With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

[BoML]

Ah, back here again. Now, where are we...

Spoiler: Spoilered for length

I'm sure that Mayan can keep herself out of trouble for a few hours, but just in case, monitor her.

Click to shrink...

Oh, are you going to...

A picture forms in my mind, of her reading poetry to a distracted class of eight year olds, which fades into the back of my mind as the Psi Cops walk back into the interrogation room I'm sitting in, the man handing me…

I look over the short document.

Ah… Yes, that certainly looks like a liability waver.

Click to shrink...

You are! And they brought the liability waver! *grins* This is going to be good...

As for what Mayan is doing...makes me wonder what innocent questions the kids ended up asking...

Ah, but I have a secret weapon.

Yes? / Oh? / We're in your head. You don't.

Click to shrink...

Well, the souls themselves but what else would...

Because you don't remember it.

Eh?

Click to shrink...

Ah. Yeah, that would work. That would work very well, in fact. Heck, I'd bet even a Vorlon, if they were scanning him, would get knocked out.

I look up, smiling broadly. "Looks fine to me. Are you doing the scanning?"

"No, I'll be asking the questions. My partner Miss Schmidt will be scanning you."

I glance sideways-. Still mildly hostile.

Click to shrink...

Sheez, lady. Chill out a bit.

I nod, smiling. "You're really good at this good cop/bad cop thing. I'm genuinely impressed."

He actually hesitates, smiling slightly awkwardly. "I don't think I'm that bad."

Click to shrink...

...wrong way around, buddy. You're the "good cop" here.

"Do you know where Lyta Alexander is?"

"No."

Click to shrink...

I'm amazed his partner didn't react to this straight up lie. Unless he's being really obtuse because he doesn't really know where exactly she is, because he doesn't really know where anything is in Vorlon homeworld.

"Do you know where she might be?"

Assuming that vorlons use hyperspace travel at a speed no greater than ten time what humans do..?

I shrug. "In theory, a lot of places? I really don't know where she was ultimately hoping to go."

Click to shrink...

Okay, that's true statement, at least. Honestly, I think Lyta is in a better position, because OTL, she ended up among the Vorlons way later. She'll have more time to get used to the enhancements Vorlons will be doing to her.

Officer Zhang glances at his partner, who doesn't overtly respond but I do detect a brief period of increased activity from the telepathic centres of her brain-. She twitches very slightly, and Officer Zhang immediately returns his full attention to me.

I shrug. "I did say."

Click to shrink...

This is why you signed the waver, buddy. Now, are you going to push or...

"You did." His keeps facing me, but his eyes point at his partner until she's fully recovered. "Have you ever had any contact with any telepaths who aren't members of Psi Corps."

"Yes."

Click to shrink...

*squints* What, you think he'd know where the runners are?

"You.. are aware that all telepaths have to be registered with Psi Corps?"

"I am aware that all human telepaths have to be registered with Psi Corps. I am not aware-" He draws back slightly. "-of any such rule for telepaths of other species."

Click to shrink...

Ah, right. *chuckles* Should have been more clearer, pal.

"A couple of minbari when I was on Minbar, and a centauri when I was on Brakir. I didn't spend a lot of time with them."

There's a very quiet gasp from Officer Schmidt, which Officer Zhang ignores.

Click to shrink...

Why did that surprise her? Was it the centauri or the minbari...? Or did she catch a glimpse about the brakiri maid...?

"Are you a telepath?"

"Not to the best of my knowledge. Doctor Hernandez did a scan of my brain during my check-up on Babylon Five. I assume that if I had the-" I wiggle my right hand at the side of my head. "-brain… Abnormalities? She'd have said something."

Click to shrink...

To my recollection, there's only *one* Alt!Paul who is a telepath, and he's not here.

"Some doctors don't.. check too closely."

I raise my eyebrows. "They don't? I did want to make sure that my brain is healthy, it's kind of important."

Click to shrink...

...buddy, you know why they don't.

"Doctors are required by law to report certain things to law enforcement; for example, if they believe a child is being abused. They're also supposed to report evidence of telepathic activity so that we can offer the appropriate support, but… Some feel that if no one's getting hurt it should be covered by doctor-patient confidentiality."

"That sounds like a bad idea."

Click to shrink...

...you didn't start out as obviously "telepath's are superior to flatscans" thing, but you're there now.

Another pulse, and-. Oough, I actually-.

Alright, talk amongst yourselves. Encourage her to leave.

I remember when… / This is a sloppy interrogation. / I've made my decision. / Mayan will wonder where you are.

Officer Schmidt slumps slightly, eyes watering, and I feel less ill.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, not pleasant, is it? Now, are they going to back off...

Officer Zhang shoots her a glance, and then gives me his full attention, his brain lighting up too.

"Are you sure that you don't know where-?"

P-.

I catch myself before my face can hit the table, but neither of the Psi Cops can and hit it with a thud. I turn to the one-way glass and wave my arms!

Click to shrink...

No, they didn't. Honestly, they got off lightly.

I sit back, as obviously unthreatening as I can, as another Psi Cop and a couple of Psi Corps medics dash in to check on them. The Psi Cop gives me a deeply suspicious look and has a hand on his P.P.G., but after a moment as I just sit there he appears to write me off.

Click to shrink...

I'm amazed that he's isn't being threatened at gunpoint, and being told that he's being detained like a good little "normie" and to obey his betters...

The Psi Cop nods- "Go." -and then he turns to me as an emergency stretcher is brought it, his face expressionless. "Thank you, Mister Underwood. I don't believe there's anything else you can do for us at this stage. Psi Corps appreciates your cooperation. We'll be in touch if we need anything else from you."

I nod and smile-

"Happy to help."

-and then head for the door without looking back.

Click to shrink...

Leaving behind a lot of questions, and two very confused Psi Cops. Pity Bester wasn't around, I would have loved to see his reaction to this.

Very nice. Now where will this go next? Will we be back at Babylon 5 and watch how Mayan will explain in exhausting detail to Delenn how things went on Earth with Babylon!Paul, or will we be seeing something else? I'm eager to find out.

 

[Yog]

The problem there is that he's a public figure living somewhere safe, and he appears to be able to neutralise their main advantage when it comes to covert assassination. Honestly, they didn't really care about Lyta all that much, but... He's clearly not using a device whose existence they could suppress or a technique they could learn to get around. The most likely possibilities as far as they're concerned are that either he has some sort of random mutation which makes his brain alien... Or he's a very high level telepath himself.

Click to shrink...

So, hyperspace intercept with their secret vessels it is, I guess, if they are not willing to falsify documents and claim he's a telepath to assert their jurisdiction.

 

[Razorfloss]

I'm amazed that he's isn't being threatened at gunpoint, and being told that he's being detained like a good little "normie" and to obey his betters...

Click to shrink...

Hes a public figure in the entourage of the only minibari on the planet. Disappearing him would cause alot of issues that they dont want right now. It'll be a different story when he's in a less public space. He also has a waver from them that they can't ignore for the same reason.

 

[GigaVanguard]

P-.

I catch myself before my face can hit the table, but neither of the Psi Cops can and hit it with a thud. I turn to the one-way glass and wave my arms!

Click to shrink...

Now there's a classic!

 

[Jankl]

To my recollection, there's only *one* Alt!Paul who is a telepath, and he's not here.

Click to shrink...

Yeah. That's Fallout Paul(Krono) he has a lot more Psychic powers than just telepathy. https://forum.questionablequesting....-justice-si-thread-fourteen.8938/post-3354263. https://forum.questionablequesting....-justice-si-thread-fourteen.8938/post-3146345

 

[Sockmonkey]

Honestly kind of surprised that main OL hasn't given himself basic psi abilities because by this point he has the data to do so. Scans of people like Cranius, Captain comet, various martians, effigies, and other telepathic aliens plus the info on the Thinking Cap should be all the data his ring needs to work it out.

 

[Jankl]

Honestly kind of surprised that main OL hasn't given himself basic psi abilities because by this point he has the data to do so. Scans of people like Cranius, Captain comet, various martians, effigies, and other telepathic aliens plus the info on the Thinking Cap should be all the data his ring needs to work it out.

Click to shrink...

It might be because he would revert himself back to normal by accident because the altered structures of his brain don't fit his self-image?

 

[mastermenthe]

It's worth keeping in mind that Psi-Corps must already know the story that Paul has explained to the Babylon 5 staff: random planet, random ship, 200 years missing, and a presumption of having been experimented on by ancient aliens.

This telepathic defense would appear to be proof of alien experimentation. Possible scenario, Psi-Corps takes this to mean that Paul has been psionically blackboxed, and that they need to investigate creating their own psionic blackboxes.

Also, if the Psi-Corps bother to look, they could converse with people Paul has mentioned his magic ring to. He's not been all that secure about the information.

 

[Vaermina]

Ah, but I have a secret weapon.

Yes? / Oh? / We're in your head. You don't.

Click to shrink...

Good to see someone finally calling out his bullshit.

Assuming that vorlons use hyperspace travel at a speed no greater than ten time what humans do..?

Click to shrink...

They do not use Hyperspace travel.

 

[SerbobIV]

They do not use Hyperspace travel.

Click to shrink...

Assuming a perfectly spherical cow, and that pi=3, I don't think it matters what they use for ftl because he was just "technically"ing his answers to lie with the truth.

 

[Duke Long]

The two Praexis Demons fly off immediately to join in the orange pile in front of us. There must be thirty of so of the things, all frantically trying to bite the magic holding them back. Through their eyes I see Klarion and Krieger standing in the centre of some sort of magic circle. Klarion has a number of what look like bite injuries and he's lost most of his clothing. He's shrunk back down to twice his standard size and is frantically tapping on two floating screens. Off to my side Guy staggers to his feet, eyes glowing green and his aura the most intense I've ever seen it.

Click to shrink...

'or'

Ah, those halcyon days when the praexis demons weren't dead. I miss them.

Fingers to forehead. "Excuse me again." I

step out, the desires of my students being easy enough to

distinguish from rest of the population. Ian lowers his communicator while Toni is looking down the road towards someone running away. She's.. got a g-gnome on her shoulder, which is a good show of initiative when dealing with mind control. She jerks her head towards me for a moment and thrusts a… Baseball cap towards me-? Ah, I see.

Click to shrink...

'the rest'

I quite liked the discussion of genomorph deliberate inhumanity.

And transition, and the I float Argent upwards. Hm. How best to go about this without causing panic?

Click to shrink...

'then'

"No, I'm done." He deactivates the hologram and steps back. "The device is essentially combines Mad Hatter's normal mind control with a more conventional sonic hypnosis device. But that is a technology that other criminals have used before. Someone who has a hat placed on their head should have a few seconds to remove it before the hat is in full control, but wearing any sort of helmet would work to block the control system. The components are either generic or custom made, and there are no recent thefts of such components on the League's database."

Click to shrink...

Extraneous 'is'

 

[Vaermina]

The problem there is that he's a public figure living somewhere safe, and he appears to be able to neutralise their main advantage when it comes to covert assassination. Honestly, they didn't really care about Lyta all that much, but... He's clearly not using a device whose existence they could suppress or a technique they could learn to get around. The most likely possibilities as far as they're concerned are that either he has some sort of random mutation which makes his brain alien... Or he's a very high level telepath himself.

Click to shrink...

Unless they tried to do more then a telepathic scan just now he didn't neutralize their main advantage at all.

Because there's a huge difference between a careful telepathic scan and erasing his mind or something like that.

 

[Mr Zoat]

'or'
'the rest'
'then'
Extraneous 'is'

Click to shrink...

Thank you, corrected.

 

[BR549]

I'm amazed his partner didn't react to this straight up lie.

Click to shrink...

As pointed out, that answer was entirely, 100% true - they just asked the wrong question.
He has no idea where Lyta is. He knows where she was, but that's not what they asked.

Leaving behind a lot of questions, and two very confused Psi Cops. Pity Bester wasn't around, I would have loved to see his reaction to this.

Click to shrink...

Oh, I'm sure this is going to get kicked up the chain to Bester before too much longer. As noted, lacking the knowledge Paul, and we, have that his name is a maiming word, there's three possibilities they'll come up with-
(1) He has a natural mutation that makes him psi-immune
(2) The aliens who he claims abducted him gave him a psionic defence
(3) He's a telepath himself, of a power level at least approaching that of Jason Ironheart. And given Ironheart's power level was due to Psi Corps' mucking about with him...

 

[Vaermina]

(1) He has a natural mutation that makes him psi-immune

Click to shrink...

They've been reading him, it's just painful to do so because they have to deal with all the additional minds in his head.

(3) He's a telepath himself, of a power level at least approaching that of Jason Ironheart. And given Ironheart's power level was due to Psi Corps' mucking about with him...

Click to shrink...

They would be able to feel if he was a telepath.

 

[Neruz]

By far the most likely conclusion from the information we have is that the aliens that abducted him did something, but it's possible that PSI Corps have some additional information which they think changes the context.

 

[Mr Zoat]

It's interesting, exactly how much of a presence the desires of the Sivana family have created in the Honden. I suppose that people as unrestrained as a villainous part of the family would give their emotions free range… But it looks like they're also good at focusing them.

Huh. Maybe that idea of giving Thaddeus and Georgia power rings isn't such a bad idea after all. Have to see if they're interested.

16th October 2013
12:06 G.M.T.

I appear inside the Venusian atmosphere, armour in stealth mode and environmental shield down to an absolute minimum. I've even put the gravity field neutraliser on just in case Batman's got some way to detect gravitational fluxes as small as a person.

And I wait for a moment, just in case.

And then I don't scan, because those can be detected by the power ring Batman's wearing. But I've been here enough that I can fly to the Sivanas' home away from home by memory.

Alright, so the neutral possibility is that they were investigating the conversion centre, got spotted and… Destroyed it to cover their tracks. Far more likely is that there was something objectionable going on there and they destroyed it as part of their opening salvo against the Batman-Industrial Complex, in which case my life is about to get decidedly unfun.

But you shouldn't ask questions if you don't want to know the answer, and if Jade has decided that now is the time then I trust her judgement.

But would it have been too much to ask for a tip-off in advance? We were literally sleeping next to each other six hours ago. She knows that I can control my expression, Batman hardly ever talks to me these days anyway, and our home is about as secure as I can make it.

Again, I trust her to make that decision… But I'd be happier if she'd decided differently.

There's the facility, there's the door, transmit the access code, wait for the scanner…

Which takes several seconds longer, so I assume that they've added something to it. Sivana security is as good as they choose to make it, but sometimes they let tomorrow's test subject deliver themself.

And I'm in, and… No one around. Wait for the door to shut, use the wall computer to check that the normal protections systems are working…

Drop stealth.

"Anyone home!?" I head further into the structure, towards the room they've made their centre of operations. "Your boss is here, and he feels like he was probably denied critical information!"

"Confirm identity."

I boost power to my empathic senses and point to Darkstar Click Click-Click, who appears to have taken the opportunities provided by Earth to improve their stealth system. And then I

step out

and appear directly in front of them.

"I realise that you are not obliged to provide me with information, but-" Click Click-Click deactivates their stealth system and performs a gesture of abeyance. "-I would have very much appreciated it."

"Illustres. I remained here while the others carried out the mission. They are not due back for several hours."

"So it was this team which destroyed the OMAC facility?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I would be better if-."

"Summarise, if you please."

"We have uncovered evidence that OMACs are not volunteers."

Oh… Dear.

"That would do it. Where are they coming from, then?"

"We are not sure. Part of the aim of the attack was to acquire OMACs to be deprogrammed so that we would have sentient intelligence sources."

"Best guess?"

"At least some were condemned criminals. For the rest, we genuinely do not know."

I clap my hands together just beneath my chin. "Marvellous. Does Jade plan on hitting other conversion centres next, or is the next step data gathering?"

"We are not completely sure how to undo OMAC programming. Part of the reason for using disintegration devices was to conceal the removal of conversion technology."

Ugh. None of Jade's team are xenotechnology specialists, so unless the machinery used in conversion is a near-copy of something the Reach use, they're going to be struggling to make much sense out of it. And if it is a near-copy of something the Reach used, then my current level of panic is sadly inadequate.

"Sensible. Do you have any idea when they're going to be back?"

"Their latest estimated return time for a fully successful mission is two hours from now."

I exhale slowly.

"Alright. I can wait."

"Yes, Illustres."

"How does Jade intend to undo the OMAC transformations?"

"Our hosts are assisting her."

"…which ones?"

"Thaddeus the Younger and Georgia. They were surprised that Batman had advanced the technology so greatly, and were interested in acquiring samples."

Marvellous. Marvellous. They've… Proven that they can avoid committing crimes against humanity even without constant oversight, so I… Right.

"So that I know how much I need to brace myself, are we about to pick a fight with Batman?"

"I do not have the information to recommend that course of action at this stage."

"That's a relief."

"But that recommendation may change within the next two hours."

"Good expectation management." I sigh again. "Anything useful I can do around here?"

Click Click-Click wiggles their mid-legs indecisively. "The field team might be hungry when they return, and NEMO field rations lose their appeal rapidly."

"Not quite what I meant, but… Sure. I can prepare a meal." I amble in the direction of the kitchen. "Any preferences?"

 

[Chojin Patriarch]

It's interesting, exactly how much of a presence the desires of the Sivana family have created in the Honden. I suppose that people as unrestrained as a villainous part of the family would give their emotions free range… But it looks like they're also good at focusing them.

Huh. Maybe that idea of giving Thaddeus and Georgia power rings isn't such a bad idea after all. Have to see if they're interested.

Click to shrink...

Oh god, hypercognitives with Power Rings. Who knows what horrors of Science! they can create with the ultimate multi-tool. Though I suppose if they upload the specs to NEMO servers after testing, they'll be popular.

Spoiler: Commentary spoilered for length

16th October 2013
12:06 G.M.T.

I appear inside the Venusian atmosphere, armour in stealth mode and environmental shield down to an absolute minimum. I've even put the gravity field neutraliser on just in case Batman's got some way to detect gravitational fluxes as small as a person.

Click to shrink...

Being very meticulous about avoiding notice, I see. And no idea too crazy paranoid left uncovered.

And I wait for a moment, just in case.

And then I don't scan, because those can be detected by the power ring Batman's wearing. But I've been here enough that I can fly to the Sivanas' home away from home by memory.

Click to shrink...

Which is where the Darkstar team is staying, if I remember right, in order to avoid notice, Jade excepted.

Alright, so the neutral possibility is that they were investigating the conversion centre, got spotted and… Destroyed it to cover their tracks. Far more likely is that there was something objectionable going on there and they destroyed it as part of their opening salvo against the Batman-Industrial Complex, in which case my life is about to get decidedly unfun.

Click to shrink...

So he's going with the assumption that they are responsible, and it's not someone with NEMO ordnance or something that resembles it unusually closely.

But you shouldn't ask questions if you don't want to know the answer, and if Jade has decided that now is the time then I trust her judgement.

But would it have been too much to ask for a tip-off in advance? We were literally sleeping next to each other six hours ago. She knows that I can control my expression, Batman hardly ever talks to me these days anyway, and our home is about as secure as I can make it.

Click to shrink...

Who's to say why she kept mum about it? Operational paranoia is ingrained after all her covert operations training...

Again, I trust her to make that decision… But I'd be happier if she'd decided differently.

There's the facility, there's the door, transmit the access code, wait for the scanner…

Click to shrink...

Since they'd be a little put out if he just greediported into the facility, assuming anyone was home to lock on to.

Which takes several seconds longer, so I assume that they've added something to it. Sivana security is as good as they choose to make it, but sometimes they let tomorrow's test subject deliver themself.

And I'm in, and… No one around. Wait for the door to shut, use the wall computer to check that the normal protections systems are working…

Click to shrink...

Possibly making sure the arriving Lantern is on the approved list, for a start. Which is pretty much OL and maybe the other Oranges on-planet? Batman and the Greenies are probably not approved visitors...

Drop stealth.

"Anyone home!?" I head further into the structure, towards the room they've made their centre of operations. "Your boss is here, and he feels like he was probably denied critical information!"

Click to shrink...

Hopefully the mushroom treatment was due to being wary of him being in contact with Batman, who is technically their opposing force here.

"Confirm identity."

I boost power to my empathic senses and point to Darkstar Click Click-Click, who appears to have taken the opportunities provided by Earth to improve their stealth system. And then I

Click to shrink...

You're nicked, mate.

step out

and appear directly in front of them.

Click to shrink...

Now, talk fast, or get ready for a potential court-martial...

"I realise that you are not obliged to provide me with information, but-" Click Click-Click deactivates their stealth system and performs a gesture of abeyance. "-I would have very much appreciated it."

"Illustres. I remained here while the others carried out the mission. They are not due back for several hours."

Click to shrink...

Because you want at least one person on station at the fallback point in case of trouble. ideally to call for backup if things go ploin-shaped.

"So it was this team which destroyed the OMAC facility?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Click to shrink...

Not great to have it confirmed, but at least it's out n the open now.

"I would be better if-."

"Summarise, if you please."

Click to shrink...

And quickly, as Batman is rather put out, I would imagine.

"We have uncovered evidence that OMACs are not volunteers."

Oh… Dear.

Click to shrink...

...Well, I wish I could say that's a surprise, but really... It was only a matter of time I suppose.

"That would do it. Where are they coming from, then?"

"We are not sure. Part of the aim of the attack was to acquire OMACs to be deprogrammed so that we would have sentient intelligence sources."

Click to shrink...

And not prospective converts before enhancement? They would at least be less dangerous.

"Best guess?"

"At least some were condemned criminals. For the rest, we genuinely do not know."

Click to shrink...

So it's possible Batman couldn't get enough willing volunteers, and instituted a sort of work-release program.

I clap my hands together just beneath my chin. "Marvellous. Does Jade plan on hitting other conversion centres next, or is the next step data gathering?"

"We are not completely sure how to undo OMAC programming. Part of the reason for using disintegration devices was to conceal the removal of conversion technology."

Click to shrink...

Unfortunately, there's a good chance Batman will work out how it was done and who the possible suspects are.

Ugh. None of Jade's team are xenotechnology specialists, so unless the machinery used in conversion is a near-copy of something the Reach use, they're going to be struggling to make much sense out of it. And if it is a near-copy of something the Reach used, then my current level of panic is sadly inadequate.

Click to shrink...

Or they're graciously accepting the Sivanas' assistance. Although I'm not sure who's on-planet right now to do so.

"Sensible. Do you have any idea when they're going to be back?"

"Their latest estimated return time for a fully successful mission is two hours from now."

Click to shrink...

So, OL gets to welcome them back with a disapproving eyebrow waiting for them.

I exhale slowly.

"Alright. I can wait."

Click to shrink...

Not worried Batman won't get suspicious, or do you expect him to assume you're investigating personally?

"Yes, Illustres."

"How does Jade intend to undo the OMAC transformations?"

"Our hosts are assisting her."

Click to shrink...

Thought so. Probably quite the interesting scientific challenge.

"…which ones?"

"Thaddeus the Younger and Georgia. They were surprised that Batman had advanced the technology so greatly, and were interested in acquiring samples."

Click to shrink...

Oh, boy. Them in control of OMAC conversion tech. Hopefully they realise using it will make it very obvious where they got it from.

Marvellous. Marvellous. They've… Proven that they can avoid committing crimes against humanity even without constant oversight, so I… Right.

"So that I know how much I need to brace myself, are we about to pick a fight with Batman?"

Click to shrink...

Might want to hold off on offering them Power Rings for a bit.

"I do not have the information to recommend that course of action at this stage."

"That's a relief."

Click to shrink...

That's not a clear 'No', though.

"But that recommendation may change within the next two hours."

"Good expectation management." I sigh again. "Anything useful I can do around here?"

Click to shrink...

Very sensible. A little pessimistic but hopeful to be proven wrong.

Click Click-Click wiggles their mid-legs indecisively. "The field team might be hungry when they return, and NEMO field rations lose their appeal rapidly."

"Not quite what I meant, but… Sure. I can prepare a meal." I amble in the direction of the kitchen. "Any preferences?"

Click to shrink...

Well, that's one way to distract himself while waiting.

Somehow, I suspect Jade is going to be groaning when she arrives back to find OL waiting for her with plentiful food for her team. And then the team will be groaning from overeating. At least they'll be a little more willing to talk after eating well. And there'll have to be some very precise explanations for their suspicions...

 

[Jankl]

Well, things are about to get really exciting.

 

[BR549]

"Your boss is here, and he feels like he was probably denied critical information!"

Click to shrink...

You forgot the link.

 

[Lazurman]

I'm not a fan of the Horus Heresy series, but one thing I think was a good idea is that most worlds welcomed the Imperium.

Click to shrink...

It was more of a range that varied from primarch to primarch. The propagandists attached to Horus called it a 99/100 rate of peaceful compliances. But what I find more likely is a sizable portion of those 'peaceful' compliances were more to the tune of 'sure sure, we'll pay taxes and kiss the ring, now don't kill us all with your bigass supersoldiers and your bigass spaceships, you skull-fetishizing genocidal maniacs.' Whereas according to Angron it was more of a fifty-fifty split.

Half the Imperium tried to kill the other half, and I don't think it was just because the primarchs were sooo charismatic and convincing. I think it was cuz they were just itching for the slightest chance to rebel, and Horus 'Heresy' Lupercal gave them it.

 

[Darko]

subject deliver themself.

Click to shrink...

"themselves"

 

[Khettien]

Is it just me, or have the Renegade chapters dropped off a cliff? Did Zoat's muse just get tired of that plotline?

 

[Mr Zoat]

"themselves"

Click to shrink...

One at a time.

 

[Ngamer11]

Is it just me, or have the Renegade chapters dropped off a cliff? Did Zoat's muse just get tired of that plotline?

Click to shrink...

The Renegade chapters will always take a back seat to the main story. If Mr. Zoat doesn't have anything interesting for the Renegade, then we just have to wait. That might be part of why we have so many alternate versions of Paul now.

 

[Mr Zoat]

The Renegade chapters will always take a back seat to the main story. If Mr. Zoat doesn't have anything interesting for the Renegade, then we just have to wait. That might be part of why we have so many alternate versions of Paul now.

Click to shrink...

Thing is, Grayven's kind of... Won? His allies control enough of the world to get into uplift, and now they're putting in the work to actually do the uplifting. He's got a good enough relationship with the superheroes that they're not bothering him, and the space to recruit/eliminate villains as he pleases. His life is pretty peaceful at the moment.