[b][i]Ruben Geraltes Tarblatt[/i][/b] --- >OPEN ITINERARY A218 #ACCESSING… #ITINERARY A218 - Conduct testing with Artificial Neural Interface on available devices [] - Continue design and construction of Brainvault Type 3 “Skull Fort” [] - Seek suitable volunteers for Project Limbo [] - Gather testing data on Project Limbo subjects [] - Consider long-term teaching opportunity [] - Acquire access to Academy tools and technology [] - Get a souvenir for the team [] #ALERT #NEW MESSAGE >OPEN #MESSAGE FROM: Hamian, Paul T. #SUBJECT: You there yet? #ATTACHMENTS: 1 - Private Chat request >OPEN ATTACHMENT #ESTABLISHING PRIVATE CONNECTION… #PRIVATE CONNECTION ESTABLISHED #COMMUNICATION SERVICE ACTIVE #PARTICIPANTS: Hamian, Paul T., Tarblatt, Ruben G. [Paul] Hey. So you’re not there yet? [Ruben] NO. CLOSE. [Paul] Okay, good. How’s the ANI working? [Ruben] USING IT NOW FOR CHAT. EFFECTIVE. ONE ISSUE PRESENT. [Paul] Caps lock? [Ruben] CAPS LOCK. [Paul] The link must be faulty between the lobe and the keys. [Ruben] NONISSUE. WILL EXAMINE ON ISLAND. [Paul] How close are you? [Ruben] VIEWING WILL BE AVAILABLE MOMENTARILY. [Paul] Excited? [Ruben] YES. [Paul] What do you think you’ll be doing over there first? [Ruben] ATTENDING MEETING IN AUDITORIUM. INFORMED OF MATTERS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED TO ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF. [Paul] Concerned? [Ruben] UNAWARE OF ISSUE PRESENT. WILL ASK LATER. CANNOT PROMISE TO DIVULGE INFORMATION. [Paul] I understand. [Paul] Anyway, wanted to wish you good luck and an enjoyable stay. We’ll keep working on the other ANI prototypes here. Will update you with tests and results. [Paul] Everyone says hi, by the way. [Ruben] GIVE THEM MY THANKS. [Paul] Will do. Be sure to message us sometimes while you’re there. [Paul] Talk later? [Ruben] OF COURSE. [Paul] Thanks. Bye! [Ruben] FAREWELL. #PRIVATE COMMUNICATION TERMINATED #ALERT #NEW MESSAGE >OPEN #MESSAGE FROM: Transport P-18-C Crew #SUBJECT: Academy in sight. Come up when you’re ready. >LOG OUT #LOGGING OUT USER: Tarblatt, Ruben G. #SUCCESSFULLY LOGGED OUT USER: Tarblatt, Ruben G. #WELCOME TO ACCESS TERMINAL 5 FOR ACADEMY 218 AQUATIC TRANSPORT VESSEL P-18-C (CUSTOM). PLEASE LOG IN OR SHUT DOWN TERMINAL. >SHUT DOWN #SHUTTING DOWN… --- Ruben’s ‘hand’ began to detach itself from the ANI, the white orb, connected to the onboard terminal. The meat and flesh peeled away, revealing the red neural stem enveloping the orb. It slowly peeled itself off as well and retreated back into Ruben’s arm. He stood up, towering over the terminal as the screen blanked out, offline. He turned, scanning the room around him. The vessel had been constructed for him at his request, to his specifications, in order to transport all of his equipment without incident. The detachable compartment he was sealed within was sort of a ‘refrigerator’. His equipment was all constructed from artificial neural tissue, keeping it inside a cool, moderated environment was crucial to ensure its working at optimal efficiency. Ruben himself found comfort in the cool temperature as well. Made it easier to keep his body from seeping through the gauze tape. He was told the temperature on the island wouldn’t be entirely suitable, but he assured them he would adjust appropriately. He made a quick examination of the ANI compartments, the Brainvault Type 3, and the Limbo device. All were inoperable at the moment, but once they were brought into the Academy laboratory, they would be up and running again soon. Ruben was confident in the staff’s abilities when they told him they had a room in the lab slotted out and retrofitted for his arrival. One large cooling compartment, just what he needed. He didn’t show it well, but he was more eager than he’d ever been before. After double-checking the machines, he stepped towards the sealed door, turned the valve, and stepped out into the vessel interior. “Professor Tarblatt? Sir?” Ruben turned his vision to an Academy crewman awaiting him outside the compartment. He was dressed in a white uniform, hands behind his back. Ruben quickly sealed the compartment back up and faced the crewman again. “Destination? Reached?” He asked from his mounted voice box in heavily synthesized, robotic voice. The crewman replied, “Nearly there, sir. Captain’s inviting you to head up top and see for yourself.” “Yes. Yes, I will.” Ruben replied, following the crewman up the stairs. … The hatch opened, the crewman pushing it aside. Out followed Ruben behind him, gazing at the open sky, feeling a breeze pass by on his gauze-covered flesh. He turned his head towards the Captain of the vessel approaching him. Lean man, middle-aged, trimmed gray beard. Didn’t seem too old, though. “Professor.” He exclaimed, “Enjoy the trip?” “The journey, irrelevant.” Ruben replied, strolling past the Captain. He marched towards the portside of the ship, past the other crewmen going about their business. There, over the horizon, he saw it; Academy 218. The surrounding perimeter wall, the overarching tower, the buildings dotted around the landscape, he saw everything through the lens in his Brainvault. He was in awe at that moment, thinking back to when he was human. Hearing about this place, all the wonder and grandeur behind it, saddened by the fact that he’d never be able to attend because he was, just… human. Normal. Mundane. No one worth mention. But, here he was. And as a formally invited visitor, no less. On his way to, perhaps, becoming a teacher. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t overjoyed. Alas, his range of displayable emotions was stunted at best. "The destination." Ruben exclaimed, "Everything." “Welcome to the Academy, Professor.” The Captain stated, standing beside him. Ruben didn’t respond. He was just too… overcome with wonder. “You’re aware of your directions?” The Captain asked, turning his head to face the Academy’s newest arrival. “Auditorium.” Ruben replied, “Formal address. Recent matters.” He turned his vision towards the Captain, staring right at him with his monocular ‘eye’. He asked, “Do you know of their nature?” The Captain looked back at the Academy in the distance for a moment before stating, “Some… unfortunate events, have taken place recently. There was a blackout several days ago and…” He hesitated. Ruben simply waited for him to continue. “Well…” The Captain said, “They found one of their students… dead. Murdered, I think.” “Unfortunate.” Ruben replied. The Captain simply nodded, brow lowered, somewhat surprised at the Professor’s lack of… reaction, he supposed. “That’s most likely what the Headmaster will be addressing during the assembly.” He continued, “Everyone’s required to attend, you as well. I don’t know how long it will last, but don’t worry about your equipment. The men will transport it to your new quarters while the assembly takes place. Everything will be there by the time you’re out.” “My gratitude.” Ruben replied. He paused for a moment, and then bluntly asked, “Captain. Are you a meta-human?” Pondering the question for a moment, he replied, “Why do you ask?” “Curiosity.” The Captain shrugged and replied, “Yes, I am. Elemental, water. Most of the Academy staff tasked with aquatic transport are. Rest are techs, to keep the boats repaired. If anything ever goes terribly wrong, me and some of the other crewman keep the vessel going.” “Well-equipped. Well-manned. Well-prepared.” Ruben replied, “Admirable.” The Captain nodded, returning a wry smile to the Professor. “Thank you.” He said sincerely. … The boat was fully docked. The crewmen had activated the detachment procedure for the cooling compartment, lifting it from the interior of the boat and placing it on a mobile platform. Several laboratory staff from within the Academy grounds had been sent out to greet them and move the compartment to the appropriate location. One of them approached Ruben, announcing, “Professor Tarblatt?” “Yes?” Ruben replied. “The assembly will be commencing shortly, sir. Follow me and I’ll take you to your destination.” He stated. Ruben did not reply. He gestured for the staff member to lead the way, following closely behind, towards the perimeter wall. He was doing a good job of containing himself so far. He didn’t if that would change sooner or later, though. Supposed he had nothing to do but wait and find out.