Mr. McGyver,

          When the Order of Reason and the Traditions were founded, they fought against a world without hope, a world inhabited by supernatural creatures. The Traditions helped reveal the mystical world to make it friendly - showing the regular man that they need not fear the supernatural world. To teach them they could understand it. The Order of Reason took a similar but different approach. By capitalizing on an emphasis of reason rather than that of Mysticism. The Logical explanation of events.

          Different paths working together.

          Yet there were those within the Order of Reason that believed their way was the only way. Anyone that did not believe as they did, IE, Traditions, was obviously corrupted and needed to go. They declared war on the Traditions. Likewise, the Traditions declared war on the Order Of Reason.

          Which brings us to now.

          For all intents and purposes, the Ascension war our peoples have fought is over. Yet there has been no advancement within our own ranks because no one leader can agree with their constituents. There can be no agreement on the forward movement of mankind.

          It appears we, the Order of Reason, have reached our own empass. Our Leaders have become as complacent as the common man. And with that complacency comes the disgruntled voice. Some believe all of the Awakened should be re-trained and brought back into the fold of Reason. Others believe the Reality Deviants should be rounded up and exiled so they do not contaminate the others. Still others believe death is the only release from their deviancy.

          We, the Avalon Group, have watched and learned in the past years and have discovered that the Traditions' existence is vital. A purpose our own superiors had not understood. Now that the Traditions have been crippled, there as been a distinctive upswing in Nephandic and Marauder activity. We had not realized how much work the Traditions had exerted over these forces. We do not exert the same control.

          Though this isn't classified information, that of your Traditions' worth to the world as whole, there are those within the Technocracy who do not wish to acknowledge this. Any deviation from whatever time table they have set initiates termination for those who question and seek anwers.

          With strength there comes weakness, as in all things stretched too far. Like Rome reaching across the sea, Caesar did not look within his own Senate to understand the corruption that had begun its vile feast upon the foundations of what had been a mighty empire. Had he not been so consumed by greed, then Rome might have survived, and what would the world be?

          I speak of the inexcusable obliteration of Awakened you and your friends witnessed in the club last night. We do not condone the actions committed there. Obliteration is not our mandate. I wish to push home our displeasure with what happened. Yet we are not in the majority on this.

          We must act in secret, and so we have called upon a select group to aid us.

          As to our opinions of what is known as the Rogue Council or the Sphinx, we are as baffled as anyone. Our initial findings have shown the Council, if they are such, seems extremely helpful to all peoples. They have only done work that has benefited those who listen.

          Because we do not agree with the present controlling regime, we have had to work in secret to gather all of you together. You may have heard reports about the missing mages you met at the 57 Club. Rest assured that they are fine and you will see them again. Our rather unorthodox manner of bringing them to us was necessary so as not to give our intentions away.

          All of this boils down to why we have contacted you.

          Our number believe it is time to return our Order to its original purpose, in aiding and helping mankind. In order to do this, we find ourselves needing to ask for help. We do not undertake this lightly.

          We found that those of you that have been contacted by the sphinx are in the position to help us. And you, Mr. Mcgyver, are among those who were chosen to participate in this endeavor.

          We have a proposition for your group, to aid us in our wish to return to our base principals. Its content and purpose will be presented amid the presence of all involved. Please understand that we do not approach this lightly. We are very serious in this.

          We would offer you your heart's desire to elicit your help, Mr. McGyver, but we are not in the position to deliver to you one of Pentax's most notable Progenitors. Though we can sympathize with your loss at his hand, we believe we can deliever to you the means inwhich you may one day, find that which you seek. By this, we mean to bestow upon you every techological advancement we have at our disposal, all taylored to your individual needs.

          To aid you if you chose to accept our offer, the following assets will be given to you.

     Mac looked down at the list of electronic equipment and enhancements, including his very own Holographic imaging system, similar to that one he'd used in the Chicken Ranch. A few he didn't recognize and did not know their purpose...but several others were devices that required surgery. The Optic Monitor would eleminate the need for his shades at all times, as the audio two-way would his cell-phone. Both of these devices would require my submission to someone's operating table. And even if I agreed to use them, how much of what they give me is legit? What of it would contain bugs planted as traps or for tracking?

         It was an Adept's Christmas wish-list and more. They...they call themselves the Avalon Group. But underneath, they're still the Technocracy. Mac couldn't wrap his head around the idea. He looked up at Paul, whose gaze moved slowly from his own letter to meet Mac's.

         The Dream Speaker remained silent as he looked to his right out of the limosine's window. Mac didn't know what to say. He'd vowed to fight the Technocracy no matter what - all on the single seed of hope that one day he could exact revenge on his father for his wife's death.

         They want help. My help. Our help. The very group I have sworn to work against is now offering me the means to find my father and seek revenge. With this equipment...I could easily ghost on the Web, search out his very presence - destroy him. Maybe.

         He looked again at the list of electronic equipment. At the top of the list was a Titanium G5, a machine not even available to the general public. I could set up my own holographic VR with that machine. And everything I'd need is there. Offered up to me.

         If I help them.

         Them...the Technocracy.

         Mac folded the letter and sat still, his own gaze drawn down to the limo's floor. You know you want this. It is your single purpose. And so they will give you the means to your end. And yet...is my revenge so dear to me, that I would sell my soul to the devil?

         A line from Batman the Movie came to him, in the voice of Jack, yet he wore the face of his father...

         Have you ever danced with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?

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