maskormenace

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If someone were to discover that they possessed an ability that had the potential to endanger the lives of those around them, what sort of options would they be looking at?

Other than resorting to criminal detainment of course, and where learning control is not an option, as it simply doesn't function in a controllable manner.

So essentially what I'm asking is, is it possible to voluntarily arrange for import abilities to be suppressed? Are there any non-permanent options? What sort of side-effects could one expect from undergoing such a process?

You'll have to forgive the lack of details I'm afraid, as they aren't mine to share.

[He's asking for a friend okay. Yeah when's the last time anyone bought that. Still though, it's true.]

Feel free to list any contacts you may have regarding this issue.

Thank you.

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That's a very dangerous genie you're looking to let out of the bottle, Dr. Gottlieb.

You say learning control isn't an option; may I ask why not?

No need for concern, Professor.

The ability is toxic in nature, and there's simply no way to control the method in which it contaminates. It's either released or it isn't, and walking around on eggshells in hopes of preventing such an occurrence is a risk no matter how careful.

Do you understand why I am concerned, Dr. Gottlieb? If there is such a device or medicine, that suppresses abilities it opens up the discussion of putting all imPorts on it.

Whether we volunteer or not.

How is this toxin released? Is it airborne or requires contact?

Yes. It's why we haven't invented anything of the sort. Rest assured, we do understand what we're doing.

It requires contact.

[ It was still a little difficult not to feel uneasy. Still too close to the Sentinel issue. However, he wasn't going to belabor the point. ]

Have you tested clothing or glove barriers?

Yes, it's not corrosive, we know that.

[Honestly, they're scientists.]

We're more concerned with accidental contact, as it's extremely powerful even in small doses.

Edited 2016-04-20 21:19 (UTC)

What is the result of contact, if I may ask?

Best case scenario, catatonic. Worst case, almost immediately lethal.

[ Hermann couldn't see it but Charles rocked back a little in his chair and blinked, before frowning.

Yes, he could see why trying to put some sort of control over a power like that would be a priority. Particularly if it was completely passive, with no internal control factor. ]

Was this a Porter granted power or something they had back home as well?

Porter granted, although it had a more deadly precedent back home. There were monsters with the same capability.

Really? That is, worrisome. Had you developed any methods of managing the threat from the monsters? Err, non-lethal methods, something you could possibly use here?

[ooc: This is painfully late and I sincerely apologize. I completely understand if you've moved well beyond this and wish to let it go. ]

I undrstand the concerns/ethical dilemma and how this could be weaponized. I do.

In the reverse, however: the Russians already can disable powers. Submarine, swear-in/occupation. If we too had the means to disable powers...might we also reverse engineer a way to reenable them? Perhaps even allow some of us an on/off switch. Allow us to prevent powers from being shut off.

But wait! The US blocks powers on criminals when jailing them! Blocking the ability to block now could do more harm!

Hate to say it; the weapon already exists. The genie is already loose.

I can't argue that point.

[ He'd been affected by the Russian suppressors, just like everybody else. ]

I suppose the difference, and I understand it's a thin line, is the fact that Russia and the US government are doing that to us.

Something like this, is us doing it to ourselves. Should we set that precedent?

[ The genie was already out of the bottle, but Charles couldn't help the twinge of cause and affect that had come along with the Sentinels. Starting out as an answer to a threat and ending up in a place of total annihilation. ]

There is a thin line.

Yes, this is doing this to ourselves--as you said--but, and this is an important distinction: not imPort to imPort, but one imPort (of legal consenting age) choosing to do this to himself.

Aren't you instead setting the precedent of denying choice over what one does with their own body?

I'm barreling down the crowded freeway in a 14-wheeler I never asked to drive... and so far I haven't hit anyone. I want to install some breaks and use them--NOT to have to wait for someone else to lay a spike strip. I don't want to rely on being rescued.

I don't want to be the one to set off a wave of "None of them are safe!! Rally the pitchforks!" among the citizens. No one does. Nor do I want to be monitored more than I am. But I cannot go on pretending that, should an accident happen, I don't pose a real safety threat to those around me, and I cannot plan for or prepare for all, or even most, of the issues that may arise.

[ He hadn't asked Hermann for the name of the individual being discussed. It could be argued that it was Hermann himself (given the ID on the comm) but given the fact that this conversation was different from the one Charles was having with ... Hermann, he was going to assume he was speaking to someone else.

Who, was still a good question but honestly, not particularly pertinent to the discussion at the moment. ]

You make a compelling case for your situation and I am truly sorry that your power is a danger to you and those around you.

Of course your choice about how to manage your situation is your call and I applaud you for exploring your options for the safety of others. I won't pretend to imagine it's easy.

[ Charles suspected that there were enough instances of imPorts running amok to fuel the 'none of them are safe' crowd, but he wouldn't argue that point. ]

Have you considered trying to talk to the Porter itself?

You know, it's funny you bring up talking to the Porter. Actually thought about it.

How do you propose we GET to the Porter, though? Because last I checked, you couldn't just walk up to it and say HI.

Yes, I do understand it's not a particularly simple proposition.

I've asked about the possibility of any sort of telepathic communication with the Porter and while I've been lead to understand it's not interested in discussing our going home, perhaps it may be open to a request for help while remaining here?

...telepathic communication, huh?
With a power or with some kind of apparatus?

[This is exactly something they thought about doing once upon a time...drifting with the porter.]

With a power would be, available now. The apparatus would take a bit more effort.

If only to build such a machine.

True. The machine might only take me overnight to make, but then we'd have to get it in to see the Porter.

If you/someone is willing to do it remotely and telepathically, go for it.
Let me know how it goes.

You have a machine design in mind?

[ Small detour here, his inner nerd is curious. ]

[oops. Hermann's going to be mad.]

You could say that.

What principal are you work from? A direct interface to the Porter or an enhancement of a mental or psychic attempt to contact?

[ In for a penny, in for a pound? ]

I shouldn't tell you, but I will anyway.

The idea is essentially direct interface: connect a brain to the Porter to create a headspace in which they can communicate--in my world, humans directly interfaced with an alien species more than once and regularly interfaced with a mecha they could control. Machine or alien, I'm prepared to believe the Porter can be plugged into, too.

Yes Newton, I do believe we've gone over this several times in excruciating detail.

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private text; Late tag is late and I apologize. /o\

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Late tag is late, I'm sorry!!! Please feel free to let it go

No worries!

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