Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6 Part 1 - Chapter 2 Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:06:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 > (OOC: Once that's cleared up...TBC 8^) "I think just about everyone who's going to get here is here," Morgan says softly to Roland. Roland smiles. "I guess it's time then." Morgan turns to Eric, her smile matching her husband's. "There's another tradition of the Place," she says, "when someone has something they want to say." The Freelance Immortals stand in unison, and take the remains of their drinks to the chalkline. "Roland has mentioned several times that we have a good reason why we won't be accompanying the CAoL on this quest," Morgan begins as soon as they have the attention traditionally afforded those who 'toe the line.' "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats it a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each other for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in unison, they say happily, "We're pregnant!" "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many other receptacles for liquid. "I just wish _Roger_ could've been here," Morgan says as they return to their seats. "I don't know," Roland replies (deceptively) mildly. "He's probably going to have conniptions as it is when he finds out you're having twins." 8^) "Yes, and I want to see his _face_ when he hears!" Morgan laughs with a wicked grin. Roland mock-sighs, and turns to the CAoL as he and Morgan sit. "It should therefore be obvious why Morgan will be staying behind, and with as many enemies as we've made since Z'On'Dar's gift, I'm loathe to leave her behind." "I can't imagine why," Lancer deadpans, looking more like (a tall) Keanu Reeves than ever. "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I have called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and I've gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around with faint hope. "Any takers?" (OOC: Yah, right. ) The Hunter groans. "For one golden moment, I thought this wasn't going to be so bad..." His eyes roll, clear even behind the sunglasses. The especially observant (or with superhuman senses) might notice that the lenses are actually superbly crafted, very thin pieces of dark jade. "What else can go wrong?" Even as Roland thinks, [Oh, Eric, y'shouldn't have said that]... The front door opens, and a young woman walks in with the air of someone walking into their usual neighborhood haunt. Average height, average build (but proportioned nicely :-), long hair somewhere between dark blonde and light brunette pulled to a ponytail on one side, and dressed in a 90s interpretation of a 60's flower child, complete with embroidered jeans and tie-dyed shirt. The retro illusion is not complete, though. The small crystal sphere held by a silver claw hanging around her neck it more New Age than 60s, and her earrings are small bright-colored bits of integrated circuit board. She looks around, then spots the folx at the CAoL table. "Oh, wow, they're actually _here_!" There's just a hint of post-valspeak in her voice. "I've been watching through the X-window since the KnightMare War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are _so_ elite!" Eric's sunglasses actually _slip_ down his nose a touch, and the members of the CAoL feel reality object; that's just not supposed to happen. He groans and holds his forehead, shaking his head as the sunglasses shift back into place. [Should've warned you,] Roland thinks in sympathy, wondering what terrible fate has just befallen his colleague. "And Lady Morgan, I've been following your work with...." Her voice trails off. Her eyes had taken in the whole group, but now they widen as they slide back to Lancer. "Eric?" she says in quiet disbelief. "Hello, Kiri," Lancer groans. "I'd ask what you're doing here, but it seems rather obvious." She winces ever so slightly as Eric says her name. "_I've_ been coming here for a while now, on and off. This Place is just..." She shrugs - finding words to adequately describe Mike's establishment has never been simple :-). "What in Gaia's name are _you_ doing here?" He points a thumb at Roland. "If you know her, you know him. The boy scout asked me to help out, and I owe him a favor." "Kiri" looks at the immortals in awe. "I know _of_ them. I'm _Kirsten_, by the way." She offers her hand to Morgan, and the excitement starts to creep back into her voice. "Is the CAoL getting ready to go out again?" "Yes, they are. Roland and I won't be going with them this time." There's a slight note of resignation in her voice despite her maternal glow. "We just found out we're expecting, so no hazardous duty for me for a while. Roland asked your...friend?...to fill in for us." "Not friend," Eric replies gloomily as Kirsten stifles a giggle. "Her full name is Kirsten Riordan Lancer. She's my baby sister." Kirsten sighs. "I haven't been a _baby_ in _years,_ _Rikky_." She pointedly ignores Eric rolling his eyes, and turns back to Morgan and Roland. "Um, you said 'fill in.' Does that mean there's openings?" Eric becomes as still as stone; Roland ignores this as he desperately fights off a smile. "Any Callahanian who can keep up with this lot is welcome." His eyes flicker. "Um. Well, there was _one_ time...but that was a special case." "When this is done, Phoenix, _you_ are going to owe _me,_" Eric growls softly, though his voice makes James Earl Jones sound like Bart Simpson. "You can always back out, Hunter," Roland replies lightly. Eric's eyes are unreadable under the sunglasses. "I'm not forcing you to do this. You insisted on debts and repayment." Eric remains outwardly placid. But anyone with eyes can see the steam ready to shoot out of his ears. Kirsten looks over the CAoL again, her expression brightening by the millisecond. "Then count me in!" she declares, dragging a chair over from a nearby table and turning it to sit on it 'backwards'. "Roland." Eric's voice is flat. "Exactly what kind of threat level are we talking about?" Morgan looks at Roland _very_ interestedly. Roland suddenly has the look of a rabbit caught between a lion and a wolf. "Um. Well. Threat level." Roland blushes (tm). "I don't imagine a man of your talents will be in any more danger than any other situation you've faced." Eric's voice becomes even flatter, impossible as it seemed a moment ago. "Any other situation. Like facing Ventrue. Or Lasombra." Kirsten's eyes widen. Roland sighs heavily. "We've fought...beings in their class." Eric's sunglasses lower, this time deliberately, and he throws a look at Kirsten that's made Garou Alphas quake as he passed. "You. Are. Not. Coming." Roland clears his throat - and Eric turns the look on _him._ Roland does not comment at this time. 8^) The glare shifts back to Kirsten. Kirsten shrinks _ever_ so slightly under Eric's gaze, but her eyes almost glow in defiance. "How do you plan to stop me?" Eric's gaze falters slightly. Then it hardens again. "I've destroyed monsters with power beyond your imagination, and brought renegade wielders of reality _itself_ into line. You would be a light snack to things like that. _You._Are._Not._Coming._" Kirsten straightens slightly, her voice calming as she continues. "I am _not_ a thirteen year old you can stare down. I can take care of myself." A slightly dangerous tone creeps into her voice at the end. Eric blinks at his sister. Then he laughs. It's like listening to Batman laugh; human beings shouldn't sound like that when they're amused. (OOC: If you've seen the Batman TAS episode 'Mad Love,' that's _exactly_ it. In fact, that voice is perfect for Eric, come to think of it. 8^) "You can take _care_ of yourself. You can take _CARE_ of yourself!" His laughter stops, as if switched off. Kirsten's expression hasn't changed. "Kirsten Lancer, you haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. If it wouldn't give you nightmares for the rest of your life, I'd disabuse you." "Nightmares." Kirsten's voice is unchanged. "Nightmares like...Nephandi? Nightmares like the Sabbat? Nightmares like the Black Spiral Dancers?" The once-flighty 'flower child' sounds far more grounded and worldly than she first appeared. Eric frowns as soon as the first name comes off her lips. It deepens with each word thereafter. "Where...did you learn those names?" he asks. His tone gives a slight hint that he'd like to have a long talk with the person who told her those names, punctuating sentences with knuckles as necessary. "I lost a friend to a BSD," Kirsten says softly, "and my cabal had to deal with a Sabbat pack that was threatening our turf. And the Nephandi..." she turns to Morgan. "As I was about to say, Lady Morgan, I've been following your work getting the Trads, Concordia and the Order to work together against those sick slugs. We're all in your debt." Eric's brow furrowed; the observant could tell that his eyes were narrowing beneath the glasses. "You're chin'ta. A mage." She nods. "Tradition." She nods again. "Esctatic." "I'm impressed," Kirsten admits, leaning forward and smiling. "Do you know who Awakened me, too?" she asks playfully. Eric ignores the question. "How..." he throws a glance at Eddie, who's had his sap in hand for a while. Kirsten waves Eddie back, and he returns to playing two-handed. "...long?" "A few years now," Kirsten replies. Eric nods absently. "That long...long enough to remember the Sabbat, anyway. All that's left of those leeches-no offense, Pyotr, I know you're not one of those-" Pyotr nods quietly. "-all that's left of them are scattered remnants and a few lunatics." Eric pulls off his glasses and looks at his reflection in them absently. A long, vivid white scar can now be seen just below his right eye. "It's been a while..." Kirsten stares at her big brother. "Ventrue and Lasombra. You weren't talking clans, you meant _Lord_ Ventrue and _Lady_ Lasombra." He nods absently again. She gestures toward Roland. "He called you 'Hunter,'" she continues in a smaller voice. The facts almost visibly click into place for her. "You're The Hunter?" It's almost not a question. Eric nods again, his expression no longer absent. He replaces the sunglasses. "I did not slay Lasombra myself, incidentally, and I didn't take out Ventrue alone. Stories can get pretty wild as they get around. "I helped the Order of Reason with the former; they got her with those orbital mirror-things of theirs. Almost two dozen went after the latter; Shih, Western hunters, Men in Black, Garou." His voice is quiet. "Three of us survived." He focuses on his sister again. "That is the sort of experience Phoenix looked for. _That_ is why he came to me. Do you still think you should come along?" "I'm not any less ready than some of them were when _they_ started out," Kirsten replies, refusing to back down. She looks around for support all the same, her eyes flickering across the CAoL. Roland sighs heavily. "I sympathize, Eric," he begins, with a sideways glance at Morgan, "but there's not really much you can do to stop her from risking herself." The last word is emphasized slightly. "And we take care of each other. She'll hardly be defenseless, even if you don't count her magick." The Freelance Immortal smiles gently. "And from what I'm sensing, she can hardly be discounted there either." When Eric throws him a look between aggrieved betrayal and smoky anger, Roland adds, "Besides, there isn't much that this lot isn't capable of in terms of resources. I could loan her my armor, for instance." He chuckles. "Don't worry, Miss Lancer, it can alter its shape. I have to admit to being a little curious how it'll look...ah...under those circumstances." Kirsten giggles. "Uh...thanks, but no thanks. And please, _Kirsten._ 'Miss Lancer's' worse than 'Kiri.'" She looks around and brightens. "Or better yet, call me 'Rio.'" Eric blinks at her. "'Rio?' I thought you _hated_ 'Riordan.' Or is that your 'mage' handle?" "I _do_ hate 'Riordan.' But there was this VA I was...seeing...and he just didn't think 'Kirsten' suited me." 'Rio' smiles fondly at the memory of the VA she was...seeing. "He even helped me come up with this neat bit of tech to use for my music focus." She blushes slightly as she pulls a small MP3 player out of her pocket. Roland blinks for a moment, then laughs. "So _that's_ how it got a name like that..." Eric seems less amused, though he does have to fight a slight smile. It's a short and easy fight for him, but there is a brief effort. "Fine. You're coming. I don't like it, and if I could box you up and send you home I _would,_ but even if I did you'd be here five minutes later doing something reckless. You duck when I say duck and stay behind..." He looks around quickly, and locks on Aurora. "...her. Even with _this_ lot, I imagine a Celestine is going to be pretty hard to hurt." Kirsten grins broadly, reaches over and pinches Eric's cheek gently. "You're so _cute_ when you're in 'protective big brother' mode." Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:38:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 00:35:17 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007176 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. Nemisis throws Two, "And One for Lord Fuzzy, I know he would have if he could have been here." > Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... "There is not a Plan as yet, Because we have just assembled to correlate information, In hopes of finding that we have enough for a preliminary Plan." "I will be stating the Data Points I have shortly, Aurora also has some data to impart The Stranger may have other Data, I am Unsure." "Also want to hear what thoughts and advice the CAoL can offer, Before I attempt to touch Lord Fuzzy's Staff." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:40:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 03:17:58 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007177 In a message dated 9/29/99 12:07:04 AM Pacific Daylight Time, ljwolfe writes: > Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... The same voice that mentioned Christopher Walken speaks up again: "Don't you mean the Henry 'Indiana' Jones Junior sch-" The voice is silenced, again. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 02:04:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:41:52 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007178 L.J. Wolfe wrote: >Morgan smiles. "My apologies, m'lord bard. I seem to have >misinterpreted your accent. 'Ciamar a tha sibh?' is the polite form >of 'How are you?' in Gaelic, my milk-tongue. A language that's come >far too close to dying these past centuries, but happily is finding >a new life." "Ah. You'll have to teach it to me one of these days, milady. Spreading knowledge is...a duty of mine, I suppose you could say." Nemesis wrote: >"The Object The Stranger is Standing on, > Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, > Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." "A Dyson Sphere? What in the name of Oghma is a Dyson Sphere?" Somewhere in all that, it was mentioned that magic works on the other side of the gateway. Upon hearing this, Harlock stops half-way through the motion of pulling a ring off his left ring finger. After a few seconds of thought, he starts rummaging through his belt pouches. Out of one, he pulls a pair of boots, which he promptly dons. From another emerges a cloak to replace the one currently draped across the back of a chair over by the piano. A third produces a pair of gleaming vambraces which he quickly slips on. A pocket in his breeches yields a handful of odd-looking pebbles, which start circling about his head after he releases them. This accomplished, he visibly settles back and starts searching his memory. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 04:35:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 07:20:20 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007179 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 >Eric stiffens, but nods politely to them, and winces as she/they >notice his sunglasses brighten ever so slightly. He relaxes a moment >later. Zia, headed back to the 'doorway' with Stranger's peanuts and drink, sniggers as quietly as she can manage. She seems to be adapting to the Place's 'reality nexus' effect - her scars only show dimly under certain lights and she looks 20-something instead of 14-15. >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 >> >>Catching Stranger as he steps to the other side of the 'silver >>doorway', she raises an eyebrow. "Frankly, I've never understood >>Fuzzy very well. I'm not sure it's possible that I should, but it >>would be nice to rescue him." Then a thought occurs to her, "Have we >>met?" She asks the Stranger. "You look a tad familiar, and you're >>obviously a member of the CAoL, but I can't remember. Call me >>Ziactrice." She offers a hand for a shake, then thinks twice about >>doing so through a gate. "Uhm, maybe we can shake later. I lost a >>hand to something like that before; I'm sure this one wouldn't >>collapse but..." > > Lancer raises an eyebrow at the well-armored lady. "'The actress?' >Perhaps I should apologize for my earlier comments." His mouth >quirks, as if undecided on a smile. The lady in question just turns around and gives him a puzzled look. "Oh, I hardly ever mind comments or first impressions any longer." Her tone is one of 'why worry about something that is universally disfavorable?' but she continues more lightly. "Not to mention I didn't hear anything even annoying, much less worthy of an apology." Eric might get the notion that her hearing can become very selective at the need. > Roland blinks. /Zia, I do believe you've impressed him. I'm not >sure anything short of a Celestine has done that since he took out >Ventru-ah, in several years./ > Roland blinks. "Maybe it's just as well that I'm not coming along. >I'm already confused...is what we're looking at a ship or a planet? >Did Stranger walk through another gateway?" "Both. Sorta." Zia answers, with a half-shrug to indicate while she has a slightly better grasp than Roland, she'd rather Nemesis explain. >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:38:45 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007172 >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 >>"That virus is nasty." She shakes her head, "I always knew mugging >>for the camera was dangerous. It is my main profession, after all. >>But when even the camera ITSELF is out to get you - it's enough to >>give even a veteran trouper pause. Heinuous. If you need to cook up >>an anti-viral agent and need some probabilities slanted your way, >>let me know." Zia doesn't seem to really think they'll need her, >>however, to offer is polite. "Take care, you two." She ends with a >>nod to Mr. McFeeley. > >"Sounds more like a mugging _by_ the camera than mugging for the >camera," Rob notes, before turning his attention back to his comic >book. Zia rolls her eyes in mostly fabricated annoyance. "It's this Place - getting the last pun here is impossible. Now, someone will make a Crack of Doom pun, likely enough." Then she grins and shrugs in a 'what can y'do?' manner. >On 09-28-1999 at 21:02:57 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007173 > >"The Object The Stranger is Standing on, > Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, > Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." "Oh, Unicorn." Zia mutters very displeased, "I was off by a whole hundreth astronomical unit. I might have to start wearing those glasses at this rate. Sheeesh." >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 21:43:44 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007174 > >"I suppose the explanation begins with the man known as Vega in some >worlds, and as M. Bison in others," Rob replies, shifting into >Lecturer voice. "He was a student of one of the last remaining >Valdritkar, a woman named Rose. In all the universes I have seen, he >grew in power too quickly, and turned to evil. He proceeded to kill >all the Valdritkar except for Rose, and claim leadership of Shadoloo. >Rose challenged him by working her way through the Street Fighters of >the time, and in most universes, he killed her, and the honor of Ler >Drit with her." Zia seems to subtly react to the 'Rose' name, and gives this part of the conversation between Rob and Eric more than half an ear to listen. At the following description, she shivers slightly, but makes no comment. She watches Eric's sister arrive, and the debate at that point, then walks back over to get her glass to toss it to the fireplace following 'The Announcement'. >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 03:17:58 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007177 > >> Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >>long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >>there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >>asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... > >The same voice that mentioned Christopher Walken speaks up again: > >"Don't you mean the Henry 'Indiana' Jones Junior sch-" The voice is >silenced, again. "Actually, it's Rikki-tikki-tavi. 'Run and find out,' currently." Zia says, informatively. Then she steps though the gateway, cautious from Nemesis' warning. Although it appears most all of her spells were shut down before she entered, a small silver ring on her right pinky flares, the 'petals' of it's silver rose design momentarily quite bright. She doesn't seem to change, but somehow gains about another decade of apparent age. "Hello, Stranger." She says, with a smile. "Shall we have Tea?" She finds a piece of empty floor, and spreads a 4 foot square white linen. It immediately become covered with an impressive array of all the better elements of a true British High Tea. Not the least of which is the steaming fresh scones just crying out to be buttered and devoured. "How d'you like your cup?" She asks, politely set to pour for him, having sunk to sit on both folded legs in Japaese style. Her pot and cups, however, are English size and the tea is much too hot. Quite Western in style, as apparently Zia believes in eating well, if not in cooking it. Once she has him set up, she has some tea with her sugar and lemon, and a good dozen of the scones as well with it. She also has some of the biscuits (cookies to the uninformed) and points out the more substantial sandwiches and waffles with at least twelve sorts of jam and jelly available to Stranger. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 04:35:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 01:22:59 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007180 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 *MEGAsnip* >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:26:09 -0400 >>Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007162 >> >> It's one of her typical teleports, meaning that Legion and her >>companion's teleports don't register as such. Just one minute they >>aren't there, and the next minute they are. "They" in this case is >>Legion, currently 5' 8", blonde hair and grey eyed in her current >>incarnation, and two companions. Legion is wearing a long grey skirt >>that narrowly avoids brushing the ground, and an ivory long skinned, >>high necked blouse that is a modern interpretation of a Victorian >>style. The first companion is a small grey kitten, currently wearing >>a ivory crocheted collar that makes her look too cute for words. >>Spreading a pair of grey butterfly wings, she flutters up to the >>table where Roland & Co are sitting. Tucking her paws and wings in >>neatly, and giving Morgan her best big-cute-eyes look she mews >>softly, before adding *can i have some milkshake? pretty please?* >>Mischief tops the whole thing off with the one-paw-batting-at-air >>move that can look so adorable. And does. > >*Hello, Little One,* Morgan smiles at the adorable kitten. She floats >a small bowl over from the bar, and pours some of her vanilla shake >into it. *Not too much, though,* she says in maternal >mock-seriousness, *We don't want you getting an ache in that cute >little tummy.* Mischief purrs, and nuzzles at Morgan's hand in thanks, before curling up to delicately lick at the milkshake, enjoying her treat. >> "Roland. Morgan." Legion's smile is warm, and she nods to the >>newccomers politely. Essex doesn't say a word, simply pulls out the >>chair for Legion, allowing her to sit gracefully. After pushing the >>chair in for her, he allows his hands to rest lightly on the back of >>it. *minor snip* > Roland manages to wipe the first look off his face and manage a >genuinely sincere smile for Legion in turn. And while Roland's rage >can be felt through the link, so can one other thing: if Dr. >Destroyer, Cthulhu, and Set walked into the Place together, he'd give >them a chance to speak their peace. > Lancer, unfamiliar with any of them, looks from the kitten to the >couple. "Now _that_ is one lucky gentleman," he says, still quiet. >His voice carries a fair amount all the same, with a deep voice to >rival Samuel L. Jackson; James Earl Jones is only an annoyance away. Essex says in a voice rich with amusement, which his slight british accent seems to add depth to, "So she reminds me, at least once a day... and I try to remind her at least twice." Legion actually blushes, something that shows up beautifully with her current complexion. "That isn't what you said when I told you I was going out adventuring again." Her voice is rich, composed, and definately amused. Essex's tone doesn't change, "Because that, my dear, is an entirely different matter." > Lancer looks from Rob, to Roland (who was about to launch into the >same explanation, but just smiled and let his hunny take over), to >Eddie, to Essex, and back to Morgan. "Let me get this straight. A guy >that Mr. Freelance-" he gestures at Roland- "wants to strangle can >come in here if he minds his manners, but snoopiness gets you laid >out?" > In unison, Roland and Morgan (and probably any Callahanian in >earshot :-) go, "Mm-hmm." > He smiles. "I'm beginning to see the appeal of this place." Essex is definately smiling... well, its that smile of semi-surpressed British amusement. Mischief seems oblivious to this conversation, and has started to prowl around the table, when... >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007163 > >Scott walks up to Mischief, scratches the kitten's head, and, after a >a few minutes of this, asks, "Would you like to try some caviar- er, >fish eggs?" Mischief purrrs estatically at the purring, eyes closing in kittybliss. At the offer of the caviar, however, she sits up on her hind legs, gently clasps Scott's hand between her front paws, and looks up at him with her best pleading big-eyed look. *yes please. pretty please?* ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 05:35:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:09:26 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007181 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 > > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. Legion and Essex both join in the barrage of glasses. Legion also switches out Mischief's bowl behind the kitten's back so that it is a lighter, more fragile, and cheaper bowl which the kitten (after the barrage of glasses has stopped) drags to the fireplace and knocks in, breaking. Mischief then prances back to the table, looking -so- proud of herself. Once Roland & Morgan are back at the table both Legion and Essex offer their quiet, and sincere congradulations. Mischief seems to be wanting to climb into Morgan's lap before it vanishes. ;) > Eric becomes as still as stone; Roland ignores this as he >desperately fights off a smile. "Any Callahanian who can keep up with >this lot is welcome." His eyes flicker. "Um. Well, there was _one_ >time...but that was a special case." Essex does not say a thing, but he and Legion exchange quick glances. >Kirsten grins broadly, reaches over and pinches Eric's cheek gently. >"You're so _cute_ when you're in 'protective big brother' mode." Essex comments to Eric, "You have my deepest sympethies." And gives Legion a wry look. Legion blinks, looking innocent. "Nathaniel, have We ever risked Ourselves unnecessarily?" Essex has that brief half second look of disbelief... you know that look when you're wondering if lightning is going to strike someone for that BLATENT a lie? "Shall I make a -list- my dear?" >On 09-28-1999 at 12:57:32 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007167 > >"Dr. Essex, > Greetings, I hope this will be a more pleasant encounter... > Given that This is Callahans Place, > It seems there should be Good reason for your arrival, > Even if we do not know what that reason is yet." Dr. Essex looks over in Nemisis's direction. "The best of reasons... I attend to accompany you." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 06:05:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:46:21 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007182 In a message dated 9/29/99 5:35:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time, caprice writes: >> Eric becomes as still as stone; Roland ignores this as he >>desperately fights off a smile. "Any Callahanian who can keep up >>with this lot is welcome." His eyes flicker. "Um. Well, there was >>_one_ time...but that was a special case." > >Essex does not say a thing, but he and Legion exchange quick glances. Scott sneaks up, and whispers, "It's a long story. Part of the history of The Place. Somebody'll explain later, if you ask around." to both Legion and Dr. Essex. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:35:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:18:50 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007183 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 > > "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats it >a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each other >for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in unison, >they say happily, "We're pregnant!" Rob blinks, then smiles widely. [This will be something to behold...] > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. Rob, having run out of locally viable cash, tosses his comic book in the fire. > "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I have >called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on >anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the >moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and I've >gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the >lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around >with faint hope. "Any takers?" > (OOC: Yah, right. ) [Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?] > The Hunter groans. "For one golden moment, I thought this wasn't >going to be so bad..." His eyes roll, clear even behind the >sunglasses. The especially observant (or with superhuman senses) >might notice that the lenses are actually superbly crafted, very thin >pieces of dark jade. "What else can go wrong?" > Even as Roland thinks, [Oh, Eric, y'shouldn't have said that]... [The mind boggles...] >"Oh, wow, they're actually _here_!" There's just a hint of >post-valspeak in her voice. "I've been watching through the X-window >since the KnightMare War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are >_so_ elite!" Rob stares at the newcomer, as if he's trying to figure out just where he's seen this person before. >Kirsten grins broadly, reaches over and pinches Eric's cheek gently. >"You're so _cute_ when you're in 'protective big brother' mode." > > Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... [All things considered, Kirsten may be more ready for the CAoL methodology than Eric is,] Rob decides, still studying her intently. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 11:18:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 11:15:06 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007186 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:41:52 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007178 > >>Nemesis wrote: >>"The Object The Stranger is Standing on, >> Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, >> Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." > >"A Dyson Sphere? What in the name of Oghma is a Dyson Sphere?" [OOC: Does the Author need a more Detailed Description?] "The Simplest explaination is, A Huge inside out world, Built around a Sun." A small Keyboard and HoloProjection unit appears in Nemisis's Hand, Puting it on a nearby table, She activates it. The First image to form is a Basic Solar System. "This Library Unit, Contains all of the current data on Dyson Spheres, and Related structures, (Ring Worlds, Cage Worlds, etc)." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 11:19:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 11:15:06 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007187 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 07:20:20 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007179 > >>On 09-28-1999 at 21:02:57 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007173 >> >>"The Object The Stranger is Standing on, >> Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, >> Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." > >"Oh, Unicorn." Zia mutters very displeased, "I was off by a whole >hundreth astronomical unit. I might have to start wearing those >glasses at this rate. Sheeesh." "Given the hazy optical conditions, and The narrow perspective through the gateway, less than 1% deviation, Seems insignificant, and Not indicative of, Loss of Visual Acuity." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 11:19:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 11:15:06 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007188 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:09:26 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007181 > >>On 09-28-1999 at 12:57:32 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007167 >> >>"Dr. Essex, >> Greetings, I hope this will be a more pleasant encounter... >> Given that This is Callahans Place, >> It seems there should be Good reason for your arrival, >> Even if we do not know what that reason is yet." > >Dr. Essex looks over in Nemisis's direction. "The best of reasons... >I attend to accompany you." "I meant that, Given that this is Callahan's Place, There is probably some reason, That It will be a Specificly, Good thing that you should do so." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 13:06:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:45:01 -0500 (CDT) Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007189 The forest seemed alive with life as the horse, with it's two riders, came to the crest of the hill and looked out over the valley dominated by the castle of Prince Gerald. The small boy on the back, Martin, Squire to Sir Lawrence, asked, "Prince Gerald's reign of terror ends today, Sir?" Sir Lawrence nodded, "I see no reason to delay the inevitable." He spurred the horse on towards the castle. The guards had been an easy practice, Martin's quarterstaff putting them down likely for the duration. As the pair raced up the stairs, several more of the castle's soldiers met them. Sir Lawrence's rapier flashed in the light, keeping the guards at bay easily until he could knock them out with the pommel of his rapier. No blood of the innocently misguided would stain his white shirt or soul this day. Sir Lawrence rested a hand on his hip, watching the several guards take on Martin, who's quarterstaff and red tunic were only occasionally visible through the dull grey metal cladding the guard's backs. Suddenly, the guards fell away, Martin's staff sweeping in an arc around him. One guard managed to avoid it and tackled Martin from behind. As they grappled, the guard looked suddenly startled, his hand on Martin's chest. "You're a wo-OOF!" The guard started to say before a fist put his lights out. Martin rolled the guard off of him and stood, tugging and smoothing his tunic. "You alright," Sir Lawrence enquired of the blond boy. Martin nodded and they continued up the stairs. They were met on the top landing by more guards, this time led by none other than Duke Reginald himself. "It's been a long time, Sir Lawrence," the Duke snarled, drawing his sword. "Indeed it has," Sir Lawrence agreed, saluting with his own rapier. Martin watched the guards warily. Lawrence and Reginald took en guarde positions and the Duke made the first move. Sir Lawrence parried easily, but as the duel progressed, found the Duke a fair match indeed. The Duke snarled, "I've improved since our last meeting, Sir Lawrence. You won't find me so easy to defeat this time." Sir Lawrence nodded, smiling to himself, "I noticed that." "Then why are you smiling?" "I was just thinking how easy Driss made this look." Martin stifled a smirk, then lashed out at a guard attempting to sneak up on Sir Lawrence from behind, dropping him to his knees before cracking him on the back of the head. >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 > > "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats it >a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each other >for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in unison, >they say happily, "We're pregnant!" > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. Someone had kindly drug Mr. McFeeley's holoemitter off to one side, anticipating there would be more toasts that night, though not _that_ one. Mr. McF began to vanish in that transporter effect as two other shapes began to form, one on each side. Sir Lawrence and Martin, in actuality Mike and Tink, walked over to the bar, where Mike Callahan somehow produced crystal goblets of water for the pair who, having gotten a fair workout during their holonovel, gratefully drained them. Michael Seven then set a large sack full of rolls of pennies on the bartop. "Everyone's drinks are paid for until that bag runs out," 'Sir Lawrence' announced, adding with Tink, "To Life!" before they pitched the empty goblets into the fireplace. > Roland mock-sighs, and turns to the CAoL as he and Morgan sit. "It >should therefore be obvious why Morgan will be staying behind, and >with as many enemies as we've made since Z'On'Dar's gift, I'm loathe >to leave her behind." Mike and Tink both nod, agreeing completely with the call. > "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I have >called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on >anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the >moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and I've >gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the >lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around >with faint hope. "Any takers?" Mike grinned, "I'm still not here, but I couldn't not make an appearance for an announcement like that." Tink nodded in agreement. > The Hunter groans. "For one golden moment, I thought this wasn't >going to be so bad..." His eyes roll, clear even behind the >sunglasses. The especially observant (or with superhuman senses) >might notice that the lenses are actually superbly crafted, very thin >pieces of dark jade. "What else can go wrong?" >"Oh, wow, they're actually _here_!" There's just a hint of >post-valspeak in her voice. "I've been watching through the X-window >since the KnightMare War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are >_so_ elite!" Mike and Tink look from the new arrival to each other, suddenly feeling nostalgic for two someones. Mike Callahan produces a couple glasses of California OJ for the pair which they again gratefully sip to hide the smirks. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:20:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:47:57 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007190 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 19:39:43 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007169 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:36:26 -0700 >>Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007168 >> >>"Quite. You, er, couldn't pass me some peanuts from the bar could >>you, It's been a few days since I ate properly and my salt levels a >>little low. I'd do it myself but having found this..." he indicaates >>the staff with hs thumb "...I'm loathe to leave it." > >She gets up and scoops a hefty helping of peanuts from the bar, lays >the dollar next to the drink Mike had ready for the Stranger without >prompting, and carries both over to the gate again to pass both >through. She doesn't seem overly nervous about passing her arms >through the gate, but she doesn't tarry like that, either. Stranger accepts the peanuts and pint of Gaymers Old English with relish and passes back a dollar. Setting the peanuts down for a second he savours the cider. "Oh yes, that hits the spot. Thank you very much." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:20:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:51:45 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007191 > On 09-28-1999 at 21:02:57 > Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007173 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 >> >> Roland blinks. "Maybe it's just as well that I'm not coming >>along. I'm already confused...is what we're looking at a ship or a >>planet? Did Stranger walk through another gateway?" > >"The Object The Stranger is Standing on, > Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, > Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." Stranger glances at his feet in alarm. >"He Seems to have arrived via a Dimension/Space-Shift Doorway/Hatch, > Which is still standing open, > Not in conatact with the Surface of the Sphere, > just outside the availible line of sight, > from this side of the gateway my split opened to here..." > >"Even from The Stranger's Location all that is visible of the Ship, > Is the Hatch/Door he came through, and > The Room which can be seem through it." "One thing, the outside of this sphere appears to hold an atmosphere and there seems to be enough heat leaking through to support life." He jumps into the air, very gently, to test the gravity. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:27:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:54:05 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007192 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 > > "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats it >a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each other >for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in unison, >they say happily, "We're pregnant!" > > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. -->tinkle< Strangers glass sails into the fireplace from half a universe away. "To life." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:27:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:04:40 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007193 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 07:20:20 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007179 > >Zia rolls her eyes in mostly fabricated annoyance. "It's this Place - >getting the last pun here is impossible. Now, someone will make a >Crack of Doom pun, likely enough." Then she grins and shrugs in a >'what can y'do?' manner. "Well don't worry, it's not like it's the end of the world." >"Actually, it's Rikki-tikki-tavi. 'Run and find out,' currently." Zia >says, informatively. Then she steps though the gateway, cautious from >Nemesis' warning. Although it appears most all of her spells were >shut down before she entered, a small silver ring on her right pinky >flares, the 'petals' of it's silver rose design momentarily quite >bright. She doesn't seem to change, but somehow gains about another >decade of apparent age. > >"Hello, Stranger." She says, with a smile. "Shall we have Tea?" "Sounds good to me." he smiles back. >She finds a piece of empty floor, and spreads a 4 foot square white >linen. It immediately become covered with an impressive array of all >the better elements of a true British High Tea. Not the least of >which is the steaming fresh scones just crying out to be buttered and >devoured. "How d'you like your cup?" She asks, politely set to pour >for him, having sunk to sit on both folded legs in Japaese style. He sits cross legged opposite her. "Do you have Earl Grey? If so, black, no sugar." >Her pot and cups, however, are English size and the tea is much too >hot. Quite Western in style, as apparently Zia believes in eating >well, if not in cooking it. > >Once she has him set up, she has some tea with her sugar and lemon, >and a good dozen of the scones as well with it. She also has some of >the biscuits (cookies to the uninformed) and points out the more >substantial sandwiches and waffles with at least twelve sorts of jam >and jelly available to Stranger. He tucks in with obvious enthusiasm. "This is excellent, thank you. You've no idea how long it's been since I was able to eat so well." He takes a second to ponytail his hair back. It has reached 'cavalier' lengths, long enough not to look stupid tied back, giving an indication of how long he's been out compared to his normal neat style. Although he is clearly enjoying the food immensely, especially the waffles, he is careful not to lose his composure by spilling anything or overstuffing himself. Ther are standards to maintain, after all. As he eats he points out the portal to the ship and Fuzzy's staff. "I'm not sure if the staff is safe to touch. Hopefully Nemesis can ascertain that. The ship, throught that portal, appears to be deserted, although I didn't carry out a thorough search." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 18:41:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:32 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007194 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:51:45 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007191 > >>On 09-28-1999 at 21:02:57 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007173 >> >>"He Seems to have arrived via a Dimension/Space-Shift Doorway/Hatch, >> Which is still standing open, >> Not in conatact with the Surface of the Sphere, >> just outside the availible line of sight, >> from this side of the gateway my split opened to here..." >> >>"Even from The Stranger's Location all that is visible of the Ship, >> Is the Hatch/Door he came through, and >> The Room which can be seem through it." > >"One thing, the outside of this sphere appears to hold an atmosphere >and there seems to be enough heat leaking through to support life." > >He jumps into the air, very gently, to test the gravity. It seems to be within a few percent of 1 g, 10 mps^2... >shoot off never to return should it be too low.> The Nemisis Split watches this experiment with interest... :) "Are you trying to ascertain, the Gravitational Characteristics of this realm?" Assuming an Affirmative answer "All surfaces exhibit a consistent 10 mps^2 attraction, Volume of the object seems to affect the Range, Of the Attractive force, I have not yet ascertained the exact relationship, However you would need to achieve an altitude, Of several thousand meters to escape the current field." "I should also note that the entire realm, Is supplied with a breathable gas mixture. Which is quite explosive, Please do not strike a spark." "I shall Demonstrate." The Split moves about 30 meters away, Then is suddenly surounded by a 5 meter ball of fire, For a second or so... "I am ensureing that the explosive gases do not penetrate, The interface to Callahan's Place. A field effect at Ship's Hatch is also filtering." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 18:41:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:33 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007195 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:04:40 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007193 [OOC: Ok, who is where? Specificaly Zia and Stranger...] >As he eats he points out the portal to the ship and Fuzzy's staff. >"I'm not sure if the staff is safe to touch. Hopefully Nemesis can >ascertain that. The ship, throught that portal, appears to be >deserted, although I didn't carry out a thorough search." "The Staff would not be safe for most forms of life to touch directly, That is due to the Lens attached to it, My lifeforce is of an entirely different type. However I do not know if the Staff Itself, Would do anything if touched." >Stranger "Please forgive some repetition, But not all involved have this information." "The Sphere is a Single Quantum object at this time, Essentially impossible to enter or damage. The Starspawn Polaris has implied that even one of, The ten most powerful of the Starspawn, Could not move the Staff by force alone." "The Staff, which is Fuzzy's Started as a Staff which somehow combined the attributes of, Six different kinds of Elemental Life forms... Like it was a composite of Six Elementals... Then Fuzzy Fused that with a NanAlloy Multi-Tool Staff, Which I had made for him." Nemisis puts a d12 cast of, The Stuff of the Umbra, on the table next to Roland. "What do you call this substance?" "Fuzzy infused the Staff with it during his visit to Earth 9." "Then he Used it in his battle with, That which wishes to prevent Creation from having ever occurred, I can not even begin to estimate the effect on the Staff, From its involvement in that..." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:32:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:05:20 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007196 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 >>On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 16:25:55 -0500 (CDT) >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007151 >> >> The hologram flickered off. A half beat later, Mr. McFeelie was >>back. "Is there a message I can return in reply?" > > Roland sighs. "Yes. Tell him that evidence of Fuzzy's possible >continued existence has cropped up, and the CAoL will be exploring >further possibilities in recovering him." He looks around. "Anyone >else?" > >"Yes," Morgan says lightly. "If you would, Mr. McFeeley, we'll be >making an announcement soon, and we'd like Mike and Tink to hear it >as well." /*"Please tell Mike and Tink, that they should call for assistance, should they need it. I have a greater Starspawn, and half a dozen lesser Starspawn that have just finished their most recent tasks. I will have them -listen- for a call for assistance."*/ Aurora says. ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 20:35:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:13:44 -0500 (CDT) Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007197 >On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:33 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007195 > >>On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:04:40 -0700 >>Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007193 > >[OOC: Ok, who is where? Specificaly Zia and Stranger...] Zia, Stranger, Polaris(?) and Nemisis^Prime, if memory serves, are on the Dyson Sphere. Everyone else is in the Place. >"The Staff would not be safe for most forms of life to touch >directly, > That is due to the Lens attached to it, > My lifeforce is of an entirely different type. > However I do not know if the Staff Itself, > Would do anything if touched." Mike observes from over the rim of his glass of orange juice, taking in the scene with more than mild curiousity as he leans against the bar. Tink looks just as intrigued, having taken a seat near Mike in one of the highbacked chairs Callahan sprinkles around the Place. >"Please forgive some repetition, > But not all involved have this information." > >"The Sphere is a Single Quantum object at this time, > Essentially impossible to enter or damage. > The Starspawn Polaris has implied that even one of, > The ten most powerful of the Starspawn, > Could not move the Staff by force alone." Mike and Tink blink at the same time. "A single Quantum object..." Mike mutters. "The size of a Dyson Sphere..." Tink adds to herself. "That's... extremely interesting," Mike surmizes quietly. Tink nods, saying under her breath, "Think of the power to encase something that big." >"The Staff, which is Fuzzy's > Started as a Staff which somehow combined the attributes of, > Six different kinds of Elemental Life forms... > Like it was a composite of Six Elementals... > Then Fuzzy Fused that with a NanAlloy Multi-Tool Staff, > Which I had made for him." > >Nemisis puts a d12 cast of, > The Stuff of the Umbra, > on the table next to Roland. > >"What do you call this substance?" > >"Fuzzy infused the Staff with it during his visit to Earth 9." > >"Then he Used it in his battle with, > That which wishes to prevent Creation from having ever occurred, > I can not even begin to estimate the effect on the Staff, > From its involvement in that..." Mike looks at Tink, whispering. "Whaddaya make of it, Holmes?" Tink grins, "It reminds me of a key stuck in a door. I'd want more information before I speculated further about whether it is or not." Mike nods. "Maybe if we took..." Then he frowned. No. The Borg come first." Tink nods solemnly, draining her glass and setting it on the bar. Mike does the same. "Come along, Penfold," Tink announces, "Time to save the world from another one of Silas Greenback's dastardly plans." "Yes, right away, Dangermouse," Mike quips back. "We'll call in the cavalry if things get too hairy with the Borg, don't fear about that. You do the same. We'd stay longer, but are in danger of getting seriously involved as is, and we have prior commitments." Tink withdrew a small pin from a pocket. Round, green emerald, with a pair of thin emerald arms sticking out from the sides, hands holding up a rose quartz script that read 'Love's Labor' in front of his happy mouth, large pearl teeth and lolling ruby tongue visible on an opal interior. In other words, the character on the cover of the Douglas Adams famous, five book, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy done in gemstones on a gold base. Tapping the pin caused a short chirp. Tink coordinates across space/time/dimension with the ship as Mike fields any parting comments before the pair vanish in a transporter beam, saying, "Good luck everyone and safe journey." ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:05:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 00:54:41 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007198 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007176 >"There is not a Plan as yet, > Because we have just assembled to correlate information, > In hopes of finding that we have enough for a preliminary Plan." > >"I will be stating the Data Points I have shortly, >Aurora also has some data to impart >The Stranger may have other Data, I am Unsure." > >"Also want to hear what thoughts and advice the CAoL can offer, > Before I attempt to touch Lord Fuzzy's Staff." /*"The first thing my people found when they started searching for Fuzzy, was the Matrix Cosm. On examination I found that while it looks like nine separate universes and many pockets, there is a pattern of numerous connections. It is really One Universe, with more than three physical dimension, each a semi-distinct Cosm. All the pocket spaces/pocket universes in the Matrix Cosm, also appear as Crytal Spheres in the "SpellJammer" Cosm. The physics of this system seems to be a mixture of "SpellJammer", and "The World of Tiers" by Farmer. Upon further study, it was revealed that there is a pattern of energy channels, like the "Ley Lines" of a planet, in fact the planetary Ley Lines, are merely the smallest scale of a Fractal pattern, which scales all the way up to the whole Matrix Cosm. There seems to be no particular reason why, the patterns of the various life forms are not included, in the Fractal, but they are not. At this point, I became aware that the pattern has similarities to plant life, which caused me no little concern, plants compete just as viciously for resources as animals, just on a different time scale. After some checking, I determined that the "Life-Form" seems to have the capacity, to latch onto adjacent universes and subsume them, to create additional Cosm's within itself. We were about to destroy it, when Oracle provided some additional information. With the extra data I could see that it has no tendency to expand. While in some "Rotations" it seems the kinds it can grab are very limited. Those with defects of various kinds. It seems to have some intimate connection to The Stardragon Itself. Having come to those conclusions, I realized that this thing must have a Nucleus of some sort. So I had some of my associates trace the Flux Lines. What they found was this sphere, and Fuzzy's staff. Quetzecouatal was coordinating the lesser Starspawn that were working on this project. When they found the staff, he tried to bring it to me. He was unable to even shift it. Then he tried to enter the Sphere. He couldn't enter, and couldn't so much as scratch the surface of the sphere. So he summoned me. Where he couldn't enter the sphere or move the staff, I failed also. My analysis of the situation is that -possibly- one of the sigil carrying CAoL members could move the staff, or possibly Nemesis. It seems to have some affinity for those. What would happen at then, I am unable to visualize. The sphere appears to be a time/quantum sealed Crystal Sphere. At that point, I assigned Polaris to guard the staff, and contacted Roland."*/ Aurora tells the assembled group. /*"Oracle -did- tell me that the CAoL should talk to Failsafe for more information about Fuzzy. Who Failsafe is, I have no idea. I HATE it when Oracle gets mysterious. It always means surprises, and I hate surprises."*/ ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:15:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: My Kung Fu... On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:56:51 -0700 RolandX Said As CAoL Message # 00007199 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 21:43:44 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007174 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 >> >> "Depends on how you mean," the Hunter replies slowly. "And they >>usually are. I've been around, on Earth, and visited a few >>Realms/Mantles. One was owned outright by the Shadoloo..." > >The handle of Rob's mug cracks. Eric's eyes flicker, but otherwise doesn't note Rob further...until below. >> "I am not offended," Eric replies, finally, after a long pause, >>in the same language. "You can hardly lack focus to master...what I >>believe you have mastered. It is I who should offer apology for my >>unworthy reaction." > >"I quite understand," Rob replies in English. "A world where Shadoloo >rules is hardly a pleasant introduction to Ler Drit. As for mastery, >I have not yet earned that honor. Valdritkar Rose was willing to >continue training me, but I have a tendency towards wandering feet." "I regret to say that I do not know the name of your teacher," Eric replies solemnly. "My stay in the Shadoloo realm was...brief." >>"How, in the name of Quan Yin and the Five Directions, did you >>manage to safely harness Ler Drit?!" > >"I suppose the explanation begins with the man known as Vega in some >worlds, and as M. Bison in others," Rob replies, shifting into >Lecturer voice. "I know of him under both names, though the man I...met...went by the name of Vega." Eric scowls. "I have fought some of the most vile beings in my world, and even so I was sickened just to have to be in his presence." >"So the short version is, I learned Ler Drit with the aid of a great >teacher who refused to make another mistake with her students." Eric nods. "You have my respect, sir." Many present are reminded of a legend - the mountain comming to Mohammed. 8^) >"I resumed dimension jumping to refine my skills - all of them - in a >dynamic environment. If I ever arrive in a universe where Shadoloo >rules, I may stay long enough to break its power. Or, I may not. >Bison managed to corrupt Ryu for a time, and I'm not certain that I >could break free the way he did." > >Finishing his drink, Rob tosses it into the fireplace. "To honor." Eric throws his own glass in almost immediately behind Rob's. "That is the correct response for agreement, is it not?" Eric Lancer: The Hunter "What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." - the last words of Crowfoot, Blackfoot warior and orator, 1890 ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 00:02:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:26:06 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007200 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 11:16:58 -0400, In alt.callahans >"Mark Peters" Said As CAoL Message # 00007165 > >A skinny, old man looks up from a table in the back as he listens to >the talk that surrounds him. Slowly he rises, stretching to his full >7 feet height. He looks around, his one good eye blazing a deep blue, >as he flings a bag over his shoulder. Slowly he makes his way up to >Roland. "You seem to be the leader of this exchange good sir, and ah >was wonderin if'n you could use an extra set of hands? It's been >years since ole oneeye has had some fun...." Roland registers this, but takes a while to really realize that he's been asked a question. "Oh! I'm sorry, sir. Yes, I'm the 'leader' of this wandering disaster," he chuckles, "but I'm afraid that, as you no doubt heard, I will be unable to travel with the group. I'm not sure who you'd take it up with, but Callahanians are always welcome...as long as they are capable of interacting with our minds in a fashion we understand." Roland smiles wryly. "I _think_ we had a truly alien being try to join, but it was such a bizarre experience that even this lot couldn't understand what happened. Not that I foresee such a problem with you, sir." He half-glances at Legion and Essex, then returns his gaze to the old man levelly. "Just one thing sir, and please don't take offense, but I presume that there's more to you than meets the eye. Travelling with the CAoL is...hazardous. In fact, this particular quest is an effort to rescue one of our own who was believed dead - and may yet be." >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:09:26 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007181 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 >> "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >>glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and >>many other receptacles for liquid. > >Legion and Essex both join in the barrage of glasses. Legion also >switches out Mischief's bowl behind the kitten's back so that it is a >lighter, more fragile, and cheaper bowl which the kitten (after the >barrage of glasses has stopped) drags to the fireplace and knocks in, >breaking. Mischief then prances back to the table, looking -so- proud >of herself. Roland and Morgan 'aww' at Mischief in unison. >Once Roland & Morgan are back at the table both Legion and Essex >offer their quiet, and sincere congradulations. Roland manages to remain polite, thanking them in turn. >Mischief seems to be wanting to climb into Morgan's lap before it >vanishes. ;) Morgan notices the furry one, and carefully picks her up before she decides to climb the druid's leg. [Immortal or not, needle-claws still hurt,] she smiles to herself, and proceeds to give Mischief a good ear scritch. >>Kirsten grins broadly, reaches over and pinches Eric's cheek gently. >>"You're so _cute_ when you're in 'protective big brother' mode." > >Essex comments to Eric, "You have my deepest sympethies." And gives >Legion a wry look. > >Legion blinks, looking innocent. "Nathaniel, have We ever risked >Ourselves unnecessarily?" > >Essex has that brief half second look of disbelief... you know that >look when you're wondering if lightning is going to strike someone >for that BLATENT a lie? "Shall I make a -list- my dear?" Eric responds with a look that's almost a match to Essex's earlier wry one. "They always think they're immortal, don't they?" >>On 09-28-1999 at 12:57:32 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007167 >> >>"Dr. Essex, >> Greetings, I hope this will be a more pleasant encounter... >> Given that This is Callahans Place, >> It seems there should be Good reason for your arrival, >> Even if we do not know what that reason is yet." > >Dr. Essex looks over in Nemisis's direction. "The best of reasons... >I attend to accompany you." Roland's neck throbs visibly, and he shifts briefly in place, but that is the extent of his initial reaction. But there's a long pause after that. "I suppose," he says finally, waiting for an appropriate moment if necessary, "you'll need a mini-lens, then. I'm not sure if Morgan and I can replicate another one; I'm not entirely clear on how Eric's appeared, or if we even had anything to do with it." He seems to be maintaining his civility though incredible force of will. A vein in his neck continues to pulse, possibly due to the effort. >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:18:50 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007183 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 >> "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >>glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and >>many other receptacles for liquid. > >Rob, having run out of locally viable cash, tosses his comic book in >the fire. Or at least he tries to. :-) Morgan reaches out the moment she realizes what Rob's done, blue-white energies similar to Roland's flashing out...but the original source of those energies is faster. "Erk!" Roland 'says,' the strangled noise concurrent with a lightning-quick TK grab. "Light and Shadow, Rob, if you're that hard up for something to throw into the fireplace I'll _buy_ you a drink. Or the book, for that matter, if you don't want charity." He gently floats the graphic novel away from the flames. "I mean no offense, Rob, but I get twitchy when books and fire are mixed." >On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:33 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007195 >Nemisis puts a d12 cast of, > The Stuff of the Umbra, > on the table next to Roland. > >"What do you call this substance?" > >"Fuzzy infused the Staff with it during his visit to Earth 9." > >"Then he Used it in his battle with, > That which wishes to prevent Creation from having ever occurred, > I can not even begin to estimate the effect on the Staff, > From its involvement in that..." Roland looks silent for a long moment. He holds out his hand, and a pair of glasses, looking very much like some ultra-tech variant of 30s Aviator goggles, appears in it. He puts them on. "Mmm. I thought so. Ether." He looks back up at Nemisis. "Also known as Quintessence, Gnosis, Chi, and no doubt a hundred other names. The building block of creation. The primal stuff of the spirit realm, which has also been dubbed the 'Umbra.' IMO the height of irony, naming the astral and spirit realms 'shadow.' The energy - Immaculum, my people call it - infuses all material existence, but as I understand it the Umbra is _made_ of this stuff." He frowns. "Not only is that dodecahedron a ludicrous amount of Ether, pure and solidified as it is - think E=MC(2) at 100% efficiency, and it starts to approach the power involved - it carries _resonance._ Powerful emotion or thought affects it. That, it is believed, is how the mages of my world affect reality...by altering the very fabric of existence. "So I can barely begin to guess how it affects the staff myself. If it resonates with Fuzzy's essence, it could act as a beacon right to him. Or it could _be_ him. Or it might blast the mind of anyone touching it with the memory of recreating the metaverse. Or it might not have Fuzzy's resonance, but Malice's." Roland swallows, and drinks due to a dry throat. "That would be exceedingly bad." ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:32:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:01:00 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007201 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:26:06 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007200 > >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007183 >> >>Rob, having run out of locally viable cash, tosses his comic book in >>the fire. > >Or at least he tries to. :-) Morgan reaches out the moment she >realizes what Rob's done, blue-white energies similar to Roland's >flashing out...but the original source of those energies is faster. > > "Erk!" Roland 'says,' the strangled noise concurrent with a >lightning-quick TK grab. "Light and Shadow, Rob, if you're that hard >up for something to throw into the fireplace I'll _buy_ you a drink. >Or the book, for that matter, if you don't want charity." He gently >floats the graphic novel away from the flames. "I mean no offense, >Rob, but I get twitchy when books and fire are mixed." "Charity is all right. I'd read the novel three times before I got here, and I was just tossing at the fireplace in reflex. And I'm not out of money, just...well..." Rob pauses to search his pockets. "Credstick, gold-pressed latinum, $30 Altairian, five Swiss francs, and a mint-condition 1929 silver sixpence. I don't think Mike makes change for any of these." "And if you want the comic book, that's fine by me. Although I can't imagine why you would. As Paul Reubens said, you've lived it." A root beer arrives on the table. "I don't normally convert currency, but as long as there's nothing wrong with one of those francs, the root beer's yours," Callahan offers. Flipping through the francs, Rob comes up with one that actually has a date in the past, and hands it over. "Thank you, Mike." Draining the mug, he turns to the fireplace and tosses it in underhand. ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:35:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:11:08 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007202 Nemisis wrote: >> "A Dyson Sphere? What in the name of Oghma is a Dyson Sphere?" > >[OOC: Does the Author need a more Detailed Description?] >"The Simplest explaination is, > A Huge inside out world, > Built around a Sun." > >A small Keyboard and HoloProjection unit appears in Nemisis's Hand, >Puting it on a nearby table, She activates it. > >The First image to form is a Basic Solar System. > >"This Library Unit, > Contains all of the current data on Dyson Spheres, and > Related structures, (Ring Worlds, Cage Worlds, etc)." After a quick scan through the data, Harlock looks up in disbelief. "How in Clarke's name do they come up with that much matter? That's got to be...umm...20 billion cubic miles of stuff, or am I misplacing a decimal somewhere?" ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 02:36:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-30-1999 at 02:34:10 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007203 >On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:11:08 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007202 > >After a quick scan through the data, Harlock looks up in disbelief. >"How in Clarke's name do they come up with that much matter? That's >got to be...umm...20 billion cubic miles of stuff, or am I misplacing >a decimal somewhere?" [OOC: I am not up to checking the math tonight, so I will assume you are right enough for now... ;) I can not even remember how many miles in 1 AU...] "20 Trillion by American Terminology, Assuming A Minimum thickness, Since the Gravitational laws here, Would allow a self supporting construct, That size in .5 mile thick Steel." "As for Acquiring the Materials, This one may have been created along with, And by the same Power as several Universes." >thick. Niven's Ringworld is FAR more practical.> [OOC: Too True, I also would not like to be unable to see the Stars.] ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 03:02:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 02:36:45 -0700 (PDT) Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007204 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:26:06 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007200 > "So I can barely begin to guess how it affects the staff myself. >If it resonates with Fuzzy's essence, it could act as a beacon right >to him. Or it could _be_ him. Or it might blast the mind of anyone >touching it with the memory of recreating the metaverse. Or it might >not have Fuzzy's resonance, but Malice's." Roland swallows, and >drinks due to a dry throat. "That would be exceedingly bad." Nemisis listens intently, then Responds. "That dodecahedron contains, Perhaps 10% of the amount Fuzzy infused his Staff with, Though how much is left in it, Is Unknown..." "Given Lord Fuzzy's habits as to, Protecting his 'Working' implements from outside influences, That last thought seems Very Unlikely." "So you would recomend that before touching the Staff, I prepare for a Massive Impact of Mental Force?" [OOC: I can barely wait to see Eric's response to What Fuzzy Fought, And to his sister's already knowing about it... Not to mention her response, To 1/4 of a Cubic Inch of Solid Immaculum, Being handled that casually... ;) ] ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 04:35:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 00:46:03 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007205 >On Thu, 25 Sep 1999 01:59:09 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007134 >Reaching out with all the power the Lens Jedi could muster he tried >to find another member of the Army of Light. It didn't matter who, >whoever was 'nearest', whoever could pass the word on. The lens on >his wrist flared with the effort, coruscating patters of light >whirling across its surface. > >"Anybody out there?" The pattern of thought skimmed past, not thru, universe after universe. In some, there were none capable of recieving it. In most, the minds present were capable, but the pattern (think of it as an "address header") didn't match closely enough. Of the few who did receive part or all of it, most found it meaningless, a few used it as evidence of the existence of other forms of like, and tried to visualize the sender.Most, being decidely inferior to Arisians at visualization came up with interesting flights of fancy. In one distant universe, the thought was received by what appeared to be a human. The merest fraction of his mind was needed to intercept it and to determine that it should be routed to one of his other selves. He did so and continued with his observations of the natives of the planet. In the merest fraction of a second, the message was relayed through NEMO to one called Nemo, as he sat in Callahan's. Nemo realized that the message had already been responded to by others, so he set about arranging some tables for the CAoL "meeting" that was sure to start. ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 04:35:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:01:50 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007206 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:07:52 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007152 > >When he can get the attention of the assembled CAoL he explains >what's happened. > >"Hi guys. I appear to have stumbled across what appears to be Fuzzy's >staff. I was, well, lost in the Matrix Cosm. I was on some sort of >huge starship, it had teleportals for doors and setting the dial to >all zeroes landed me here" he indicates the plain with a sweep of his >arm. "I've not touched the staff, it's got a Lens in it and Lenses >tend kill anyone that touches them, apart from their owner of course. >But this staff should not exist and the fact that it does suggests to >me that there is hope for Lord Fuzzy." > >"Anyone got any bright ideas where we go from here?" Nemo speaks up. "If the lens is there, then Fuzzy must be alive. Lenses disappear shortly after the death of the one they are made for." ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 06:02:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 08:27:52 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007207 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:26:06 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007200 >>On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:09:26 -0400 >>Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007181 >> >>>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 23:53:03 -0700 >>>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007175 >>Mischief seems to be wanting to climb into Morgan's lap before it >>vanishes. ;) > >Morgan notices the furry one, and carefully picks her up before she >decides to climb the druid's leg. [Immortal or not, needle-claws >still hurt,] she smiles to herself, and proceeds to give Mischief a >good ear scritch. Mischief does her best little purrbox imitation, managing to generate quite a bit of volume for a kitten her size. She nestles against Morgan's tummy, so she can purr at the babies too. >>Legion blinks, looking innocent. "Nathaniel, have We ever risked >>Ourselves unnecessarily?" >> >>Essex has that brief half second look of disbelief... you know that >>look when you're wondering if lightning is going to strike someone >>for that BLATENT a lie? "Shall I make a -list- my dear?" > > Eric responds with a look that's almost a match to Essex's earlier >wry one. "They always think they're immortal, don't they?" Essex comments back, "Always. And of course, we're too worried about keeping them alive to disabuse them of this notion, and they know it." Legion just gives him this big-eyed look with a hint of a pout... Essex sighs, leaning over and murmuring to her, his hands vanishing under the mass of her blonde hair as he rests his hands on her shoulders. >>Dr. Essex looks over in Nemisis's direction. "The best of reasons... >>I attend to accompany you." > > Roland's neck throbs visibly, and he shifts briefly in place, but >that is the extent of his initial reaction. But there's a long pause >after that. "I suppose," he says finally, waiting for an appropriate >moment if necessary, "you'll need a mini-lens, then. I'm not sure if >Morgan and I can replicate another one; I'm not entirely clear on how >Eric's appeared, or if we even had anything to do with it." He seems >to be maintaining his civility though incredible force of will. A >vein in his neck continues to pulse, possibly due to the effort. Essex seems to be just watching Roland's reaction for a while, then he comments mildly not to Roland, but to Morgan, "I do hope you're keeping an eye on his blood pressure." Essex continues, "As far as the mini-lens goes, if one appears for me, I would, of course, be honored to accept it. However, if one does not, Legion has kindly offered to provide a telepathic link for me." Legion sighs, and offers a telepathic 'hand' to Morgan, in case she might want to chat privately. ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:33:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-30-1999 at 12:20:59 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007208 >On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:01:50 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007206 >Nemo speaks up. > >"If the lens is there, then Fuzzy must be alive. Lenses disappear >shortly after the death of the one they are made for." "Are you able to confirm the the Lens is definitely Lord Fuzzy's?" [OOC: If A Nemo goes to have a look, Yes, the pattern of the Dimensional Transcendentalism, Uniquely Matches Lord Fuzzy. I figure a Nemo could perceive that, Nemisis does not yet know how to look for it...] ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 16:04:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 21:06:45 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007209 >On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:32 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007194 > >>"One thing, the outside of this sphere appears to hold an atmosphere >>and there seems to be enough heat leaking through to support life." >> >>He jumps into the air, very gently, to test the gravity. > >It seems to be within a few percent of 1 g, > 10 mps^2... > >>>doesn't shoot off never to return should it be too low.> > >The Nemisis Split watches this experiment with interest... :) > >"Are you trying to ascertain, > the Gravitational Characteristics of this realm?" "Er, yes. It seems about Earth normal." >"All surfaces exhibit a consistent 10 mps^2 attraction, > Volume of the object seems to affect the Range, > Of the Attractive force, > I have not yet ascertained the exact relationship, > However you would need to achieve an altitude, > Of several thousand meters to escape the current field." "10 mps^2 - not 9.8? Hmmm, somebody with a tidy mind designed this place." >"I should also note that the entire realm, > Is supplied with a breathable gas mixture. > Which is quite explosive, > Please do not strike a spark." > >"I shall Demonstrate." > >The Split moves about 30 meters away, > Then is suddenly surounded by a 5 meter ball of fire, > For a second or so... Stranger raises one eyebrow. "I'm glad you told me that. No smoking, everybody." ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 16:04:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 21:14:11 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007210 >On 09-30-1999 at 12:20:59 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007208 > >>On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 01:01:50 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007206 >> >> Nemo speaks up. >> >>"If the lens is there, then Fuzzy must be alive. Lenses disappear >>shortly after the death of the one they are made for." "Good point." >"Are you able to confirm the the Lens is definitely Lord Fuzzy's?" > >[OOC: If A Nemo goes to have a look, > Yes, the pattern of the Dimensional Transcendentalism, > Uniquely Matches Lord Fuzzy. > I figure a Nemo could perceive that, > Nemisis does not yet know how to look for it...] [OOC: Stranger will attempt to scan the lens to see if he can figure if it's fuzzy's - I'm not sure if this is within his capabilities, he has a full lens, but is relatively inexperienced with TP] ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 17:39:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 20:13:19 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007211 >On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 21:06:45 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007209 > >>On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:32 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007194 >> >>"All surfaces exhibit a consistent 10 mps^2 attraction, >> Volume of the object seems to affect the Range, >> Of the Attractive force, >> I have not yet ascertained the exact relationship, >> However you would need to achieve an altitude, >> Of several thousand meters to escape the current field." > >"10 mps^2 - not 9.8? Hmmm, somebody with a tidy mind designed this >place." "No, Nemesis is speaking SIDI units, I think, instead of English/American ones." Zia remarks in a tone that seems rather remarkably pendantic - at least, for her. >>"I should also note that the entire realm, >> Is supplied with a breathable gas mixture. >> Which is quite explosive, >> Please do not strike a spark." >> >>"I shall Demonstrate." >> >>The Split moves about 30 meters away, >> Then is suddenly surounded by a 5 meter ball of fire, >> For a second or so... > >Stranger raises one eyebrow. > >"I'm glad you told me that. No smoking, everybody." "At least, not the sort that involves combustion." She quips, irrepressibly. Zia then takes the opportunity to watch Stranger at work on the examination of this found-Lens while she cleans up her High Tea by folding the magical table cloth again. ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 20:05:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 20:03:58 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007212 >On Wed, 29 Sept '99 Rob N Said > >>On Tue, 28 Sep '99 Morgan and/or Roland Said >> >> "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >>it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats >>it a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each >>other for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in >>unison, they say happily, "We're pregnant!" Martin, who is still wandering about, does a double take. His eyes grow as large as english tea saucers and there is almost an audible thump as his jaw hits the floor. Figurativly speaking, of course. ;^D >Rob blinks, then smiles widely. [This will be something to behold...] > >> "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >>glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and >>many other receptacles for liquid. After the shot glass sitting in front of Martin is rapidly drained of both scotch, and Coke(tm) it almost instantly finds itself relocated to the Fireplace. >Rob, having run out of locally viable cash, tosses his comic book in >the fire. Martin winces [*That* probably would've been worth something someday] >> "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I >>have called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on >>anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the >>moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and >>I've gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the >>lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around >>with faint hope. "Any takers?" >> (OOC: Yah, right. ) > >[Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?] (OOC: Hey! I'm supposed to say that! That's copyright infringement! Watch it Buddy!) ;^) ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 20:05:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 19:11:09 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007213 >On 09-30-1999 at 12:20:59 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007208 > >"Are you able to confirm the the Lens is definitely Lord Fuzzy's?" > >[OOC: If A Nemo goes to have a look, > Yes, the pattern of the Dimensional Transcendentalism, > Uniquely Matches Lord Fuzzy. > I figure a Nemo could perceive that, > Nemisis does not yet know how to look for it...] "Yes, I have that capability." Nemo waits a beat, to let the difference between what was asked and what was *wanted* sink in. "And I'm willing to examine it." A Nemo will appear and examine the staff, and its surroundings. "The lens is Fuzzy's based on my previous encounters with him." ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 23:45:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-30-1999 at 23:34:57 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007214 >On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 19:11:09 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007213 > >>On 09-30-1999 at 12:20:59 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007208 >> >>"Are you able to confirm the the Lens is definitely Lord Fuzzy's?" >> >>[OOC: If A Nemo goes to have a look, >> Yes, the pattern of the Dimensional Transcendentalism, >> Uniquely Matches Lord Fuzzy. >> I figure a Nemo could perceive that, >> Nemisis does not yet know how to look for it...] > >"Yes, I have that capability." > >Nemo waits a beat, to let the difference between what was asked and >what was *wanted* sink in. [OOC: What was wanted was the answer, you forget this is Nemisis, She would have asked Nemo to do so later, But saw no urgency.] "That is good to know, For planning purposes." >"And I'm willing to examine it." "At your convenience, I will not need to know, until I am getting ready to touch it." >A Nemo will appear and examine the staff, and its surroundings. > >"The lens is Fuzzy's based on my previous encounters with him." > > The Staff seems to have more bound energy than it's rest mass, By a factor of 3... There is some kind of active process within it. The Sphere has been in this state since, The Reset or The Creation of The Multiverse, Depending on your point of reference... The Ship is not even in this Cosm, It's duration of existence reads as 500,000,000 Earth Years, It has A Radius of Pi Light Years, and It's Hull should be an Event Horizon. ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 01:07:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Fri, 1 Oct 1999 02:50:32 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007215 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007202 > >>Nemisis wrote: >>> "A Dyson Sphere? What in the name of Oghma is a Dyson Sphere?" >> >>"The Simplest explaination is, >> A Huge inside out world, >> Built around a Sun." >> >>A small Keyboard and HoloProjection unit appears in Nemisis's Hand, >>Puting it on a nearby table, She activates it. >> >>The First image to form is a Basic Solar System. >> >>"This Library Unit, >> Contains all of the current data on Dyson Spheres, and >> Related structures, (Ring Worlds, Cage Worlds, etc)." > >After a quick scan through the data, Harlock looks up in disbelief. >"How in Clarke's name do they come up with that much matter? That's >got to be...umm...20 billion cubic miles of stuff, or am I misplacing >a decimal somewhere?" thing's only a half-mile thick. Niven's Ringworld is FAR more >practical.> /*"to a race that has the technology to create a Dyson sphere, aquiring sufficient matter to do it is trivial."*/ Aurora answers. ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 02:09:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 01:38:04 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007216 >Nemisis wrote: >>After a quick scan through the data, Harlock looks up in disbelief. >>"How in Clarke's name do they come up with that much matter? That's >>got to be...umm...20 billion cubic miles of stuff, or am I >>misplacing a decimal somewhere?" > >"20 Trillion by American Terminology, "Trillion. Right. I *did* slip a decimal." >"As for Acquiring the Materials, > This one may have been created along with, > And by the same Power as several Universes." "Oh, well, if *that's* all there is to it..." Harlock grins sourly. ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 03:35:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 23:02:06 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007217 >On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:41:52 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007178 > >After a few seconds of thought, he starts rummaging through his belt >pouches. Out of one, he pulls a pair of boots, which he promptly >dons. From another emerges a cloak to replace the one currently >draped across the back of a chair over by the piano. A third produces >a pair of gleaming vambraces which he quickly slips on. A pocket in >his breeches yields a handful of odd-looking pebbles, which start >circling about his head after he releases them. This accomplished, he >visibly settles back and starts searching his memory. Nemo comments, to no one in particular "Ah. Ioun stones." ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 04:36:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Fri, 1 Oct 1999 07:30:43 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007218 >On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 01:38:04 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007216 > >>Nemisis wrote: >> >>"20 Trillion by American Terminology, > >"Trillion. Right. I *did* slip a decimal." "Audacity; always audacity." Ziactrice gives the Bard a grin. Apparently, sound carries well through the portal, if not explosive atmospheric gases. "Just don't think about tidal force equalizations. I'm trying not to, myself." >>"As for Acquiring the Materials, >> This one may have been created along with, >> And by the same Power as several Universes." > >"Oh, well, if *that's* all there is to it..." Harlock grins sourly. "Oh, not really - there are also several other mind-bending factors." She frowns, but doesn't elaborate. "However, given what is usually encountered at the beginning of one of the CAoL's quests, the only surprising thing here is it doesn't appear to be directly threatening their survival. Yet." ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 13:01:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy, The Search Begins... On 10-01-1999 at 12:45:54 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007219 The Nemisis Core is Still in Callahans Place, There is a Split on the Dyson Sphere. "So, Other than preparing withstand a Massive Mental/Mystic force, Does anyone have any other Comments or Advice to give, Before I attempt to establish, By physical contact, A local connect to the Nanites in the Staff?" After Any Comments Nemisis will pass through the Gate, and Make her Preparations... TBC in about 7 or 8 hours real time... ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 19:03:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 18:52:20 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007220 >On Thu, 30 Sep 1999 02:36:45 -0700 (PDT) >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007204 > >> On Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:26:06 -0700 >> Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007200 > >>>On 09-29-1999 at 18:38:33 >>>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007195 >> >>>"What do you call this substance?" >>> >>>"Fuzzy infused the Staff with it during his visit to Earth 9." >>> >>>"Then he Used it in his battle with, >>> That which wishes to prevent Creation from having ever occurred, >>> I can not even begin to estimate the effect on the Staff, >>> From its involvement in that..." Recalling watching that battle, Rio makes a face remembering what the CAoL was up against. >> Roland looks silent for a long moment. He holds out his hand, and >>a pair of glasses, looking very much like some ultra-tech variant of >>30s Aviator goggles, appears in it. He puts them on. "Mmm. I thought >>so. Ether." He looks back up at Nemisis. "Also known as >>Quintessence, Gnosis, Chi, and no Roland and Nemisis suddenly have Rio's undivided atention. >>doubt a hundred other names. The building block of creation. The >>primal stuff of the spirit realm, which has also been dubbed the >>'Umbra.' IMO the height of irony, naming the astral and spirit >>realms 'shadow.' The energy - Immaculum, my people call it - infuses >>all material existence, but as I understand it the Umbra is _made_ >>of this stuff." He frowns. "Not only is> that dodecahedron a >>ludicrous amount of Ether, pure and solidified as it is - think >>E=MC(2) at 100% efficiency, and it starts to approach the power >>involved - it carries _resonance._ Powerful emotion or thought >>affects it. That, it is believed, is how the mages of my world >>affect reality...by altering the very fabric of existence. Rio starts to reach out a hand toward the small mass, then pulls herself up short. "Woooow. That's pure quintessence? Man, you could power a chantry off that much for...." She trails off, unsure exactly how long but sure it's an impressive amount of time. >> "So I can barely begin to guess how it affects the staff myself. >>If it resonates with Fuzzy's essence, it could act as a beacon right >>to him. Or it could _be_ him. Or it might blast the mind of anyone >>touching it with the memory of recreating the metaverse. Or it might >>not have Fuzzy's resonance, but Malice's." Roland swallows, and >>drinks due to a dry throat. "That would be exceedingly bad." > >Nemisis listens intently, > then Responds. > >"That dodecahedron contains, > Perhaps 10% of the amount Fuzzy infused his Staff with, > Though how much is left in it, > Is Unknown..." Rio's eyes get wider at the thought of 10 times the amount of quintessence in the 'die,' and she lets out a low whistle. >"Given Lord Fuzzy's habits as to, > Protecting his 'Working' implements from outside influences, > That last thought seems Very Unlikely." > >"So you would recomend that before touching the Staff, > I prepare for a Massive Impact of Mental Force?" "Massive impact of _something_, anyway." Rio interjects. She quickly looks at Roland, checking for any sign that she's overstepped herself. Rio Still-slightly-awestuck new-kid-on-the-block ;) ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 19:36:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy, The Search Begins... On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 19:12:03 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007221 The old man in the corner watches the proceedings with his one good eye. He turns slightly to look at the ferret riding on his shoulder. "You know Wuntvor, this looks liek somthing fun. It's been eons since you an i have had fun. Let's watch." He slowly fades from view and a slight laughter is heard. ================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 19:36:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 19:14:31 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007222 >On Fri, 1 Oct 1999 07:30:43 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007218 > >>On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 01:38:04 -0700 >>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007216 >>"Trillion. Right. I *did* slip a decimal." > >"Audacity; always audacity." Ziactrice gives the Bard a grin. >Apparently, sound carries well through the portal, if not explosive >atmospheric gases. "Just don't think about tidal force equalizations. >I'm trying not to, myself." "Looks like I won't be using my Dragon Fire Storm technique..." Eric comments dryly. "A Dyson Sphere. Gaia." >>>"As for Acquiring the Materials, >>> This one may have been created along with, >>> And by the same Power as several Universes." >> >>"Oh, well, if *that's* all there is to it..." Harlock grins sourly. > >"Oh, not really - there are also several other mind-bending factors." >She frowns, but doesn't elaborate. "However, given what is usually >encountered at the beginning of one of the CAoL's quests, the only >surprising thing here is it doesn't appear to be directly threatening >their survival. Yet." "You introduce me to the most interesting people," Eric says, as dry as ever, to Roland. The FI just grins. "Okay." Eric turns to Zia. "Let me get this straight. There's a Dyson Sphere out there, it's a _side_effect,_ and it's not directly threatening _yet._ But you expect it to be." =================================