Firewalled

[Mia Keystone]

Ok, so it had maybe not been the smartest of ideas. Past experience had demonstrated that Hammel's files were not crackable, and the team of Technopaths and other tech-metas on staff could make wiki-leaks look like Perz Hilton's blogs if they so wanted. Still, Mia was never really one to pass up on a challenge, or to bow down to authority. And it wasn't like she'd gone after anything really important. Just one itty bitty student's file. Just to see if the stuff she'd found in their facebook messages was actually based on truth.

What could she say? When Mia was on the sent of information she wasn't about to stop for some measly school rules.

The security team felt otherwise. They'd done the usual: searched her computer for anything showing she was leaking information to any anti-meta agencies (as if) and told her she'd have her equipment confiscated if she kept on doing this. Having anyone poke around Kaylee was enough to set Mia's teeth grinding, but she knew the routine. She had backups, but the threat of loosing Kaylee was always enough to stop her trying to meddle with the school database... for a while.

This was new though. Apparently, her inability to learn from her mistakes was worrying. It was stupid. Mia learnt from her mistakes; hacking was never a mistake. Besides, it was taking them hours longer to track her ip address then it used to, so clearly she was learning from her mistakes.

Swinging her legs as she sat one of the chairs outside Dr Neville's office, Mia dimmed and brightened the lights absentmindedly. This was a waste of time... She'd wanted to have another crack at the 4chan boards. Now they appreciated a nice bit of hacking.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean wasn’t one for computers. Unlike Claude, he could work a computer and used email to keep in touch with colleagues at their Sister schools, or for quick, non-invasive messages to other faculty or to communicate with his nephew. But as a man of a certain age, he had done all of his schooling without the benefit of computers, and he was more comfortable with his older habits, which included doing his files by hand and using his filing system that made little sense to anyone who wasn’t him. After Gabriel had attacked James and accessed his files, the psychiatrist had felt vindicated in his record keeping practices.

As a telepath, he preferred interactions between people, without the clumsiness of machines acting as a medium. But having worked with and counseled technopaths, he understood why the exact opposite was true in their case. And just as he read minds, technopaths had a tendency to hack other people’s computers. It was a security problem, and it was an invasion of privacy; it was also illegal, not merely under the rules governing meta-human behavior, but simply as federal computer crime. Hammel tried to prevent their students from getting arrested, which was why it fell to him to lecture anyone caught hacking enough times to find themselves in his office.

He could do without the mood lighting, but this was no different from how L.C. would make spikes protrude from her palms when bored in his office, or how Tess would play with pencils. For that reason, he didn’t comment on the behavior, and he instead went to the heart of the matter. “The tech team is getting tired of running into you.”

[Mia Keystone]

Mia's home made strobe light effect died down when the Nev-mister himself actually made an appearance. She crossed her arms and hunched down in her chair, already looking bored. "I know, funny how we keep getting our wires crossed," Mia said drolly, then shrugged. It wasn't like she didn't know it was considered bad taste/a federal offence to sneak around other people's computers. It just didn't seem that important.

With a sigh, Mia rested her elbows on her knees and lent forward with her chin in her hands. "Are you going to hack my brain now? she asked with genuine curiosity. "To find out why I do it? Mia did not envy telepaths. As much as it would help her every gnawing curiosity to know what people were thinking, if her own was anything to go by, brains were way more complicated then the messiest of computers. All she had to do was think of Jonah and his inability to let most people so much as touch him to know she had it better.

"Look, Sean, I can call you Sean right? Mia went on, sliding into the role of smooth talking salesman with ease (she'd used that disguise twice) "I'm not the problem here, the problem," she waved her hands around, inwardly rolling her eyes, "the problem is the whole idea of an institution, and the walls that we've created when we don't even need them!"

Performance over, Mia sat back and let her face go blank. None Techs didn't get it: firewalls were challenges that stood in the way of truth. And that was it.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

“I do not hack people’s brains,” he told her seriously. Most of the information he gleaned from other people’s minds infiltrated his; he didn’t actively seek it out. And when he did seek out information, it was for a matter of safety or security, rather than boredom or a feeling that he was generally entitled to it by virtue of the fact that he could access the information if he so chose. “And I already know why you do it, so there isn’t any reason to dance around the topic.”

Although Sean wanted the students to be comfortable around him, it was equally important to maintain professional barriers, both as a member of the faculty in a school setting and as a medical professional. As such, he corrected her immediately, “You can call me ‘Doc,’ if you want to be informal. Otherwise you can call me ‘Doctor Neville.’” He paused for a moment to give her the opportunity to absorb that and to become contrite, although he doubted the latter would happen. Then he continued, “The fact that you don’t understand the notion of privacy and why it’s important is the problem, especially since you’re not even willing to acknowledge it. People build walls because they do need them, and it isn’t your place to tell another person that she isn’t entitled to her privacy and secrets.”

He had no intention of coddling this particular teenager, because she was a repeat offender and because she did this willingly. More than that, he was aware of the other aspect of her endeavors, which was even worse than the hacking, and went farther than merely the difference in understanding which resulted from her powers. “Would it be fair for a student with intangibility to break into your room, take your computer and sell it to someone else?”

[Mia Keystone]

With a scowl, Mia crossed her arms across her chest. Like hell he knew. ”Why then?” she challenged, leaning forward. ”Enlighten me?” Mind guys were the worst. Sith lords the lot of them. This guy and that trainer and all the other mind over matter wack jobs who thought it was all in the mind... And yet she was the one sent in for ‘help’.

”What’s up, Doc?” Mia lent back with a scowl, kicking her legs against the legs of her chair. She was on the defensive already, her phone set to vibrate softly against her leg even as it recorded her session for playback later. It was comfortable, and familiar, and reminded her that it didn’t matter one bit what some mind reader thought. She had a whole universe to occupy. ”I know why privacy is important,” she said somewhat sulkily. ”They just suck at building walls. I’m training. Isn’t that what this school is for?”

He was making what she was doing sound like some sort of attack. If people wanted to keep secrets they had to be better at hiding them then the people who wanted to find them out. Interesting how he’d used she. Trying to make this hypothetical person easier to sympathize with ? Man, that was lame.

With a barely tangible growl, Mia lent forward and braced her hands on her legs. Her eyes glinted, and when she spoke her voice was level and low. ”They could try,” she said, ”But I’d stop them.” Kaylee was not going anywhere. Ever.” Anyway, I’ve gone over this with your security honchos. There’s no proof I sell anything other then spare electrical equipment to anyone. So drop it until you can prove it.”

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean was not going to rise to the bait, and he was not going to allow himself to get sidetracked. She had been sent here for a disciplinary meeting, and this was his arena; she would not dictate the conversation, and he need not answer questions she asked. She knew why she did this; because of that, he also knew why. It was simple; the matter was settled, and thus he ignored the repeated question. He heard the other thought; Sith Lord was a new one, although he had been called a Jedi before.

Her response underscored what he had said a moment ago; that she did not actually respect privacy. If she did, she would not view attempts at privacy as a challenge to be overcome. “This school is about helping you adapt to society as a whole in addition to training your powers and getting a general education. You pull this stunt with the U.S. government and you end up in federal prison at best. At worst, you do something considered treasonous that results in someone’s death and you could qualify for capital punishment. That isn’t what this school is for, and if we can’t guarantee you’ll adapt, we don’t let you leave.” He was serious there. Several students who completed their formal education had been held back because of mal-adaption or power difficulties; they had the authority even if they used it selectively. She had time to turn herself around, but at the moment she displayed no interest in doing so.

Sean did not react to the growl; he had touched a nerve, which he expected to do. But he kept his calm and pressed further, making the point. “You couldn’t necessarily be able to stop her, and so you would have to live with it, if you insist on having a society where capability makes morality. After all, for the intangible person, the walls you built simply aren’t sufficient.”

And reaching the other side of the matter, he gave a brief shake of his head. “And while you have gone over this with security, let me make it plain: I could prove it. The question is will I? By that same token, the question becomes will you make me by continuing this behavior? Because if you keep it up, I will prove it, and that will be the end of using your powers and access to any technology for a very long time.” His tone and expression were sober, as this was a serious threat. One that he would make good on if pressed.

[Mia Keystone]

Tapping a fast rhythm on the arm of her chair, Mia sat with raised eyebrows through Sean’s speech. She didn’t hurt people... ok, that was a lie. She did not physically hurt people.... no, still a lie. She did not physically hurt people who had not provoked her. And she’d already had a go at the Pentagon. It had been tough, and she’d backed out before she got too close to anything or been caught by anyone. So she wouldn’t do that again until she knew she could get in and out without being caught.

”So I just stay at Hammel until you think I’m ‘fully functional’ and ready to deal with the big bad world?” It was hard to keep the scorn out of her voice, and impossible to keep it out of her mind. Hacking was how she kept herself fully functional. It was how she could make sure the human race didn’t bore her to tears and lead her to just retreating into her computers. Or any computers where things were easier and the truth was always available if you could work fast enough. But no one got that so they could all go to hell.

Fucking hell, calm down. He’s a mindreader, he’s getting this.

The tiny girl scowled angrily, the lights spluttering for a moment until she caught herself. ”You’re supposed to help me, not threaten me,” she snapped, hands clenching. ”For fucks sakes,” why does everyone thing threatening me is the best way to handle me? My entire modes operandi is rise to the challenge. He’s supposed to be good at this. ”Lock me in a padded cell sort of deal?” Her arms were crossed over her chest even as her eyes remained fixed forward. ”This is bullshit. If I want to be threatened with expulsion or imprisonment or whatever, isn’t that what security is for?”

It was hard not to be surprised, and Mia was shocked to see she was upset as well. This was stupid; she thought they were sending her to a shrink so they could at least understand why she did what she did. Instead, it was just one more person from the school wanting to let her know she was in trouble, there would be consequences, it wasn’t right etc etc etc.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

“Language,” the psychiatrist replied patiently. It was an automatic correction, but a necessary one. He didn’t tolerate excessive profanity, because it communicated nothing but frustration and at times disrespect, which he was always aware of due to his ability to read minds and analyze body language. Furthermore, most adults at Hammel tolerated less profanity than he did, and so if a student reached his threshold, undoubtedly she would have been cited by another staff member.

Her cynical description missed the obvious danger inherent in her behavior, and the accusation that this was a threat further demonstrated that lack of understanding. “Do we have authority to keep you? Yes, by the same authority that we were able to get you here in the first place.” He was calm as he spoke, which underscored why she was better off here than with security. “You and I aren’t discussing small indiscretions, Mia; this isn’t a matter of unfavorable opinions or small violations. You’re committing major crimes. Federal felonies. The type that can get you arrested and thrown in a federal prison for fifteen years, where again, you’ll have no access to any technology and where people are far tougher than they are at Hammel. While you’re here, there’s a better chance of you not getting arrested. So if you won’t do it for others, do it for yourself.” That was all true. Usually he didn’t have to give this explanation, but the usual infractions involved marijuana possession and fighting in class.

The padded cell comment was unnecessary and inappropriate, particularly given his position and his history. Because she was a teenager and she was irritated, “Security’s job is to stop you in an immediate act. My job is to rectify difficulties that students have. And believe it or not, I am here to help. One day you’ll understand that.” Because Sean was not a fool, he knew that day would not be tomorrow. “You’re here for the long haul, Mia, and now you’re here with me.. You and I will have weekly sessions starting this week, separate from any disciplinary meetings that Security recommends. Depending on your behavior, you might have to see me every day.” It was important for her to realize that she did have some control over how this went.

And because Sean didn’t believe in discipline for the sake of discipline, but as a learning and corrective experience, he added, “And for every infraction, you will owe me a ten page essay. You have two weeks to write a paper about Alan Turing. Have you ever heard of him?” Turing was the father of computer science; she might find herself interested in what she learned.

[Mia Keystone]

”English,” Mia replied, not so patiently. She was being snarky, more so then usual, but his maddening calm and this is a serious matter tone was pissing her off. ”You want Japanese?” She’d understood him, of course. Didn’t really care though. Swearing was a habit, and one she didn’t care about enough to fix.

Mia had come willingly to Hammel, but she’d heard stories of those who hadn’t. Those who’ed been taken by force. They could do that. Mia had no doubt she’d stay there until they thought she was fit to go out to the world, or at least... until her powers were under control.

But Mia wasn’t too worried. Her operations didn’t require much moving around.

Major crimes? Mia frowned slightly, scratching her head. The breaking and entering, yes. But Sean wouldn’t know about that... yet. Fucking mind reader though! Her scowl increased and she crossed her arms. If you can hear me, kindly fuck off. Wasn’t like Mia wasn’t used to a telepath, just... not one as powerful as Sean. ”I won’t go to jail,” she said finally, flatly. ”Not for a while, anyway. Not for that long.” The net was different, took longer, went differently. Papers and vanishing, but fuck she wasn’t 18 yet.

Could she stop, if she really had to?

Her scowl twisted further, and she looked away. None of that. Her problem wasn’t a difficulty, her problem was she was didn’t have the same difficulties everyone else did.

”Once a week? Buta!” Mia muttered under her breath, making good on her promise and swearing in Japanese instead. Only pig though. With another eye roll (was that five or six? She’d lost count) she frowned. Which indiscretion was this essay for? Who cared. ”Yeah, I know him. Dad got me Alan Turing; the Enigma for my birthday last year. Skimmed it.” A part of her was mildly surprised at the topic but she wasn’t too worried about essays. They were very, very easy to take care of.

With a small smirk she tapped her fingers against the arm rest of her chair. ”Once a week, maybe every day? You must like me a whole lot.” Her foot started tapping against the floor, restless. ”Can I go now? Or do you have some more impeaching to do?”

[Dr. Sean Neville]

The telepath didn’t laugh at the sassy joke; he didn’t dignify it with any response at all. While he could carry on in Japanese – thanks to colleagues from their sister school – that wasn’t what he had meant, and she knew that. And since she had stopped indiscriminately using profanity, there was no reason to waste further energy on the topic. A single expletive in times of high emotional stress was acceptable; using the words as an alternative form of punctuation was note.

The girl’s thoughts betrayed that she didn’t grasp the full extent of his points, which illustrated the need to keep an eye on her. This was highlighted by her reflection on other crimes – suspected crimes – she had committed which served to confirm that which he already knew. He knew more than security did, which would be covered as part of doctor-patient confidentiality so long as she cooperated and didn’t continue the behaviors. That would take effort on both their parts. At her professed plan to not be caught, he shook his head slightly. “There are technopaths who work for the law enforcement, ones who have more skill than you. And you’re too young to destroy your life with a criminal record. So keep that in mind.” Since his efforts at reminding her of other people had been less than effective. They would be over time; she was at that age where life revolved around her, but he was confident that there was a well of empathy within her that could be tapped in good time.

“Yes, once a week,” he confirmed, letting the single slip pass without comment. It was a more acceptable use of profanity. “And good. Since you know who he is, then I expect an exceptional paper from you on the topic.” He would know whether she wrote it herself, but they would cross that bridge when they reached it. He also let her sarcasm slip by without comment, because the attention would only encourage her. “Yes, you can go for now. I’ll see you for our next session. And I warn you, if you’re late, security will have to bring you.” The security staff was authorized to enforce his appointment schedule, and while he didn’t usually ask them to do so, Mia was within both of their jurisdictions for her conduct. Perhaps soon she would realize that he was the best of her options. “And next week will be a full hour. Have a good afternoon.” She was dismissed.