - just gotta get this thing parked."

Alicia's Kshatriya soon withdrew into the Mesa, shutting down once it was safely within the ship's confines. The ship docked without issue, and once safely stopped would have one of the hangars open to reveal a teenager escorted by a somewhat older woman. Both had come unarmed as a show of good faith, but the elder was holding the other close.

"This is Nebula. My daughter. There's been some... divergence as they aged - different attitudes, minor differences in sensitivity - but I love them all the same."

"So this is Romfield? People are always saying you guys are a cult, but this all looks pretty normal to me. Is all the crazy in the back or something?"

Alicia couldn't help but sigh at that remark. It wasn't actively malicious, though.. it just reeked of naivety.

August would notice that while the level of newtype pressure inside the ship had dropped substantially, the child they were keeping behind seemed far stronger than the one currently visiting - almost twice as visible, but such things were hard to precisely measure.

 

[MKR]

With the other unit entering the Mesa the Weiss Sinanju powered down, a man in uniform got out of the machine and waited aside the civilian vehicle, currently parked between the Zaku Tanker and the Endra Class. As the two approached he would perform a small bow, the loose sleeves of his overcoat dangling along with the movement.

He too was unarmed, his eyes went over the pair and back to the ship for a moment, the pressure he felt had only slightly changed. He wasn't going to note it aloud but it was still good to know that whoever they held back was more powerful than nebula. So it seemed a good idea to keep the Barzams ready in the wings, while the two in front of him were unarmed and both sides had displayed signs of good faith he was not simply going to trust a fully armed and manned battleship blindly.

"I see, well it is nice to meet you Nebula." He turned his attention to the teenager, what she said was clearly not said with malicious intent, in some regards it could even be regarded as a compliment. So he merely shook his head slightly with a smile before answering.

"Yes this is Romfeld, and I am a member of Raumerben which is indeed a cult but not a crazy one." He answered, opening the door to the pair, it seemed the vehicle had enough room in the back for five people to sit comfortable and seven if one really wanted to squeeze.

"Sadly the mere word 'cult' has many negative associations, ones exploited to slander us. But that is an issue between us and them and not something you should worry about. But should you have any questions before or during the ride, either of you, I will answer them to the best of my ability."

As he spoke the Zaku Tanker with the Weiss Sinanju on top of it began to drive off into the direction it came from, headed straight for the large building they'd have seen earlier.

 

[Lukas]

"You're the same as me, right? At least you feel the same. Did these guys make you, or did they find a vat with a bunch of you in it?"

Nebula climbed in while she asked, leaving Alicia to pull herself in afterwards. She tutted a little at the phrasing, but couldn't disagree with the question. She sat right next to the girl, allowing her to look out the window but staying focused on August himself.

"Nebula, please. He might understand that you're not trying to be rude, but not everyone can tell. However.. I can't disagree with your question. What is the term for your newtype... type?"

She rephrased the question in a more polite fashion, unconsciously reaching to cradle a device in her pocket - that was even now, broadcasting back to the Mesa.

---

"Sounds like they're getting on just fine. What do you make of the suits these guys have, Soph?"

Joshua leaned back, putting his feet up on the bridge as he talked to a young woman lurking near the edge. She didn't seem to respond at first, staring out the window at nothing at particular. He continued, taking her silence as a need for elaboration.

"Or more importantly.. of the suits they don't have? On show, I mean."

"The RMS-154 Barzam. Limited production, highly distinguished in the Insurrection Era. Current number of units exceeds one but is less than four. If they were to strike the Endra now, we would die before our own suits finished launching. Presuming the original aces are piloting, of course."

Sophie's tone was oddy clipped, and she sounded oddly dispassionate even when describing their possible death. A few swift button presses brought up camera footage of the hangar, where Hazel and Misty were busy cleaning the now-empty Kshatriya.

"Harsh. Y'got any way to fix that? Preferably without pissing off our hosts."

"Actually, yes. Get whichever child you're keeping close to your chest on standby in the Kshatriya, and remove all funnels from two wings. It will not win us a fight, but it would buy us time to launch."

 

[MKR]

August got in afterwards, shooting one last glance at the Endra before sitting down and closing the door after him. He sat facing the pair as they drove off, heading the same way as the Zaku Tanker had before them.

"Well I suppose 'made' comes closer, although adjusted is more in line with reality. To put it simply, I was born an oldtype. Not a trace of newtype powers or abilities. When I joined Raumerben I was given the choice to remain an oldtype or undergo the treatment we are working to perfect even now." He answered, looking between Nebula and Alicia in equal measure, though somewhat favored towards the elder of the two.

"Since then I've had the ability to use much of the same as regular newtypes are able to, as for the name for those who have undergone this or a similar treatment that would be 'Cyber-Newtype'. And from a first glance it may be the case that you are one too. Though I am not one of the experts on that matter. A better judgement on that will be given upon our arrival." He paused for a second, looking to Nebula. Something about her question was still bouncing around in his head, the second half of it just seemed odd.

"But a vat with a bunch of me? I've yet to hear that origin. So what makes you say that?" He seemed genuinely perplexed by the way the question was said like it was some normal course of action. As the vehicle drove life as seen in a city passed by, people from all walks of life and ages on the streets, with several people in similar uniforms to what August wore passing by.

 

[Lukas]

"Oh! Well, mum said that's where she found us all those years ago. I figured you were the same. So you started out like da- like Joshua did, and then they poked around in your head until your brain got all big?"

Nebula noticed his gaze and smiled innocently back, not really 'getting' how weird her statement must have seemed to him at first. She was starting to reach out when he explained, nodding along as if it all made sense now.

"That's... not inaccurate. While I'm no biologist, they were birthed from tanks in the someone had left stored on the Mesa. I felt their developing minds, went to investigate, and my husband accidentally activated the pods."

Alicia put a hand on Nebula's shoulder, choosing her words carefully and trying to silently caution her daughter against forming a connection. Such things were fraught with risk, especially with the secrets in play. But despite her concerns, the trip had already born fruit. Cyber-newtypes.. normally modified humans, but in this case naturally born?

"Presumably the treatment you went through is related to the abandoned project we found - but that's a question for the experts."

---

"Won't mother be mad I'm using her mobile suit? She always said this wasn't something we were allowed to pilot."

Hazel whispered into the Kshatriya's microphone, as if afraid she would hear despite how far away she currently was. Said MS was still deep within the hangar, two hastily tied together packs of funnels mounted on the catapult instead. They glowed lightly, ready to activate at a moments notice.

"Relax, peanut. You're not going to be fighting in it, and I'm sure she'll understand if it saves her life. 'Sides, you're just controlling funnels. Does that count as piloting?"

"Yes. Funnel operation is a key part of newtype piloting. And she may be forced to pilot directly if the ship is destroyed."

Joshua did his best to reassure her, but was almost immediately undermined by Sophie. His facepalm was almost audible, along with a loud groan.

"Auntie, Joshua.. do you really think the ship will get shot down?"

"No, I just.. if things go wrong, we'll launch the funnels and you can keep them busy until I blow them out of space. Everything's going to be just fine - and not a word out of you!"

His last remark sounded like a joke, but the mic went dead right after before Sophie could ruin the mood further.

 

[MKR]

"Hmmm." Though he remained quiet on the matter, something clearly didn't sit well with him but August remained quiet.
What was in fact bothering him was the potential age Nebula had endured the treatment, something they had established very very clear rules for themselves due to the issues it could create in one's psyche. Though Nebula seemed to have had the luck of the draw in that regard.

"Yes, I'll leave that question for the expert and the supreme pontiff to ask." he finally said. The vehicle stopping for a moment at a gate as it rested in the shadow of the Raumerben main building. The Zaku Tanker and the Weiss Sinanju on it had turned to the left, heading towards a storage facility attached to the main building but not entirely part of it. The area was much more filled with people in similar get up to August then any other.

"A final question to you before we arrive then." the white knight captain said as he looked out of the window.
"How big is the difference between Nebula and her sister, because I could've sworn it felt like two Cyber-Newtypes were left behind on the ship." He finally remarked, his gaze turning to Alicia. Though he claimed it was a question it was more a remark.

"Bear in mind, I am not accusing you of anything unreasonable to do. But considering you are about to meet the Supreme Pontiff herself I will recommend honesty when reasonable. Be it the number of people you have brought with you or the differences between their ability." He leaned back in his seat. Eyes still on the elder of the two women, he was seemingly very aware of who to target with this statement.
"I understand if this was either miscommunication, or playing cards close to one's chest. But it is still my job above all to keep the people here safe. That said, I would like to welcome you to Raumerben's headquarters."

With that the vehicle halted and after a moment August would open the door they had entered through and exit, holding it open for the guests. Presenting them to, and to them, the entrance of the many floored building his group operated out of.

 

[Lukas]

There was a rather pregnant pause, Nebula looking to her mother and watching for her response. Alicia narrowed her eyes a took a sharp breath, but eventually smiled.

"Impressive. My apologies for the deception, but we had to ensure that you were both unaffiliated with their original creators and not simply trying to lure us into a trap. You passed on both counts."

"Yeah! Joshua said that if you guys tried to question or correct how many of us there were, we should go in funnels blazing! Kinda glad we didn't, though. You guys feel nice."

"Nebula- never mind. She has two sisters, yes. If the discussion with your Pontiff proves fruitful, you'll likely meet Misty and Hazel soon after."

Alicia left first, helping Nebula climb out as she adjusted to the gravity. She reached out with her mind while holding her daughter steady, trying to get a gauge for how many newtypes - natural and cyber - resided within its halls.

---

"Well, that didn't last as long as I hoped. Really need to figure out a way to block all that newtype sensory stuff. Would do a damn good job of shutting down enemy funnels, too."

"They're brainwaves, Joshua. You can't just block them! Although I read something about how old earth humans thought they could use tinfoil... could try to see if that checks out~"

"That's a myth, sis. You might be able to interfere with them, but that's something else entirely. So do we need to deploy, Dad?"

Misty was sitting on top of one of the many spare funnels in the hangar, but had an old military headset on and was using it to bug her sister. She quickly hopped off it when Joshua spoke up, tensing a little at the threat of combat.

"No, we're still fine. Seems like their grand wizard type might be meeting you all soon enough if this keeps up though."

"They called her the Supreme Pontiff."

"And you're supposed to call me Joshua, but mistakes happen!" He let out a good natured laugh, letting it echo around the bridge. Had to get all of the mockery out of his system now - religious types tended to offend easily.

 

[MKR]

"There's no need to apologize." August stated matter of factly. "I am merely glad we passed the test so to say and things won't devolve into violence, that said if there is something else you wish to share now would be the best time. And you of course, feel nice too." The last remark had him genuinely smile.
Once everyone was outside August closed the door, stepping away and watching the vehicle drive off giving the two a moment to adjust to the presence of gravity before moving on.

"A quick rule of thumb." He mentioned as he headed for the front entrance. "As guests you are under no obligation to use the Supreme Pontiff's title, if you would prefer Miss Nosske or something similar you are free to do so." Using the title would garner them some favor, but that would mostly be on his end as another sign of good faith.

The door would open automatically as the trio approached, a woman in unifom sitting at the front desk would nod to August as he entered. The interior had a red carpet over most of the floor, generally remaining in tone with the uniforms seen all over the building, the receptionist would press a button as August lingered for a moment, she finally spoke up.
"The Grand Pontiff will be in conference room two in two minutes." She said, August thanking her and beginning to guide the two to the designated room.

"Would the two of you like something to drink while we wait? Or perhaps a quick tour of the public areas on the ground floor?" the captain asked them.

 

[Lukas]

"I'm fine. If we're going to have a tour, it'd be best to wait for the rest of the family." Alicia politely declined, shaking her head and glancing back to the receptionist. "For an organisation that wishes to turn everyone into a newtype, there's a large number of ordinary people around."

She wasn't willing to vocalise the underlying meaning, but it could be felt as clear as day.

You're willing to let people choose.

"So does this mean your cyber-newtype upgrade thingy isn't cheap yet? Or does it randomly cause people's head to pop during the surgery?"

Nebula completely missed Alicia's thought, tugging at her mother's sleeve and pulling her towards the room. Alicia would follow with little more than an eyeroll, her movements significantly more relaxed than before. Unless this 'pontiff' turned out to be some kind of lunatic, it seemed they would get along fine.

 

[MKR]

August nodded as his offers were declined, opening the door to the conference room, an oval table with a multitude of chairs were arrayed, more than enough to seat the entire extended Kent family and then some.
The Captain, clearly picked up on Alicia's sent thoughts, but with Nebula getting her thoughts out too an immediate response was difficult, so he opted to get two birds with one stone in his response.

"Hmmm no. Those are not the case. Simply put, a large number of people here agree with what we want to do, that being the safe creation of Cyber-Newtypes and better understanding of Newtype abilities but either don't want to undergo the procedure for varying reasons or have decided to undergo it later is entirely up to them." He answered, seating himself on the long end of the table opposed to the door, gesturing for the other two to sit on the other side.

"Our goal is and always has been giving everyone the choice of becoming a newtype, not to force it upon people. Of course, in an ideal world for us there would be no need for the procedure to begin with but in ours, well not everyone can win the genetic lottery." August replied, the belief in their cause clearly ringing through his words and his presence.

"If we wanted to and invested all our resources into doing so we could have half of the sector turned into Cyber-Newtypes by this time next month. But in turn we would betray everything we stand for aside form that bastardization of purpose. Securing the safety of the people here extends to more than merely making sure they are guarded from any external threats, it also means removing the issues with the process making it safe for them."

"There will undoubtedly be people that even when there is undeniable scientific proof that the procedure is one-hundred percent harmless and only beneficial will refuse." he paused for a moment, looking between the two "And that is fine. We are here to offer the choice, regardless of what people might paint us as. Because if we don't we might as well rob them of their free will and turn them into AI."

 

[Lukas]

"That all sounds nice. We gonna help them, mum?"

Alicia.. hesitated, staying silent as she took a seat next to her daughter and thinking it all over. Publicly joining or offering support would draw far too much attention to them both.. but simply lending a hand as per a contract would seem like just another job. And Ganymede was far enough from Io to hopefully escape some of their most recent attackers. It was settled in her mind, she just needed to get Joshua (and to some extent Sophie) to agree with her.

"I'm.. currently of the opinion that we should, yes. As long as whatever your... Supreme Pontiff planned does not permanently harm my daughters, I am willing to assist. As are they, presumably."

"Yeah! Hazel'll be all for it probably, and Misty'll ask a bunch of questions. But they'll be fine." Nebula's unending enthusiasm continued, the girl practically bouncing in her seat right now.

 

[MKR]

August smiled at their reply, a genuine smile one gets when people not only offer you aid but genuinely want to help. In a way Nebula's enthusiasm was infectious. The door behind them opened shortly, August's tale it seemed had managed to fill the two minutes enough for the new arrivals to catch the tail end of his tale.

"No need to worry Ms. Kent, as no harm will befall them." A voice called out from the door, two people walked into the room, first a woman in a uniform unlike any Alicia or Nebula had seen so far. In contrast to August or any of the others it seemed more priestly, more decorations adorned the outfit and the raumerben's symbol which for all the others was made into the clothing was a physical object adorned on her chest. The second was a man in his sixties with graying black hair and green eyes, wearing the same uniform as August bar the fact that the overcoat resembled a lab coat and carrying a clipboard.

The woman's newtype pressure was greater than any other on the building it seemed, though not honed for combat. The man in stark contrast was a very weak newtype.

The woman sat down at the end of the table and the man accompanying her sat down between her and August.
"I am very glad to hear you are even considering helping and the enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air, but for now that can wait until later as you came here for a different, more important, purpose." with the remark gave Nebula a nod.
Despite her position and title it seemed that while the Tornado Company were her guests instead of affiliates or followers the Pontiff would treat them as equals and they had come here for the children.

"But first, allow me to introduce myself, I am Supreme Pontiff Esther Nosske, leader of Raumerben and this is the head of our newtype study team, Eric Segert."

As the Pontiff spoke August turned quiet, opting to let the experts handle the details.

"Pleased to meet you." The man finally spoke up. "As for the tests, unless we go in depth they can all be conducted in this very room. With the only harm that can be caused coming from paper cuts." Eric said with a calm smile, putting the clipboard on the table and taking out two pieces of paper from it.

"As you probably know, deducing what type of newtype is can be as easy as simply feeling their presence. Emphatic connections mean you can sense us and vice versa." Taking a pair of reading glasses the man looked over the document.

"For example even I can at a glance tell that you yourself Ms. Kent are a natural newtype while your daughter is a Cyber-Newtype. But the abilities, or lack thereof, granted by being a newtype vary from person to person and require much more testing. But we could be here for hours if we go down every single test in order."

"Thank you Eric, I'll take it from here." the Supreme Pontiff said, looking over to Alicia and Nebula while Eric continued to look over the papers.
"I'll preface this with a question for you, both of you."

"What would you like to know and what questions do you have?" on the surface level it seemed the same question, but there was one important difference. What one wanted to know was what they had come here for, but the questions were what was on their mind currently.

 

[Lukas]

"Well.. uh.. mum wanted to come here to find out what we are, and August explained that on the way."

Nebula looked between the Supreme Pontiff and Alicia a couple of times, then shrugged cheerfully. A hint of worry seemed to cross her mother's face, but she let Neubla continue without stopping her.

"Actually, I do have one question - if it turns out your cyber-newtype stuff is different my cyber-newtype stuff... could we do yours to me and double my power?"

There was a moment of hesitation before Alicia spoke up, somewhat disturbed by even the idea of such a thing.

"No. Just... no. You're not getting surgery you don't need because it might make you stronger." She drew a sharp breath, giving the girl a somewhat horrified look before returning the matter at hand.

"But I would like to find out if your treatments are related to those of my daughters. I will admit part of it is just curiosity, but at the same time if there are long-term risks then it would be preferable to learn of them in advance."

She crossed her arms, looking the 'Pontiff' up and down. Their powers felt... almost even - possibly even greater - but unrefined. A woman not tempered or shaped by war, but instead pushed to lead. It reminded her of a rumour among her old corps. Of supposed 'Super newtypes' that could bend the minds of others to their will. Was this woman one of those - were her thoughts about this group even her own?

Unfortunately, before Alicia's train of thought could go further it was utterly derailed by her daughter speaking up once more.

"Oh wait, one more question! Is that golden thingy actually floating, or is there a prong behind your head I can't see?"

"Nebula!"

"You were totally thinking it too, Mom."

 

[MKR]

August would nod reaffirmingly with Nebula's statement of finding out what they were causing the Pontiff to smile.

As Nebula posed her question the pontiff thought about it, Alicia's interjection and subsequent question caused her to look to the elder guest. As she was about to speak up Nebula's second question came to light. Causing the Supreme Pontiff to chuckle.

"You mean this?" She asked, gesturing to the item around her head. "Well in truth, it is rather uncomfortable sometimes." Eshter admitted as she reached behind her neck, taking a second before pulling out what could best be described as a reverse coat hanger, the golden decoration on her head clearly attached to the object by a thin prong usually hidden among the woman's hair and kept in place by her outfit.

"It is an ornamental piece. As much as I wish it could float it is entirely physical, feel free to look it over." She said, handing the item over to Nebula and placing it in front of her. As this happened August looked slightly quizzically at Alicia, it seemed he was the only one so far to notice she seemed more tense ever since the Pontiff arrived but had yet to speak up about it.

"As for combining Cyber-Newtype methods. No, we can't and we won't. Doing so would be lethal at best." She answered calmly before turning her gaze back to Alicia and then turning to Eric.
"Eric, could you elaborate on long term risks?"

"We would have to do some in depth tests for the exact method used but any method we know about has any issues displayed up front. Barring a very late case of puberty all issues physical and mental will already have manifested within a month of the procedure. The treatments themselves, lets see." He said, back down at the papers.

"Actually, very important question. How old were they when the procedure took place? If you know that would help narrowing it down significantly." he asked.

 

[Lukas]

"Ooooh~" Nebula reached out to touch it tentatively, running her fingers over the metal with an amused smile on her face. She seemed rather disappointed at first by the impossibility of combining treatments, but that had vanished almost immediately when her other question was answered.

“When they were born. Presumably before, in fact.“ Alicia stated in the bluntest fashion possible, giving the man a moment to comprehend that before elaborating.

"Their.. embryonic forms still had a newtype signature, and the enhanced sensitivity started developing early in childhood. You don't know true hell until you've heard three small children screaming inside your head. It was worse for Joshua, of course - he had some idea of what we were capable of, but no ability to actually block it out."

"Dad stole a bus when were young so he'd have somewhere to hide if we got too loud. Claimed the only way he could get peace and quiet was by being several miles away." Nebula chimed in, Alicia simply nodding in agreement. Her own abilities had manifested in her teenage years, and she had reason to believe this was the same for most newtypes.