Flash

Seraph Mentor of SCIENCE!

Corporeal Forces: 3 Strength: 4 Agility: 8

Ethereal Forces: 6 Intelligence: 12 Precision: 12

Celestial Forces: 6 Will: 12 Perception: 12

Vessel (young man)/2

Skills: Artistry/1 (Writing), Chemistry/6, Computer Programming/6, Dodge/2, Electronics/6, Emote/5, Engineering/6, Fighting/1, Knowledge (Computer Culture/3, Cheesy Entertainment/3, Vapula's Organization/6), Ranged Weapons/1 (pistol), Savoir-Faire/1

Songs: Healing (All/2), Machines (All/6), Motion (Celestial/3), Shields (All/6)

Attunements: Seraph of SCIENCE!, Lilim of SCIENCE!, Mercurian of SCIENCE!, Seraph of Justice, Haywire, Synthesis, Tag, Mentor

Discord: Damaged Sense/4 (Vision)

Even an Archangel needs a mad genius.

Flash began as one of Dominique's Servitors, but when Vapula rose from the ranks even a blind Seraph could see that the Archangel might be the last hope for a certain Justice to be done. Dominique agreed, and permitted Flash to change Superiors. It was, indeed, this act that marked the beginning of the special relationship between Justice and SCIENCE!.

The Seraph found himself content in Vapula's service - although he steadfastly refused to allow his 'blindness' to be stripped from him - but it was not until the recent growth of computer networks among humanity that Flash found his calling. One of the problems facing SCIENCE! has always been motivating humanity in the face of active opposition by Heaven and passive opposition by the very universe itself. The problem has always existed, but only recently has it become acute: modern science requires systematic research by multiple sources to advance properly. Even Lightning's organization now recognizes that their work must rest on a base forged by humanity, if it is to be widely disseminated.

Jean's response has been to foster sudden bursts of innovation, usually directly provided by Lightning's own angels, in the hope that such machinations will kick-start human interest and drive. This methodology, while workable in the short term, does not take into account the fact that humans, while not as intelligent as celestials, are not stupid - at least subconsciously. The 'if you really need to know, it will show up on a silver platter' meme has begun to spread among Earth's researchers: among other things, this has resulted in subtly degraded work habits, which exacerbates the initial problem. In other words, the more Lightning interferes today, the more that they - or other groups - will have to interfere tomorrow.

Flash's task is to reverse this trend by treating the disease, not its symptoms. His methodology is to locate and identify those individuals still capable of real creative work, then provide as much support for them as he possibly can. This requires an uncritical willingness to accept the fruits of said creativity, plus a propensity for thinking fast when one idea or the other turns out ... differently ... than originally accepted, but the Seraph is up to the challenge.

Needless to say, Flash hardly works alone in this capacity. With the assistance of Vapula's minor Choir of Irin, the Seraph has created a shadowy organization that has infiltrated most major scientific and engineering disciplines. This group (usually called "Vaputech") is tasked with making sure that creative humans continue to receive at least some sort of support and resources. Practicality is not much of an issue: for that matter, the palatability of a given idea is not always a prime factor. If Vaputech succeeds in its task, then winnowing can take place later: if not, then the question is moot anyway - as will be, frankly, the rest of the universe.

In person, Flash is exceptionally manic: a century or so of dealing with eccentric inventors, mad scientists and the just plain mad has rubbed off on him. It often takes others several minutes to notice his blindness: indeed, it seems that the superficial darkness simply makes it easier for Flash to see all the pretty pictures and blueprints floating up from the bottom of his mind. Unlike most people who like to talk, the Seraph listens to what other people has to say - then takes it, turns it inside out, mashes it together with three other concepts at hand and hands it back. The sensation can be a bit disconcerting to experience.

It should be noted, incidentally, that while Flash is technically part of Vapula's outer organization, he is an effective member of the Inner Circle, and is completely trusted by his Superior. However, he does not have a Seat. If The Day comes, the Lifeboat is going to need an outside traffic controller ... and despite his blindness, Flash is the only logical choice for that task (that's what he told Vapula, at least). This adds another tiny piece of guilt and anticipated loss to the load on the Archangel's back, of course: he's very fond of Flash, and will miss his counsel and enthusiasm greatly.

Even if the Seraph is seemingly addicted to the lowest forms of popular entertainment.