Day 1
Judicia, Erbaine
Laramie's House
Laramie's last post
Liam's last post / Leon's last post

Leon's unexpected appearance (wearing sunglasses, no less) was both a relief and the last thing Laramie needed at the moment. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find some composure while Leon explained himself.

"Are you doing ok as well?" he asked Liam. "I-I guess this is weird, coming out of a person like me, who often says little to you unless Laramie is around. Er, not that I mean I don't like seeing you around, but I guess I'm closer to Laramie than you."

Aha. Here was her chance to redirect the conversation and hopefully end the argument with Liam before he could return to the subject. "Hi, Leon," she said hurriedly. "Thanks for checking, we're--"

Laramie got no further before Liam unleashed. "You know Laramie better than I do, hmm? Listen, punk, no one knows her better than me." He turned, pinning her with a hard glare. "That said... maybe you can put some sense into her head, then. Since I'm not succeeding." She stared back, caught in his gaze and deeply troubled; his eyes had never looked like that before. "Since you're such great friends with her and all, maybe she'll listen to you."

Liam's harsh sarcasm hit her like a slap to the face. "Oh, right. Excuse me for daring to disagree with you. We've just survived a supernova, and you order me to skip off to Dr. Dreyman with you because he gave you a pep talk. Do you even hear yourself?" Her voice rose. "Who do you think you are--"

A faint rustling sound came from the stairs. Laramie broke off, turned instantly, and saw her little sister Mirren peering around the stair banister, her eyes wide.

Laramie's eyes flicked from Mirren to Leon's confused expression, and she took a breath. Her backbone stiffened as she felt the rage and hurt and sheer bewilderment (was Liam possessed?) ebb away, settling down into a hard knot deep in her stomach. She turned to Liam. "You are not in a position to be calling other people punks right now," she said quietly, her voice cool as steel. "I've made my decision and if you knew me as well as you claim to, you would respect that. Enough is enough." She looked away. "Just...go. Please."

((OOC: Mountie and Shas, I'm really sorry for how long it's taken me to post. Let me know if this doesn't work. ))

- 11 AM, Day 2 -
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Woods Near Lui's Cabin

Loretta did not know exactly where she was. In her frantic sprinting to escape her pursuer she had disregarded all intelligible thoughts of direction or distance and now she stood, quite a sight, among the tall trees of Erbaine, feeling lost. Her heart trembled nearly as violently as her hands, but still, ever faithfully, she coddled the wolf puppy in her arms. The little canine was unconscious but alive, and for this she was grateful, for in reality with him hugged tight to her chest she was not utterly alone.

She could not call. She could not shout. Yet even if she might she was unsure if she would. Fear still gripped her like a vice, its clap firmly pressing into the pit of her stomach, suppressing rationality and make her senses high-strung. None of this made sense. Not an ounce. Someway behind her lay the mangled body of a man that had been ready to kill her, mauled before he could by a mountain lion that she had spoken with. It was insane. Was she insane? Her heart sped up and she felt hot tears stinging her eyes. She wanted to choke out a sob, but the only thing that came was a rush of breath. Maybe I have gone mad. Maybe...maybe my mind really is undone.

There was a flash of color and the girl turned, streams of tears making there way down her cheeks. She bit back the sorrow, peering at the shapes moving toward her through the trunks of dark trees. They were creeping, as though beings not wishing to be found. Terra...Lui. Terra! Lui!!

Loretta stumbled forward, clutching to the puppy. She wanted to scream out, tell them she was here. She was here. But she could not, so she ran, moved on tired legs toward them. Lui. Please recognize me. Terra...

- 9:47 qn, Day 3 -
Quadrant 9

Arthur said nothing to Steele's closing remark, his only response being a raising of his brow. Collaborate. Medical department. I am beginning to find circumstances even more confusing and unsavory... Being a genius naturopathic doctor and surgeon seemed now entirely simpler than this.

He turned and met Tamara's gaze. "I would normally insist that the lady must go first, but upon this instance I think it would be incredibly irrelevant since you would not listen," Arthur quipped as he left Dr. Steele's office, passing the newly appeared woman in the process. She was fairly tall, slender, with a face that was not entirely unpleasant but held hints of iron determination. She guessed she was going to be somewhat like Steele, entirely too impersonal and severely lacking a sense of humor. "Perhaps now I shall get a better idea of exactly why I have been brought here, hm?"

Burg: Day 4, Mid-Morning
Lawrence Manor

"I do believe the party was a success, sir. At least, miss Browning and I kept getting compliments on the refreshments." Jennings reported while pouring a cup of coffee for Lawrence.

"It was a success both in keeping the politicians happy and making contacts..." Malcom paused long enough to put a pack of creme and sugar in his coffee before continuing. "Jennings, I think I've found a way into the military division of Oz-Corp, Dad's old industrial business."

"With Marcus's help, I presume?"

"Exactly. I'm going over there to meet with him this afternoon about a part time position. McArthur has given me the go ahead to join, so I won't be doing anything illegal..."

"Yet." Jennings finished with a slight smile. "Just try not to get caught this time, Lawrence. I do not possess the same influence that your father did if you get in trouble with the military... again."

Burg, Day 4
Lawrence Manor

Tamara walked slowly up to the front door of the Lawrence Manor. The place was large and beautiful, and the Doctor had decided to make a return to trip to visit Malcom before she left Burg. He was a political ally, and she knew it. But further, he might have some more information that she could profit from. She paused for a second before her finely manicured fingers rang the bell. She took a step back and waited.

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

At the sound of the doorbell, Jennings excused himself from the dinning room and went to answer the door. "Ah, Dr. Lightwood. I assume you are here to see master Lawrence again? If you will step into the study, I will alert him to your arrival."

The older gentleman stepped aside and gestured for Tamera to enter while also pointing to the assigned room.

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

Tamara smiled sweetly and followed Jennings' instructions.

"Thank you, Mr. Jennings. Yes, if Mr. Lawrence is not busy, I would appreciate having a word or two with him."

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

"Very well." with that, Jennings returned to the dinning room where Malcom was just finishing his coffee. "Sir, Dr. Lightwood is here to see you. She is waiting for you in the study."

"Tamera Lightwood?" Lawrence asked slightly puzzled at the doctors return visit. Receiving a confirmation nod from Jennings, the younger man gave a slight shrug and started buttoning the top buttons of his shirt. "Thanks for letting me know, Jennings."

A minute later Malcom Lawrence, looking slightly worse for wear after the previous nights festivities, entered the study.

"Dr. Lightwood, it's a pleasure to see you again. Though I must admit it's also a surprise." Lawrence motioned to one of the chairs by his desk. "Is there something I can help you with or is this simply a pleasure visit?"

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

"Good morning," Tamara smiled lightly and took a seat across from Malcom, placing her folio across her lap. "I'm sorry to call so early in the day, but I wished to speak with you further regarding our conversation last evening."

Tamara paused, but Lawrence didn't seem to have any objections--or encouragement. She decided now perhaps might be a time to test and see how thin the ice was.

"I found your thoughts on the subject nearly singular, in that there are hardly any who would agree, or that would argue against a military seizure of control. The only others who have expressed such sentiments are either people like myself, who work with those with genetic modifications, or the patients themselves."

She paused again, then looked straight at Malcom, her eyes taking in every detail of his expression.

"You know something more about these people, don't you?"

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

Lawrence listened to what the doctor had to say with a calm demeanor. Lightwood was most likely a friend and ally, but still... she was a scientist and someone Malcom knew very little about. Actually, he knew next to nothing about her.

At the revelation that Lightwood guessed what he might be, Lawrence let out a soft sigh and leaned back into his chair. "I wouldn't say I know anything about them, but I have seen... certain individuals in action. I also realize not all of them are evil, in fact, I would go so far as to say most are just scared and confused."

--------------------------

While the discussion in the study was progressing, Selena made her way downstairs and to the kitchen. "Good morning, Jennings..." the young woman said with a yawn before pouring herself some juice.

"Good morning, miss Browning. We have a visitor today, Dr. Lightwood has returned to speak with Lawrence." with this, the butler lowered his voice. "I think it would be wise not to disturb them. Miss Lightwood seems to know something about... all of you." Jennings nodded to Selena's glass as she began playing with the juice, causing it to levitate slightly in the air.

"Oh...." Selena quickly stopped playing with the juice and took a long sip. Eyes slightly wider then they had been.

Burg, Day 4
Lawrence Manor

"Of course you have..." Tamara said softly, "and you would, because you know. So many are scared, so many are so young. Unlike you, they haven't had a stable household to grow up in. Some never even knew their parents. They've never seen a doctor, much less been inside a medical facility. They're lost and drifting, afraid and lashing out. It hurts me to see that, because I want to help them, but I can't. I can't help them unless I know how they are different. I know why, and I know that their genetic makeup is different from the normal human, but I can't discover how. In theory, if I could get two blood samples, one before and one after the supernova, from the same person, I could isolate the change. Once I isolate it, I could begin to truly help these people."

Tamara stood up and walked toward Malcom's window, looking out over the greens of the Manor.

"Hypothetically, it would seem that a percentage of those affected by the supernova would be among the wealthy, among those who would have grown up with adequate medical attention. If, hypothetically, I could find one of these people, and perhaps could convince them to donate a sample...." Tamara turned toward Malcom. "I could isolate the exact genome that has mutated. Given what we already know about basic genetics, it would be a springboard to successfully decoding the modifications and empowering those affected with a real understanding of what has happened and who they are."

9:49 qn, Day 3
Quadrant 9

"Well aren't you just Mr. Cheerful this morning," Tamara said, eyebrows arching. "This way, Dr. Joy, and I'll show you through our facilities and then you can stop at my office for a horrid cuppa."

Dr. Lightwood's heels clicked along the linoleum at a decent pace, leaving Arthur to keep up with her. After a few moments of silence, Tamara began peppering her companion with facts and details.

"I don't know how much you are aware of, but shortly after the supernova occurred, we began to discover that a good portion of the populace had suddenly changed, there genes mutating. Obviously, people didn't know how to deal with these changes, and many of them have been brought here--all that are deemed a threat to themselves or others. Our job is to figure out how they tick, what makes them what they are, and to help them acclimate themselves to their new life. Many of those here come from a lower socio-economic bracket, thus we are faced with a double challenge of preparing them to return to the world and live in potentially any sort of situation, most probably at a higher standing then what they were born and raised in."

Tamara stopped and turned to face Arthur.

"Be aware that their lives have been turned upside down and shaken. They are scared, panicked and fearful. They will lash out unexpectedly, so you must be on your guard. Remember that."--here she resumed walking--"You will be working in one of the first levels our patients are put in. Our goal is to be able to change and modify their behavior and outlook enough so that they do not need to go to higher levels of treatment. And remember, these are patients, not projects. They are humans, with feelings, emotions and souls just like the rest of us."

Tamara stopped again before a large stainless steel door.

"This brings us to you. For the time being, you will be working as my assistant, helping me run this division. Are you ready to see it?"

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

A faint smile appeared on Lawrence's face as Dr. Lightwood finished her presentation. She knew. However it had been revealed to her, she knew. A flurry of conflicting thoughts swirled in Malcom's head at this moment. She knows that I'm one of the mutants... but how?, will she use this information for "the greater good" as she says or will I simply become another political pawn?. Should I agree to help or kick her out?.

Lawrence stood and walked towards Tamera, stopping to look out the window beside the doctor. "If I agree to this... if you discover anything, you must promise to do your best not to let that information fall into the wrong hands." at this, the master of the manor turned to look at Dr. Lightwood. "I'm trusting you completely on this. Do not make me regret giving you my trust."

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

Tamara nodded.

"This specific portion of research is outside of the purview of the government's program, and thus it should never end up in any hands other than my own. Since I am constrained by my lab's location, however, I will mislabel them to protect from any tracing of the samples back to you, should something unplanned happen."

Tamara gave a slight involuntary shudder.

"You know how I feel about the matter. I will guard your secret as if it were my own, no matter what your decision is regarding the sample."

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

Lawrence nodded. Despite barely knowing Tamera Lightwood, Malcom felt she could be trusted. Still, he wasn't so sure her associates could be trusted... which seemed to be a mutual opinion.

"So what do I need to do? Go give myself a razor cut and let you collect some of the blood?" Malcom jokingly volunteered with a nonchalant shrug.

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

"Oh, no," Tamara smiled. "I have the equipment to do a sample draw, the normal procedure like you would experience with a normal doctor. Though, unfortunately, I think I only have white tape, so you can't pick your favorite color to hold the cotton square on. If you don't mind having a seat, I can do it in less than five minutes."

Burg: Day 4
Lawrence Manor

"Very well. Sounds less painful than my way." Lawrence smiled before taking a seat by the small fireplace and rolling up his left shirt sleeve.

-------------------------

Against Jenning's wishes for her to stay in the kitchen, Selena quietly made her way to the double doors of Lawrence's study. Being sure to slowly crack one of the doors open so as to not make a noise, the redhaired girl peered into the room.

So, that's Dr. Lightwood... Yeah, she was rather nice during the party. Think she was the one that complimented my dress...

As Selena was preparing to slip back to the kitchen, she noticed the good doctor setting up what appeared to by a portable blood drive device. .... Oh dear.

Despite her better judgement, the younger woman stayed where she was to watch... and to jump into action is needed.