[Date: September 5, 2020. Time: 1500 GMT] [Location: SAB subway station.] [Looks about the same as usual, order of arrival up to you.] [Start] * Ari is waiting at the train station, as she is very punctual! * Ari is dressed same as always: gray t-shirt, faded jeans, sneakers. Her windbreaker's back, as it's a bit chilly. * Jonathon has been waiting for sometime on the outside, so I suppose he's there first. He's wearing his common dress jacket with his hands in his pockets as his shades are on his eyes. He digs through and takes out a cigarette, putting it in his mouth. Apparently a train passing or something must have made them not see each other. * Ari spots Jonathon and walks over to him. Yes, it was a passing train, or some such thing. She nods politely to him when she reaches him. "Good afternoon." * Jonathon takes out the cigarette and waves his hand. "Good afternoon. It's a shame, here I thought I'd have a little time for a smoke." He sighs dramatically. "These things shall be the death of me. Whatever am I to do?" Quit? (/me snerks) * Jonathon smiles more and slips the unlit cigarette in his shirt pocket. "That's what I like about you. Always to the point. It almost makes things seem so simple. Zeros and Ones, n'est pas?" [Train pulls up to take the two of you wherever your going. Froozen as per usual.] The foundations of many things. So, you called me here. What did you wish to talk about? * Jonathon sighs and then opens his eyes to look more solidly at Ari, meeting her face sharply. "You recall the last mission we encountered together? The one where the Crown Jewels were in jeopardy?" * Ari meets Jonathon's gaze steadily. "Yes. What of it?" * Jonathon adjusts his glasses back down over his eyes and straightens his jacket as he starts walking into the train, speaking as he goes. "Well, these recent missions just seemed to speak of a gross lack of intelligence on the true intent of the Prudence Kinsha Corporation at large. Unless I miss my guess, they are in the dark on this organization as well? Otherwise I would suspect they could provide us with better intel from the start. I feel it would behoove both ourselves as well as Mi-5 as a whole if we had some joint investigative work at our disposal. Wouldn't you agree?" * Ari considers this for a second, then nods. "Sensible and reasonable. I take this to mean that you have been conducting some independent investigations?" * Jonathon chuckles slightly and rubs the back of his head. "I'm not the only one." No, you are not. I have been, as well. Do you know of any other parties? Well, it would appear that Miss Kinsha has taken a personal interest in me as well." He waves it off nonchalantly. "But that's another matter entirely. I really called you here so we could pool what exactly we might have discovered on the issue and perhaps corroborate as much as we can." * Ari smirks very briefly, then nods. "Where would you like to discuss this? Headquarters, or a more neutral site?" * Jonathon smiles at Ari. "I would prefer somewhere more neutral to be honest. I'm awaiting a phone-call for what leads exactly have been found on the matter." He sits down in an empty seat. So much better than an occupied one. He makes sure that there's seats both across and next to where he's sitting as well so Ari has a choice! * Ari nods and, when the new train arrives, gets on. She takes a seat opposite Jonathon. "I trust that you know of a good place?" * Jonathon boards before he does all that! [Train pulls away now that you're on, and let me know where you're going.] * Jonathon chuckles and rubs the back of his head. "Well, I was thinking a library may work well. Lots of resources and quiet. What do you think?" That's fine by me. Did you have any particular one in mind? Well, I heard Oxford had a wonderful library if it's not out of the way. I don't mind at all. It will be a pleasant change. * Jonathon clasps his hands together. "Smashing. It's a date then!" * Jonathon folds his hands behind his neck and leans back in his chair. * Ari blinks. "I'm not entirely sure I would call it a date. It is more of a research session, isn't it?" This, my dearest Ari, is where we agree to work on your sense of humour. * Ari looks slightly miffed. "I have a sense of humor. It's simply different from that of most people." And mine is ordinary? Come come now. I didn't say yours was ordinary, either. It is quite possible for two people to be unordinary in entirely different ways. Although I do believe I've never seen you so troubled. Bloody hell if we don't see you actually taking a slightly less than indifferent tone of voice soon enough. * Ari frowns a bit. "I'm not troubled. There is nothing wrong with me." * Jonathon waggles a finger in front of her. "Tsk tsk, now you're frowning." * Ari bites her lip, then chuckles softly. "Now you're beginning to remind me a little of Miles." * Jonathon raises an eyebrow. "Am I? So will my next act be to sprout horribly fragmented Japanese aphorisms and pop in and out of existance?" * Ari shakes her head. She's smiling now. "No, no. Just the bit with the finger, and the comment about my frowning. Otherwise, I can't think of much further resemblance." [After a bit you get to the Paddington Station, from which you can catch a train for Oxford.] * Jonathon chuckles. "Well for one thing, I act and look older yet physically am younger. That's quite a major distinction." * Ari stands up in order to change trains. "That's true. I wonder. Do more people act and look older than their true age, or younger?" [The train to Oxford isn't a subway but a more conventional every thirty minute one, you can make the next one if you hustle a bit.] * Jonathon gets up as well and follows her. "It is a good question. Is there anyone else in the organization who you suspect are older than they appear? Possibly Mister Ashton, though I admit I know precious little about him. You never know when these sorts of things manifest." He picks up his duffle bag and hustles. * Ari hurries alongside him to the next train. "I really haven't considered it. Age seems... irrelevant, especially considering some of the things we encounter in our line of work." [The trains still waiting when you get to the track, if Jonathon bought tickets in advance he can use those, that or just use a credit card to buy a pair after you get in.] This is certainly true. So you value efficacy and efficiency above all else? * Jonathon uses his credit card and buys a pair. What does it matter to him? * Ari nods. "Oh, I should pay for my own ticket." [There's a fair number of seats, a lot of the riders look like students, some more bookish than others, no one seems to pay you much head.] * Jonathon smiles to Ari. "I wouldn't dream of it. I can deduct it as a business expense." Well, thank you, then. * Jonathon smirks and looks at her. "Didn't take much convincing on that front. And here I had an elaborate debate formulating in my head expounding the virtues of letting another purchase a ticket on your behalf." Well, if you wish to expound said virtues anyway, it might be enlightening to hear them. * Jonathon shakes his head. "No, no. The moment has passed I'm afraid." Very well, then. [And after a not too long journey you arrive on Oxford's campus.] [It's quite attractive architecture and offers a good selection of libraries and mixed with more modern media storage facilities and computer labs.] * Ari looks around. "So, where to?" [There's a moderate amount of bustle, although not anything like a between class rush.] * Jonathon steps out on-campus, keeping his glasses on and trying to look like an everyday student with his duffle bag. He whistles as he looks over the campus. "Quite a splendid campus I must say. Have you ever been here before?" * Ari probably does look like a student, although she's not carrying a backpack or laptop case or anything like that. She nods. "Just to visit. I applied, but didn't attend classes here." * Jonathon looks over at her. "Is that so? Didn't get in or were there other reasons?" * Jonathon starts to make his way towards the library. * Ari walks alongside him, seemingly having no trouble figuring out where she's going despite not having been there in a while. "I was accepted, but I changed my mind." Where did you attend university? * Jonathon hmms, as if thinking for a moment how to answer that, then responds, "University of London, actually. But I wouldn't wish to bore you with the details. Why did you decide to change your mind?" [Jonathon gets to one of the main libraries, doesn't seem to crowded at the moment, some students researching, some older people who may be students or profs or who knows also around, fair number of free terminals and data pads, some of which can be carried into stacks, just not out of the library.] I wouldn't find the details boring. And, in what will probably strick you as a completely uncharacteristic act, I decided it felt wrong to me, somehow. * Jonathon snorts. "And why do you think that I believe that would be uncharacteristic?" Going with a feeling, rather than just logic? Oh, I never thought you went with -just- logic. Primarily logic, then. * Jonathon smiles. "Just a very large percentage of it which you could probably quantify given time." Ninety-seven point fifty-two percent, I believe. * Ari smiles back at him. Truthfully? I would have guessed higher. * Jonathon smirks at her. "So is that smile logical or emotional?" Well, I was trying to make a joke, but apparently I still need to work on my sense of humour. No no. It was an apt joke, worthy of Adams. It is simply that in order for a joke to be valid, the person cannot believe it to be true. * Jonathon heads into the library, holding the door open for Ari like a gentleman. * Ari walks in. "Thank you. And I suppose that, given time, I could quantify it, but I'd prefer not to right now, as we have other matters to attend." * Jonathon chuckles at that. "Now, THAT is more your sense of humour." And I wasn't even trying this time. Imagine that. * Jonathon looks at a directory and quickly tries to locate a quiet study area with computer access. [He finds one] (A response worthy of Brett. ;p) * Jonathon heads that way then! * Ari heads along with him. * Jonathon enters the area and sees how many people there are. Mostly seeing if there's an area away from people where he can situate himself. [There's a main room that's a quarter full at most with a fair number of larger computers, and can also just take a fully functional portal datapad to a private room meant for team meetings and the like. * Ari picks up a datapad and points to one of the private rooms. "Perhaps over there?" * Jonathon goes with the latter. And he turns his cell on vibrate but doesn't shut it off. He nods to Ari * Ari walks into the private room, holding the door open for Jonathon after she's gone in. * Jonathon heads in and closes the door, chuckling. "Chivalry isn't necessary to reciprocate, you realize." He then adopts a more serious tone. "So tell me what you've found so far. I'll see if any of it matches with what I already know." * Ari sits down at the table. "The PK organization employs a very skilled programmer. We have yet to encounter him or her in person, although he - I'll say he - was the one who designed Hector's systems." But you're as of yet uncertain of the gender..? Yes. It is hard to determine gender from code. I'd imagine... * Jonathon unzips his duffle and pulls out just an ordinary notepad and pen. He licks his finger and flips to a page full of scribbles that are supposedly notes and adds something else on the footwork to do. I did perform a trace on his communications once, and found that he appeared to be operating out of the southwestern United States. However, that could have been a ruse, and I didn't want to arounse suspicion by going further. Whether he is actually based there, I do not know. A programmer of his skills would have no trouble working remotely. * Jonathon nods. "False pings and such? I can't say I'm much on the new lingo but I do have a passing knowledge. I can check my e-mail at least." There are many ways of leaving a false trail, but we don't need to go into details. No we don't. That's definitely something to do ground work on though. We could start in the States, I suppose. Question providers in the area and such-like." He sighs. "Won't be easy certainly though... Especially without arousing suspicion. * Ari hesitates for a moment, then continues. "There is one more thing, actully..." It's at least one lead. Although I fear someone with the PK Corp's resources, it would be an easy task to relocate at any time. * Jonathon raises an eyebrow and flips the page of the notebook. "oh?" I was investigating the PK Corporation's website. I set up a site of my own and requested further information from them. I took great care to make it as legitimate as I could, although I did leave an opening to see if they would take the bait. I made absolutely sure that nothing would connect it back to SAB, or me specifically. So did they take the bait? Yes. They, or he, really, investigated the site. He found... nothing, really, but it did pique his curiosity. I have been in limited contact with him several times since then, through a communication bot. It's really a clever program. I would love to see how it works, but I promised not to take it apart. Programmers, despite what it might seem at times, do have their own sense of honor. ...interesting. And you've been in communication this entire time? We've had a few conversations. Again, I've been careful not to reveal anything. * Jonathon looks over the datapad carefully, hmming. 'This doesn't have a camera of any sort attached, does it?" * Ari checks it. "I don't believe so." (You could find one in the main room with a scanner or digicam or something.) * Jonathon considers. "If you could speak to him with another observing the conversation..." (No no, he specifically wants to make sure it DOESN'T have one. ^_^) It is only text on a screen. Yes, but there are certain lines that one can read between as it were that may escape others judgment. As well, if he's distracted enough, it may be possible to attempt to monitor him from another source. Well, I don't think it would hurt. Mai, the librarian, has seen me do it several times. The computer is actually in headquarters, though it is completely separate from any of the networks. I promised I wouldn't try and trace the communications, but that does not necessarily mean that others have promised to do the same. I'd advise you to be extremely careful, though. * Jonathon chuckles. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of attempting to trace the conversation. I'd be caught for certain." * Ari smirks. "Of course. At any rate, if there is a particular time you would like to do this, let me know. The program is up and running." I'd like to see a bit of it. We'll see if we can get any hints. * Ari nods. "Then we shall do that. Now, what of your investigations?" * Jonathon taps his notepad. "Well, not much I'm afraid. I'm still expecting a call. The last thing I noted though was that Prudence's main interest wasn't anti-SAB in origin." That doesn't strike me as a great surprise. What was it, though? Well, there was a little mention of a test. She was testing the light intrusion mode of that pet cyborg of hers. When did this occur? That was the purpose of the intrusion on the Tower of London. * Ari smirks. "I wouldn't excactly have classified that as 'light' intrusion." * Jonathon nods and sighs, running his fingers through his hair and leaning back. "I fear seeing a "heavy intrusion" mode then." * Jonathon's phone vibrates. In that case, so do I. * Jonathon picks up the phone and holds up a finger. "Hold on one moment." He puts it to his ear. "Jonathon Marlyne here. What's the scoop?" * Jonathon paces slightly as he talks. "Oh?" * Ari waits. She looks slightly intrigued. * Jonathon walks the other way. "Hmm. But anything on that particular type of equipment?" "What areas do they manufacture in most commonly for example?" "Well that's sensible. I don't think you can very much mass produce magic." "Anything more on this "mad science" bit?" * Jonathon hmms at the last few sentences. "Find out more about these "American dealings" as well. Apparently we have reason to suspect one of their hackers is in the Southwest of the States. Seems a suspicious coincidence. Thought it might have been a false lead but if there actually are dealings over there..." "See what you can do. I'll make certain you get a prestigious quote if you do at the very least. You know I always repay my sources." * Jonathon smiles at that, though he can't see it. * Jonathon nods. "I'll appreciate what you can give. Maybe we can meet over a cup of tea later. Cheerio, old chap." * Jonathon snaps the phone closed and looks over at Ari. "Well that was fruitful." What did you find out? He said that he couldn't find anything about them attempting to research SAB. They're subtle if they were active about it. I'm not certain how much research they actually bothered with. What about this "mass-produced magic" you mentioned? Well, they're generally custom-made equipment. They're well-talked about, highly regarded, but all their stuff is made-to order. They mentioned particularly that they don't dabble in anything "magic" either, which I mentioned would be hard to mass-produce if they ever considered it. They may involve themselves in a lot of "mad-science" which is just as bad as magic however. Did your source mention any particular type of mad science? Aside from what we've already encountered? He did mention cold fusion. I may have to do some research on that. Their weaponry though is apparently a big edge if they target a specific weakness, but if it's more generalized, not certain on the effectiveness. We may wish to be careful about the release of information though. That seemed to be the case with the assault on the Tower of London. And I am always careful. * Jonathon chuckles. "Are you now? What happened once you cracked into Hector's system after all?" It worked, didn't it? And the last part was simply circumstances beyond my control. If Prudence had not shown up then, SAB might have had its very own cyborg to examine. Certainly it did. However, now she has knowledge of that incident to draw on, doesn't she? I'll just have to do things a bit differently next time. Although... perhaps I got slightly carried away. * Jonathon smiles. "Nothing wrong with that. It's simply a matter of knowing when to reveal your whole hand. Fortunately, I have nothing you can really guard against. At least, nothing that's not obvious in its own right and that I have to hide. I'd presume people would generally try to protect themselves from bullets. * Ari smirks a bit. "Let us just say that I still have a few tricks up my sleeves, and leave it at that." * Jonathon waves his hand in the air, non-chalantly. "Oh, I'm certain that you do. As do I." I'm glad we have that settled. Is there any further information that you wish to share at this time? * Jonathon chuckles and rubs the back of his head. "Well, I was curious. Prudence seems to be rather interested in my camera though. I cannot see why she'd find it so interesting." Perhaps because it is not exactly an ordinary camera? Or perhaps it is the person wielding it. Either way. Oh, I'm fairly sure it very well could be. * Jonathon rubs the back of his head and smiles nervously. "Oh dear. I'm not sure it's that either. To be honest, I can't be entirely certain how it works. Only that it does." Well, you seem rather adept at its use. But fair is fair. We all need our secrets. Well...we don't need to have them...we simply choose to have them. * Jonathon pulls up a seat. "And if I said that you seemed curious, you probably would not pull any punches and state the simple fact that you are. Sometimes, I envy that of you." Why? It's something I could never do. Because you have spent all your life acting in another manner? * Jonathon smiles. "Perhaps you might say that. It is a personal choice that's turned to necessity however. I don't know if I would have always been so secretive. I don't really understand, but I will respect your choice. On the other hand, perhaps I do. * Jonathon raises an eyebrow. "Oh?" There are certain things about me that I would prefer were not common knowledge. Like the whole techno-mage thing and the situation regarding your schooling? * Ari blinks. "You've been doing your research, I see. Dare I ask what else you know about me?" * Jonathon smiles. "Well, Prudence *did* mention that fact, so it's not exactly fair to state that. However, since we are being honest with each other, Miss Ellison.." I'd like to know more about the purpose of your "private funding." * Ari seems completely taken aback. "I... it's for my work here. And please don't call me that." * Jonathon looks at Ari evenly and seriously. He looks a little scary when he's serious. "Why not? It's your name isn't it? So I thought I'd take you to your old alma mater. Except...you home schooled didn't you? Were paid quite a sum for it. I was simply wondering what first attracted the government to your..talents shall we say?" * Jonathon then smiles a little, but it's not anywhere near his standard fake smile. "Don't worry. None of this will be released to the press. It is simply my casual curiosity. It gets the better of me, I'm afraid." I don't like using that name. And... let us say that my curiosity getting the better of me was what led to my involvement with SAB. Is that so? * Jonathon cocks his head to the side. "Is this before or after the incident with the zombies?" Before. You really *have* been researching. * Jonathon smiles slightly, still not back to his normal face yet. "I'm nothing if not thorough, Ari. Is it a crime to be curious?" It depends on where that curiosity takes you. So the zombies were part of SAB. Fair enough. I'd care to venture then that you cracked into some files you weren't supposed to? * Jonathon chuckles. "Zombie incident I mean, of course." I was about to say that last I checked, we didn't employ zombies. And your guess is correct. * Jonathon sighs a little. "So, I have a few questions that are pressing on my mind...but most of them can wait. My main curiousity is your choice of garment." My what? * Jonathon gestures at the t-shirt, jeans, sneakers, and windbreaker. "I've never seen someone who's never changed their clothes. Even Mister Carmicheal at least gets new suits I suspect, though that is rather out of necessity than any direct decision of his own." They're comfortable? And I did wear something different to the social. Besides, not many people see me outstide of my computer room, so I suppose I have never really worried about it. So...there's really nothing to it? * Jonathon rubs his chin. "Hmm.." Would it make you feel better if I wore something different next time? It's your decision... * Jonathon seems to be replying distractedly, instead going over to his dufflebag and unzipping it. Maybe I could use a change. What are you doing? (There a table in the room I presume?) (Correct) * Jonathon takes something out of the dufflebag. It's what looks like a small magazine, with a rather colorful cover. He tosses it onto the table and it slides over, coming to rest right in front of Ari. The pictures on the picture are ones along the lines of "Loch Ness Monster sighted!" and the like. More subdued, but still most of the top headlines are just as fanciful. On the front cover is in bold print the words "The Deadly Sun." He has his back turned to the table, arms folded behind his back, so you can't tell his expression. * Ari looks at him. "Your other line of work?" She flips open the magazine and starts skimming through it. * Jonathon doesn't respond. The articles inside are rather well-written actually and may actually make you believe some of it. It's a few pages in that she gets to a picture that may look familiar. Mainly because in the glint of the light is a stunning picture of Jason melting a door. Skimming the page doesn't get any mention of his name, but there is some mention of a "mastermind" and the "Mi-5 in conjunction with the Angelican Church. [And of course, the author of the Article is initialed off as "JM"] * Ari looks up. "It's very well-written. Like the rest of your works are." * Jonathon nods slightly. "So you've read them?" Quite a few. I was curious. Which one? * Jonathon turns and smiles a little. A genuine smile. Which ones did I read, or which one did I prefer the most? Well both would be rather nice Several of your novels, and quite a few of your articles. I particularly liked Drifting Passages. I believe you'd recommended that to me at some point. * Jonathon chuckles a little. "One of my best works. " He deflates a little and meets her with a steady gaze. "So you already knew. I told you I was simply a reporter." Really, now. Did you think I wouldn't have done a bit of research of my own? * Jonathon snaps his fingers. "And I was so careful too. Well, it's a pity. It's difficult to hide most of your background if you're famous." I don't believe I shall ever have to worry about that. * Ari fixes Jonathon with a steady gaze. "I hope I shall never have to worry about that, at least." No, you won't. So... So? * Jonathon frowns suddenly and meets her gaze with a serious expression. "Oh come now. And here I thought you trusted me." I still like to err on the side of caution. * Ari smiles, though. * Jonathon smiles slightly too. "I suppose that we share in common. After all, I made certain all the footwork was made on, err, foot. No electronics whatsoever. I'm rather surprised that the results were as detailed as they were." * Kate is now known as Ari I shall have to have a talk with the keepers of some of those records, then. * Ari stands up and holds the magazine out to Jonathon. * Jonathon smiles as he takes the magazine. "And the janitor." * Ari blinks. "Are you serious?" (Ouch, someone just outed a source. :P) * Jonathon just whistles innocently. It's hard to tell if he's serious or not. (Or did he??) Very funny. Well, I think today has been very enlightening. Are you ready to leave? Perfectly. Although I shall let you know if I come up with anything more. Or if Miss Kinsha contacts me again. I shall do the same. You're welcome to observe the communication bot at some point. In fact, I may be able to contact her. Although I intend to hold that card a little longer. * Ari nods. "Shall we be off, then?" * Jonathon nods and smiles, "Perhaps we can get together some other time not so business related." I think I would like that. * Jonathon opens the door and smirks. "Got to keep up that 2.25% left over, don't we?" * Ari smirks back. "Yes, we do." [End!]