Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4 Chapter 12 Date: Wed, 7 Jan 1998 16:05:28 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: OOC: AAE IV: Preparations revisited On Wed, 07 Jan 1998 23:34:31 -0800 In Message # 00002620 In alt.callahans Post # 00000833 Gareth L Owen said: > On Tue, 06 Jan 1998 18:40:19 In Message # 00002613 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000826 Morgan said: > >>On Wed, 07 Jan 1998 00:09:20 -0800 In Message # 00002610 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000823 Gareth L Owen said: >> >>One more question, who's there ready to pass through this door in >>all? > > Morgan, Roland, Sil and Zenn have suggested Door Number Two and are > waiting to see if anyone has any other ideas. OK, I've got: Morgan, Roland, Sil, Zenn, Xzerrion, Tezrantha, Dantris, Hydra, Nemo, Raver, Fuzzy and Nemisis. Cool. OK, Morgan opens the door and is confronted by a wall of purple vapor, held back by some unseen force. Someone steps through, one after another the party passes through to find themselves in a dark alley. The sky is a dark, angry purple, everything has an unnatural purple cast to it. The air is unpleasant to normal humans, rapidly giving unprotected human throats a raw dry feeling. Those who are in touch with nature feel that something is very wrong here, the land and air has been corrupted by something. Venturing to the end of the alley, or flying up reveals a nightmare cityscape. It is London, but no London andy of the party has ever visited before. Tower bridge stands below them, one tower neatly decapitated. No human is in sight, fires burn out of control here and there in the distance, all is ruin and decay and cloying, oppressively purple. A vehicle appears skimming low over the city, it is a disk fifteen feet across, glowing with an eery green light, it hovers for a second near a ruined newsagents on the far bank, a short pulse of energy blasts into the brickwork, and a tattered human figure starts running desparately away from it. =========================== Date: Wed, 7 Jan 1998 16:35:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Stranger in the Night On Thu, 08 Jan 1998 00:11:23 -0800 In Message # 00002621 In alt.callahans Post # 00000834 Gareth L Owen said: After months without sleep Stranger finally slept and succumbed to the dreams. He fell through space and time and the voices in his head rejoiced, their saviour was at hand. When he awoke he was no longer the Stranger, although in a way he was. He was Inspector David Jackson of the New York Police Department, and it was soon obvious why he was here. The gangs ran the city, and a huge portion of the eastern seaboard and north atlantic, even the UN was not beyond their power. At their heart was Don Marquez, fattest of the fat cats. HE was untouchable, there wasn't a cop he couldn't buy or kill, until Stranger arrived. +++ Within three weeks Stranger had declared a personal war against the Don. He raided half a dozen drug factories and money laundering outfits, evaded five assassanitation attempts and arrested twenty three of his own colleagues. Don Marquez could not buy him or kill him, and slowly he gathered a team around him, two dozen men and women, possibly the only honest cops in the city. +++ And then he met her, a young lady called Gracie, although she never knew why he insisted on calling her Hope. She was pretty and blonde and filled with joy and light and life. Stranger felt himself falling for her. If you spend long enough crawling around in the sewers of humanities dark side then someone so filled with joy and life and innocence will be irresistable to you, and so he fell. By day Stranger fought against injustice with a passion, and at night they danced, they just danced and laughed, and she helped him forget the pain. +++ It was a cold winters night as Stranger approached the hotel where he was meeting Gracie. He was armed, of course, but it was a discreet snubby Beretta, in an ankle holster where Gracie wouldn't feel it when they danced. His crusade was going well and Stranger was pleased that he could give a whole evening to Gracie. She had been very patient recently and she deserved some of his time. They met outside the hotel and picked her up whirling her around him in the clear, cold air. A single shot rang out, like summer lightning, and part of him died. "NO!" A car screeched away as Stranger crumpled to the floor, cradling her in his arms. "Hope. No, oh god please, no." He crouched their for a long time, cradling her lifeless body in his arms and sobbing. Eventually the ambulance and police arrived, and took her away, and took their photos. Stranger looked on, as though it were all happening down a long dark tunnel, miles from where he was. Eventually he turned and left, heading for the place he lived. +++ Stranger's car, pulled to a stop, the road ahead was blocked, by a pair of unmarked cars. He got out and walked over to them, to be greeted by Jason Price, his second in command at the Organised Crime Unit. "This isn't the way, David, we've got to do it legally." "No. Tonight it ends, a life for a life, tonight I destroy the cancer." "No. your a policeman, we do things the right way, that' what you always said, god dammit!" Strnager reached slowly into his jacket and threw his badge onto the floor. "No, I'm no policeman." "Then I'm gonna have to arrest you for your own good." Stranger drew an automatic and poihnted it straight at Jason's head. The other policeman drew his service revolver and aimed at Stranger. "Leave me be, Jason, I swear I'll kill you if you try and stop me." They locked eyes for a second, before Jason turned away. "Officer Smith, would you be so good as to put your gun away and get your car out of the road?" Thrity seconds later Jason watched his commanders car disappear around a bend in the road, knowing he'd never see him alive again. +++ Stranger arrived outside the house of Don Marquez, announcing his arrival by blowing the gates off their hinges with a kilo of impounded Semtex. He strode out of the cloud of dust and smoke into the grounds of the palatial house. He'd removed his coat to get to his weapons more easily, he had his swords strapped to his waist, a pair of Beretta 92s in a shoulder rig and he carried a pump action shotgun. The minilens on his wrist glowed quietly to itself. A ragged row of men stretched across the garden, Stranger counted four of them. "Anyone who gets in my way dies!" They laughed and drew. Diving to the side and rolling, Stranger fired four shells from his shotgun as he rolled, killing each of the men instantly. He got to his feet and ran to the house, firing the last three shells as he approached the backdoor. The first of these killed a man standing on the far side of it, while the others blew the hinges off. Dropping the shotgun as he dived through the door, he pulled out the Berettas and fired three shots, in complete darkness, killing the three other men waiting for him their. The minilens glowed more brightly now. He moved through the house killing as he went. Attaining th efirst floor he ran along the central corridor, firing through the walls and doors, killing gunmen he couldn't see behind them. Reaching the door at the end he leapt, knocking it out of its doorway, crushing the man behind it to the floor, he drew his swords and precisely sliced open the throats of the other two men in the room, who were still reeling from the shock, before killing the man on the floor with a stamp kick to the neck. The minilens glowed white hot and Stranger knew there wa only one man left alive in the house apart from himself. He picked up a Colt Python that had fallen nearby, .357 Magnum, that ought to do the job he mused. Stepping through the final doorway, Stranger stood face to face with Don Marquez, a surprisingly small man. Stranger could smell his fear, wordlessly the man held out a double handful of green notes. Stranger wondered how he'd come this far. "Pathetic! Your not worth killing." Don Marquez didn't understand as Stranger turned to leave. Maybe he would live afterall. Stranger turned back, for a final comment, before his pace carried him out of the room entirely. "As someone once said, Don Marquez, Hope is the last thing you do before you die!" Don Marquez briefly understood as Strangers bullet blew his brains out through the back of his skull. +++ Stranger lit up a Cuban cigar outside as he headed for the street. His work here was done. He contemplated his quiescent minilens, he'd done impossible things in their, in tht killing house. Hmmm. There were only two places he could think of in the multiverse that could offer him the discipline he needed, that could contain his rage. HE decided to try both in turn. Silently he reached for his D-jump and twisted out of existance. The Stranger will return.... =========================== Date: Wed, 7 Jan 1998 20:20:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Wed, 7 Jan 1998 22:08:30 -0600 In Message # 00002622 In alt.callahans Post # 00000835 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Wed, 07 Jan 1998 23:34:31 -0800 In Message # 00002620 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000833 Gareth L Owen said: >OK, Morgan opens the door and is confronted by a wall of purple >vapor, held back by some unseen force. > >unpleasant but breathable> A point of light appears, expanding vertically to form a line, which irises open like a cat's eye. Beyond it, Knytt is standing in the center of a wide frozen canal, obviously man-made. Stepping gingerly, arms outstretched for balance (one of which is clutching a dull grey metal amulet), Knytt manuevers across the ice and onto the solid ground where some of the CAoL have gathered. He looks through the doorway for a moment, then looks back through the gateway through which he came. His eyes bulge and he quickly steps out of the path between the gate and the door, barking "Look out!" One of the twins (Judging by the black, red and white Ottawa Senators 'Away Game' hockey jersey, blue jeans, hockey stick, hockey skates, and grim smile, it is Grep) skates full-speed down the long canal. With a leap, she sails through the gateway. A gold flash of light beneath her feet signals the shift of her skates' blades to rollerblades, then she sails through the door, landing on the alley beyond's concrete. Melissa sails through after her, wearing a black sequined figure-skating outfit and white skates. Her blades shift to roller-blades as her legs scissor open into a split haflway between portal and door. /Unpleasant, but that purple haze -is- breathable./ Melissa sends. Grep adds, /The sky here is pretty, in a violent sort of way./ /My kids...the showoffs./ Knytt says, now safely out of their trajectory. Pouting, he twins are trading off sending now and it is hard to tell who is sending what: /How rude-I think we have just been insulted-We might just cry-Calling us showoffs when we are just trying to have fun./ /Enough you two. Thanks for the air quality test, but you shouldn't have leapt in like that--stop that chin-quivering, I'm no Lazarus Long--it was reckless and could have gotten you hurt. The old phrase is 'look BEFORE you leap' not AS you leap./ Mentally turning to the CAoL, Knytt sends, /Alright, I am going through. See you all on the other side./ As Knytt steps through, he thinks aloud "/'A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.' Lao Tse. The twins' excuse for going skating instead of returning immediately. I spoil them far too much...oh, -enough- with the -chins- already, you two./ The mental image of the twins sticking their tongues out at Knytt comes through clearly. >Venturing to the end of the alley, or flying up reveals a nightmare >cityscape. It is London, but no London andy of the party has ever >visited before. Tower bridge stands below them, one tower neatly >decapitated. No human is in sight, fires burn out of control here and >there in the distance, all is ruin and decay and cloying, >oppressively purple. Knytt and the twins stand at the end of the alley, looking at the ruins of the once great city. >A vehicle appears skimming low over the city, it is a disk fifteen >feet across, glowing with an eery green light, it hovers for a second >near a ruined newsagents on the far bank, a short pulse of energy >blasts into the brickwork, and a tattered human figure starts running >desparately away from it. The twins race off towards it, their rollerblades speeding them toward the human running. "That's no fair fight." they say in unison. /Uh oh...here we go again./ Knytt sends, racing off after them. =========================== Date: Wed, 7 Jan 1998 21:05:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Wed, 7 Jan 1998 20:48:38 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002623 In alt.callahans Post # 00000836 The Lone One said: On Wed, 7 Jan 1998, Michael Jon Knight wrote: > The twins race off towards it, their rollerblades speeding them > toward the human running. > > "That's no fair fight." they say in unison. > > /Uh oh...here we go again./ Knytt sends, racing off after them. A pair of ruby eyes stared up at the sky, its unsettling purple color making them seem even darker. Raver took a deep breath of the alien atmosphere, grateful that it didn't affect them while in Raver-shape. She was not about to shift to Mandy-shape anytime soon, and reached out briefly to reassure herself that Mandy was still reasonably intact in their skull. Just then, the twins and Knytt took off after the human, and she snapped their head down, taking in the situation within a few seconds. With a growl, she leaped into the air and shot toward the hunter-craft. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 05:05:08 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 07:36:09 EST In Message # 00002624 In alt.callahans Post # 00000837 Dane0R0A said: << Gareth L Owen said: Someone steps through, one after another the party passes through to find themselves in a dark alley. >> Hydra steps toward the door. As his foot touches the surface of the door, he vanishes, only to reappear on the "other" side, "standing" in mid air above the rooftops of London (the only nearby place large enough to hold him). << A vehicle appears skimming low over the city, it is a disk fifteen feet across, glowing with an eery green light, it hovers for a second near a ruined newsagents on the far bank,a short pulse of energy blasts into the brickwork, and a tattered human figure starts running desparately away from it. >> Hydra considers blasting the disk to atoms, but decides that it is no business of his. On the other hand the CAoL will need information, so he extends his hand. A beam of energy is emitted from one finger. It spears out to engulf the running human figure in a bubble of force. The bubble of force flashes to the waiting Hydra's hand, whereupon he puts the "captured" being down before the CAoL, for interogation. Hydra then orients the "attention" of one head on the disk, to see what its reaction will be. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 12:35:05 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 08 Jan 1998 20:16:10 -0800 In Message # 00002625 In alt.callahans Post # 00000838 Gareth L Owen said: Dane0R0A wrote: > Hydra considers blasting the disk to atoms, but decides that it is > no business of his. On the other hand the CAoL will need > information, so he extends his hand. A beam of energy is emitted > from one finger. It spears out to engulf the running human figure in > a bubble of force. The bubble of force flashes to the waiting > Hydra's hand, whereupon he puts the "captured" being down before > the CAoL, for interogation. Hydra then orients the "attention" of > one head on the disk, to see what its reaction will be. The disk twists in mid air, arcing towards the CAoL. Blasts of energy start emerging from the craft towards Raver and the twins, who are the most obvious targets, the disk angles straight for Raver. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 17:35:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 20:14:10 EST In Message # 00002626 In alt.callahans Post # 00000839 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-01-08 15:43:07 EST, you write: << Gareth L Owen said: The disk twists in mid air, arcing towards the CAoL. Blasts of energy start emerging from the craft towards Raver and the twins, who are the most obvious targets, the disk angles straight for Raver. >> Hydra sees the craft fire on Raver and the twins, and responds by "firing" back, twin beams of pure energy carrying about 100 terawatts of power each, from the eyes of the head that was oriented on it. Four other heads swing about to target it should it survive the first punch. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:05:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 17:46:38 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002627 In alt.callahans Post # 00000840 The Lone One said: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > The disk twists in mid air, arcing towards the CAoL. Blasts of > energy start emerging from the craft towards Raver and the twins, > who are the most obvious targets, the disk angles straight for > Raver. "GODS BELOW!" Raver locked their wings at an angle, counting silently. -One and two and THREE- They snapped over in a wide roll, the G-forces tearing unmercifully at their wings. The blast passed harmlessly through the center of their roll, and Raver dove beneath the craft. Wings screaming with agony, they surged up, lashing out at its underside with all four sets of claws. The steel gave way in a series of loud crunches, and they were now safely hanging from the craft's underside. -Wonder if whoever's in there noticed that.- -Maybe not, but he'll notice *this*.- Methodically, Raver began to tear the craft open and snap any wires or pipes they came across. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:05:34 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 01:57:51 -0800 In Message # 00002628 In alt.callahans Post # 00000841 Gareth L Owen said: Dane0R0A wrote: > Hydra sees the craft fire on Raver and the twins, and responds by > "firing" back, twin beams of pure energy carrying about 100 > terawatts of power each, from the eyes of the head that was oriented > on it. Four other heads swing about to target it should it survive > the first punch. The craft dodges out of the way of the first one, however, the catches it a glancing blow which is quite enough to vaporise it. A building on the far side of the river is hit by the first and is blown over and starts to burn merrily. The human being who has been deposited in front of the CAoL, looks around in complete panic and tries to dive under a nearby pile of cardboard boxes. He appears rather frightened and disorientated. Physically, he appears young, but has not had a shave, haircut or bath for sometime. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:35:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 16:36:13 PST In Message # 00002629 In alt.callahans Post # 00000842 Nemo said: > On Wed, 7 Jan 1998 22:08:30 -0600 In Message # 00002622 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000835 Michael Jon Knight said: > >>On Wed, 07 Jan 1998 23:34:31 -0800 In Message # 00002620 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000833 Gareth L Owen said: > > Mentally turning to the CAoL, Knytt sends, /Alright, I am going > through. See you all on the other side./ As Knytt steps through, he > thinks aloud "/'A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not > intent on arriving.' Lao Tse. The twins' excuse for going skating > instead of returning immediately. I spoil them far too much...oh, > -enough- with the -chins- already, you two./ Nemo says "I'll see you on the other side." This cryptic comment is made clear as another Nemo steps out of the shadows in the alley. He waves at "himself", and the neo on the original side address the group. "I'll do a bit of straightening up here after you leave." >>Someone steps through, one after another the party passes through to >>find themselves in a dark alley. The sky is a dark, angry purple, >>everything has an unnatural purple cast to it. The air is unpleasant >>to normal humans, rapidly giving unprotected human throats a raw dry >>feeling. Nemo is wearing a white coverall and a white safety helmet. Both have an unusual orange logo on them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ********************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (basicly an slanted A with the horizontal stroke turning into an arrow) Underneath the logo is lettering that says "Alternities, Inc." He's got a backpack, and a belt with a lot of pouches and odd tools(?) on it. He shucks out of the packstraps, opens a side pocket and starts passes out some sort of lightweight filter masks. "Here, these will help with the air. They won't let anything but oxygen and water vapor in. And they pass CO2 and excess water vapor out. They'll pasas most inert gases either way, so as to equalize pressure. They *won't* pass xenon." Nemo grins as if he's just made a joke. "Just make sure that there's enough oxygen where you are. They'v got an alarm for low oxygen. Don't ignore it. And don't wory, it work via direct induction, so only the wearer will here it. They'll work as a gill for a short time. *Very* short, unless there's an unreasonable amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. But since they are effectively a 'rebreather' rig. You can last for about ten minutes on a good lungful of air." Nemo leaves one dangling from it's straps around his neck, but makes no move to put it on. > The twins race off towards it, their rollerblades speeding them > toward the human running. > > "That's no fair fight." they say in unison. /It may not be fair. But until you know who is in the right in the dispute, interfering is a foolish move. What if that person is a criminal and those are legimate authorities./ /I am, of course, assuming that the crime is one we'd consider a crime. But jumping to conclusions is often perilous./ =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:35:47 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: OOC: AAE IV: Preparations revisited On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 21:17:58 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002630 In alt.callahans Post # 00000843 Xzerrion said: On Wed, 7 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > Someone steps through, one after another the party passes through to > find themselves in a dark alley. The sky is a dark, angry purple, > everything has an unnatural purple cast to it. The air is unpleasant > to normal humans, rapidly giving unprotected human throats a raw dry > feeling. The two drow enter cautiously. Not trusting normal sight in this area, they rely on infravision. Dantris follows, and snorts his opinion of the atmosphere. > Those who are in touch with nature feel that something is very wrong > here, the land and air has been corrupted by something. Tezrantha flinches violently and gasps, her face taking on an expression of almost physical pain. Xzerrion is at her side at once. "What is it?" he asks her anxiously. "Something is wrong here," she whispers painfully. "The land itself, this whole dimension ... it feels evil, perhaps even Abyssal." "Will you be all right?" She concentrates for a moment, and her face relaxes a bit. "I can manage. But this will *not* be pleasant. I hope we don't need to stay long." =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:35:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 21:25:25 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002631 In alt.callahans Post # 00000844 Xzerrion said: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > The disk twists in mid air, arcing towards the CAoL. Blasts of > energy start emerging from the craft towards Raver and the twins, > who are the most obvious targets, the disk angles straight for > Raver. "I *don't* think so," Xzerrion snarls. He and Tezrantha exchanged glances, and divided the duty in seconds. Xzerrion summons a glowing turquiose sphere into his hand, and hurls it at the disk. Assuming it hits, any electronics inside just got magnetized, which can't be too healthy for computers and such. Tezrantha calls a globe of darkness encircling the disk, effectively preventing any light energy. =========================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 18:36:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 21:30:16 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002632 In alt.callahans Post # 00000845 Xzerrion said: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > The craft dodges out of the way of the first one, however, the > catches it a glancing blow which is quite enough to vaporise it. A > building on the far side of the river is hit by the first and is > blown over and starts to burn merrily. "Dammit all to the Abyss and back again!" Tezrantha darts forward, her discomfort in this world momentarily forgotten. "Raver! Are you all right?" Healing energies begin to coalesce in her mind, in case they are needed. =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 01:06:35 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 00:40:11 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002633 In alt.callahans Post # 00000846 The Lone One said: On Thu, 8 Jan 1998, XZERRION wrote: > "Dammit all to the Abyss and back again!" Tezrantha darts forward, > her discomfort in this world momentarily forgotten. "Raver! Are you > all right?" Healing energies begin to coalesce in her mind, in case > they are needed. A faint voice answered with a curse that made even the drow shudder, coming from a nearby dark alley. After a few moments a smoking figure emerged, taking extremely careful steps. It slid down against the wall, the blackened remains of armor fading to reveal a battered demon. They put their heads between their knees, taking deep breaths. "In just a few minutes, we are going to get up and beat the living shit out of whoever it was that blew the ship with us on it." The double-throated effect was back, showing the effects of the strain that the Terrible Two had just been through. "You know, we were doing just great on our own. We'd just gotten to the power systems, too." Tezrantha's query got through their fog, and they lifted their head just enough to look at her out of one eye. "Just need a few minutes to rest. We had to...shadowdance...instead of teleporting to get out of the way in time." Raver closed their eyes, concentrating inward. -Mandy?- The response was faint. -raver?- -Talk to me. Keep talking.- Concerned, Raver flung her astral shape inward, following the thread of Mandy's mental mumbling. -That wasn't fun. I hate this. It's dark in here. I'm cold. I want out. I want to go home. I want to be normal...- -Keep whining...almost there.- -Whine? Excuse me, miss, but I do think I'm entitled to be able to whine once in a while, considering all I've been through.- Irritation was strengthening Mandy's voice, as well as the diminishing distance. Raver smiled quickly, homing in. Finally, she caught sight of Mandy, huddled in a dark corner, and the smile faded. To her practiced eye, Mandy had a distinctly translucent look, even though it was slowly fading. -Too slow.- Lips thinning, Raver leaned over and pulled the human to her feet. Their eyes met in a knowing look. -When this is over, I am going to hurt whoever it was.- -Over a human? You're getting soft in your dotage. You're the big bad demon who snacks on babies and massacres cities before breakfast.- -That was several thousand years ago, Mandy.- -Still...well, I won't yell at you *too* much if you do happen to accidentally hurt the perp.- Mandy wrapped her fingers closer around Raver's massive claws, making the demon wince minutely. -Good.- With a sigh, Raver spun a black streamer out of her own essence, twining it around Mandy's forearm. It sank into Mandy's flesh, and she gasped in pain as the influx of demonic energy simultaneously strengthened her and leeched away yet another bit of her identity. Now completely solid, Mandy straightened and released Raver's hand with a wry smile. -Now that we're done...- -Yes. I should be getting back. And you should be getting back to the main parts of the mindscape, too.- With that, Raver opened their eyes in the real world. They smiled reassuringly at the hovering Tezrantha, responding in only one voice. "We are fine now." Their smile melted into a scowl, and Raver abruptly asked, "Who vaporized the craft?" "Hydra, over there." Tezrantha poked a finger at the newcomer over her shoulder. "Ahhh. Excuse us." Raver slid around the priestess, gathering themselves up before stalking up to Hydra. They folded their arms ominously, darkness beginning to ooze off them ever so faintly. When they did speak, their tone evoked chill wolf-winds in the winter darkness. "I hope you are pleased. Thanks to your ill-advised attack, we were very nearly seriously harmed as well." They stopped for a moment, visibly keeping a clawtip hold on their self-control. It was brutally clear that the next words Raver hissed were unpremeditated, as they had not even a pretense of the demon's usual restraint. "As it was, the human suffered from shadowdancing. Which is something almost no mortal can survive unprotected without, at the very least, going completely mad. Thanks to our *unique* bond, she survived, but at the price of a part of her identity." Raver turned away from the CAoL, but not before they caught a glimpse of formerly ruby eyes nearly black with rage. They stared out over the city for a few minutes before turning back, their tone nearly normal. "So. Why was the human being chased?" =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 02:35:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(long) On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 04:28:29 -0600 In Message # 00002634 In alt.callahans Post # 00000847 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 16:36:13 PST In Message # 00002629 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000842 Nemo said: >"Here, these will help with the air. They won't let anything but > oxygen and water vapor in. And they pass CO2 and excess water vapor > out. They'll pasas most inert gases either way, so as to equalize > pressure. They *won't* pass xenon." > >Nemo grins as if he's just made a joke. Taking the mask, Knytt slips it on. >/It may not be fair. But until you know who is in the right in the > dispute, interfering is a foolish move. What if that person is a > criminal and those are legimate authorities./ > >/I am, of course, assuming that the crime is one we'd consider a > crime. But jumping to conclusions is often perilous./ As Knytt runs after them, he sends /That's true, girls, what if this is a legit bust?/ /Well, yeah.../ Melissa says, slowing slightly. /True./ Grep adds, also slowing. /BUT, we won't know until we ask.../ the twins send in mental stereo as they race forward again. /Like trying to herd cats away from a food bowl,/ Knytt sends, exasperated. >On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 20:14:10 EST In Message # 00002626 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000839 Dane0R0A said: > >In a message dated 98-01-08 15:43:07 EST, you write: ><< Gareth L Owen said: >> Hydra considers blasting the disk to atoms, but decides that it is >> no business of his. On the other hand the CAoL will need >> information, so he extends his hand. A beam of energy is emitted >> from one finger. It spears out to engulf the running human figure >> in a bubble of force. The bubble of force flashes to the waiting >> Hydra's hand, whereupon he puts the "captured" being down before >> the CAoL, for interogation. Hydra then orients the "attention" of >> one head on the disk, to see what its reaction will be. The twins slow and look around to see where their destination went. > The disk twists in mid air, arcing towards the CAoL. Blasts of > energy start emerging from the craft towards Raver and the twins, > who are the most obvious targets, the disk angles straight for > Raver. Two energy blasts connect with the twins, putting holes in the backs of their clothes just as they turned to see where their target went. Repairs taking effect quickly, the twins turn back to the ship, throwing the energy they absorbed back at the craft. Melissa through two glowing balls of energy manifested in her palms, and Grep through an energy 'puck' slap-shot with the hockey stick. >On Thu, 8 Jan 1998 17:46:38 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002627 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000840 The Lone One said: > Wings screaming with agony, they surged up, lashing out at its >underside with all four sets of claws. The steel gave way in a series >of loud crunches, and they were now safely hanging from the craft's >underside. -Wonder if whoever's in there noticed that.- > -Maybe not, but he'll notice *this*.- Methodically, Raver began >to tear the craft open and snap any wires or pipes they came across. /Wow. Nifty flying./ The twins send, impressed. >On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 01:57:51 -0800 In Message # 00002628 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000841 Gareth L Owen said: > >Dane0R0A wrote: >> Hydra sees the craft fire on Raver and the twins, and responds by >> "firing" back, twin beams of pure energy carrying about 100 >> terawatts of power each, from the eyes of the head that was >> oriented on it. Four other heads swing about to target it should it >> survive the first punch. > >The craft dodges out of the way of the first one, however, the >catches it a glancing blow which is quite enough to vaporise it. A >building on the far side of the river is hit by the first and is >blown over and starts to burn merrily. /Yipe!/ the twins send together, then simpultaniously, Melissa sends /Mandy, you ok?/ while Grep sends /Raver, you ok?/ >On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 00:40:11 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002633 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000846 The Lone One said: > > Tezrantha's query got through their fog, and they lifted their >head just enough to look at her out of one eye. "Just need a few >minutes to rest. We had to...shadowdance...instead of teleporting to >get out of the way in time." The twins arrive, rollerblades gliding smoothly acruss the pavement. > They smiled reassuringly at the hovering Tezrantha, responding in >only one voice. "We are fine now." The twins look relieved. > Raver turned away from the CAoL, but not before they caught a >glimpse of formerly ruby eyes nearly black with rage. They stared out >over the city for a few minutes before turning back, their tone >nearly normal. "So. Why was the human being chased?" Knytt returned to the alley, hood drawn over his head, which with the mask, hid most of his face. His cloak flowed around him, giving him a very ominous appearance. He approaches the young man. >On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 01:57:51 -0800 In Message # 00002628 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000841 Gareth L Owen said: > >The human being who has been deposited in front of the CAoL, looks >around in complete panic and tries to dive under a nearby pile of >cardboard boxes. He appears rather frightened and disorientated. >Physically, he appears young, but has not had a shave, haircut or >bath for sometime. Knytt throws back the hood and drops the mask from over his mouth. Knealing, he talks softly to the man. "Hey, hey, it's okay. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you. What's your name? Why was that thing after you?" =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 04:05:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: OOC: AAE IV: Preparations revisited On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 10:55:42 -0800 In Message # 00002635 In alt.callahans Post # 00000848 Gareth L Owen said: XZERRION wrote: > there?> =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 04:05:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:00:39 -0800 In Message # 00002636 In alt.callahans Post # 00000849 Gareth L Owen said: > On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 00:40:11 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002633 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000846 The Lone One said: > > A faint voice answered with a curse that made even the drow > shudder, coming from a nearby dark alley. After a few moments a > smoking figure emerged, taking extremely careful steps. It slid down > against the wall, the blackened remains of armor fading to reveal a > battered demon. They put their heads between their knees, taking > deep breaths. "In just a few minutes, we are going to get up and > beat the living shit out of whoever it was that blew the ship with > us on it." The double-throated effect was back, showing the effects > of the strain that the Terrible Two had just been through. "You > know, we were doing just great on our own. We'd just gotten to the > power systems, too." =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 04:05:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(long) On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:34:33 -0800 In Message # 00002637 In alt.callahans Post # 00000850 Gareth L Owen said: > Knytt throws back the hood and drops the mask from over his mouth. > Knealing, he talks softly to the man. > > "Hey, hey, it's okay. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you. > What's your name? Why was that thing after you?" He looks suspiciously at Knytt. "You should know, your obviously one of the Traitors, only a Grey weapon could destroy one of their saucers, and they're obviously some new type of alien" - he waves his hand at Xzerrion, Raver, etc. "If we were, er, traitors, why would we have destroyed the saucer?" asks Knytt "How should I know? Maybe your traitors to the Traitor cause." He almost laughs at his own joke. "Well then," adds someone "my enemies enemy can be my friend." The young man looks around him again. "You really don't know what's happening here, do you?" "No." "How come?" "We're, er, travellers, we've come a long way." "The whole planet knows about the Traitors and the Greys." "We've come a long way." "Ah." It takes a while for the young man, whos name turns out to be John, to tell his story, so I present a precid version. About two years ago, this version of Earth was perfectly normal it seems. Then, one day, a series of glowing energy vortices formed at various seemingly random points around the planet. These vortices proved to be impossible to analyse and destroyed every probe sent into them. They typically formed about 1000 metres above the ground. After a few days of this, strange saucer shaped craft started emerging in their hundreds, some as small as the one the CAoL destroyed others very much larger. They moved without any attempt at communication and took up stations above major population centres. A few attempts to destroy them were made by some governments, but these were unsuccsful and resisted with minimum force. For a week the saucers just sat in the skies, resisting all attampts to contact them, then, they simultaneously started destroying things. The ensuing battle lasted a week and raged across the planet, no nation escaped, and after seven days the majority of the world's armed forces had been broken and destroyed. Then the persecution started, the aliens attacked civilian populations, factories, etc, laying waste to everything. They abducted people and animals. The world was rapidly bombed back into the stone age, by the aliens who had become known as Greys and their monstrous servants who apparently are gengeneered warriors. The Greys turned out to match the classical alien stereotype, short with grey skin, large black oval eyes and huge craniums. Their servants vary widely, but all appear to be designed for a particular task. The Greys then started the construction of a dozen massive domes complexes. At this point they finally communicated, using large mechanical translators, although the Greys do not appear to speak while using them, or even touch the machines while they're operating. The complexes were to house a dozen Terraforming devices, known as Azeronium Devices, and the Greys had an offer to make. Once Earth had been fully 'Terraformed' the only places left that mankind could live would be the complexes, so the Greys required a large number of volunteers to guard and run the Azeronium Devices and in exchange they would be allowed to live on once Earth was a more suitable place for the Greys to live. Their was no shortage of volunteers, who became known to the rest of humanity as the Traitors. One year ago the terraforming started, slowly poisoning the atmosphere and waters, corrupting the land and violating the oceans. Mankind and many animals can still survive here, but one day soon Earth will no longer offer any succour to her sons. And hope? What hope is there? The free humans, among them live some who haven't stopped fighting, remains of the armies of earth, individuals and small groups who don't know how to give up and who'll fight like hell until the battle is lost or won, John has heard of a few such groups. John wasn't sure why the saucer came after him, the Greys still abduct people from time to time, but sometimes they just seem to hunt and kill humans for fun. =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:06:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:35:52 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002638 In alt.callahans Post # 00000851 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 00:40:11 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002633 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000846 The Lone One said: > > A faint voice answered with a curse that made even the drow > shudder, coming from a nearby dark alley. After a few moments a > smoking figure emerged, taking extremely careful steps. It slid down > against the wall, the blackened remains of armor fading to reveal a > battered demon. They put their heads between their knees, taking > deep breaths. "In just a few minutes, we are going to get up and > beat the living shit out of whoever it was that blew the ship with > us on it." The double-throated effect was back, showing the effects > of the strain that the Terrible Two had just been through. "You > know, we were doing just great on our own. We'd just gotten to the > power systems, too." Fuzzy finally comes out of the deap thoughts and mumbleing he has been doing... all of the personal reality stabalizers twitch for a moment... Wherever they have it stored (Pocket, or Clipped to a Belt, or Harness strap etc.) It is up to you folks who noticed. \If you want clean air, rub the indicator light on your stabalizer. It will opperate in any enviroment I am aware of. And I certainly don't want that crud in my lungs.\ Fuzzy gets himself through the Door before it closes... A look at the stabalizers will show a ring of glyphs around the indicator light. =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:06:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(long) On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 13:59:11 -0600 In Message # 00002639 In alt.callahans Post # 00000852 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:34:33 -0800 In Message # 00002637 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000850 Gareth L Owen said: > >"You should know, your obviously one of the Traitors, only a Grey >weapon could destroy one of their saucers, and they're obviously some >new type of alien" - he waves his hand at Xzerrion, Raver, etc. "'Never believe the obvious, it is usually wrong.' If we were traitors, why would we have destroyed the saucer?" asks Knytt > >"How should I know? Maybe your traitors to the Traitor cause." He >almost laughs at his own joke. "'My enemy's enemy can be my friend.' Maybe if you could tell us about how this happened, we could do something to help?" Knytt suggests. > >distant land can make all the difference.> =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:35:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE:Friends dropping in. (Long) On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 15:38:46 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002640 In alt.callahans Post # 00000853 Driscoll said: Chaos faded out from Driss's sight, and was replaced by a plain of white. "What the hell? Where are we?" Looking to his side, Driss saw two tiny people standing there. At first he was taken aback but slowly memory that this was Roscoe's real from sunk in. Still it was strange not to see him as a wolf. "I'm sorry Roscoe. This is all my fault. I let me temper get the better of me yet again and Chaos decided to punish you for it as well. As best that I can tell, we're nowhere." Squee held on tightly to Roscoe's side. "U-unca Roscoe, I can't change. W-why not?" Driss touched his cloak that was nothing more than cloth now. "Because magic doesn't work here, no matter how powerful or ancient it seems. That's going to make getting out of here tough." "Don't bother trying." Driss whirled around drawign his rapier, to come face to face with a middle aged man wielding a greatsword, followed by a middle aged woman and a young lady in her late teens or early twenties. The man and the young woman he didn't recognise, but the woman looked like Isla, an older Isla. A shade of her future perhaps? "Who are you?" asked Driss suspicously, only then realizing that all the conversation thusfar had happened in Quarenian. Was this man from Quaren as well? If so Driss's Rapier would most likely not be bale to block the hefty steel blade with the rapier's magical unbreakability gone. "You knew me as Iron Man, but that name belongs more to the suit of armor laying back there inoperative. I am Justin. Isla you know, and Yersa Isabella is this lovely young lady. We were hoping you came here to rescue us, but by your reaction I take it you are trapped here just as we have been these past years." Driss remembers the fight from the strange 360 degree viewpoint of Chaos. And the blast that seemed to vaporize the three bystanders. Pieces fell into place quickly, only to leave bigger gaps. "Years? Are you sure? By my viewpoint it couldn't have been more than 15 minutes since the beam hit you." Isla shook her head wearilly, "There is no night or day here to tell time by, but I know it has been much longer than that. Food and water don't seem to be reqirements in this world, but sleep still is. We wandered as long as we could before falling from fatigue on several occasions, never getting anywhere though." Driss looked confusedly at Isla, "How could you even tell you weren't walkign in circles? everything looks the same." "My armor." spoke up Justin, "after i shed it we used it as a reference point. At first we just walked away from it until we came across it again. Later we tried sending one person off until they could just see it in the horizon, then teh other two of us took off using the two points for triangulation. as soon as they vanished over the horizon behind us, they appeared again in the horizon before us." "Nowhere to go and all the time in the world to get there in..." muttered Driss to himself. "There's got to be a way out of this place." said Roscoe adamantly, "we just have to work it out." "I'm NOT staying anywhere near _her_ any longer than I have to! If it wasn't for her, Shiela would still be alive today!!" snapped Driss. "And where exactly would you be going then?" asked Justin calmly. Driss was about to say something, then decided to abruptly sit in the sand. "Great. The prefect nightmare. Now all it needs is a wedding and an IRS agent to make it complete." "We might as well all be friends here and let the past lay in the past. We're going to be here for a long time with nothing to do but look at each other." sighed Isla. Roscoe looked up at the vague light in the sky, "And me without a single bottle of Rum for the whole time." (OOC: OK this finishes up my finishing up my characters who will be litterally hanging out in limbo for a while. ;-) ) =========================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 16:06:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 18:51:59 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002641 In alt.callahans Post # 00000854 Xzerrion said: On Fri, 9 Jan 1998, The Lone One wrote: > A faint voice answered with a curse that made even the drow > shudder, coming from a nearby dark alley. After a few moments a > smoking figure emerged, taking extremely careful steps. It slid down > against the wall, the blackened remains of armor fading to reveal a > battered demon. They put their heads between their knees, taking > deep breaths. "In just a few minutes, we are going to get up and > beat the living shit out of whoever it was that blew the ship with > us on it." The double-throated effect was back, showing the effects > of the strain that the Terrible Two had just been through. "You > know, we were doing just great on our own. We'd just gotten to the > power systems, too." Tezrantha breathed a sigh of relief. At least they were alive. She began to glow a pale blue green as she extended a hand towards Mandy/Raver. > They smiled reassuringly at the hovering Tezrantha, responding in > only one voice. "We are fine now." Tezrantha looked back dubiously. "If you're sure. I don't think even Roland could take that shot unscathed." > Their smile melted into a scowl, and Raver abruptly asked, "Who > vaporized the craft?" > "Hydra, over there." Tezrantha poked a finger at the newcomer > over her shoulder. "I don't think he knew you were on board. Try not to strip his hide all the way off." > It was brutally clear that the next words Raver hissed were > unpremeditated, as they had not even a pretense of the demon's usual > restraint. "As it was, the human suffered from shadowdancing. Which > is something almost no mortal can survive unprotected without, at > the very least, going completely mad. Thanks to our *unique* bond, > she survived, but at the price of a part of her identity." <* Sent only to Mandy and Raver. Tezrantha has her own telepathic abilities, so she can do this. *> * I may be able to help her, if we have a few hours to hole up somewhere. Mindhealing isn't easy, but I can do it, if the need is there. * Dantris moves forward to nuzzle comfortingly at Raver's shoulder, if the touch is accepted. =========================== Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 01:36:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 04:27:16 EST In Message # 00002642 In alt.callahans Post # 00000855 Dane0R0A said: << Xzerrion said: On Fri, 9 Jan 1998, The Lone One wrote: > It was brutally clear that the next words Raver hissed were > unpremeditated, as they had not even a pretense of the demon's > usual restraint. "As it was, the human suffered from shadowdancing. > Which is something almost no mortal can survive unprotected > without, at the very least, going completely mad. Thanks to our > *unique* bond, she survived, but at the price of a part of her > identity." >> "Sorry! I didn't notice you fly into my line of fire. I was trying to protect you." Hydra says from his ariel position (imagine a 40-45 story tall being, standing in mid air above the city). "I sorrow for the damage that your human side sustained, but all happens according to the plan of that which creates," he continues. After this short speech ( the volume of which has a tendency to blow windows out of the taller buildings nearby), he resumes scanning the area for more hostiles with all but one head, which concentrates on the doings of the CAoL. =========================== Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 23:32:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:16:49 PST In Message # 00002643 In alt.callahans Post # 00000856 Nemo said: After listening to the rescued human, Nemo is obviously *not* happy. "Since Hydra is already made our position obvious, I trust you will forgive me for making it more so." Having said this, Nemo proceeds to walk up a ramp that isn't there until he is over the ruined bridge. He then places his palms together in front of his chest with the fingers. He then seperates them in a sort of pushing gesture which ends with his arms widespread, palms out. There's a faint shimmer in the air along a line running from the surface of the river, thru Nemo and up out of sight. As Nemo's hands seperate the line turns into a cylinder. And it keeps spreading out from him at a steady pace, about as fast as a man can run. The haze is gone from the air inside, the water inside the cylinder looks clean. As it passes over buildings fires go out and soot and grime disappear. The buildings are still damaged though. The cylinder will stop expanding at a radius of about 17 miles. Meanwhile, large glowing letters appear high in the sky. "COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER" Nemo returns to the group. "I have some things I wish to 'discuss' with these Greys. No doubt the rest of you have similar desires?" =========================== Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 14:26:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 14:17:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002645 In alt.callahans Post # 00000858 Nemisis said: > On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 15:43:14 -0800 In Message # 00002644 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000857 Gareth L Owen said: > >> On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:16:49 PST In Message # 00002643 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000856 Nemo said: >> >> Meanwhile, large glowing letters appear high in the sky. >> >> "COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER" #While they still can Reason...# >> Nemo returns to the group. >> >> "I have some things I wish to 'discuss' with these Greys. No doubt >> the rest of you have similar desires?" #I am going to reconstruct add armor and life support systems to several of these buildings. Does anyone have some input the would like to make on that project?# =========================== Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 20:32:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 23:14:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002647 In alt.callahans Post # 00000860 Shadow said: > On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 04:27:16 EST In Message # 00002642 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000855 Dane0R0A said: > "Sorry! I didn't notice you fly into my line of fire. I was trying > to protect you." Hydra says from his ariel position (imagine a 40-45 > story tall being, standing in mid air above the city). "I sorrow for > the damage that your human side sustained, but all happens according > to the plan of that which creates," he continues. Rhiannon mutters, "Yeah, right." OOC: Aside from that she's not doing much. Just looking around her, not visibly upset by her surroundings. =========================== Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 22:32:57 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 20:38:12 PST In Message # 00002648 In alt.callahans Post # 00000861 Nemo said: > On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 14:17:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002645 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000858 Nemisis said: > >>> Meanwhile, large glowing letters appear high in the sky. >>> >>> "COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER" > > #While they still can Reason...# Nemo laughs. /No, I really do intend to talk to them. I just don't expect it to work. But still, *first* we talk, *then* we kill them./ > #I am going to reconstruct add armor and life support systems to > several of these buildings. Does anyone have some input the would > like to make on that project?# "Perhaps." =========================== Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 23:10:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 23:07:13 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002649 In alt.callahans Post # 00000862 Nemisis said: > On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 20:38:12 PST In Message # 00002648 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000861 Nemo said: > > /No, I really do intend to talk to them. I just don't expect it to > work. But still, *first* we talk, *then* we kill them./ #Exactly :|# > emissions from that saucer ought to give us some ideas about what > sort of defenses are best.> #Thank You# =========================== Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 04:03:27 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Mon, 12 Jan 1998 05:38:41 -0600 In Message # 00002650 In alt.callahans Post # 00000863 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 23:07:13 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002649 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000862 Nemisis said: > >> On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 20:38:12 PST In Message # 00002648 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000861 Nemo said: >> >> > emissions from that saucer ought to give us some ideas about what >> sort of defenses are best.> > >#Thank You# The twins glide over on their rollerblades. Grep says, "We analysed the energy that that ship hit us with. The data may be useful." Melissa turns toward Raver, "Raver, you were inside that thing. What did you find?" Knytt flips his cloak completely closed around him, throwing his hood over his face. A flash of white light from inside his hood and Knytt opens his cloak a bit to reveal his technomage costume replaced with Confederate grey pants tucked into black calf high boots, a black battle fatigue shirt with the word 'UNIT' lettered in sky-blue over the left breast pocket, and a black leather gunbelt, with an empty holster. Finding a semi intact fireescape, Knytt clambored up to its top for a better view. /Had to change...felt like I was wandering around in a pair of pyjamas./ ^Father, we need to talk,^ Grep sent over their private link. The female android appeared next to Knytt on the roof of the building he was standing on. ^How long will you torment yourself over the Controller's death?^ she asked. ^You don't go for all that preamble, do you?^ Knytt replied with a smirk. ^How long?^ Knytt rested his head in his hands, took a deep breath, then looked her in the eye. ^I have no idea.^ ^Well, you have been doing it for 25 years now, and we all think it is time you stopped.^ Knytt looked at Grep for a moment. ^'We all?' Who is in this 'we all'?" Grep smiled only slightly, but managed to be reassuring. ^It hasn't gone outside the family. Melissa and I, Pyewackett, and Mother.^ ^Flarn?^ ^Yes. She says you are being an...'ass'? And 'Thank the Gods that he have only put us through three months of this behavior and not the 25 years he has put himself through. He is mourning the death of a murderer, no, worse. A butcher. That...thing...killed him and he mourns it.'^ ^Yes, that sounds like your mother, alright.^ Knytt said, grimacing slightly. ^She can get quite upset when she puts her mind to it. But, the controller wasn't the only one who died because I was angry.^ Melissa appeared on the roof now, Grep disappearing to rejoin the CAoL. The android twin replied without missing a conversational beat. ^Uther Pendragon? The man was as bad as the Controller. Without the scientific know-how, but just a vicious. He was a tyrant. You do the universe a favor and act like it is a sin. _And_ we know you were destined to do that anyway. You pave the way for the greatest king in history and you want to whine about it.^ ^You sound like your mother...or Pyewackett.^ Knytt replied with a smile. ^Only when what they say makes sense. Now if you want to beat yourself up, go right ahead, but don't do it here. Go somewhere where only you will get your ass shot off.^ ^'Ass shot off'? Where are you two picking up this stuff? That is not something your mother would say.^ ^Robert Heinlein. _Time Enough for Love_.^ ^Alright, so what about you two? You were so upset over Oracle's offer to be in the Dragon Guard. What happened?^ ^We concluded that we were upset at the thought of having the responsibility to make such decisions. We did not want to make choices based upon a child's moods. We have our own moods to sort through first. Besides, we have already learned we dislike babysitting. We would rather mow lawns for our allowance.^ Knytt's attempted to stifle a laugh. ^You are going all out on this childhood thing, aren't you?^ ^You got it, Dad. We may never grow up. We like being spoiled little kids.^ Knytt couldn't help laughing now. As he did, Grep switched places with Melissa. She held out a Romulan Disruptor. ^Unless you have another preference?^ Knytt sobered up quickly. ^This will be fine.^ ^Remeber what Lazarus says, 'Get a shot off fast. This upsets him long enough to let you make your second shot perfect.'^ Knytt stared at the disruptor. Grep caught the hesitation. ^You are not like the people you have killed. You have always exercised other options first. This is a last resort only. You have always treated it as such. You always said that was the important part.^ Knytt took the weapon, ^Maybe...maybe I just scared myself. Alright, only as a last resort.^ Knytt slipped the disruptor in the holster and snapped the cover closed. Grep nodded and vanished back to the alleyway. Knytt watched the skyline from his perch atop the building. The girls watched Knytt from the alleyway. Their thoughts private. ^Will this work?-I don't know.-He has to get back to his old self soon.-He can't do what he must if he can't make the crucial decisions when it counts.-Not with his future.-Pacifism is a nice idea.-But not a sane one when you face what he will.-I hate knowing the future.-We must remember to avoid ourselves at all costs.-Yes, twice will be quite enough.^ =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 00:04:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Mon, 12 Jan 1998 23:42:31 In Message # 00002651 In alt.callahans Post # 00000864 Morgan said: >On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 14:17:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002645 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000858 Nemisis said: > >>> On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:16:49 PST In Message # 00002643 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000856 Nemo said: >>> Meanwhile, large glowing letters appear high in the sky. >>> >>> "COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER" > >#While they still can Reason...# <*While _who_ can still reason?*> Morgan asks as she, Roland, and the two spirits-in-cans step through the portal. *Um...Morgan? Didn't we go through the 'door' _first?_ I _thought_ we went through first...* Roland, still confused from his near-fatal encounter with Thorne, looks at their new surroundings through glazed eyes. "That's it. I'm moving to Pittsburgh," Sil, ever the wiseass, comments. Morgan looks around at their companions, then back to where the door was a moment ago. <*Yea. They came through af...*> The two immortals look at each other and say as one, "Chaos." Zenn sighs. "I'll go have a talk with my boss. Don't get incinerated or anything while I'm gone, okay?" "You just want to leave before your body disintegrates in this atmosphere," Sil replies with a halfhearted smile. *Be careful, scales-for-brains,* she adds mentally, though her worried tone belies her casual words. *Always, hothead,* Zenn replies, and disappears, leaving a pile of crumpled paper. >#I am going to reconstruct add armor and life support systems to >several of these buildings. > Does anyone have some input the would like to make on that project?# "Antidotes for all major poiso-" Roland feels at where Thorne had slashed at him. The wound and poison are gone. "Never mind," he adds, remarking through the link, *Some days you _do_ get the bear.* Roland takes out his transformation belt and sits down. *Might as well do something constructive while we wait for someone to accept Nemo's low-key invitation,* he adds with a grin. *By the way, which Greys?* *Eeeew. Nasty.* Roland yanks back a finger from the belt and sucks on it as if burned, but there is no visible reaction. (Psi-aware beings will note a surge in psychic vibration at that moment.) *The Greys on my world are mostly decent enough, though the rogues are more than unpleasant enough to make up for the rest. So. Now wh-* Roland smiles. *Sorry. Your line, hon.* Morgan shoots a wry smile at Roland, eyebrows raised. Roland grins sheepishly. *IloveyouMorganpleasedonthurtme.* The smile that passes between them makes it plain that he is in no danger, except possibly from a massive tickle attack. :-) =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 01:21:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 01:18:09 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002654 In alt.callahans Post # 00000867 Nemisis said: > On Mon, 12 Jan 1998 23:42:31 In Message # 00002651 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000864 Morgan said: > >>On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 14:17:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002645 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000858 Nemisis said: >> >>>> On Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:16:49 PST In Message # 00002643 >>>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000856 Nemo said: > > <*While _who_ can still reason?*> Morgan asks as she, Roland, and > the two spirits-in-cans step through the portal. #The Greys, They appear to be alien invaders attempting to remake the local enviroment to suit themselves.# > *Um...Morgan? Didn't we go through the 'door' _first?_ I > _thought_ we went through first...* Roland, still confused from his > near-fatal encounter with Thorne, looks at their new surroundings > through glazed eyes. > "That's it. I'm moving to Pittsburgh," Sil, ever the wiseass, > comments. #Don't bother, Pittsburgh is even worse... ;)# > "Never mind," he adds, remarking through the link, *Some days you > _do_ get the bear.* Roland takes out his transformation belt and > sits down. *Might as well do something constructive while we wait > for someone to accept Nemo's low-key invitation,* he adds with a > grin. *By the way, which Greys?* \# Here is your update {}, I take the partial request to mean a set of effective first-aid kits, Sounds like a good idea to me.#\ =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 17:02:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 16:36:27 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002655 In alt.callahans Post # 00000868 The Lone One said: On Mon, 12 Jan 1998, Michael Jon Knight wrote: > The twins glide over on their rollerblades. Grep says, "We analysed > the energy that that ship hit us with. The data may be useful." > > Melissa turns toward Raver, "Raver, you were inside that thing. What > did you find?" The demon turned absently toward the sound of her name, stuffing their hands in the pockets of their jeans. "Well. The steel they covered the craft with was reinforced, and it was about one or two inches thick. That was about what we were expecting. However, once we broke through..." They shrugged before continuing, "Inside, there were only a few wires that we saw. Also, the larger parts were...strange. Almost organic." -It would have been nice if it actually bled.- -Nice image there, Raver.- =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 17:32:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:47:02 -0800 In Message # 00002656 In alt.callahans Post # 00000869 Gareth L Owen said: Michael Jon Knight wrote: > Melissa turns toward Raver, "Raver, you were inside that thing. What > did you find?" > > able to make things explode, and that it was organic inside.> =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 17:32:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:54:08 -0800 In Message # 00002657 In alt.callahans Post # 00000870 Gareth L Owen said: A formation of seven saucer shaped craft approached London from the northwest in a tight formation travelling at just under the speed of sound. They were larger ships than the one the CAoL encountered before, being a full 100 yards across each. Reaching the edge of Nemos barrier they flew along it, apparently scanning it, before one ship broke off from the formation and plunged through. The remaining ships followed it through one at a time, the formation reforming inside the barrier. They moved onwards, six of the ships surrounding the seventh in a regular circlular pattern. At last they reached Tower Bridge, where the formation opened up, the central saucer hovering over a patch of wasteground. a Beam of light apparently shone down from the centre of the alien craft and a single figure with a large box like machine descended down the beam. The light flickered off, leaving the solitary alien standing there. He was short and grey with a large cranium and dull black eyes, the very image of a "short grey". He flicked a switch on the box and stood there, waiting. =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 19:03:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 21:21:05 EST In Message # 00002658 In alt.callahans Post # 00000871 Dane0R0A said: << Gareth L Owen said: At last they reached Tower Bridge, where the formation opened up, the central saucer hovering over a patch of wasteground. a Beam of light apparently shone down from the centre of the alien craft and a single figure with a large box like machine descended down the beam. The light flickered off, leaving the solitary alien standing there. He was short and grey with a large cranium and dull black eyes, the very image of a "short grey". He flicked a switch on the box and stood there, waiting. >> Hydra seeing no overt hostile act scans the box (OOC: presumably it is one of the grey's comm boxes, and is not itself dangerous.) He detects no danger, so he walks toward the grey, as though walking down a stairway to the river's edge. The heel of his "booted" foot overlaps the edge of the river and when the foot decends it crushes, a (partial) heel shaped area beneath it, to powder down to the water line (but no lower). He strides across the surface of the river (without making a single splash) to the waiting figure. Then he waits one head targeting each of the seven "ships", one targeting the grey and the last scanning the sky and horizon for hostiles. =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 20:32:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 22:27:03 -0600 In Message # 00002659 In alt.callahans Post # 00000872 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:47:02 -0800 In Message # 00002656 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000869 Gareth L Owen said: >bordering on hyperspace, very advanced and very unusual technology, >producing a localised destructive effect, no radiation was induced, >very little in the way of secondary effects> /Grandmother,/ Grep says to Nemisis, /here {} is what we discovered about that beam. An interesting trick, but it makes sense. Don't irradiate a place you intend to live. It might be wise to shield the buildings from attacks via that particular dimension./ =========================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 20:33:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 22:27:06 -0600 In Message # 00002660 In alt.callahans Post # 00000873 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:54:08 -0800 In Message # 00002657 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000870 Gareth L Owen said: > >The remaining ships followed it through one at a time, the formation >reforming inside the barrier. They moved onwards, six of the ships >surrounding the seventh in a regular circlular pattern. From his watch tower atop one of the more intact buildings, Knytt scans the skyline with a high-tech pair of binoculars, Earth Alliance logo displayed prominently on them. He looks into the distance, spotting the small formation. He points, removing the gas mask temporarily from his face so his voice will carry, "/We've got company. Seven ships. Just a rough guess here, but they are about 100 yards across, and cruising at the speed of sound, maybe a bit under./" Knytt replaces the mask and continues surveillance. >At last they reached Tower Bridge, where the formation opened up, the >central saucer hovering over a patch of wasteground. a Beam of light >apparently shone down from the centre of the alien craft and a single >figure with a large box like machine descended down the beam. The >light flickered off, leaving the solitary alien standing there. He >was short and grey with a large cranium and dull black eyes, the very >image of a "short grey". He flicked a switch on the box and stood >there, waiting. Knytt adds, his right hand floating over his disruptor, the cover open for a quick-draw if needed. /Nemo, you called 'em...whaddaya reckon to do now?/ =========================== Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 00:02:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:11:20 PST In Message # 00002661 In alt.callahans Post # 00000874 Nemo said: > On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 23:54:08 -0800 In Message # 00002657 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000870 Gareth L Owen said: > > Reaching the edge of Nemos barrier they flew along it, apparently > scanning it, before one ship broke off from the formation and > plunged through. > > The barrier won't permit the "pollutants" to be re-introduced. But as long as the ship doesn't hit the barrier at high speed, they ought to be ok. If they *do* hit at high speed, and the ship's "air" is like the air outside the barrier (or worse) they'll effectively have a "shock wave" passing thru the ship at the ship's speed. > At last they reached Tower Bridge, where the formation opened up, > the central saucer hovering over a patch of wasteground. a Beam of > light apparently shone down from the centre of the alien craft and a > single figure with a large box like machine descended down the beam. > The light flickered off, leaving the solitary alien standing there. > He was short and grey with a large cranium and dull black eyes, the > very image of a "short grey". He flicked a switch on the box and > stood there, waiting. Nemo's garb alters to navy blue slacks, black shoes, a white turtleneck, and a navy blue sweater (V-neck, buttons up the front). A sort of "casual elegance" look. "I'm going to have that talk now. Anyone who wishes to may accompany me, with the understanding that we will *not* initiate the use of force. In fact, I'm inclined to let them attack me, just to show how futile that is. I want there to be no doubt that we have the moral high ground. Thus I recommend against the more 'fragile' members accompanying me." He takes out a small box. "For those who remain behind in our defenses, this will let you listen in, and it will also relay your comments to me. It's not tappable or detectable. Alas, that also means that it only functions as paired units." With this, Nemo starts walking towards the waiting Grey. =========================== Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 02:38:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: And Behind Door Number 2...(was Re: OOC: AAE IV: On Wed, 14 Jan 1998 02:27:21 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002662 In alt.callahans Post # 00000875 Nemisis said: > On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 22:27:03 -0600 In Message # 00002659 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000872 Michael Jon Knight said: > > /Grandmother,/ Grep says to Nemisis, /here {} is what we discovered > about that beam. An interesting trick, but it makes sense. Don't > irradiate a place you intend to live. It might be wise to shield the > buildings from attacks via that particular dimension./ \Thank You, I see, Like the Phased Anti-Particle Beams Lord Fuzzy built into his HoverCyclone but done on a pure tech basis. I will set the wall sheilds to boost the Phase Varience of all income effects of that type, that should shift them beyond the ability to interact with local reality.\ =========================== Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 15:33:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Wed, 14 Jan 1998 18:28:19 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002663 In alt.callahans Post # 00000876 Xzerrion said: On Wed, 14 Jan 1998, Leonard Erickson wrote: > "I'm going to have that talk now. Anyone who wishes to may accompany > me, with the understanding that we will *not* initiate the use of > force. In fact, I'm inclined to let them attack me, just to show how > futile that is. I want there to be no doubt that we have the moral > high ground. Thus I recommend against the more 'fragile' members > accompanying me." Tezrantha moved forward, Dantris beside her. "I'm coming with you. If the prove hostile, I commend myself to the protection of my God." Xzerrion sends privately <* No way I can talk you out of this? *> <* None, I'm afraid. *> <* Then be careful, and may your God keep you. I'll be with the backup party, should you need it. *> > "For those who remain behind in our defenses, this will let you > listen in, and it will also relay your comments to me. It's not > tappable or detectable. Alas, that also means that it only functions > as paired units." Xzerrion takes a look at the device, studying the wrong end. "Interesting," he mutters, "But I have no idea how this works." =========================== Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 18:53:17 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Wed, 14 Jan 1998 17:30:50 PST In Message # 00002665 In alt.callahans Post # 00000878 Nemo said: > On Wed, 14 Jan 1998 18:28:19 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002663 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000876 Xzerrion said: > > Xzerrion takes a look at the device, studying the wrong end. > "Interesting," he mutters, "But I have no idea how this works." "Just speak aloud. And listen. Think of it as a two-way clairaudience spell." =========================== Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 18:53:28 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: The Face of the Enemy On Wed, 14 Jan 98 18:08:29 -0800 In Message # 00002666 In alt.callahans Post # 00000879 Roland X said: >On Wed, 24 Dec 1997 18:40:40 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002533 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000746 "P. Campbell" said: > >>On Sun, 21 Dec 1997, Shadow wrote: > >"You answered your own question. A tightly knit, powerful group will >stop its plans to help another member who is attacked, or to work >vengence on the attacker. I am willing to take that risk, and draw >their attentions for a time. However, I will not act using raw power. >Drisonel tried that and failed. A lone assassin is more dangerous >than an army." Knightmare nods, respecting the wisdom-and courage-of the assassin. >"Arrangements seem simple enough, mage. Roland and Morgan are yours, >as it is my guess you want them. I don't feel the need to take down >each group member personally." "The druid is not my concern," Thorne says with a shrug. "Her death would likely cause Roland pain, but she is magi and he is a psion, and he cannot deny his lesser heritage no matter how he tries. He will not mourn her deeply. Kill her if you wish. Just leave the boy to me." KnightMare merely sighs, though his respect for the assassin goes up a notch. >> Jadis merely looks at Thorne, expressing his disdain. "I would >> think that we had already done such, as we've let him live this >> long. For my part, you have my support in your plans, such as it >> may be. And in return I'll wish to know what you might have >> learned, as I don't pretend to know everything. I'll also expect >> your help at times in my own plans." *Please, Lord Jadis. He is a touchy tool as he is,* KnightMare sends, excluding Thorne from the sending. Then, to all present, he adds, *Do as you will with them, so long as you keep them busy with other things.* KnightMare casually floats over a dagger to M'Lausa. *A trinket retrieved during my travels.* If M'Lausa has any magic sense, he will detect large amounts of power (by AD&D standards) imbued in the blade. It secrets poisons, both paralyzing and lethal, and will return to its imprinted wielder on command. >M'Lausa tosses Jadis a thick sheaf of scrolls. "My notes on the >observed abilities of both Tezrantha and Xzerrion. There is also >something odd about Tezrantha's horse I have been unable to discover. >Also included in those scrolls are some notes on my stealth magics. >Maybe you can use it to train your guards. And I'll be pleased to >assist in your plans, so long as they do not contradict with my own." "Psions," Thorne explains, "are vulnerable to two things-poison and other auras, which they call 'haloes.' Since they are immortal, a poison will not kill them-nor can they metabolize it, however. Also, if one is trained, a warrior can extend his 'halo' around melle weapons. By striking one of the central three chakras, you can steal the psion's immortality and thereby kill them." Thorne smiles evilly. "An excellent state of affairs if it can be done." =========================== Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 22:33:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Thu, 15 Jan 1998 21:14:30 PST In Message # 00002672 In alt.callahans Post # 00000885 Nemo said: > On Thu, 15 Jan 1998 00:53:21 -0800 In Message # 00002664 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000877 Gareth L Owen said: > > to try and reason with the Grey. OK, say your piece, the alien will > not speak first, but when approached will stand their inscrutably > until someone says something.> Nemo addresses the Grey. "You have attacked this planet's people without provocation. You maintain contact with them when they do not desire it. You kill them. You force them to do your bidding. You change their world to your purposes. This is not proper behavior for an intelligent species. What possible justification do you offer?" =========================== Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 11:33:27 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Fri, 16 Jan 1998 19:23:28 -0800 In Message # 00002673 In alt.callahans Post # 00000886 Gareth L Owen said: > On Thu, 15 Jan 1998 21:14:30 PST In Message # 00002672 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000885 Nemo said: > > Nemo addresses the Grey. > > "You have attacked this planet's people without provocation. You > maintain contact with them when they do not desire it. You kill > them. You force them to do your bidding. You change their world to > your purposes. This is not proper behavior for an intelligent > species. What possible justification do you offer?" The Grey responds, or at least his big grey box does. His mouth doesn't move and the telepaths present don't detect him transmitting. "We needed a new world. So we took this one, the gravity was right and we can take care of our other needs satisfactorily. It has been our observation that the inhabitants of this planet have traditionally acquired new territory through the force of arms, and have always subjugated the conquered peoples. We were merely extending that tradition. They can hardly complain at that." =========================== Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 12:03:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Fri, 16 Jan 1998 12:00:17 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002674 In alt.callahans Post # 00000887 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 16 Jan 1998 19:23:28 -0800 In Message # 00002673 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000886 Gareth L Owen said: > > "We needed a new world. So we took this one, the gravity was right > and we can take care of our other needs satisfactorily. It has been > our observation that the inhabitants of this planet have > traditionally acquired new territory through the force of arms, and > have always subjugated the conquered peoples. We were merely > extending that tradition. They can hardly complain at that." \Remind It that the Tradition is to try to Take Territory, But that Failure holds a Drastic Price!\ =========================== Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 23:33:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 02:23:47 EST In Message # 00002675 In alt.callahans Post # 00000888 Dane0R0A said: Hydra's head that is targeting the Grey speaks "You Taking Earth for your own will not be acceptable to the CAoL. I will offer you this: If you (all of you) leave this planet now, I will build a planet in trojan orbit with this one with an atmosphere matching this planet's, at this time. You may take that planet for your own and do with it as you will. I will place hunter seekers in orbit around this planet to ensure you don't change your mind. If you refuse, the CAoL will surely oppose you, and if they oppose you *I* will oppose you. I will release upon you a thousand hunter seekers, each as powerfull as a lesser Starspawn. I will transform a number of the humans of this world into greater Starspawn, each with the power to destroy a world. These things would hunt your people to the ends of the universe." He pauses, then continues "Do not make the mistake of thinking that I am bluffing, I do not bluff. I can and will do as I have said.... Your answer?" As he speaks he extends his hand and points. At the tip of his finger a hole opens in space, and through it pours a stream of tiny sparks. Those with the senses or sensors to detect such things will detect 1000 point discontinuities, each with the energy equivilent of 1 billion tons of mass. (OOC: please note that is the energy of 1 billion tons of mass converted to energy).These stream out in a straight line untill they reach the edge of the cleared air, then they follow the edges of the cleared air around until there is a glowing circle of points in the exact same plane as the Grey ships. =========================== Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 00:33:34 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 02:30:20 -0600 In Message # 00002676 In alt.callahans Post # 00000889 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 02:23:47 EST In Message # 00002675 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000888 Dane0R0A said: > >As he speaks he extends his hand and points. At the tip of his finger >a hole opens in space, and through it pours a stream of tiny sparks. >Those with the senses or sensors to detect such things will detect >1000 point discontinuities, each with the energy equivilent of 1 >billion tons of mass. Knytt watches, /Well, this'll be a short trip. That's the problem with the conquering methodology, there is always someone tougher waiting around the corner to conquer the territory you worked so hard to conquer./ =========================== Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 09:33:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 00:03:54 PST In Message # 00002677 In alt.callahans Post # 00000890 Nemo said: > On Fri, 16 Jan 1998 12:00:17 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002674 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000887 fuzzy said: > > \Remind It that the Tradition is to try to Take Territory, > But that Failure holds a Drastic Price!\ "The tradition you speak of had been renounced by their best attempt at a world government, and had been widely criticized by religious and philosophical leaders among them. And while it had not yet been incorporated into their culture, they *had* discovered the rudiments of Metalaw, thus showing that they were well on their way to being ready for contact with other species. All that is gone now." Nemo shrugs. "They also have a few sayings that apply quite well: 'Two wrongs don't make a right.'and 'Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.' Having adopted their methods, you also, are hardly in a position to complain if force is used against you. I would rather that you restored the planet as best you could and left voluntarily after paying them an appropriate indemnity such as instruction in some technologies that would aid them in rebuilding." His expression hardens. "However, if you will not do the right thing of your own will, we will find it necessary to take steps that you might find 'unfortunate'." /Be prepared to defend. Try to neutralize power systems and deflect attacks. Killing is not appropriate for such as these.../ =========================== Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 13:03:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 15:40:44 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002678 In alt.callahans Post # 00000891 Xzerrion said: On Fri, 16 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > The Grey responds, or at least his big grey box does. His mouth > doesn't move and the telepaths present don't detect him > transmitting. Tezrantha ignores that quirk of their species, having other things on her mind. > "We needed a new world. So we took this one, the gravity was right > and we can take care of our other needs satisfactorily. It has been > our observation that the inhabitants of this planet have > traditionally acquired new territory through the force of arms, and > have always subjugated the conquered peoples. We were merely > extending that tradition. They can hardly complain at that." "Humanity is an interesting case," Tezrantha notes. "They have both been responsible for some of the greatest good and greatest evils in the universe. As a young race, they are indeed still warlike, though as their wisdom grows, this no doubt will change. Your words, however, imply that your people are an elder race, and ought to have learned better by now. What is your excuse, both for the monumental immaturity of trying to take and hold territory for conquest, and for so throroughly devastating the territory you claim to own?" =========================== Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 14:33:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 14:25:35 In Message # 00002679 In alt.callahans Post # 00000892 Morgan said: >On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 00:03:54 PST In Message # 00002677 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000890 Nemo said: > >> On Fri, 16 Jan 1998 12:00:17 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002674 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000887 fuzzy said: >> >> \Remind It that the Tradition is to try to Take Territory, >> But that Failure holds a Drastic Price!\ "And reinforcements just arrived," Roland says quietly, smiling grimly. >"The tradition you speak of had been renounced by their best attempt > at a world government, and had been widely criticized by religious > and philosophical leaders among them. And while it had not yet been > incorporated into their culture, they *had* discovered the rudiments > of Metalaw, thus showing that they were well on their way to being > ready for contact with other species. All that is gone now." *Humans are more resilient than _that,_ Nemo,* Roland replies, bristling slightly. (OOC: Roland may be immortal, but he's still human and sprockin' proud of it. 8^) > watching, it seems to originate from the "link" he left behind> > >/Be prepared to defend. Try to neutralize power systems and deflect > attacks. Killing is not appropriate for such as these.../ "I prefer _never_ to kill," Roland says quietly. "But this looks to me like a war. A war of extermination. That makes it a war that we have to win." Roland suddenly looks very young, and long-time members of the CAoL remember that Roland isn't that old even by mortal standards... (OOC: ROFL!) Then, >On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 02:23:47 EST In Message # 00002675 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000888 Dane0R0A said: > >Hydra's head that is targeting the Grey speaks "You Taking Earth for >your own will not be acceptable to the CAoL. I will offer you this: >"Do not make the mistake of thinking that I am bluffing, I do not >bluff. I can and will do as I have said.... Your answer?" <*Or maybe,*> Morgan adds, her arm around Roland, <*Just _maybe_ they'll decide to take the easy way out and make this a win-win situation.*> *I hope so,* Roland replies. *Hydra may not bluff, but if he can find a thousand mortals on _any_ world worthy of Starspawn-level power, I'm going to retire to the Legion universe.* ^Yeah, right. Is it _ever_ that easy?^ she adds on her private link to Roland. ^Not usually,^ Roland agrees. =========================== Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 00:03:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 23:10:23 PST In Message # 00002680 In alt.callahans Post # 00000893 Nemo said: > On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 14:25:35 In Message # 00002679 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000892 Morgan said: > > *Humans are more resilient than _that,_ Nemo,* Roland replies, > bristling slightly. (OOC: Roland may be immortal, but he's still > human and sprockin' proud of it. 8^) /I did not say it was gone *forever, Roland. Merely that it is gone now. And I hold little hope for such growth from a "client" species such as the humans who accepted the Greys' offer would be./ > <*Or maybe,*> Morgan adds, her arm around Roland, <*Just _maybe_ > they'll decide to take the easy way out and make this a win-win > situation.*> > > *I hope so,* Roland replies. *Hydra may not bluff, but if he can > find a thousand mortals on _any_ world worthy of Starspawn-level > power, I'm going to retire to the Legion universe.* /Most humans can become worthy given a few millenia of experience. Which I'm sure we could arrange for them to get, yes?/ =========================== Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 01:04:11 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 00:46:35 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002681 In alt.callahans Post # 00000894 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 23:10:23 PST In Message # 00002680 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000893 Nemo said: > >> On Sat, 17 Jan 1998 14:25:35 In Message # 00002679 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000892 Morgan said: >> *I hope so,* Roland replies. *Hydra may not bluff, but if he can >> find a thousand mortals on _any_ world worthy of Starspawn-level >> power, I'm going to retire to the Legion universe.* \I hope you mean, at one time, in the natural course of events.\ > /Most humans can become worthy given a few millenia of experience. > Which I'm sure we could arrange for them to get, yes?/ \Both good points, Besides there are other native sentients... We can even manage to arrange a time loop, to give them the time to grow up, before today. What bothers me is given a few millenia will their minds still be 'Human' Who was it?, that defined Alien as... Thinking as well as a human but not like a human.\ =========================== Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 02:03:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 04:35:15 EST In Message # 00002682 In alt.callahans Post # 00000895 Dane0R0A said: <> "I did not say I would create a thousand Starspawn. I think a half dozen would be more than enough. As for their being worthy, I am sure that there are half a dozen humans that would give up all they are to see the last of the Greys." Hydra responds. =========================== Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 02:03:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 04:42:47 EST In Message # 00002683 In alt.callahans Post # 00000896 Dane0R0A said: << Fuzzy said: \Both good points, Besides there are other native sentients... We can even manage to arrange a time loop, to give them the time to grow up, before today. What bothers me is given a few millenia will their minds still be 'Human' Who was it?, that defined Alien as... Thinking as well as a human but not like a human.\ >> "True. And the time loop could be done. The answer to your question is no they would NOT be human. Those handful that I would change would have to be willing to give up EVERYTHING that they are or could become. They would no longer be human, but class three greater Starspawn." Hydra says. =========================== Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:04:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:01:56 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002684 In alt.callahans Post # 00000897 fuzzy said: > On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 04:42:47 EST In Message # 00002683 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000896 Dane0R0A said: > > "True. And the time loop could be done. The answer to your question > is no they would NOT be human. Those handful that I would change > would have to be willing to give up EVERYTHING that they are or > could become. They would no longer be human, but class three greater > Starspawn." Hydra says. \I was refering to after several millenia of experience, but before becomeing Starspawn... As long as they choose to pay the Price, I will support this option to the best of my ability.\ \Besides which, There is some doubt in my mind as to the sentience of most humans.\ =========================== Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 12:34:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 20:40:31 PST In Message # 00002687 In alt.callahans Post # 00000900 Nemo said: > On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 00:46:35 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002681 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000894 fuzzy said: > > \Both good points, Besides there are other native sentients... > We can even manage to arrange a time loop, > to give them the time to grow up, before today. > What bothers me is given a few millenia will their minds still be > 'Human' > Who was it?, that defined Alien as... > Thinking as well as a human but not like a human.\ /I gave up pondering that issue after my first few millenia./ :-) ===========================