Outsider

[Laowai]

The small crystal sat on the desk. It caught the light of the screen which was the only real light in the otherwise dark room.
The face on the screen was a nervous looking Brettonian Dr who was peering over data charts in front of him; Laowai waited for his answers.
Dr Remington shook his head, "I dont know how far you can make it work; you said its working in same system communication only?"

Laowai nodded; "Same system, but it definitely works, they have been able to hear me.."

The Brettonian, now intrigued enough to seemingly forget his fear of the old Corsair, consulted his data again. "Well, from what you sent me, there is an energy spike which seems to happen when you are in contact with it; but, its not an energy wave manipulated before."

"And its not something you have seen in their technology before?" Laowai asked. The Brettonian shook his head, "No, not like that, its similar mind you, it has a similar characteristics in some ways, but this is definitely not Nomad in origin, I would say its much older."

Ben had suspected that, these were active artifacts, Dom Kavosh no doubt; but able to be manipulated by humans in a way that their makers probably didn't intend.

Dr Remington went on, " You said it had been used to introduce suggestion into a human?"

Laowai nodded slowly, "Yes, Ive seen it used that way only once, though I have been told it can be used in that manner more effectively if one knows how."

Remington was all academic curiosity now"...and do you?"

"No" Ben said, " I dont."

"But you know people who claim they do? If I can meet these people, study how they learned to do this I cou..."

"That is impossible." Laowai interrupted, "There is no way to find them."

Remington looked disappointed "..Oh.. Well that's a shame, but continue to send me the numbers and Ill process it from my end, perhaps I can find something Ive missed."

A small light next to him began to flash, indicating another transmission was being received, Laowai held it, and turning to Remington he ended their call, " I have other business now Dr, we shall speak again."

He flipped the transmission over to the new one, The screen flickered to life and a familiar face appeared on the screen.

" Well isn't this an interesting twist."


His sister Isabel smiled at him; Ben grinned back in return and sent the docking command. "Welcome back" he said "Meet me at my hangar, we have much to discuss...."

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