[OOC] The Ark: A New Dawn

[Reaper]

Sorry about that, I'm not one to notice when my PMs come in.

[TheMasterNarrator]

Don't worry about it. I'll get a post up tomorrow.

[Ruugard]

So, if there is still room to join, here's a character sheet for you to accept/reject/comment on. If there's no room, that's cool, just let me know.

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 21
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 19 if not deceased
Gender: Male

Full Grown Appearance:
Isaac is not present for photographic documentation. For accuracy of update, written observation of appearance is included below as noted on last seen date (eighteen years of age).

Height – Measured 5’11 at eighteen years of age.

Weight – Measured 120lbs at eighteen years of age.

Skin – Pulled taut against the bones, suggesting false malnourishment or some other form of eating disorder. When asked about it, he’s as confused – if not scared – as I am. The skin itself appears leathery or all over calloused, when viewed up close, and pale-grey in color. Thick enough to turn away most needles. Nerve damage – or possibly lack of nerves? – at the surface. Skin is shed every so often (ranging from once a month to once every four months) since the onset of puberty; differences between new skin and old skin is subtle – new skin tighter and thicker – and miniscule.

Hair – Messy brown and of average thickness. Trimmed fairly close to head but can cover ears. Nothing unusual to note.

Eyes – Outwardly green-brown, pupils of average shape and size, iris of average shape size, eye-white of average color. Nothing unusual to note.

Developed Behavior: There’s not much that I can say about how my son developed that anyone else could say about their children. I’m proud of who he has become. He’s thoughtful and helpful and gets along well with others. He has his moments of moodiness where he won’t listen to anything from anyone, but what teenager doesn’t? He’s concerned for the well-being of the world, as I have taught him the truth about his origin, but despite this, I know he is scared. I know he wishes as much as I do that he could be a normal kid. All of this is a lot to put on someone’s shoulders, much less a child, but if there is anyone I trust with the job, it’s my son Isaac.

As far as I’ve ever known, he is not rash in his decisions. He may wish he could react more quickly, but he’ll always think everything through before he acts. It’s just the way he’s always thought, and whether that will end up being a downfall for him or not, I don’t know. He thinks so. He has much less confidence in himself than I do, but that’s a recent thing. He used to be so sure of himself and so confident and sometimes I see a bit of it, but not usually. Ever since he became outwardly different from everyone else, he’s withdrawn a bit, but it’s something that can easily be understood. I don’t think any less of him. Ilene certainly doesn’t think any less of him. Anyone who truly gets to know him and care for him as a person won’t think any less of him, and it’s something I really wish I could get through to him. Because Isaac’s major flaw isn’t his appearance, or his tendency to overthink things, it’s how he severely underestimates himself and his abilities.

Previous Reports:

Report 1

Project Genesis
Observer: N/A
Subject Report Number: 1
Date: 1993
Name of Subject: Subject-128
Age: N/A
Gender: N/A

Cells successfully merged. Subject-128 placed under special observation. Few scientists remain. Dr. Thomas Connors assigned.

Report 2

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 2
Date: 1 September 1994
Name: of Subject: Subject-128
Age: “Birth”
Gender: Male

The Subject was “born” today. He looks normal, like any other infant. Most, if not all, of the other Subjects have already been removed if they were able. In a matter of days, Subject-128 will leave with me and we might never return. We’ll be on the run. I’ll be a father.

I think I’ll name him Isaac.

Report 3

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 3
Date: 13 October 1995
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 1
Gender: Male

Isaac turned 1 just a little over a month ago. From what I’ve read in books and asked of other parents in the area, he’s developing at a normal rate. Babble is common if not constant from him, and he seems happy. Thankfully he’s too young to really be upset by the constant moving; if anything, he’s definitely used to cars and air planes. No unusual behavior or abilities. Yet.

Report 4

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 4
Date: 21 September 1996
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 2
Gender: Male

Terrible Two’s are not a myth. Just when I think that this arrangement might be the tiniest bit easy, I suddenly have a back-talking, temper-tantrum throwing (along with other items, like food and toys) toddler. No unusual abilities or behavior – that I can tell. The more research I do, the more I realize that it’s common for children to be this hellish at this young. My current apartment has become a battleground of toys and Sippy Cups. I was tasked with the responsibility of making this loud, messy, mini-human into an upstanding citizen while also keeping him safe from everyone and everything. I may have overestimated my abilities.

Report 5

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 5
Date: 29 November 1997
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 3
Gender: Male

Isaac has calmed down a bit since the last report. Still no signs of unusual behavior or abilities. Unfortunately, beyond myself, he hasn’t had much of any human interaction – especially from children around or at his own age. Our current plans are to settle down in [REMOVED] by the end of the year so that I can properly enroll him in school when he’s old enough and see how he interacts with others.

Report 6

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 6
Date: 17 September 1998
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 4
Gender: Male

I’ve enrolled Isaac in Pre-school to get him used to having other children around. So far, it’s been two weeks, and his teacher has contacted me with the following letter:

Dear Mr. Davidson,

I’m writing because I’ve been a bit concerned about your son, Isaac’s, behavior. He’s obviously very bright for his age and so far, he’s very good at doing what he’s told, but no matter how many times I and other teachers have tried to get through to him, he refuses to speak. He doesn’t even seem to want to interact with the other children in my class and oftentimes plays by himself during free time. I would really appreciate it if you could come in for a meeting if the problem persists any further, and maybe we can brainstorm some ideas to get Isaac out of his shell.

Thank you!
Ms. Ilene Roberts

I responded with the following:

Dear Ilene,

I appreciate your concern for my son and I will see if I can talk to him myself when he gets home from school today. If nothing changes in the next week, I’d be glad to come in and see what we can do.

Thank you,
Thomas Davidson

Report 7

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 7
Date: 16 October 1999
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 5
Gender: Male

Isaac threw a temper tantrum today. It hasn’t been the first, and in some form or another, it probably won’t be the last. However, unlike any tantrums he threw in the past, this one was the most… unique. In response to not being able to eat a certain sugary snack food, Isaac proceeded to scream and lie and the floor of the kitchen as usual, only instead of calming down after five or so minutes, he grew increasingly loud and he sounded as if he were in pain. Without warning, spikes of what I could only guess was bone protruded from Isaac’s knees, elbows, and along his spine from the nape of his neck to the small of his back. After soothing the boy, I was able to inspect the protrusions for approximately three hours before they receded on their own. They were, in fact, bone, and each protrusion was about two inches in length and roughly an inch in diameter. Although they seemed to cause Isaac moderate pain, they left nothing more than leathery red skin behind – as if the five year old had skinned himself on concrete.

Report 8

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 8
Date: 1 September 2000
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 6
Gender: Male

Isaac turned six today. Since the first “episode” (as we’ve started to call it) bones have only involuntarily grown out of his skin three separate times. By the grace of God himself, this has only happened at home. Voluntarily, however, it has become apparent that Isaac can learn to manipulate most of his bones. Thankfully, he has the sense not to practice anywhere in public, but he’ll gladly share any progress with me. So far, it seems as though he can stimulate growth in his bones so that they protrude several centimeters out of any joint on his body. Unfortunately, it still causes his a bit of pain to do so, and the “skinned” dermis does not seem to heal easily.
Apart from his newfound ability, Isaac has recently begun asking me questions about his mother and has even gone as far as to ask if my current girlfriend, Ilene, is his mother. I don’t have the heart to tell him that he technically doesn’t have one, but I did let him know that I love him enough for two.

Report 9

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 9
Date: 12 September 2001
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 7
Gender: Male

Our location has been compromised. We are currently en route to a new safe house. Someone attempted to kidnap Isaac on his way home from school yesterday, and in the confusion, his teachers had not known that it was not I who called him out early that day. Thank God he had the sense not to get into a car he didn’t recognize. And thank God the people inside decided not to cause a scene. His teacher later told me that one Mrs. Dawson had argued with the driver about proof of identification before she could release a student to him, and that he had simply driven away when it was clear Isaac wasn’t going with them. I made sure to contact her personally and convince her not to file a police report. She was reluctant at first, but eventually agreed. Hopefully, anyway. The word of one person isn’t much to go on, these days.
Ilene has decided to travel with us. She doesn’t know everything, but she knows enough. More than Isaac knows. Unfortunately for us, the events that have transpired made the airport seem abandoned, and had I gone alone with Isaac anywhere, it would have been obvious who we were. Of course, it could already be obvious, which is why I’ve decided that we will travel outside of the country for some time. Who Isaac is demands that he eventually return to America, but for now it might be too dangerous. I’ve been left with no choice.

Report 10

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 10
Date: 10 October 2002
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 8
Gender: Male

I’ve decided to homeschool Isaac for the time being. He wasn’t too happy about it, but eventually came around to the idea. He continues to show progress in his abilities, now able to grow new bones from the center of others rather than simply elongating joint bones – making it possible to have a spike protrude from his shin or forearm for example. The practice still hurts him, but less and less. His skin is developing callouses all over, which may be the reason why. No episodes have occurred this year.

Report 11

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 11
Date: 21 September 2003
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 9
Gender: Male

Isaac seems to have developed a bit of a rash? Patches of his skin around his arms and legs are leathery and grey. When touched, Isaac says he feels nothing at those points, even when bone pierces that skin. It’s worrying, but I can’t take him to a doctor about it. Ilene has suggested that we watch him to see if anything happens and, if worse comes to worst, we return to his birthplace to see if any other scientists still remain. She’s a lot calmer about all of this than I had thought she would be, which I suppose is good. Isaac needs another parental figure in his life.

Report 12

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 12
Date: 3 October 2004
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 10
Gender: Male

Isaac’s rash has all but gone away, and he’s doing well in his studies. I’ve decided that I might enroll him in the local school if all continues to go well. He’s been begging me about it for the last few months, and since he still appears rather normal, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. There haven’t been any indications thus far that we’ve been followed from America, but I’m not going to let that be an excuse to let my guard down. If Isaac goes to school, that would be the first time in three years that I’ve let him go anywhere without me. I’ll have to remember to talk to each of his teachers and personally drop him off and pick him up each day if I can expect to get through this without any incidences.

Report 13

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 13
Date: 1 November 2005
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 11
Gender: Male

Isaac has been attended school for one year without problems. So far, none expect that he’s any different from any other child, and he has even made a couple of friends. He’s beginning to get to that age where he doesn’t really share much with me anymore, but every once in a while he’ll come to me with some progress on his ability. I suspect that’s only because he has no one else to show, however. I’ve lectured him too many times on the consequences of sharing his ability with anyone else and, despite the eye rolls and exasperated sighs, it’s easy to see that he understands.

Report 14

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connor
Report Number: 14
Date: 2 October 2006
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 12
Gender: Male

The rash is back. I’ve already had to pull Isaac out of school four times in the last month when it’s flared up, and it’s looking as though it might be a bit more permanent than last time. From his wrists up to two inches from his shoulder, the skin is leathery and tight. The same is from his ankles up to mid-thigh. It almost seems to be spreading, but at a very slow rate. Despite the warm temperature, Isaac has gone to school with jeans and a sweater more often than not. If it weren’t for Ilene, I might have taken him back to America when it all started up again, but she seems confident that he’ll be okay.

Report 15

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 15
Date: 19 September 2007
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 13
Gender: Male

I have decided to make a return trip to America. Isaac’s rash has spread to every inch of his body, making all skin leathery and grey. On top of that, he’s lost a significant amount of weight and can’t seem to keep any on regardless of how much he eats. Even Ilene is worried. Despite this, however, Isaac’s behavior hasn’t suffered. If anything, his appetite has increased, his energy levels increased, and he’s even livelier than ever. The only time he isn’t bouncing off the walls is when he’s asleep – dead as anything after his head hits the pillow. I’ve long since taken him out of school and we’re currently planning our trip to America next year. Hopefully someone still maintains the Ark.

Report 16

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 16
Date: 12 October 2008
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 14
Gender: Male

Our trip to America turned out shorter than I intended. Upon returning to the Ark, it was clear that no one had been there in years. The only sign that the place wasn’t entirely abandoned was the program Alice. After identifying myself and Isaac, she allowed me to access her database. After ensuring that everything was well encrypted and secure, I set up a link between my laptop and Alice, allowing me to upload my latest reports should any of my colleagues or the children return. There was even information of other children already uploaded, either by Alice herself or someone who had been here between when I left and when I returned. I briefly examined the information but unfortunately there was nothing concerning Isaac’s curious ailment and, after giving my son a brief tour of his birthplace, we left. Had it not been for the obvious risk our presence was, I’m sure Isaac would have liked to stay there for a few days. In an ideal world, we would have camped out in the hidden city and I would have told him all sorts of stories about what my life was like before him and everything that led up to his existence, but unfortunately this world is anything but ideal. Children like Isaac were created because the world is not ideal, and for some reason I keep forgetting that.

Report 17

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 17
Date: 14 September 2009
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 15
Gender: Male

As far as I can tell, Isaac’s condition has not gotten any better. Even after so many months, the leathery rash has still remained, despite our efforts to fix it with a number of topical creams. What’s even more worrying is that I oftentimes find large quarter-sized flakes of dead skin around our current apartment. Couple that with the fact that Isaac’s most recent growth-spurt (5’7”) has left him looking even more emaciated and it’s easy to understand why I’m pulling out my hair these days. Even Ilene is at a loss as to what to do and if we could only find a doctor we trusted enough, maybe things wouldn’t be so horrifying.

Report 18

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 18
Date: 7 November 2010
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 16
Gender: Male

Isaac shed his skin shorty after my last report. As hard as it is to believe, he has been shedding his skin on a semi-regular basis anywhere from once a month to once every four months depending on, what I assume is, how often he utilizes his ability. Strangely enough, the more he practices, the longer the time is between shedding. I’ve analyzed the dead skin shell to the best of my ability and found it was just that: a dead shell of skin. It resembled human skin more than reptilian skin, which I suppose was to be expected, but the entire situation is surreal. From what I can tell, there’s no real difference between the old skin and the new skin – both are equally as leathery and grey. The only thing that I could guess is that the new skin is a bit tighter and perhaps thicker? I’ll have to look into it more.

Report 19

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 19
Date: 11 November 2011
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 17
Gender: Male

I’ve gone back to homeschooling Isaac, with Ilene’s help. He didn’t even protest this time. I can see it in the way he behaves and how he always dresses in long sleeves and hoods: he’s ashamed of himself. I’ve tried talking to him, Ilene has tried talking to him, but we can’t seem to get through. I wish there was something I could do, but it seems as though Isaac has to work through this on his own. I can tell him that I’m there for him and that I’ll do anything to help, but when it comes down to it, that’s all I can do.

Report 20

Project Genesis
Observer: Dr. Thomas Connors
Report Number: 20
Date: 31 October 2012
Name of Subject: Isaac Connors
Age: 18
Gender: Male

Isaac told me he’s leaving soon. He wants to return to America. I don’t blame him, and I’m not going to try to stop him. It’s important that he try and find others like him. He’s expressed concern about me and Ilene and hopes we won’t follow him back, but we haven’t made that decision yet. We’ll most likely stay here, where it’s safe, but if Isaac ever needed anything, we’d be there in a heartbeat.

Skillset/Abilities:
- Isaac is intelligent beyond the capacity of an average human being his age, showing adept problem solving skills and expressing an ability to think ‘outside of the box’.

- Isaac has the ability to grow and manipulate the shape of his bones, generally in the form of spikes protruding from various points in his body. While the bones are in no way indestructible, they are rather strong for an average human being. In the past, it pained Isaac to use his ability, but his skin has adapted to a sort of leathery armor seemingly void of nerve endings.

- Isaac’s skin in question is able to turn away most needles and, further inspection shows that he might have an immunity to certain types of bullets – immunity being the inability for bullets to pierce his skin. Should anything of the like hit him, it is still possible for Isaac to bruise outwardly and even internally.

- Despite his appearance, Isaac maintains an above average strength for a human being.

Property:
As far as I know, Isaac doesn’t have much with him besides the clothes on his back and few twenties – minus airfare. While I don’t condone stealing, it is quite possible that if he were to truly need something, he might take it. However, if I know Isaac, he won’t bring himself to unless it’s absolutely necessary.

I apologize for the length. I got a bit carried away....

[Reaper]

Interesting... Consider him accepted.

[The Mad Hatter]

I think I should probably warn you in advance; I suck at first posts. I'm on my fifth attempt at giving it the right feel, but it just won't pice together right. Damned first posts...

.:EDIT:.
Nevermind that... My post was done faster than expected.

[TheMasterNarrator]

Hey, Reaper, can you make that edit to the opening post about the blood-drawing pinprick? I can't post until that's fixed.

[Reaper]

Done. Go ahead and post!

[Reaper]

Just a quick update: I'll be posting soon so whoever needs to get to the building, do so. If you need a few days, ler me know.

Otherwise I'll set up another point for everyone to jump in and meet up soon enough.

I also just realised I just about made the only girl character here. :/

[Synthorian]

I also have a girl character.

[The Mad Hatter]

Forced and rushed post is obviously forced and rushed. But it is there.

[Reaper]

Synthorian said
I also have a girl character.

Hahaha the whole 60% machine part made me categorize her under the whole Aigis/EDI group xD

That said, with only 2 characters left who need to post, if I didn't count wrongly. I'll move everyone on after they do.

[Synthorian]

Reaper said
Hahaha the whole 60% machine part made me categorize her under the whole Aigis/EDI group xD
That said, with only 2 characters left who need to post, if I didn't count wrongly. I'll move everyone on after they do.

Oh she can have kids and all. It's just that her main, most important organs are artificial, the ones that help her live.

[Callthecops]

Reaper said
Hahaha the whole 60% machine part made me categorize her under the whole Aigis/EDI group xDThat said, with only 2 characters left who need to post, if I didn't count wrongly. I'll move everyone on after they do.

I could be wrong but I think everyone is currently present, at least everyone on Hatter's list, plus Ruugard.

[Reaper]

Callthecops said
I could be wrong but I think everyone is currently present, at least everyone on Hatter's list, plus Ruugard.

You're right. I think I miscounted someone. I usually check posts on my phone so I might have missed a reply or two IC until I read through it again. Posted, and feel free to let the games begin.

[Sage]

So... who wants to hit this family reunion joint first?

[Synthorian]

Alma is going to watch the show, so go ahead.

[The Mad Hatter]

I just posted as the last before Reaper, so I'll let someone else go first, at least.

[Synthorian]

So who's let to post, just me?

[The Mad Hatter]

Uhh, me, too. I still need to post, too. I won't have the time to do so today, though.

[Synthorian]

My post should be up sometime tomorrow.