Ambitious plans

On the ride home, Kali is much more animated. In particular, she wants to know more about your plans. You are much more willing to explain things to her than to the AWIO.

“So, what are you really planning, Josh? You definitely aren’t just fooling around with the portals.”

You laugh. “I’m not, no. I’m further in my research than I admitted. Here’s what I know, first. I would need a frame to cast the portal in, it can’t just be free standing. Portals seem to ‘remember’ people’s auras, which is why they are single use. That’s also why items, even magic items, can pass freely. They don’t project the same aura.”

Kali thinks for a minute. “Could someone suppress their aura and go back and forth?”

You shake your head. “Two problems with that. One, it’s incredibly difficult to suppress your magic, it’s an intrinsic part of who you are. Two, even if you could, it would only give one more passage through. And even that is only a theory. Remember, normal, non magical people have used the portal and it was single use for them as well. I expect that the portal would ‘remember’ your new aura and that’s that.”

Kali nods. “So, what is your plan, then?”

“To start, figure out how to remove a portals ‘memory’, making it two-way. After that...well, to be blunt, I’d like to start making forays into the old world, to see if it’s as messed up as it sounds.”

“And if it is?”

You grin. “If it is, start fixing it. I’m getting more powerful every day. And unlike the problems of this world, in the old world a single powerful person can make major change.”

Kali blinks, surprised. “Are you talking about invading?”

“Not exactly. Reforming. Making allies. That sort of thing, at least to start. Long term, yes, fighting will happen. Your father, for example, cannot be reformed. Eventually, I will be a match for him. But that’s a long way off. My initial goal will be to improve the lives of the many oppressed people in the old world.”

Kali nods. “A noble goal, but ambitious. I suppose it is a good thing to plan well ahead. This seems like a lot of research for such a short time. You only redeemed me a week ago!”

You grin at her. “Oh, I’ve been researching this since I started researching you. One thing about my abilities, I have access to nearly infinite powers, but only a few at a time. Planning is essential. If I’m caught off guard, I’m in trouble. Even with you, I had a backup plan. If you refused my offer, I surrender. First chance I get, I absorb your portal after diving through. I use my time on the other side to figure out how to get back, and we go from there. Fortunately, you accepted, and life is good.”

Kali giggles. “That seems like a reckless plan. I see why the other girls are so concerned about you.”

You laugh. “Yeah, I never said it was a good plan. Still, I’ve been looking into this stuff for a while, but it’s still a ways off. So, no reason to tell Trevor my full plan.”

Kali nods. “Well, you know we have your back, no matter what!”