Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4
                              Chapter 26

Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 23:35:02 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 01:05:16 -0600 In Message # 00003497
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001710 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 21:42:50 In Message # 00003495
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001708 Morgan said:
>
>   /Don't get overconfident, Grep,/ Roland warns. /This whole battle
>feels like a sword-beat; they're just seeing what our riposte is made
>of. They have brains, tech, and what amounts to unlimited resources.
>I don't know how much they understand magick, but I _do_ know that
>they can adapt, and we have to be ready for that./

/Overconfident?/ Grep replies, /Uncle, is that like taking alien
technology and incorportating it into oneself with no idea what it
does, no guarentee it will not cause harm and no idea that it will
work?/

/Uncle Roland,/ Melissa says, /You yourself noticed your counterpart
was only altering the matter within the force fields when an nearby
opening in them was provided. We are speculating that encasing oneself
in a tightly controlled forcefield will protect us against such
manipulations. We also speculate that encasing a weapon in such a
field will allow it to function as intended and not allow it to be
altered to either attack oneself or another./

Grep concludes, /What are you basing -your- current actions on?/

Knytt just glances at Roland, looking a bit curious himself.
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 04:33:35 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 02:25:46 PST In Message # 00003498
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001711 Nemo said:

> On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 21:42:50 In Message # 00003495
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001708 Morgan said:
>
>    /Klovia is the world that Director Kinnison infiltrated and
> turned from Tyranny to Civilization,/ Roland explains. /Anyway, I
> doubt I'll get much farther than the local Azeronium Device-but
> right now that's all I want./

/Roland, please do recall what happened to Kinnison when he attempted
to infilitrate the Council of Boskone. You are taking a large risk./

<OOC: Kinnison was incredibly cautious, and he was *still* captured.
He managed to escape with his mind intact (and that was about it!) And
if the folks back on Tellus hadn't invented regeneration about then,
he'd have been a *literal* basket case for the rest of his life.>
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 04:33:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 03:27:48 PST In Message # 00003499
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001712 Nemo said:

>    Pembroke's floater slid into the Grey outpost where Reborn
> designate Roland was updating...himself. "What the bleeding hell was
> _that?_ I've never seen that kind of firepower-and I watched the
> Greys turn Sheffield into a parking lot! We can't fight that! They
> didn't even _notice_ my Bone-bears-well, except for that demon
> thing! It made my blood run cold, I tell you." He looked at the
> other Traitors, who stared at him in shock. "What?"
>    "The Reborn is waiting for you."
>    Pembroke pissed himself.

/Roland. Update. A being who is a 99.9%+ match for the one you were
fighting has come into existence at a Grey outpost. I advise against
trying to impersonate hm since they seem to have reconstituted him./

Since Nemo is still maintaining a "grip" on the local humans to avoid
their being spirited off, he would notice this sort of thing...
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 04:33:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa

On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 21:49:05 PST In Message # 00003500
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001713 Nemo said:

> On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 15:05:15 -0600 In Message # 00003492
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001705 Zia said:
>
> Zia's eyes nearly cross in astonishment. "I haven't been asked for a
> story since my children got taller than me. Let me try and organize
> a bit, and I'll do what I can. Telliing the whole tale would take
> far more time than we have." She looks thoughtful.

"We have as mucgh time as we have. And even if your tale rivals that
of Shara'za'd (a' = a with accent, not a apostrophe) I've listened to
many such."

> "Ah, I see. You are 'do-gooding' but no purpose beyond that. Well,
> that is clear at least." She nods, and leans forwards, placing her
> elbows on her floating knees, and her chin on her hands, thougtfully
> again, "Where to begin.... Do you know anything of Amber? No, of
> course, you do not know anything first hand; you did not greet me
> with hostility."

"Yes, 'meddling' is another thing I do. I try for the best, but even
for one such as I, the results are not completely forseeable."

"As for Amber, I know much, but only at best secondhand, and thus, it
may not even be 'your' Amber."

<snip>
> With a whiffle of faint power drawn from the Sealed Links store, she
> creates a tall, cold glass of water, and sips, "My throat is dry. My
> beginning is long, for a tale. I should find myself thankful I
> cannot bore more than this 'subprocess' you have kindly lent here to
> guard my safety, I think. Do you have any questions yet, or should I
> continue?"

"No, so far your tale is much like the tales I've heard about Amber.
Pray continue as you wish."
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 06:05:24 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 07:36:56 -0600 In Message # 00003502
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001715 Zia said:

Nemo:
>"We have as mucgh time as we have. And even if your tale rivals that
> of Shara'za'd (a' = a with accent, not a apostrophe) I've listened
> to many such."

"You have? How very fortunate for you! I've only had the opportunity
to hear a local Shaharazaad (her Arabic is more natural than her
English, which is Brit English, lower class) two times." She looks
wistful, "Talk about your classy storytellers. I'm sure I won't meaure
up to _that_ kind of standard, but I shall do my best."

<snipped conversation>
> "Yes, 'meddling' is another thing I do. I try for the best, but even
> for one such as I, the results are not completely forseeable."

Zia grins, "Meddling, eh? I don't know - it's always seemed more a
part of my duty. As in born to it. But I suppose that is circular
justification, at best. But you aren't just whistling Dixie about
foreseeable there. Chaos _is_ more powerful than Order, even just
speaking applied mathematics-wise. Remind me later to include my stint
as a college professor; one of the toughest jobs I've ever had."

> "As for Amber, I know much, but only at best secondhand, and thus,
> it may not even be 'your' Amber."

She nods, thoughtful, "Likely not. There are some books about Amber in
the Earth shadows - I've never seen a set of taller stories since
Samuel Clemens went out with his comet."

><snip Zia's Amber Origin of the Universe Tale>
> "No, so far your tale is much like the tales I've heard about Amber.
> Pray continue as you wish."

"I shall skip over a great length of time. A war, called the
Patternfall War, between Chaos and Order and also the civil conflict
in Amber as the younger surviving brothers vied with one another over
the Throne. I wasn't there for any of that, as I was yet on Earth,
unknown and unknowing of my heritage."

"Which was pretty strange. I was born sometime about the late 1340's
in that world." She nods, slowly, "So, most everyone in Europe, and
especially the lower section of London was dead at the time. It was
then that the Plague had taken it's worse toll. I was fortunate enough
to be born after the worst. My father, however, died when I was very
young. About five, or seven. Barely old enough to survive on the
streets alone. That is why I am working to stop this idiot who you're
in combat with - blow up London Town, indeed!"

"Although I found out later he hadn't died and his body been taken
away as I'd believed. My half-brother met him briefly. The Plague, or
some plot of his brothers had wiped his memories, and he'd only just
recovered them on the Pattern." She looks absently curious, "He hasn't
been seen since the Patternfall War. I've wondered a few times if he
recalls my existence or not. It doesn't really matter; if he looks, my
name is on the records of 'unacknowledged' descendants." She grins at
Nemo. "At least in Amber, one can prove their descent - if not their
legitimacy. Walking the Pattern is the hardest thing I've ever done;
it's not something to be done on a whim." Slight sarcasm. "I've seen
even Amberites die in the attempt." Abruptly sad.

"I met 'Uncle' Brand when I was 12. He didn't tell me about Amber -
although to look back I think he knew my lineage. He used me horribly.
I won't speak of what happened - mostly because it causes terrible
nightmares. And my nightmares can become real. I shall simply say that
I can understand Roland's attitude, and come close to sharing it
myself, after what happened to me. Actually, some of it I can't
remember - thankfully. The ability to forget is very valuable; one of
my husbands cannot and it hurts him."

"I survived. I doubt very much that was the result intended. But I was
damaged, quite severely in mind and body. Frankly, I'm glad I have
only piecemeal recollections. I did some fairly gruesome things
myself, to survive, and had been reduced to little more than an animal
struggling to live day to day. Then I had some luck, finally. I was
taken by white slavers bound for the Orient. My crippled legs had only
begun to work a bit the week before; I was no real match for three men
with nets. I reason it was about three years, so I would have been
about fifteen. Although, I've always been rather on the small side,
and probably didn't look nearly that old."

"I got more food as a slave in chains than I'd seen before. My
physical hurts actually improved, although my limbs ached and I got
scars from the manacles. I fought to much - they'd shorten my water
until I couldn't hardly move. I didn't speak at that time - didn't
learn what speaking WAS until about forty years later, in Japan. No
one spoke to me, and what few memories I had were really more before a
child speaks all that much anyway. So, I had no idea I was bringing
the punishment on myself, or what they were ordering me to do, to obey
them. They thought me simple, but having discovered my odd strength,
had resolved to sell me as a laborer."

"I spent, I think, the next dozen or more years underground in a mine
somewhere in Japan. Carrying loads of rubble in wicker, and learning
to watch for gas. I had no idea - it was a terror almost as bad as the
Plague had been. But at least it killed faster with less pain, and
everyone just looked asleep after. I had no notion of any other
approach than to fight for more life, so I watched and worked. The
treatment was as bad as you'd expect under the circumstances - female
drudge, foreigner there at the time. The only reason I didn't die was
I'd become so adept at stealing food and fighting by then I didn't
starve. After a couple of fights, they kept the chains on even when I
worked - they'd learned of my strength. I was called the Ghost - for
my white skin, and because they thought I had no spirit, I suppose."

"I usually mollify this tale more for humans; their emotions get very
charged. To skip over somewhat, the mine got a new manager. Who liked
to flay the slaves with knives. No, not for punishment, which I'd
finally begun to understand, by frequent example. He did it for fun. I
heard the screams, and came to look once. About three weeks later, the
same group of his cronies came for me. I was chained at night - had a
tendency to try and escape a lot. They forced me into his 'playroom'.
I fought like a wild thing; the smell of blood was still quite
evident."

"I would have died there, but there was a slight earth shock. Parts of
tunnels collapsed, and some of the men panicked and ran. I was still
chained, so that sadist still thought to cut me." She sips the water,
calmly. "He had started on a leg, I think. It was the second or third
slice when I came completely unglued. It hurt a lot. I remember a
tornado-like fight, and prising some of the links open with one of the
rods from his 'toy' collection. I'd seen another prisoner try it with
a rock, smashing at a link. The chains and me were both smeary with
blood... and other things. I worked loss, losing more skin and totally
oblivious to the pain in my panic."

"The cave in had disrupted things severely - it took me another two,
maybe three days to reach the surface. I was SO thirsty by then." She
drains the water, and the glass refills as she watches it. "Some
things about my heritage, I like. Now, my tale of woe transforms into
one of the happiest times of my life - I meet the man who is still my
best friend soon after my escape. He taught me many things, the first
of which was speech. Then reading. Then even grander things." She
says, softly, but pauses to think a moment.

<ooSC: Whew!>
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 11:04:08 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Aae:reopening the mind's eye

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 12:50:33 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003503
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001716 Driscoll said:

 Driss and co. appear on the scene a short ways away from the battle.
Roscoe, sensing this, shifts into a cheetah and races to them,
shifting back into a wolf form before he gets within sight.
 Even before he turns the final corner his mind is locked with
Driss's.
 *Driss!*
 *Roscoe? You sound funny somehow.*
 *It's these new things in front of my words but never mind that right
now. How do you feel?*
 *Warm and squishy*
 *I mean mentally you fool.* smirks Roscoe as he rounds the corner and
coens to a stop at Driss's feet.
 *So did I Mooch. It's hard to think and I keep getting pieces of
memories that don't mesh with the other pieces, but I could remember
you clearly. And I kinda missed you.*
 *OK Don't start bawling now you'll get teardrop on my head. I'm going
to go into your memories and see what's going on, but I'm pretty sure
I know.*
 *Oh yeh like _I'm_ about to start bawling over missing a rum soaked
hound like you. So what's going on with my head?*
 *Just a sec while I see.*
 Roscoe merged his mind with Driss's and foudn the usually cluttered
mind in complete disarray. It seems when Chaos yanked half of Driss's
soul, he yankedhalf of Driss's experience too. Gaps were clearly
evident. Roscoe had seen this before though. Centuries ago in the same
mind. He had thought it due to a head wound sustained in a battle with
a Juggernaut at the time, but now he knew better.
 *OK, try to think of something Driss.*
 *Like what?*
 *I dunno. _Anything_!*
 *If I could rememebr what to rememebr I woulnd't need to rememebr to
remember it.*
 *OK now _my_ head is hurting. Ummm remember that one woman on Solaris
VII? Becky?*
 *Hmmmmm Becky..... Becky....*
 An image of Becky began forming, kind of. It had several gaps in the
4 dimentional image and Roscoe began filling in those gapsfrom his own
memory. Soon there she was. A very thin supple young Mechwarrior
wearing only a cooling vest and shorts, covered in sweat as she
climbed down from the cockpit of her Crab after a victorious match.
 *I remember! BOY do I rememebr. Hey when was the last time we went to
Solaris Roscoe? I have this sudden urge to go visit it again.*
 *OK cool down those hormones and put your weapon away there Duelist.
we have things we have to take care of here first. I can't fix all
your memories right now, there's too many to do...* Roscoe watched as
his repairs to Becky crumbled away, *And they wouldn't be permanent
anyways. But I'm going to keep this link open from now on so I can try
to fix any gaps you come across.*
 Then out on the link, /OK, Driss's memory isn't perfect and it
probably won't be ever again, but as long as I keep this link to him
fully open and play co-pilot he should be OK. Just no one hit him with
too many complex things at once. I can't re-construct memories as fast
as a normal mind can recall them./
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 20:34:52 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 20:07:42 In Message # 00003505
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001718 Morgan said:

>On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 01:05:16 -0600 In Message # 00003497
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001710 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
>>On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 21:42:50 In Message # 00003495
>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001708 Morgan said:
>>
>>>On Mon, 30 Mar 1998 13:47:28 -0600 In Message # 00003490
>>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001703 Michael Jon Knight said:
><snip>
>/Overconfident?/ Grep replies, /Uncle, is that like taking alien
>technology and incorportating it into oneself with no idea what it
>does, no guarentee it will not cause harm and no idea that it will
>work?/

Morgan just chuckles.

   Roland laughs. /Point taken. However, I _do_ have an idea what it
does and how it works-the sphere is a) a matter-converter and b) a
comm unit, using some sort of cosmic power, and the back pods are a
propulsion unit. I will admit that I have _no_ idea what frequency the
communication is on; even when I'm sending and receiving, I can't
sense the energies used. I _have_ hacked into the bioprogram, though,
so I should be fine. As for guarantees...this is a calculated risk. I
know that the thing could blow me to bits, so I'm being careful with
it. You want guarantees, talk to Allstate./ Roland smiles again,
briefly, then grows serious. /As the 'leader' of this buncha rummies,
I am morally obligated to _take_ these calculated risks first./

>/Uncle Roland,/ Melissa says, /You yourself noticed your counterpart
>was only altering the matter within the force fields when an nearby
>opening in them was provided. We are speculating that encasing
>oneself in a tightly controlled forcefield will protect us against
>such manipulations. We also speculate that encasing a weapon in such
>a field will allow it to function as intended and not allow it to be
>altered to either attack oneself or another./
>
>Grep concludes, /What are you basing -your- current actions on?/

   /This isn't my first alien invasion, Grep,/ Roland begins. /Even
with the kind of firepower we wield, we can't protect everyone. The
best way I know to stop something like this is to cut off their
ability to work on a worldwide scale-which means taking out their
leaders or their tech. Given my desire to avoid killing, I'm sure you
can guess my target./
   /Incidentally,/ Roland adds, /I can now tell you that your theory
about your force fields is correct-that sort of energy does prevent
the use of the strange cosmic band-width this thing works on. My point
is that they will have almost certainly taken that into account by
now. With tech like this, they don't have to blow through your fields,
just open pinpricks in them. I'm just glad they haven't shown any
evidence of similar ability with organic structures./ Roland grimaces
furiously. /Which doesn't mean they don't have them.../
   Roland shrugs. /I know that you are both smart and capable, and I'm
interested in your idea on how to take out my 'evil twin.' But that
doesn't change the fact that you two are children, no matter what you
look like, and I worry about you./

Then Nemo said:
>/Roland, please do recall what happened to Kinnison when he attempted
> to infilitrate the Council of Boskone. You are taking a large risk./

   /Which time?/ Roland chuckles. /The Gray Lensman infiltrated just
about every level of Boskonian culture./ He grows serious again. /I'm
flattered by all the concern, but someone has to take the risk, and
I'm the logical choice./

><OOC: Kinnison was incredibly cautious, and he was *still* captured.
> He managed to escape with his mind intact (and that was about it!)
> And if the folks back on Tellus hadn't invented regeneration about
> then, he'd have been a *literal* basket case for the rest of his
> life.>

   <OOC: I'm in the middle of the Lensman series right now (and having
a blast) and I remember that. That, however, was Jarvenon. I was
thinking more of the Thrale operation; I thought that the planet was
renamed. Now that I think about it, Klovia was already in rebellion,
IIRC.>

>/Roland. Update. A being who is a 99.9%+ match for the one you were
> fighting has come into existence at a Grey outpost. I advise against
> trying to impersonate hm since they seem to have reconstituted him./

   /Oh joy./ Roland frowns. /Nemo, can you 'lock' onto me? I'm willing
to roll the dice and hope that he's a clone rather than a cosmic
transmission of what Armagedon seems to have destroyed-Armagedon, can
you confirm?-but if I'm wrong, I may need a fast exit./ Roland thinks
a moment. /In fact, that gives me an idea.../

   <OOC: Well, I _was_ kinda hoping to surprise 'myself' with this,
but this lets me try something _else._ 8^) BTW, Armagedon can indeed
confirm that he turned the Reborn into free-floating atoms.>
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 21:35:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:31:34 EST In Message # 00003507
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001720 Dane0R0A said:

In a message dated 98-03-31 23:35:25 EST, you write:
<<  /Oh joy./ Roland frowns. /Nemo, can you 'lock' onto me? I'm
willing to roll the dice and hope that he's a clone rather than a
cosmic transmission of what Armagedon seems to have
destroyed-Armagedon, can you confirm?-but if I'm wrong, I may need a
fast exit./ Roland thinks a moment. /In fact, that gives me an
idea.../

    <OOC: Well, I _was_ kinda hoping to surprise 'myself' with this,
but this lets me try something _else._ 8^) BTW, Armagedon can indeed
confirm that he turned the Reborn into free-floating atoms.>
  >>

<OOC: OK>
"I can confirm, that what I was fighting was destroyed. However I
cannot confirm that he did not have some form of auto-backup. Your
ability to control the robots, inspite of the jamming currently being
done, indicates that the Greys have a communication form which is
either hardened against jamming, or is of a type that neither Nemo or
myself have ever encountered." Armagedon answers.
===========================

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 22:35:07 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:22:22 -0600 In Message # 00003508
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001721 Michael Jon Knight said:

      Hello, my name's Molly. Since I am just starting a new diary
today and since today is also my 25th birthday, I think a reflection
on my life is in order. My mom is a blue-haired bitch and I don't know
who my father is. 'Nuff said.
     Well, I've been stuck on this purple-skyed world for the past
three days. My Thumb isn't picking up anything other than those weird
grey ships, and today I tried opening a dimentional rift only to find
something blocking me. I guess my cute magical butt is stuck here for
a while. At least the air hasn't killed me.
     There is a quiet beach not far from here, Since there aren't any
people around, I think I will forgo the bathing suit. I don't want to
have to pack a wet suit if my Thumb goes off suddenly. My pack's mesh
compartment only has room for the beach towel anyway.
     That's it for the moment, Diary. Hopefully, something interesting
will happen soon.

------------------------------------------------------------------

     "I myself am often surprized at Life's little quirks..."
                       -- Westley, _The Princess Bride_
------------------------------------------------------------------

Nemo, Nemisis, Sheila, and anyone else who happened to be on that Gold
Coast beach would notice a tall, fair-skinned woman, naked except for
the towel tossed over one shoulder and the large duffle bag slung over
the other, emerge from the treeline about 50 yards from them.

Shock appears quite evidently on her face as the duffle bag falls and
the large towel is clutched in front of her. Her muscular frame
projects an obvious struggle between flight or fight instincts, not to
mention the obvious blush from head to toe. Straight brown hair frames
a 'deer caught in the headlights' look and her eyes; left blue, right
green; scan for anything threatening about the group. Words seem to
want to flow over pouty lips, but she doesn't utter a sound.

She starts gesturing franticly, drops her towel, snatches it before it
falls halfway and quickly wraps it around herself. In a half-crouch
stance ready to either dive for the duffle bag or run for the trees,
she begins gesturing again. Eventually, it will dawn on someone that
she is signing. But it is a mish-mash of many different languages,
though it does follow standard english grammar. If no one can
translate there, the twins can interpret it:
<signed> Who are you people? Where did you come from? This beach was
deserted with no houses for several miles. Say something! </signed>
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 04:34:47 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:45:24 PST In Message # 00003510
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001723 Nemo said:

> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:22:22 -0600 In Message # 00003508
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001721 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
> She starts gesturing franticly, drops her towel, snatches it before
> it falls halfway and quickly wraps it around herself. In a
> half-crouch stance ready to either dive for the duffle bag or run
> for the trees, she begins gesturing again. Eventually, it will dawn
> on someone that she is signing. But it is a mish-mash of many
> different languages, though it does follow standard english grammar.
> If no one can translate there, the twins can interpret it:

<OOC: Actually IIRC, ASL and most other "true" sign languages *don't*
follow the grammar of the relevant spoken language.>

> <signed> Who are you people? Where did you come from? This beach was
> deserted with no houses for several miles. Say something! </signed>

"We mean you no harm. It would take a while to explain how we got
here."

If she understands, we can continue. If she doesn't, then Nemo will
repeat the above telepathically. Assume further conversation is in
whatever mode gets settled on.

"You look uncomfortable. I assume you'd like to get dressed. Here let
me help."

A sort of shoulder high changing booth appears about 3 meters from the
woman. (I figure she'd want to be able to keep an eye on us, thus the
"shoulder high" compromise)

I assume that the "thumb" or the attempt to open a rift drew our
attention to the area, as I don't recall any of the nodes being in
this location.
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 04:34:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:23:59 PST In Message # 00003511
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001724 Nemo said:

> On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 07:36:56 -0600 In Message # 00003502
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001715 Zia said:
<mega snip>
> "The cave in had disrupted things severely - it took me another two,
> maybe three days to reach the surface. I was SO thirsty by then."
> She drains the water, and the glass refills as she watches it. "Some
> things about my heritage, I like. Now, my tale of woe transforms
> into one of the happiest times of my life - I meet the man who is
> still my best friend soon after my escape. He taught me many things,
> the first of which was speech. Then reading. Then even grander
> things." She says, softly, but pauses to think a moment.

"You have had a hard life. While I started out human, and did have
more than my share of problems, they are as nothing compared to your
youth. Even with the 'advantage' of your ancestry, it's surprising
that you not only survived but remained sane."

"Of course, even when I was human, I was more than once accused of
having an odd definition of 'sanity'." :-)

"If you do not mind, I would like to offer you a massage when we have
the time for it. I am quite skilled at it."

<OOC: I can give a pretty good back and neck rub, and Nemo has not
only better control, but millenia of experience. :-)>
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 07:06:16 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa

On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 08:51:26 -0600 In Message # 00003512
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001725 Zia said:

>"You have had a hard life. While I started out human, and did have
> more than my share of problems, they are as nothing compared to your
> youth. Even with the 'advantage' of your ancestry, it's surprising
> that you not only survived but remained sane."

Zia grins, "Not really - one of my later lovers was a time traveller.
Magical basis. I highly suspect interference at several of the rougher
transition points. And nadirs. Although," she scowls, "any advantage
of my ancestry is more than offset by my ancestors themselves,
generally speaking." She nods, and says, quite seriously,

>"Of course, even when I was human, I was more than once accused of
> having an odd definition of 'sanity'." :-)

She nods, and says, quite seriously, "Yes. I didn't truly become
insane until I managed to survive the Logrus. Doc Smith was correct in
that a Lensman cannot go insane as normally it is thought, but when a
certain form of insanity became necessary for my survival it wasn't a
preventative." She slides a band of solid (no catch or place to
unfasten) band of some silvery metal, a lot like a watch, down her
left arm, from above the elbow to her wrist. It shrinks to fit as it
moves. She regards the brilliant and scintillating gem-like round Lens
with evident curiosity. It's just shy of 2 inches in diameter, and
mostly seems to reflect blue - either from its diffractive index, or
from the light of the Sealed Link arcs around Zia at this moment.

>"If you do not mind, I would like to offer you a massage when we have
> the time for it. I am quite skilled at it."

She smiles, unmistakably pleased. "Mind? A massage? No, I would not
mind. In fact, I'm quite flattered that you asked. Do you know
shijitsu? If not, I'd be happy to instruct - it's quite easy." She
nods to someone unheard, "Although Morgan is right, I'll have to
finish up the work, first. Wouldn't want the whole thing to fall
apart. Now... what level of atomic energy free release would be
necessary for the cleanest nuclear fission plant? I don't think a
redeveloping society..." she looks around the wrecked Timbuktu
marketplace, "will be able to make the leap directly into fusion."

She shakes her head. "Oh, did you want me to continue with my story?
I've gotten through all of the worst parts, now. After that, I met
George. The Dragonslayer, or a Christian saint, however you look at
it. He was mortal, but not; kept coming back in new bodies of his
line's descent. We've been friends for so long, even I don't know how
long now. I lived with him, and his family, in Japan. They taught me
so many things."

"I started as a geisha's servant when I left and went to town on my
own. I needed to have some life of my own. I moved up to courtesan,
and then branched over to astrology. I've always loved the stars. Did
that for a considerable length of time, for a human. Then George died
- at that time, I didn't know he'd come back. I was very upset, and
retreated to the mountains like most of the philosophers were wont to
do. Except I was more of a hermit."

"Then a sword crafter who was going blind took me as an apprentice,
teaching me the secrets of sword-making of his family. He would never
have trained a woman, but after knowing I was alone when I pulled the
rocks of a landslide off of him, he concluded I was a spirit, perhaps
a demon. It never seemed important to him, to decide exactly what. He
asked that I find any descendant of his, and teach them the family's
secrets. I looked, but his only family I found died under a bomb
before I got the chance. Ironically, it was my ability with swords
that got me an intro into Amber, in the end, I had nothing else that
would have gained me entrance, but for the gift of a stranger."
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 07:06:27 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 08:32:43 -0600 In Message # 00003513
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001726 Zia said:

<Molly's rather, er, bare, entrance to the game>
>  If no one can translate there, the twins can interpret it:

ooSC: I think a Lens could translate this, any opinions contrary? No,
Sheila doesn't have one, but they're all in rapport through the Sealed
Link right now, so Zia could 'help'.

Nemo, (in telepathy or speech), "You look uncomfortable. I assume
you'd like to get dressed. Here let me help."

>A sort of shoulder high changing booth appears about 3 meters from
>the woman. (I figure she'd want to be able to keep an eye on us, thus
>the "shoulder high" compromise)

Sheila turns. There is simply no way to make two thick cables of
energy emerging from the ground on your right and left, one fore and
one aft, that meet a similarly blinding blue ring over your head that
arcs off unchanging both directions into the horizon, unobtrusive
enough that it doesn't look VERY strange.

Sheila (who looks EXACTLY like the woman in the blue jumpsuit off the
cover of Robert Heinlein's _Friday_, btw) turns and nods in a friendly
manner. She reaches in a pocket, taking out a pair of bronze-colored
Gargoyle (TM) sunglasses.

"Why, is this your personal beach, ma'am? I was just noticing how the
sun seems to be just right here. However, you go ahead and take a
swim. There is no one here but me and these two, not a human male in
sight. I'd join you, but I have things to keep boiling for a few more
hours yet." She lays back in the air, like it was a deck chair (only
about four feet up), and pushes the glasses up her nose more
comfortably.

Over the Nemisis split, she's studying whatever engineering details of
anything Nemo feels like sharing - Sheila is a mechanic, and loves
good design. Especially of older prop aircraft, and she 'asks' for
several antique plans she's never had a chance to see yet. Yep, you
guessed it, Sheila is a rocket jock. (ooSC: I HAD to have an
astronaut, I just did!)

ooc parts.
[Leonard]
>I assume that the "thumb" or the attempt to open a rift drew our
>attention to the area, as I don't recall any of the nodes being in
>this location.

[Sam]
Actually, Sheila's was - she exchanged with Morgan. She's in the Gold
Coast, Austrailia area, while Morgan's somewhere in the wilds of
Mongolia. Heh, I made some notes here by the computer to keep track of
at least my own characters. :) It is helping, too. (grin)
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 09:05:20 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Aae:Shadows in the night.

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 10:39:28 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003514
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001727 Driscoll said:

 After thegirl is created by Sera, Isla takes her off back down the
stairs to the basement, talking softly and re-assuring hte scare young
girl. Squee sighed and slipped Soulstealer back in Darath's scabbard
on her back, and began to drag Darath downstairs.
 There is no noise or anything else from them and they go completely
unnoticed and unless someone specifically goes down looking for them,
it is hours before sensing anything is wrong, that Squee's mind
leavesthe link and this dimention.
 Anyone going downstairs will find a note in Squee's surprisingly
perfect script (He IS technically about 75 years old now and well
mastered at reading and writing already, at least in Elvish):

  If you find this, then you're too late. We are already gone.
  Isla was only staying with the group to find out the secrets of 
  dimentional travel and I have agreed to teach her abotu the natural
  permanent portals in return for her versing me in the ways of magic
  and doing what Roscoe PROMISED me to do but never seemd to find the
  TIME for. Finding my parents. Don't look for me. I'm doing this of
  my own free will and do not want to come back. You never had time to
  help me anyways so I don't see why it would change now.
                                             Squee

 After he wrote the note, squee made one last forlorn look at the
stairs, but it soon became a glare and he tossed down the note onto
the table, but it spilled off and floated its way into the blood drawn
pentacle on the floor. Squee began to pick it up, the decided to
forget it and turned back to Isla who had just finished reviving
Darath. "Ok I'm ready."
 She smiles sweetly at him, "Then let us go young one. The tunnel
awaits us and my invisibility spell will allow us to pass the rebel
guards at the end of it unseen."
 She began mumbling the words and concentrating and soon a spell
enwrapped the four of them. They could see each other, but a mirror
proved they were invisible to outside sources. Another quick spell
took care of any sound they might make. In that way they made their
way into the London streets.
 Darath found an old car that still started though the purple air made
it sound like it would die at any moment. still it was faster than
walking to the portal in Scottland. They had just about made it out of
London when a Grey scout ship came after them.
 Darath stopped the small car adn She and Isla stepped out. Darath
fired a pair of eldtritch bolts from Soulstealer at teh ship, while
Isla worked her spell. Within seconds the ship was ensnared and pulled
down to the ground by her spell. They grey tried to flee but Darath's
blade cut that short and proved even Greys have souls.
 Darath concentrated a moment searching for the Alien soul and the
information she needed. Then a smile corssed her face. "Well let's
squeeze in. I know all about flying this thing now and it should be
able to take us where we need to go easily."
 With the grey ship, they reached Scottland in a little over an hour,
flying low to the land to try to keep from being detected by either
Grey or CaoL means. Darath landed the ship right at the ruins of what
was once the mighty Holyrood castle. Squee took a moment to lock onto
the signal that marked the portals for his kind to find. He wasn't
sure how he would teach Isla to sense it be he'd think of something.
 He made his way to a patch of open ground and began to recite:
 Home is where the heart is found.
 The way back home is through this ground
 OPen oh ground for this fairy folk
 and take me back to where magic first woke.

 The ground itself began to split apart and oozed its way back to
reveal a 10' diameter hole. At the bottom of hte shallow hole was a
swirling mass of light. The Portal to Arcadia, and from there to any
other dimention where magic has touched. But properly manipulated the
portal could bypass Arcadia. a skill that was also an added defense
for the Guardians to utilize to re-route undesirables before they even
realized where they _could_ have been going. "Ok, let's go."
 Isla came over and looked at the pit in amazement. "This is it? it
will take us to another world?"
 "Anywhere _I_ want it to. And you once I've taught you, but first we
find out where my parents are." Squee shot her an andamant glare.
 Isla's smile just got all the mroe sweet. "Oh of course little one.
Of course."
 With a quick step inside they all were gone adn the ground re-sealed
itself behind them a moment before the grey ship exploded into
sub-attomic particals.
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 09:35:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 11:07:52 -0600 In Message # 00003515
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001728 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:45:24 PST In Message # 00003510
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001723 Nemo said:
>
>> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:22:22 -0600 In Message # 00003508
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001721 Michael Jon Knight said:
<snip>
>> She starts gesturing franticly, drops her towel, snatches it before
>> it falls halfway and quickly wraps it around herself. In a half-
>> crouch stance ready to either dive for the duffle bag or run for
>> the trees, she begins gesturing again. Eventually, it will dawn on
>> someone that she is signing. But it is a mish-mash of many
>> different languages, though it does follow standard english
>> grammar. If no one can translate there, the twins can interpret it:
>
><OOC: Actually IIRC, ASL and most other "true" sign languages *don't*
> follow the grammar of the relevant spoken language.>

<OOC: Well, OOCly, that just proves how little I know <g>, but ICly,
she was raised on a post-apocalyptic earth so education is sporatic at
best. Her sign language is a confusing mish-mash because it is taken
from various pieces of books that survived and was not from a formal
education.>

>> <signed> Who are you people? Where did you come from? This beach
>> was deserted with no houses for several miles. Say something!
>> </signed>
>
>"We mean you no harm. It would take a while to explain how we got
>here."
>
>If she understands, we can continue. If she doesn't, then Nemo will
>repeat the above telepathically. Assume further conversation is in
>whatever mode gets settled on.

She holds a hand over her ear, looking a bit confused, then with a bit
of a squint, nods slowly, reading Nemo's lips.

>"You look uncomfortable. I assume you'd like to get dressed. Here let
> me help."
>
>A sort of shoulder high changing booth appears about 3 meters from
>the woman. (I figure she'd want to be able to keep an eye on us, thus
>the "shoulder high" compromise)

The woman looks surprised, nods, making a gesture towards Nemo
touching fingertips to chin then holding palm flat up as if offering
something, saying 'Thank you.' She still looks a bit wary, but she
also seems to be familiar with that sort of story. Or perhaps
experienced something like it.

The woman steps behind the tall screen (she is 6'2") with her
dufflebag placed slightly to the side and bent down to get some
clothes, glancing between her bag and the small group. She quickly
dons a black t-shirt with 'Disaster Area: the Kakrafoon Concert'
emblazened in red and a pair of torn blue jeans.

>On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 08:32:43 -0600 In Message # 00003513
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001726 Zia said:
>
><Molly's rather, er, bare, entrance to the game>

<OOC: As I was telling my SO last night, all the really 'cool'
entrances seemed to have been taken. So, I went for silly. <G>>

>>  If no one can translate there, the twins can interpret it:
>
>ooSC: I think a Lens could translate this, any opinions contrary? No,
>Sheila doesn't have one, but they're all in rapport through the
>Sealed Link right now, so Zia could 'help'.

<OOC: Hadn't thought of that angle, but fine by me. :)>

<snip>
>Sheila turns. There is simply no way to make two thick cables of
>energy emerging from the ground on your right and left, one fore and
>one aft, that meet a similarly blinding blue ring over your head that
>arcs off unchanging both directions into the horizon, unobtrusive
>enough that it doesn't look VERY strange.

Molly looks up as Sheila turns. She slings her bag over her shoulder
and steps away from the changing screen, with another thank you to
Nemo. She seems unfazed by Sheila's appearance. Amazing what a few
pieces of fabric can do for one's self-image.

>Sheila (who looks EXACTLY like the woman in the blue jumpsuit off the
>cover of Robert Heinlein's _Friday_, btw) turns and nods in a
>friendly manner. She reaches in a pocket, taking out a pair of
>bronze-colored Gargoyle (TM) sunglasses.
>
>"Why, is this your personal beach, ma'am? I was just noticing how the
>sun seems to be just right here. However, you go ahead and take a
>swim. There is no one here but me and these two, not a human male in
>sight. I'd join you, but I have things to keep boiling for a few more
>hours yet." She lays back in the air, like it was a deck chair (only
>about four feet up), and pushes the glasses up her nose more
>comfortably.

As the woman walks toward them, she continues signing.

<signed> If it were my personal beach, I would have demanded your
departure. And I think I will decline that swim, thank you. Men are
not the only ones who might have an ulterior motive for making such an
offer. Besides, meeting two english speaking humans who also know
several types of sign language and a...</signed>

Molly looks at Nemesis. <OOC: looking for magic energy as a sort of
life reading, like a _Rifts_ ley line walker.>

<signed>...an artificial construct...on an alien beach is not an
everyday coincidence, even for me. Which means, I was probably meant
to talk to you for some unknown reason. So, I'm Molly,
interdimentional wanderer. Who are you?</signed>

<snip>
>ooc parts.
>[Leonard]
>>I assume that the "thumb" or the attempt to open a rift drew our
>>attention to the area, as I don't recall any of the nodes being in
>>this location.
>
>[Sam]
>Actually, Sheila's was - she exchanged with Morgan. She's in the Gold
>Coast, Austrailia area, while Morgan's somewhere in the wilds of
>Mongolia. Heh, I made some notes here by the computer to keep track
>of at least my own characters. :) It is helping, too. (grin)

[Mike]
The Thumb is only set to 'receive' so it would be no more a tip off
than the average radio. The attempted rift-opening might have been a
clue to her presense.
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:45:26 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:33:26 -0600 In Message # 00003516
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001729 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 20:07:42 In Message # 00003505
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001718 Morgan said:
>
>>On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 01:05:16 -0600 In Message # 00003497
>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001710 Michael Jon Knight said:
>>
<snip>
>>Grep concludes, /What are you basing -your- current actions on?/
>
>   /This isn't my first alien invasion, Grep,/ Roland begins. /Even
>with the kind of firepower we wield, we can't protect everyone. The
>best way I know to stop something like this is to cut off their
>ability to work on a worldwide scale-which means taking out their
>leaders or their tech. Given my desire to avoid killing, I'm sure you
>can guess my target./

/We see, you're guessing./ the twins send, though there is definitely
a good humored tone to the words, /But it is a good guess./

>   /Incidentally,/ Roland adds, /I can now tell you that your theory
>about your force fields is correct-that sort of energy does prevent
>the use of the strange cosmic band-width this thing works on. My
>point is that they will have almost certainly taken that into account
>by now. With tech like this, they don't have to blow through your
>fields, just open pinpricks in them. I'm just glad they haven't shown
>any evidence of similar ability with organic structures./ Roland
>grimaces furiously. /Which doesn't mean they don't have them.../

/That's what worries us,/ the girls send, /But, it is _our_ best
guess. Our only other option is to depart which is not something we
want to do with family here especially./

>   Roland shrugs. /I know that you are both smart and capable, and
>I'm interested in your idea on how to take out my 'evil twin.' But
>that doesn't change the fact that you two are children, no matter
>what you look like, and I worry about you./

The twins blush.

>>/Roland, please do recall what happened to Kinnison when he
>> attempted to infilitrate the Council of Boskone. You are taking a
>> large risk./
>
>   /Which time?/ Roland chuckles. /The Gray Lensman infiltrated just
>about every level of Boskonian culture./ He grows serious again. /I'm
>flattered by all the concern, but someone has to take the risk, and
>I'm the logical choice./

/True,/ Knytt sends, finally joining the conversation. He and the
twins are surrounded by a couple squads of dead robots. /We're getting
too busy talking, girls, we usually do more damage than this./

/We were trying not to marr the finish on the pianos or scratch the
truck's paint./

/Dodge Ram, V10...sweet. I think this is adequate repayment for that
Indian. Anyone still got monsters that need slaying? We've got a
couple pianos we can drop on their heads. And a bunch of other stuff
here, too. Other than the truck, I don't want any of it./

Knytt looks at the two 4' by 4' by 6' stacks of Jolt Cola. He reaches
out and takes three bottles, which were nearly ice cold. /Except maybe
these./

He tosses two of the bottles to the twins, /Try this, a new taste
treat for you. Anyway, the rest of this junk is up for grabs. Just
don't tell anyone where you got the still, I have enough revenuer
problems as it is. ;)/

A bonebearer leapt out of nowhere lunging for Knytt. He sidestepped,
stabbing it through the heart as it landed. /Thing nearly made me drop
my soda...Hmm, sounds like a good slogan: 'Don't drink and duel, you
might spill your drink.'/
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:45:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:17:50 PST In Message # 00003517
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001730v Nemo said:

> On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 08:32:43 -0600 In Message # 00003513
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001726 Zia said:
>
> "Why, is this your personal beach, ma'am? I was just noticing how
> the sun seems to be just right here. However, you go ahead and take
> a swim. There is no one here but me and these two, not a human male
> in sight. I'd join you, but I have things to keep boiling for a few
> more hours yet." She lays back in the air, like it was a deck chair
> (only about four feet up), and pushes the glasses up her nose more
> comfortably.

Nemo looks *very* human, but he can project a good "fatherly"
impression ("Don't mind me, I'm not interested unless you want me to
be").

> Over the Nemisis split, she's studying whatever engineering details
> of anything Nemo feels like sharing - Sheila is a mechanic, and
> loves good design. Especially of older prop aircraft, and she 'asks'
> for several antique plans she's never had a chance to see yet. Yep,
> you guessed it, Sheila is a rocket jock. (ooSC: I HAD to have an
> astronaut, I just did!)

Nemo can dig up plans, images, and even 3-d "CAD" type drawing of damn
near anything. Perhaps she'd like a "tour" of Langley's steam powered
airplane (before the Wright brothers and it really *should* have
worked)?

> Actually, Sheila's was - she exchanged with Morgan. She's in the
> Gold Coast, Austrailia area, while Morgan's somewhere in the wilds
> of Mongolia. Heh, I made some notes here by the computer to keep
> track of at least my own characters. :) It is helping, too. (grin)

Ah. Wrong "Gold Coast". I was thinking Africa.
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:45:49 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:11:20 PST In Message # 00003518
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001731 Nemo said:

> On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 08:51:26 -0600 In Message # 00003512
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001725 Zia said:
>
> "Although Morgan is right, I'll have to finish up the work, first.
> Wouldn't want the whole thing to fall apart. Now... what level of
> atomic energy free release would be necessary for the cleanest
> nuclear fission plant? I don't think a redeveloping society..." she
> looks around the wrecked Timbuktu marketplace, "will be able to make
> the leap directly into fusion."

"I wouldn't worry about that. When they have the time to investigate
the technology behind the 'air filters' I provided them with, clean
nuclear power is but one of the things they'll have. The 'filter'
field started as a sort of one-way mirror for neutrons. It was later
extended to other particles and finally to atoms and molecules. It
even allows a molecular level teleport once you get good enough. Handy
for both refining and transporting raw materials and for cleaning up
wastes, but useless for transporting macroscopic items."
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:45:59 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:24:00 PST In Message # 00003519
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001732 Nemo said:

> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 11:07:52 -0600 In Message # 00003515
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001728 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
>>"We mean you no harm. It would take a while to explain how we got
>>here."
>>
>>If she understands, we can continue. If she doesn't, then Nemo will
>>repeat the above telepathically. Assume further conversation is in
>>whatever mode gets settled on.
>
> She holds a hand over her ear, looking a bit confused, then with a
> bit of a squint, nods slowly, reading Nemo's lips.

Is she deaf, or just not used to verbal communication? And if she is
deaf, there are several varieties that Nemo can give her a device to
"get around" the problem (sound to direct neural induction, which
works as long as the auditory centers are intact). A speech to text
interface to the visual cortex is also possible, though less
satisfactory.

A "simple" scan should reveal enough details if she is willing.

>>A sort of shoulder high changing booth appears about 3 meters from
>>the woman. (I figure she'd want to be able to keep an eye on us,
>>thus the "shoulder high" compromise)
>
> The woman looks surprised, nods, making a gesture towards Nemo
> touching fingertips to chin then holding palm flat up as if offering
> something, saying 'Thank you.' She still looks a bit wary, but she
> also seems to be familiar with that sort of story. Or perhaps
> experienced something like it.
>
> The woman steps behind the tall screen (she is 6'2") with her
> dufflebag placed slightly to the side and bent down to get some
> clothes, glancing between her bag and the small group. She quickly
> dons a black t-shirt with 'Disaster Area: the Kakrafoon Concert'
> emblazened in red and a pair of torn blue jeans.

Nemo recognizes the band name, and produces a sevice that resembles a
copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, while not being one.
He'll offer it to her (it's a Guide style database with such info as
we are willing to reveal).
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 16:09:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: What is thy Bidding, my Master?

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:02:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003520
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001733 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:33:26 -0600 In Message # 00003516
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001729 Michael Jon Knight said:
> <snip>

Rhiannon walks onto the battlefield, sandwich in hand, "You have a
wonderful kitchen, Morgan."

> /We see, you're guessing./ the twins send, though there is
> definitely a good humored tone to the words, /But it is a good
> guess./

Rhiannon smiles, /Besides, He _already_ tried the protect everyone at
once scheme. Therefore onto plan B: Strategy./

> /That's what worries us,/ the girls send, /But, it is _our_ best
> guess. Our only other option is to depart which is not something we
> want to do with family here especially./

A thoughtful look crosses Rhiannon's face, "Hmmm, I wonder..."/If that
thing would work on me. Roland, try it out on me, best to know now,
while you're here to change it back./
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:08:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:05:50 -0600 In Message # 00003521
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001734 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:24:00 PST In Message # 00003519
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001732 Nemo said:
>
>Is she deaf, or just not used to verbal communication? And if she is
>deaf, there are several varieties that Nemo can give her a device to
>"get around" the problem (sound to direct neural induction, which
>works as long as the auditory centers are intact). A speech to text
>interface to the visual cortex is also possible, though less
>satisfactory.

<OOC: :) Good, I meant to be confusing. Just ask her. She won't bite
your head off for it. She is used to it by now, and _I_ was expecting
someone _would_ ask. Though I was also prepared to tell eventually,
but just then wasn't the time for her to wonder about the little
things.>

>A "simple" scan should reveal enough details if she is willing.

<OOC: :) Yes, it will reveal the details, though she can tell you the
answers herself. Those sorts of scans have been done before.>

>Nemo recognizes the band name, and produces a sevice that resembles a
>copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, while not being one.
>He'll offer it to her (it's a Guide style database with such info as
>we are willing to reveal).

After her introduction, Molly takes the proffered CAoL Guide. After a
few moments of reading, she shudders with silent laughter, hands the
Guide back, gesturing for Nemo to wait one moment. Digging into her
dufflebag, she withdraws a stack of well-read paperbacks bound
together by rubberbands and hands them to Nemo. They're all be the
same author, a 'Spider Robinson', and have titles like _The Callahan
Chronicles_, _Callahan's Lady_, _Time Pressure_, _User Friendly_,
_Callahan's Legacy_, etc.

Pointing to the books, she smiles radiantly as she signs, 'You're with
THAT Callahan? I think I might not object to swimming company after
all. Do you know the Lucky Duck? I think we may be related.'
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:08:53 -0800 (PST)
Subject: OOC: Thumbs. ;)

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:44:02 -0600 In Message # 00003522
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001735 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 00:45:24 PST In Message # 00003510
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001723 Nemo said:
<big snip>
>I assume that the "thumb" or the attempt to open a rift drew our
>attention to the area, as I don't recall any of the nodes being in
>this location.

Well, I just realised I made an error when I said the Thumb was set to
receive. After rereading the HHGTTG passage where it is introduced, I
realized the piece of equipment I had intended Molly to be detecting
Grey ships with was a 'Sub-Etha Sens-O-Matic' The Electronic Thumb is
just used to call ships. I know, not an important distinction in the
grand scheme of things, but I was trying to be technically accurate to
the 'fiction' from which it was being drawn. So, if that was a source
of confusion for anyone, my apologies. :)
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:09:02 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 18:57:13 In Message # 00003523
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001736 Morgan said:

>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:02:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003520
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001733 Shadow said:
>
>> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:33:26 -0600 In Message # 00003516
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001729 Michael Jon Knight said:
>>
>>>On Tue, 31 Mar 1998 20:07:42 In Message # 00003505
>>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001718 Morgan said:
<snip>
>> /We see, you're guessing./ the twins send, though there is
>> definitely a good humored tone to the words, /But it is a good
>> guess./

   /I hope so, and it is IMNSHO an _educated_ guess, but you're
right-it is a guess,/ Roland admits.

>Rhiannon smiles, /Besides, He _already_ tried the protect everyone at
>once scheme. Therefore onto plan B: Strategy./

   Roland blushes (tm). /Well, since I took the sprocking job, I
_ought_ to do it right./

<snip>
>A thoughtful look crosses Rhiannon's face, "Hmmm, I wonder..."/If
>that thing would work on me. Roland, try it out on me, best to know
>now, while you're here to change it back./

   /GRIFE!/ Roland gasps. /That is OUT of the question! Besides, I
meant some _other_ device that could affect organic substances, like a
retrovirus or the like. _This_ thing,/ Roland continues as his abdomen
glows an emerald green, /can only affect nonliving substances./

/Damn good thing,/ Morgan says, noting the glow.

   /My guess is that it has something to do with the lifeforce, but it
_is_ only a guess,/ Roland finishes.

>>>   Roland shrugs. /I know that you are both smart and capable, and
>>>I'm interested in your idea on how to take out my 'evil twin.' But
>>>that doesn't change the fact that you two are children, no matter
>>>what you look like, and I worry about you./
>>
>> The twins blush.

   /That's very...flattering.../ Roland sends carefully, /...but my
point is that I don't want you two thinking you're invulnerable.
Apparently, it's not a concern./ Roland nods.

/You're cute when you're being paternal,/ Morgan quips.

   Roland turns to face his wife and scowls. /Very funny./ The scowl
fades quickly under Morgan's unstoppable beam of wide-eyed innocence,
though he still doesn't smile. /The only way you're coming with me is
if you can come up with a convincing cover./

/Well, how many of us in this group can pass for Grade A 100% British
Earther?/ Morgan smiles. /I _was_ born on this island, you know.
Granted a few hundred years ago in another dimension, but I doubt that
will make that much of a difference./

   Roland's scowl returns full force for a moment. /Nass. All right.
You're a Traitor that acquitted yourself well during the fight against
the CAoL. I just made you 'my' aide de camp./ He turns to Knytt and
the scowl vanishes. /Speaking of which...we need _someone_ who can act
as leader in my absence, or if something...unfortunate...happens to
me. Unless someone objects-BESIDES you, Knytt!-you're my XO. Try to
keep the cats herded in the same direction, would you?/ Roland smiles
at the last bit, and the bio-pod reactors slide out of his back.
Putting an arm around Morgan's waist, he rockets away from the CAoL,
flying toward Anglesee at an insane two feet off the ground. (Or at
least, insane to someone _without_ TK. <g>)
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:06:24 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 22:45:57 EST In Message # 00003524
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001737 Dane0R0A said:

In a message dated 98-04-01 22:10:40 EST, you write:
<<   Roland's scowl returns full force for a moment. /Nass. All right.
You're a Traitor that acquitted yourself well during the fight against
the CAoL. I just made you 'my' aide de camp./ He turns to Knytt and
the scowl vanishes. /Speaking of which...we need _someone_ who can act
as leader in my absence, or if something...unfortunate...happens to
me. Unless someone objects-BESIDES you, Knytt!-you're my XO. Try to
keep the cats herded in the same direction, would you?/ Roland smiles
at the last bit, and the bio-pod reactors slide out of his back.
Putting an arm around Morgan's waist, he rockets away from the CAoL,
flying toward Anglesee at an insane two feet off the ground. (Or at
least, insane to someone _without_ TK. <g>)
  >>
Armagedon calls after the two (funny thing, they can still hear him),
"See if you can capture a few Greys, for examination, if you would
please. Two would be OK, three would be better, four would be
perfect."
===========================

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 22:35:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 00:04:32 -0600 In Message # 00003525
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001738 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 18:57:13 In Message # 00003523
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001736 Morgan said:
>
>>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:02:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003520
>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001733 Shadow said:
>>
>>> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 12:33:26 -0600 In Message # 00003516
>>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001729 Michael Jon Knight said:
<snip>
>>> /We see, you're guessing./ the twins send, though there is
>>> definitely a good humored tone to the words, /But it is a good
>>> guess./
>
>   /I hope so, and it is IMNSHO an _educated_ guess, but you're
>right-it is a guess,/ Roland admits.

The twins nod. /We see nothing wrong with an educated guess, Uncle. It
just did not seem to be one at the moment in question./

<snip of Roland reminding the twins they are children despite contrary
appearances and that he worries>
>>> The twins blush.
>
>   /That's very...flattering.../ Roland sends carefully, /...but my
>point is that I don't want you two thinking you're invulnerable.
>Apparently, it's not a concern./ Roland nods.

/We are touched by your concern. What was very flattering?/ the girls
send.

>/You're cute when you're being paternal,/ Morgan quips.
>
>   Roland turns to face his wife and scowls. /Very funny./

/From where I sit, it speaks highly of you, Roland./ Knytt sends.
/Makes me feel more confident about who to ask to babysit./

/Hey!/ the twins butt in, indignant.

/-Only- as an occasional advisor, not a caretaker. More to make sure
you two terrors don't do too much property damage than anything./

The twins send mental raspberries.

<snip>
>He turns to Knytt and the scowl vanishes.

/Why don't I like that look, Roland?/ Knytt sends nervously.

>/Speaking of which...we need _someone_ who can act as leader in my
>absence, or if something...unfortunate...happens to me. Unless
>someone objects-BESIDES you, Knytt!-you're my XO. Try to keep the
>cats herded in the same direction, would you?/ Roland smiles at the
>last bit, and the bio-pod reactors slide out of his back.

/Hey, man, what'd _I_ do wrong?/ Knytt sends.

/Aw, c'mon, dad./ the twins butt in, /It's '_only_ as an occasional
_advisor_, not a _caretaker_.'/

/You two are _evil_ children./

/Yes, but we come by it honest./

>Putting an arm around Morgan's waist, he rockets away from the CaoL,
>flying toward Anglesee at an insane two feet off the ground. (Or at
>least, insane to someone _without_ TK. <g>)

<the following assumes no one objects to my TEMPORARY leadership. ;)>

Knytt leans against the pickup truck, pinching the bridge of his nose,
thinking. /Okay, girls, think you two can create or teach your
Grandmother to create, a time bubble? I dunno if the Stardragon is
blocking that sort of trick or not, but we need all hands on deck, and
Fuzzy is one of our better mages, and so far, the only one (I think)
with a plan and the know-how to slow down those Aze-whatsis Devices.

/Okay, those things are powered through Hyperspace, right? Is the
Stardragon blocking hyperspace? The Grey claim they'll blow if cut
off, but that could be B.S. to get us to leave them alone./

Knytt thumps a fist against the side of the truck. /Damn, too many
unknowns about this whole mess. Alright, girls, go take care of Fuzzy.
Get him up and around if you can. Everyone else, I guess follow the
plan Roland laid out and try and infiltrate the Devices as best you
can. (That was the plan, right?) Be ready to bug out fast if things go
sour. Don't let your groups get too big. You don't want to get 'made'
before you even get in the door./

/What are you going to do, dad?/

/Melissa, do you know what the Page of Wands stands for?/

/Yes, A faithful and loyal person, an envoy, emissary, trusted friend,
consistant person, a bearer of important news.../

/Right, and I'm going to find our Page of Wands, Mr. Black./ Knytt
climbed into the cab of the Dodge Ram and found the key in the
ignition. As the V-10 gave a seismic roar of life, Knytt leaned out
the driver's side window and sent /You neglected to mention one
meaning. The Page of Wands is also a Stranger with good intentions.
I'll be quiet on the link, but monitoring. I'll be a bit busy to chat,
but just give me a nudge to get my attention if there is _any_
problem./

The twins mounted their hovering surf boards, carrying Jack back to
the church, then shot up skyward and took off for Mongolia at a
fraction of a percent of Lightspeed.

Knytt drove off, following some unseen guide who he hoped would lead
him to their mysterious Mr. Black.

<OOC: If Stranger is likely to beat me here, just presume Knytt pulls
up here a few moments after, having driven in a large circle.
Otherwise, he will wander 'aimlessly' until the time is right for them
to cross paths.>
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 04:35:10 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 23:05:32 PST In Message # 00003526
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001739 Nemo said:

> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:05:50 -0600 In Message # 00003521
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001734 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
>>A "simple" scan should reveal enough details if she is willing.
>
> <OOC: :) Yes, it will reveal the details, though she can tell you
> the answers herself. Those sorts of scans have been done before.>

<OOC: I was trying to "short circuit" things a bit. I should have
known I'd get called on it. :-)>

> After her introduction, Molly takes the proffered CAoL Guide. After
> a few moments of reading, she shudders with silent laughter, hands
> the Guide back, gesturing for Nemo to wait one moment. Digging into
> her dufflebag, she withdraws a stack of well-read paperbacks bound
> together by rubberbands and hands them to Nemo. They're all be the
> same author, a 'Spider Robinson', and have titles like _The Callahan
> Chronicles_, _Callahan's Lady_, _Time Pressure_, _User Friendly_,
> _Callahan's Legacy_, etc.
>
> Pointing to the books, she smiles radiantly as she signs, 'You're
> with THAT Callahan? I think I might not object to swimming company
> after all. Do you know the Lucky Duck? I think we may be related.'

"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him."

Nemo produces a complete set of the Hitchhiker trilogy (all 5 books)
and points out a few references to her.

"Forgive me, but you seem to have a slight communication problem.
Would you mind if I 'looked' to see if I can help?"
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 07:36:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:

> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 00:04:32 -0600 In Message # 00003525
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001738 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
> The twins mounted their hovering surf boards, carrying Jack back to
> the church, then shot up skyward and took off for Mongolia at a
> fraction of a percent of Lightspeed.
>
> Knytt drove off, following some unseen guide who he hoped would lead
> him to their mysterious Mr. Black.

 Driss looks about. "OK Roscoe's finished filling me in and getting me
updated on what's going on and I can't say that I like it in the
least. For my two coppers worth, beating the greys on this planet
isn't going to do a whole hell of a lot. They'll just mark it off and
do the same thing to the next snetient planet they come across. And a
war fought far away is easy to kep popular. We need to find a way to
put the greys in this planet's shoes and let them see how it feels to
have someone walk in and start screwing with nature. But I think that
can wait a bit until we're more stable here on Earth.
 "Right now though I think Roland and Morgan are about to plunge head
first into some pretty thick dung. The Greys know that the Reborn's
counterpart is here and have had witnesses that saw he and Morgan
together. Roscoe's been assuring me that she can change her appearance
enough to conceal her identity, but who know for _sure_ these Greys
take any note of appearance anyways. That they don't classify humans
by smell, or aura, or biorythmic eminations or whatever.
 "With that thought in mind, I'm going to go tag along whether they
like it or not. I'm one of the few people here these Greys haven't
seen yet. that'll make it all the easier to pass myself off as a
traitor. From the mental images he gave me of the uniform that other
traitor was wearing, I should have the stuff I need in my cloak to get
pretty close. Question is can one of you do a spell or something to
conceal Roscoe so he can come with? I don't know how many wolves there
are wandering Londontown these days."
 /Just someone do some hokey stuff I'll shift into an insect form to
tag along./ Roscoe sends out on the link.
 While (hopefully) someone volenteers to be the magician, Driss pulls
out a uniform from his cloak and slips it on over his stealth suit,
and then takes out a satchel pouch and a jetpack. Stuffing the cloak
into the satchel, he slips on the jetpack harness. *You there Roscoe?*
 *Yeh right beside you and ready to go.* responds a flea formed Roscoe
as he jumps into Driss's pantleg and makes his way up.
 *Ok, cna you lock on their minds to know where the hell we're
supposed to be going?*
 *With the Sigil link and the lens link, easy as pie. Still I wouldn't
let them get too far ahead.*
 *Good point. here we go.*
 With that Driss rockets off following Roland's altitude and speed,
but relying on his luck rather than telekinesis.
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 10:42:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 10:37:25 -0600 In Message # 00003529
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001742 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 23:05:32 PST In Message # 00003526
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001739 Nemo said:
>
>> On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:05:50 -0600 In Message # 00003521
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001734 Michael Jon Knight said:
<snip>
><OOC: I was trying to "short circuit" things a bit. I should have
> known I'd get called on it. :-)>

<OOC; No problem.>

<snip>
>> Pointing to the books, she smiles radiantly as she signs, 'You're
>> with THAT Callahan? I think I might not object to swimming company
>> after all. Do you know the Lucky Duck? I think we may be related.'
>
>"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him."
>
>Nemo produces a complete set of the Hitchhiker trilogy (all 5 books)
>and points out a few references to her.

Molly smiles, signing, 'Yes, looks like you know one of my universes
as well.'

>"Forgive me, but you seem to have a slight communication problem.
> Would you mind if I 'looked' to see if I can help?"

Molly blinks, then shrugs, signing, 'Go ahead.'

The scan reveals that she is human and has a Babel fish in her ear.
Her inner ear does not have the conducting bones in them, and the
auditory center of her brain is nonexistant. The motor controls for
speech as well as her larnyx are also missing. A DNA scan will show
that those genes have been removed as well. Molly also has a mutation
that makes her telepathic, as well as some other genetic oddities that
give her a talent for magical energy manipulation.

Molly signs, 'It was an accident before my mother knew she was
pregnant. She was making some equipment adjustments when she was hit
by a flash of radiation. I normally don't have this sort of problem,
but my Babel fish isn't translating for me. And I can't seem to send
anything telepathicly or even hear anything. Not that I snoop, but it
was the only way when I was little to communicate with my foster
parents. I only learned to sign for emergencies. Now I normally let
the Babel fish do the listening. It only picks up forms of
communication, after all, cutting down on background noise. The weird
thing is, it was all fine this morning. That's the most frustrating
bit. Like I drank too much Old Janx Spirit but without the pleasant
effects.'
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 11:54:09 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 10:52:24 -0600 In Message # 00003530
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001743 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:
<snip>
> "With that thought in mind, I'm going to go tag along whether they
>like it or not. I'm one of the few people here these Greys haven't
>seen yet. that'll make it all the easier to pass myself off as a
>traitor. From the mental images he gave me of the uniform that other
>traitor was wearing, I should have the stuff I need in my cloak to
>get pretty close. Question is can one of you do a spell or something
>to conceal Roscoe so he can come with? I don't know how many wolves
>there are wandering Londontown these days."

Knytt sends, snapping momentarily out of his daze, /I think Driss is
right, but keep the cavalry small. The rest of us may be needed for
backup to bust you four out. If Roland complains, tell him the XO says
since he was drafted, "protecting the Captain" falls within his area
of concern. Good luck./

Knytt returns to his meandering driving, making a sudden sharp turn
down an alleyway. [This way, I think...]
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 14:06:31 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 16:39:59 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003531
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001744 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Wed, 01 Apr 1998 18:57:13 In Message # 00003523
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001736 Morgan said:
>
>>On Wed, 1 Apr 1998 19:02:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003520
>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001733 Shadow said:
> <snip>
>>A thoughtful look crosses Rhiannon's face, "Hmmm, I wonder..."/If
>>that thing would work on me. Roland, try it out on me, best to know
>>now, while you're here to change it back./
>
>    /GRIFE!/ Roland gasps. /That is OUT of the question! Besides, I
> meant some _other_ device that could affect organic substances, like
> a retrovirus or the like. _This_ thing,/ Roland continues as his
> abdomen glows an emerald green, /can only affect nonliving
> substances./
>
> /Damn good thing,/ Morgan says, noting the glow.
>
>    /My guess is that it has something to do with the lifeforce, but
> it _is_ only a guess,/ Roland finishes.

/Didn't I mention earlier that I had already died and been brought
back?/ Rhiannon says. /Almost all of me except for my right arm and
half my head is an organic metal. It has all the properties of the
corresponding body part and the metallic materials it was made out of
simultaneously. It makes shifting all that much more fun./
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 14:06:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 16:54:25 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003532
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001745 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:
>
>  Driss looks about. "OK Roscoe's finished filling me in and getting
> me updated on what's going on and I can't say that I like it in the
> least. For my two coppers worth, beating the greys on this planet
> isn't going to do a whole hell of a lot. They'll just mark it off
> and do the same thing to the next snetient planet they come across.
> And a war fought far away is easy to kep popular. We need to find a
> way to put the greys in this planet's shoes and let them see how it
> feels to have someone walk in and start screwing with nature. But I
> think that can wait a bit until we're more stable here on Earth.

/WHAT!!! If he thinks for ONE moment that I'm going to sit in this
GODforsaken dimension THAT long and THEN go to the grey home dimension
to fight ANOTHER prolonged.../ Rhiannon's outburst fades out as she
walks away.
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 16:40:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 00:58:12 -0800 In Message # 00003533
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001746 Gareth L Owen said:

Michael Jon Knight wrote:
> Knytt drove off, following some unseen guide who he hoped would lead
> him to their mysterious Mr. Black.

Knytt drives for a while, turning this way and that as the impulse
takes him, eventually he sees the edge of the area protected by Nemo
in the distance, beyond it the air is purple and rank. Movement
catches his eye and he sees two figures running down the street
towards him, <OOC: maybe 600m away>, as he watches, energy blasts
appear to be hitting the streets around them, one of them turns and
apparently fires towards a nearby building, before the other grabs him
and pulls him to the side, they disappear in through a window as a
large part of the street explodes in a coud of plasma.

...

Stranger and Gruber crashed through the window into the front room of
a deserted house, bits of broken glass rained down around them.

"Shit! How many of the little buggers do we have to kill?"

Stranger picked himself up and looked around, the street outside was
awash with plasma.

"All of them." he replied calmly.

The door on the opposite side of the room exploded inwards, something
entered, it was big and involved fur and talons, that was as much as
Stranger needed to know, he drew a pistol and emptied the magazine
into the shambling monstrosity.

It kept coming.

TBC
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 16:40:49 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 01:04:37 -0800 In Message # 00003534
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001747 Gareth L Owen said:

> Putting an arm around Morgan's waist, he rockets away from the CaoL,
> flying toward Anglesee at an insane two feet off the ground. (Or at
> least, insane to someone _without_ TK. <g>)

OK, the journey to Anglesey is uneventful (if you like). The complex
that houses the Azeronium device covers almost the entire island (it's
BIG). It's a large, complex with multiple domes in a geometric
pattern. There appear to be various launching bays, gates and even a
couple of docks. The whole thing is a rather jarring hot pink in
colour. Druidically speaking, the area feels.. polluted.

As Roland approaches a saucer will leave the complex and approach him,
unless he attempts to approach stealthily.

<OOC: All the above assuming you fly straight there and don't do
anything unusual>
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 17:06:06 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 18:47:25 -0600 In Message # 00003535
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001748 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 16:54:25 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003532
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001745 Shadow said:
>
>> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:
<snip>
>/WHAT!!! If he thinks for ONE moment that I'm going to sit in this
>GODforsaken dimension THAT long and THEN go to the grey home
>dimension to fight ANOTHER prolonged.../ Rhiannon's outburst fades
>out as she walks away.

Knytt sends dazedly over the link, over a background chorus of voices:

/<follow> Huh? <this way> Rhiannon, if Driss <follow> wants to fight
<find him> the Grey on <seek> their own <this way> turf, that's <track
him> his opinion. <follow> Doesn't mean <find him> we're going along.
<this way> We're in this <follow> for Earth, and <find him> because we
haven't a <seek> clue where to go next. <track him>/
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 18:36:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 20:23:18 -0600 In Message # 00003536
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001749 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 00:58:12 -0800 In Message # 00003533
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001746 Gareth L Owen said:
>
>Knytt drives for a while, turning this way and that as the impulse
>takes him, eventually he sees the edge of the area protected by Nemo
>in the distance, beyond it the air is purple and rank. Movement
>catches his eye and he sees two figures running down the street
>towards him, <OOC: maybe 600m away>, as he watches, energy blasts
>appear to be hitting the streets around them, one of them turns and
>apparently fires towards a nearby building, before the other grabs
>him and pulls him to the side, they disappear in through a window as
>a large part of the street explodes in a coud of plasma.

<OOC: Since you tacked a TBC on the end, I'll leave the critter to
you. 600 meters away? RL, I couldn't even see you at half that
distance. :) Maybe the explosion... But I get to see better in VR, not
to mention a few other tricks...>

Knytt spies the figures diving through the window, but can't tell who
they are. What he does know is he was being pulled here, and most
likely anybody worthy of such attention is the somebody he's looking
for. Which means Knytt had better do something before he lost his
chance to learn what was really going on on this planet.

Flooring the Dodge, Knytt speeds down the street, honking his horn
repeatedly. As expected, he draws their fire. Swerving wildly, Knytt
maneuvers the vehicle down the street. The Pizza Hut sign is blasted
off the cab's roof explosively, landing in flames behind the truck in
the middle of the street. As he swerves right to avoid one blast,
another explosion flings the truck sideways up into the air. It rolls
end over end across the street, landing neatly, though upside down,
between two abandoned parked cars.

Crawling out of the window, Knytt giggles quietly, "Like a glove." He
sniffs the air...diesel fumes. The plasma fire continues as Knytt
scrambles for cover up the small tiered flowerbed in someone's front
yard that had probably taken a lot of time and care to create. Like he
cared. Knytt just wanted to get out of the blast radius.

"Awwwwww, fuuuu-!" Knytt shouts as the Ram explodes, the concussive
force of the blast hitting him from below and behind, sending him
flying through the air and through a second story bay window. Picking
himself up amidst the glass and wood, Knytt muttered, "Luck magic,
huh? It does seem to have it's good points."

Knytt looked around the study he landed in. "My God, I've died and
gone to NRA heaven." Surrounding him, amidst the books, desk, leather
chairs, small bar, and trophy heads from various safaris, were enough
guns to arm a small platoon.

Knytt grabbed a desk lamp and broke the glass on one of the locked
cabinets. Setting it back on the desk, he spotted a set of keys.
Almost sheepishly, he unlocked all the cabinets in the room and began
arming up.

(TBC <g>)
===========================

Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 19:35:26 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Aae: transportation problems.

On Thu, 2 Apr 98 19:32:46 -0800 In Message # 00003537
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001750 Roland X said:

>On Sun, 22 Mar 1998 11:01:14 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003343
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001556 Driscoll said:
>
> The Controller fiddles with a dial absentmindedly. "Ahhhh but if we
>can get Iron Man out of sight of the others, preferably at a high
>rate of speed, I can lock onto him and target an x-window for him to
>fall into. Simultaniously releasing the copy to do his dirty work."
>The Controller's Antennae twitched. "As for the Melee weapon it must
>be in keeping with Iron Man's nature to be considered believeable. Of
>course his whole body COULD be considered a Weapon. Therefore..."
> A cyborg enters the room and bows slightly to The Controller.
>"Malcom, Show Thorne your claws." The cyborg raises his right hand
>and it stiffens into place. Then from each fingertip comes a 4" long
>blade vibrating with a soft hum.
> "Will this due for the need? It can be incorperated easily into Iron
>Man's armor and the vibro-claws, while small, can cut through many
>hard substances and can cut through flesh as if it were air."

   "Perfect!" Thorne laughs, nodding to the Controller happily. "This
will work perfectly. And even if he _doesn't_ destroy this...Iron
Man...I have a trump up my sleeve. Quite literally." Thorne taps on
the terminal and begins to sing again...
   "So take me away...
   "I don't mi-ind...
   "but you better promise me-
   "-I'll be back-in-time!"
   With that, Thorne, the cyber-rancor, the modified Wookies, and the
pseudo-Iron Man fade out. (Unless the Controller has something to add,
in which case Thorne waits.)
   The day before the arrival of the CAoL...
   A diabolic entourage appears beneath the purple sky, well outside
London. Five of Thorne's acolytes appear with him and the Controller's
creations. The number quickly becomes four as Thorne sheathes the
Shadow Brand into a luckless crimson-robed woman. The robe falls to
the ground, empty, as her power surges around Thorne. A strange flow
of time, possibility, and Quintessence knots around them, rendering
all emanations from them ordinary-seeming.
   "There," he says, as the remaining slaves of Corruption shrink away
from him. "That enchantment will prevent Roland or his allies from
detecting us for some time, so long as we do nothing untoward. Just,
ah, 'part of the scenery.'" Thorne laughs. "Now, remember the plan.
YOU idiots will remain in hiding when the time comes, and bolster my
power. The cyborgs will turn the Hypocrites of Light against the
armored one, and then we shall leave to finish the accursed immortal
off. Come." Thorne leads the strange group into the shadows to wait
for what has already happened...
===========================

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 04:35:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Molly's Diary - Gold Coast

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:32:32 PST In Message # 00003538
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001751 Nemo said:

> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 10:37:25 -0600 In Message # 00003529
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001742 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
> Molly signs, 'It was an accident before my mother knew she was
> pregnant. She was making some equipment adjustments when she was hit
> by a flash of radiation. I normally don't have this sort of problem,
> but my Babel fish isn't translating for me. And I can't seem to send
> anything telepathicly or even hear anything. Not that I snoop, but
> it was the only way when I was little to communicate with my foster
> parents. I only learned to sign for emergencies. Now I normally let
> the Babel fish do the listening. It only picks up forms of
> communication, after all, cutting down on background noise. The
> weird thing is, it was all fine this morning. That's the most
> frustrating bit. Like I drank too much Old Janx Spirit but without
> the pleasant effects.'

"Ah! I'm afraid that's partially our fault. We're involved in a
conflict with several parties and are jamming every channel we know
of, except for some in use by our allies. You just got caught in the
general effect."

"Let's see if you can 'tune' to one of our channels..."

Nemo will work with Molly on trying to get her operating on a 'band'
that we've left open.
===========================

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 04:35:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:20:21 PST In Message # 00003539
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001752 Nemo said:

> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:
>
>  Driss looks about. "OK Roscoe's finished filling me in and getting
> me updated on what's going on and I can't say that I like it in the
> least.

"I think we need to talk as soon as you can spare the time."[1]

> For my two coppers worth, beating the greys on this planet isn't
> going to do a whole hell of a lot. They'll just mark it off and do
> the same thing to the next snetient planet they come across. And a
> war fought far away is easy to kep popular. We need to find a way to
> put the greys in this planet's shoes and let them see how it feels
> to have someone walk in and start screwing with nature. But I think
> that can wait a bit until we're more stable here on Earth.

"Agreed. I can think of a few species that would be quite suitable to
'introduce' to the Greys. Chlorans to name but one."

[1] Nemo send a quick telepathic burst along with this comment. The
gist of it is that he may be able to help Driss rig some "offline
backup" for his memories to avoid recurrences of the current mess.
===========================

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 10:06:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Fri, 3 Apr 1998 12:54:39 -0600 In Message # 00003540
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001753 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 20:23:18 -0600 In Message # 00003536
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001749 Michael Jon Knight said:
<snip>
>Knytt grabbed a desk lamp and broke the glass on one of the locked
>cabinets. Setting it back on the desk, he spotted a set of keys.
>Almost sheepishly, he unlocked all the cabinets in the room and began
>arming up.
>
>(TBC <g>)

<OOC: Oh yeah, don't read this while eating. ;)>

Knytt reached into his Bag O Plenty and withdrew a folded up carpet
bag.

"Thank you, Mary Poppins," Knytt said, dropping several shotguns into
the bag. Ammo boxes went in next, followed by several handguns,
knives, rifles, a couple sabers, and a couple uzis, which Knytt was
surprised to find in a plain metal locker stuck in a semi-hidden
corner. He grabbed several magazines and turned, making a tossing
motion toward the carpetbag.

Standing in front of him, in the study's doorway, was a 7 foot tall,
muscular, blonde-haired, black-eyed, Nordic God in a silver jumpsuit,
smiling widely at him.

*Weapons are not needed.*

"I don't need weapons," Knytt said quietly, with a glazed look in his
eyes and a wide smile forming on his lips.

*We mean you no harm.*

"You don't mean me any harm," Knytt said, in a trance.

*You can trust us.*

"I can trust you."

*You feel calm and at peace.*

"I feel calm and at peace."

*You're under my spell.*

"Not really," Knytt said as he shot the Norse God in the center of his
forehead with the .45 calibur revolver that dropped into Knytt's hand
from within his coat sleeve.

"Sorry, Thor, but I used to be into UFOs as a kid. They always had
some tall, geneticly perfect human on board. Though why they were
always white and blonde and very tall was beyond me." Knytt muttered
as the Norse God fell backwards through the doorway, black blood
oozing from the entry wound. The wall behind Thor was covered with
more of the dark liquid and bits of things Knytt didn't want to think
too long about.

Fortunately, Knytt wouldn't have to think about what was running down
the wall outside because a three-foot tall, blue, furry, rotund alien
burst through the doorway, frying the air with plasma bursts. <OOC:
Think of the ones in _Communion_.>

Diving behind the desk, Knytt fired from under it, emptying the .45 in
his best guess at the location of the blue alien. It was suddenly
quiet. Knytt poked his head out from under the desk. There were four
bullet holes in the study door, all in a nearly straight vertical
line, starting at three feet and going down. The fifth hole was behind
what was left of the blue alien's head. Knytt looked closer and
realised there were five entry wounds in a small pentagram on the blue
alien's forehead.

"Definitely some advantages to this luck magic." he muttered, then
shouted out the door. "HEY! If you want any more Smurfs dead, send 'em
on up!"

In reply, Knytt heard a ka-chunk, then a hissing noise coming from the
broken bay window. Turning, he was just in time to see a small
canister fly through the busted window and land at his feet. Deciding
quickly not to stick around to discover what it was, Knytt grabbed the
carpet bag and ran out of the study, ducking past a gigantic
half-human, half-grey alien creature lumbering through the doorway.

As the creature turned on the second floor landing, the study
exploded, catching it from the side in a blast of flame. Knytt didn't
notice as he was too busy being surprised at finding himself falling
down a flight of stairs that had most inconveniently been attached to
the second story landing. Knytt would have prefered more landing be
attached to the second story landing, but since he didn't design the
house, he didn't have a voice in the decision.

As Knytt tumbled down the stairs, he did manage to knock down the
three Grey half-breeds who were following their brother up the stairs.
Sitting on top of the heap at the first floor landing, Knytt was the
first up and out the front door.

All in all, Knytt realized as he came to a dead stop on the porch in
front of two more of the Grey/human mutations and a regular Grey, the
back door might have been a better choice.

(TBC)
===========================

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 10:40:47 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 10:18:06 In Message # 00003541
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001754 Morgan said:

>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:20:21 PST In Message # 00003539
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001752 Nemo said:
>
>> On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:19:58 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003527
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001740 Driscoll said:
>
>> For my two coppers worth, beating the greys on this planet isn't
>> going to do a whole hell of a lot. They'll just mark it off and do
>> the same thing to the next snetient planet they come across. And a
>> war fought far away is easy to kep popular. We need to find a way
>> to put the greys in this planet's shoes and let them see how it
>> feels to have someone walk in and start screwing with nature. But I
>> think that can wait a bit until we're more stable here on Earth.
>
>"Agreed. I can think of a few species that would be quite suitable to
>'introduce' to the Greys. Chlorans to name but one."

/Nice!/ Morgan sends back through the link. /Gets the message across
without tieing up _our_ tima and resources. After all, we just
stumbled into this mess while we were looking for John, and for the
most part couldn't in good concience walk away./

>[1] Nemo send a quick telepathic burst along with this comment. The
>gist of it is that he may be able to help Driss rig some "offline
>backup" for his memories to avoid recurrences of the current mess.

OOC: Or maybe not. Driss has some OOC reasons, partly involving
character continuity, to do this. Go look on DejaNews for the first
time he came into the Place (Oct. '96, posted from my account). You'll
see what I mean :-).
===========================

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 14:36:30 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Straaagety! (sic)

On Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:28:47 EST In Message # 00003546
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001759 Dane0R0A said:

<< Knytt wrote:
 Knytt leans against the pickup truck, pinching the bridge of his
nose, thinking. /Okay, girls, think you two can create or teach your
Grandmother to create, a time bubble? I dunno if the Stardragon is
blocking that sort of trick or not, but we need all hands on deck, and
Fuzzy is one of our better mages, and so far, the only one (I think)
with a plan and the know-how to slow down those Aze-whatsis Devices.

 /Okay, those things are powered through Hyperspace, right? Is the
Stardragon blocking hyperspace? The Grey claim they'll blow if cut
off, but that could be B.S. to get us to leave them alone./
  >>
<OOC: The Stardragon is blocking ALL access to the planet, from the
point in time where the blockage began, until the point in time where
it is removed. As I recall, the problem with blocking the energy
access of the Az. devices was that they would try to draw more, and
more, until the blockage gave way. In this particular case, the
blockage CAN'T give way, and if there is a "pool" of energy "behind"
the blockage when The Stardragon does get around to removing the lock,
it (The Stardragon) will drain it first (yummy).>
===========================