[IC] [SR4] What I want to do when I grow up, High School builds character Options

[Ziathra]

Graciana blushed a bit at the “illegal or immoral” part.

“I would love the updates,” she said as she swapped her commlink for the sandwich. “Thanks. You're very kind. I wish I could give you something that's equally fun. I can't do entire skins for Maze Hunter.”

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd smiles, No problem.The current interface works fine for me. I enjoy the game for the mental challenges and the hidden prizes

Todd plugged the connection to Graciana comlink

@Graciana [Todd]: Here are you downloads as well as a encryption key. We can communicate more discretely. You say there maybe a problem for some of us next week. have reason to believe you are right

Todd looked around. I have a friend who has an interest in the same game, he should be here any minute

[Ziathra]

Graciana raises her eyebrows at the mention of someone else interested.

“I had no idea Maze Hunter was so popular,” she replies. She takes her commlink back and runs the encryption protocol.

@Todd [Graciana]: Do NOT, under any circumstances, be here on Friday morning. They're going to cart us off to reform school while we and everyone else are in VR. Better yet, don't be where you can be found on Friday. The vice-principal says this scheme is legal and he thinks he's prepared for angry parents. I did a little astral espionage this morning. I'm going to quit school by Thursday afternoon.

[Koekepan]

Andrew drifts in from one side, with a plate heaped in krill and algae, with some sort of grain on the side. Bulk foods, but nutritious. He doesn't sit too close, but he has his gear on and gives Todd a glance and a tiny nod. Then he takes a fork and starts shoveling nutrients into his intake system.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd look askance at Andrew choice of lunch. after rechecking the encryption protocol he transmits to Andrew

@Andrew[Dare Mo]: Wow I thought you said you brought a real lunch from home.. Todd also transmited Graciana's report to Andrew

@Andrew,Graciana [Dare Mo]: here is the most interesting thing I discovered [insert "Candidates for Augmented Remediation and Resocialisation."] I suspect that your news is not going to be much better.

[Ziathra]

Graciana, after one glance Andrew's way, tries to ignore him. Instead, she begins to devour that spare sandwich of Todd's.

@Andrew, Dare Mo [Graciana]: It isn't. Andrew, did Todd give you the bad news I just gave him? Seriously, the thing to do is to quit school.

[Koekepan]

Andrew glances up at Todd and Graciana, but says nothing. He does however respond electronically:

@Graciana, Dare Mo [Andrew]: What news? Anyway I get hungrier when I'm doing real work; and on that front I have some news of my own. I got into a maintenance and security schedule which says that there'll be a managed transfer of special needs students - with our names in the list, by the way - Friday morning. Didn't give a special time, just said flexibility needed, possibly an all day event. They have an equipment list, too. Restraints, VR immobilisers, and something they call distraction devices for the magically talented. Anything and everything short of straitjackets and heavy meds. They're not fooling around.

The pace of Andrew's eating is leisurely, so he has plenty of time for his input.

[Ziathra]

Graciana eats more of that sandwich.

@Andrew, Dare Mo [Graciana]: Andrew, the only thing I know and you don't is that the vice-principal thinks this whole thing is legal. I think he said it's been done elsewhere. I don't know what to do, other than try to warn everyone on the list and quit school ahead of time.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd looks down on the table This is not getting any better

@Andrew, Graciana [Dare Mo]: Okay. we have enough information to know we are truly boned. What we need is enough evidence to stop or at least slow down their plans. Andrew do you have information from the administrative part of the system on the hows and whys for their 'Candidates for Augmented Remediation and Resocialisation.' ? If we have enough information and find the right media connection we can cause some problems. Imagine If someone published 'TEA initiates a new test that could sent your children to truant school before they start attending school.' I imagine there would be hell to pay. On top of that we hopefully can get some needed cash out of this. I say needed because I am not sure I want to stay in this armpit of a school after this.

[Koekepan]

Andrew shrugs while he eats - slowly, hesitantly.

@Dare Mo, Graciana [Angelo]: I got data. What it is? I couldn't tell you right now. I need time to go over it. I know that names are in there, I know that the test is in there, I know some other stuff is in there. The exact reasoning? Who can tell? Maybe it's all drek, more excuses for stuff they were going to do anyway.

[Ziathra]

Graciana frowns.

@Angelo, Dare Mo [Graciana]: We have very little time. I don't know a real reporter. Do either of you? Perhaps we should use the Hollies to warn everyone. They just love conspiracies and investigative reporting. If we tell them what's going on, they'll go wild.

Graciana looks around the cafeteria for the documentary crew.

[Koekepan]

Graciana looks around the cafeteria for the documentary crew.

The hollies are still creating their own kind of noise in the cafeteria. The staff don't care as long as there isn't an actual fight, so the hollies have largely free rein. Right now they're taking trid of the table setup, or something like that. Somehow this excites them - why that would be is largely opaque.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd happened to glance in the same direction as Graciana and notices the hollies prattling much ado about nothing. The last thought reminded him of another Shakespeare 's play 'As you like it' and a the famous monologue:

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,

Todd slowly inhaled Well it seems the TEA wants to put me and others in the roles of Bad children all for the sake of bureaucratic convenience. News for you TEA; if you want bad children you will get your wish and learn the consequences of creating self-fulfilling prophecies with the wrong group of people

Todd exhaled and looked down at the table. Dare Mo looked up at his friends and smiled. And before I exit their stage I am going to set the it on fire, and if the opportunity presents itself I will grab a few souvenirs as I exit

@Angelo,Graciana [Dare Mo]:Well they may be useful later. I do have a blogger friend who says he knows people higher up on the media food chain. I think today is the day he proves it to me. Andrew, somewhere is that morass you call data is the means we can stick it to the TEA and hopefully get some pocket change in the process.
I may not be a hacker but I know enough to data crunch with the best. I even have a agent to help out on that. Up for a evening of crunching?

[Koekepan]

Andrew munches on krill and seaweed, outwardly innocent, but he responds soon enough.

@Graciana, Dare Mo [Angelo]: We can do it this afternoon. Makes more sense to save the evening for talking to people. What's your plan?

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Multiple thoughts go through Todd's head. When he started seeing magical raccoons setting the school on fire while singing the Renraku corporate anthem he quickly refocused his mind.

@Angelo, Graciana [Todd] evening would be fine. I have to do some after-school work then I need to make a couple of calls. If I am lucky I may be able to get a hold of Papa G. If I can ,Angelo, I will hook you up and we might be able to useful media contact from him. If any case this evening will be good time to crunch and mine our data to find the shininess nuggets wrap it up in neat media package and get a bigger payday. While the media guys should get the full package ,I thinking that if certain people got anonymous notes on Thursday afternoon with some of the information it could really turn the heat up. This could include a couple bloggers, sixers, and yes Graciana even the hollies. Does anyone know some activists who really care about such things as justice? they could bring some noise came Friday. We will have to see if we get some data that would set their hair on fire. Anyway I think that is it for now I will talk to you all later.

Andrew pauses and then looks at Graciana " I just remembered I have an extra sandwich, would you like it? "

[Ziathra]

Graciana finishes her sandwich. “No, thank you. I really shouldn't eat any more.”

@Angelo, Dare Mo [Graciana]: I know some people who are very concerned about justice for other animals. One of them might be willing to advise me. In the meantime, I can get the word rather untraceably out to our fellow victims. The only problem is that they may not believe it.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd smiles at Graciana "Okay suit yourself"

@Angelo,Graciana [Dare Mo]: Call me later to let me know when the best time for you is for plotting and planning. Angelo I will let you know if Papa G is available tonight. Graciana if we do this right there will be multiple voices to spread the warning.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

After School Todd headed out to the Happy Noodle to help with the dinner setup. I will have to ask the Angela about the GED options at the local community college.

He liked Angela Courage, the assistant manager at the Happy Noodle. Despite being daughter of the property manager and part owner of the restaurant. she treated everyone from the Master Chef to the lackeys such as himself with the respect due to each of them.

Before I forget I better leave a message for Papa Gotcha

@Papa Gotcha [Dare Mo]: Yesterday you asked me a question involving student from my school. I believe that a have a very useful and interesting story for you. In addition I have a new friend who would like to meet someone with your unique talent. Is it possible for me and my new friend to meet you tonight with my interesting story.

[Ziathra]

Tuesdays were one of the days Graciana was scheduled to work at the animal shelter. Skunk Robinson will just have to get his pigeons elsewhere or wait, Graciana thought on the way over to the shelter. The only thing I can help Todd and Andrew with is a protest and that's IF Vaness knows anyone who'd be willing to show up and do that. I will have to ask her.

If I am going to quit school tomorrow, I had better talk to Mama today. I wish Tristan would get back to me. I'm going to need that cash for a camper shell.

[Koekepan]

@Dare Mo [Papa Gotcha]: Kid, you have the verbal grace of a drunken buffalo, but you got my attention. Tonight, 8 PM, on the bench in front of the Cafe Frou-Frou on Pacific. Bring your friend, and we'll talk. I'm buying.

Papa Gotcha's message is terse without being brusque. Perhaps Dare Mo's message caught him when he was busy.

[RdMarquis]

Their data analysis had yielded precious little. Andrew frowned. It was very slow going, with a quickly approaching "deadline". He reached for his commlink. Guess I shouldn't have expected to take care of this without asking for help. Angelo called Morgan, first. He wouldn't have to be secretive about what he wanted to ask, and the girl had actual knowledge of psychology and politics. LeFey's curriculum was a far cry from what he was putting up with.

@LeFey [Andrew]: Morgan, you there? I need your help with something. When she replies, Angelo will send her the data he retrieved. What do you make of this? He explains the plot against him and his newfound friends. Is this seriously legal? I mean, they're planning to grab us right out of class and toss us in Juvie. Even with proof of Xavier's plans, the whole idea still sounded crazy.

And how did they even decide I belonged on the list? Sure, he didn't take the quiz too seriously, but that was no reason to label him a future criminal. I need to come up with a way to get the word out. People are not going to be okay with this, but they need to find out, first. And speaking long term, I need to find someone to speak out against this. Someone reputable enough that people will listen when they say Xavier's quiz is a load of drek. It occurred to Andrew that her quiz wasn't a load of drek. Not completely. He was a fairly experienced hacker, and his future plans did involve becoming a criminal. He had no plans to get arrested like one, though. What do you think? Any ideas?

[Koekepan]

@Andrew [LeFey]: I'm here, except when I'm not. Then I'm everywhere. I read what you sent me, and it seems ugly but I cannot see how it is illegal. Picking out troublemakers is part of what the school system does. Also, from what I understand, you aren't going to juvenile detention, but a reform school. Not quite the same thing. Juvenile detention requires a judge and a court and all that stuff, while reform school just means that you're a troubled individual, or otherwise unsuitable for the mainstream classes.

The list appears to be based on a personality and socialisation test. Think of it as a high level Emotional Intelligence test, wrapped up in some other nonsense because that's what psychologists do. I did some background research on it, and it seems legitimate - or at least enough that this Xavier woman has a job. On the other hand, there are some dissenting voices in the research community, mostly from the ethical side, so if what you're trying to do is create political embarrassment for the school system you might want to look those up and give them to whichever outlets you might want to use to take your side.

To get you started, I attached a few pointers to some of the most notable objecting papers.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Todd finished with his part of the Diner prep at The Happy Noodle. As Todd left he mused "I am not really sure if the live krill Udon will be the hit the Chef think it will be but who am I to argue with a master".

Before heading home he sent a couple mesaagee

@Angelo[Dare Mo]: Got a appointment with Mr G. 8pm at Cafe Frou-Frou at 8 pm . He's buying. If we pull it off he could be buying something else. If you don't like the offer and know someone who could do better we can go from there. See you there.

@Ivan A [Dare Mo]: How are your Metahuman/activist connections? I may have something that interest them. If done right could definitely give you a wider audience. I will get back to you tonight.

[Ziathra]

Graciana gets most of her work done at the animal shelter, then goes in search of Vaness.

“Vaness, I met with two of my fellow victims over lunch. They want to make a huge media stink over this. How should they go about it?”

Vaness replies that it would be best to go make some tactical alliances with metahuman rights activists, anti-government pressure groups and parental rights organizations. She rattles off half a dozen groups without even pausing for breath. “Be sure to tell them something that will make them angry enough to show up.”

“There's a girl who's on the list who got pregnant to celebrate Ork culture. Should I mention her to the metahuman rights groups?”

“Definitely.”

“Thanks, Vaness. I'll keep you posted.”

Graciana finishes her shift, then fires up the commlink. One reboot later, Max is gone and Graciana gets to work. Without even looking at the Evil List, she knows there are twelve victims, five of whom are metahumans. Southeast Tacoma High isn't almost half metahuman. There's also Breeder Girl to mention.

Graciana carefully composes a note.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am contacting you to inform you of a violation of metahuman rights.

Southeast Tacoma High School recently gave its students an assessment test. From the answers, they chose twelve students to send to reform school by surprise on Friday morning. Five of the students chosen are metahumans. This is a disproportionately high number of metahumans.

One is a young lady who recently became pregnant to celebrate ork culture. Reform school will not be able to accommodate her medical needs, nor the needs of her child when it is born.

A second one is not only an elf, but an elven changeling.

I cannot stress enough that most of the students chosen are not disciplinary problems. Some have good grades. On the basis of one test, these students will be sent to harsh conditions they do not deserve.

The parents of the students have not been informed by the school, let alone consulted.

If you would like more information, contact me and I will do my best to get it.

Most sincerely,

Graciana Acosta

Attachment: Candidates for Augmented Remediation and Resocialisation

Graciana looks over the note. Rather dry, but outrage is their job, not mine.

Graciana then fires off the note to the metahuman rights groups Vaness mentioned and the Sons of Sauron.

[Ziathra]

Graciana then takes the time to compose note number two, this time to the parental rights groups Vaness mentioned.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am contacting you to inform you of a violation of parental rights.

Southeast Tacoma High School recently gave its students an assessment test. From the answers, they chose twelve students to send to reform school by surprise on Friday morning. The students will be removed by force while immersed in their studies.

The parents of the students have not been informed by the school, let alone consulted. Instead, the school is preparing to usurp their role.

One is a young lady who recently became pregnant. Reform school will not be able to accommodate her medical needs, nor the needs of her child when it is born.

I cannot stress enough that most of the students chosen are not disciplinary problems. Some have good grades. This is not an emergency situation, when swift action is required. On the basis of one test, these students will be sent to harsh conditions they do not deserve, away from the love and guidance of their parents, without their parents' knowledge and consent.

If you would like more information, contact me and I will do my best to get it.

Most sincerely,

Graciana Acosta

Attachment: Candidates for Augmented Remediation and Resocialisation


After that, she sends a note to Todd and Andrew.

@Angelo, Dare Mo [Graciana]: If you guys have come up with anything beyond The List, would you please send it to me? I may need to pass it along to various concerned parties. Thanks!