Grist Town: Your gate. Your town. Your tawdry details.

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

Is a Secret Society controlling the universe?

One of the most visible people in Gatetown is the Lotus of Middian, the precious flower of Eclipse. She single-handedly stopped the panic caused by the threats of the terrorist Sorrow from spreading throughout Morgan’s Landing, and can be seen in an “action pose” on the wall of many orphans. More than one boy or girl has been heard to say that they are going to marry this cherished flower when they grow up. In fact, she is rapidly approaching the popularity of the Mistress of Fire with the miscreant children. Is there a jealousy-driven cage match in the future? Only time will tell. However, gentle readers, a struggle between two beautiful women is not the crux of this piece.

Explorer of the Unknown Reaches, Lotus of Middian, Guardian of Morgan’s Landing, Heir to the Blade of Destiny, caretaker? The word has been whispered in the Quad-Portals and passes upon the lips of those that travel the nodes near Middian. It has always been assumed that when she said she was a caretaker, she simply meant that the well-being of Middian was her concern. When she spoke of other caretakers, most assumed she was referring to her fellow goodwill ambassadors and concerned galatic eco-citizens. The Fringe News Feed has learned otherwise.

The Combat and Reconnaissance Elite Tactical Assault- Keen Empathic Rangers, commonly known as C.A.R.E.T.A.K.E.Rs, are a group of intergalactic spies imbedded in every planet in the known universe. The C.A.R.E.T.A.K.E.Rs operate outside of any racial or government boundaries with no oversight or system of checks and balances. We here at the FNF love to extrapolate from a subset of one, so we look to that Lovely Lotus of Middian, Mistress of Maps, Daughter of the Unspoken Word, to give us insight into this hitherto unrevealed organization, and allow us a chance to assess their threat.

Insight One: C.A.R.E.T.A.K.E.Rs can be tricky to date.

What’s that being shipped by the interplanetary cargo transport? Why, it’s some emotional baggage! Not that you can blame them. If I found I had been a clone, was treated as having no soul by the Empire of Man, had to face an unspeakable evil in a sword, and am a member of a culture no one believes exists, I would probably wallow in alcohol rather than offer myself up for intergalactic policing. Then again, a hangnail makes me want to wallow in alcohol, so I am not exactly a bastion of stalwart will. A potential suitor can’t help but have some serious self-esteem issues when having first date discussions and she responds with “Oh, I am a member of a secret organization that ensures the well-being of the entire universe. What do you do?” Imagine having to go to a work party, talk about an inferiority complex. When she disappears in a pillar of flames, and you worry endlessly, she just responds with “Relax, I was just going to work.” Of course, dating a girl who can see the warp and weft of space-time is daunting. Just remember, anything you try, she HAS seen before.

Threat Level: 5, but only if you are dating her.

Insight Two: C.A.R.E.T.A.K.E.Rs are glamorous.

Stylish armor, designer sunglasses, fabulous clothes, envy-causing weaponry, coveted psionic prowess, quantum expertise, exotic love interest? Septa-check. Sure, that comes with some less desired, but no less glamorous, things like being chased by an evil council of elders, facing threats from outside of time and space, and being seen as such a valuable and cohesive resource that organizations attempt kidnapping. Let’s face it, the Glistening Lotus of the Gate is probably more glamorous than you. She’s even more glamorous than most of the inhabitants of Middian, a planet widely regarded as the bellwether of the universe. Since the first mention of the Black Widow of Middian what’s known as web-play has become common in the more fashionable Akeir night clubs. Temporary spider web tattoos, black and red hourglasses, and gossamer strands to serve as stockings or hair nets, all of these have been seen in recent months. Lotus Battle Chic stands to become the next big fashion wave. Is it any surprise?

Threat Level: 8. It stands to reason that this power can be abused to make the Empire even more ridiculous.

Insight Three: She Knows

It’s really just that simple, and frightening. It’s her job to know what’s going on in the galaxy, especially on Middian. Bomb in a town, she knows. A force from beyond reality hovering around the planet, she knows. The Middian Marauders Football Club losing a match to Blizzard Peak, she knows. The world-wide lizard cult conspiracy, she knows. What you do alone in your bunk and night, and who you are thinking of while doing it, she knows, though she really, really, really wishes she could turn that power off, despite being offered a stack of credits to spill the beans. You can’t run, you can’t hide. Her roots stretch across the planet, her stem reaches into your dreams, her leaves block any possible chance of escape, and her petals tremble as they drift in the breeze of your schemes and plans. This is the crux of it, nothing goes on without her knowledge. Deal with it.

Threat Level: 0. We here at the FNF implicitly trust the Breathtaking Lotus of the Gate with our safety and well-being. Anyone who says otherwise is a Nidregg-humping spiral-faced liar. Honest.

In summation, the Lotus of Middian is no threat to anyone, there is no such organization as the C.A.R.E.T.A.K.E.Rs and we will be sure to check our sources more closely in the future. We are accepting donations to a charity in the name of the Lotus of the Gate.

Feral or Front Man?

Hands roughly the size and shape of a wood chipper, a tendency to growl rather than speak, and a disposition cold enough to force Kshathrans back to their solid states. Canidae is the leader of a fearsome S.T.R.I.F.E. team, and a reputed mutant of some strength and tenacity, but is he also the lead singer and keytar player for Tractus Lupus? Tractus Lupus, the Fringe-Core Imperial group that once sold out the SKVW Imperial Center for a three night show, is known for its political statements as much as its driving beats and unforgettable hooks. Front man and keytar player Jackson Howl was perhaps the most famous member of the band before disappearing some thirty months previous. He told Teen Obsession VidLogs that he wanted to “Get away from the Imperial propaganda train and get out there on the Fringe, with the people who just GET it”.

Since early 159 AGW, Jackson Howl has been out of the public eye, with the INN suffering for the lack of his tawdry trysts with House nobility. Known for his love of noble women, Jackson would often form “fan clubs” for them in order to catch their attention, ultimately ending a very public affair and even more public break-up as his next “fan club” got up and running. When these stopped, it was assumed Jackson Howl had crossed the wrong elements out in the Fringe, who didn’t take too kindly to his using their lives to make a bundle. That is, until recently.

Not only are there rumors of another “fan club” dealing with a certain sexy Imperial doc, but vids of the latest S.T.R.I.F.E. league engagement have been circling the galaxy. In it appears to be none other than Jackson Howl, though obviously in disguise. Going by the name of Canidae, Jackson appears to be not only living the Fringe life, but has taken to full immersion research. Known for his stage theatrics, Howl has seemingly taken his However, he just can’t seem to leave his old life completely behind, as rumors of Canidae’s musical prowess are already circling amongst the citizens of Gate Town. Perhaps Jackson wants to prove that he succeed with his musical style in a true “Fringe-Core” environment, or perhaps he is filming a DocuVid to be released in 162 AGW. Even stranger still, perhaps this Canidae is not Jackson Howl at all, and it’s merely another in a strange series of coincidences, but that seems the most unlikely of all.

Gossip Scraps

• The local Agent of the Tulku Council was seen with a tear in his eye during the Quad-Portal Dance-a-thon, with nary a spun web in sight. Is the Tulku/Widow romance over before his blood is drained and only a withered husk remains?
• Only after Baron Sword-and-Wolf slipped his Lovely Librarian to Be the dagger did she consent to his hand in marriage. Imperial Marriage Customs demand that a lady gets to inspect a man’s blade.
• Coincidence or Decadence? Mere hours after Pulpiteer returned from a mission involving dastardly corporations, he was seen indulging his sweet tooth with a certain Nog’s Grog employee. The same Nog’s Grog that is buying up portions of Broken Sun…along with a corporation known for their slave trade. Sexpionage? We’ll let you judge that.
• Parsley Sage, a Yazatas healer, has been seen issuing orders and receiving reports from not only her fellow Yazatas, but some silicate friends as well. Is she the true power behind this pyramid of SCIENCE?
• Displays-His-Abs was seen disappearing into his abode with one of the Sisters of Fate, claiming he needed to “check his divining rod”. He was not seen for several hours. Is there trouble between Sharkzor and Displays-His-Abs already, or are Sharkzor’s Fringer ideals rubbing off, if you get our drift.
• Faux Fracas? Whispers that the latest S.T.R.I.F.E. contest was rigged are already being muttered. People cite the lack of focus on the offensively potent psions as an obvious ploy by the league to make a killing in the books. Some organizations on Taranis are calling for an investigation into the league by outside parties.
• While waiting on a guide to take him to the planet of Ottar, it has been reported the Baron Glow-Gun Gambler has won a sizeable stake in the new WebCom division of SKVW. The division is looking to develop Web Way path to path communication and travel capabilities.
• Stock in Insane Ideas, LLC plummeted after the news that Silvery Alloy lost the newly appointed Chief of Outside Opportunities on a company outing in Station City. Tortuga, a key member of the board of directors, is calling for the resignation of Silver Alloy.
• Snickersnac has been offered a liaison position in the new Naraka administration, but has reportedly turned down the lucrative job offer so she can “focus on the man in her life”.
• Orpheon, in an attempt to generate revenue, has declared the word SCIENCE to be a vulgar word. It is expected that ticket related revenue will quintuple in a mere week. Seeker has been retained by the people of Gate Town in order to file an injunction.
• Kills-With-Her-Mind wins “Luckiest Woman in the Empire” contest by overwhelming majority vote, despite not being entered. The diminutive diva won Akeir Weekly’s annual clearinghouse sweepstakes entitled, “Luckiest Woman in the Empire”. The prize package includes two thousand fresh blue-backs, an in person meeting with Imperial Regent Cormac-Al’Eld, and a condo in the Vid District of Akeir . Kills-With-Her-Mind has not yet been reached for comment.
• Downward spiral? A certain saucy sprite was heard to have a special spiral Sapphic friend visit her late one evening. Is a sexy love affair with a voluptuous aspect of Nidregg possible? Signs point to a definite maybe.

Grist Town: Your gate. Your town. Your tawdry details.

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

Imperial aid to Taranis: Act of Good Will or Act of Lust?

By now we have all heard of the exciting events of the previous week. A speeding battle train with an atomic payload crashed into the gate in Taranis, only to…not detonate. This is, of course, after a pitched battle at the first node out from the planet, in which the so-called Army of the Covenant (rebranded after realizing that the name Army of the Scourge just wasn’t getting them invited to the classier parties) helped route the retreating Szgany forces. How was this army able to be deployed in such a timely manner? Why, it was the work of the Champions of the Covenant! The real question is why were these champions so involved in the defense of Taranis? Is it as it seems? Is it simply a case of the Imperial Champions defending the homes of the Fringers they call friends? Is it the work of the Empire to show good faith to King Rama or is it something less benevolent? Did the Imperial Champions send their forces simply because they wanted to keep being allowed to make sweet, sweet love to their Fringer women?

Word on the street is that there is tension amongst the Champions when it comes to what aid should be given, with those with “close ties” to Fringer women crowing for full support whenever and wherever. One of the female champions has been linked with a certain cold-shouldered Kshathran. This same Kshathran has been seen in the company of one of the Fringer women with “close ties” to another one of the Champions, and is maybe idolized by at least one more of them. Other Fringer women have been heard to swoon over the stolid man of the cloth who is the spiritual leader of the Champions. Will he give into their crushes? It’s difficult to say one way or the other.

Those urging more thought are met with the aggression that stems from potential nights spent on the couch. One has to wonder of the intentions of the Imperial Champions. Their deeds might not be as pure as they first seem. They might simply be trying to protect their way of life…if you know what I mean. Still, it’s not like you can fault the Imperial men. I’ve seen the Fringer women. I’m fairly certain that the striped socks are an experimental form of kinetic mind control. For the ladies, who wouldn’t want a hulking, powerful silicate playmate?

The Middian Black Widow

You’ve all seen her. She’s always there. She’s in the shadows, stalking her pray, waiting for her moment to strike. She studies her prey, learning their weaknesses, the way to approach them without making them nervous, while still trying to provoke responses. The subtle allure she exudes as she waits for her moment to strike. She’s a certain Meurlain photojournalist.

Let’s look at the facts. Not much is known about this photog. She claims to be a photojournalist, a perfect cover for a deadly killer. She always has an excuse to try and learn more about her victims before she strikes. She has recently been seen cozying up to a certain “sword and wolf” Baron, a glowing gun-slinging Baron, and an agent of the Tulku Council with some dance-hall drawers. All three are men of potential import in their respective areas. Coincidence? This reporter doesn’t think so.

By all accounts, The Widow stunned the gathered masses with her glamorous outfit and looks during Baron Sword-and-Wolf’s Battle Day celebration. However, she then proceeded to maintain her glamorous outfit through the course of the rest of the evening, including a fight against the forces of Sorrow. During the course of the evening, one brave adventurer was heard to opine, “I like socks”, while dreamily looking at the Middian Black Widow.

Her strands have been cast wide, slowly drawing the men of Gate Town into her nefarious web of desire.

What will she do once she has all of the men under her sway? Only time will tell…

Gossip Scraps:

• “Silver Alloy”, of Insane Ideas, LLC., has become obsessed with something he calls the “Fertile Void”. Is the madness of the Epherium becoming too much for the skilled Web Guide?
• Tulku Council playboy? A certain agent of the Tulku has been seen in the company of several lovely Meurlain ladies recently. After a “private” excursion with The Widow to Ushas, the agent was spending a lot of his time planet-side with The Lady of the Argent Fire. He claims this was in the name of science, but the Yazatas claim that about everything.
• Fears of a Cyborg Plague have reached Middian. A cyborg man was seen spewing blood near as he looked for Baron Sword-and-Wolf. Witnesses say he was a cyborg and was under the effects of a deadly sickness that only affects the technologically enhanced. Others say that he was expressing a mutation, and that his body was at war with itself. The body was whisked away before too many questions could be answered.
• Yazatas using “hammock diplomacy”? One Yazata has become something of a local celebrity for her use of a hammock as place to sleep. She is now renting out the hammocks to others as they are becoming more and more popular. As a result, she has become more trusted and respected in the Gate Town community. This, of course, leads to the question, what are they laced with?
• The lack of any Zealanders being seen on Zealand has led many to speculate that the Zealanders are masters of invisibility and are way more sophisticated than first thought. After a silent alarm was tripped, a horde of tamed dragon wolves were dispatched to dispose of the “miracle crops” grown on the weapons platform. Rumors persist that some received visions of a dark and terrible woman whispering “Nothing shall remain for the interlopers”. These seers could not be reached for comment following the successful defense of the crops.
• The shores of Zealand played host to a beautiful and private ceremony wedding the fearsome gladiator Sharkzor and the powerful psion Displays-His-Abs. Those that were in attendance say the ceremony was presided over by a certain Yazata doctor, and that the vows exchanged were intense and private. No one is sure which party provided the dowry.
• Further rumors have the Empathic Cyborg Web Guide having a cybernetic camera installed in his ocular cavity. He has reportedly signed a deal with an undisclosed corp. to air a Middian Reality Vid. His disappearing for hours at a time begins to make much more sense.
• Beachgoers have been heard relating a story that is difficult to swallow. They claim that the Zealand beach was attacked by shark creatures that spewed flame, and that they were not only quelled by the Mistress of Fire, but that afterwards she tamed the shark-beasts and is in the process of teaching them to be her aquatic means of conveyance.

MISSING SCIENTIST’S LAST DAY?

By FNF Staff

Dr David Lorani

Brilliant researcher believed lost.
Wife continues to search.

Myrena Lorani wondered where her husband was.

David’s research was ever important to him, and not just because of his almost dogged loyalty to FallTech; the science of nature intrigued him. Talking about it genuinely made him happy. She remembered a time before he was hired by FallTech, though – a time when Dr. David Lorani was a poor graduate and struggling to get his foot in the door. None of the major corporations wanted a zoologist; Myrena knew this and David knew this, and yet he chose his path anyway. She supported him because he was always loyal – to her, to any cause he decided to take up, to his friends and family. Loyalty defined who he was.

Myrena remembered the stories David told her of his childhood, how he always preferred to be outside, under the night sky; how his father had the hardest time keeping him inside during the rare rainstorms. David Lorani grew up loving the wild, loving nature, and loving Myrena, for she was one of the few people in his life to embrace David for what he was, rather than abuse his kindness and loyalty. “Animals are honest, at least,” David would often say, “even if you have to learn how to read them. People will just lie to you.”

Of course, that time had come to an end, and once more, his loyalty – and his dreams – were being used against him once more. David had always wanted to grow closer to the beasts he loved – “What if you could grow gills like a fish, and swim in the ocean? Or wings, like a bird, and fly? What would stop you from exploring your world?” – and FallTech gave him his chance to realize that dream. They hired David to assist, and eventually head, research into a drug capable of imbuing the imbiber with bestial qualities and features. They underpaid him and overworked him, but he didn’t care; he was so focused on his research that he often forgot to eat or sleep. Myrena had the cot removed that David had brought into the lab. Myrena was happy for her husband, that he was so close to realizing his dream, but really…

…where was he? The cot stood empty next to her; he hadn’t taken it back to the lab (again). She tried his comm, got nothing. Myrena had just gotten up to go to the lab and drag her husband home when it rang.

“Mrs. Lorani?”

The voice was somewhat familiar – it was Dr. Jonathan Greitz, who was in charge of the FallTech satellite office on Tyranis. It was not a happy-sounding voice.

“I don’t think Dr. Lorani will be coming home tonight.”

---
Related Article: Heroic 'War Bees' Defend Taranis

Breaking News: ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS!

By TalkFast -
Originally Posed 5/6, Multiple updates below

Last message from the defenders describes crisis.

[Voice transcription]

"This is going out live because I don't know how long before they take control of the Gate! The Zigany have sent in several .... JERDA'S MASK!!! Sorry, that one was close. They appear to have a ton of functional Gate breaching machines that look like armored web trains...They crashed through the damn Gate and hit the soldiers there like a battering ram! And then another one came through, and another and another!

The square around the gate has been destroyed and everyone down there looks dead. All these troops just started unloading from the trains and they were getting mowed down pretty good by the remaining weapons platforms in the gate square but then these...these things came out and they can't be hit by bullets! I've never seen so many mutants in one fight! They've got these huge guns and ... SONOFANIMPERIALWHOREMONGER!!! Move, MOVE they're coming this .... "

[communication breaks here]
FNF offices on Taranis are cut off, and all attempts to contact Taranis have failed since the time of the above transmission, but offworld staff members will continue to publish news here as the crisis unfolds. Anyone who received other information is asked to please contact TalkFast

Note: This message was likely sent out three hours before this posting.

=====================
Story Updates:
2:53PM, Webguides on Eclipse report that the Taranis gate has been locked.

3:15PM, An expert source (name withheld until permission given) reports, "There was just quite a struggle over the Taranis Gate. We could feel the Gate lock and unlock multiple times, but it is now unlocked and has been for a small time. Perhaps they were able to overcome the forces holding their Gate."

5/10 (Link) Exclusive Embedded report by Mason Havok!

5/11 8AM Unconfirmed report from multiple sources that the Forlorn Hope, the legendary military imperial gate smasher, has been taken by the Zigany. That it will be seen entering Tribe space soon.

5/11 1:08 pm
Transmission from "inside the Arahmni Empire" claims a Battletrain attack approaching Taranis. Link: AENN Update


5/11 2:39pm
An FNF Field contact reports that a train engaged in a firefight with another train in the webway on the Gmir/Taranis trade route.


Related Articles
Zygany abduction of children
Zygany infiltrate Fringe Space
Refugee Influx to Taranis

HEROIC "WAR BEES" DEFEND TARANIS

Zigani Soldiers Swarmed

By TalkFast

(Artist's Interpretation)

An amazing story has emerged from the fierce fighting to repel Zigani invaders from the planet Taranis. An unknown defender of the planet has released a swarm of armored "War Bees" to drive the Zigani from Fringe territory!

The elite, genetically modified bees are protected by armored carapaces that are impervious to ordinary swatting. They are fitted with tiny gps devices and rumored to be controlled by a handler, though it is not clear whether the control is technological or psionic, or even who the mysterious handler may be. Other reports say that the bees are trained to sniff out explosives, search for hidden enemies, and attack on command!

FNF staff members interviewed Jonas Faern, a local man who claimed to have witnessed the swarm in action from atop a nearby building:

"Them Gizanees were marchin' up like the owned the place, but then I heard this weird buzzing noise, like an engine in the distance that's not quite running right, and the next thing I saw, those soldiers started slapping and hopping and a couple of 'em fell over rollin on the ground. It was really somethin' to see!" [all sic.]

No official confirmation of these swarms has been made, but it seems likely that such a weapon would be kept a secret.

Missing Scientist
Dr David Lorani

One source has speculated that the bees are the work of noted Taranis researcher Dr. David Lorani, former employee of Falltech industries, who was rumored to have been working on something “revolutionary”, involving animal genetics, before his mysterious disappearance and an explosion in his lab. Lorani's wife could not be reached for comment, but prior to the Zigani invasion, she was actively seeking information on his whereabouts.

ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS - Story Update

Exclusive Embedded report by Mason Havok!
(used by permission, Free Eclipse Newsfeed)



Related Article:
ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS

ALIEN INVASION?

By TalkFast


Peaceful Ambassadors, or a Move to Infiltratre Fringe Space?

Zigani ambassadors have been seen exiting the Gates on Fringe worlds bearing white flags of parlay. They speak cheerfully and politely to locals and when asked about Gymir said it had been "peacefully accepted into the glorious Ahramni Empire!"

Needless to say, not all Fringe worlds have welcomed these visitors.

Their previous Zygani attack on Tokpela shocked Fringer and Imperial alike (see previous FNF article “Alien Abduction”) and there has been no news from Ahramni-occupied Gymir at all and attempts to reach the cold planet via webway have met with failure. The only thing that webguides have reported back is that there is still a functioning Gate at the end of the path, it simply won't open.

An eyewitness in the Taranis capital said that the “ambassadors” fled with Rama's voice booming "AND STAY OUT!!!" after them. On the jungle planet Erlik they had a curt discussion with Warlord Gunn Verdan, before being escorted back to the gate by armed Aeshma. The Zygani representatives who traveled to Naraka spent a week meeting with various heads of corporations, but no word yet on how those discussions progressed.

On the Fringe planets Vaitarani, Vrita and Vajra the Zygani were allowed to visit townships within a day’s travel of the Gates and speak with various functionaries. Opinions of them on those worlds seem to be altering as the Imperium renews its venom against mutants and the various Tribe worlds begin to arm. (see previous FNF article “Imperial Crackdown”)

The Zigani diplomats have all offered the same thing: protection, inclusion in the Ahramni Empire, technology designed for mutants, a culture that accepts and glorifies advanced mutation and safety from other invading forces. As one of our sources commented: “All at the small small price of freedom.”

IMPERIAL CRACKDOWN!

By TalkFast and Freelance Sources

Mutants and Suspected Mutants Flee

Refugees fleeing Imperial worlds first came as a trickle, then a stream and lately a great deluge through Fringer webgates with wild stories of assassination squads, door to door searches and even DNA scans in children's classes. Sorting through the panicked stories is difficult, but so far most of the fleeing Imperials appear to be coming from Akier. All mutants amongst the Imperials are encouraged to flee to a safe haven in Fringe space if possible.

One traveler arriving from Tiaowa was interviewed by FNF, but asked to remain anonymous. She said that she personally witnessed door to door sweeps and increased security around the gate. She added, "I was one of the lucky ones to get out before being found out. There are so many others that will not make it out. My heart breaks for them."

King Rama of Taranis issued a formal statement to all Imperial mutants:
"The Imperials have declared all mutants within their borders are allied to the Zigany and must be eliminated. To all our Imperial kin, Taranis is a safe haven for you and our doors will always be open, do not be afraid to come here for if you stay within Imperial space you only to face certain death. We will find shelter for you and your loved ones."

There is no official word yet on how Rama plans to feed and house the refugees.

Renowned Taranis psychic and metaphysician Dr. Aaron Preston has predicted that the refugees will have among them "a person of great importance who will one day save Taranis." He did not elaborate on this statement and his office has not returned our calls before this article went out. Other sources have claimed that Empress Gheverie of the Imperium of Man is among the refugees (see FNF article "Empress Fakes Her Death?") and that she herself is secretly a mutant, but those outlandish claims have not been backed up with any evidence.

There are rumors that various undercover squads of Fringers have made it onto Imperial worlds to help smuggle out threatened mutants. The FNF has been unable to confirm the existence of such groups.

FNF UPDATE, 3/21/11
INN's only official mention of this is the following:

Imperial forces have been put on high alert and are working to eliminate any Zigany spies within Imperial space. All travelers are now required to submit to advanced medical scanning upon arrival within Imperial Space.

It seems pretty clear that the Zigani threat is being used as an excuse for mutant persecution. Shame on you, INN editors!