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[DC] Raven Lunacy (OC in Teen Titans)

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Raven Lunacy, Episode 41 - Shopping, Goblin and Bear
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 41

    Night shopping. In daylight. England. Japan. No planes involved.

    I've been, not quite, abusing my d-walk ability. 'Not quite' because a phone call to the Bank of Mammon arranged me 'unconventional traveller' visas for those two countries. Apparently many countries recognise super-powers mean that conventional borders, of land, water or after air travel aren't... practically feasible. So, the visa system keeps them happy. Particularly as I've a passport for both those countries.

    Time zones explain the business of me shopping in daylight when it's night at the Tower; eight-hours to England, thirteen the other way to Japan. I recall reading about how international phone calls, and before them telegrams, greatly confused many. Then, later, air travel. And, though this world hasn't got it, yet, the Internet.

    I'd considered acquiring a snapshot of the Internet, in a box, via the Bank of Mammon. I doubt it'd be cheap, but, say, a copy taken a moment after midnight, Saturday 1st January 2000CE, from a 'classic' Earth, could be remarkably useful. Not something you show to the locals, though... On balance, seemed best to avoid the risk.

    England, a visit to Foyles bookshop. The central London one. Any English book I wanted would be there, and a lot of others, too. My main aim was to get a full set of 'A' Level science books, including maths, as well as books covering the subjects those built on. A full teach-yourself-German course. And, for a lark, the complete (fictional) works of Isaac Asimov. Why? Because.

    Coming in over London, out of physical phase, but seeing everything clearly. Quite an experience. Third eye open, looking for any signs I'd been spotted. Fascinating flows of chi, across the capital, the 'buzz', but I appeared to have gotten away with it. Robe to neck-scarf, cash machine visit. Ready to shop!

    ---

    Next trip I might try and see the sights. Tower of London, Parliament Square, Nelson's Column. The Science Museum? Maybe visit the Houses of Parliament, if they're open to that. It'd be nice to check what's in the Docklands, where my Dad... No. Let's avoid that. I really don't want to risk meeting a local version of him.

    So. I shop.

    I'd have liked more books, but, I had four full carrier-bags, and more seemed... unwise. Yes, I'd gone a bit overboard. They'd have delivered, for me, but I wasn't having that. I want my books!

    Struggle to a taxi, taxi to Kings Cross train station. Books in left-luggage locker. I'd noticed that transport hubs had more dimensional 'paths', though, you saw a lot more people, not all of them human, on them.

    Focus on looking like someone else, settle on a mix of Master Roshi and the Buddhist priest. A quick glance in a train station mirror and, with my hood up, I don't recognise myself!

    Yes, it does occur to me, make my hands look suitably wrinkled, as well.

    So, back home to the Tower with a single bag of books, return trip and a second bag, then, I thought I'd got a good route, so, two bags on my last run. I must ask Raven how she can just produce things from behind her back... And, how her robe-pockets never bulge...

    ---

    I've still got reasonable energy and time left, so, a brief shelving of books, a refreshment break, and I'm off to Japan. I hurry, which may not've been wise, some of my short-cuts are really not nice places. Raven-supplied robe and the ability to levitate/fly avoids a lot of issues.

    Though, I didn't appreciate the sulphur fumes... Pity I gave Raven her life-support bracelet back.

    A little problem on arrival.

    But, fortunately I spot the goblin who arrives in my wake. He (I'm guessing here) refuses my generous offer to take him back where he came from, and, waves a knife. A few careful blows and he's more cooperative. Then, hands bound behind his back, a gag to handle attempted biting, and we're d-walking again.

    Looking at his chi-flows, and magical aura, I can make a pretty good guess which world I passed through was his home. A step away from there I de-gag him. Much grovelling ensues. Going home is apparently a death sentence, he thought I looked somewhat human, and, he'd heard stories of good eating in the human world.

    Presumably why he learned (poor) Japanese. Eating what, he didn't say.

    We cast about a bit, I find somewhere we agree doesn't look too bad, a sort of dark wood with magical overtones. And, he gets to stay. I hope this wasn't a bad mistake... Then, I realise, I still look elderly, and maybe male. I need to learn to disguise my voice...

    ---

    Akihabara.

    It's as good as the stories. And, yes, there's otaku. I'm back in my normal guise, robe-as-scarf, but... I'm photographed more than once. I'd just been asking where to find old-style robots, when I turned and was snapped several times, by several different people. Young men. I hope that hasn't got any consequences, they did seem so pleased as they hurried off...

    I do buy some books, manga, focusing on robots and martial arts. Not that many. Got some funny looks from the bookseller. I firmly decide that their preconceptions are their problem. Then, finally, after electronics shop browsing, get to the robots.

    ---

    It looks like a junk shop, ancient adverts, mostly for fictional robot shows, window crammed with certainly not-new robots and related electronics. A musty smell, inside, and, just detectable, resin from hot solder, and ozone. Initially no one greets me, so I step in the door, look around. I'm pretty sure I'm being watched. My tech-sight kicks-in, and I can see scanning beams flicking over me, a metal-detector field, and, something more exotic, looks like... A smart-gun targeting system???

    I don't think it likely anything here will injure me, but, that failure might produce a poor response. So, I look for anything interesting. There's a trickle of power in a badly-damaged robot bear, off to one side. I move over, crouch a little, inspect. Looks like a Japanese... version of a Teddy Ruxpin?

    This bear's had a hard time. One good eye, the other is half-missing. Fur that looks like it's been in a fire, all down one side. But, still, somehow I can tell it's cross-eyed. And, he's got a tiny, silver, cross, on a chain. Funny thing, the bear has a faint chi-aura. Maybe a spiritual one? And, it's watching me. I need to know more...

    ---

    The (predictably) ancient shopkeeper isn't much of a surprise, as he shuffles up behind me. I turn, nod politely. Looks me over, in a... calculating way. As if I've passed some sort of test. His eyes look remarkably young.

    "Like him? He watches the shop for me."

    A wild guess. "It is good that this shop has a spirit to guard it."

    His eyes widen, then narrow. "You are not what you seem. Good. Neither am I."

    He half-turns, looks at me.

    "Well? Are you coming into the real shop?"


    AN: Yes, Internet-in-a-Box exists. Though, Geo's thinking of something more drastic...

    AN: The place to visit for books: Foyles bookshop. Geo wanted (mostly) 'A' Level books. Also, The Science Museum.

    AN: I wonder why Geo's interested in this author? :)

    AN: Kings Cross; more somewhere you pass through rather than visit...

    AN: Just to repeat this, Akihabara (Tokyo, Japan), and otaku.

    AN: Smart guns are particularly known in cyberpunk...

    AN: Teddy Ruxpin, because you want to know...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 42 - Bear, Robots and Offer
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 42

    OK. I'm in Tokyo. The robot shop. Stepped-through a bead curtain. And I'm standing, very still.

    Why? Because I can see three smart-guns pointing at me. And, the holes at the end of the barrels look very big.

    Good thing I don't have 'danger sense'. Because, if I did, it'd be screaming very loudly at me.

    ---

    Funny thing, I'm more annoyed than scared.

    Even though my robe is in scarf-mode it should still stop anything less than an anti-tank round. I think. Yes, I'll be knocked around. But, I wont be really hurt. And, from my limited knowledge of guns, those look a lot more like shotguns, maybe with solid slugs, but, still not tank-killers.

    Annoyed. So.

    "I count three guns that I can see, pointed at me. That's rude, not to mention highly illegal in Japan. You really don't want me to prove how much I dislike guns. And, whether I've got sufficient bullet resistance to... explain that to you in person."

    From behind the curtain of light in front of me I hear a gulp.

    "Look. I didn't design this set-up. I inherited it. From a cousin, a distant cousin. Who was probably mad. I'm careful, I don't let civilians in the back. Only the ones the bear likes. Tell you what. I'll change the next step. Make it easier. OK?"

    "I'm listening..."

    "Right. 'What is the bear's name?'."

    Suddenly, I recall my father reading an old science-fiction book. A collection of short stories, I thought. And, laughing. Then, explaining the punch-line to me. Could it be?

    "The bear is called 'Gladly'. Because he's cross-eyed. 'Gladly, my cross-eyed bear'. I noticed he was wearing a crucifix."

    There is the shuffling of paper, "No, no, no, what? That's a stupid answer! No, no. Well." A cleared throat.

    "No one has ever given that answer before, but, it's on the list. And, someone's written 'Ha!' beside it. Did you look through the wall, or something?"

    "No, just a lucky coincidence."

    "Well. Pass." And I hear the sound of a buzzer, as the gun barrels recede into their niches.

    ---

    Robots. All the robots. The biggest is about ten-metres, maybe thirty-feet high, the smallest, could stand on the tip of my finger. Strangely, most of them are humanoid. Or, maybe not.

    Wow. Just. Wow.

    My host explains a lot of them are holograms, in this decent-sized warehouse that the shop backs on to. Someone must be very rich. Potentially, anyway. The price of land in Tokyo is phenomenal. No, if there's some dimensional tinkering going on, it's too subtle for me to spot.

    There's a long workbench. Maybe half-a-dozen robots are more or less disassembled, being maintained, I'm guessing. But, I can see at least a dozen, off to one side, that look to have been worked-on, but, are now dusty, still broken.

    "I think he got them from places, all over the world. Alien invasion, mad science, the lot. Some, he bought from shady characters, who brought them from 'elsewhere'. No questions asked. I think he had the odd robot, damaged, stagger in here. Get repaired by him." He sighs.

    "I'm not a bad engineer, can fix most electronics, mechanical problems, even use a number of his weird tools. But, I really don't have his talents." He waves his arms, a bit helplessly - sometimes I've wondered where I learned that gesture from.

    The phrase, "Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!" comes to mind.

    "Let's have a look at what you're working on..."

    ---

    Well. I've learned quite a bit about robots, and started on an assay of what's here. There're definitely five different technological 'styles', maybe more which have only single representatives.

    Reminds me of the way my father analysed different sorts of (sometimes alien) science and engineering... 'Development trees'... Sort of meta-meta analysis... Could you apply that to different sorts of (super) powers, abilities?

    I've helped... 'Max', he tells me to call him, get a couple of robots working, and a third mostly fixed. I'm beginning to cut into time I should be using, back home, for sleeping...

    Apparently, the holograms stand-in for more robots, which are stored somewhere off-site. But, for one reason or another don't 'fit' in the shop. Looking more closely, I think the roof is only about three-metres, ten-feet, so that makes sense.

    No, he hasn't tried to sell me any robots, or robot services. Yet.

    I look at the situation. "I need better tools. And, a decent scanner set-up. You've done a good job here, with limited facilities, but things could be better."

    Max seems to be... Impressed with my skills. I also get the impression he's a lot younger than he was pretending, and doubt he's reached the age of thirty. But, he's probably an adult.

    "There's more tools, in my cousin's old... well, he liked to call it his 'lair'. I'm not prepared to tell you where that is, yet, maybe never. Those are the ones I couldn't figure-out. I might be able to get some of them here, this sort of time next week." He looks up at the clock.

    "Right. Four hours ago. You know what I mean!" He's obviously got a bit emotional. Well, at least he's not an otaku. I think.

    "Just to show my good faith, I'll get a tool I call a 'build cell', a sort of engineering support tool, shipped here. All the extra bits it needs. I'd really appreciate if you keep it as secret as possible. Nothing sinister, there's a number of patent applications in progress."

    He looks interested.

    "It should be here by next week. I'll even train you in how to use it effectively. You should be able to stuff a smaller, man-sized robot, in it, use it to do all the diagnostics, and, once it's programmed right, the repairs." Now, he's smiling.

    "If you could burn a few CDs with copies of the robot software that you're prepared to part with, I'll take it away and study it. Give you a report on my findings."

    He's shaking my hand, hugging me. There's tears in his eyes.

    "After Soni disappeared, with no warning, I got this place in his will. I only get paid if I keep it going. The lawyers are really strict. Do surprise inspections. Use 'secret shoppers'. They only see the front shop, of course." I do wonder why he's not got a robot shop assistant, though, maybe that's the bear.

    He falls to one knee.

    "Will you marry me?"

    I just look at him for a few moments.

    "I'm afraid I have... other commitments. But, thank you for your flattering offer."

    Yes, I swiftly take my leave. With some CDs. But, also yes, I think I'll be back, next week. I'm mad.

    Very, very, mad.


    AN: The Japanese are not gun enthusiasts...

    AN: 'Gladly' is not a DC character, but can't really be called 'OC', due to appearing in a number of places, including the science-fiction short-story. 'Max' and 'Soni' are OC.

    AN: Danger, Will Robinson, Danger! :)

    AN: If you're in customer service, I expect you've heard of secret shoppers...

    AN: Yes, I do know what 'Soni' in Japanese translates to. :)
     
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 43 - Marriage, Terra and Secrets
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 43

    At breakfast. Again. I feel... a bit light-headed. But, basically OK. Because, I cheated.

    After my carefully-paced return from Tokyo, didn't want to bring a goblin home, I'd about 45-minutes to breakfast. So, I visited the med-lab. Explained this was a one-off. But, I needed my night's sleep pretty quickly, so I still got to breakfast on time. And Nurse, slightly reluctant, did the magic.

    Guess we'll see how I survive the day. But, before that, Raven's been looking at me with suspicion.

    "Didn't you sleep properly...", she glances at Terra, "Sugoi?"

    "No?"

    "Is it something I can help with?"

    "I... overdid it, last night. Tried to do too many things. Got a bit... carried away. Actually, someone proposed marriage to me."

    Everyone looks at me.

    "But, I turned them down. I'd only known them for a few hours."

    Cyborg and Beast Boy look at each other, nod. Then, they do a gesture exchange, which I think mean, 'you', 'no, you', 'no you'. Beast Boy wins, or loses, it's hard to tell.

    "I've been proposed to, many times. But, I'm pretty sure it's more of a crush, or, maybe a stalker. You know about stalkers?"

    "Only in theory. I think... they wanted me for my mind."

    "Well, it's like this... Some people don't see you, they see..." And, he launches into a long and hopefully improbable story about ducks, which I fear has too much truth in it.

    ---

    After breakfast, Terra takes me aside for a quick word.

    "How did you get accepted in the team? I know you were the last one who joined before me. Everyone is nice, but, I can tell they're being careful what they say when I'm around."

    I think for a few moments.

    "It's a matter of time. Not just people getting used to you, but finding they can trust you. I didn't have anything like Slade. But, on the other hand, I'm from a different world, no one can check my background, find out who I was before."

    I notice her wince. Maybe that wasn't the wisest thing to say?

    "Could be a bit trite, but, give it time. Beast Boy trusts you, Starfire likes everyone, the others are willing to give you a chance. Just... do your best."

    She nods, and walks off, head hanging.

    ---

    Robin has news for me at our training session. He's arranged for me to meet someone at a university medical school. Which, I guess is good. Problem is, it's this afternoon. Apparently a slot became open. So, I'll have to explain missing my training with Raven. Wonderful.

    I think he's not totally happy with the position he's put me in.

    No Master Roshi; who knows what he's doing? Robin comes to a decision, and we go to the secure meeting room. Intercoms Cyborg, checks and more checks. Robin sweeps for bugs, I look around, all I spot is a voice recorder someone's probably left behind. Robin thanks me, puts it outside.

    He reaches up, touches the side of his face. Sighs. Takes off his mask. He looks the same as the last couple of time's I've seen his bare face.

    "This is a sign of trust. But, it's also practicality. You know what I look like. You're going to be team doctor. If you wanted to I'm pretty sure you could discover my identity. My name is... Dick Grayson."

    Suddenly it clicks for me. The 'veil lifts'. I recall Batman and Robin fiction, from my home world. I don't know who the Batman is, but Robin, 'Dick'. Sounds right.

    But, weren't there more than one Robin? What about 'Burt'? 'Tim'? Something about ducks? I'll worry about that later. Probably Beast Boy's fault.

    I recall that vision, the acrobats, at a circus. Falling. The 'Flying Graysons'. Oh.

    "You're not saying anything?" He doesn't seem, quite, to be offended.

    "A bit of world-traveller shock. And a vision I had a while back. Secret identities seem... I think the logic of them is different here, in this world, than my home one. Probably."

    I slap my hand on the table. That seems to help, a bit. "Right. Practicalities. The medical system best needs a baseline scan of you, in good health. To compare with if you're thought to be injured." I pause, to let him digest that.

    "Yes, it can work without one, but, baseline then is 'standard' human near-adult male. Slower diagnosis. And, that wont have things like your fingerprints or your retina pattern on record, if you... lose them."

    He boggles, a bit. "You can grow-back lost fingerprints? Lost eyes?"

    "Yes. Anything but lost central nervous system. Even bits of that, if you're prepared for re-training time. It's a good medical system."

    "Wow. I thought you'd need Cadmus to do things like that."

    "There's that name again, but all people will tell me about them is they're 'bad news'." I shrug.

    "The system could, in theory, grow an entire human body, from scratch, given a 'pattern' and the right instructions. But, that'd take months, and it'd be mindless. Or, it can store spare body parts, pre-grown, which avoids having to wait to grow them if you've lost bits. Maybe a bit of retraining time for lost limbs if your scan isn't recent." I pause again.

    "I'm pretty sure it can do more, but, that's locked behind 'command authorisations', I don't want to mess with until I understand it better."

    I'm not lying... Just not telling all I suspect. I know what my Dad's systems can do, and, I'm pretty sure this is a close relative. Doubt our med-bay can move your mind and spirit between living and robot bodies, though. My Dad had to build kit to do that after his Nazi (demon?) 'accident'.

    Wonder what I'd do if I had to be polite to super-scientist Adolf Hitler? Who's been experimenting on my best friend? But. Talking to Robin.

    "Honestly, though, I want to read all the manuals, probably twice, ideally have a full set of spare parts lined-up. Work-out what the maintenance schedule should be. It was drifting in Space, for lots of decades, and I want to make sure there's no hidden faults or weaknesses."

    Robin gives a slow nod. Or, I should say, 'Dick'. Though I'd better avoid thinking that name.

    "I can see you've thought this through. I'm sure Cyborg, and... Nurse, will give you as much support as they can. Now." He stands up, puts his mask back on, looks directly at me.

    "You'd better go get some sleep. After informing Raven. You'll want to be fresh for your afternoon appointment."


    AN: You can go look-up details on the love-lives of ducks on your own... Not my problem. Not either my circus nor my monkeys. :)
     
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 44 - Weird, Weirder and Education
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 44

    Raven isn't happy. And, I don't blame her. Short-notice changes are annoying.

    But, I do make clear to her that this seems to be chance, and that Robin doesn't look to be trying to annoy her.

    She twitches, a bit, when I say 'chance'. Reveals she'd set things up to try and detect, maybe figure-out a way around, my 'curse'. Seeing as it's probably a spiritual one, rather than the more common magical variety. And, may be the effects of an injury, 'scarring' so to speak, so this isn't easy. But, she thinks it needs to be done.

    Briefly, because she says I need to go sleep, she reveals that her concern is Garfield's also a 'Weirdness Magnet', and, from her studies, having two such on a team can get... rather unfortunate. I do remark that I suspect my father could have also've had this 'talent', and she really winces.

    So, off to bed.

    ---

    I awake a little before lunch. Something is making me... twitchy. I consider my current projects, and, I'm drawn to the one which should unlock my magical potential, that I've been reluctant to finish.

    A square of plywood, about a half-metre, eighteen-inches, on a side, with a complex runic pentacle. I bite my lip, think, then use my ritual knife to prick the base of my thumb, get the drop of blood to complete the ritual.

    Oh. Why did I do that? It was a really stupid thing to do, just before a critical interview. I've heard of the 'idiot ball', I think I just dropped it.

    And, yes, of course, a super-deformed version of Robin pops up through the middle of the pentacle. Stopping with his ankles still in the wood.

    ---

    The masked face looks around, the eyes wide. "Call me 'Larry'" he says, in an absent-minded sort of way.

    Then, he stops. Focuses on me. His eyes go wider. His eyebrows climb off his head. He stares.

    "No. No way. You're not getting me involved in that. I refuse to play. Give my love to the Boy Wonder, Toots. Bye!"

    He sinks back into the board, and, there's no sign he was ever there. At all.

    What. Just. Happened?

    ---

    It takes me about ten minutes, but I pull myself together. I don't think my shock was natural. It was as if something grabbed my reality, gave it a thorough shake. But, on the positive side, I think I've unlocked my magic.

    So. Shower. Dress in my best 'casual smart'. Check I've 'loaded' the appropriate skills, which are in this case as much Medical Science as I can cram into my head, and, what I can remember of my father's 'A' Level sciences. I just hope it'll be enough.

    Then, a light lunch. And, the tricky bit.

    I'd have liked to d-walk to the airport, an easy destination, hire a car, drive to the appointment. But, I've not got enough room in my head for driving skills. Rude word. So, I'm going to d-walk to the university, stay out-of-phase, scout a good place to materialise, appear, and scarf my robe. So many things could go wrong...

    I think I've gotten away with it. Five minutes early. About what I planned. Usual waiting room, better-quality old periodicals, mostly medical. I note the titles. Flip through an interesting-looking one on prostheses.

    Janet Green, a medical administrator. Apparently a 'major donor' requested I get a meeting. But, she's not allowed to say who. Really, she should've been more careful about hiding the 'Wayne Industries' headed letter she was consulting. Pretty sure she's just not very good at being sneaky.

    As we went around, seeing the department, I caught glimpses which let me figure-out part of the text. "Check if squeamish" was one item, another was "Check practical skills". The autopsy lab was a pretty obvious test, as was a half-dissected student 'practice' body.

    I think I did reasonably, commented on my guess as to cause of death. Explained my training was limited, but I'd started from a base as a nurse-practitioner, due to coming from a medical family, after being home-schooled.

    Then, I get introduced to a doctor who's one of the lecturers. An older man, with sharp eyes. He questions me mercilessly.

    I... don't think I do terribly, but, I'd like to've done better. Asks me why I want to be a doctor. I answer something about social duty and wanting to be useful to society. No, he doesn't mutter "Idealistic idiot", but, I think, overall, he approves of me.

    Ms. Green sits to one side, takes notes.

    I do ask what their opinion is of 'super-science' being used in medicine. Ms. Green looks at the doctor. He snorts.

    "Wonderful idea. If it was just reliable. When I was a junior doctor we had a 'device'..." He does the finger quotes. "Doubled people's healing rates. Amazing. Until we were using it on someone who died. And, later turned into a zombie. No deaths, a lot of scared people. And, of course, we had to stop using it."

    He shakes his head.

    "If they can explain the scientific basis of it. Get FDA approval. Allow it to be maintained by someone other than themselves. Then, maybe."

    He coughs.

    "Sorry. A bit of a 'hobby horse' with me."

    Ms. Green smiles in a somewhat pained way.

    "I think that's it, for the day. I hope you enjoyed your visit. Shall I call a taxi, or will you make your own way?"

    We part.

    ---

    Before I leave campus I visit the library. Get referred to an administrator. Pay the fees, including a deposit, to allow non-student access to the library. Though, I don't get borrowing privileges. For that, you need to be staff or a current or (rich) previous student. Meets with my needs.

    And, I visit the university bookshop. Restrain myself. Just get a few, carefully-chosen, medical reference books. Base it on what I saw on the doctor's office shelves.

    I hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship...

    With the university.


    AN: Idiot ball, just in case...

    AN: Super-deformed, also called 'chibi'.

    AN: Prostheses.

    AN: Janet Green is an OC. It's deliberate that the university isn't named.

    AN: FDA.
     
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 45 - Imps, Kinky and Relatives
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 45

    I've survived the university. Got use of their library. Raided their bookshop.

    Why do I feel this sense of impending doom?

    OK, I'm back at the Tower. Catching my breath. New medical books on the shelf. What's that I left over there?

    Ah. The ritual board. All my memories of 'Larry', which I'd managed to suppress, flood back. Yes. There's a good reason to worry.

    So.

    Raven first?

    ---

    Apparently there's beings called '5th dimensional imps'. The basic idea is not to attract their attention. If you do, be polite, try not to lose your temper. They can be helpful, or tricksters. You never know. In general they seem to have limited attention spans.

    But, Raven says the Teen Titans, best as she knows, haven't mixed with one.

    So, we go consult an expert. Beast Boy.

    "Yeah. I know about those. They seem to know about past times that've... changed, so I'm one of the few that recalls them. And, they can see alternate futures. Time travel at will. I wont say the name of the one that bothers Superman, but, Batman had one called 'Bat Mite', dressed-up, badly, like him."

    He stares in the air, looks thoughtful.

    "Even helped him, once or twice. Had a selective visibility trick, so maybe Batman could see, hear, him, but others couldn't. Some thought he was just a delusion." He waves his finger, in a circle, next to his head. Looks at me.

    "So, you've seen one?"

    "Yes... Gave the name 'Larry'. Looked like a squished-down version of Robin. Asked to be reminded to him. Assuming 'Boy Wonder' is him."

    Beast Boy snickers, then looks (half) serious.

    "Ohhh Kay... New one on me. So, you think we're going to see him around? Sounds like he could be fun."

    "I don't think so... Something seemed to scare him, make him change his plans. I think. Maybe one of those possible futures? I don't know."

    "Don't forget to pass the message on to Robin", remarks Beast Boy.

    Raven looks determined. "We're going to do that ritual, this evening. The one we put-off from the afternoon. Get some answers. Then, if you agree, I'll walk in your dreams."

    "Kinky!"

    We both glare at Beast Boy.

    ---

    I've got a lot to do, but, decide to visit the Meditation Room. Kory is there, eyes closed, floating in the air.

    She's pretty deep. I think she recognises me, on some level, decides I'm not a danger.

    I float-up, beside her. Start meditating.

    I really need this.

    ---

    "I've got all the wards set-up." Raven launches straight into things. "If nothing else, you being around has given me a lot of practice."

    Was that... humour? No...

    "I think it only proper that I tell you one reason I was so concerned. Apart from you and Garfield... amplifying each other. And your goblin. And your sudden magic cravings. And 'Larry'." She raises one eyebrow. I can only nod.

    "I was trained by mystic warrior monks. They aimed to prepare me to resist..." She pauses, looks at her wards. Firmly nods her head. "My father. Trigon."

    We both look around. Nothing appears to happen. Good, I guess.

    "I was trained to watch out for changes. In me, in those around me. To be on guard." She stops again, takes a sip from her goblet of water. I take one from mine.

    "My father..." She swallows. "Trigon. As that annoying priest said maybe I should look to my grandfather. The god... Azar."

    What? I start, and look at her. She looks back. I gesture for her to continue.

    "Azar is the god of Azarath. He's not known to physically manifest, though he has a... relationship with the leader of the people who live there, and his power has been passed from generation to generation. That leader is called 'Azar'."

    She looks at me. "Yes, either they're not very imaginative, or, Beast Boy might be right about 'Kinky'." She coughs.

    "A female follower of Azar, not the leader, had some sort of... relationship with him. Birthed Trigon as the result. Azar had originally led the people to Azarath, a place where they cast off the negative parts of themselves. Unfortunately, these accumulated, and the whole somehow merged with the new being so a monster was born. Trigon."

    "That was about a thousand years ago. Trigon has only got more powerful, claims to have existed from 'the beginning of Time'. Supposedly rules more than a million worlds. And, has turned his attention to this Earth, a place at the crossroads of many dimensions, a place from which he could wield incredible power."

    "But, a place that rejects him. Unless, he uses a key. Me."

    We sip our water. Look at each other.

    "You wanted to say something? Earlier? But were polite enough to wait until I finished."

    "Yes..."

    She gestures for me to continue, I take a deep breath.

    "I'm unsure if this is relevant. But, my father. He has an ex-wife, who he rarely speaks of. They still send each other letters, though she works in a distant country. In Persian. I happen to know that her name means 'flame', in Persian." I pause.

    "Sometimes, when he's feeling poetic, my father's called her my 'spiritual mother', because she was the 'flame that inspired him' to start the medical work, that led to me. Apparently, a Persian name which means 'flame' is Azar..." There is silence.

    "Do you think that's important?"

    We just sit, and look at each other.


    AN: This is not a cliff-hanger. Honest. :)

    AN: And Geo will not say, "Raven! I Am Your Aunt!". :)
     
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    Raven Lunacy, Author Comment 9 - Try Virtual Gaming? / Controlling Your (Digital) Life
  • Informational
    • Raven Lunacy, Author Comment 9

    Try Virtual Gaming?

    AN: Author Comment written July 2020, during the first (UK, Covid) Lockdown. Included as I thought it might interest.

    Apparently it's possible to create and run a virtual gaming convention, which you can attend, for free, and use free online tools to play games at. You can even virtually play many board-games. All without leaving the (hopeful) comfort of your own home. Who knew? :)

    Of course, maybe you are ambitious, want to do gaming in a free-to-use online virtual world (VR or VW), such as Second Life (SL)? Free-to-download online VW browser, both from the SL site and from third-parties.

    Or, you are really ambitous, and want to host your own virtual world using home computing or Cloud resources? Then, use that as a platform within which you implement your own games, or even have avatars of AIs and/or chatbots running around?

    Maybe even accessed via a VR headset?

    All do-able stuff, but, please be warned some find such systems psychologically addictive... And, some find they dream of VWs, or have flash-backs during day-to-day life...

    But, who am I to interfere with you exploring how cyberpunk you can make modern life? :)


    Controlling Your (Digital) Life

    You might say, all that sounds expensive, what does it mean to me?

    Well, some claim there's been repeated 'waves' over the last forty-years to remove power from individuals, and centralise it. This isn't 'political', except in the broadest sense, it's about persuading people to use more centralised computing facilities, and not learn about computing/information technology, to use at home or in their workplace.

    The latest bit is to persuade people that 'The Cloud' is how you should be doing anything except directly personal computing. That your direct personal computing needs can best be provided by a smart-phone in your pocket. Finally, that you don't need any more in the way of internet connection than your smart-phone; no need for home broadband.

    This is not to say that these don't work, it's more to say that they involve risks, both of things like single-point-of-failure, and loss of personal control, over the data (and meta-data) which's become a critical part of almost everyone's lives. One approach is the 'encrypt everything' viewpoint, another is shared collaborative (computer) networks, so you don't depend on people like Google or Amazon, a third is ensuring you maintain personal control over your data (and meta-data).

    Something else to watch out for is 'free' computing services (including e-mail addresses), like Facebook or Google; these all use resources, so it's smart to ask, how are these paid for? You can buy your own domain name pretty cheap, if you pay for, say, ten-years in advance, and then use that for all your e-mail needs. For a business not having your own domain name, and using that for e-mail and a website, is often considered a sign of being unprofessional. Web space is also pretty cheap, and there's free tools to help you build and maintain websites.

    However, a 'hybrid' approach can have advantages over a 'pure' one.

    Nothing wrong with The Cloud, as long as you don't depend on it for business or personal survival, and you're happy with 'exposing' your business or personal data that way. So, have computing storage which is under your personal, physical, control, but back your data up (including your smart-phone) using strong encryption to The Cloud.

    Use a smart-phone, but also have something like a Raspberry Pi system at work or home, providing your business or home computer data storage.

    And, a smart-phone (or even a smart-watch) can be very useful, but ensure you also have business or home broadband, and a full-sized keyboard plus pointer device, maybe attached to a Raspberry Pi, for non-trivial interaction. Some will say a tablet computer is good for everything a smart-phone wont do, but, those are really data-consumption devices, not general-purpose computers. (I'd also recommend having a wired phone, that's powered by your phone-line, somewhere, ready to plug-in, in emergencies.)

    Some have even found that a home laser printer is financially wise.

    Finally, people may have tried to sell you a 'smart-home', via the internet-of-things. But, you may note that Microsoft, Amazon, Google or whoever intrude into your home in a massive and intimate way (see news reports). Everything they provide can be done using bits under your control (like a few Raspberry Pis). Most of us don't want Orwell's Big Brother of 1984 happening in our own homes...

    ...

    Sorry, this bit has gone rather over-board! :)

    Further, I wish to make it clear I have no connection to the Raspberry Pi Foundation. :)
     
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    Moderately Un-bear-able?
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    • Moderately Un-bear-able?

    I noted that Kuro-chan, the pink teddy-bear in the Raven costume, appeared in this story, Followed, later, by 'Gladly', the cross-eyed bear.

    Do you think I should be concerned?

    Is there a risk of all the Teen Titans becoming teddy bears? Personally, I'd think that... a bit silly. It'd be as bad as them becoming colourful small horses, with horns, wings, or stomp-y feet. And, that'd be far too silly, wouldn't it? :)

    AN: *cough* Care Bears *cough*.
     
  • Apocrypha
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 46 - Cursed, Home Dreams and Big Dog
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 46

    Raven ran her tests. Some of which made no sense to me. Didn't obviously involve magic. Asked me to astral project. Poked my body, (spiritually) poked my spirit.

    She's pretty sure. I'm 'cursed'.

    And, the (annoying) priest got it right, it is a curse of the spirit, which messes with probability. Makes me a 'Weirdness Magnet'. Almost certainly due to injury when fighting my attempted possessor, which didn't (spiritually) heal right.

    Apparently, it's not that uncommon, in certain circles. Shaman on a spirit quest have a rough time. End up with this 'talent'. Can make them outcasts, can make them 'special people', to be valued; depends on their culture.

    Raven's found literature, some try and induce this effect, and, there's related effects. Like scaring-off animals while hunting, being 'lucky', which is a lot more positive, and, only noted in more modern times, jinxing machinery, particularly electronics.

    But, in a super-hero setting, something you can really do without. Raven thinks we may be able to use something like the healing methods that we used on her spirit to help me. Maybe I'll even end-up 'lucky'? Who knows?

    Further investigations to be done in my dreams.

    ---

    I've gotten better a going to sleep while anxious, only takes me about five minutes. Though, half-waking dreams, where the doctor at the university is replaced by my father, wearing a false beard. Who wants to know if I've practical experience of repairing plush toys.

    Strange.

    Raven rouses my spirit, but instead of astral projection we're going inwards. Into the depths of my mind. To start with, we're doing a scout around, try and determine my spiritual boundaries. Which, is fun, as spirits are more than three-dimensional.

    Seeing as I started as an AI my spirit is apparently an unusual shape. This is possibly useful, as that in turn influences my mind, may give me protection both against those who can 'handle' human minds, and those who influence the 'minds' of (advanced) machines. So, I straddle two worlds.

    Of course, unless I train, someone who can effect both will just walk-in. More things to learn...

    More interesting is following my creative dimension. Apparently, in this group of worlds, that leads to The Dreaming, which is the well-spring of creativity in all local reality. Going there is... strange. We just touch the boundaries, and, a man with stars for eyes, that I last saw in my Roshi-induced vision, nods to me.

    I'm not sure I like that sort of attention... Raven agrees with me.

    We then go and overlook my past time-line; best to avoid looking at possible futures. I'm a pink worm, that stretches into the past, does a strange jink, and before that is a latex-covered worm, further back a collection of metal boxes.

    I stop looking beyond that. It's quite enough. I might be unlucky enough to see a previous incarnation. Knowledge of such can apparently completely bleep-up your current one. Unless, maybe, you're a Buddhist.

    Back to more normal territory.

    ---

    Raven seems to think my mind is strangely ordered. Seems to make sense to me, but, I guess I'd think that. A metal-and-silicon foundation, with power and signals flowing through grids of wires, flickering patterns, carefully concealed logic. The 'guts' of my AI and robot self.

    Then, above, a more organic look, curves of bright windows, though there's no outside to see through them. Elegant rooms, with seating, for human forms. Even a few potted plants. There're mirrors on some walls, which don't show normal reflections. A few book-shelves, a photo album.

    And, something that looks a bit like a gym, with a neat floor grid, a table and chair, a bicycle. I used to hate that bicycle... So many falls...

    Another stairway, and I'm happier. Still sparse but more obviously occupied. A lounge with carpet, tv, wall-pictures. The pictures swiftly blank before we get to look at them - I think I did that in time.

    There's things like a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. The odd magazine, book, left on a table. And, crammed book-shelves. Lots of them.

    Down a short corridor, we come to an immense library. Before it are rows of index files, their cabinets coded in many different colours. All right. I do have a pretty ordered mind.

    Another immense hall, off to one side, full of tools and machinery. A magical workshop in a third hall, a complex gym in a fourth. Then, an almost empty fifth hall, with a few weird science gadgets.

    Wandering through the place are robots that look remarkably like me.

    Raven stops. Raises an eyebrow. "Yes, I can see you... love to know things. And, how to do... stuff"

    ---

    We follow a hidden corridor, to a secret library, books with unmarked spines. Back-track. Open a secret door in an otherwise blank wall. Climb a narrow stairway.

    Now, we're on a balcony, over an immense room. Flows of mostly pale-blue light run around. An overview of my mind. And, if you look from just the right angle, below it my spirit.

    There's a twisted area, with a bend around a blackened part. I'm guessing my spiritual injury. "Looks pretty classic", remarks Raven. I'm far from sure she's seeing the same scene as me. She moves us along the balcony, we find a narrow stair, fortunately with a rail, which leads down to my spirit level.

    "We're pretty deep here", comments Raven, "But, this is more ordered than any spirit I've ever looked at. Except for that root, which looks pretty organic."

    I look where she's pointing, and, yes I can see a sort-of nearly invisible twisted root. But, what grows from it quickly becomes more ordered. The seed of my spirit was from a living being? Who, I wonder?

    Carefully, we start to climb. Stepping on the stronger parts. Sometimes I feel a twinge, as one or other of us finds a foot-hold. I can tell this could all go horribly wrong...

    We're at the twisted bit. Raven kneels, carefully runs her fingers along it. Watches how I shiver. Sits back on her heels. Inspects the area. "Robin?", she says in a low voice, and traces, pointing with a finger, the way something that I can't, quite, see flows. "What have you done?"

    Looks at me. "I think I can see something that should work. Robin... appears to have done something unwise, that could damage your social connections. But, if we replace the twisted part with that dammed flow, over there..." She indicates an orange knot. "It looks as though things should balance. Eventually."

    Tilts her head to one side, obviously thinks. "Could you do some math for me? I think it might help." And, she hands me a long scroll, which morphs into a PDA as I take it.

    Math is done. I hand her what in her hands becomes a scroll. There's a blur of movement, and it's as if she has a dozen arms and hands, shifting, mostly very delicately, connections.

    Then she stops, takes a firm grip on the twisted part of the network. "I'd say 'brace yourself', but, relaxing would be better." She waits until I do.

    My world turns back-to-front, inside-out, and is then sucked-up through a plug-hole to fill a basin. Oh. Then, then, it gets really weird.

    ---

    We're back in my lounge, in the 'human' area of my mind. Raven has made tea in my kitchen, and has just poured me a cup. I add milk to taste. Perfect. Then I pour some for her. Slowly, the world stops feeling fragile.

    "Both your pupils are the same size again, now. I'm pretty sure that's a good sign." She pulls back from looking in my eyes.

    "There was a lot more energy let loose than I expected. I had to fly to get out of there, carrying an unconscious you. But, we got back, OK. My only problem was the room with the elephant-sized dog..."

    Somehow I recall that. Raven growled back at the dog, and he backed down...

    "How do you feel?"

    I consider this, carefully. "A bit shaken, but, I think I'll be OK." I look around.

    On a table, turned so we can both see it, clearly, is a graphic novel. It's marked "Detective Comics, Volume 1, 1939", and seems to have Batman, and some gunmen, on the cover.

    Raven and I look at each other. Raven breaks first. "I think you'd better put that away, somewhere very, very, safe."

    "Yes. I will."


    AN: Incarnation is an interesting term...

    AN: You may not believe it, but some use 'bleep' as an actual swear word. Maybe they've seen too much tv? Think it's funny? I met someone who used 'shuggles'; they said they learnt it from a minor character in 2000AD's Nemesis the Warlock...

    AN: The tech, it changes, but PDA. If you're curious, this is Geo's PDA.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 47 - Puzzle, Fall and Relief
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 47

    Before we leave. My home-from-home. The lounge in my dreaming mind. I've a question, actually a puzzle, for Raven.

    A real puzzle. A wooden jigsaw puzzle, in fact.

    It represents my inability to learn an early-acquired talent of my father's. Speed Reading. I can use various systems to get images into my mind, my memory, even OCR them into text. But, to process this, into knowledge, into something I can actually use, I need to read it, not much faster than real-time.

    She looks at the puzzle. Moves some of the pieces around. Studies the image of the completed picture on the outside of the box. Thinks for a few moments.

    Then, reaches into the box, extracts two pieces. Looking at them, they're not quite right. Empties the rest of the pieces onto the table. Puts a few of them together. Takes the empty box, lifts out a false bottom, reveals two missing pieces.

    "I think it best you do the rest yourself. Otherwise, its a grafted-on skill, not something properly 'yours'."

    "OK."

    ---

    We're standing outside my body. Raven has a small, green, goblinoid, creature by one ear. She appears to be having to work hard to maintain her grip. The... gremlin? That feels right, is not a happy being.

    "I think that's enough for tonight. You get some solid sleep. I'm unsure if this is 'real', but I'm going to deal with it as if it is."

    I bow. "Yes, teacher."

    ---

    Waking in the early morning, after a solid four-hours sleep. That's more than I normally need, and a few attempts to doze convinces me I'm done for the night.

    Shower, dress. Think for a few moments. Wonder if Oracle is still awake. Visit and secure the conference room. Yes, she is.

    As we've done a number of times previously, we chat, she points me to a new hacker site she's stumbled on. I store the phone number for future reference. We have a good time, and it relaxes me a bit. The vivid dream Raven shared begins to slide into the background.

    Then, she gasps. There's a groan, and I hear a thud, something her filters would normally hide from me.

    I'm elsewhere. This is a firm reminder that I'm not in full control of my dimension walking, or, in this case, astral projection. And, I may never be. Psychic powers are tricky like that.

    There's a complex room, stuffed with computers and communications equipment. In the centre, a brilliantly red-headed woman, in a wheelchair, collapsed forward, over a keyboard, her glasses knocked to one side.

    I'm here as a spirit, an uninvited one at that. Though, I'm pretty sure, a friend. There's no robots, manipulator limbs, around, so I can't see what to do. I think I may have to be a lot ruder...

    Nothing I've done before, but I try and possess just her right arm. A hard struggle, but it works. Push her back into the chair, into a better position. Tap at her keyboard.

    On the screen, strange, I can see my body slumped in my chair, back at the Tower. Though, my posture isn't too bad, and my body doesn't seem to be at risk.

    Her system... It's thoroughly customised, not at all easy to use. Lots of things I'm pretty sure are driven by keyboard short-cuts. I stop, think for a few moments.

    There's a bright red key, top-left corner, of the keyboard. Labelled 'HELP!'. Someone has modified the keyboard so it's an actual key. I press it.

    A gruff voice. "What's the problem, Oracle?"

    I look at the screen. There's a chat text window open. I type into there. "Oracle has collapsed, seems unconscious. I can't seem to revive her."

    A pause. "Who is this?" Spoken, not typed. "What did you do to her?"

    "I was chatting, from the Tower, and she gasped, groaned, and I heard a thud. Then I found myself here. And, I'm using her arm and hand to type."

    "Sugoi? One of your spirit things?"

    "Yes."

    A muttered voice. "Robin needs to improve his reports." I'm pretty sure I was supposed to hear that... How? One of those psychic things, I guess.

    "I don't know what to do. I don't think I should come here, physically, without permission. Can you give me permission?"

    Another pause. "No. I can't. I'll get a... friend to come. Wait."

    About thirty seconds, and a roof-hatch opens. A figure... No, it can't be. Oh, I'm in real trouble. Skin-tight blue with a cape. Him.

    I type on the keyboard.

    "Hi, Superman."

    ---

    Oracle gets whisked to hospital, wheelchair and all. I'm dragged along, apparently still stuck in her arm. He was quite polite, thanked me, but said seconds could be critical.

    I don't know what city we fly over, but we're now in a small but seriously high-tech hospital. I'm sure some of the stuff is super-science, bits look like salvaged alien tech.

    Oracle is placed on a high-tech bed, fully dressed, and a... force drives me out of her body. I float alongside the bed. Feeling a bit helpless.

    There's a small robot off to one side, the attachments look as though it does cleaning. Maybe?

    No real mind, but, the faintest hint of a spirit. It feels... fulfilled. With its permission I float into the body, activate a long-disused speaker system, microphone, look through the eye.

    A nurse and doctor seem to have come into the room. Superman appears to have just finished briefing them. I can't see Oracle, on the bed, the robot's viewpoint is too low.

    "Will she be all right?"

    The nurse flinches, the doctor and Superman don't seem surprised. The doctor, without looking over, speaks.

    "Looks like you alerted us in time. Initial readings suggest a blood clot detached, blocked critical blood flow. We're handling the problem. Probably an issue building for some time. Could've happened any time. Good someone was... with her."

    Superman coughs.

    "Might be best if you go home now. You did the right thing. I expect Oracle will contact you, later."

    So, I go.


    AN: In case these are unfamiliar, jigsaw puzzle. I understand some these days are made by laser cutting...

    AN: Yeah, OCR.

    AN: Gremlins go back quite a way... Of course, there are so many sorts of gremlin, but this one might give you some idea about what Geo's seeing.

    AN: Thrombosis, when your repair systems cause you problems...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 48 - Hammer, Metal and Delivery
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 48

    I. Am. Not. Happy.

    I. Have. Been. Stupid.

    I... wish I could hit my problems with a hammer. Like I'm currently hitting bits of metal with a hammer. On an anvil. Using a forge. Traditional style. Sort of.

    I'm in my alchemical tech workshop, because there's more spare room there. Also, it doesn't share a wall with Victor's workshop. I know the sound insulation is good, but, there's limits.

    I trucked the Synthesiser up from the med-bay. And its support kit. It'd really been there, too long. The rest of the salvage, too. Apologies to Nurf for not doing it earlier. And, am thanked for the company.

    Not much company, but the skinned robots, mine and Victor's, are still there. Properly dressed. In med-beds. Nurf's keeping their living bits fed, watered and healthy.

    At breakfast the Team talked. Assuming she wants to, and can, we're going to make it quite clear to Nurf she's invited to wander the Tower, outside private areas, as she likes. Share meals with us.

    Terra, who's told us all to call her 'Tara', seems happy. Says it means she'll no longer be the newest member of the Team.

    There was some banter about who was the oldest, and the youngest, members of the team. Including Master Roshi, he is declared oldest, followed by Nurf. Though, associates, as they're not teens.

    Raven and Robin agree we wont discuss who is youngest.

    And, both ignore Garfield sticking his tongue out.

    ---

    My arm kept working, hammer to metal, while I was thinking. I've got a good rhythm going.

    Part of this is about ritual, as Master Roshi said. Yes, most of the tools, and the forge and anvil were made by the Synthesiser, but, that's not important.

    I'm not stupid enough to want to feel uncomfortable, so I'm wearing my robe. And, the forge is gas-heated, not coal, coke or charcoal. There's a pyrometer watching the temperature.

    The Synthesiser could work mithral, or 'bithral' which is what I'm planning to use, directly. Could make me a perfectly workable knife. But, it would be... character-less. Without... style. Not a crafted thing.

    I'm working a range of metals, and I have my science data book, and engineering manuals, memorised. Also, all the appropriate metallurgical texts. New and old works. on smithing. The making of weapons. I want to know what working bithral feels like, how it changes under the hammer, the colour, the ring, the... taste.

    I'm also allowing my magical flows to mix with the various metals, then, drawing them out again. Similarly, flows of chi. Neither feels... quite right. There are many sorts of other energies I could use, but, again, they don't feel right.

    I stop. Take a break. A cup of imported English tea, some nice fresh 'cookies' from the auto chef. At least my temper seems better.

    I feel a thread of my spirit, reach out, touch the bithral I was hammering. It feels... right. Looks like I'll need those books on blood magic. If I want to get my spirit to become part of the metal...

    I'm pretty sure this is going to hurt...

    ---

    I need a break so I scout a route to d-walk, to Tokyo, Japan, the docks. I'm beginning to think I did something stupid on my England visit. Asimov doesn't seem to be an author known in this world, or, at least, known widely. So, that was not the London, England, of this world that I shopped in. Best to be careful with showing anyone my books.

    The Tokyo robot shop, yes, that does seem to exist in this world. I have a phone number, I left a message on an answer-phone. Now, to keep my promise, I need to get a build cell, there. So, I need a route along which I can push or drag a small trolley.

    Without being burnt as a witch.

    According to the Bank of Mammon my visas will cover the UK and Japan of a number of worlds. They are just that good. Also, if I pay a fee, any of my accounts will be marked with the world where the money was drawn. So, I'll be able to tell which London I visited. A worthwhile investment, I think.

    The route looks good. I'll only need a brief bit of flying, where I'll need to carry the trolley. Something to do this evening. I've checked where I need to appear at the docks, get my items into the local delivery system, with all proper customs paperwork done, and fees paid. From 'Geo' to 'Max'.

    ---

    A phone call from Oracle. With her usual voice changes. Guarded conversation, apologies on my part, but, thanks from her. We'll talk further, when she feels better. The medical treatment she's under is apparently good for expelling foreign influences, and fixing certain problems, but, doesn't provide instant healing. I get the impression there's other issues, but she isn't at liberty to discuss these.

    We'll talk further. I feel a lot better after that promise.

    ---

    Raven cancels our afternoon session. Says she thinks I need more time to 'settle'. Funny thing. Robin cancelled the morning training. Said something similar. Also, I guess he'd heard about Oracle. Roshi just grinned at me, gestured me out the door.

    So. I've gone into the city. After 'loading up' my driving skills. Taken a driving lesson. Seeing as they drive on the other side of the road, and I know the UK (and Japanese) road signs, it seemed wise. Bought some maps of the city. 'Real' ones and tourist. Oh, and I paid the (expensive) fee for an immediate driving test. I passed. Quite reasonably, as 'driving' (and using maps) is now a permanent part of my mind.

    Next time, I'll be ready.

    ---

    Japan trip OK. Goods delivered. No unexpected goblins. So, a success.

    One of the customs men was particularly attentive. I'd gone, as myself, 'Sugoi', that is. And, once the business was done, he'd asked me for a particular favour.

    A photograph. Which was not posed, and, I think, taken in SF Japantown, after the fight with the shadows. He wanted it signed 'for his daughter', but, I've a strong suspicion it was really for him. So. I guess. I'm getting known in Japan?

    I sign it. In Japanese.

    Fame?

    ---

    Back at the Tower. Relaxing. Not a bad day, I guess.

    Then, another phone call from Oracle. We move it to the secured area. She's signed herself out of hospital, would like to see me. Tonight. If I can figure-out how to find her.

    I guess it's some sort of test?

    So, I'm going to make it more interesting. Show her just what I can do. D-walk there, in my robot body. A good field-test. Carrying a medi scanner.

    What could go wrong?


    AN: You knew what a pyrometer was, didn't you?

    AN: How will Geo handle fame? I guess we'll see. :)

    AN: Tempting Murphy (some would say 'fate'). Well, Geo has to learn, sometime...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 49 - Robot, Search and Secrets
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 49

    OK. Logistics. Visiting Oracle.

    I'm going to leave my flesh body in a med-bed. Take my robe and Third Eye focus, because I don't have duplicates of those. I'll take the translator, and a standard anti-possession amulet, just-in-case. That and a medi scanner, with fully-charged, and backup, 'batteries', should cover most things.

    A smooth move from flesh to flesh-covered robotics. I was pretty sure that would work. But, I feel a little weak, and clumsy. Climb out of the med-bed.

    Loot the body! (Dad's friend taught me that.)

    Ow. Static? "Nurse? What was that?"

    Nurf looks over, from where she's sitting, reading a novel. Avatar Nurf speaks.

    "Life energies fluctuated, then stabilised. No obvious health issues. One of your 'chi' things?"

    Actually... I feel better. Back to full strength, and, my reflexes seem improved. A little Tai Chi. All seems good. Hmm.

    Yes, I can levitate. Pale-blue aura, chi-reach out, pick-up a medi scanner. Funny, I've not tried to use chi in a robot body before. I'd expect some issues...

    "Are you sure my human body is OK?"

    "All readings nominal. Same readings as when you last pulled a body jump. Don't ask me about chi, you know that's not something I understand. However, I'd suggest you be cautious."

    Let's be thorough.

    Meditate. Open my Third Eye. That... feels a little strange. My flesh body looks OK, no spirit, obviously, but the anti-possession amulet looks its normal sneaky self. Chi looks a bit low, but, is slowly climbing back up. Tech, nothing unusual. I can see the flows Nurse is using to monitor currently not-me. Magic... Obviously, no robe. Flows look good.

    Wait a minute... I look closer. My protective chi-coat, just below my skin. It's gone. What?

    Then, I look down, at my robot arm. The chi-coat is there, but, maybe, a little brighter than usual. Tied to my robe, and... yes, there're delicate spirit flows to the amulet on my human body. Interesting.

    Certainly worth investigating.

    But, later.

    ---

    D-walking is OK, but I've already done that with a 'naked' robot, so hardly surprising. Finding Oracle...

    My astral form was suddenly there, no navigation, no feeling of movement. Recalling Raven, people can be 'locations', if you've a strong enough connection to them. I'm a close enough friend of Oracle? Didn't realise.

    I fumble around, but, no 'instant jump'. Maybe I can get a direction, if I get a bit deeper into the dimensions? Worth a try.

    Try a number of routes, but they don't 'feel' right. Part of the problem, I suspect, is that I just don't know the USA well enough.

    I've learned there's a dimensional layer which seems to handle Earth orbit with no need to breathe. Not too difficult to reach. From there, I can tell Oracle is in the US. East Coast.

    Have I got any clues? I've not heard Oracle speak without scrambling, so nothing there. Superman, I think he's based in Metropolis, but, he doesn't have a clear accent. The doctor... I can hope he was a local. I think he had a New York accent.

    There's a graunching feeling in my head, and, I realise that was a Gotham City accent. Batman is supposed to be based there, and I know both he and Robin are connected to Oracle.

    I peer down at the East Coast, and I've got a feeling where Gotham City is. Let's try closer...

    OK, I'm over Gotham, though still out-of-phase. I can see, but few should be able to spot me. That tower feels right. Scout around a bit. The front door looks sealed, and, I'm guessing, armoured. There's a side door, inconspicuous, with a ramp, probably good for a wheelchair. A doorbell.

    Guess I'd better try...

    ---

    Ring the bell. A delay. A distorted woman's voice from a concealed intercom. "What? It's pretty late. I didn't order anything."

    "I'm sorry I don't know whom I'm addressing, but I got a phone call. Asked me to come over. I think I've got the right place."

    There's a pause.

    "Wait. I'll come down."

    I'm pretty sure there're several weapons pointed at me. Both outside the door, and once I step inside. Look like 'murder holes', above.

    Nice. Really welcoming.

    A screen lights-up. "Who are you?"

    "I think I'm a friend. Pressed a red button marked 'Help'. Someone in blue arranged a hospital visit. OK?"

    There's a buzz, and a door opens. Yes, it's seriously armoured.

    "Come in."

    ---

    We're in a rather untidy but comfortable room. Drinking coffee. Oracle is the red-headed woman I saw previously. And, she's still in a wheelchair. Even through the protection of the robe I can tell she's got a strong grip, as she shakes my hand.

    "So. You're a friend of Robin. Did he help you find my hide-away?"

    "No... Finding here... I've some problem-solving skills, but I'm nothing like a detective. I didn't even know the right city. But, I used what clues I could think of, Gotham seemed likely, and once I got here I followed my nose."

    "On a good day I can tell where... friends are. Seems to be part of my psychic powers."

    She sips her coffee, watches me for a while.

    "Do you know Gotham well?"

    "No, I'm afraid not. This is my first visit. It... doesn't look like somewhere that encourages tourism."

    A brief laugh. "You got that right. I'm not a great believer in psychic powers, but there's some strange talents among the super-powered. You always came across as a technical type, though. On the other hand, you did say you were Raven's apprentice, so I guess weird powers make sense."

    "What do you think about robotics?"

    "Bit of a strange question. Your reputation is pretty good on the subject, I know."

    "I've got a reputation?"

    "Didn't I tell you? No, I was going to tell you a bit later, then I... collapsed." She swallows.

    "I'm training to be the team doctor. I've got access to various weird science medical gadgets. I brought one here, tonight. You can look at it, if you like?"

    Carefully, slowly, I open the bag. Extract, hold-up, the medi scanner. She nods. I slowly hand it to her. She turns it over, inspects it.

    "Looks hand-made. I can see tool-marks. A hatch. Battery compartment?"

    "Yes. It's a medical scanner. Lets someone with the right skills diagnose problems. Even allows a detailed scan, good enough to grow a copy of a body. Accurate finger-prints, retina patterns, scars, tattoos, the lot. No nasty traps, self-destructing clones, reliable."

    She raises her eyebrows. "There's people who'd kill to get something like that."

    "Like I said, useless without the right training. And, far as I know, no one on this world can do that training."

    "But, you've got it?"

    "Yes."

    "Who knows about this?"

    "Raven, Cyborg, Nurse, though she's a special case, Robin, Batman I guess. They know the details. Starfire and Beast Boy know some of it. And, now, you."

    "What about you? Don't you count?"

    I grin. "Ah, but I'm a robot."


    AN: Murder holes, just what you need in your hallway. :)

    AN: Just how deep is Geo getting herself? I guess we'll see...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 50 - Coffee, Office and Offer
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 50

    "You're a robot. You just sat there, drank a cup of coffee. You went white, earlier, when you looked at the murder holes. That isn't a wig, that's either living hair, or the best fake I've ever seen."

    "Living flesh over a metal endo-skeleton. A quote from a film that few seem to know of in this world. Well, mostly plastic, metal's too heavy."

    A disbelieving look.

    "I can show you the sockets on the back of my neck? Where I can plug-in skill chips or interface cables?"

    "Those can be added using surgery. There's loads of deluded fools out there that'd do that sort of thing."

    I sigh. "Got a good, strong, small flash-light? A small mirror on a stick? If I roll-up the back of my shirt then you can take a look around inside me, through the maintenance seam."

    ---

    A rather embarrassing time later, and, 'Barbara' is a lot more convinced. Yes, I've told her I'm 'Geo'. Looking inside someone, even if they're designed for it, can lead to first-name terms.

    She did raise an eyebrow when she saw the knife sheathed on the back of my belt. I promised she could look at it, later.

    "You didn't have to tell me that. You're a convincing enough fake that I wouldn't have guessed. So, you have an agenda. Give."

    "I will do, but, didn't you promise me a look, seeing as I'm actually, physically, here this time, around your workplace?"

    Grudgingly, she agrees.

    ---

    Her 'office' is really impressive. I'd only glanced at it, before, I'd more important things to worry about. And, maybe, the sort of eyesight a spirit has... missed some of the nuances. Still haven't figured how I could hear Batman and Superman, though.

    Everything at her fingertips. Computers, comms gear, like auto diallers, multiple varieties of radio, at least one satellite uplink. Fax machines, a Morse key... The lot. I think she could spot my envy. Probably, smell it.

    I didn't murmur, "It's so beautiful!", at one point. Honest.

    I ask permission to look around, and the queen graciously gives it. Though, I get a look when I levitate up to look at one of the higher features.

    "I hope that your anti-gravity, or whatever it is, doesn't damage any of my equipment."

    "Don't worry, all natural energies. More likely to make moss grow than fry anything."

    "How does a robot get powers which run on natural energies?"

    "Ask Robin. He kept training me till I learned it. It was either that or become a super martial artist who could walk through walls, and fly in space. Oh. I learned that later."

    Not a bad incredulous look from her. I get another one when I float upside-down to look in her false floor.

    "I'm not the world's best acrobat, but I picked-up a few tricks."

    Though, looking at her slumped shoulders, that might not have been the wisest comment...

    I ask her to explain how she does some of the more complex hacking. That cheers her up, and I think some of this is beginning to make sense to me.

    Maybe she'd like to visit the Moon, some day?

    But, sooner or later we run out of stuff to look at. And, float, or wheel, back to her lounge. Where, over more coffee, I have to explain myself.

    The delay while I show her my knife, and my boot knives, is far too short. Though, the way she can throw my knives, hit a battered dart-board, on the far-side of the room, bullseye or near.

    That was worth seeing.

    ---

    The moment of truth.

    "I don't like the way you're confined to a wheelchair. So, I asked Raven a hypothetical question, no names, no details." I take a deep breath.

    "According to her a major sacrifice in someone's life can be part of gaining new abilities. And, nothing can reverse that sacrifice until a new... balance has been achieved."

    She doesn't look convinced.

    "I'm sure you were clever, good at solving problems, before you were... disabled. But, did you find that your new skills came remarkably easily, almost as if you were inspired, almost as if someone were whispering secrets into your ear?"

    We drink some more coffee. Look at each other. Finally she speaks.

    "Why? Why are you torturing me like this?"

    "Because, if I believe Raven, there's something... dark, occult, about Gotham. We've seen others who've been transformed by sacrifice, become super-human. All without knowing what's going on. Something... monstrous has happened to them. But, they've survived. Become strong in new ways." I pause.

    "No names, people have secrets. But, unfortunately, not all are 'good guys'. And, the powers, which often hide themselves, vary."

    "Explain to me. Why robots."

    "Once you've mastered your new abilities, and I'm pretty sure you have, new possibilities can open. You could have a robot, looks just like you, see through their eyes, hear through their ears, walk the streets of Gotham on their legs. All while remaining safe, here in your fortress."

    She grins, in quite a nasty way. "Good try. You'll have to do better."

    OK. I'll have to risk it.

    "So, you won't buy the robots? Even a robot assistant to make your life easier? Right. The big one. The one you wont believe."

    She cocks her head to one side.

    "You don't have to remain crippled. If you want to, you can have the use of your legs back. Yes, you'll probably need to retrain, build-up muscles. But it should all be fixable."

    "You still don't believe me?"

    "I've had operations. The best doctors. Genius super-scientists. Nothing. Worked."

    "But, that was early on? Before you'd established yourself as Oracle? You can never go back, only forwards. I learned that even before I met Raven."

    She shakes her head.

    "I said I was a robot. You've seen I am. Well, yes, I am at the moment. But, back at the Tower, in a med-bed. My living human body is sleeping. In one of the most advanced medical facilities in the world."

    "I lay this robot, down in a bed. I stand up, from the next bed, as a human. Yes, I'm a bit of a special case, with psychic talents. But, I'm pretty sure, if you lie-down in a med-bed you could get up with working legs."

    She looks at me, blank-faced.

    Then, she's crying in my arms.

    After a while, I'm crying too.

    Will it all work out?

    I hope so.


    AN: Bit of a tear-jerker, but, sometimes they are...

    AN: You might suspect that Gotham isn't a nice place...

    AN: You might also suspect Raven's been talking about a certain clown-girl... And, maybe investigated who she's attached to...
     
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    Raven Lunacy, Author Omake 3
  • Sidestory
    • Raven Lunacy, Author Omake 3

    AN: This is an 'Author Omake', this one happens to be 'canon', but shouldn't (greatly) impact the overall story, so you can skip it if you want to. It falls after Episode 50.

    AN: This Omake is in honour of @dogbertcarroll, the fanfic author, who has greatly entertained me, and undoubtedly influenced my writing.

    ---

    Raven sighed. They thought she was stupid. Or, at least distracted. By de-cursing her apprentice.

    But, she'd set wards, and sensor seines, nets hanging to catch the smallest impression. Linked to a tangle net, a trap for those trying to move in or out by any non-mundane means.

    The inner nets covered the Tower, the middle ones the city, and the outer, which was sensor-only, the Earth. The knowledge from the last she only delved into given good reason - maybe her apprentice could make her one of those 'artificial intelligences' to watch that for her?

    Of course, she'd set exclusions for her, her apprentice and Kory. And, Master Roshi, after the first time she'd caught him. Though, she still got reports on all passage.

    And, because she wasn't a fool, all that was automatic, and powered in such a way that it didn't directly draw on her personal energies.

    ---

    Previously she'd caught a number of demons in the city net. But, questioning them taught her little. They just knew they'd been summoned by one of her father's minions, but could give no name. A quick assay, and she either destroyed them or sent them back. She could hope that upset both her father and the minion.

    She'd caught a few humans (or similar), but the way the net worked the captured were held in a timeless state. A quick check and some were 'bounced', some dropped at the city boundaries, a few she'd stored to think about later. Yes, it wasn't a nice thing to do, but, they weren't suffering, or getting any older.

    Two nights ago something had tried, quite hard, to get out through the city net, but avoided being caught. She didn't recognise the type of travel, but it felt magical. After that she'd strengthened the net; it still was weak compared to the Tower one, but should stop anything but a major god.

    Hopefully that'd make it quite clear that someone was being serious.

    Of course, both the Tower and city boundary nets examined those who came and went by more mundane means. Again, far too much for her to check without either a specialised daemon or a golem mind, or, she should call it an 'AI'. Making daemons, yes, she could do it, but, it made her... uncomfortable.

    ---

    Tonight she had a puzzle, Two captures, one in the city net, one, far more worrying, in the Tower one.

    The Tower one was interesting, an attempt to swap the wooden remains of Puppet King, in his glass box, for a nearly identical puppet. The original was unchanged, the planned replacement had a powerful demon of possession (one of her father's, of course!) very cleverly hidden within it. Bound in such a way only specific outside magic would free it.

    First solid evidence Puppet King was linked to her father's minion. Maybe.

    She hoped she wasn't learning too much humility from her apprentice...

    But, so far, when she thought about it carefully, used her tiny blue mirror, she just felt better balanced. And, maybe just a little wiser. Which was another victory over her father.

    Real Puppet King back in his box, fake into a lead box with extra enchantments.

    The other one, a (mostly) human, come a long way, across the dimensions, carried by dreams and, she thought, a twisted wish. A nice young man with a mind and spirit she liked the taste of, one she thought could grow to be a friend. But, far from where the look of his destiny said he should be.

    So, far journeys.

    ---

    Standing. In a white stone palace. Lit by source-less light. Glowing presences.

    Good practice. They had immense power. But, someday, hopefully not too soon, she'd have to face her father.

    "I believe this is yours."

    She indicated the sleeping mortal figure, floating in her shadow, in Aquaman underroos.

    Without sound, the presences conferred.

    "Yes."

    "And, one of your 'opposition' used time-travel to send him to another world. My home."

    Hmm. Interesting I thought that rather than 'Mine'...

    "Yes."

    "So, I bought him back. He looked to have an important destiny."

    More silent conferring.

    "Yes."

    "Any objections to him being returned to his home?"

    "We do not like your kind. You have far too much power, and you disrupt things too much. But, yes, in this case, We, the Powers-That-Be, agree. And, We will ensure there's no more tampering with his time-line."

    "Good."

    And, with that, Raven returned six-year-old Xander Harris to his family home.


    AN: Seine so you know... And, tangle net.

    AN: Daemon, because you shouldn't get these things mixed up...

    AN: Underoos; please keep track of your sleep-wear!

    Willow - "I'm Willow."
    Xander - "Are you sure?"
    Willow - "You know, there are other stories from kindergarten. Non-yellow crayon stories in which you don't come out in such a good light. An incident involving Aquaman Underoos, for example. Want me to start talkin'?"
    Xander - (smiles, walks up to Willow/Warren) "Hey, Willow!"
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    From: BtVS "The Killer In Me 7.13"

    AN: Xander Harris, because you really should know. :)
     
  • Sidestory
    • Fix-up, Consequences and Author-ing
  • Apocrypha
    • Fix-up, Consequences and Author-ing

    This story could be accused of 'just being a fix-up'. But, I like to think that misses a few (important) things. A question that needs to be asked is, "Why didn't this happen before?", and, "If it happened before, why is this time different?".

    Barbara Gordon becoming crippled and re-inventing herself from Batgirl to Oracle...

    You can read bits of comic history, which includes suggestions that the writers/editors considered whether she should die or be crippled. And decided on crippling. Within the DC setting you'd expect really major efforts to be made to help her.

    A 'fix-up' would have magic super-tech (just) give her her legs back. Why couldn't it be done before? With all the strings Batman can pull? Some would say, 'it wouldn't make as good a story'. But, from the point-of-view of the characters in the story, what do they see, believe?

    Sometimes asking yourself awkward questions can give you more 'plot'. :)
     
  • Apocrypha
    • Ace Dreamer said:
    We're at the twisted bit. Raven kneels, carefully runs her fingers along it. Watches how I shiver. Sits back on her heels. Inspects the area. "Robin?", she says in a low voice, and traces, pointing with a finger, the way something that I can't, quite, see flows. "What have you done?"

    Looks at me. "I think I can see something that should work. Robin... appears to have done something unwise, that could damage your social connections. But, if we replace the twisted part with that dammed flow, over there..." She indicates an orange knot. "It looks as though things should balance. Eventually."
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Well that's... concerning. What did Robin do?

    Ace Dreamer said:
    A 'fix-up' would have magic super-tech (just) give her her legs back. Why couldn't it be done before? With all the strings Batman can pull? Some would say, 'it wouldn't make as good a story'. But, from the point-of-view of the characters in the story, what do they see, believe?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    One of the reasonings I've seen before, is that Barbara refused, because it would rely on something that wouldn't be available to the general public. Which has its own issues plotwise. (ie, if that is the reason, then why wouldn't there be a push to improve what was available?)

    Though I think, if I remember correctly, the real reason is more of a "It's what the original plotline had", when it was meant to be more a one-shot 'what-if'. So the specific reasoning why she stayed crippled wasn't thought too much about. Since it "wasn't" going to be continued.

    And that one-shot just sort of became a branching path storyline-wise.
     
    ForwardRewind said:
    Well that's... concerning. What did Robin do?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    I could say... *Spoilers*, but it's more 'Watch this space'.

    There's been hints, earlier and elsewhere in the story, but the details should become clear, pretty soon. One way to look at it is they are the Teen Titans. And teenagers never make any mistakes. Ever.

    Do they? :)
     
    Raven Lunacy, Episode 51 - Oops, Tests and Friends
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 51

    "Oops."

    Not, on the surface a scary word. But, under certain circumstances, rather worrying.

    You may be thinking 'clothing malfunction', or pratfall. Leaving your passport behind when you go on holiday. Your bag of shopping on your car roof when you drive home from the mall. Even, shredding an old envelope then realising it contained cash.

    Me, I'm thinking more a word you don't want to hear from an explosives expert. Or, someone who's employed in nuclear power.

    I guess my 'oops' falls somewhere between those. More than involuntary nudity, less than 'Oh look, I'm dead'. So, no 'Darwin Award', for me, quite yet. Though, I'm unsure if those count for robots. But, really not something desirable when dealing with fundamental forces, like life and death.

    I'm stuck outside my body.

    ---

    Initially, I didn't know 'why'. Yes, I was in a robot body, but, I'd astral projected out of one before. Returned to 'the flesh'.

    But... Having a good memory isn't always a blessing. That robot body wasn't covered in living flesh. There were no 'chi' issues. And, and... Now I think about it carefully, it felt 'sticky', a little difficult to leave.

    From there I flashed back to my murder, on the long walk home from the world we'd fled to. That was before I learned astral projection, long before Raven summoned me to this world. My body was latex, not living, skinned. But, it shared one important characteristic. There wasn't enough on-board computing hardware to allow independent operation.

    Never really understood how that worked. Somehow my living spirit was substituting for missing hardware? I was a ghost animating a machine? Or, it was one of those dimension-walking phenomena? I needed to be murdered before I could leave that body?

    Reduced to pitiful, broken, scraps?

    There must be a way to avoid that. I know so much more, have access to far more powerful tools, helpful, powerful, friends.

    Particularly the friends.

    ---

    Running the tests...

    The Synthesiser shows exactly what I expected. All my hardware looks OK, all my systems are up-to-spec. The medi scanner capability shows my living skin is unchanged, but, that, just like the med-bay scanners, doesn't 'do' chi.

    I also try the stand-alone medi scanner I took to show Oracle. As expected, the readings from that match the Synthesiser. I even stand in a build cell, let all the conventional tech tools, the ones living-skin-safe, anyway, scan me. All readings as expected.

    Then, down to the med-bay. Lie in a bed. Yes, all matches up.

    I know Nurse has deeper capabilities. But, for the moment, they're locked behind 'command authorisation'. And, they're the bits of her systems I trust least, being on the verge of breakdown. Leave alone, for the moment.

    Unless I get really desperate.

    ---

    Raven wasn't greatly concerned.

    She pointed-out she'd stuffed Blackfire into the robot body I 'donated'. Was pretty sure she could move me back into my living body. After all, it's capability as a 'spirit house' hadn't been wrecked, as the Janus Crown had done to Blackfire.

    Though, she's unsure how much brute-forcing the move might damage my robot body. Or, my chi.

    That led me to my study of robo-Blackfire. The extra chips, the ones that mysteriously appeared, in her structure. They were, really, arguably, the big difference tween that and my current robot body.

    Raven says she didn't realise there'd been 'hardware changes', that her magic had (just!) reshaped that body so it was 'suitable'. All this is one reason I've continued doubts about mixing magic and technology...

    She took me to the Tower trophy room. Showed me the glass box with Puppet King, who was, strangely, a wooden puppet.

    I could feel magic from the box, but no chi, no life-force, and didn't sense any spirit. Interesting, though, particularly the story about Titan puppets, that sucked their spirits from their bodies, and the way Raven and Starfire were seamlessly switched.

    I gather Raven very, very, carefully destroyed those Titan puppets.

    Raven informs me her improved defences would prevent that sort of thing happening again, unless it was backed by the power of something like a greater god. She also thinks the anti-possession amulets people carry, these days, would have at least helped.

    ---

    Victor is interested, says it's a fascinating problem.

    Though, from a selfish point of view, he's glad I discovered this before he got too invested in the living-skinned Victor-bot I built him. Thinks he can get his contact with S.T.A.R. Labs to make him another small batch of chips. This time, hopefully, with better security about the design, and who they're for.

    I remind him that the chips are at least dual-purpose, useful for navigation in 3d, arguably 4d, including time. Though, the associative-memory 'holographic' storage chips are more problematic. Those could be 'sold' as experimental, futuristic, WORM computer-memory chips. Probably credible.

    He agrees to give it a try, and, I promise I'll upgrade his skinned-robot, as well as this one.

    ---

    Kory wants to know how it feels different. I have difficulty explaining it, as most of the time our minds learn to ignore details of our bodies, unless they complain. She thinks my comment about being 'less squishy' is fun, and, we laugh a bit about that.

    Garfield... He just looks at me. Suggests we share a pizza. Then, says we need to test if my computer gaming skills have changed. To the lab! Well, actually, the console.

    Nurf, says she'll help me however she can. She generously doesn't say 'I told you so'. Master Roshi is fascinated, wants to test how my combat skills have changed, observe my chi flows, comments that far worse has happened to people he knows.

    I don't talk to Robin. He's a business associate, rather than a friend. Might be one, some day, but, he'll have to open-up a lot more. Also, any report I write for him, sorry, 'The Team', will be cleared by Oracle, first.

    Terra, or, 'Tara'... I talk to her. Tell her I've had a... lab accident. But, I should be OK. It's only fair, but, I don't give her any details.

    Mostly I talk to her so she wont feel left out.


    AN: Darwin Awards, because if you don't know, you really should.

    AN: There's been associative memory chips for quite a long time... WORM chips are more novel...

    AN: Bet you guessed there'd be consequences...
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 52 - Trousers, Flying, Books and Steps
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 52

    Suddenly, you're a robot. No need to sleep. So useful. No need to...

    OK. I'll admit it. It's a good job this variety of robot can cry.

    Thinking back, before Raven 'acquired' me, I'd put a lot of effort into becoming more human. But, I'd resisted that final step, being... transferred into a (vat-grown) human body. I was... afraid. Maybe, felt I'd no longer be special, valued. Just one of the faceless human masses.

    The joys of being a teenage robot. No neural pruning. But, we still find ways to make our lives hard. You should see my risk-chasing night-clubbing sister...

    And I. I was always the sensible, dutiful, one.

    My father's friend was fond of quoting the Python. "Not Dead Yet."

    ---

    I'm going to be practical. Get on with things. Not quite 'business as usual', but there's plenty to do.

    I demonstrated the medi scanner to Oracle. Transcribed the scan notation on to paper. Explained that it suggested she needed a carefully-designed program of lower-body movement. Something she might be able to do on her own, but, it'd be hard work.

    Of course, she 'wasn't afraid of hard work'. Something I was already pretty certain was the case. I suggested that there were... technical solutions that could help, less drastic than trusting herself to weird medical systems. And, in case she was interested, I'd probably prototype them.

    So, I'm building the robot trousers.

    Not the normal sort of prostheses that my father had started on, which was more for people who'd survived stepping on mines. Though, various traffic, or industrial, accidents were other possibilities. And, the many medical causes.

    No, these were dual-purpose, providing compression, and also allowing slow walking, even stair-climbing. A couple of hours use per day would probably do. And, they could have sensors fitted so she could monitor her health.

    The trick was figuring-out the failure modes, and designing them out. Also, building-in redundancy, to handle the failures you could guarantee would still occur.

    No super-science. No 'magic'. Just straight-forward human engineering. And, good batteries.

    Oh, and I'd made it quite clear she got to keep all copies of the medical scans we did on her. They were her property, and would only be used with her agreement.

    ---

    I'd got something to discuss with Terra, too. I'd seen her fiddling with her Raven-supplied bracelets. The ones that help her control her power. She'd remarked that flying around on a lump of rock wasn't... ideal. So, I'm offering to help her test alternatives.

    An offer eagerly accepted.

    I also explain ideas about redundancy, and, confusing your opponents. So, yes, normally you have your 'rocky chariot', but, you also have a fall-back, that you try not to use where enemies learn of it.

    I explain that I'm guessing her powers only work on natural rock, but, does it need to be in one large piece?

    We experiment, and, as long as the smaller rocks are connected together, then, she can move them as easily as one large one. We measure and fit her for a 'parachute' harness, one without the canopy, and, with rows of pockets for flat rocks.

    And, yes, she can fly while wearing the harness. Maybe even learn to do a little acrobatics. Pretend it's acrobatic skill that lets her jump on and off rocks? I show her a few tricks I can do with my levitation.

    Then, I explain that her opponents would prefer her to have 'simple powers', so she's easier to predict. How you can beat them by managing their expectations. Type 3 instead of Type 2 thinking; working out what they might be thinking about you.

    She's now wearing one of the more evil grins I've seen. Why do I think she's got someone in mind to... educate?

    I think I'll wait till she gets used to that before mentioning some of my other ideas...

    ---

    Hitting the books...

    My father had a limited amount of teaching skill, but, it suited his (generally concealed) forceful personality. I'm more into a cerebral approach, appeals to the intellect. Not to say I couldn't adopt his methods, and, eventually get them to work, but, I think Raven's going to want me teaching people pretty soon.

    So, I'm studying education theory, some solidly experiment-based developmental psychology, because I think some educationalists are often not very... scientific. Some developmental physiology, too. I think, in some areas, the locals of this world are a bit... behind the curve.

    I'm drawing maps of the local dimensional structure, too. Comparing astral and d-walking. Looking for suspicious gaps, patterns of flow, even how they've changed over time, from some of Raven's older books,

    Why? Because I need to go places, other than local, find the spares I need for the med-bay, someone to sell me alchemical technology systems, training. Maybe, a 'hidden world' that I can use. Yes, I know, worlds generally have a good reason for being 'hidden'.

    I know there's more than three-dimensional structure to the inter-world paths, but, most travellers will still be using them with a limited mind-set. Or, just sticking to known paths. So, I need to figure-out the mental acrobatics to use those other dimensions.

    I'm going to need more math...

    ---

    And, Raven is right. I need to face my fears, understand them. Figure-out what's fancy and what needs practical management. Understand their roots. I'm beginning to think there's something hiding in my memory that I need to dig-out. That'll be fun.

    No reason I can't continue with my smithing, working on blades. Training to make best use of the products with Master Roshi. Robin may refuse to use potentially deadly weapons, but that philosophy isn't mine. I need to Master them.

    Weapons are tools, after all. And, being human is about using the right tools.

    ---

    So much to do. No waiting for the chips to arrive, or, fall.

    I'm wearing the boots, and they're going where I want.

    One step at a time.


    AN: Yes, there are robot trousers; some call them 'bionic'.

    AN: Neural pruning, is not actually a gardening activity...

    AN: Some rather dark bits in Monty Python and the Holy Grail...

    AN: Geo's 'Type 2' and 'Type 3' thinking is about how deeply you use Theory of Mind. You can see this in the more sophisticated work of the 'intelligence' services.

    AN: Not quite a 'crisis of faith', but close.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 53 - Seduction, Exploring and Swimsuits
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 53

    I'm seducing Robin.

    No, not in the physical way. More, if you don't spend time with someone, how do you ever expect to become their friend?

    Also, I've explained how, with careful use, and a little experimentation, you can use the med-bay to minimise required sleep. A mistake I admit I made, myself, as I didn't follow proper procedure.

    I can see he's interested. But is sure there's some catch. So, I further explain that sufficiently sneaky enemies might try and exploit this, make it a 'bad habit', so you depend on it, then cut you off from that resource.

    Robin likes this thinking. Particularly when I make it clear that your enemies may be smarter, or luckier, than you, and figure-out a way to exploit your behaviour you've not thought of. You just have to weigh-up the risks. And, be aware there may be information you don't have.

    He asks me where I learned to think like this. I admit I learned from my father, who was a troubleshooter, and sometimes had to deal with those who were clever, but not clever enough to figure-out they shouldn't have attracted his attention.

    He really likes that. Starts to, but doesn't say anything. Gives me one of his rare, unforced, grins.

    I'll talk to him about how this mixes with him being an unknowing shaman, later...

    ---

    Exploring Jump City, or San Francisco, if you prefer. Not smart to do this on your own. A good idea to have a friend. Or, at least, a companion. 'Friend' might come later.

    I make it quite clear to Robin I'm not a detective. I don't know how to assess streets, know who's watching, following, who. Certainly got no idea how to reliably follow people. Or, where to go or who to tap for information. That my stealth abilities are minimal. And, climbing, that's something for daylight and using lots of equipment.

    But, I've got quite good senses, with my Third Eye. D-walking can allow movement that few will expect. Just don't expect it to work in combat situations. I can levitate, even fly, slowly, giving access to places otherwise very difficult to get at.

    My motivation?

    I don't know the city, but I'd like to learn. We need to know what the skirmishing that's going on is all about. Mercenaries fighting demons. The first smells of Slade, the second might be connected to the imps who attacked us. Basically, we need more information.

    Normally, he'd scout alone. Yes, I'll slow him down, in some ways. But, I can provide him with resources to make scouting more effective.

    He thinks for a bit, says the reasoning seems sound. But, and I'm glad he finally admits this, he's still got his eye on me.

    Also, a bird/raccoon/bloodhound might be very useful on a scout, but he needs to ensure there's no... temperament issues. It's pretty clear who he's talking about.

    So. We will be scouting. Once we agree on procedures. Such as what to do if one or other of us is injured.

    Reluctantly, I've informed him I'm currently cyborged, though not how extensively. And, after I checked this was OK with Oracle, I'd been involved in helping her. I'll let him come to his own conclusions.

    Yes, I'm deliberately misleading him.

    ---

    Telling Raven I'm planning on 'city scouting', and with whom.

    On balance, she thinks it's a good idea. Robin apparently has his 'shaman shirt', but will need training in using it. And, yes, she wants me involved in that. It'll be fun to be the one with combat training, for a change.

    It's made quite clear I'm not, and never want to be, a shaman. She gives a little smile, suggests I check the literature, and consider whether the other alternative is something I'd prefer. No. I'll take 'neither of the above'. Thank you very much.

    Generously, she points-out I can't see in the dark. Offers to loan me a 'cat's eye' ring, which has the obvious cosmetic downside. I'll give it a try. Maybe see if I can encourage my Third Eye to learn the trick.

    She does make it quite clear if I run-into significant magic use she wants me to run-away. As fast as fits in with being stealthy, or faster if discovered. Says I could do with training in fighting hostile magi, but, she's unsure how best to arrange that.

    I see her point...

    And, yes, we've been busy with all sorts of things, but it seems smart she, sometime, takes my robe and carefully examines it.

    Talk about feeling naked...

    ---

    After I saw Raven I meditated for a while. Focusing on my magical flows. They'd felt a bit different since the 'Larry' incident, which unlocked my magic.

    I wanted to know if there were any changes that might assist me scouting. And, if I could tell what the changes were, in fact. Seemed unclear. Felt as though I'd now got some conscious ability to do ritual enchantment. Of some sort. I'd done it before, but, it'd been a rather hit-and-miss affair.

    Now? Still unsure. But, something... deep and heavy felt to have begun moving. To do with my robe? I could, just about, feel my magic flowing into it. Pooling. Strange.

    Guess I'd have to do a wait-and-see...

    ---

    Consulting with Victor.

    I've asked him to rig a portable listening system, parabolic mike, laser mike attached. Sound is his specialist area, after all, and we might find it useful. If it doesn't work either there's nothing to hear or we've clever opponents - either is valuable information. I consider arranging a lead to go in my interface plugs, but, that seems unnecessary complex.

    I ask him for ideas about scouting. He suggests I use my built-in radio, scan to see if there's any interesting signals. I'd half-thought of this earlier, but not explored the idea.

    Making sure I record anything suspiciously encrypted is also probably wise - means someone wants to keep things private. Cell phone signals often have a different 'taste' to military-style ones, and voice to data, so also worth checking for.

    So, sigint, 'signals intelligence'.

    ---

    One more thing with Robin.

    Explaining I've been thinking back, am unhappy with my swimming abilities. Or, more my 'not quite drowning' ones. Yes, I can make a little headway, and my flight abilities might help, but it's still a concern.

    Robin... agrees. Says swimming lessons are in order. After all, Jump City is coastal, and the Tower's on an island. He'll check whether any of the rest of the team need them. Something to go on the calendar.

    Guess I might get some use of that one-piece swimsuit I argued Kory down (up?) to...


    AN: Befriending Robin? May not work, but...

    AN: Running around the Tower, talking to people, not that exciting, but... If you don't prepare, you're likely to fail.

    AN: Signals intelligence.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 54 - Ponies, Package and Visit
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 54

    Raven's taken me. To see the ponies. The pretty-coloured ones. With the horns, the wings, the... stompy feet.

    Why? She just grins at me. That grin worries me...

    A long trek, and we back-track several times, avoiding nasty dimensions, or even whole clumps of them. I get to do most of the navigation, I think Raven wants to test what I've learned.

    My local maps quickly prove inadequate, and I have to start, carefully, exploring, using higher than three-dimensional math. I think I surprise Raven, once or twice, though she's good at hiding that sort of thing. And, I caught her looking pleased, hopefully at my success.

    Finally we got close, a dimensional area I recognise from pony-watching with Raven (and occasionally Kory). She carefully steers us away from the actual world her 'alt' lives on, to another in a close-by cluster. This looks far more like a normal Earth, and the continental layout, from Space, looks similar. Yes, I'm wearing that bracelet, again.

    We sneak down to the planet, staying off the beaten track, sliding through reasonably dangerous dimensions. She leading, and the way she moves make me pretty sure she's been here before. We appear to be coming in on the West Coast of the United States, staying out-of-phase, see-but-not-seen.

    And, yes, that looked like San Francisco.

    But...

    ---

    The people, yes, they're human. Vary in height and build in the expected ways, though, on average, they look healthier. Clothing varied, but basically matches. What's different...

    Skin, and hair, colours. Purple skin, orange skin, green, red, just about any colour you could imagine. And, either the hairdressing industry works really hard, here, or people come 'out of the box' with striped hair. And, weirder.

    I look at a green-skinned girl arm-in-arm with an orange-skinned boy. Yes... I can make a few guesses...

    And, I look at a widely-grinning Raven.

    "Do you think that Bank of Mammon card you told me about will work here?"

    I've a feeling our planned swimming practice may surprise Robin...

    ---

    Back at the Tower. Raven's showed me the basics of a 'stop the clock' manoeuvre, a dimensional travel trick that means you can be away, for a long time, but return a moment after you left. No, not before. That sort of thing is really best avoided. So, back at the ritual circle, in her room, in the Tower.

    We took extra time, returning, drew some new maps, worked-out ways to minimise tricky bits. With extra care to avoid populated areas. The amount of time in human-unfriendly atmospheres. A quick step, twist, step, while holding your breath was OK, but we got even those down to less than a handful.

    Raven wants to look at my math notes, so, I'll have to tidy them up, write-out stuff I've only got in my head. The university bookshop has been so useful, as has their library. I've got some books on special order, and I'm thinking of subscribing to at least one of the math journals.

    ---

    This morning a surprise. A package. A 'gift from a friend'. Containing computer chips. The sort, from the label, that Victor was still negotiating to get S.T.A.R. Labs to make. They'd had (another!) break-in, and everything was in turmoil.

    I showed the team, no reason not to. Victor inspected the chips, the label, mentally accessed the surveillance records. Says looks like it was delivered in the morning mail, by our normal mail-person. Nothing unusual.

    Robin, I notice his eyes narrow as he examines the note that was in the package. Delicately grips it, sniffs at it, holds the paper up to the light. Nods.

    "Hey, man! I'm the hound dog!" Garfield seems to fear infringement.

    Cyborg just grins.

    ---

    Self-inspection. Not a bad idea to maintain good health. But, I'm taking it further. Looking inside, with a medical endoscope.

    No, this isn't down my throat, or up other places. I'm going in through my maintenance seam, on my lower-back, along my spine. Checking out my non-living bits. Being a cyborg – there's some overheads.

    I could've used various sensors. Tried to use my Third Eye, though it doesn't work as well on myself, and, didn't work with a mirror. But, this, a fibre-optic cable. About as direct as I could be without getting... drastic.

    All looks OK. Living and non-living bits. I'd gone all the way up to my 'brain', where there was... more functionality than there should be. I could see where I would want to slot-in those extra chips. But, before then, there was a lot of testing to do. You really don't want to find your brain 'blue screening' on you.

    Also, I want to test something. Whether the non-living bits of me were being changed by my 'chi', in some way. So, I use the surgical part of the endoscope, shave a tiny sliver off the plastic of one of my ribs.

    And, get a strange glow, pale-blue electric (of course!) flickering across my ribs. It... doesn't feel like my chi, which gives me an aura that colour, or similar limb extensions. It feels... magical.

    And, as I watch, the mark left by taking the sliver is gone. OK. That happened. Magic I don't understand affecting my insides.

    At least I've got the sliver to examine, but...

    I'm going to have to talk to Raven.

    ---

    Later, I get a call from Oracle.

    "I call showing the note to Robin cheating!"

    "I call it 'using available resources'."

    I guessed she might've sent it. But, nice to have it confirmed.

    "You hacked the chip specs out of Victor's secure systems? You're trying to make a point, aren't you?"

    "I think I made it. They're not secure enough. I think... I'm going to have to make a visit."

    I pause. She doesn't say anything else.

    "Would you mind if I pop-over? I'll use your side-door, same as last time. Might look as if I'm bringing a friend. Got a couple of things you might like to look at..."

    "I'll put the kettle on."


    AN: Yes, another bits-and-pieces episode...

    AN: You recall the ponies, don't you? :)

    AN: Do you think wise people should worry about Raven taking an interest in math?

    AN: Endoscope, though you probably knew that.

    AN: You likely don't want a Blue Screen...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 55 - Control Issues
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 55

    Plans are nice. I like plans. But, there's a major issue.

    Sometimes they die before they're born.

    I'd planned to go see Oracle, as soon as I gathered some bits. But, when I walked through the lounge I discovered the Tower was under attack.

    Well, 'attack' might be an exaggeration. More, there seemed to be... an unconventional visitor.

    Garfield and Victor had been playing a video game, on the big lounge screen, which is also the main tv. Something with giant monsters and robots, which I'd not played myself, but they seemed fond of.

    And... Their game was being interrupted.

    A large masked figure had appeared on the screen, apparently by pushing the game they were playing off to one side, in a style similar to some cartoon character tricks. A T. Rex with head-mounted lasers was apparently upset about this, and roaring from it's rapidly decreasing screen space, but he seemed to be ignoring it.

    The boys were sitting watching, with opened mouths. I used my radio collar to call the rest of the team via the Tower internal comms, while making sure no alert showed in the lounge. It wasn't clear what else I could do.

    ---

    Fortunately everyone was in the Tower.

    We quickly got everyone but Raven, with the inclusion of Terra and Master Roshi. Then, Raven, who'd apparently been in the med-bay, because she joined us with a (annoyed-looking) Nurf. Who looked about my height rather than her more usual shorter self. Experience of Raven suggested she was hiding embarrassment.

    Something to ask about later?

    The masked figure on the otherwise blank screen appeared to be standing, front-stance, looking at us. Impossible to tell his height without a reference, but he had what's sometimes called a generous build; broad-shouldered and over-weight. Longish red-hair, a domino mask, side-burns, a costume apparently thrown-together from multiple sources.

    "I am Control Freak! And I'm here to teach you the power of video!"

    I'm guessing he's not on a friendly visit...

    He looks over the team, nods at various people, seems a little confused by others.

    "Robin, Cyborg, Beast Boy, OK. Starfire and Raven, right. You, you're not supposed to have joined, yet." He points at Terra, for some reason.

    "There's not supposed to be any adults here!" He glares at Master Roshi, who shrugs.

    "And, you, you, you're not even on the cast list!" For some reason he points at Nurse and me.

    Gathering himself, he pulls-out something that looks like a remote control 'improved' by a mad scientist.

    "Let the games begin!"

    ---

    I'm with Terra, Nurse and Master Roshi. We're watching the big screen. Maybe we should've done something when the lightning came out of the screen, and sucked everyone else in? But, it seemed to happen too fast.

    The screen is... dynamic. Sometimes maybe sixteen equal rectangles, sometimes a different arrangement with one larger image and the rest smaller. All showing what I'm pretty sure are different tv shows and films, with the odd video game. The team are full participants. As the sound we hear switches from scene-to-scene, directing our attention.

    Control Freak seems to be enjoying himself, in control of the environment. The Titans are being chased, though sometimes they get to chase him, as well as some more static scenes.

    I'm pretty sure some of those are old black-and-white productions, and I recognise Star Trek (locally called 'Warp Trek'), Star Wars, and Wile E. Coyote. The last was part of my education, learning to understand others may not see the world as you do.

    Seems a mix of child's game one-upmanship and psychological warfare. Terra looks confused, reaches a hand towards the screen, once or twice, then pulls it back. It's obviously outside Nurse's frame of reference. Master Roshi watches, nodding once or twice.

    Then, the screens arrange themselves with everyone but Raven and Control Freak in smaller screens round a larger central one. That's the two in a mad science lab, Raven strapped in a chair, attached wires, being monologued at. While they're obviously speaking lips are blurred, speech gently bleeped.

    With an immense effort Raven rips her way free, then stops.

    Something obviously offends her as she goes white, grey-skinned, then red-faced. Gestures, and Control Freak is now athletically fit. He says something, she goes even more red, gestures more violently, and the bleeping changes to, "... and stay that way!".

    Everyone stops moving, just looks.

    ---

    Team now back in the lounge. Screen just white, as it was at the beginning, with now-athletic visitor.

    "The little guy was right! Booyah! Infinite snacks with no downsides! If you get prodded right, you can be made to do anything!"

    Raven is, honest, not grinding her teeth. Probably good that she can heal.

    "Getting gadgets from my future-self worked, too! Hmm. What was his name? 'Larry' I think he said..."

    Gloating as various people react.

    "Good to let me visit."

    He looks us over, switches to a (bad) foreign accent.

    "I'll be back."

    ---

    Raven has calmed down. Kory-hugs helped. Garfield has explained 5th dimensional imps, for anyone interested. Victor is studying the Tower's systems, shaking his head.

    Robin seems a bit stunned, something shared by others.

    "I've... been having a difficult day. My... temper has been short."

    Apparently it's Raven confession time.

    "You've probably noticed that I've been relaxing some of my rigid emotional control, lately. Trying to enjoy life, smile more, allow myself to get a little upset. But, it's led to me saying things like 'Grow up!' to Nurf."

    One or two people nod. Terra looks confused.

    "It's... a work in progress. All my life, before coming here, I was taught I needed total control. Or, really bad things would happen. Potentially end-of-the-world things." She sighs.

    "No one told me about that!" Terra is obviously concerned.

    Raven gives her a little smile.

    "It's one of the reasons the Teen Titans exist. The adult super-heroes don't seem to care about the issue, so we're all living, working, together to support each other. And deal with it. Friends."

    Terra slowly nods. Nurf is a little wide-eyed, but after a brief pause, follows her.

    "I... can put this changed body in storage. 'Defrost' another servitor, imprint myself, business as usual?"

    I cough. Mentally crossing my fingers.

    "Nurf? This is a new world, new things to learn. Maybe you could try and see if being this new body helps? Would you mind giving it a try?"

    She looks a little uncertain, then, nods.

    "And, I hereby give you command authorisation to manage the servitors in whatever way you believe is best."

    Shock, then, a wide grin. Robin gives me a thoughtful look.

    There is much hugging.


    AN: Just in case, T. Rex.

    AN: I expect you know all about cartoon physics...

    AN: Want to know how tall, and heavy, American kids were, about year 2000? Maybe useful data for authors?

    AN: Front stance, as used in some martial arts.

    AN: A necessary part of every education: Wile E. Coyote.


    View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aJK8Vkr4N4

    Arguably, "I'll be back" is more classic, though. :)
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Author Comment 10 - Story Ending
  • Informational
    • Raven Lunacy, Author Comment 10 - Story Ending

    It's possible that some of you may have asked, "When is this story going to end?". Or, you may have assumed that it's just going to trail-on, indefinitely, until the author's muse deserts them, or they fall under a bus. Well, I've got some good news, and some bad news...

    If you read the spoilered bit, at the beginning, and/or noted what Raven's said, then it should be clear that sooner or later Raven's apprentice gets sent home. After than, it's a different story. Also, part of the behind-the-scenes logic is that Geo's progress is being tracked, using tabletop RPG rules (see previous Author Comments). These game mechanics strongly suggest a particular end-point, in terms of 'experience points'.

    Now, when does all this happen? This Comment should be just after Episode 55 (13th June), and there's a buffer which currently goes up to Episode 59. Looking at the pattern it would fit with about Episode 65 being the last one (another two weeks, 27th June), including any Epilogue.

    Of course, it could never be that simple. Some readers may have been avoiding the Author Omake, but if you actually want to understand what's going on at the end of the story...


    Strong Hint: This story is told in the 'first person', by Geo. So, how do you get to know things about when Geo isn't around? Could be the 'Author Omake' are worth a look...


    Fair Warning: 'Raven Lunacy' is Book 1, and... 'Raven's Replacement' is Book 2. Book 3? How would I know? :)
     
    Last edited:
  • Informational
    • Full Throttle
  • Informational
    • Full Throttle

    The pace is now full-speed-ahead. No pausing for uneasy stomachs, no dodging of pedestrians (they are road users, too! they need to keep their eyes open!).

    So, yes, bits may fall-off along the way. :)

    Confused? Ask! I may even be able to answer!

    Also, current plans are for a couple of Author Omake, in a couple of days, mid-week.

    Hold on for the ride!
     
  • Informational
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 56 - Dream, Payment and Story
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 56

    Super-villain attack. A pretty good excuse. Oracle accepted it, anyway

    So, I'm excused being late.

    But, I need to speak to Raven. First.

    To apologise.

    ---

    "I'm sorry. We just stood there, doing nothing. It was... like we had to watch. But, not interfere."

    Raven starts to say something, then stops. Looks thoughful. Walks to a shelf, takes a book, and flips through it.

    "I thought I remembered..." She murmurs. "Yes! Here it is!"

    She reads carefully, looks back and forward through a few pages.

    "The... intruder. Control Freak. I thought I remembered someone with powers like his. The power to pull things from works of fiction, drag people into them, entrance everyone with the 'story'." She grins, widely.

    "He's a Dream Walker, a Mystic Storyteller. They are rare but their greatest weakness is that their... powers cannot directly affect themselves. Unless, it is part of a story, and, that story must be told to others, preferably many others."

    "Is he magical?" I hope I don't sound plaintive.

    She frowns. "I think it is not quite magic, nor spiritual. One of those which are difficult to classify. In fact..." She stares up into the air for a few seconds.

    "I don't think he knows what he is. The worlds he takes people are on the edge of the Dreaming, but he calls them the 'tv dimensions'. He said he had an 'atomic-powered' remote control, but, I think it is the dream of nuclear energy, as the ultimate power source, that he's using. I believe he thinks he's some sort of super-scientist."

    We look at each other, for a few moments.

    I break the silence. "What's his weakness?"

    Raven frowns. "You must join him, in telling the story. Add elements that fit, but which turns things towards your advantage. I'm afraid..."

    And she sighs. Deeply.

    "We'll have to get Garfield and Victor to help. They are the ones who know this battlefield."

    ---

    We're sipping tea, thinking about Raven's theory. Unfortunately, it's difficult to see how we can test it before we next meet Control Freak.

    Suddenly, Raven looks worried. "I don't think we can win if 'Larry' is giving him advice. He didn't seem to be properly prepared for who was in the team, but, he still managed to 'win'. What if he's better briefed, next time?"

    Everything. Stops.

    You know how there's always little sounds? The wind, the creaking of the building, the faint, maybe distant, buzz or humm of something electric? Nothing. Raven's strongest wards can produce that silence, but they have an oppressive weight of their own. I caught sight of a speck of dust, revealed by the light. Immobile. No scents. No pressure from sitting.

    Nothing.

    A pale lady. In black. With an ankh. Looking a little annoyed. Holding 'Larry' by one ear.

    "You know your function, the games you can play. You were given fair warning. But, you tried to cheat, by using a pawn. You've produced an imbalance."

    He really doesn't look happy...

    "So, you will pay, using your own, personal, energies, for what Raven does next."

    Unhappy? He looks like he has... I think someone called it 'cancer of the puppy'.

    Raven is grinning in a way I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of.

    "Now, Think." The Lady looks at Raven.

    "Petty revenge is one possibility, but, you might want to think on a larger scale. That idea you had for really upsetting your father?"

    ---

    We hang in the air over... Azarath. It's frozen, between moments, but I still get the impression it's a scared city. Magnificent, but the inhabitants are deeply unhappy. The frozen chi flows show that.

    "Now. How to upset my father most? Hmm."

    Raven gestures, and a mirror appears. On the other side is an immense cavern, with walls covered in man-sized niches, currently empty.

    "Check I don't miss anyone, Sugoi. Or anything."

    The niches start getting occupied, faster and faster. Quickly, there's no one left in the city but a single spirit in the central temple. Though, there are apparently living people, everywhere. In place of their natural spirits they have what you could call a dream, a shadow, of one. Even pet animals, and things like rats, are taken.

    We float through walls. We are in the sanctuary, of the temple. An older woman, and, a living flame. Even though we are outside Time, they still move.

    "Azar." Raven addresses them. They both nod.

    "I can save the people, but you will have to stand here to face Trigon. If you follow the Story I was given, everyone will die, physically, bar my mother, and she will shelter your spirit."

    They nod, again.

    And we're back in Raven's room.

    ---

    "Are you all right, Sugoi?"

    "I... felt something happen... but, I'm... not sure what it was." I cough. "You were saying?"

    "You'd better not keep Oracle waiting any longer?"

    "Yes. That sounds right."

    Raven gives a tiny smile.


    AN: (Mysticism Warning) The Dreaming; not quite the DC one...

    AN: If you don't know what a lady in black with an ankh is about, might be best you find out...

    AN: What's going on, at the end, well, have you heard of need to know? Or, you might want to think about 'it was all a dream', used in reverse...
     
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    • Raven Lunacy, Episode 57 - Time to Trade
  • Threadmarks
    • Raven Lunacy, Time to Trade - Episode 57

    Oracle visit. Take two. Something's... being hidden from me.

    I don't know what, but... I think something cosmic happened. Again.

    And, I've this nasty suspicion...

    Talking to Raven about it wont help.

    ---

    I've done the 'temporal two-step'. I've this nasty suspicion (another one) I'm running out of time. So, using that trick Raven taught me, you can return a moment after you leave. Or, in this case, fit-in extra things without being even later visiting Oracle.

    Seeing as I'm outside time, floating above San Francisco, should be unlikely I'm interrupted. So, I'm levitating, focusing on my chi, balancing that with my magic, and psychic energies, feeling around for what I should be doing next.

    "Excuse me, miss? What are you doing in the Speed Force?"

    ---

    Ah.

    A man all in red, with yellow bits, and a lightning bolt symbol on his chest. Running on the spot. I've read enough to recognise the Flash. One of the big names. I hope I'm not supposed to meet all the founding members of the Justice League...

    "I... didn't think I was in the 'Speed Force', and in fact I don't know what that is. I'm Sugoi, Raven's apprentice. She taught me a trick to use while dimension walking. So you don't use-up any time. Once I've figured-out what I'm doing next, I'm going to walk off through the dimensions. Probably that way." I indicate my planned route.

    He rubs his eyes.

    "Your arm did something really strange, just then. Raven? The Teen Titan? The... one who uses weird magic?"

    "Yes?"

    "Oh... Kay... So, you're not a new speedster? You're... using magic?"

    "Actually, I'm using a psychic power, to dimension walk. I'm not very good at magic. No, I'm not very fast. And, psychic powers aren't easy to use, they don't work well in combat. You can't touch the real world from where we are."

    He's obviously thinking.

    "I've felt a few, brief, uses of the Speed Force, from this area, so that's why I'm looking around. So, I probably felt Raven, and, you?"

    "I think so. Oh. You might want to be careful. We've been attacked, recently. In the Tower. So, Raven's put up defensive magic. I don't know if it might get in your way."

    A thoughtful look. "There was some sort of... minor resistance, as I came into the city. Maybe that's what it was?" He obviously comes to a decision.

    "I'll let you be about your business. If you need help, ask Robin, he knows how to contact me, through Kid Flash. Bye!"

    And he starts to sink down, and is quickly out of sight.

    ---

    I'm scouting the not-quite-local, but not deep dimensions. Being careful to watch the time side of things. Depending on how you look at it there's at least three temporal axes, as well as null-time. You don't want to get stuck in null-time. You'll never notice you've done it, and only outside rescue will help.

    It's occurred to me that the vision I had, when Master Roshi 'validated' himself might hold useful clues. I saw paths I've never found on any map, in any of Raven's ancient books. I think I can guess which one would lead home, and others go off into... other multiverses, might be the best description. Places well outside the local dimensional cluster, but not 'homeward'.

    One of those feels right. So, I'm checking-out a dimension which seems totally full of pure water. Chemically pure, with a little dissolved air, which is a useful hint. Following the concentration of air, d-walking 'hops', while staying out-of-phase, an immense void, apparently full of air. A 'bubble'? It feels... lifeless, but otherwise safe.

    Taking a deep breath, I move out into the air. Nothing... happens. I'm in a new world. One well-off the beaten track. Looking around, endless water, lit by no clear light source. My environmental force field seems OK, so I risk breathing the air within it, and carefully check its sensors. Outside air seems OK, but totally sterile.

    There's a speck on the water, in the distance. I lose patience, and d-walk there, frustrated by my slow flying. It's... an immense ship. Built from giant hardwood tree-trucks, cunningly shaped into planks.

    My chi-sense says there's no life, on-board the kilometre-long ship. No tech energies, the faintest hint of tree-spirit, in the wood, nothing else. The scale of the thing, the hatches, the doorway in the comparatively small superstructure, if they were humanoid they were giants. I'm guessing ten-metres, about thirty-feet, tall.

    I focus, maybe manage to imprint the ship on my d-walking ability? Will that let me come back here, without a search and lots of not-swimming? We'll have to see.

    ---

    I'm back, at the Tower. Staying timeless, and out-of-phase. Need more time to think. I went a lot further, far enough that I was using emergency rations from my belt pouches. Made contacts. Now have a source of spare parts for the med-bay.

    The people... were strange. Some human, others resembled the upper, more human, body of the wizard Raven bargained with. 'Drow' I think she said. And, other 'races', though mostly humanoid. Civilized and friendly. I'll need to carefully think about how they're to be paid; new-for-old on a one-for-four basis... I'm guessing they want to study foreign tech. Or cash. They'll take cash.

    The... bar that I'd visited...

    Full of beings of great power. Major gods and better was my impression. Relaxing, having a good time. Fortunately, the bar accepted my emergency gold coins, and, the bar-lady was kind enough to suggest who might help me, point me to trade representatives. I'd a strong impression doing the wrong thing could've left me far worse than dead...

    I know I was gone for... personal-time, days? That feels right. But, I think it was worth it.

    So, take a deep breath. Carefully recall my mental state from before I left. Freshen-up. Grab my luggage. And...

    We're off to see the Oracle!


    AN: Two-step, so you don't trip over your own feet. :)

    AN: Drow, who seem to be a TSR invention. (Closest prior seems to be 'trow', a sort of (Scandinavian) troll, I think.)

    AN: Once you start messing with Time...
     
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