Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4 Chapter 13 Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 17:07:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: The Land of Nod On Mon, 19 Jan 1998 19:00:21 -0600 In Message # 00002690 In alt.callahans Post # 00000903 Michael Jon Knight said: Knytt listens to the conversations between Nemo and the Grey and Nemo and the CAoL, just drifting, letting it wash past. As he is unsure of what solution he would choose, he just listens. The twins are far better at time manipulation than he is, it being part of what they are. They can sort through the possibilities far faster than he can. So, Knytt just drifts on the conversation. He looked up to find the scene before him changed. Looking around, he saw a vast expanse of red sand before him. A huge mound is in the distance on the horizon. It looks very familiar. He looked down to find he was wearing the same costume he wore after the Controller had killed his...his what? His last body? The term certainly felt strange to him now. But, everything seemed to remind him of only one place...and surprizingly, as at home as he felt here, he had never been here before...never been to... "Australia?" he asked no one. A mechanical "singing" came from behind him, as the word "Yes." was intoned deeply. Knytt whirled around, drover coat fluttering in the breeze the turn created. The turn seemed incredibly slow, as if in molasses. Finally facing the voice, he saw the encounter-suited form of a vorlon. "Who are you?" it asked as its form shifted to that of his beloved Flarn. "I am me. Where am I, really?" "Where your senses tell you." he heard his own voice reply in his ear. "What do you want?" Flarn smiled pleasantly. Her robes fluttered as coppery spirals of her hair caught up in the breeze. Everything was moving so slowly. Knytt turned to see Roland standing on a small stone bridge that crossed a stream. "To be a hero," Roland replied. Knytt looked in the stream. The reflection looking back at him was Morgan's. "To heal the Universe." the reflection said. A large yellow cat sat on the opposite bank. "To be reborn." the cat...no, Fuzzy...replied. A geyser of blue and purple steam erupted behind Knytt, as John, in Lion form, stepped out, his form melting into that of his previous human self. "To be what I was." Then, he added, "To be complete." Legion tapped Knytt on the shoulder. She was wearing her Victorian clothes, but with Caprice's face and Argent's hair. "Internal harmony." she whispered. His gaze returning to the river, Knytt saw Xzerrion floating past on a raft with Tezrantha and Dantris. "Family." Driss stood toe-to-toe with a giant Raven with the head of a Coyote. They were engaged in a staring contest. "To face down my demons." Driss said. The Stardragon glided overhead, "To explore." Dhyrclhanc sailed by the Stardragon in the opposite direction. "To protect." Raver glided to a landing nearby. "To know when to fight." Nemo stood next to her. "To know when not to fight." Stranger rested a hand on Knytt's shoulder. "To know peace." Knytt turned to Flarn only to find himself standing on the rooftop again. "It is within you," she whispered, "Father." Knytt looked surprized. ^Father.^ Melissa repeated over their personal link. He looked around, looking for Flarn, but she wasn't there. He rubbed his eyes, but his hand bumped into a pair of sunglasses. Pulling the sunglasses off, he went to scratch his head when his hand met a wide-brimmed hat. Looking down at himself, he saw the clothes from his dream. They were covered lightly in a fine red sand. ^I'm alright Melissa, I was just...^ What -was- he doing? ^You were standing there when you seemed to nod off for a second. You went all hazy, then your clothes changed. Did you leave?^ ^I'm not sure.^ Was he time-travelling in his sleep? Like he didn't have enough problems. No, he was sure he was dreaming... ^What did I miss?^ he asked Melissa. ^Maybe a half second of discussion between ourselves. Just trying to decide how we can best help out here. Any ideas?^ ^Maybe...^ (See next post) =========================== Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 17:07:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Mon, 19 Jan 1998 19:00:25 -0600 In Message # 00002691 In alt.callahans Post # 00000904 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:01:56 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002684 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000897 fuzzy said: > >\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.\ Knytt gives out a faint yawn. /Excuse me.....There is some doubt in my mind to the sentience of any warlike race. What I want to know,/ Knytt says, adjusting the brim of his hat, /is why our little Grey buddies are terraforming an atmosphere they can obviously breathe, as our friend there is demonstrating. What's in the stuff we were breathing that is so special? And what is in our's that is so bad? For that matter, can they actually breathe our air or is ol' bulbhead holding his breath? Maybe that box is an atmospheric converter for him. Let's find out what we naturally have to fight with before we start getting creative. Maybe taking out whatever is putting out this purple crap is a faster way to get rid of them./ =========================== Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 09:56:18 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: OOC: AAE Help? On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 07:17:29 PST In Message # 00002692 In alt.callahans Post # 00000905 Nemo said: > On Mon, 19 Jan 1998 13:05:52 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002688 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000901 fuzzy said: > > A minor plot point that never came up, will give Nemisis cause to > make a short trip back to the Valley in Shasta, where Legion was > last seen. > > I will write that action in an hour or two, > If someone else comes up with someting that works better, > We can just assume that Legion will have already left by the time > Nemisis arrives. > > She will feel a need to moth-ball the Base that we built there, > but never got a chance to make use of. And she'll find Nemo acting as caretaker. (He's curious to see how this world turns out, and is quite willing to aid any "supers" who make it to the base) =========================== Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 13:34:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 13:21:04 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002693 In alt.callahans Post # 00000906 Nemisis said: > On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:01:56 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002684 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000897 fuzzy said: > > \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.\ #Lord Fuzzy, I will be returning to the Base in Shasta to assure proper shutdown, I will however, leave the archives requested by RolandX active for now. While I am there I will scout for our missing members, I count that as... Caprice, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, As well as Squee, Mischief, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... Have I neglected any?# Nemisis Gates back to Shasta in another world. tbc =========================== Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 14:36:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE: A Return to Shasta On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 14:06:17 +0800 In Message # 00002694 In alt.callahans Post # 00000907 fuzzy said: > On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 13:21:04 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002693 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000906 Nemisis said: > > #Lord Fuzzy, > I will be returning to the Base in Shasta to assure proper > shutdown, I will however, leave the archives requested by RolandX > active for now. While I am there I will scout for our missing > members, > I count that as... Caprice, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, Roscoe > As well as Squee, Mischief, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... > Have I neglected any?# \Archives? ... What Archives?\ \Roland, do you know what she is talking about?\ =========================== Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 17:04:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE: A Return to Shasta On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 16:37:16 +0800 In Message # 00002695 In alt.callahans Post # 00000908 Nemisis said: > On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 14:06:17 +0800 In Message # 00002694 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000907 fuzzy said: > > \Archives? ... What Archives?\ #Roland Requested a Global Backup, On an immediate basis... I gated a Split back .5 billion years to construct Data gatherers and an archive site in the rock below what would be 'Refuge' Valley in Shasta, Before the developement of sentient life on this world. The archives hold the engram patterns and physical condition of every living sentient mind on the planet, updates not more than 5 minutes old at any time. As well as rough geo-data and positional data for non-sentient species for the same term, older data can be found in the Master Archive in the center of Luna this archive is updated every hour.# >> >> Nemisis Gates back to Shasta in another world. Nemisis arrives In Refuge Valley, Shasta. "Legion, We were shunted to another universe in our search for our missing members. There has been a very high death toll event there, I do not know if it will be safe for you to join us. Have you seen any sign of, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, Roscoe, or Squee, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... ?" =========================== Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 02:04:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 03:39:23 -0600 In Message # 00002696 In alt.callahans Post # 00000909 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 13:21:04 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002693 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000906 Nemisis said: > >#Lord Fuzzy, > I will be returning to the Base in Shasta to assure proper > shutdown, I will however, leave the archives requested by RolandX > active for now. While I am there I will scout for our missing > members, > I count that as... Caprice, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, > As well as Squee, Mischief, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... >Have I neglected any?# /Roscoe. Dhyrclhanc's friends are Synthea and Nimrod. As father is fond of old sayings such as 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer', it might be good to search for Isla and Darath also. Safe journey, Grandmother./ the Techno-twins reply. /Good grief, are we missing so many?/ Knytt sends, still shaking the fog from his mind. /Yes,/ the twins reply. /Roland, Morgan, Sil, Fuzzy, Nemisis, Knytt, Pyewackett, Melissa, Grep, John, Rhiannon, Dhyrclhanc, Synthea, Nimrod, Legion, Mischief, Mandy/Raver, Xzerrion, Tezrantha, Dantris, Nemo, Hydra, Driscoll, Roscoe, Squee, Iron Man...all fall under the heading of 'activated members' of our company, 26 members in all. Stranger is listed as 'reserve.' Of activated members, Pyewackett is the only one who's whereabouts we can confirm.../ /Lazy cat,/ Knytt sends quietly. The twins continue without pause, /John, Dhyrclhanc, Synthea, Nimrod, Driscoll, Roscoe, Squee, Iron Man, 8 members, are 'missing in action' for various reasons. We presume Legion and Mischief are where we left them, in the Valley./ /Wow,/ Knytt sends, /I hadn't sat down and actually worked it out, but we are missing nearly 1/3 of the team./ /Zero-point-three-zero-seven-six-nine-five-three-eight-four-/ /We get the idea.../ Knytt sends. /If this keeps up, we'll have to rename ourselves the Callahanian Platoon of Light./ =========================== Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 10:34:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 01:17:54 -0800 In Message # 00002697 In alt.callahans Post # 00000910 Gareth L Owen said: Dane0R0A wrote: > 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. Time freezes around Hydra, and briefly he appears to be the only being present that's not frozen. He hears a voice. "No, no, no. This is against the rules, Arioch knows that full well. I don't care where he got you from, you'll have to go back." The voice comes from a man who wasn't there an instant ago. He's about 300m tall and dressed in plate armour covered in geometrical patterns. He has a long grey beard, short cropped grey hair and dark brown eyes. "He's not mine, and he's spoiling my fun as much as he's breaking your precious rules MolloM." Another speaker has appeared, this one hanging from the top of the intact tower of the bridge. He appears to be a human in a jesters outfit, apart from the flippers, of course. His face is shiningly beautiful, with blonde hair and blue eyes. "Spoiling your fun? But he's about to hand you victory on a platter!" "Yes, does that sound very chaotic to you? I don't think so." "Anyway, you know the rules Arioch, and he's not allowed." "Random visitors are part of the rules." Arioch gestures at the frozen CAoL. "Random! You've brought them here!" "Well, maybe I did, but I'm a Lord of Chaos," Arioch grinned broadly "my actions count as random." "Nevertheless, the rules forbid direct intervention by gods and he's a god if ever I saw one, however 'random' he may be." "Agreed." Arioch turns and addresses Hydra directly "What say you sir? Why are you here and what do you mean spoiling our fun?" =========================== Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 18:04:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 20:11:30 EST In Message # 00002698 In alt.callahans Post # 00000911 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-01-21 13:16:57 EST, you write: << "Agreed." Arioch turns and addresses Hydra directly "What say you sir? Why are you here and what do you mean spoiling our fun?" >> "I am here because they are here" Hydra replies pointing to the motionless CAoL. "The Stardragon has taken them to its heart and would be most angry if they were injured or killed. For that reason Oracle asked me to assist and protect them. They are on a quest to rescue a missing, captured friend. One of the beings that oppose them also killed a Discie, and I am seeking that one to kill him before The Stardragon finds out. As for being a god, I am a fair match for MOST gods, in power, but I am not a god. Therefore my presense here should not be a violation of your rules. Many of these people," again jesturing towards the CAoL members present "have arch enemies which, in each case, they wish to face and defeat alone. The Stardragon, Oracle, and I all honor such desires, and will not interfere with personal combat between the two opposing beings, but these Greys do not fall into that category. The CAoL will almost certainly oppose the Grey conquest of this planet. If the Greys fight back, they will face ME and all my resources. If I am insufficient to the task, with my last erg of energy I will summon The Stardragon. You Arioch are an incarnation of Chaos, who provided an entrance to this world, but you are just a small part of him. It was the choice of the CAoL to enter. They had OTHER means of exiting the place where they were. Therefore their arrival and mine should fall under your random visitor clause, and while I am as powerful as a god, I am not a god, so your rule against divine interferance is not broken either." =========================== Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 21:35:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 21:18:16 In Message # 00002699 In alt.callahans Post # 00000912 Morgan said: Fuzzy 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.\ *Of course. Properly prepared, humanity might be ready for that level of awareness, but IMO that preparation would require centuries if not millenia. People are basically decent, but power corrupts and cosmic power corrupts at flank speed.* Roland eyes the Greys coldly, his expression clearly saying 'case in point.' >On Mon, 19 Jan 1998 19:00:25 -0600 In Message # 00002691 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000904 Michael Jon Knight said: >Knytt gives out a faint yawn. /Excuse me.....There is some doubt in >my mind to the sentience of any warlike race. What I want to know,/ >Knytt says, adjusting the brim of his hat, /is why our little Grey >buddies are terraforming an atmosphere they can obviously breathe, as >our friend there is demonstrating. What's in the stuff we were >breathing that is so special? And what is in our's that is so bad? >For that matter, can they actually breathe our air or is ol' bulbhead >holding his breath? Maybe that box is an atmospheric converter for >him. Let's find out what we naturally have to fight with before we >start getting creative. Maybe taking out whatever is putting out this >purple crap is a faster way to get rid of them./ *It's a start,* Roland agrees reluctantly. *If we're going to be facing an invasion force capable of walking over an entire planetary defense system, we'd better start thinking a bit more laterally than usual.* Morgan, realizing that Knytt has made a good point, attempts to 'scan' the Greys mystically. (OOC: Gareth, this is essentially a bioscan, in part trying to figure out the answers to some of Knytt's questions; what do we find? Morgan has the equivalent of Life 4 in Mage: the Ascension terms.) After Morgan finishes scanning, Roland gives her a quick kiss and returns to studying the Greys himself. Though he's far more reluctant to attempt psi on them than magick (the Greys probably know plenty about psi powers) he's using the more traditional method of weighing them internally. "What do you intend to do if-" Roland begins, then starts to sway slightly. *What...?* It's not the Greys. He knows that as soon as he begins to falter. And it's not an attack... exactly. *Who...?* /PAIN! Anger! Death! MURDERERS! Kill them all! AVENGE us!/ *NO! Stop! It's too much!* Roland sends desperately, throwing up shields as hard and as fast as he can. Morgan does the same, filtering just enough to use her own telepathic link to the CAoL, then lends support to Roland, who smiles gratefully. Nowhere... "Master!" Thorne, once again in the Anti-versal citadel of KnightMare, turns to the former Shadow. "Spike!" KnightMare turns calmly from the incarnations of Order and Chaos in his cylinders. *As I expected. Monitor closely.* Thorne glares at the strange, flickering monitor of events. By tapping the flow of Order and Chaos, KnightMare could once again monitor the CAoL undetected, if erratically. But Nemo still wasn't showing up, Hydra was throwing interference everywhere, and Roland- -the damn link he'd set up between himself and Roland was washing back! "He's breaking free," Thorne snarles. "The brat is cutting free!" *Again, expected,* KnightMare notes with a satisfied air. Thorne turns again to face his master. "I don't understand. Why-?" *You will see,* KnightMare explains. *Return to your world, Thorne. Wield the power you have been given. I have another recruit to enlist.* Thorne stared. /What is it up to?/ Back in Graybar Land... Roland's belt begins to glow a sickly red, a light familiar to those who have wielded the Ryl'lyntar sigils. Corrupt energies. He snarls, grabs the belt, and screams. The light explodes outward, then fades away. The voices around him continue to call out, but he can control his powers once more, and understands. /The power,/ Roland thinks, as the belt reorganizes itself. /It's mine. It's been mine all along. This is from.../ *It's from Callahan's,* a familiar voice chuckles. Roland stares blankly into space. *Is-is that you?* *Yep. Consider that belt...a piece of the magic from the Place. Have a good time, son.* The presence fades. *Thanks, Mike,* Roland chuckles in reply, placing the belt around his waist again. <*Justin the Mick o' Time, as usual,*> Morgan chuckles, and Roland desperately misses his peanut rifle. <*You okay, sweetheart?*> Roland taps the belt, and the superheroic version of Blaze appears once more. He smiles at his renewed, untainted form. *Just fine, love. After all, I couldn't ask for a better wardrobe,* he sends with a laugh. *I'll explain later, but the short version is-you gotta love Harmonian tech!* He smiles, his halo shining for those with the ability to see it. =========================== Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 06:34:57 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: A Return to Shasta On Thu, 22 Jan 1998 05:16:22 PST In Message # 00002705 In alt.callahans Post # 00000918 Nemo said: In mail you write: > "Legion, We were shunted to another universe in our search for our > missing members. There has been a very high death toll event there, > I do not know if it will be safe for you to join us. > Have you seen any sign of, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, Roscoe, > or Squee, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... ?" As Nemesis speaks with Legion, she'll notice Nemo, wearing jeans, boots and a flannel shirt (not checked, a sort of dark beige). He's puttering around with some equipment. =========================== Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 08:05:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Thu, 22 Jan 1998 07:14:34 PST In Message # 00002707 In alt.callahans Post # 00000920 Nemo said: > On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 20:11:30 EST In Message # 00002698 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000911 Dane0R0A said: > > In a message dated 98-01-21 13:16:57 EST, you write: > > << > Time freezes around Hydra, and briefly he appears to be the only > being present that's not frozen. "Apperars" is a good word... :-) > > "I am here because they are here" Hydra replies pointing to the > motionless CAoL. "The Stardragon has taken them to its heart and > would be most angry if they were injured or killed. For that reason > Oracle asked me to assist and protect them. They are on a quest to > rescue a missing, captured friend. One of the beings that oppose > them also killed a Discie, and I am seeking that one to kill him > before The Stardragon finds out. As for being a god, I am a fair > match for MOST gods, in power, but I am not a god. Therefore my > presense here should not be a violation of your rules. Many of these > people," again jesturing towards the CAoL members present "have arch > enemies which, in each case, they wish to face and defeat alone. The > Stardragon, Oracle, and I all honor such desires, and will not > interfere with personal combat between the two opposing beings, but > these Greys do not fall into that category. The CAoL will almost > certainly oppose the Grey conquest of this planet. If the Greys > fight back, they will face ME and all my resources. If I am > insufficient to the task, with my last erg of energy I will summon > The Stardragon. You Arioch are an incarnation of Chaos, who provided > an entrance to this world, but you are just a small part of him. It > was the choice of the CAoL to enter. They had OTHER means of exiting > the place where they were. Therefore their arrival and mine should > fall under your random visitor clause, and while I am as powerful as > a god, I am not a god, so your rule against divine interferance is > not broken either." A small dot appears near Hydra and expands until it is about a foot across. It's an n-dimensional, evolving fractal, and thus can't be said to have a "shape" as such. NEMO sends. There is no emotional tone noticeable/recocgnizable. Just a vast *attention*. #I/we am/are not a god/gods either. But I/we do not like having my/our remotes interfered with. Since you have paused transmission, I/we shall monitor until it resumes.# #I/we do not approve of the situation on this planet either. But our remote has been handling that well enough for now.# =========================== Date: Sat, 24 Jan 1998 09:02:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: A Return to Shasta On Sat, 24 Jan 1998 11:18:02 -0500 In Message # 00002712 In alt.callahans Post # 00000925 Caprice said: >On Tue, 20 Jan 1998 16:37:16 +0800 In Message # 00002695 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000908 Nemisis said: > >"Legion, We were shunted to another universe in our search for our >missing members. > There has been a very high death toll event there, I do not know if >it will be safe for you to join us. > Have you seen any sign of, Dhyrclhanc, Driscoll, Iron Man, Roscoe, >or Squee, and Dhyrclhanc's friends... ?" Legion shakes her head. "We can start looking for them from our home if that is desired. Or we can join up with the rest. Concidering the fact that we were asked here with no explaination, I would like to get at least -that- much." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: A Return to Shasta On Sat, 24 Jan 1998 16:58:20 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002713 In alt.callahans Post # 00000926 Nemisis said: > On Sat, 24 Jan 1998 11:18:02 -0500 In Message # 00002712 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000925 Caprice said: > > Legion shakes her head. "We can start looking for them from our home > if that is desired. Or we can join up with the rest. Concidering the > fact that we were asked here with no explaination, I would like to > get at least -that- much." "I will make my memories of the situation and its origins availible to you." \Here is the Key {}\ =========================== Date: Sun, 25 Jan 1998 18:32:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 02:21:18 -0800 In Message # 00002715 In alt.callahans Post # 00000928 Gareth L Owen said: > On Thu, 22 Jan 1998 07:14:34 PST In Message # 00002707 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000920 Nemo said: > >> On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 20:11:30 EST In Message # 00002698 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000911 Dane0R0A said: >> >> You Arioch are an incarnation of Chaos, who provided an entrance to >> this world, but you are just a small part of him. It was the choice >> of the CAoL to enter. They had OTHER means of exiting the place >> where they were. Therefore their arrival and mine should fall under >> your random visitor clause, and while I am as powerful as a god, I >> am not a god, so your rule against divine interferance is not >> broken either." "Nevertheless" adds MolloM "I would take such a huge release of energy against my forces as divine intervention, and I'd feel entitled to get personally involved, by the rules. You may not be a god, but that very much depends on your point of view." "Interpreted in your favour MolloM, mayhap?" Arioch responds "Should you intervene I will intervene, you know that, and that conflict could destroy the world you want to conquer." "Better that than you get hold of it. But you can prevent it Arioch, keep him" he indicates Hydra "out of the battle and I won't have an excuse." > NEMO sends. There is no emotional tone noticeable/recocgnizable. > Just a vast *attention*. > > #I/we am/are not a god/gods either. But I/we do not like having > my/our remotes interfered with. Since you have paused transmission, > I/we shall monitor until it resumes.# > > #I/we do not approve of the situation on this planet either. But our > remote has been handling that well enough for now.# Arioch grins broadly. "There you are a compromise." MolloM looked confused. "Well, MolloM this entity has broken our freeze, and is clearly another of these not-gods that appear to be crawling out of the woodwork, but he didn't register with us, because he was using an avatar of limited power, sorry what was the word, 'remote'" "And you think..." "Yes, if this dragon would use an avatar of limited power that wouldn't allow you to interfere directly, would it now?" "I guess not." MolloM looked distinctly suspicious. "What say you sir dragon, will you use an avatar or will you allow yon God of Law to enter the fray?" =========================== Date: Sun, 25 Jan 1998 22:02:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 00:54:43 EST In Message # 00002721 In alt.callahans Post # 00000934 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-01-25 21:34:54 EST, you write: << Gareth L Owen said: "What say you sir dragon, will you use an avatar or will you allow yon God of Law to enter the fray?" >> Hydra looks at MolloM directly (actually he looks at both gods directly) and says "I have your unbreakable word of honour that you will not interfere if I use a remote or remotes of limited power? I warn you, if you agree and then break your word of honour, you will not just face me, you will face Oracle and The Stardragon as well. And YOU Arioch do you also agree to this?" =========================== Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 06:32:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 14:13:13 -0800 In Message # 00002722 In alt.callahans Post # 00000935 Gareth L Owen said: Dane0R0A wrote: > Hydra looks at MolloM directly (actually he looks at both gods > directly) and says "I have your unbreakable word of honour that you > will not interfere if I use a remote or remotes of limited power? I > warn you, if you agree and then break your word of honour, you will > not just face me, you will face Oracle and The Stardragon as well. > And YOU Arioch do you also agree to this?" "Aye, you have my word of honour on this." replies MolloM, there's a feeling as though something has been sealed. MolloM being a God Of Law after all. "Who me?" says Arioch "What good is my word? But sure 'I promise'" Arioch raises his right flipper. "He'll stay out of the conflict, he's bound by our agreement as much as I am." MolloM glares at Arioch all the same =========================== Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 20:03:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 22:30:09 EST In Message # 00002723 In alt.callahans Post # 00000936 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-01-26 09:36:00 EST, you write: << Gareth L Owen said: "Aye, you have my word of honour on this." replies MolloM, there's a feeling as though something has been sealed. MolloM being a God Of Law after all. "Who me?" says Arioch "What good is my word? But sure 'I promise'" Arioch raises his right flipper. "He'll stay out of the conflict, he's bound by our agreement as much as I am." MolloM glares at Arioch all the same >> "Very well. This will be my avatar/remote" Hydra says as he jestures towards the circling ring of hunter seekers. All 1000 of them streak to his outstreached hand. They merge into a single point on the end of his index finger. Then the point of light drops to the ground and expands to a shape identical to that of Hydra's but 1/10th the size (40-45 feet high). "I will watch from N space, and control this construct, which I name Armagedon, from there. It shall have access to my power as though it were the favored avatar of a god." Hydra continues, as he phases out of 3 space. (OOC: Armagedon is similar in nature to a cross between Nemisis and the AI twins, but based on energy rather than matter) =========================== Date: Thu, 29 Jan 1998 12:03:25 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Tue, 27 Jan 1998 19:46:46 -0800 In Message # 00002728 In alt.callahans Post # 00000941 "Brice D. Fleckenstein" said: > \Remind It that the Tradition is to try to Take Territory, > But that Failure holds a Drastic Price!\ A voice out of nowhere says "Remind it that the Tradition is to try to take Territory, but the Tradition is also that the current inhabitants can and normally will resist - to the point of counterinvasion if VERY successful." (Correspondance is a WONDERFULL Sphere, and so handy sometimes!) =========================== Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 23:13:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: We Come In Peace On Sun, 01 Feb 1998 01:09:49 -0800 In Message # 00002734 In alt.callahans Post # 00000947 Gareth L Owen said: > On Wed, 21 Jan 1998 21:18:16 In Message # 00002699 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000912 Morgan said: > > Morgan, realizing that Knytt has made a good point, attempts to > 'scan' the Greys mystically. (OOC: Gareth, this is essentially a > bioscan, in part trying to figure out the answers to some of Knytt's > questions; what do we find? Morgan has the equivalent of Life 4 in > Mage: the Ascension terms.) OK, the Greys appear to be a carbon based lifeform, although many of the compounds used by their biochemistry are alien to Earth. They can survive temporarily in an earth normal atmosphere (for weeks rather than hours), but require certain compounds in the atmosphere long term that are very strange, in fact their creation almost certainly requires manipulation of the fabric of reality, very weird. No obvious digestive system, it's not clear how or what they eat, possibly nutrients are absorbed in breathing or through their skin. Brain activity is very strange, there is lots of biochemical activity, but it's not even close to human patterns =========================== Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 23:13:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Sun, 01 Feb 1998 01:23:56 -0800 In Message # 00002735 In alt.callahans Post # 00000948 Gareth L Owen said: > 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. > "Very well. This will be my avatar/remote" Hydra says as he jestures > towards the circling ring of hunter seekers. All 1000 of them streak > to his outstreached hand. They merge into a single point on the end > of his index finger. Then the point of light drops to the ground and > expands to a shape identical to that of Hydra's but 1/10th the size > (40-45 feet high). "I will watch from N space, and control this > construct, which I name Armagedon, from there. It shall have access > to my power as though it were the favored avatar of a god." Hydra > continues, as he phases out of 3 space. The Grey looks on impassively. "I don't know anything about these 'Starspawn', but I don't see how you can oppose us without also destroying the humans you want to free," he shrugs "either way, we will resist. I do not believe that you can best us in open combat. No one has yet." Tezrantha said: > "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?" "So any race whos methods disagree with your own is immature? Interesting. As for devastating it, we are changing it into a beautiful, natural wonderland. The humans never looked after it as well as we will. They put hardly any effort into beautifying it, or caring for their biosphere. Admittedly we require certain fundamental changes, but we will maintain it properly once it has been converted." Nemo said: > "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." "Insanity, this is sheer insanity that you suggest. We won." > 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'." "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we have no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you want to do this. My guess is that you can travel extradimensionally, this doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk away. Go to war with us and we will wipe you out, either that or you must wipe us out," he looks around "and it appears to me that you are very much outnumbered here." =========================== Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 13:35:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Sun, 1 Feb 1998 11:43:12 PST In Message # 00002736 In alt.callahans Post # 00000949 Nemo said: In mail you write: > "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we have > no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you want to > do this. My guess is that you can travel extradimensionally, this > doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk away. Go to war with us > and we will wipe you out, either that or you must wipe us out," he > looks around "and it appears to me that you are very much > outnumbered here." A strange expression crosses Nemo's face for a split second (data download from NENO of events during the freeze). "Nonsense. You have options. You just do not wish to use them. For example, the next planet inward can be made habitable for your race in a mere few centuries. Even faster if we help." "You have spoken of open combat. What makes you think we would do something so inefficent? We could make this planet unusable to you *without* doing anything to humans." Nemo gestures and an effect much like the one that created the cylinder of normal air surrounding the city appear. This cylinder merely expands until it encloses Nemo and others in the delegation, but stops short of the Gray. "As you can easily verify, the area where I stand is quite conducive to human life, but would be fatal to one of your species. Consider your position if this was done to the entire planet. He gestures towards Tezrantha. "Your response to her is essentially that our standards are no better than yours. And that you will take 'better' care of the planet. Unfortunately for you, the first arguement is easily refuted. Metalaw is, by its nature universal. And the canons of Metalaw refute your second point as it isn't your planet." "Perhaps your race never discovered that a universally applicable code of behavior existed? I shall rectify that omission. Allow me to present you with a copy." Some of the twisted, broken steel from a ruined building floats towards Nemo, reforming into a smooth surfaced tablet with writing upon it. It floats gently to the ground where it sits propped against a piece of debris so that all can see it. The Canons of Metalaw First Canon (Haley's Rule): Do unto others as they would have you do unto them. Second Canon: The First Canon of Metalaw must not be applied if it might result in the destruction of an intelligent being. Third Canon: Any intelligent being may suspend adherence to the first two Canons of Metalaw in its own self-defense to prevent other intelligent beings from restricting its freedom of choice or destroying it. Fourth Canon: Any Intelligent being must not affect the freedom of choice or the survival of another intelligent being and must not, by inaction, permit the destruction of another intelligent being. Fifth Canon: Any intelligent being has the right of freedom of choice in lifestyle, living location, and socioeconomic cultural system consistent with the preceeding Canons of Metalaw. Sixth Canon: Sustained communication among intelligent beings must always be established and maintained with bilateral consent. Seventh Canon: Any intelligent being may move about at will in a fashion unrestricted by other intelligent beings provided that the Zone of Sensitivity of another intelligent being is not thereby violated without permission. Eighth Canon: In the event of canonical conflict in any relationship among intelligent beings, the involved beings shall settle said conflict by nonviolent concordance. Definitions Law: A system of rules of conduct and action governing the relationships between intelligent beings. These precepts are classified, reduced to order, put in the shape of rules, and mutually agreed upon. Metalaw: A system of law dealing with all frames of existence and with intelligent beings of all kinds. Intelligent being: An organized system having all of the following characteristics: A. Self-awareness. B. Time-binding sense -- able to consider the future, conceive optional future action, and act on the results thereof. C. Creative -- able to make bisociative syntheses of random matrices to produce new concepts. D. Behaviorly adaptive -- capable of overriding the programmed behavior of instinct with behavior adapted to perceived present or imagined future circumstances. E. Emphathetic -- capable of imaginative identification with another intelligent being. F. Communicative -- able to transmit information to another intelligent being in a meaningful manner. Zone of Sensitivity: A spherical region about an intelligent being that extends out to the threshold of sensory detection, pyhsio-bio-psycho-socio effects or some arbitary boundary within those limits that is announced by the being. =========================== Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 21:10:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Sun, 1 Feb 1998 23:03:51 -0600 In Message # 00002738 In alt.callahans Post # 00000951 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 1 Feb 1998 11:43:12 PST In Message # 00002736 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000949 Nemo said: >> "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we >> have no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you >> want to do this. My guess is that you can travel extra- >> dimensionally, this doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk >> away. Go to war with us and we will wipe you out, either that or >> you must wipe us out," he looks around "and it appears to me that >> you are very much outnumbered here." "Ok," Knytt mutters to himself, "Here we go..." Knytt reaches for his blaster, only to find it not on his hip. Surprized, he pats himself down, searching for a weapon or anything he had had only a few moments ago. Coming up empty, he scans the rooftop for anything useful. Something drew him toward a rusted air conditioner. A small satchel lay on the ground. Picking it up, he spotted an inscription imprinted into the leather: "To Michael" "From Mom and Dad" A flash raced through his mind, then he heard the splash of water and smelled pine trees. In front of him, he saw a grey-haired man in a white tunic and pants with a long ruby vest. He was smiling and holding a grey-haired woman's hand. She was dressed similarly, white tunic and pants and long ruby vest. She also smiled. The woman said, "It's just a little something. A reminder of home. Hope you like it." The flash raced through again and reality returned. "Mom..." Knytt whispered. >"As you can easily verify, the area where I stand is quite conducive > to human life, but would be fatal to one of your species. Consider > your position if this was done to the entire planet. Knytt opened the small satchel's zipper. Inside was a book, probably a thousand pages of thin, handmade paper, bound in a green leather cover. In the center of the front cover was an embossed gold symbol. No, not a symbol, Three letters merged to make a symbol. Knytt's initials, 'MJK'. The book was weather-beaten and appeared to have been very abused. He fell in love with it instantly. >"Perhaps your race never discovered that a universally applicable >code of behavior existed? I shall rectify that omission. Allow me to >present you with a copy." > >Some of the twisted, broken steel from a ruined building floats >towards Nemo, reforming into a smooth surfaced tablet with writing >upon it. It floats gently to the ground where it sits propped against >a piece of debris so that all can see it. Knytt glanced up to see what Nemo had done, using the link to see what was written on the steel tablets, then looked back down at the battered tome. Running his hand over the cover, Knytt suddenly felt a memory bob to the surface. He was standing on an open battlefield strewn with the wreckage of exploded giant robots. Three Shadows stood in front of him, disguised as himself, Roland and Morgan. Then a loud buzzing sounded as three trap doors opened beneath the Shadows. Then he scribbled the rest of the details of the trap into a notebook for him to set up later. Something about that memory made a connection in his mind to this book, but he wasn't sure how. Opening the book, he found pages upon pages of his own handwriting and sketches, describing his life and experiences in some detail. Halfway through the book was an unfinished page with the following written on it: > The Canons of Metalaw Gleening again from the link what the steel tablets said, he looked back at the book, where a new sentence had formed that read: "Knytt looked through the link again to read what the steel tablets said, only to discover that his actions had been mysteriously written in the book he was holding." Then Knytt noticed a small bottle of ink and a quill pen. Again the image of the traps and the notepad flashed through his mind. Picking up the pen, Knytt wrote: "A gust of wind blew Knytt's hat off." As he raised the pen from the page, a strong wind whipped over the building, sending his hat flying off his head. "Coincidence," he muttered, only to see the words appear on the page, "Okay, maybe not. Let's try this..." Setting pen to paper again, Knytt wrote a two-page description of a pastrami sandwich, the plate it was set on, and where it would appear for him to find. When he looked up, toward the corner of the roof, there was the sandwich he described. Picking it up, he took a bite. Too much mustard. Just like he had written. He turned the plate over. The 'Maid in China' label was written backwards, with the typo he had described. "Maximum weirdness threshold exceeded." Knytt said, as he started to close the book, then stopped. Taking pen in hand again, Knytt wrote: "Knytt looked down to find his attire changed again. A short-sleeved white cotton shirt was tucked into a pair of undyed, off-white denim jeans. A brown leather belt circled his waist, which matched a comfortable pair of brown leather slip-on shoes. His wild, wavey hair had been straightened and gathered into a small pony tail. A small gold analog watch with LCD hands and a brown leather wristband was on his left wrist. An off-white jacket that matched his jeans hung on a large device that stood nearby on the rooftop." At this point, Knytt sketched the machine, a combination Star Trek force-field generator, mark 10 phaser bank, and coffee maker. The jacket hung from a coat hook near the coffee maker. A chair was mounted to the side of the phaser bank, which swiveled 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. A joystick controller with a large red button on top was positioned in front of the chair. Looking down at himself and around, Knytt was pleased to discover his changes had taken effect. Knytt closed the old volume, slipping a green silk ribbon that hung from the spine of the book in-between the pages he was last on. Capping the ink well and quill pen, Knytt replaced the gifts in the small leather bag they had come in, which he slipped over his shoulder after slipping on the jacket. "Very weird," he said, glancing down at the CAoL delegation, hoping he hadn't missed anything important. =========================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 23:24:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE IV: Battlestations On Tue, 03 Feb 1998 22:58:18 In Message # 00002744 In alt.callahans Post # 00000957 Morgan said: >On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:34:33 -0800 In Message # 00002637 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000850 Gareth L Owen said: > >>Michael Jon Knight wrote: >> >>>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?" > >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. >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. > >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. > >distant land can make all the difference.> >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. Roland can only scowl, empathy and rage fighting for dominance of his emotions. For Morgan, empathy wins over rage for now. While they talk with John, she does some subtle healing of any wounds, dehydration, or malnutrition. >On Sun, 1 Feb 1998 11:43:12 PST In Message # 00002736 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000949 Nemo said: > >> "I don't know anything about these 'Starspawn', but I don't see how >> you can oppose us without also destroying the humans you want to >> free," he shrugs "either way, we will resist. I do not believe that >> you can best us in open combat. No one has yet." "First time for everything," Roland mutters, keeping Morgan and John (the refugee) cloaked in as psionically 'quiet' a manner as he can. >>> 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'." >> >> "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we >> have no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you >> want to do this. My guess is that you can travel extra- >> dimensionally, this doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk >> away. Go to war with us and we will wipe you out, either that or >> you must wipe us out," he looks around "and it appears to me that >> you are very much outnumbered here." "We've fought against worse odds," Roland quips. >"You have spoken of open combat. What makes you think we would do > something so inefficent? We could make this planet unusable to you > *without* doing anything to humans." > >Nemo gestures and an effect much like the one that created the >cylinder of normal air surrounding the city appear. This cylinder >merely expands until it encloses Nemo and others in the delegation, >but stops short of the Gray. Morgan gratefully draws a breath of purple-free air. Roland notes this clamly except for a slight narrowing of his eyes. *I'm not sure what happened with Hydra and 'Armageddon,' but I don't think I want to see it again. You might want to keep some of your tricks 'up your sleeve,' so to speak, Nemo.* ^Besides, I _really_ don't want to see the TTSNB again,^ he adds privately to Morgan. Remembering Thorne's slimy "pet", Morgan shudders. >"Perhaps your race never discovered that a universally applicable > code of behavior existed? I shall rectify that omission. Allow me to > present you with a copy." > >Some of the twisted, broken steel from a ruined building floats >towards Nemo, reforming into a smooth surfaced tablet with writing >upon it. It floats gently to the ground where it sits propped against >a piece of debris so that all can see it. ^Is he Nemo or Moses?^ Roland sends over the private link, adding a mental 'smiley' as he projects. ^Our brain,^ Morgan replies. *Nemo, if these beings agreed with those concepts-* Roland begins. <*"If these beings agreed with those concepts,"*> Morgan repeats aloud for John's benefit as she sends, <*"we wouldn't be having this conversation."*> *"Well, regardless, it looks like they want to do this the hard way."* Roland sighs heavily. "John, once the 'negotiations' have ended, I think we should try to find some of the Resistance forces. Can you-and more importantly, will you-help us meet them?" (After he responds) "Listen up, Grey!" Roland shouts. "You want to do this the hard way, fine! But do _not_ try to breach negotiation protocols! We all walk out of here in one piece, or I call in reinforcements-and you _don't_ want me to do that." (OOC: I can provide reinforcements for the Greys if you think they need 'em. Are you familiar with a guy named 'Zod?' ) =========================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 23:56:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Tue, 3 Feb 1998 23:53:54 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002745 In alt.callahans Post # 00000958 fuzzy said: > On Tue, 03 Feb 1998 22:58:18 In Message # 00002744 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000957 Morgan said: > >>On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:34:33 -0800 In Message # 00002637 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000850 Gareth L Owen said: >> >>Michael Jon Knight wrote: >> >>>>On Fri, 09 Jan 1998 01:57:51 -0800 In Message # 00002628 >>>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000841 Gareth L Owen said: >>> > > >>On Sun, 1 Feb 1998 11:43:12 PST In Message # 00002736 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000949 Nemo said: >> >>> "I don't know anything about these 'Starspawn', but I don't see >>> how you can oppose us without also destroying the humans you want >>> to free," he shrugs "either way, we will resist. I do not believe >>> that you can best us in open combat. No one has yet." "\As a voice from Elsewhere pointed out, there are no end of non-direct methods.\" \Can anyone get a good lock on where they launched this mission from? If so, We could Terraform that world for the displaced population of this one...\ >>> "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we >>> have no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you >>> want to do this. My guess is that you can travel extra- >>> dimensionally, this doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk >>> away. Go to war with us and we will wipe you out, either that or >>> you must wipe us out," he looks around "and it appears to me that >>> you are very much outnumbered here." > > "We've fought against worse odds," Roland quips. "If We are Forced to wipe you out, as you put it. We may take the precaution of extending the operation to your entire species, You are of course free to disbelieve our claim of the ability to do so, but that would be a grave error." \Actually I think wipeing their Tech infra-structure to force them to think about it for a few centures while they rebuild would be sufficiant\ >>Nemo gestures and an effect much like the one that created the >>cylinder of normal air surrounding the city appear. This cylinder >>merely expands until it encloses Nemo and others in the delegation, >>but stops short of the Gray. > > Morgan gratefully draws a breath of purple-free air. =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 11:04:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 13:33:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002746 In alt.callahans Post # 00000959 Xzerrion said: >On Sat, 31 Jan 1998, Gareth L Owen wrote: > > "I don't know anything about these 'Starspawn', but I don't see how > you can oppose us without also destroying the humans you want to > free," he shrugs "either way, we will resist. I do not believe that > you can best us in open combat. No one has yet." Dantris fixes his gaze on the Grey, giving the impression of an unearthly *presence*, with power beyond the realm of its experience. For a moment, the star on his forehead glows faintly. > "So any race whos methods disagree with your own is immature? > Interesting. As for devastating it, we are changing it into a > beautiful, natural wonderland. She smiles grimly. "So you say, and perhaps you even believe it. I doubt the native life, which holds a prior claim here, would agree with your assessment of this," she gestures at the currupted atmosphere and vegetation, "as a natural wonderland." > The humans never looked after it as well as we will. They put hardly > any effort into beautifying it, or caring for their biosphere. > Admittedly we require certain fundamental changes, but we will > maintain it properly once it has been converted." "I'm sure that's a great comfort to the species you will destroy. My belief is that humanity, left to itself, can correct its troubles, and it is not the place of my race or your own, to interfere. However, seeing as your people have *already* intervened destructively, my God requires that I act. You have said you have never been bested in open combat, but I doubt you wish to try your chances against His power, channelled through a chosen vessel." > "Insanity, this is sheer insanity that you suggest. We won." "For now. But do you really *want* to deal with twenty generations of insurgents? Humans can be remarkably persistent." > "Very well, if you insist that this world must be given back we have > no option but to defend ourselves. But be very sure that you want to > do this. My guess is that you can travel extradimensionally, this > doesn't have to be your fight, you can walk away. Go to war with us > and we will wipe you out, either that or you must wipe us out," he > looks around "and it appears to me that you are very much > outnumbered here." "We may be outnumbered. You may even have more power than we. But you have not the will, or the determination. If you confront us, whether it takes a few short days or the next few centuries, we will have the victory. I've been on the wrong side of hundred to one odds before, and you may note that I'm still alive. If this cannot be resolved through negotiation, have a care for yourselves." =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 12:34:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 14:31:56 -0600 In Message # 00002748 In alt.callahans Post # 00000961 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Tue, 03 Feb 1998 22:58:18 In Message # 00002744 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000957 Morgan said: > > "First time for everything," Roland mutters, keeping Morgan and >John (the refugee) cloaked in as psionically 'quiet' a manner as he >can. /But do we want to?/ Grep sends. /In open conbat, fire ants can overwhelm far superior opponents. They are coordinated and organized. And -numerous-./ > "We've fought against worse odds," Roland quips. /And -we're- accused of being impulsive?/ Melissa says. > "Listen up, Grey!" Roland shouts. "You want to do this the hard >way, fine! But do _not_ try to breach negotiation protocols! We all >walk out of here in one piece, or I call in reinforcements-and you >_don't_ want me to do that." /Right now, Uncle Roland, I am certain our Grey negotiator-/ Grep sends. /-Hereafter referred to as 'Ol' Bulbhead'-/ Melissa adds. /-is thinking, considering his previous statements-/ Grep continues. /-the Bulbhead equivalent of 'Like, I am so -toootally- scared... NOT.'-/ Melissa jumps in. /-Well, perhaps not that, but they are certainly not afraid of us. Or any threats we have made so far. Or at least not too much, that offer to 'walk away' is probably as close to a show of uncertainty in their own abilities as we are going to get. / Grep concludes. =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 14:04:18 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 13:20:53 PST In Message # 00002749 In alt.callahans Post # 00000962 Nemo said: In mail you write: > Roland notes this clamly except for a slight narrowing of his > eyes. *I'm not sure what happened with Hydra and 'Armageddon,' but I > don't think I want to see it again. You might want to keep some of > your tricks 'up your sleeve,' so to speak, Nemo.* /We avoide some messy 'divine intervention'. And I am keeping quite a bit in reserve./ There's a hint of amusement in Nemo's "voice". > *Nemo, if these beings agreed with those concepts-* Roland > begins. > > <*"If these beings agreed with those concepts,"*> Morgan repeats > aloud for John's benefit as she sends, <*"we wouldn't be having this > conversation."*> /I am merely making it clear that their excuses are just that. Excuses. And giving them an oppurtunity. Alas, they probably won't take it./ =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 17:34:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 00:59:40 -0800 In Message # 00002750 In alt.callahans Post # 00000963 Gareth L Owen said: > On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 13:33:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002746 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000959 Xzerrion said: > > "We may be outnumbered. You may even have more power than we. But > you have not the will, or the determination. If you confront us, > whether it takes a few short days or the next few centuries, we will > have the victory. I've been on the wrong side of hundred to one odds > before, and you may note that I'm still alive. If this cannot be > resolved through negotiation, have a care for yourselves." "Now your starting to understand" replies the Grey "this is Nature's way." =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 17:34:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:09:07 -0800 In Message # 00002751 In alt.callahans Post # 00000964 Gareth L Owen said: > (After he responds) > "Listen up, Grey!" Roland shouts. "You want to do this the hard > way, fine! But do _not_ try to breach negotiation protocols! We all > walk out of here in one piece, or I call in reinforcements-and you > _don't_ want me to do that." "I do believe that you could easily kill me before I could return to my ship. Let's agree to those protocols going both ways for now shall we. No need to be uncivilised about this." > (OOC: I can provide reinforcements for the Greys if you think > they need 'em. Are you familiar with a guy named 'Zod?' ) <'Zod'? rings a bell, can't place it. Whattya got in mind?> =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 17:35:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:20:06 -0800 In Message # 00002752 In alt.callahans Post # 00000965 Gareth L Owen said: Leonard Erickson wrote: > "Nonsense. You have options. You just do not wish to use them. For > example, the next planet inward can be made habitable for your race > in a mere few centuries. Even faster if we help." "It's a matter of" here the machine pauses for a long time, the Grey looks at it, presses a button, examins a panel, eventually the machine hazards "principle." > "As you can easily verify, the area where I stand is quite conducive > to human life, but would be fatal to one of your species. Consider > your position if this was done to the entire planet. "Interesting. I'm not an engineer, but I know that the Azeronium devices will certainly try to counter this field. If they are unsuccesful they will draw more and more power from their dimensional interface generators. The resulting explosion could destroy the planet, maybe even the whole dimension." > He gestures towards Tezrantha. > > "Your response to her is essentially that our standards are no > better than yours. And that you will take 'better' care of the > planet. Unfortunately for you, the first arguement is easily > refuted. Metalaw is, by its nature universal. And the canons of > Metalaw refute your second point as it isn't your planet." "Metalaw. Hmm. Who wrote this Metalaw?" > The Canons of Metalaw "No more than one species, maybe a few species, attempt at a 'Moral' code. I notice it accords no rights to unintelligent beings." "We will file them, but you can hardly expect us to be bound by such a bizarre code of behaviour, surely." > figure out (among other things) how to deal with aliens. And they'd > make a decent code of conduct for the CAoL. :-) Very Callahanian.> =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 21:34:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Thu, 5 Feb 1998 00:09:17 EST In Message # 00002753 In alt.callahans Post # 00000966 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-02-04 03:02:26 EST, you write: << fuzzy said: "If We are Forced to wipe you out, as you put it. We may take the precaution of extending the operation to your entire species, You are of course free to disbelieve our claim of the ability to do so, but that would be a grave error." \Actually I think wipeing their Tech infra-structure to force them to think about it for a few centures while they rebuild would be sufficiant\ >> Armagedon replies "That is not an option for me, if they refuse Hydra's offer, I am PROGRAMMED to destroy them, root and branch, planet and star." =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 22:04:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Offers and warnings On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 18:01:17 PST In Message # 00002754 In alt.callahans Post # 00000967 Nemo said: > On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:20:06 -0800 In Message # 00002752 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000965 Gareth L Owen said: > > "Interesting. I'm not an engineer, but I know that the Azeronium > devices will certainly try to counter this field. If they are > unsuccesful they will draw more and more power from their > dimensional interface generators. The resulting explosion could > destroy the planet, maybe even the whole dimension." "Assuming we allow them to do so. If they are *inside* the field, they won't work, as they'll be cut off from the dimension they are using for power." "As for destroying the planet, you could do that if you are too successful in any attempt to kill me or even to stop me." >> "Your response to her is essentially that our standards are no >> better than yours. And that you will take 'better' care of the >> planet. Unfortunately for you, the first arguement is easily >> refuted. Metalaw is, by its nature universal. And the canons of >> Metalaw refute your second point as it isn't your planet." > > "Metalaw. Hmm. Who wrote this Metalaw?" "Many species have come up with it independently. It follows from two simple principles. >> The Canons of Metalaw > > "No more than one species, maybe a few species, attempt at a 'Moral' > code. I notice it accords no rights to unintelligent beings." "It is not a 'moral' code. It is a code of *ethics*. And being intended to cover interactions between intelligent beings, it naturally does not cover non-intelligent beings. And the 'few' species you refer to amount to a number that cannot be expressed in this language." > "We will file them, but you can hardly expect us to be bound by such > a bizarre code of behaviour, surely." "In what way is it bizarre? It merely requires that you treat others as they wish to be treated, and that your actions be such as are suitable for *all*." "The first principle is necessary, as if we tried to treat you as *we* wish to be treated, we could be subjecting you to an environment quite deterimental to your biology." "The second is even clearer. One human philospher referred to it as the 'categorical imperative'. If your actions are *not* such that they would be 'correct' if *all* beings acted thus, then there is quite obviously something wrong with the action." "The 'bizarre' rules follow as logical cosequences of these axioms. If you insist on using the 'might makes right' axiom, then you subject yourselves to the consequences of being found weaker." "While this 'me first' attitude gives your some benefits, co-operation can give *more* benefits. You speak of 'the way of Nature'. Note that symbionts do much better than competitors. Which organism does better? One that works with another to their mutual benefit? Or one that attempts to exploit the other solely for its own benefit? The answer is quite clear in any ecosystem." >> > figure out (among other things) how to deal with aliens. And they'd >> make a decent code of conduct for the CAoL. :-) Very Callahanian.> > > =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 22:05:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Wed, 04 Feb 1998 21:57:55 In Message # 00002755 In alt.callahans Post # 00000968 Morgan said: >On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:09:07 -0800 In Message # 00002751 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000964 Gareth L Owen said: > >> "Listen up, Grey!" Roland shouts. "You want to do this the hard >> way, fine! But do _not_ try to breach negotiation protocols! We all >> walk out of here in one piece, or I call in reinforcements-and you >> _don't_ want me to do that." > >"I do believe that you could easily kill me before I could return to >my ship. Let's agree to those protocols going both ways for now shall >we. No need to be uncivilised about this." "At least we can agree on something," Roland mutters, loudly enough for the Grey to hear. "And for the record, I don't believe in killing. I've only killed once, and I'd very much like to leave it at that. But a brave man once said that the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Even if we fail, others will oppose you." Roland turns to John. "I think we should make ourselves scarce... fast." *I doubt that the Grey concept of civility-at least with _these_ Greys- will extend too far for we 'mere humans' and our allies,* he adds to the group. "I think you should lead the way before their hospitality runs out." Morgan raises her eyebrows. "The kind of 'hospitality' they've been showing the planet _so_ far, I should think we'd _want_ it to run out," she says with a wry grin. Roland shrugs. "If this is hospitality, do you want to see them get nasty?" "Point," Morgan shrugs. *Okay, people, it's time to plan. I believe that it has been previously mentioned that these 'Azeronium' gadgets are probably the best targets that don't involve mass slaughter. I suggest, seeing that they're powered interdimensionally, we use try cutting off their power source first. We have enough dimensional experience to at least try.* Roland grins briefly. *Failing that, we can target the machines themselves. Any suggestions?* >> (OOC: I can provide reinforcements for the Greys if you think >> they need 'em. Are you familiar with a guy named 'Zod?' ) > ><'Zod'? rings a bell, can't place it. Whattya got in mind?> (OOC: General Zod. Superman II. I figure a Silver Age Kryptonian should be enough to keep even the most powerful of the CAoL busy, should the Greys need to 'keep up' with us. Just please don't get him killed; I'm going to need him later for the climax. ) Then, >On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:20:06 -0800 In Message # 00002752 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000965 Gareth L Owen said: > >"It's a matter of" here the machine pauses for a long time, the Grey >looks at it, presses a button, examins a panel, eventually the >machine hazards "principle." "Your _principles_ demand that you alter an inhabited world, killing the sentients living there, rather than use a perfectly good _uninhabited_ one right next door?" Morgan asks, incredulous. "I think something was lost in translation, hon," Roland says softly, his attention returning to the Greys. Morgan's eyes had grown a notch colder. "Somehow I doubt it." "Forgive me for hoping you're wrong," Roland adds. "I'm afraid there's a good chance that you're not, though." >> The Canons of Metalaw > >"No more than one species, maybe a few species, attempt at a 'Moral' >code. I notice it accords no rights to unintelligent beings." > >"We will file them, but you can hardly expect us to be bound by such >a bizarre code of behaviour, surely." "Maybe this one will do better," Roland notes. "It's the Declaration of Principles of an interstellar, multispecies alliance." Roland and Morgan, as they often do, begin to speak as one, though they recite the document in turns: R: "The universe speaks in many languages, but only one voice. The language is not Narn, or Human, or Centare, or Gaem, or Minbari. It speaks..." M: "It speaks in the language of hope, it speaks in the language of trust, it speaks in the language of strength, and the language of compassion. It it the language of the heart, and the..." R: "...and the language of the soul. But always it is the same voice. It is the voice of our ancestors speaking through us, and the voice of our inheritors waiting to be born. It is..." M: "It is the small, still voice that says- Both: "'we are one.'" M: "No matter the blood-" R: "-no matter the skin-" M: "-no matter the world-" R: "-no matter the star-" Both: "-we _are_ one." M: "No matter the pain-" R: "-no matter the darkness-" M: "-no matter the loss- R: "-no matter the fear-" Both: "-we are _one!_" M: "Here, gathered together in common cause, we agree to recognize this singular truth, and this singular rule, that we must..." R: "...that we must be _kind_ to one another. Because each voice enriches us and ennobles us, and each voice lost diminishes..." M: "...diminishes us. We are the voice of the universe, the soul of creation..." And again, the two immortals, each from a different world, a different time, a different reality, speak in unison: "...the fire that will light the way to a better future. We are one. We are _one!_" (OOC: With appreciation to JMS, natch. ) =========================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 22:59:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Wed, 4 Feb 1998 22:34:14 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002756 In alt.callahans Post # 00000969 fuzzy said: > On Wed, 04 Feb 1998 21:57:55 In Message # 00002755 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000968 Morgan said: > *Okay, people, it's time to plan. I believe that it has been > previously mentioned that these 'Azeronium' gadgets are probably the > best targets that don't involve mass slaughter. I suggest, seeing > that they're powered interdimensionally, we use try cutting off > their power source first. We have enough dimensional experience to > at least try.* Roland grins briefly. *Failing that, we can target > the machines themselves. Any suggestions?* \I suspect that Nemisis, The Twins, and I, have the most experiance handleing Dimensional Power taps directly, Nemisis is also best suited to analyze and determining the best way of neutralizing unfamiliar tech without causing any nasty backlash effects\ > (OOC: General Zod. Superman II. I figure a Silver Age Kryptonian > should be enough to keep even the most powerful of the CAoL busy, > should the Greys need to 'keep up' with us. Just please don't get > him killed; I'm going to need him later for the climax. ) > Then, >>On Thu, 05 Feb 1998 01:20:06 -0800 In Message # 00002752 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000965 Gareth L Owen said: >> > "Your _principles_ demand that you alter an inhabited world, killing > the sentients living there, rather than use a perfectly good > _uninhabited_ one right next door?" Morgan asks, incredulous. > > "I think something was lost in translation, hon," Roland says > softly, his attention returning to the Greys. > > Morgan's eyes had grown a notch colder. "Somehow I doubt it." > > "Forgive me for hoping you're wrong," Roland adds. "I'm afraid > there's a good chance that you're not, though." \I think the principle in question is 'Since we have started here we will finish here, regardless of resistance or other hazards'\ =========================== Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 17:34:17 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Thu, 5 Feb 1998 16:44:00 -0600 In Message # 00002758 In alt.callahans Post # 00000971 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Wed, 04 Feb 1998 21:57:55 In Message # 00002755 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000968 Morgan said: > Roland turns to John. "I think we should make ourselves scarce... >fast." *I doubt that the Grey concept of civility-at least with >_these_ Greys-will extend too far for we 'mere humans' and our >>allies,* he adds to the group. "I think you should lead the way >before their hospitality runs out." /Good idea,/ Knytt sends, then turns to the large phaser bank on the roof next to him, /Now how am I supposed to get rid of this thing? White out? Oh, wait, I know./ Knytt takes out the old book and writes: 'The force field generator/phaser bank/coffee maker disappears with a slight 'pop'.' Hearing a pop, Knytt looks up to see the machine gone. /Ok, be down in a second./ > (OOC: General Zod. Superman II. I figure a Silver Age Kryptonian >should be enough to keep even the most powerful of the CAoL busy, >should the Greys need to 'keep up' with us. Just please don't get him >killed; I'm going to need him later for the climax. ) > "Maybe this one will do better," Roland notes. "It's the >Declaration of Principles of an interstellar, multispecies alliance." >Roland and Morgan, as they often do, begin to speak as one, though >they recite the document in turns: > R: "The universe speaks in many languages, but only one voice. The >language is not Narn, or Human, or Centare, or Gaem, or Minbari. It >speaks..." Knytt smiles at this,climbing down the fire escape, sending what he is hearing back home to that same universe from which the Declaration of Principles of the Interstellar Alliance originated. Back to a small house and a young female half-human/half-minbari ranger who will be thrilled to know the principles she holds so dear are catching on in other universes. ^See, Flarn? I'm not the only one who thinks the original is better. ;)^ She replies, ^Smartass.^ >M: "Here, gathered together in common cause, we agree to recognize >this singular truth, and this singular rule, that we must..." > > R: "...that we must be _kind_ to one another. >(OOC: With appreciation to JMS, natch. ) >IOHOs it sounded _good_. We're thinking about recording it as a .wav >file and either mailing it to folks who want, or uploading it to the >web site. With due credit to the original author, of _course_!> =========================== Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 12:06:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: OOC: Re: AAE IV: Battlestations On Fri, 06 Feb 1998 19:43:05 -0800 In Message # 00002763 In alt.callahans Post # 00000976 Gareth L Owen said: A biref apology, I'm not gonna be able to get another plot message out until Sunday, I'm going away walking on the Moors for the weekend. What's going to happen is that: a) The Grey will say "we have no more to discuss, you have 24 hours to get off _our_ planet." b) John will, if requested, lead the party to somewhere he thinks is safe (a ruined church) and will leave on his own to find a resistance group (he will insist on doing this on his own as he doesn't think the CAoL will be trusted straight away). c) On the way to this place of safety the party may be attacked by a wandering alien terror monster (not deliberately, these things wander at random terrorising the survivors) If anyone wants to write up any of the above, sticking vaguely to my plot, feel free, I'll catch up Sunday night. =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 12:05:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Sun, 08 Feb 1998 11:46:22 In Message # 00002771 In alt.callahans Post # 00000984 Morgan said: >On Thu, 5 Feb 1998 16:44:00 -0600 In Message # 00002758 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000971 Michael Jon Knight said: > >>On Wed, 04 Feb 1998 21:57:55 In Message # 00002755 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000968 Morgan said: > >> Roland turns to John. "I think we should make ourselves >>scarce... fast." *I doubt that the Grey concept of civility-at least >>with _these_ Greys-will extend too far for we 'mere humans' and our >>allies,* he adds to the group. "I think you should lead the way >>before their hospitality runs out." > >/Good idea,/ Knytt sends, then turns to the large phaser bank on the >roof next to him, /Now how am I supposed to get rid of this thing? >White out? Oh, wait, I know./ Knytt takes out the old book and >writes: 'The force field generator/phaser bank/coffee maker >disappears with a slight 'pop'.' Hearing a pop, Knytt looks up to see >the machine gone. /Ok, be down in a second./ *Y'know,* Roland notes, looking up at Knytt, *If Hydra got its claws clipped, metaphorically speaking, that book probably won't be much better by the local cosmic forces' standards.* A flash of envy shoots by the other party writer's eyes, then fades. *You might want to be careful with that thing...* >> (OOC: General Zod. Superman II. I figure a Silver Age Kryptonian >>should be enough to keep even the most powerful of the CAoL busy, >>should the Greys need to 'keep up' with us. Just please don't get >>him killed; I'm going to need him later for the climax. ) > >orbit around a red star and he's toast. That's assuming he stands >still long enough, of course.> >> R: "The universe speaks in many languages, but only one voice. >>The language is not Narn, or Human, or Centare, or Gaem, or Minbari. >>It speaks..." > >correct. Good choice of speeches, BTW. ;) > (OOC: I've seen both spellings for Centauri culture, and I've never even _heard_ of Gaim. That was my best guess. Either way, I st^H^Hsit corrected. ) >Knytt smiles at this,climbing down the fire escape, sending what he >is hearing back home to that same universe from which the Declaration >of Principles of the Interstellar Alliance originated. Back to a >small house and a young female half-human/half-minbari ranger who >will be thrilled to know the principles she holds so dear are >catching on in other universes. ^See, Flarn? I'm not the only one who >thinks the original is better. ;)^ She replies, ^Smartass.^ *Well, I haven't seen the new version yet,* Roland notes, *but I know how G'Kar felt. Anyhow, we have more pressing concerns right now, including getting out of harm's way. Okay, people, John gave us our directions, I suggest we follow them, hole up, and wait. Holy ground isn't as sacred to my kind as it is to Connor's, but I'll still feel a _lot_ safer once we're in Resistance territory. Besides, I have a phone call to make.* <*Phone call?*> Morgan asks. Roland smiles, blushing slightly. *Ah, some friends of mine can probably give us a bit of useful information. Assuming their rogues are anything like these Greys, that is.* =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 19:35:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 19:08:44 PST In Message # 00002772 In alt.callahans Post # 00000985 Nemo said: > On Sun, 08 Feb 1998 11:46:22 In Message # 00002771 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000984 Morgan said: > > Roland smiles, blushing slightly. *Ah, some friends of mine can > probably give us a bit of useful information. Assuming their rogues > are anything like these Greys, that is.* As soon as the Greys are clear, Nemo expands the new cylinder (the one that Greys can't survive in) to the limits of the old one. "There. That should get across the idea that were *aren't* going to just walk away." Rejoining the others, he comments. "During the talks, I started a swarm of comets towards Venus. They'll be a good start at botrh speeding it up and cooling it off. But they'll be in transit for decades. If we lose, and the human resistance is wiped out, I can retarget them on this planet. In which case it won't be habitable by much of *anything*." "On the other hand, if the humans survive, but we can't eject the Greys, then I can shift them to Venus as it becomes habitable. So either way, we can get *something* out of this mess." =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 19:35:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 21:31:28 -0600 In Message # 00002773 In alt.callahans Post # 00000986 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 08 Feb 1998 11:46:22 In Message # 00002771 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000984 Morgan said: > >>On Thu, 5 Feb 1998 16:44:00 -0600 In Message # 00002758 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000971 Michael Jon Knight said: >> >>>On Wed, 04 Feb 1998 21:57:55 In Message # 00002755 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000968 Morgan said: > *Y'know,* Roland notes, looking up at Knytt, *If Hydra got its >claws clipped, metaphorically speaking, that book probably won't be >much better by the local cosmic forces' standards.* A flash of envy >shoots by the other party writer's eyes, then fades. *You might want >to be careful with that thing...* /Won't be the first time I've angered cosmic level forces, but, yes, I will be careful with it./ > (OOC: I've seen both spellings for Centauri culture, and I've >never even _heard_ of Gaim. That was my best guess. Either way, I >st^H^Hsit corrected. ) >>Knytt smiles at this,climbing down the fire escape, sending what he >>is hearing back home to that same universe from which the >>Declaration of Principles of the Interstellar Alliance originated. >>Back to a small house and a young female half-human/half-minbari >>ranger who will be thrilled to know the principles she holds so dear >>are catching on in other universes. ^See, Flarn? I'm not the only >>one who thinks the original is better. ;)^ She replies, ^Smartass.^ > Roland smiles, blushing slightly. *Ah, some friends of mine can >probably give us a bit of useful information. Assuming their rogues >are anything like these Greys, that is.* Knytt's feet hit the pavement as he sends, /Sounds good./ =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 22:05:34 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 00:59:28 EST In Message # 00002774 In alt.callahans Post # 00000987 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-02-08 22:46:53 EST, you write: << Nemo said: "On the other hand, if the humans survive, but we can't eject the Greys, then I can shift them to Venus as it becomes habitable. So either way, we can get *something* out of this mess." >> "We will be needing a base of operations." Armegedon says, as he rises into the sky above the church. He points 1 finger at the river and a tiny spark shoots down into the water. In seconds the river is alive with what seems to be millions of sparks (because there are millions of them). Suddenly a cloud of sparks rise into the sky to settle on, what remains, of London, in a one mile wide circle centered around the church. Everything (that isn't an internationally well known landmark) vanishes beneath the cloud. Any humans that are inside this area and not already in the church are GENTLY carried to the church. The cloud coalesces in numerous spots, leaving behind flat bare gound. The places where the cloud coalesed take on shape, and then the sparks flash to the outstreached hand of Armegedon. What remains are banks of energy weapons of assorted kinds, and (to those that can recognize them) sheild generators. In the center of this all the church, with 5 obvious missle silo's spaced about 100 feet from it on all sides. Armegedon surveys the construction, and comments, "My constructors did well. This should serve us for a beginning, and as soon as Hydra can get me the exact coordinates of the five Grey worlds he has already found, I can launch." =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:05:30 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 01:35:40 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002775 In alt.callahans Post # 00000988 Xzerrion said: On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 Dane0R0A wrote: > As soon as the Greys are clear, Nemo expands the new cylinder (the > one that Greys can't survive in) to the limits of the old one. > > "There. That should get across the idea that were *aren't* going to > just walk away." Xzerrion sighs. <* Sometime, just once, I wish we could try being subtle, like maybe trying to make them *think* we gave up and left. It could get easier if they aren't looking for us. *> > Rejoining the others, he comments. > > "During the talks, I started a swarm of comets towards Venus. > They'll be a good start at botrh speeding it up and cooling it off. > But they'll be in transit for decades. If we lose, and the human > resistance is wiped out, I can retarget them on this planet. In > which case it won't be habitable by much of *anything*." Tezrantha's face goes a bit cold. <* I can't like that. You're calling a doomsday weapon here. Remember, this world is home to more than humans. *> Xzerrion replies, <* But I do see the point. We can't allow the Greys to hold this place. *> > "On the other hand, if the humans survive, but we can't eject the > Greys, then I can shift them to Venus as it becomes habitable. So > either way, we can get *something* out of this mess." Tezrantha asks, <*And if we win, do you plan on shifting the comets back? *> > "We will be needing a base of operations." Armegedon says, as he > rises into the sky above the church. He points 1 finger at the river > and a tiny spark shoots down into the water. In seconds the river is > alive with what seems to be millions of sparks (because there are > millions of them). Suddenly a cloud of sparks rise into the sky to > settle on, what remains, of London, in a one mile wide circle > centered around the church. Everything (that isn't an > internationally well known landmark) vanishes beneath the cloud. Any > humans that are inside this area and not already in the church are > GENTLY carried to the church. The cloud coalesces in numerous spots, > leaving behind flat bare gound. The places where the cloud coalesed > take on shape, and then the sparks flash to the outstreached hand of > Armegedon. What remains are banks of energy weapons of assorted > kinds, and (to those that can recognize them) sheild generators. In > the center of this all the church, with 5 obvious missle silo's > spaced about 100 feet from it on all sides. Armegedon surveys the > construction, and comments, "My constructors did well. This should > serve us for a beginning, and as soon as Hydra can get me the exact > coordinates of the five Grey worlds he has already found, I can > launch." Xzerrion buries his head in his hands. He restrains comment, but those with strong mental abilities catch a vivid image of a blinking neon sign flashing, "We are here." =========================== Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:35:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:27:44 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002776 In alt.callahans Post # 00000989 The Lone One said: On Sun, 8 Feb 1998, Paul Campbell wrote: > Xzerrion buries his head in his hands. He restrains comment, but > those with strong mental abilities catch a vivid image of a blinking > neon sign flashing, "We are here." A sound emerges from Raver, who has been largely silent up until now. It sounds suspiciously like a laugh ruthlessly strangled to death, and she sends to Xzerrion, *That boy would never make it as an assassin, no?* Switching to a CAoL-wide wavelength, she continues, *Perhaps those of us with a talent for covert work could split off and go around the back while Nemo and Armagedon and the others keep the Greys busy? I suggest that this be reserved for those of us extremely hard to kill, as the Greys will undoubtedly do their best to stop us permanently.* =========================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 00:35:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 02:31:17 -0600 In Message # 00002777 In alt.callahans Post # 00000990 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 01:35:40 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002775 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000988 Xzerrion said: > >Xzerrion sighs. <* Sometime, just once, I wish we could try being >subtle, like maybe trying to make them *think* we gave up and left. >It could get easier if they aren't looking for us. *> Grep replies, perfectly deadpan, /But, that would be the -logical- solution./ >Tezrantha's face goes a bit cold. <* I can't like that. You're >calling a doomsday weapon here. Remember, this world is home to more >than humans. *> > >Xzerrion replies, <* But I do see the point. We can't allow the Greys >to hold this place. *> Grep asks, /Why not? If we are not supposed to jump into a fight between an unarmed human and a small spaceship until we know all the facts, why are we doing it for a race of humans against a spacefaring race?/ Knytt sends, /Uh oh, they just hit the 'question everything' stage./ >> "My constructors did well. This should serve us for a >> beginning, and as soon as Hydra can get me the exact coordinates of >> the five Grey worlds he has already found, I can launch." Grep casts a professional eye over the energy weapons. /Cool./ Then: >On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:27:44 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002776 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000989 The Lone One said: > >On Sun, 8 Feb 1998, Paul Campbell wrote: > >> Xzerrion buries his head in his hands. He restrains comment, but >> those with strong mental abilities catch a vivid image of a >> blinking neon sign flashing, "We are here." Knytt looks around, /This is the craziest church sale -I- have ever been to./ > Switching to a CAoL-wide wavelength, she continues, *Perhaps >those of us with a talent for covert work could split off and go >around the back while Nemo and Armagedon and the others keep the >Greys busy? I suggest that this be reserved for those of us extremely >hard to kill, as the Greys will undoubtedly do their best to stop us >permanently.* /Ooo, ooo, pick her!/ Melissa sends, one hand raised, waving, the other pointing at Grep. /Sounds fun./ Grep sends with the faintest of smiles. =========================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 08:05:53 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 09 Feb 1998 07:53:00 In Message # 00002780 In alt.callahans Post # 00000993 Morgan said: >On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 01:35:40 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002775 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000988 Xzerrion said: > >On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 Dane0R0A wrote: > >> As soon as the Greys are clear, Nemo expands the new cylinder (the >> one that Greys can't survive in) to the limits of the old one. >> >> "There. That should get across the idea that were *aren't* going >> to just walk away." > >Xzerrion sighs. <* Sometime, just once, I wish we could try being >subtle, like maybe trying to make them *think* we gave up and left. >It could get easier if they aren't looking for us. *> <*Us? Subtle?! Since when?*> Morgan replies wryly. >> "We will be needing a base of operations." > >Xzerrion buries his head in his hands. He restrains comment, but >those with strong mental abilities catch a vivid image of a blinking >neon sign flashing, "We are here." Morgan can only chuckle agreement. <*Hopefully the resistance will still communicate with us after this rather ostentatious display,*> she mutters. >On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 02:31:17 -0600 In Message # 00002777 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000990 Michael Jon Knight said: > >>On Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:27:44 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002776 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000989 The Lone One said: >> >> Switching to a CAoL-wide wavelength, she continues, *Perhaps >>those of us with a talent for covert work could split off and go >>around the back while Nemo and Armagedon and the others keep the >>Greys busy? I suggest that this be reserved for those of us >>extremely hard to kill, as the Greys will undoubtedly do their best >>to stop us permanently.* > >/Ooo, ooo, pick her!/ Melissa sends, one hand raised, waving, the >other pointing at Grep. > >/Sounds fun./ Grep sends with the faintest of smiles. <*Roland, do you think you could manage 'covert'? We definately fit the 'hard to kill' category, and I'd be just as happy being away from this invitation to make us Ground Zero for a while.*> <*Yeah, yeah, OK, but I still think it's better if the Immortals join the recon team.*> OOC: Roland already left for work, which is why this one's just me :-). =========================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 11:05:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 13:45:44 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002783 In alt.callahans Post # 00000996 Xzerrion said: On Sun, 8 Feb 1998, The Lone One wrote: > A sound emerges from Raver, who has been largely silent up until > now. It sounds suspiciously like a laugh ruthlessly strangled to > death, and she sends to Xzerrion, *That boy would never make it as > an assassin, no?* Xzerrion's mental voice carries overtones of laughter as he replies, *And I used to think working with cavaliers was bad.* > Switching to a CAoL-wide wavelength, she continues, *Perhaps > those of us with a talent for covert work could split off and go > around the back while Nemo and Armagedon and the others keep the > Greys busy? I suggest that this be reserved for those of us > extremely hard to kill, as the Greys will undoubtedly do their best > to stop us permanently.* Xzerrion and Tezrantha immediately volunteer. <* That's our usual specialty. Besides, when the Greys hit this place, it might be an idea for those of us who are mortal to be elsewhere. *> =========================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 11:05:53 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE : Elsewhere in the world ... On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 13:54:45 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002784 In alt.callahans Post # 00000997 Xzerrion said: Rubble shifts from the site where the CAoL battled Jadis and the others. M'Lausa cautiously pokes his head out, then crawls from beneath the ruins on seeing the rest of the group is absent. he thinks to himself. He reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out a wand carved with several drow runes for power, divination, and concealment, with a massive tiger-eye mounted on the tip. The gem glows faintly as he moves it about the ruins. he winces. He fingers a black opal amulet and mutters in the language of drow magic. His own gate opens (some distance away from the location of the CAoL.) He coughs momentarily on breathing the air, but soon adjusts. Pulling out the wand again, he begins slipping from building to building, moving toward the CAoL base camp. =========================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 20:35:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Holy Ground On Mon, 9 Feb 1998 23:24:00 EST In Message # 00002785 In alt.callahans Post # 00000998 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-02-09 11:06:35 EST, you write: << <*Roland, do you think you could manage 'covert'? We definately fit the 'hard to kill' category, and I'd be just as happy being away from this invitation to make us Ground Zero for a while.*> >> "These shields should be able to hold the Greys for a long time. They would hold against even Hydra for a few hours, even against Cerberus they would hold long enough to evacuate the base. They will stop 3 and 4 space attacks, and attacks through hyperspace. Energy links, like the one between Nemo and his main consiousness and mine between myself and Hydra are compensated for and detected. Any level of energy more intense than what would give a human a sunburn, whether physical or psionic should be stopped (OOC: please note he didn't include magic). Material objects from the outside attempting to pass within, are scanned and if not detectably of completely earthly origin are vaporized. The members of the CAoL are the ONLY exceptions to this. Any object detected flying inside the atmosphere within line of sight that doesn't scan as an earth bird will be fired on automatically." Armagedon responds. ===========================