Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4
Chapter 73
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:38:56 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:34:02
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006161
>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 08:10:16 EDT
>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00006154
>
>Roland wrote:
>> Z'On'Dar regards the rest of the CAoL calmly. "My deepest
>>apologies to you all, and my gratitude. I regret the damage I have
>>caused, but while the Tower can no longer reconfigure thousands of
>>realities, it can still undo a portion of what has been done. Those
>>who need to be healed, or who need losses regained, will be provided
>>for as requested."
>
>Scott scratches the back of his neck, and says "I don't suppose you
>have some spare bits and pieces from a SC2 control system in that
>magic tower of yours? I could always use some spare parts."
>
>With that, Scott's arm falls off, and he reattaches it. "/Sorry./"
A palmtop appears in front of Scott. "Any sort of matter/energy
pattern can be replicated by the Tower," Z'On'Dar explains, "though
anything larger than a planet will take discernable time, now that it
is no longer connected to this multiversal cluster."
>> Lara smiles at the Callahanians. "In addition, I have little
>> doubt that any reasonable desires can be filled. Though you are a
>> noble and selfless band, heroic deeds are well deserving of heroes'
>> rewards."
>
>"I don't need any reward beyond those spare parts I mentioned; in
>fact, I'd best be going, since it always winds up that to the victor
>goes the spoilers, and I'd rather not ruin the ending." (Scott
>remains, however...)
"What, Creation Ascends in a few billion years and we all live
happily ever after? _We_ know that," Roland quips. "But you _gotta_
know there's a party coming, and you're certainly welcome to stay for
it."
>"But one or two things I'd like to know; what are you going to do
>with the tower now? This universe?" He turns to the CAoL. "For that
>matter, what are we going to do about Shard?"
"Who, me?" Shard smiles wickedly (but not evilly). "I collect on a
debt. Well, in a few days, anyway."
A faint smile forms on Morgan's lips. "But, like Roland said, _first_
we party."
>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 13:13:09 -0400
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006157
>
>> On Sun, 11 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>
>> "Hello," the Tower says in a familiar feminine voice as the time
>> block is removed (though that 'section' of time is walled off) and
>> reality's stability reasserts itself. (OOC: Much to Legion's
>> relief, I'll bet. ;^) "Welcome to Solace 4.0."
>
>"Solace! Nice to have you back again!" The Lensdragon grins and his
>face brightens.
"The pleasure is mutual, friend Dhyrclhanc," the familiar AI
replies, a hologram similar in essence to PIXAR, though it looks like
one of those chrome women in sci-fi art.
>> "My thanks, brave warriors," Z'On'Dar says wearily. The four
>> remaining spheres open, and Phoenix, Kosh, and Fatale float down
>> near the Shadow. Ariel is curled in a ball, crying softly and
>> muttering to herself.
>
>Dhyrclhnac makes a shallow but respectful bow towardsthe Vorlon.
Kosh replies in kind, and for a moment Dhyrclhanc can see Palatine
nodding respectfully...
> Object to Malystryx's escape? You Bet!
>
>The Immortal hatchling Ruby Fire Dragon approaches Z'On'Dar, all the
>other time-fuged Dhyrclhnaci having already disappeared, "And where
>is she going?" The Lensdragon asks the Shadow.
>
>> Z'On'Dar shrugs. "Takhisis desires it so. She has a plan to deal
>> with the traitor, apparently."
>
>"Oh... Well, that is all right then." Says Dhyrclhanc, suddenly
>non-plussed.
Z'On'Dar looks at Dhyrclhanc for a brief moment. Then, almost
conspiratorially, another palmtop (sized to the Lensdragon's present
size) appears. On the screen, the dread ancient dragon appears in
Krynnspace, far above the world of the Dragonlance.
"Heh. Made it, 'my goddess.' And with your power, I will soon be at
full strength, and none shall stand against...me..." Malystryx's eyes
widen for the last time as she beholds Skie and his army, now led by a
new, but familiar, brilliant, shining draconic form...
Palatine.
"You hold that which is not yours, traitress," the Dragon God
booms, a moment before Malystryx becomes the target of literally
dozens of dragon breath attacks...
> Are there any indications as to just what kindof gifts the
>reformed Shadow is refering to here?
(OOC: Think the Genie from Aladdin. Only he _can_ bring back the
dead. )
>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:41:09 -0400
>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006160
>
>Suddenly, time is no longer out of joint... and the Amberite pair
>react like they felt a sudden altitude shift. They pop ears, and
>shake heads a moment. Then Zia and James shoot each other one of
>those "married folks" sort of looks. No telepathy seems to occur, but
>he breaks to help Ariel, or at least walks slowly towards the
>kneeling, crying lady.
Roland looks coolly (more like 50 below) at Ariel, but his
expression softens after a moment. When James gets close enough to
hear, he knows why. (OOC: James can probably hear better than Roland,
but it reads better that way. ;^)
"...real...real...they're all real...real...real..."
>Ziactrice, on the other hand, rolls her eyes at Z'On'Dar's mention of
>a reward, and uses the larger Power Arc, now reduced to about a
(OOC: That was Lara, BTW. I wouldn't nitpick, except I did that
_deliberately._ That's not Z'On'Dar's style. Lara, OTOH, isn't your
typical Shadow. ;^)
"Well, it's only fair," Lara says, unfazed.
>shepherd's crook size and shape, as she walks over to rejoin her
>erstwhile protector in the fray, Starbuck. A new Lensman. She throws
>her head back, and catches Apollo's victory roll in the Viper
>overhead. She smiles, then outright laughs in delight. Then she grins
>at Starbuck. "I _do_ like happier endings, for better beginnings. Did
>you happen to see where that Mr. Bester took off to? I lost track in
>the midst of everything. Well, before I was having some discernment
>problems. Sil, you can cease with the Order beacon, now. I can orient
>properly once more. Dreadful nuisance; most grateful for the assist."
"Um, that way," Starbuck replies, pointing at B-5. "I think he
'thought' something about a lady and a phoenix, but I'm not sure."
*No trouble at all,* Sil replies, hugging Roland hard enough to
break ribs if the armor weren't there.
>"And James says to let you and your.. sister spirit? Know that the
>deal is still on, at both of your options. I agree with him." She
>glances at Starbuck. "NEVER, ever, bet against James concerning women
>in ANY way."
Sil replies with a mental 'thumb's up.'
(OOC: Okay, who's the PF going with, Zia or Al's lady? I thought
she was going with Bester, but it doesn't look quite like that's what
Zia's implying.)
In the meantime, Morgan and Roland are conferring privately. A few
phrases leak out...
/...not sure.../
/...have so much already.../
/...could use.../
/...take care of.../
/...memories.../
/...together.../
/...evidence?/
The Freelance Immortals smile in unison. /Yes./
They turn to Lara. *Your offer is appreciated,* they send in one
Voice. *No reward is necessary, of course, but if such is possible, we
would appreciate the memories from those lives which our souls have
shared, and for our world, irrefutable proof of the consipracy the
Nephandi have woven to keep the forces of Light at odds with one
another.*
Lara blinks. "Um." She blinks at Kosh, who smiles at her in the
timeless mate's 'you got yourself into this' smile. Then she looks at
Z'On'Dar. THEY confer briefly.
Lara sighs in relief. "It can be done." She hands the immortals a
crystal as it appears in her 'hand.' "This is a psychically active
crystal, with the memories from the lives you wish to remember. This
will allow you to access them at your own pace. Do not fear the
crystal's loss or destruction; it is a philosophical construct similar
to a Lens. The proof will take a bit longer; the defenses of the
Corruption Realm will take some time for even the Tower to penetrate.
It will be awaiting you when you return to your home." She smiles.
"With our compliments."
*Our deepest thanks,* they send.
"It is _we_ who owe _you_ our thanks," Lara replies, gesturing to
imply a very large 'we,' and a 'you' of the CAoL. Remotes begin to
detach from the Tower, moving toward any wounded. (Several head toward
B-5 and the Galactica, while a few others vanish into hyperspace.)
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 01:36:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 04:05:10 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00006162
Roland wrote:
> A palmtop appears in front of Scott. "Any sort of matter/energy
> pattern can be replicated by the Tower," Z'On'Dar explains, "though
> anything larger than a planet will take discernible time, now that
> it is no longer connected to this multiversal cluster."
"Nah. Just moderately sized, very detailed pieces. I don't really
expect a full replacement part (for that, you'd have to build it
inside me), just a loss leader that I can improve upon."
Scott then describes machine pieces of fiendish subtlety into the
palmtop (for example, one of the circuit boards works at 60 degrees K,
but not at 55 or 65 degrees K.) "Don't feel obligated to build them
all. I just need a few."
> "What, Creation Ascends in a few billion years and we all live
> happily ever after? _We_ know that," Roland quips. "But you _gotta_
> know there's a party coming, and you're certainly welcome to stay
> for it."
"Ah well. Puns are like beauty; purely in the eye of the bejoker. I'm
staying. After today, I'm probably going to to be debriefed five ways
from Sunday, so I might as well party." A party hat appears upon
Scott's head.
Thanks
Scott "Party Animal" Osborne
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 04:38:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 07:29:21 -0400
Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006163
>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:34:02
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006161
>>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:41:09 -0400
>>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006160
>
> Roland looks coolly (more like 50 below) at Ariel, but his
>expression softens after a moment. When James gets close enough to
>hear, he knows why. (OOC: James can probably hear better than Roland,
>but it reads better that way. ;^)
> "...real...real...they're all real...real...real..."
James kneels beside her on a single knee, and half-smiles. "What,
Trumps work on everything and place, and just know you know that? Or
you could look at it as everything and everyone is imaginary." He
pauses the smallest fraction of a second. Zia is distracted where she
is a moment, as she "helps" him imitate someone. "Life _is_ but a
dream, sweethart," he says, in a hard-bitten voice. If that doesn't
bring her back, nothing will. He offers her an arm up.
>>Ziactrice, on the other hand, rolls her eyes at Z'On'Dar's mention
>>of a reward, and uses the larger Power Arc, now reduced to about a
>
> (OOC: That was Lara, BTW. I wouldn't nitpick, except I did that
>_deliberately._ That's not Z'On'Dar's style. Lara, OTOH, isn't your
>typical Shadow. ;^)
(ooSC: ooops, my bad!)
>>"And James says to let you and your.. sister spirit? Know that the
>>deal is still on, at both of your options. I agree with him." She
>>glances at Starbuck. "NEVER, ever, bet against James concerning
>>women in ANY way."
>
> Sil replies with a mental 'thumb's up.'
> (OOC: Okay, who's the PF going with, Zia or Al's lady? I thought
>she was going with Bester, but it doesn't look quite like that's what
>Zia's implying.)
(ooSC: Er, Zia just meant that she and James would keep their
mutual promises about a mutual encounter as well. They like keeping
their word, even though it looks purely superfluous, with how Pheonix
Lady ended up in Bester, and Sil is (I believe) back with Roland.
Strange how James ALWAYS smoothes through his temptations. I just
_don't_ understand how that happens....)
> The Freelance Immortals smile in unison. /Yes./
> They turn to Lara. *Your offer is appreciated,* they send in one
>Voice. *No reward is necessary, of course, but if such is possible,
>we would appreciate the memories from those lives which our souls
>have shared, and for our world, irrefutable proof of the consipracy
>the Nephandi have woven to keep the forces of Light at odds with one
>another.*
Zia grins at Starbuck, "Very cool. So what are you going to ask for?
It's sort of like Christmas. Uh. You probably don't have Christmas,
yet. The B5 folks will have to introduce you all to the habit of the
holiday." She smirks. "I already have what I want. I can go back to my
erstwhile vacation. Heh. Maybe I'll get out the old nightclub act..."
> "It is _we_ who owe _you_ our thanks," Lara replies, gesturing to
>imply a very large 'we,' and a 'you' of the CAoL. Remotes begin to
>detach from the Tower, moving toward any wounded. (Several head
>toward B-5 and the Galactica, while a few others vanish into
>hyperspace.)
"That is probably my cue. Never been much for parties anyway; more
James' scene. See you when the civies get back, "Starbuck"." She
teases on the name deliberately, gets out a Trump, holding it clumsily
in hand while juggling the crook Arc. "I do love entertaining a
"captive" audience. Nothing quite like a transport in wartime. And
they'll be worried, silly people." She steps out through a
polychromatic door without a further goodbye.
Zia the Flighty One
Gone to let the fleeing folks of Battlestar Galactica that they may
return...
although the remotes probably will catch up first, it's always nice to
actual be remembered and sent an "All Clear".
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 05:07:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Countdown: ZERO!
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 07:54:30 -0400
Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006164
>On Sun, 11 Oct 1998 22:17:40
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006153
>
> Lara smiles at the Callahanians. "In addition, I have little doubt
>that any reasonable desires can be filled. Though you are a noble and
>selfless band, heroic deeds are well deserving of heroes' rewards."
Legion shakes her head softly. Mischief is now curled up in her arms,
purring like a blender full of gravel. Legion seems to be recovering
from her previous weakness, though her voice is still not strong. "As
for ourselves... What we desire would be meaningless if given by
another instead of earned for ourselves." It's obvious she is speaking
for her selves, not the CAoL.
[OOC: Driss... I'll retcon this next bit if it causes too much grief
for you]
Mischief mentally pipes up *i want squee's parents back, an' unca
roscoe, an' squee a kid again so we can all be friends and play nice.*
Meanwhile, Back on Babylon 5...
Natalia has been in the command center, in a light trance during the
whole battle. In a neutral voice she had relayed things as they happen
below, lifting the information from Legion while Legion was
distracted. After relaying the disappearance of the last of the
villians she finally relaxes and opens her eyes. "It is over." She is
obviously exhausted, and has been keeping going by willpower alone.
She says nothing about the rewards being offered below, especially
when she hears Legion's thoughts concider the idea of asking for
Marcus back and reject it. As soon as she is permitted, she staggers
out of the command center, in search of someplace to sleep.
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 18:11:43 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 20:39:25 EDT
Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006165
>>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006153
>> *Then again...*
>> Malice's astral form is torn to shreds by his own hate, and his
>> soul goes to final judgement. Eternity will not likely be kind to
>> him...
While the rest of the CAoL finish off Malice and the Crawler, Fuzzy
continues to battle the Great Adversary. Then the Great Adversary
commits the penultimate act of their battle. The Great Adversary
Unmakes Fuzzy, And has only a single chronon in which to savor His
Victory...
The White Hole type phenomenon which has been perceived before,
Becomes Manifest Where Fuzzy had been...
=\*The Keystone is No More*\=
=\*The Time Has Come*\=
Paradoxically as the Shockwave of dissolution instantly reaches
throughout the Multiverse,
The CAoL perceives Duration...
Each individual member is enclosed in a pocket Universe just large
enough...
Encysted within the Potential of the White Hole
(OOC:
In This Section I have a few suggestions...
But please insert any oddities required for Your Character to survive
unchanged... Unless you want a change and can use this as an excuse...
Nemo finds that Paradoxically He contains *NEMO*
After the event, Nemo will no longer Contain *NEMO*
Who would have knowledge of Both Timelines...
All of the Nemisis Splits are reunited with the Nemisis Core.
Within Her pocket...)
They also find that they can sense beyond the "Walls"...
As the entire Multiverse ceases to exist,
Leaving a plenum of Infinite Potential Inhabited by only four things
That Which Creates
The Great Adversary (Who shows signs of extreme shock)
A Sleeping Child (The StarDragon)
And The White Hole
Their point of perception seems to be within the White Hole...
That Which Creates 'Speaks' "Let There Be Light!"
The Great Adversary 'Speaks' "Let There Be Darkness!"
But it is obviously having trouble focusing
and before it can act further
The White Hole 'Speaks' "Let There Be Life"
"For Life Must Ever Balance,
The Light and The Darkness,
By Choice!"
And Detonates
Separating first into Nine distinct vortices as the Matrix Cosm is
Reborn.
Then Radiating from that Seed of Existence,
The Multiverse is recreated,
Apparently Intact in all of its incomprehensible Glory,
As if nothing had happened,
save that the Breach through which The Great Adversary entered
has been sealed.
and there is No sign of either Fuzzy, or
The Great Adversary.
Then the Encapsulations Fade
And the CAoL members find themselves back where they had been,
Before the Reset occurred.
The Beginning
>> Epilogue:
>>
>> Mournblade and Malystryx reappear, considerably
>> the worse for wear.
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 18:16:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 21:10:12 EDT
Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006166
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006161
> "It is _we_ who owe _you_ our thanks," Lara replies, gesturing to
> imply a very large 'we,' and a 'you' of the CAoL. Remotes begin to
> detach from the Tower, moving toward any wounded. (Several head
> toward B-5 and the Galactica, while a few others vanish into
> hyperspace.)
Aurora changes shape from her winged unicorn shape, to that of a tall
humanoid female (in terms of the DragonQuest game beauty for a normal
humanoid can range from 7 (anything below a 6 gets an automatic fear
roll) to 23. Aurora weights in at 30+) wrapped in glowing irridescent
fog (the shape shows but not the skin). She faces the shadows, *Lara,
Z'On'Dar, I have no need of reward, but I thank you for creating the
situation that allowed the Cosmic Reset. If ever you have need, you
may contact any of my followers, or those of Oracle for assistance.*
She then turns to the members of the CAoL, *Your efforts have allowed
the final action that two communities of Starspawn have worked towards
for nearly three hundred billion years. You have our gratitude.
Roland, Morgan, when you take your evidence before your forces of
light, if you have difficulty in dealing with the Nephandi, call upon
me. I will send a few dozen greater and lesser Starspawn each, to aid
you in your battles.*
*I, also, will do so, though I doubt they will be needed,* Oracle's
"voice" breaks in.
*You have one member missing, who the tower will not be able to
re-create. I will begin the process of finding his pieces,* Aurora
finishes. Then she vanishes.
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 18:38:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 21:25:49 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00006167
The StarDragon wrote:
> Separating first into Nine distinct vortices as the Matrix Cosm is
> Reborn.
> Then Radiating from that Seed of Existence,
> The Multiverse is recreated,
> Apparently Intact in all of its incomprehensible Glory,
> As if nothing had happened,
> save that the Breach through which The Great Adversary entered
> has been sealed.
> and there is No sign of either Fuzzy, or
> The Great Adversary.
> Then the Encapsulations Fade
> And the CAoL members find themselves back where they had been,
> Before the Reset occurred.
>
> The Beginning
Scott says, "Oohh, that was FUN! Can we do it again?"
(From his look, however, he is clearly joking about doing it again. In
fact, he looks rather like he just got run over by a (small) Truck.)
Scott can be heard to be muttering about "resets", "I wonder how big
this one was", and various colors ("It can't be a dark blue. Too much
energy. And it's not a black or a white; if it were either, I wouldn't
be standing here.")
Thanks
Scott "Oddball" Osborne
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 22:55:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 22:28:31
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006170
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 04:05:10 EDT
>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00006162
>
>>Roland wrote:
>> A palmtop appears in front of Scott. "Any sort of matter/energy
>> pattern can be replicated by the Tower," Z'On'Dar explains, "though
>> anything larger than a planet will take discernible time, now that
>> it is no longer connected to this multiversal cluster."
>
>"Nah. Just moderately sized, very detailed pieces. I don't really
>expect a full replacement part (for that, you'd have to build it
>inside me), just a loss leader that I can improve upon."
"Such can be done, if you desire," Z'On'Dar replies, "though to do
so would require a direct interface between yourself and the Tower."
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 07:29:21 -0400
>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006163
>
>>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:34:02
>>Morgan and Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006161
>>
>> Roland looks coolly (more like 50 below) at Ariel, but his
>>expression softens after a moment. When James gets close enough to
>>hear, he knows why. (OOC: James can probably hear better than
>>Roland, but it reads better that way. ;^)
>> "...real...real...they're all real...real...real..."
>
>James kneels beside her on a single knee, and half-smiles. "What,
>Trumps work on everything and place, and just know you know that? Or
>you could look at it as everything and everyone is imaginary." He
>pauses the smallest fraction of a second. Zia is distracted where she
>is a moment, as she "helps" him imitate someone. "Life _is_ but a
>dream, sweethart," he says, in a hard-bitten voice. If that doesn't
>bring her back, nothing will. He offers her an arm up.
Ariel almost snarls at him, then looks contrite so quickly anyone
other than James isn't sure the expression was ever there. "You don't
know what I've done," she replies sullenly, accepting the hand.
"Unless...HE...told you." It's fairly obvious that Roland is 'he.'
>> (OOC: Okay, who's the PF going with, Zia or Al's lady? I thought
>>she was going with Bester, but it doesn't look quite like that's
>>what Zia's implying.)
>
> (ooSC: Er, Zia just meant that she and James would keep their
>mutual promises about a mutual encounter as well. They like keeping
>their word, even though it looks purely superfluous, with how Pheonix
>Lady ended up in Bester, and Sil is (I believe) back with Roland.
>Strange how James ALWAYS smoothes through his temptations. I just
>_don't_ understand how that happens....)
(OOC: Hey, _you_ write for the guy. ;^)
Those with the senses for it can feel a familiar flare of power in
Medlab, on board B-5...
>Zia grins at Starbuck, "Very cool. So what are you going to ask for?
>It's sort of like Christmas. Uh. You probably don't have Christmas,
>yet. The B5 folks will have to introduce you all to the habit of the
>holiday." She smirks. "I already have what I want. I can go back to
>my erstwhile vacation. Heh. Maybe I'll get out the old nightclub
>act..."
"Me?" Starbuck smiles winningly. "I'm going to ask for a _manual_
for this thing." He holds up his left arm. "And that nightclub act
sounds..." he looks her over, then remembers James. "...profitable.
How'd you like to go into business together?"
>"That is probably my cue. Never been much for parties anyway; more
>James' scene. See you when the civies get back, "Starbuck"." She
>teases on the name deliberately, gets out a Trump, holding it
>clumsily in hand while juggling the crook Arc. "I do love
>entertaining a "captive" audience. Nothing quite like a transport in
>wartime. And they'll be worried, silly people." She steps out through
>a polychromatic door without a further goodbye.
"You're not leaving so soon, are you-" Roland begins.
Poof.
"Zia?" he finishes with a slight chuckle.
"Guess she is," Morgan notes dryly.
"Don't know why I'm surprised," Roland shrugs. "She _did_ say she
wasn't interested in joining our little travelling disaster. /Hey,
Molly, what's the name of that band you toured with? Maybe the CAoL
should change its name.../"
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 07:54:30 -0400
>Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006164
>
>Legion shakes her head softly. Mischief is now curled up in her arms,
>purring like a blender full of gravel. Legion seems to be recovering
>from her previous weakness, though her voice is still not strong. "As
>for ourselves... What we desire would be meaningless if given by
>another instead of earned for ourselves." It's obvious she is
>speaking for her selves, not the CAoL.
Z'On'Dar nods. "I understand completely. I will not repeat my
earlier folly."
>[OOC: Driss... I'll retcon this next bit if it causes too much grief
>for you]
>
>Mischief mentally pipes up *i want squee's parents back, an' unca
>roscoe, an' squee a kid again so we can all be friends and play
>nice.*
(OOC: Likewise, Driss, though given what we just went through with
Z'On'Dar it's HIGHLY unlikely that it'll muck with someone's karma the
way Mischief is asking for Squee's to be.)
Mischief's cuteness actually manages to cause an expression to form
on Z'On'Dar's face. (You know, the one where you have to explain a
complicated and unpleasant reality to an intolerably cute child. ;^)
=Young one...I will do what I can to return the dead lost due to my
plans, but...to alter Squee's fate so would be to commit the same
error your elders worked so hard to prevent.= (Yep, he speaks Feline,
too. ;^)
>Meanwhile, Back on Babylon 5...
>
>Natalia has been in the command center, in a light trance during the
>whole battle. In a neutral voice she had relayed things as they
>happen below, lifting the information from Legion while Legion was
>distracted. After relaying the disappearance of the last of the
>villians she finally relaxes and opens her eyes. "It is over." She is
>obviously exhausted, and has been keeping going by willpower alone.
Susan catches her. "Good. SLEEP." The second word she says in her
'command' voice.
>She says nothing about the rewards being offered below, especially
>when she hears Legion's thoughts concider the idea of asking for
>Marcus back and reject it. As soon as she is permitted, she staggers
>out of the command center, in search of someplace to sleep.
All the telepaths are led to places where they can rest. Susan
smiles as (unless stated otherwise) Natalia drifts off. She turns.
Sinclair is three inches from her.
"Well done, Captain. Now take your own advice," he says in _his_
command voice.
"Mr. President, I have a hundred things to do, all of which need to
be done yesterday-" Susan begins.
"Then they can wait another day. Corwin can handle C & C for one
day, Susan." He leads her to a bed and practically lays her down in
it, proving her exhaustion. "Good night, Captian Ivanova."
"I'm not...you...SNKXZZzz..." Susan replies urbanely.
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 21:10:12 EDT
>Dane As CAoL Message # 00006166
>
>Aurora changes shape from her winged unicorn shape, to that of a tall
>humanoid female (in terms of the DragonQuest game beauty for a normal
>humanoid can range from 7 (anything below a 6 gets an automatic fear
>roll) to 23. Aurora weights in at 30+) wrapped in glowing irridescent
>fog (the shape shows but not the skin). She faces the shadows, *Lara,
>Z'On'Dar, I have no need of reward, but I thank you for creating the
>situation that allowed the Cosmic Reset. If ever you have need, you
>may contact any of my followers, or those of Oracle for assistance.*
>She then turns to the members of the CAoL,
*My gratitude, but even the small portion of the Tower I intend to
keep should serve any sane need,* Z'On'Dar replies.
*So noted, and again, our thanks,* Lara adds.
>*Your efforts have allowed the final action that two communities of
>Starspawn have worked towards for nearly three hundred billion years.
>You have our gratitude. Roland, Morgan, when you take your evidence
>before your forces of light, if you have difficulty in dealing with
>the Nephandi, call upon me. I will send a few dozen greater and
>lesser Starspawn each, to aid you in your battles.*
Roland chuckles. "/And cheat several thousand angry immortals,
magi, Garou and faerie of their payback? I _like_ breathing, Aurora./"
More seriously, he adds, "/We can all use help now and again, but I
think this whole extended mess has taught us all that sometimes, we
_need_ to fight our own battles, so we can learn from them. Well,
those of us who still have learning to do,/" he finishes with a smile.
>*You have one member missing, who the tower will not be able to
>re-create. I will begin the process of finding his pieces,* Aurora
>finishes. Then she vanishes.
/Discie or Dra-oh, nuts,/ Roland sighs. "/At this rate, the party
will be you, me, and one unconscious Drazzi, Morgan./"
"/Nah. The one thing that this group won't pass up besides a good
cause is a good party./" Morgan smiles. "/My guess is we'll start in
the Zocolo and move it to Callahan's when the locals start giving
out./" She switches to the private link. ^Then we'll move the
celebration back to Earth-9.^
"/That should be a while, especially if the JLB shows up. Superman
doesn't _need_ rest./" ^And as for moving the celebration...I hope you
weren't planning on having an unconscious Drazzi around for that,^ he
quips.
Roland learns just how much his wife's TK has improved, as he feels a
thwack on the rear. Morgan just smiles innocently, looking skyward.
"/Hmm, what a mess. We _should_ help clean this up before doing any
partying./"
"/Nice subject change,/" Roland replies with a half-smile,
providing Morgan with a brief display of _his_ mastery of PK. Morgan
squeals playfully. "/Still, you have a point,/" he continues as if
nothing had happened. "/Between your ring, my PK, and the phenomenal
cosmic power floating around here, that should take, oh, a good five,
six seconds./"
(OOC: That sort of takes care of our characters until we get back.
We'll clean up and join the party once it [inevitably] gets started.
Have fun, and congrats, y'all! ;^)
===========================
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 23:37:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: OOC: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Wed, 14 Oct 1998 02:15:53 -0400 (EDT)
Shadow Said As CAoL Message # 00006171
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 wrote:
>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00006169
>
>> On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 21:45:24 -0400 (EDT)
>> Shadow Said As CAoL Message # 00006168
>
>>>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 20:39:25 EDT
>>>Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006165
>>>
>>>Paradoxically as the Shockwave of dissolution instantly reaches
>>>throughout the Multiverse,
>>>The CAoL perceives Duration...
>>>Each individual member is enclosed in a pocket Universe just large
>>>enough...
>>>Encysted within the Potential of the White Hole
>>
>> OOC: Just how would this effect J&J? If the multiverse is truly no
>> more, then they would be standing out there, almost complete, with
>> the other four. The results would be the same as before, but it
>> would happen.
>
>That is why each member was wrapped safely in its own pocket
> universe, So that Each Player could decide for them selves, how
> their Character is affected without reference to others...
Hmph.. I know what happens to John and Rhia.. nothing. Except John
comes back with more clothes on than he has currently... But the two
Zodaii? Was _everything_ except for the pocket dimensions destroyed,
and then restarted where it left off?
I've effectively divorced my character from those two beings, though
there are still some small ties. But I try to be consistent with what
I have stated for the characters.
>Make up your own excuses based on the pockets.
Just need to be clear on what happened. Already got an idea based on
the pockets.
===========================
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 09:38:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Wed, 14 Oct 1998 07:04:14 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00006172
> On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:34:02
> Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Post # 00004228
>
>>> Z'On'Dar regards the rest of the CAoL calmly. "My deepest
>>>apologies to you all, and my gratitude. I regret the damage I have
>>>caused, but while the Tower can no longer reconfigure thousands of
>>>realities, it can still undo a portion of what has been done. Those
>>>who need to be healed, or who need losses regained, will be
>>>provided for as requested."
Nemo looks a bit wistful, but only those who are looking closely at
the right instant can see the look before it's replaced with his
normal non-expression.
Nemo-with-a-halo says his farewells and returns to Greyworld Earth.
Another Nemo returns the Velvet Glove to its berth.
When things settle down, there's only one Nemo left with the group.
And he seems to be busy helping with various items of clean-up.
===========================
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 09:38:52 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Wed, 14 Oct 1998 12:22:56 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006173
> On Mon, 12 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>Dhyrclhanc Said
>>> On Sun, 11 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>
>>"Solace! Nice to have you back again!" The Lensdragon grins and his
>>face brightens.
>
> "The pleasure is mutual, friend Dhyrclhanc," the familiar AI
> replies, a hologram similar in essence to PIXAR, though it looks
> like one of those chrome women in sci-fi art.
PIXAR isn't, itself, a hologram but it is capable of generating
tactile holographic images as well as multiple "holo-tactile" i/o
systems and displays.
>>> "My thanks, brave warriors," Z'On'Dar says wearily. The four
>>> remaining spheres open, and Phoenix, Kosh, and Fatale float down
>>> near the Shadow. Ariel is curled in a ball, crying softly and
>>> muttering to herself.
>>
>>Dhyrclhnac makes a shallow but respectful bow towardsthe Vorlon.
>
> Kosh replies in kind, and for a moment Dhyrclhanc can see
> Palatine nodding respectfully...
It is worth noting here that Dhyrclhanc spent some time with a
fragment of Kosh inside of him, as well. Not as long as Mike nor as
large a piece as either Mike or the mainline John Sheridan and,
obviously not *this* Kosh but I still felt that it ought to be
mentioned
> Z'On'Dar looks at Dhyrclhanc for a brief moment. Then, almost
> conspiratorially, another palmtop (sized to the Lensdragon's present
> size) appears. On the screen, the dread ancient dragon appears in
> Krynnspace, far above the world of the Dragonlance.
> "Heh. Made it, 'my goddess.' And with your power, I will soon be
> at full strength, and none shall stand against...me..." Malystryx's
> eyes widen for the last time as she beholds Skie and his army, now
> led by a new, but familiar, brilliant, shining draconic form...
> Palatine.
> "You hold that which is not yours, traitress," the Dragon God
> booms, a moment before Malystryx becomes the target of literally
> dozens of dragon breath attacks...
\[There is Justice...]\ thinks the Lensdragon, the strength of his
convictions causing his thoughts to cascade into the link. Then, as if
seeing the "laptop" computer for the first time, he looks up at the
reformed Shadow and says, offhandedly, "I do not suppose I could keep
this, could I?"
>> Are there any indications as to just what kindof gifts the
>>reformed Shadow is refering to here?
>
> (OOC: Think the Genie from Aladdin. Only he _can_ bring back the
> dead. )
I suppose that means that each of us gets the equivilant of the
requisite three wishes, then?
> "It is _we_ who owe _you_ our thanks," Lara replies, gesturing to
> imply a very large 'we,' and a 'you' of the CAoL. Remotes begin to
> detach from the Tower, moving toward any wounded. (Several head
> toward B-5 and the Galactica, while a few others vanish into
> hyperspace.)
In turn, Dhyrclhanc looks upon Z'On'Dar and says, "Similar to my
comrade-in-arms, Legion, there is much that I could wish for some of
which I could say to need rather than just want. However, just being
given any of these devalues their worth as opposed if I had attained
them for myself. Especialy, as I am currently capable of quite a bit.
"I am also reluctant to accept such 'gifts-of-power' and certainly
when such is offered as a Carte Blanche Bestowal. I have made enough
deals with deveels to know both that there is no such a thing as a
'free lunch' and that if it at first appears that you have gotten the
best of the deal then the next thing to to is to count your digits,
your limbs, and then to count your relatives, no offence inteneded."
"In short, before I were to take you up on your offer of a 'hero's
reward' I would require a more complete description of what kinds of
gifts are being offered here. I bear you no malace by this but,
if it is all the same to you, for me to condsider your more than
generous offer I would like some amount of assurance that I wasn't
walking away with a kind of monkey's paw."
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 07:06:17 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 06:47:52
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006180
>On Wed, 14 Oct 1998 12:22:56 -0400
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006173
>
>> On Mon, 12 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>
> PIXAR isn't, itself, a hologram but it is capable of
>generating tactile holographic images as well as multiple
>"holo-tactile" i/o systems and displays.
(OOC: Correction: Similar to PIXAR's holograms. That's what I
meant; it just didn't come out that way. 8^P)
> It is worth noting here that Dhyrclhanc spent some time with a
>fragment of Kosh inside of him, as well. Not as long as Mike nor as
>large a piece as either Mike or the mainline John Sheridan and,
>obviously not *this* Kosh but I still felt that it ought to be
>mentioned
(OOC: We are _all_ Kosh. ;^)
>> "You hold that which is not yours, traitress," the Dragon God
>> booms, a moment before Malystryx becomes the target of literally
>> dozens of dragon breath attacks...
>
>\[There is Justice...]\ thinks the Lensdragon, the strength of his
>convictions causing his thoughts to cascade into the link. Then, as
>if seeing the "laptop" computer for the first time, he looks up at
>the reformed Shadow and says, offhandedly, "I do not suppose I could
>keep this, could I?"
Z'On'Dar makes a motion vaguely reminiscent of a shrug. "As you
wish, though I would imagine that the Eye of Agamotto would make it a
redundancy."
>> (OOC: Think the Genie from Aladdin. Only he _can_ bring back the
>> dead. )
>
> I suppose that means that each of us gets the equivilant of
>the requisite three wishes, then?
(OOC: Well, there's no specific number-I really don't see any of us
wanting more than one, but there's no cap on reasonable 'wishes.'
However, as the blue guy said, "And ixnay on the wishing for more
wishes." This is a reward, not a travelling bazaar.)
(OOC-R: She's being gotten for that, never fear. ;^)
>In turn, Dhyrclhanc looks upon Z'On'Dar and says, "Similar to my
>comrade-in-arms, Legion, there is much that I could wish for some of
>which I could say to need rather than just want. However, just being
>given any of these devalues their worth as opposed if I had attained
>them for myself. Especialy, as I am currently capable of quite a bit.
Z'On'Dar simply nods.
>"I am also reluctant to accept such 'gifts-of-power' and certainly
>when such is offered as a Carte Blanche Bestowal. I have made enough
>deals with deveels to know both that there is no such a thing as a
>'free lunch' and that if it at first appears that you have gotten the
>best of the deal then the next thing to to is to count your digits,
>your limbs, and then to count your relatives, no offence inteneded."
The human Takhisis, held closely by Palatine's matching form,
smiles with flashing eyes (literally) as she is 'comforted.'
>"In short, before I were to take you up on your offer of a 'hero's
>reward' I would require a more complete description of what kinds of
>gifts are being offered here. I bear you no malace by this
>but, if it is all the same to you, for me to condsider your more than
>generous offer I would like some amount of assurance that I wasn't
>walking away with a kind of monkey's paw."
Lara shakes her head, chuckling. (The sound of a Shadow chuckling
is a truly bizarre thing.) "We're dealing with a simple application of
cosmic force, not some mystical process that hopes to 'get' you. Think
of it as a really big, powerful replicator. With psionic and magickal
functions."
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 10:10:25 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 12:35:46 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006181
> On Thu, 15 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>Dhyrclhanc Said
> (OOC: We are _all_ Kosh. ;^)
A bag of honey roasted peanuts, more or less, spontaneouslyappears in
Dhyrclhanc's hand minutes before Roland feels its impact in the back
of his head.
>>\[There is Justice...]\ thinks the Lensdragon, the strength of his
>>convictions causing his thoughts to cascade into the link. Then, as
>>if seeing the "laptop" computer for the first time, he looks up at
>>the reformed Shadow and says, offhandedly, "I do not suppose I could
>>keep this, could I?"
>
> Z'On'Dar makes a motion vaguely reminiscent of a shrug. "As you
> wish, though I would imagine that the Eye of Agamotto would make it
> a redundancy."
What's that supposed to mean? "I experience a lot of
that." mutters the Lensdragon, and then, louder,"Which would be where,
exactly?"
> (OOC: Well, there's no specific number-I really don't see any of
> us wanting more than one, but there's no cap on reasonable 'wishes.'
> However, as the blue guy said, "And ixnay on the wishing for more
> wishes." This is a reward, not a travelling bazaar.)
>
>
>
> (OOC-R: She's being gotten for that, never fear. ;^)
You want a Bazaar? DC could take you to Deeva. (Anybody read the
"Myth Adventures" books byRobert Asprin and made famous by
illustations by Phil Phoglio?) I figure that, in itself, would be
punishment enough! };=8D
> The human Takhisis, held closely by Palatine's matching form,
> smiles with flashing eyes (literally) as she is 'comforted.'
It is worth noting that what, and who, Dhyrclhanc worships
isnot, specificaly, "Tahkisis and Palatine" but that what both
"Tahkisis and Palatine" and "Bahamut and Tiamat" represent in a
Yin-Yang/Taoist/Wiccan kind of way. Also, I don't know what TSR(tm)'s
gospel is these days but both Dhyrclhanc and I believe that both
"Tahkisis and Palatine" and "Bahamut and Tiamat" are two individual
entities (ie: Bahamut/Palatine and Tiamat/Tahkisis) not four, more or
less, completely different beings, as the "gospel-from-down-on-high"
has been in the past.
> Lara shakes her head, chuckling. (The sound of a Shadow chuckling
> is a truly bizarre thing.) "We're dealing with a simple application
> of cosmic force, not some mystical process that hopes to 'get' you.
> Think of it as a really big, powerful replicator. With psionic and
> magickal functions."
The Immortal hatchling Ruby Fire Dragon blinks momentarily, as if
trying to get his thoughts togther, and says, "Actualy I meant that
more figuratively than litteraly but I believe I understand that much.
This requires much thought. Although I am a dragon, I am human enough
to be, as I believe my friend Jake has said, "a living wishes
generator". May I get back to you after the party?"
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:59:09 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Countdown: ZERO!
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 01:17:05 -0700
Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00006183
> On Sun, 11 Oct 1998 22:17:40
> Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006153
>
>>On Sat, 26 Sep 1998 13:32:25 -0700
>>Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00005992
>>
>>/Can anybody provide me with transport to the surface. Preferably
>>something that'll keep me away from anyone else, I appear to have
>>acquired a demonic blade that drinks the souls of those it slays.
>>It's hungry./
>
> (OOC: He was brought to the surface, IIRC. Going to assume he was
> dealing with crunchies unless he retrofits otherwise. Which isn't a
> problem, BTW.)
Stranger hewed his way through the ranks of demons and other assorted
foes, Stormbringer drinking deeply of their souls. The blade was less
hungry, more manageable, and Stranger seemed more able to control it
now.
> Epilogue:
>
> Lara smiles at the Callahanians. "In addition, I have little
> doubt that any reasonable desires can be filled. Though you are a
> noble and selfless band, heroic deeds are well deserving of heroes'
> rewards."
Stranger stands a little apart from the rest, as if still unsure of
his weapon/ally/whatever. After contemplating everything he has
witnessed, he seems to resolve on a course of action. Quickly he steps
to one side, raises Stormbringer and, before the blade can react,
plunges it into a boulder. The blade shrieks in protest, but when the
sparks settle, it is buried almost to the hilt.
"All I ask, is that this blade remains here until it is needed."
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 17:59:58 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 01:26:49 -0700
Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00006184
> On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 20:39:25 EDT
> Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006165
>
> Paradoxically as the Shockwave of dissolution instantly reaches
> throughout the Multiverse,
> The CAoL perceives Duration...
> Each individual member is enclosed in a pocket Universe just large
> enough...
> Encysted within the Potential of the White Hole
In his pocket dimension, Stranger somehow "faces" Stormbringer, the
chaos in the sword tipping his pocket dimension into chaos, until,
Stranger somehow compensated, order surging briefly out of him.
And then it is over, and the universe is created anew, and Stranger is
left standing there, sword in hand.
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 18:38:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 21:24:23 -0400
Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006185
>> Then the Encapsulations Fade
>> And the CAoL members find themselves back where they had been,
>> Before the Reset occurred.
>>
>> The Beginning
Oddly enough, neither James nor Zia seem to be ... present at all.
Anywhere. While this reset occurs. From Amber, the Eternal Kingdom,
somewhere in a dimension they can access only by the Blood. Not
genetics, but the Blood. Zia looks at James, surprised. "--- what??"
J: "Part of Shadow ... ceased and recreated. A smallish Shadowstorm,
destruction not complete." He feels gently with faded Logrus tendrils,
weakening fast here in the First Shadow of Order. "It was some of that
Stardragon nonsense, I believe. Seems to be clearing up, now, so I'll
pull us back, if you're ready?"
Zia nods. "Yes - got to fetch back that transport before the
viral-nanos drift into it. Then I'll meet you - "
James grins, "The Zocolo? Actually going to give them your nightclub
number?"
Zia blushes, and says defensively at the (successful) tease, "Hey,
they SAID a party..."
James smiles to let her know she was being teased, and kisses her
deeply once before returning to the "Beginning".
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 21:37:13 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 00:29:58 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006186
> On Tue, 13 Oct '98 Said
>
> As the entire Multiverse ceases to exist,
>
> Leaving a plenum of Infinite Potential Inhabited by only four things
> That Which Creates
> The Great Adversary (Who shows signs of extreme shock)
> A Sleeping Child (The StarDragon)
> And The White Hole
>
> Their point of perception seems to be within the White Hole...
After less than a brief picosecond's worth of exposure to
"that-which-existed-before-existance" the Lensdragon's scaled form
flares with a strange and unique form of Pre-Creation energy and
within a single eye blink his size muliplies by 300% and he becomes
slightly more bestial.
However, after being encapsulated in his, bubble-like, pocket
dimension, the effect fades.
*/Like... WOW!/*
}8=8~
> The Multiverse is recreated,
> Apparently Intact in all of its incomprehensible Glory,
> As if nothing had happened,
> save that the Breach through which The Great Adversary entered
> has been sealed.
> and there is No sign of either Fuzzy, or
> The Great Adversary.
> Then the Encapsulations Fade
> And the CAoL members find themselves back where they had been,
> Before the Reset occurred.
>
> The Beginning
It seems to take less than a moment for the entirety of what took
place to fully regester to the Immortal hatchling Ruby Fire Dragon.
Then his entire face sags as he yells to the sky, while shaking his
upraised fists in the air; half in rage and half in grief,
"Gods Above and Below, Fuzzy! Why did you have to go and do that
for!?"
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 22:06:31 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE IV: A Lady Takes Center Stage to Party
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 00:48:17 -0400
Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006187
Sometime when everyone is done and starting to party on the B5, in the
Zocolo
The after-battle party was rapidly getting noisier in the Zocolo.
Suddenly, a group of musician's in ancient white coat and tails filed
out, a horn and guitar section. Drums were set up.
Curiosity dulled the roar of the room down to a mild rumble, as
humans, Centauri, and various other alien races spoke to each other
wondering where such costumes.. and indeed, antique instruments could
be procured from. In front, a pair of Centauri were already trying to
make a deal with a band leader who steadfastly ignored them.
Instead, he walked over to the huge microphone. Far larger than it had
to be. For show, of course. He cleared his throat, ignoring questions
until the room quieted enough to hear him, "I've been told this is a
blues tune from the early twentieth century."
Groans and boos.
James, the only one in a black and tail-free tux, waved them down.
"Don't you gentlebeings have any manners? We have a special one time
only performance, in honor of those who fought, those who helped them
fight, and all those poor worried folks of all races who watched
others known to them walk through the enemy's fire. To those who
healed, and those who hoped even in the deepest dark of despair around
them. All of you. I give you, the one, the only, Ziactrice!"
The house lights went down like a brick, leaving the entire room in
complete darkness. Curses and the sound of breaking glass. The stage
lights came on, wobbled briefly and steadied. The band broke into a
tinny, dirty blues intro as Zia stepped into the light.
More breaking glass.
Gone was her severe black uniform. In it's place - a thin, shimmery
slinky full length red dress, slit up along the sides almost to the
waist. If she wore anything underneath, it wasn't evident. The long
hair, always pulled back in a ponytail, now hung down her back like a
golden waterfall, draped down across one eye and trailed down the
plunging neckline. Zia pulled up the chair, put one foot up on it.
Gasps.
Gone too were the high military boots. Instead, the long legs swept
down to feet clad in almost invisible high heels, just enough there to
show off a red sparkle of some tiny jewels on the straps. She speaks;
the voice half music, half speech. Not quite singing, but sounding
wonderful. Deep, throaty, undeniably magnetic voice flows. Her blues
eyes burning ice and fire.
"I own a second hand furniture store and I think my prices are fair."
She stood up, stalked across the stage, fixing each cowboy with a
smoky glance, paused before a certain Mr. Alfred Bester, sitting there
stunned. Her eyes glittered as she looked down at him.
"'Course, this real cheap guy I know came in one day, saw this chair
he wanted to buy but he wouldn't. Claimed the price was too high. So,
I looked him straight in his eye, and *this*... was my... reply."
She bent down. All Bester sees is cleavage. She reachesout, put a
finger under his chin bringing his gaze up to meet hers. "If I can't
sell it, I'm going to sit down on it. I ain't gonna give it away." She
shuts the telepath's mouth with an audible click, stalks back to the
chair, hips swaying. The hourglass brunette poured like water into it,
stroked it. A whimper from someone in the back.
"Now darlin' if you want it, you're gonna have to buy it and I mean
just what I say. Now, how'd ya like to find *this* waitin' at home for
you every night? Only been used once or twice, but it's still nice and
tight. Whoa!"
Gasps of shock and groans of need from the audience. Another glass
broke. She splays her legs, whirling the chair underneath her so the
back is now facing the audience. Flinging her hair back with a toss of
her head, Zia arches back; a quick, deliberate thrust and her hips
slide abruptly and suggestively forward on the seat.
The doctor and Garibaldi exchange quick glances, long enough to notice
that they were both sweating. Any CAoLers who might be present have
never seen this side of Zia.
Slowly she looks up, her eyes the color of deep water. "So if I can't
sell it I'm gonna keep sittin' on it. I ain't about to give it away."
A long dark glance around the room. "Now, you can't find a better pair
of legs in town." She lifted one very nicely shaped leg over the back
of the chair then slides out of the chair onto the floor. Her back is
to the audience; her dress hiking up. The heavy, silky hair shimmers
gold in the stage's lights. It spills down, revealing a back so low
that a very small part of her buttocks is tantalizingly visible. Not
quite indecent, but right on the edge. A smoldering glance smokes over
her shoulder at the stunned audience. Someone, probably a man. starts
weeping.
"And a back like this, Huh! not for miles around." Back up into the
chair, one long leg trailing, facing the audience, eyes like her
Pattern fire. Every eye in the house seems fixed on her hand as she
strokes slowly, teasingly down the back of the chair.
"And that is why if I can't sell it, I'm going to re-cline upon it."
Zia declares grandly, in her own undeniably stunning way. She lets her
body briefly drape down across the chair. The glittering red fabric
stretches to its limits as she leans back almost to the floor, and her
breasts threaten escape from the precarious and barely adequate
bodice. Her figure so womanly even on her back it's incredible. "Why
should I give it away?" Such a throaty, sexy voice; how had they never
noticed that before?
She springs to her feet, slinks forward, and suddenly stops. She
stands with her legs apart inches from President Sinclair. Admiral
Sheridan had never seen the other's eyes so wide; though he had spared
the man only barest glance amongst his own watching. Zia lifts an
eyebrow and closes her eyes in a long slow sultry blink. The horns
cluck and sigh behind her.
"Because it's ...made for comfort. Built for wear and tear. Where else
would you find such an...eeaasy chair? But if I can't sell it, darlin'
I'm gonna sit down on it. I don't see the need to give it away.
Because it is lush," A leg flashes out, kicking a hat from the head of
another male human nearby. She takes a step down the stage. "Plush,"
Another kick, revealing even more leg again, sends another hat flying.
"Slick and sleek. Darlin' a high class piece like this at *any* price
is cheap!" A third man has his snatched away; she leans in close as
she takes it. His eyes grow huge. She flings it with abandon into the
crowd.
Shrieks of delight.
"So if I can't sell it I'm gonna sit back down on it. Why should I
give it away?" She stalks up the stage, legs flashing, suddenly stops
and turns her back to the audience, her head to one side. Slowly, her
hands her hands skimmy along her sides, down her hips. A hand snakes
out, grabs the chair and she whirls it up over her head, displaying
the seat.
"Now, look at this nice bottom." Screams. Groans. Begging. She glanced
back over her shoulder again. "Ain't it easy on the eye? Guaranteed to
support any weight or size. Whoa!"
Some weaker soul, or alien, faints in the back. The horns moan, almost
sounding sympathetic.
"And if I can't sell it I'm just gonna keep sittin' on it. Don't ask
me to give it away."
The horns come up softly and the drums thump as she slowly lowers the
chair and drags it off the stage into darkness. The piano thrums. A
brief refrain, and the instruments fade into silence. The house lights
come back up.
The Zocolo had never known such quiet. A long moment passes, broken
finally by a low whimpering groan. At that everyone took a deep
breath, and started whooping, shrieking, banging fists on tables,
stomping the floor, clapping, whistling.
Garibaldi and the doc sat in shock. Even Lenneir seemed stunned.
Starbuck dropped his cigar - and hasn't noticed yet.
"Where the hell did she learn something like that?" Admiral Sheridan
finally croaked.
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 22:06:41 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Countdown: ZERO!
On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 21:56:27 -0700 (PDT)
The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00006188
They stood silently with the rest of the CAoL, the flat of their
blade resting on one shoulder, their face reflecting a weary
satisfaction at having survived the battle.
[It's over.]
[Yes.]
Then Z'On'Dar and Lara made their offer of almost any reward to
the members of the CAoL. Raver drew in a sharp breath, their thoughts
a roiling confusion. [Freedom.]
[My body back.]
[The Hunt.]
[Worldwalking...]
[No more questions.]
[To be human.]
[I, myself.]
A thousand more thoughts flashed through both of their minds. In
the end, brown eyes met ruby eyes on the dark mindscape for a moment,
and a decision was reached.
Raver swallowed, in an outward display of emotion that the CAoL
had never witnessed, and spoke in the odd double-throated voice that
cropped up under stress. "We...thank you for your offer." They rested
the point of their sword on the ground before hesitantly continuing,
"We would prefer it if you could provide us with a...body...for me."
The sticking point over, Raver flowed into Mandy, and she flushed
bright red, crossing her arms over her chest. "Uh... that is, for me."
A shoulder twitched in an almost-shrug. "That's all, really. The bond
can take care of itself, I guess."
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 23:05:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Lady Takes Center Stage to Party
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 01:37:28 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006189
> On Fri, 16 Oct '98 Zia Said
<... And one sultry mega-snip later... >
IC: Somewhere deap back in the crowd the female Amberite's
performance has made even the Lensdragon's jaw drop onto the floor.
[I think I'm in love... whoops, down boy she's married. To several
husbands too, from what I've over heard. Well, if anybody could pull
off that number it *would* be her.] };=8)
The 21' tall draconic lensman wanders off to get his double scotch
refilled.
OOC: PRICELESS!!! Of course, it helps that both the Big Guy(tm) and I
have both heard that particular piece performed before.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 05:36:00 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE4: Haven...
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 05:23:51 -0700 (PDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006190
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 20:39:25 EDT
>Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006165
The encapsulation enclosed around Mike, turned inside out and
enclosed the Multiverse from the Dreamtime. Or maybe the Dreamtime
appeared inside the encapsulation. Either way, the Dreamtime exploded
into a multiverse of its own, separating from the one it formed in.
Or at least that is what Mike -thought- happened. All he -knew-
was he felt incredibly tired as he stood on the precipus of the
connection to the old Multiverse. He had a sense that each of the
power taps were turning themselves back on, therefore the Multiverse
he had known must be recreating. He scanned through the Spikard, and
suddenly froze.
Molly, Tink and the twins stood next to Mike. Everyone felt
tired. At least everyone they had asked. The 'racial' mental link was
gone, as was the powers that his people had had. The girls looked at
their father, as he had awoken, in t-shirt and jeans, apparently
completely human, looking 25 years old. Some one had been thoughtful
enough to have this portal to another multiverse appear in a Star
Trek-like laboratory. When everyone had been scanned, they found
themselves to be human. Not energy-based lifeforms with a human
appearance, clones with alien DNA, but normal humans.
Mike remembered many ways he wasn't human, but that wasn't what
his chart read. Same with Molly, the twins, even Tink.
Molly looked at the twins, "Do you remember what happened?"
Melissa and Grep looked at each other, momentarily confused, then
nodding. "As the multiverse was going down the tubes again, we
remember thinking we would give all this power up if we could protect
even a small portion of it from that sort of thing."
The twins were pointing at the destroying/reforming multiverse.
"Somewhere safe," Tink added, holding each of her mothers' hands.
"A haven," Molly finished, "Dad? What are you staring at?"
"Look," Mike said, pointing to a small corner of the Multiverse
reforming outside their new one. "Some realities are missing."
"You're kidding?" Molly replied, using the Spikard on her own
finger to scan. "Check this out, none of the places I visited is down
there. Well, except where the CAoL has been, but none of the places
I've been on my own."
Tink looked with her own Spikard. "One twillion, six hundwed and
eighty billion, nine hundwed and seventy two million. four hundwed and
twee thousand and twelve, corelating to the realities our dreamers
searched on their own, have vanished and reappeared in our
micro-multiverse."
Molly looked at Tink. "You are sure you are human? That's an
awfully big search to do so quickly."
"My mental abilities awe vewy human, albeit they awe the maximum
allowed to be housed within what Turing called eight pounds of cold
powwidge. The Spikard was assisting my scans. Mom, do you feel any
diffewent?"
The twins thought for a few moments. "We can only communicate
through the lens link now, and we think our knowledge has been cut
back in some esoteric areas, but we feel fine otherwise. Our best
guess is we were caught up in some sort of Pinnochio Effect.
Admittedly a bit of a hidden desire of ours, being 'just' human."
"Of all of ours, I think," Molly said, then blinked. "Was that me
that said and heard that?"
The twins nodded. "Weird, huh?"
Mike smiled slightly sadly at Molly, "You have a beautiful
voice."
"What's wrong, Grumpa?" Tink inquired.
"I just wish your 'Grandmother' were here."
Molly said, suddenly very self-conscious about speaking, "Well,
uh, we still have these Spikards. They are tied into universes on this
side of the portal as well as the ones forming on the other side.
Which means we can still cross over unaided. So, we still have access
to some power, even though it wasn't what we had."
"And good riddance to it." Mike said, "I was starting to give
myself the creeps. Call me powerphobic if you want, but I am glad we
don't have them. I can take off this Spikard, but what we had can't be
walked away from so easily. Look at poor John. I think he'd gladly
walk away sometimes if he could. I think Rhia wants him to.
"I dunno," Mike continued, staring through the portal, "I'm just
a guy who started out looking for a little adventure and it blew up in
my face. Well, I've learned my lesson, I guess. I -hope-. I've seen
the apparent whole of creation destroyed, -twice-, lost
friends...no...-family-, and the woman I lo--"
"What?" Molly asked as Mike stopped suddenly, gaping at
something.
"I don't believe it, it's her..."
Everyone looked then, through the Spikards, at a small blip in a
huge multiverse on the other side of the gateway.
"Grammie?" Tink asked.
"Mom?" Melissa said, surprised.
"Mother?" Grep also said.
"Flarn?" Molly asked of the three blondes.
"Oh my god," Mike said, "It's her!"
"Well, go, dad!" the others shouted.
"But what about Mournblade? The CAoL?"
"We're on top of it," Molly said. "Go!"
"Now!!!" Tink and the twins added, pleading at the top of their
lungs.
Mike didn't need any more convincing. "/I'll be back! We -found-
her! Yahooo!!!/"
And Mike leapt through the portal toward the woman he loved...
>Apparently Intact in all of its incomprehensible Glory,
>As if nothing had happened,
>save that the Breach through which The Great Adversary entered
>has been sealed.
>and there is No sign of either Fuzzy, or
>The Great Adversary.
>Then the Encapsulations Fade
>And the CAoL members find themselves back where they had been,
>Before the Reset occurred.
Molly stood where Mike had, Spikard tearing into Mournblade as if
nothing had happened. Grep stood behind her, fending off crunchies,
while Melissa held Tink, monitoring the battle. They were all dressed
like Mike had been before she...he left. Each wore a blue sweater,
tartan skirt and a Spikard. Each now 'just' human, and all looking
very pleased about that fact.
>On Sun, 11 Oct 1998 22:17:40
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006153
>
> (OOC: Whew! A year after AAE IV began...)
> Epilogue:
>
> "You are a formidable group," Mournblade grunts, holding his
>chest. "But I can still find a way to destroy you, and take the-"
Molly, the Twins and Tink silently raised their Spikards again,
all the power taps coming on and ready to tear Mournblade apart.
> Z'On'Dar turns a look colder than space on the dark god of Chaos.
>"You are no match for them, Mournblade. But you might harm them, if I
>allowed it. I need not allow it any longer. Yield."
> "NEVER, YOU-" Mournblade begins.
> There is no buildup of energy, no display of power. One moment,
>Mournblade is there, ready to summon more cannon fodder, ready to
>kill. The next, the souls he has 'eaten' are freed, and Mournblade
>itself is spread across the multiverse, every particle of magick,
>power and matter separated from every other.
The power taps shut down in the Spikards, as they are used to
watch.
> Lara smiles at the Callahanians. "In addition, I have little doubt
>that any reasonable desires can be filled. Though you are a noble and
>selfless band, heroic deeds are well deserving of heroes' rewards."
"For us, nothing." Molly replies, "For Dad, Fuzzy already gave it
to him."
>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 22:28:31
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006170
>
> "You're not leaving so soon, are you-" Roland begins.
> Poof.
> "Zia?" he finishes with a slight chuckle.
>
>"Guess she is," Morgan notes dryly.
>
> "Don't know why I'm surprised," Roland shrugs. "She _did_ say she
>wasn't interested in joining our little travelling disaster. /Hey,
>Molly, what's the name of that band you toured with? Maybe the CAoL
>should change its name.../"
Tink giggled. Molly smirks, /I went to one Disaster Area concert
and suddenly I am on tour?/ She smiled. /And I think Morgan would be
happier if you weren't the next Hotblack Desoto. Firstly, I think she
would rather you didn't spend a year being dead for tax purposes./
>>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 21:10:12 EDT
>>Dane As CAoL Message # 00006166
>>
>>*You have one member missing, who the tower will not be able to
>>re-create. I will begin the process of finding his pieces,* Aurora
>>finishes. Then she vanishes.
>
> /Discie or Dra-oh, nuts,/ Roland sighs. "/At this rate, the party
>will be you, me, and one unconscious Drazzi, Morgan./"
/I think she means Fuzzy, Uncle Roland./ Grep sends solemnly.
/But, I think Uncle Fuzzy is happy now, though I am not sure
why./ Melissa adds, /I think we should celebrate that./
>Roland learns just how much his wife's TK has improved, as he feels a
>thwack on the rear. Morgan just smiles innocently, looking skyward.
>"/Hmm, what a mess. We _should_ help clean this up before doing any
>partying./"
>
> "/Nice subject change,/" Roland replies with a half-smile,
>providing Morgan with a brief display of _his_ mastery of PK. Morgan
>squeals playfully. "/Still, you have a point,/" he continues as if
>nothing had happened. "/Between your ring, my PK, and the phenomenal
>cosmic power floating around here, that should take, oh, a good five,
>six seconds./"
/Great, let's get started. We're all starving./ the twins send in
unison.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 07:37:20 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Lady Takes Center Stage to Party
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 07:24:10 -0700 (PDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006192
>On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 00:48:17 -0400
>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006187
>
>Gone was her severe black uniform. In it's place - a thin, shimmery
>slinky full length red dress, slit up along the sides almost to the
>waist. If she wore anything underneath, it wasn't evident. The long
>hair, always pulled back in a ponytail, now hung down her back like a
>golden waterfall, draped down across one eye and trailed down the
>plunging neckline. Zia pulled up the chair, put one foot up on it.
>
>Gasps.
From their place at a table near the bar toward the back, Melissa
sat with Tink on her lap. The mother quickly covered the girl's eyes,
who squirmed and managed to peek out anyway.
>She bent down. All Bester sees is cleavage. She reachesout, put a
>finger under his chin bringing his gaze up to meet hers. "If I can't
>sell it, I'm going to sit down on it. I ain't gonna give it away."
>She shuts the telepath's mouth with an audible click, stalks back to
>the chair, hips swaying. The hourglass brunette poured like water
>into it, stroked it. A whimper from someone in the back.
Molly sympathized. Grep covers Molly's eyes, who bats the hand
away with a scowl.
>The doctor and Garibaldi exchange quick glances, long enough to
>notice that they were both sweating. Any CAoLers who might be present
>have never seen this side of Zia.
The party of four in the back watchs this, the twins grinning,
liking the song. Tink grinning at her aunt, who looks more than a bit
embarrassed for some reason the little girl can't quite fathom, though
she has theories..
>"And that is why if I can't sell it, I'm going to re-cline upon it."
>Zia declares grandly, in her own undeniably stunning way. She lets
>her body briefly drape down across the chair. The glittering red
>fabric stretches to its limits as she leans back almost to the floor,
>and her breasts threaten escape from the precarious and barely
>adequate bodice. Her figure so womanly even on her back it's
>incredible. "Why should I give it away?" Such a throaty, sexy voice;
>how had they never noticed that before?
Tink pushed a small note written on a coaster at Molly. 'What's
wrong?'
Molly replied with 'When you are older, I will try to explain.'
Melissa and Grep smirked to each other behind Tink's head, having
given up trying to block her view.
>Another kick, revealing even more leg again, sends another hat
>flying. "Slick and sleek. Darlin' a high class piece like this at
>*any* price is cheap!" A third man has his snatched away; she leans
>in close as she takes it. His eyes grow huge. She flings it with
>abandon into the crowd.
>
>Shrieks of delight.
Tink giggled, thinking the whole thing very funny. Melissa, Grep
and Molly clapped. Melissa called, "You go, girl!"
>Garibaldi and the doc sat in shock. Even Lenneir seemed stunned.
>
>Starbuck dropped his cigar - and hasn't noticed yet.
>
>"Where the hell did she learn something like that?" Admiral Sheridan
>finally croaked.
The table of four stand and applaud, Tink standing on a chair.
"Toooooootally cool."
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 11:34:39 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Dhyrclhanc Sings! (longish)
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 14:05:03 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006193
No comments from the peanut gallery! It could be worse. It
could be William Shatner! }<:=8C
Dhyrclhanc finishes his second double scotch and rocks and, seeing
that Ziatrice and her band have finished clearing off, aproaches the
stage.
As he approaches, his form shifts from his 21 ft. tall Lensdragon to
his 7 ft. tall, wingless, "Lens-T'Skrang" form. Climbing up on the
platform, it is once again apparent that his clothes have changed as
well. Only, instead of the Reinasance-era Swashbucker's costume he
wears with this shape, he's wearing a darkly colored casual dress
sportsjacket, a white tee-shirt, a pair of navy colored chinos, and
tan cowboy boots.
Turning around to face the audience a microphone and floor stand
appear in his hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, and others," he adds, noticing a few Gaim and
Pak'ma'ra in the crowd, "I was going to do this number to get this
party started in the right mood, but after that last... ahem...
performer, I am not sure that is going to be a problem."
He winks at the retreating Zia as various hoots and hollers escape
from the various sections of the audience.
"Instead of going into a long explanation for this piece, I will just
say that this is the response that people get when I am asked to
explain my... pecular... outlook on life. PIXAR, band please."
The softball-sized, doedecahedronal, nanotech, computer appears at
Dhyrclhanc's shoulder and immeaditly a prototypical Rock & Roll band
materializes behind the Lens-T'Skrang.
A driving electronic beat encompasses the Zocalo as Dhyrclhanc
launches into a fantastic physical impersonation which is a cross
between Billy Joel and Bruce Willis.
As he begins jumping and cavorting around the stage he begins singing,
"Done work,
Hot night,
Last thing I needed was a fight,
Summertime,
I feel loose,
I crack another bottle of Cactus Juice."
"The boys are coming over,
And it's looking like they're ready to Jam,
I'm hopin' we don't have no trouble with
my neighbor, Sam."
Dhyrclhanc begins bunny-hoppping back and forth across the length of
the stage.
"Turn it up a little louder,
Crank the speakers, grab a beer,
Turn it up a little louder,
We ain't got nothing to fear,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
Least til' the cops get here!"
Dhyrclhanc stops in the center of the stage, and sings into the
microphone,
"Midnight?
Oh no!
The chickens just arrived -- We gotta show,
No phone,
No food,
We're tearing the celing for kinding wood."
"Duke is in the kitchen talking about
a chicken he de-boned,
Young William is in the back room
wondering why he's all alone."
"Turn it up a little louder,
Crank the speakers, grab a beer,
Turn it up a little louder,
We ain't got nothing to fear,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
Least til' the cops get here!"
"Turn it up a little louder,
Put the speakers by the door,
Turn it up a little louder,
Get the women dancing on the floor,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
That's what your neighbors are for!"
"You said you don't like my style,
The way I'm living is way too wild,
It's only a party, you're welcome to come,
What's the sense of living if you can't
have fun?"
"Jumping up and down on the TV at five am,
The neighbors keep a knocking, the volume's
turned up way past 10,
Johny's by the pool, sipping on a Hurricane,
Carmine's in the backroom, he's pretending to
be cuban again."
"Turn it up a little louder,
Crank the speakers, grab a beer,
Turn it up a little louder,
We ain't got nothing to fear,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
Least til' the cops get here!"
"Turn it up a little louder,
Put the speakers by the door,
Turn it up a little louder,
Get the women dancing on the floor,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
That's what your neighbors are for!"
"Turn it up a little louder,
Crank the speakers, grab a beer,
Turn it up a little louder,
We ain't got nothing to fear,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
Least til' the cops get here!"
"Turn it up a little louder,
Put the speakers by the door,
Turn it up a little louder,
Get the women dancing on the floor,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
That's what your neighbors are for!"
"Turn it up a little louder,
Crank the speakers, grab a beer,
Turn it up a little louder,
We ain't got nothing to fear,
Turn it up a little louder, yeah,
Hey, the cops are here!"(^1)
Immeadiatly, a troop of B5 securtity officers swarm onto the stage and
forcefully escort Dhyrclhanc and the band off the stage amidst
Dhyrclhanc's objections of "Hey, this is Labor Day!" and demanding to
see his lawyer.
Meinwhile, out in the audience, both Zack and Garabaldi are obviously
completly perplexed about the goings on on-stage.
Then, a few moments after the stage is, almost litteraly, swept clean.
There is a bright flash of light and a billow of smoke, and Dhyrclhanc
is, once again, standing onstage bowing to the audience.
"Thank you! You've been a great audience, Good Night!"
Whereupon, he disapears off-stage.
^1 "Turn It Up (A Little Louder)" copyright 1989
Motown Music and Bruce Willis. Lyrics of same used here should, in no
way, be misunderstood to be an attempted copyright infrigement
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:02:25 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE4: The party
On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 21:44:04 -0400 (EDT)
Shadow Said As CAoL Message # 00006194
After the reset, John thanks Lara for the offer, "but I really have
everything I want at the moment."
Rhia looks at him, "I think they're heading for the Zocolo next."
John smiles, old scratch in his eyes, "But we're not. I have a
little detour planned."
John pulls out a d-hopper, twists the dial, and he and Rhia
disappear. His fading voice says, "I'll meet you at the party."
John and Rhiannon arrive in in Core headquarters, in the auditorium.
Present are the current members of the Legion. Grim-faced, they watch
John carefully. John glares arounf the room, and you can sense several
hands going towards weapons before his smile breaks through, "WE'VE
WON!@!" A cheer, no, a roar greets his words. Hands in the air John
shares the joy they all feel. The initial roar dies a little and John
pumps a fist, "To FREEDOM!" The noise doesn't die down for several
minutes.
When it's finally quiet enough to be heard over everyone else, John
speaks again, "But it's not over yet. Now the real work begins. Does
anyone think they know what we're going to do now?"
A lieutenant yells from the back, "We're gonna party."
John paces, "That's right, _Captain_, we have a party to go to.
Consensus, where to first?"
Several yells can be heard, and John listens for a moment, "London,
1678." And they were gone.
In a very large pub in London, circa 1678, a small horde of people
crowd through the door. They all order drinks and are in great cheer.
Their mood infectious, soon the whole place is more lively. The horde
toasts a slightly smaller horde on the other side of the room, and a
round of toasts goes back and forth. Finally they all stand, laughing,
the group just a little larger as some locals throw in with this lot,
and they walk out the door, shouting strange names and dates.
It's a scene that repeats itself several times. Australia 2069. Mars
Colony 2134. Scotland 1987. America 1921. The size of the group fluxes
as some people leave and other people join. And they also visit the
Zocolo, on Babylon 5.
John and Rhia have a table, talking things over as the party gets
started. Zia does her act, and John, raises a glass to her as she
finishes. Taking a long pull he leans toward Rhia, "Taking notes?" he
teases.
Rhia flashes a smile, "I don't need to. I'm sure you'll be able to
recall everything once the blood flows back to your brain."
John purses his lips, "Hoooh," he breathes, grinning. "That was a
low blow, m'dear." They join in the general applause.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 23:25:40 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Sat, 17 Oct 1998 01:39:06 EDT
Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006195
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006186
> "Gods Above and Below, Fuzzy! Why did you have to go and do that
> for!?"
Dhyrclhanc, recognizes Oracle's "voice" answering, ^Dhyrclhanc Fuzzy
is not dead. However the conditions of his existance were such, that
it was impossible for him to be re-created without causing a class one
paradox. There are a number of artifacts that, when brought together,
will restore the entity you know as Fuzzy, though there will be
important cosmic differances between him, as restored, and the Fuzzy
that existed before the Macro Cosmic Reset. When the CAoL is ready to
look for those artifacts, I will send you to FailSafe. He will tell
you the rest of what you need to know concerning this. Without Fuzzy's
action this entire solar system and all in it would have died, when
The Stardragon showed up to eject the Great Adversary from this
universe. Fuzzy has acted according to the highest standards of the
Dragon Gard, or of the Galactic Patrol. When you restore him, he
should be congratulated by all that exist in this Macro Cosmic All.^
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 22:26:12 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: New Beginnings!
On Sun, 18 Oct 1998 00:39:22 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006196
> On Sat, 17 Oct '98 Dane Said
>
> Dhyrclhanc, recognizes Oracle's "voice" answering, ^Dhyrclhanc Fuzzy
> is not dead. However the conditions of his existance were such, that
> it was impossible for him to be re-created without causing a class
> one paradox. There are a number of artifacts that, when brought
> together, will restore the entity you know as Fuzzy, though there
> will be important cosmic differances between him, as restored, and
> the Fuzzy that existed before the Macro Cosmic Reset. When the CAoL
> is ready to look for those artifacts, I will send you to FailSafe.
> He will tell you the rest of what you need to know concerning this.
> Without Fuzzy's action this entire solar system and all in it would
> have died, when The Stardragon showed up to eject the Great
> Adversary from this universe. Fuzzy has acted according to the
> highest standards of the Dragon Gard, or of the Galactic Patrol.
> When you restore him, he should be congratulated by all that exist
> in this Macro Cosmic All.^
Dhyrclhanc is visibly torn between the emotions of unbridled sorrowand
endless rage, although it is also obvious that he is begining to slide
towards the latter.
*^On a certain level the question was retorical; an attempt to vent my
grief over Fuzzy's death, however temporary it might be. And perhaps,
on a certain level I understand your motivation for trying to assude
my grief. However, Fuzzy was my friend, my mentor and my tutor! I'm
not in the frame of mind to either appriciate the Cosmic Signifance of
Fuzzy's sacrifice; to appriciate my mourning being interupted; or your
cold, rational and logical summation of the situation. So I would
appricate it _Ever_So_Much_ if you would just GET OUT OF MY
MIND!!!!!!^*
If Oracle has any grasp of strong emotion, or emotions in general,
he/it will recognize that the channel that the telepathic
communication was relayed over was raw and ravaged by pain, grief,
rage and a *very strong* tint of _no_visitors_wecome_!
Dhyrclhanc disappears in a bright burst of crimson light.
If any one else in the CAoL tries to contact the Lensdragon via the
psi-link they'll find a "pre-recorded mesage" to the effect of "I will
catch up with the rest of you later on B5."
===========================
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 14:18:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE4: Haven...
Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006197
> On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 05:23:51 -0700 (PDT)
> Mike Knight Said As CAoL Post # 00004257
>
> /I think she means Fuzzy, Uncle Roland./ Grep sends solemnly.
> /But, I think Uncle Fuzzy is happy now, though I am not sure
> why./ Melissa adds, /I think we should celebrate that./
*Please Return the Discie Intact to His People.*
Then Nemisis Gates Out...
Look For Nemisis And Dhyrclhanc In a short run Spin-Off,
Coming Soon to a Comic Shop Near You,
"A Visit to Quaren II"
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 19:18:59 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE Party: Another Song.
On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 18:26:04 -0700 (PDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006200
Molly, Tink and the twins are bickering quietly at their table,
apparently the three blondes against the brunette. Whatever the
conversation is about, Molly looks dead set against it, but weakening
under the cajoling and wheedling of her 'sisters'.
"It's a good song, I don't see why you don't want to..."
"It's nothing, I just made it up..."
"Well, can we sing it then? We like it..."
"No, I..."
"Then you sing it, please? C'mon, you know you want to..."
"If I sing it, will you three let me spend the rest of the
evening drinking in peace?"
"Yes!"
"Fine."
Tink and the twins give the band a needed break, while Molly
takes the microphone. Looking utterly embarrassed, Molly clears her
throat.
"Uhm, this is a song I wrote. The girls," Molly says, jerking a
thumb lamely over her shoulder, "Won't let me a moment's peace until I
sing it for everyone. They say I need practice in public speaking.
Uhm, so here it goes...and stuff..."
It's a slow, almost trance-like rhythem, complementing the long
verses. Molly just quietly seems to plead for the audience's attention
as if each individual where being addressed by her specificly. While
not exactly a tale of woe, there is a distinct sadness to the song and
in Molly's voice that makes the listener desire to hug the singer in
sympathy.
"Wandering on through life, I'm lost,
Up, down, right, wrong, I'm tempest tossed,
Through time and space, dimentions crossed,
This endless quest I have exhaust -
- ed all hope of finding a hearth, a home,
Forever striving, to always roam,
Through desert sands, the ocean's foam,
Across the Multiverse...
"Change is all that stays the same,
Not love, not hate, not pride, not pain,
Change is all that stays the same,
What rose must always fall again,
Change is all that stays the same,
"Please give me a way, a hint, a hand,
Show me where I can safely land,
My dreams of happiness are not so grand,
Give me a sign, my hopes expand,
Don't dash them cross the jagged rock,
Or in comforting me, cruelly mock,
My head's already full of shock,
No one should ever see...
"Change is all that stays the same,
Not love, not hate, not pride, not pain,
Change is all that stays the same,
What rose must always fall again,
Change is all that stays the same,
I'll wander on, 'til end of time,
And take what love my heart can find,
For I do not have place in mind,
Home is another heart with mine entwined,
So this, my quest, I follow through,
In search of eyes I can fall into,
And hoping my belief is true,
That somewhere there's someone for me...
"Change is all that stays the same,
Not love, not hate, not pride, not pain,
Change is all that stays the same,
What rose must always fall again,
Change is all that stays the same..."
The song fades out a few moments after, and to Molly's surprise,
she does get applause. Taking the mike, she says, "Uh, thanks, and now
the girls will play something everyone can dance to."
The twins and Tink, suddenly stuck in the spotlight, scowl
faintly, then shrug and break out into a light, jazzy, tune that
happened to be popular at about this time in their dimentional version
of Babylon 5.
Molly, meanwhile, nearly dives off the stage for the bar.
"At least no one threw tomatoes," she mutters, downing a shot.
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:38:59 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Countdown: ZERO!
On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:09:59
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006201
>On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 01:17:05 -0700
>Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00006183
>
>Stranger hewed his way through the ranks of demons and other assorted
>foes, Stormbringer drinking deeply of their souls. The blade was less
>hungry, more manageable, and Stranger seemed more able to control it
>now.
The demons and Fallen scream as their 'souls' scream in fear, but
something seems to be cheating the blade of the other spirits.
>Stranger stands a little apart from the rest, as if still unsure of
>his weapon/ally/whatever. After contemplating everything he has
>witnessed, he seems to resolve on a course of action. Quickly he
>steps to one side, raises Stormbringer and, before the blade can
>react, plunges it into a boulder. The blade shrieks in protest, but
>when the sparks settle, it is buried almost to the hilt.
>
>"All I ask, is that this blade remains here until it is needed."
>
>
(OOC: LOL! Most cool. I _have_ to oblige.)
Vast technomystical power flashes around the Stone. A moment later,
the sword is silent and unmoving to most senses, though those with
powerful magical and spiritual sight can sense Stormbringer's rage and
frustration. Z'On'Dar nods to Stranger.
"The stone you have placed the blade within has been empowered.
Only an Eternal Champion may draw it without meeting resistance, and
the casings can resist even a Primal for a time." Z'On'Dar and PHOENIX
regard the blade evenly. "Stormbringer goes nowhere until you will it
otherwise, Warrior of the Middle Path."
Then,
>On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 21:56:27 -0700 (PDT)
>The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00006188
>
> Raver swallowed, in an outward display of emotion that the CAoL
>had never witnessed, and spoke in the odd double-throated voice that
>cropped up under stress. "We...thank you for your offer." They rested
>the point of their sword on the ground before hesitantly continuing,
>"We would prefer it if you could provide us with a...body...for me."
> The sticking point over, Raver flowed into Mandy, and she flushed
>bright red, crossing her arms over her chest. "Uh... that is, for
>me." A shoulder twitched in an almost-shrug. "That's all, really. The
>bond can take care of itself, I guess."
Z'On'Dar nods. "As expected. If you touch this sigil-" it motions,
and a mystic symbol of restoration glows at the base of the Tower-
"-we will examine your form. If successful, your body will become two
bodies, and your minds will be carefully separated, all damage undone
and you shall both be made whole."
(OOC: I put in the qualifiers in case you don't want the Two fully
separated; if you want the healing to be complete, the procedure will
work. Also, Mandy can be provided with protections so that any enemies
Raver's picked up won't be tempted to strike through Mandy.)
If there are no comments otherwise:
When the Two touch the symbol, vast power, wielded with subtlety
gained from ancient experience and wisdom beyond human ken, begins the
process of separating the Two. Nothing visible happens, even to most
power senses, except to the Two. Truly subtle entities can 'feel'
Raver and Mandy becoming...more...but that is all, at first.
For the Two, however, it is standing in the Light, without
judgement or command, with only compassion tinged with gratitude
around their spirits. (OOC: I leave the rest for you to write in, if
you like.)
Then, in the last few seconds, the one form begins to flow apart.
Gently, painlessly, but with surprising speed, the Mandy/Raver body
expands and shimmers like mercury bathed in a rainbow. Then Mandy and
Raver both stand before the CAoL, each exactly as they have been seen
in the past, except for a belt on Mandy with a pouch at each hip and a
belt buckle with this -> (L*) symbol on it.
(OOC: If asked what the heck THAT is, and again this assumes that
nothing else was asked for)
PHOENIX chuckles. "Oh, just an idea I got from Roland's experience
with the Legion of Super-Heroes. That is a replica of the Force Field
belt worn by Brainiac 5, and is impervious even to Kryptonian-level
force. Do not become overconfident, however-it only protects from
physical harm. Enjoy."
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:39:07 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:23:06
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006202
>On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 12:35:46 -0400
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006181
>
>> On Thu, 15 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>> Z'On'Dar makes a motion vaguely reminiscent of a shrug. "As you
>> wish, though I would imagine that the Eye of Agamotto would make it
>> a redundancy."
>
> What's that supposed to mean?
(OOC: It means that the screen he gave you is pretty much a
technological scrying device, and that the Eye can probably do
everything it can, and a lot more besides. Though it has a better
chance of working in low-magick worlds-not that _we_ ever worry about
that. ;^)
>"I experience a lot of that." mutters the Lensdragon, and then,
>louder,"Which would be where, exactly?"
The Eye of Agamotto, no longer imprisoned by the Mauler's power,
reappears near the Lensdragon.
Z'On'Dar, poised to respond, wisely changes its mind and says
nothing.
>You want a Bazaar? DC could take you to Deeva. (Anybody read
>the "Myth Adventures" books byRobert Asprin and made famous by
>illustations by Phil Phoglio?) I figure that, in itself, would be
>punishment enough! };=8D
(OOC: We have both subjected ourselves to the horror that is Myth
Adventures. 'Nuff said.)
> It is worth noting that what, and who, Dhyrclhanc worships
>isnot, specificaly, "Tahkisis and Palatine" but that what both
>"Tahkisis and Palatine" and "Bahamut and Tiamat" represent in a
>Yin-Yang/Taoist/Wiccan kind of way. Also, I don't know what TSR(tm)'s
>gospel is these days but both Dhyrclhanc and I believe that both
>"Tahkisis and Palatine" and "Bahamut and Tiamat" are two individual
>entities (ie: Bahamut/Palatine and Tiamat/Tahkisis) not four, more or
>less, completely different beings, as the "gospel-from-down-on-high"
>has been in the past.
(OOC: Which reminds me...)
Next to the Eye appears a yin-yang symbol of an unusual nature. One
half is gleaming silver-white, with streaks of gold and red-orange
that on further reflection resemble copper. The other half is a
shimmering rainbow-like opalescent substance. Each, of course, has the
mark of its opposite in its center. To Dhyrclhanc's many magical
senses, it glows with the power of both Dragon Gods.
(OOC: For now, consider it a Holy Symbol, good for repelling
nasties and such. It has...other...properties, but we can get into
those later. ;^)
>The Immortal hatchling Ruby Fire Dragon blinks momentarily, as if
>trying to get his thoughts togther, and says, "Actualy I meant that
>more figuratively than litteraly but I believe I understand that
>much. This requires much thought. Although I am a dragon, I am human
>enough to be, as I believe my friend Jake has said, "a living wishes
>generator". May I get back to you after the party?"
Z'On'Dar nods politely. "Of course."
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 22:15:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Haven...
On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:43:47
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006203
>On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 05:23:51 -0700 (PDT)
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006190
>
>>On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 22:28:31
>>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006170
>>
>> "Don't know why I'm surprised," Roland shrugs. "She _did_ say she
>>wasn't interested in joining our little travelling disaster. /Hey,
>>Molly, what's the name of that band you toured with? Maybe the CAoL
>>should change its name.../"
>
> Tink giggled. Molly smirks, /I went to one Disaster Area concert
>and suddenly I am on tour?/ She smiled. /And I think Morgan would be
>happier if you weren't the next Hotblack Desoto. Firstly, I think she
>would rather you didn't spend a year being dead for tax purposes./
/You survived, didn't you? With that bunch, IIRC, that practically
qualifies as touring./ Roland grins a bit wickedly. /And I bet I
_could_ spend a year dead if it would mess up the Infernal Revenue
Disservice. Not that I'm eager to or anything, mind you./
Morgan just...STARES at him.
/Wouldn't dream of it dear,/ Roland sends in one burst. He sobers
quickly. /Hmmph. I've been dead three times and gone psycho twice
since this lunacy began. (Or is that the other way around?) I have no
desire to repeat _either_ experience./
/Good,/ Morgan replies with apparent calm.
> /I think she means Fuzzy, Uncle Roland./ Grep sends solemnly.
> /But, I think Uncle Fuzzy is happy now, though I am not sure
>why./ Melissa adds, /I think we should celebrate that./
Roland sighs. /You'll forgive me, I hope, for not feeling quite the
same way. That's THREE, on my watch. Hmmph. Maybe I'll skip the
party./
>>"/Still, you have a point,/" he continues as if nothing had
>>happened. "/Between your ring, my PK, and the phenomenal cosmic
>>power floating around here, that should take, oh, a good five, six
>>seconds./"
>
> /Great, let's get started. We're all starving./ the twins send
>in unison.
Roland thinks for a long moment. /"Oh, hell, we're Callahanians,
right? I say we throw an Irish wake the likes of which Earthspace has
never seen!"/
>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006197
>
>*Please Return the Discie Intact to His People.*
>
>Then Nemisis Gates Out...
Unless Dane says otherwise, the Tower plucks the Discie's program
from across space/time and creates a new body for it, with a shield to
prevent psijamming provided to it upon its arrival in its home
dimension.
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 22:27:18 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Lady Takes Center Stage to Party
On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 22:12:57
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006204
>On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 00:48:17 -0400
>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006187
>Garibaldi and the doc sat in shock. Even Lenneir seemed stunned.
Mollari seems to be having some sort of ecstatic religious
experience. Though the way his coat is moving, apparently on its own,
anyone seeing him _hopes_ it's religious. ;^)
>Starbuck dropped his cigar - and hasn't noticed yet.
Into his drink, naturally. He takes a swallow, still in shock, and
his cheroot is in his mouth once more-though sopping wet and smelling
worse than ever.
>"Where the hell did she learn something like that?" Admiral Sheridan
>finally croaked.
Anna leans very, very close to John's ear, and stage whispers to
him, "You'd be amazed what a woman can pick up in those Minbari
temples."
Sheridan and Sinclair drop their glasses in perfect time with one
another. Anna and Delenn look at each other conspiratorially, just
barely suppressing laughs.
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 23:16:14 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE Party: Another Song.
On Wed, 21 Oct 1998 01:55:03 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006206
> On Tue, 20 Oct '98 Mike Knight Said
> It's a slow, almost trance-like rhythem, complementing the long
> verses. Molly just quietly seems to plead for the audience's
> attention as if each individual where being addressed by her
> specificly. While not exactly a tale of woe, there is a distinct
> sadness to the song and in Molly's voice that makes the listener
> desire to hug the singer in sympathy.
> The song fades out a few moments after, and to Molly's
> surprise, she does get applause. Taking the mike, she says, "Uh,
> thanks, and now the girls will play something everyone can dance
> to."
The Lens-T'Skrang looks up after Molly's song is finished, pausing
momentarly from trying to get directions from somebody on where to go
to get something to eat.
"Damn fine singing from a deaf woman," he says, to no one in
particular, while giving a freindly wink, and sending a mental hug, to
Molly.
===========================
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 23:46:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: V-T Day (Victory: Thirdspace)
On Wed, 21 Oct 1998 02:22:19 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006207
> On Tue, 20 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
>>Dhyrclhanc Said
>>> Morgan and/or Roland Said
> The Eye of Agamotto, no longer imprisoned by the Mauler's power,
> reappears near the Lensdragon.
> Z'On'Dar, poised to respond, wisely changes its mind and says
> nothing.
Dhyrclhanc TKs the Amulet into his open andoutstreached hand and
re-attaches it to his Rangers' Longcoat at the throat.
> Next to the Eye appears a yin-yang symbol of an unusual nature.
> One half is gleaming silver-white, with streaks of gold and
> red-orange that on further reflection resemble copper. The other
> half is a shimmering rainbow-like opalescent substance. Each, of
> course, has the mark of its opposite in its center. To Dhyrclhanc's
> many magical senses, it glows with the power of both Dragon Gods.
After the Immortal hatchling Ruby Fire Dragon finishes re-affixing the
Amulet of the Eye of Power of Agamotto to his cloak/coat, he Teeks
this new talisman into his, once again,open and outstreached hand.
After closera quick but intense examination utilizing his mystical and
psychic senses, he mouths "Wow!" and drops it into one of his coat's
oversized pockets.>OOC1> I must admit that recently I have beentaking
an inventory of what kind of power everybody's lovable Lensdragon is
carting around these days and lets just say that my mind, at this
point, is just past the boggled state. But, Hey! What's one more
thing, more or less, on the fire?
===========================
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 08:40:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE4: Haven...
On Wed, 21 Oct 1998 07:41:44 -0700 (PDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006209
>On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 21:43:47
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006203
>
>>On Fri, 16 Oct 1998 05:23:51 -0700 (PDT)
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006190
>>
>> Tink giggled. Molly smirks, /I went to one Disaster Area
>>concert and suddenly I am on tour?/ She smiled. /And I think Morgan
>>would be happier if you weren't the next Hotblack Desoto. Firstly, I
>>think she would rather you didn't spend a year being dead for tax
>>purposes./
>
> /You survived, didn't you? With that bunch, IIRC, that practically
>qualifies as touring./ Roland grins a bit wickedly. /And I bet I
>_could_ spend a year dead if it would mess up the Infernal Revenue
>Disservice. Not that I'm eager to or anything, mind you./
>
>Morgan just...STARES at him.
>
> /Wouldn't dream of it dear,/ Roland sends in one burst. He sobers
>quickly. /Hmmph. I've been dead three times and gone psycho twice
>since this lunacy began. (Or is that the other way around?) I have no
>desire to repeat _either_ experience./
>
>/Good,/ Morgan replies with apparent calm.
The twins giggle. Molly smirks.
>> /I think she means Fuzzy, Uncle Roland./ Grep sends solemnly.
>> /But, I think Uncle Fuzzy is happy now, though I am not sure
>>why./ Melissa adds, /I think we should celebrate that./
>
> Roland sighs. /You'll forgive me, I hope, for not feeling quite
>the same way. That's THREE, on my watch. Hmmph. Maybe I'll skip the
>party./
Melissa nods. /As you wish, of course./
> Roland thinks for a long moment. /"Oh, hell, we're Callahanians,
>right? I say we throw an Irish wake the likes of which Earthspace has
>never seen!"/
Grep smiles, /Those were our thoughts./
===========================
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 08:40:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE Party: Another Song.
On Wed, 21 Oct 1998 07:41:49 -0700 (PDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006211
>On Wed, 21 Oct 1998 01:55:03 -0400
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006206
>
>"Damn fine singing from a deaf woman," he says, to no one in
>particular, while giving a freindly wink, and sending a mental hug,
>to Molly.
Molly smiles, sending a mental hug, along with the sound from her
ears as she says "Thanks."
===========================
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 00:05:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE IV: Final Epilogue
On Fri, 23 Oct 1998 23:49:50
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006217
The party goes on for hours.
The Justice Legion arrives soon after Zia's performance, much to
several heroes' disappointment (but much to the relief of Iris and
Carol, Mrs. Flash and Green Lantern respectively). They don't prevent
the party from getting rowdy, but they _do_ prevent violence. (The few
poor fools who try to start brawls learn quickly that that's NOT a
wise idea when Superman is on the station-and can place his
invulnerable body directly in front of your rapidly-moving fist before
you can say 'broken knuckles.')
Anyone who asks about the Legion of Doom learns that, oddly enough,
Zod's cybernetics fell apart about the same time that Z'On'Dar
switched sides. (Looks like James won that bet after all. 8^) Most of
the others are in custody, though Ursa is undergoing therapy to undo
extensive brainwashing, and Anton Psycho is having a happy second
childhood on Minbar. Felix Faust was found in Waikiki, drunk on
mai-tais and thoroughly lei-ed. He was sent to Belle Reve still
smiling. ;^)
The Galactica crew seems quite pleased, with the San Diego
Wastelands being detoxified and cleared out for them by those Justice
Legionnaires still on Earth. Boomer, however, _still_ doesn't know
where to park his new Gunstar.
Apollo, Starbuck and Susan confer on occasion, still wondering what
to do with the odd Lenses on their wrists.
(OOC-R: )
Bester and his lady seem to be quite happy together, especially
after Zia put his jaw back in place. She glows with a strange, fiery
halo, but it can only be seen by psis or in the proper light.
The B-5 crew seems to be getting back to normal, with the sole
exception of Sinclair, who occasionally has this slightly haunted look
as though he caught a glimpse of his fate. (OOC: Replace whatever
happens to Sheridan in the final B-5 ep with Sinclair becoming Valen,
with Delenn going back with him, and you have the idea. Although the
man himself only has the vaguest of clues on that score.)
Julian and Alysande excuse themselves early.
"Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" Roland asked. "Alysande,
I thought you were getting Robin Hood here to lighten up."
Julian snorts as Alysande chuckles. "It's kind of you to offer,
young Roland, but we have to return Ariel to Amber. She has a lot to
answer for, though she did help against this conspiracy in a number of
ways."
"Which we could have cut short months ago if Random had listened,
but no, it's just paranoid old Julian..." Julian mutters, though he
almost (but not quite) smiles as he takes a last sip of drink. Ariel
and Roland look at each other briefly, but intensely, and then the
three Amberites are gone.
Kosh and Lara look like they're on the galaxy's longest second
honeymoon. Even in this bunch, they win the 'most surreal couple'
award hands down.
Fatale leaves after she wrangles a dance from James; if she fails
in this, she stays more or less until the end, then leaves with Dr.
Franklin.
The Primal Phoenix just observes, amused, for as long as Roland and
Morgan stay, though she's happy to chat with any interested parties.
(OOC: I'll gladly write any such conversations, but be warned, she'll
probably make Yoda's advice look transparent.)
Captain Marvel sips a chocolate milk and stares with a fair amount
of awe at the Justice Legion. (OOC: He's not from this reality, which
doesn't have a Captain Marvel.) He's quite friendly, and if anyone
engages him in any real conversation, proves to be amazingly astute.
He also asks (again, this is if someone talks to him for a while) if
the CAoL is recruiting. ;^)
Dejah Thoris joins Captain Carter after a short while, and the
Barsoomians prove to be as fun a bunch as any humanoid is likely to
find, though they don't seem to do 'rowdy.' Dejah Thoris proves with
every motion why she is the pearl of Barsoom, and no one who looks at
the two for more than three seconds has to wonder how John Carter
proved worthy of her.
As for Shard...you gotta ask? He grows two extra arms so he can
have _four_ women at his side. He uses TK to drink, something he
doesn't do quite so much of, oddly enough. He eats enough to choke a
horse, however, and doesn't seem to look stuffed. Roland notices this
at one point and gives Shard a brief look of envy.
Shard returns the favor every time Morgan walks by, losing women
from his arm(s) on occasion when he does so.
Byron (Gaunt) doesn't seem to do much. He just sits there looking
dark and gothic, sipping a drink. Anyone with the senses will know
that the drink is non-alcoholic, though intended to look otherwise.
At some point in the (evening? I imagine this shindig goes on for a
_while_ ;-), Morgan manages to casually wander past Byron's table. She
catches his attention and gestures questioningly toward a chair. Byron
nods curtly. She studies him briefly. "I guess I don't need to ask how
you're doing," she says with the faintest of smiles.
"I nearly released Malice and destroyed Oa, hounded Roland all of
his adult life, and-oh yes-I violated you in the most reprehensible
way a telepath can." Byron looks morosely into his mug. "A long fall
for one of Atlan's warriors.
"Take my advice, Morgan. Don't look too closely into those past
life memories you've been given. I can remember _all_ of mine, and
believe me, it's not a pretty sight."
"While some of it goes far beyond what any of my Druid teachers could
have possibly imagined," Morgan says, "But I'm already familiar with a
fair amount. Granted, I wasn't able to see anything but the lives in
my birth dimension, but Britain was often a land of unpleasant
necessities. And I'm a trained warrior from a time and place where
wars were quite brutal." She smiles. "I appreciate your concern,
Byron, but I'm not too worried.
"As for your 'fall', I'd say you aquited yourself quite well in the
recent scuffle."
Byron manages a chuckle. "'Scuffle?' Tell me, Morgan, if _that_ was
a scuffle, what would you call a _real_ fight?" Morgan just giggles
and shrugs, and Byron continues slowly. "I served corruption
incarnate, Morgan. I'm not sure I didn't goad Roland into killing me
just to be free of it. And now, despite everything, the Destroyer is
free-free of Malice, which is to the good, and free of the Morpheum,
which is far less so."
"If we hadn't been here-you included, Byron-this 'Destroyer' person
would still be part of Malice, with control of the full Tower." Morgan
looks at Byron, deadly serious, her brogue slipping in slightly. "Tell
me which ye think is worse, 'big brother.'"
Byron's eyes nearly pop out of his head for a moment. "You remember
more than you've been letting on, Little Flower." He calms rapidly. "I
did some good here. But that's only a beginning. I still have a lot of
work to do." He scowls at his drink, which freezes. Literally.
"Yes, it _is_ a beginning." Morgan looks Byron straight in the eye. "I
said before that you helping us win this war should be more than
enough atonement, at least for what you've done to us." She has to
fight down a hint of a smile at those memories, though. She sighs.
"It's not my place to grant absolution for things I had no part in,
but I _can_ forgive you for your actions against me. Heck, you already
paid what on my world would have been the ultimate penalty for that."
Byron stares for a moment. Then he downs the rest of his drink and
smiles. "'Heck?' I'll blush." He chuckles. "Hmmph. I've never been one
to indulge in self-pity in _any_ of my lives. Especially when I have
no right to it. I dug this hole myself. Climbing out again is _my_
job." He stands. "But my thanks, Lady Morgan, for giving me a...'leg
up.'" He stops briefly, however. "One more thing, though, that I just
remembered...Thorne?" He chuckles. "The Thorne _I_ remember was a
pasty-faced coward of a would-be sorceror, who wouldn't deign to dirty
his hands-or lose them-in a real fight."
Morgan blinks in momentary confusion, then smiles broadly. "Ah, yes.
The swordsmanship. He knew he'd have to go through me to get Roland,
so he studied. Unfortunately for him, he learned the hard way that no
amount of theory can stand up to practice." She sends him the
highlights of her battle with the Nephandus. "I think the knowledge is
doing me a lot more good that it did him."
Byron actually manages a laugh. "He always _was_ an arrogant jerk.
Nice to see he finally stuck his neck out too far," he says, failing
an attempt at innocence. Morgan laughs. He nods to her. "My lady."
As the party winds down...
Z'On'Dar arrives, a slightly battered Morden (his arm in a clear
sling) at his side. It is carrying what looks like a palmtop made from
the usual Shadow biotech. "I thought it would satisfy you to know that
the Great Tower has been largely dismantled. What remains of its power
resides in this," it says, holding the palmtop out slightly for
emphasis, "and in a few other remotes in my pocket reality. I hope to
use the remaining power in a wiser fashion. In the meantime, I will
withdraw, to better contemplate how to do so. The Primals, apparently
satisfied that I have moved past...ah, what can be loosely termed as
'growing pains,' have invited me to join their number, as the Primal
of Diversity. Apparently, some of them were impressed by my use of
such a variety of reality-patterns."
Z'On'Dar pauses briefly. "This-" *{Vibrational frequency}* "-is the
location of the pocket dimension, should you desire to contact me.
Again, my deepest thanks."
"Sounds like a farewell," Roland notes.
"Essentially correct, Defender," Morden replies in an unusual tone,
for him-no insinuation or innuendo. Just...conversation. "We're still
working toward the same result-just in a more productive manner. Since
I'm no longer welcome here-"
/Can't imagine why,/ Roland sends dryly.
"-I have requested, and been granted, permission to join Z'On'Dar."
Morden shrugs. "Like Ironheart said. 'See you in a million years.'"
"Sooner than that, I expect," Z'On'Dar replies, "though the
principle applies. Good fortune to you all." With that, the Shadow and
its agent fade.
"/Hmmph. Well. Looks like our cue, love,/" Roland says to Morgan.
"/It's getting late anyway, and we have a _lot_ of work to do. Not to
mention a lot of _rest_ to catch up on before we get to it./"
"/True, my heart. But first things first./" Morgan makes one last
round of her comrads, giving everyone who doesn't object a hug and a
personal good-bye.
With that, the Freelnace Immortals hum in tune with another world,
fading from view.
(OOC: Oy! Many mystic trials take a 'year and a day.' It's been
that long since my first post on AAE IV, the prologue with Thorne.
Wow. It's been a real blast, folx! Let's do it again sometime!)
(Just not right away! ;^)
===========================
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 00:36:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Final Epilogue
On Sat, 24 Oct 1998 03:22:24 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00006218
Roland wrote:
> The Primal Phoenix just observes, amused, for as long as Roland
> and Morgan stay, though she's happy to chat with any interested
> parties. (OOC: I'll gladly write any such conversations, but be
> warned, she'll probably make Yoda's advice look transparent.)
Scott walks up to her, and says "I've always wanted to ask a cosmic
primal this: Are you afraid of the Bardly?"
Thanks
Scott "Fear" Osborne
===========================
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 00:44:11 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Final Epilogue
On Sat, 24 Oct 1998 03:35:43 -0400
Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00006219
> On Fri, 23 Oct '98 Morgan and/or Roland Said
> With that, the Freelance Immortals hum in tune with another
> world, fading from view.
> (OOC: Oy! Many mystic trials take a 'year and a day.' It's been
> that long since my first post on AAE IV, the prologue with Thorne.
> Wow. It's been a real blast, folx! Let's do it again sometime!)
> (Just not right away! ;^)
Just before the Freelance Immortals(& Co.) disappear, Dhyrclhanc,
perhaps having had one too many trying to drink Londo and G'kar under
the table, says, within earshot of the B5 command crew, "Gee, that was
fun! Lets do it again!"
===========================
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 15:38:04 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Final Epilogue
On Sun, 25 Oct 1998 17:39:35 -0500
Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006223
>On Fri, 23 Oct 1998 23:49:50
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006217
>
> The party goes on for hours.
*snip*
> Apollo, Starbuck and Susan confer on occasion, still wondering
>what to do with the odd Lenses on their wrists.
Natalia is there with Susan. Natalia at least is setting out to prove
that no one can out drink a Russian... and doing an impressive job of
it.
Legion is in the B-5 gardens, comforting a small grey kitten who has
lost two 'Uncles' and her best friend.
===========================
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 18:35:41 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Countdown: ZERO!
On Mon, 26 Oct 1998 02:09:23 -0800
Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00006224
> Vast technomystical power flashes around the Stone. A moment
> later, the sword is silent and unmoving to most senses, though those
> with powerful magical and spiritual sight can sense Stormbringer's
> rage and frustration. Z'On'Dar nods to Stranger.
>
> "The stone you have placed the blade within has been empowered.
> Only an Eternal Champion may draw it without meeting resistance, and
> the casings can resist even a Primal for a time." Z'On'Dar and
> PHOENIX regard the blade evenly. "Stormbringer goes nowhere until
> you will it otherwise, Warrior of the Middle Path."
Stranger nods to Z'On'Dar
"It is well done, I thank you."
Stranger
===========================
END OF ACTION ADVENTURE EXCITEMENT, PART 4!