Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6 Part 1 - Chapter 5 Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 03:33:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:22:14 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007323 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007309 >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 06:31:07 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007279 >> >>"To answer, I was baiting him, Rio, although in fact the groupie >>thing was a joke on my part, if a poor one. It wasn't meant to drag >>you in as well." > > Eric stares at her. He carefully does not react, but Rio at least >certainly knows that he's suppressing an eye-popping jaw-dropping >'are you INSANE, woman?' gaze, and it probably isn't hard for >attentive folx on the link to figure it out either. Zia just half-grins, half-shrugs in something like mild embarrassment. "At least she figured it out.... which I thought deserved a truthful response." > /ROLAND./ Eric sends. > /I'm working on it,/ Roland replies. > /No. Why does this woman feel a need to test someone you've chosen >to take your place?/ Eric snaps. > Roland sighs, then chuckles. /No wonder you don't like her. You're >too much alike./ > /I BEG YOUR PARDON./ > /You both adhere to one supreme philosophy, that I've noticed: 'If >you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.' I'm glad >it's a lifestyle I haven't embraced; paranoia doesn't strike me as a >lot of fun./ Roland's tone becomes more mild. /Zia isn't good at >first impressions. She's an acquired taste, but she's worth getting >to know. I reacted to her even more poorly when we first met. She's >one of my closest friends now./ One of Zia's eyebrows, the left one to be precise, rises a minute fraction. She might not be directly linked via Lens to the CAoL chat-channel all the time, but Lensing her name about evidently DID get picked up on her own bit of polychromatic cabochon. >>"I apologize for being so harsh, so unexpectedly. It does get me >>threatened quite a bit, but it also serves a purpose. I suppose I >>should go back and ask those who taught me if there is a better way >>to judge another martial artist other than self-control of temper - >>but I haven't found a better indicator of skill as yet. You >>shouldn't allow my actions to discredit the CAoL; as you implied, >>I'm more tolerated than enjoyed. That is rather the normal case, >>and I don't expect otherwise." > > "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place >to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) He takes a deep breath, >and his eyes narrow. Anyone with 'chi' senses feels the chi that >fuels his life burn, as if he opened an artery, and it flows into a >pattern. A harsh, brutal method, but effective; he turns into a blur >of motion, moving from one kata to the next at about a pace of nine >to one to the fastest unenhanced human, all in perfect coordination. "I don't know if that is wise or not. It generally does not improve someone's mood to spar - " She cuts herself off, and _stares_ at what he is doing. "Rather like vampirism in reverse, without the fangs, isn't that?" She murmurs to herself, apparently appalled. >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:41:33 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007294 >> >>"If this is the 'price' of your 'deal' is that I must not speak >>warning when I see trouble forecoming, then I must of course, >>refuse. This means that you are free to 'bring up' my family as you >>see fit." She is completely untroubled bu the idea. "However, should >>you attract undue attention from any one of the forementioned, >>please have the justice not to attribute the fault of said >>appearances to my doorstep. Frankly, I hope I'm in a completely >>different universe when or if it happens, as well." > > Eric stops his katas in mid-spinning-thrust-kick, stops, and >turns. "Should we prepare for...interference...from your relatives?" >He says it with surprising mildness, as chi flows easily into him to >replace that which burned away. In a less power-rich environment, >such swift recovery would be far less likely. "What, you didn't have your escape route resting persistently in your mind already, Eric? How come I doubt that so veteran a warrior would neglect the basics of tactical thought?" Zia isn't making a joke; she evidently considers a fast getaway the most desirable way to 'deal with' her family showing up. She strides over to stand near where he is 'working out', and waits to see just how he means 'spar'. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 03:34:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:26:32 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007324 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:19:13 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007311 > >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:27:21 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007302 >> >>"But I do like the idea of providing a society so constrained more >>inherent freedom - communication IS the backbone of civilization." >>Apparently, she is trying to talk herself into doing it, should it >>prove feasible. > > /"One of them, at any rate,"/ Roland replies. /"You'd have thought >America was going to Defcon 2, the way some people moaned when Ma >Bell broke up. It's a good thing it happened before our computer >network 'exploded' the way it did."/ Zia gives the Roland-projection a single, incredibly wicked smirk, but the expression turns on and off like a strobe light it's so quickly done. /Yes, that was a good thing - now they can't agree how much they should charge per minute of local connection, so unlike some parts of Europe, you're not paying a per minute connection fee on even local calls to the Internet./ /As I said, communications are dreadfully important.../ ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 04:03:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:38:40 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007325 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 >>The Hunter Said >> "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place >>to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) He takes a deep breath, >>and his eyes narrow. Anyone with 'chi' senses feels the chi that >>fuels his life burn, as if he opened an artery, and it flows into a >>pattern. A harsh, brutal method, but effective; he turns into a blur >>of motion, moving from one kata to the next at about a pace of nine >>to one to the fastest unenhanced human, all in perfect coordination. > >Rob stares at this. "Zia, if I might offer a suggestion...don't spar >with him. I knew his Ler - his Chi, to use a more recognizable term - >was on a par with my Valdritkar - er, sensei's - ability, but I know >that Rose would need more effort to reach that speed. And she uses >the Psycho Whirlwind style - speed is a major component of it." "Rob, don't be overly concerned; I will be cautious. Eric does seem to have the requisite skill not to cause serious injury - unless he decides to do so. Besides, Silver Rose is a common name for my shadow analogs. Speed isn't everything, even in the Arts Martial. I just have to be sure my other talents don't interfere. Harlock, I don't suppose you know any of the Chaos school's probability stabilizing spells?" When Eric pauses to talk, she begins to dance. Not quickly, she doesn't seem to have speed in mind. She steps through Embracing the Moon, a whimsical choice, and there is a sudden welling, shifting in the chi force all around. Rather like a tidal force, as it seems to slowly begin drifting towards the attracting body. The center of the flow is Zia. She begins to slowly dance a kata that flows from Jeet Kung Do through akido through judo rolls, then up into something like a Spiral Dancer, or Balinese cultural dance. Once her concentration is significantly sharpened, she stands 'open', letting the chi flow through her as if she were some large geographical focus like a river. It fountains upwards, and spreads slowly back to normal, as if the spillgates on a dam were full open. She glances to her left, where a light blue glimmering Symbol seems to exist only in peripheal vision, and then her right, where a 'negative' like a photo swims black and shadowy of the space 'between' the lines of the Pattern. It is large, not quite circular, and the center a trifle off balance to the right. "What kind of sparring did you want, Eric?" She asks, her voice sounding far more peaceful than before. Her eyes glimmer with some inner amusement, or merely the sort of feeling one might expect of that much chi flowing through one. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 04:34:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:43:38 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007326 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 14:21:51 PDT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007289 > >>"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, >> Would seem to be, >> Infiltration and Subversion..." > >"but of course not the only. Somehow, i get the impression that this >group could probably do it by force alone. But if we do infiltrate, >it will half to be a small group or singular person, so we come back >to my question about groups..." "Might I suggest a novel approach? Ask if we may *borrow* it. A cover story can be constructed such that we can truthfully answer enough questions that we may be able to gain *voluntary* co-operation. After all, we are dealing with a 'deity' of sorts here." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 04:34:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:48:11 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007327 >On 10-04-1999 at 19:16:23 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007303 > >"Anything that we can Make one of, > we can make multiples of..." "Not necessarily. It is possible to construct items that, by their very nature, *must* be unique, at least in the universe they are in." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 04:34:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:55:31 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007328 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007309 > > "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place >to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) He takes a deep breath, >and his eyes narrow. Anyone with 'chi' senses feels the chi that >fuels his life burn, as if he opened an artery, and it flows into a >pattern. A harsh, brutal method, but effective; he turns into a blur >of motion, moving from one kata to the next at about a pace of nine >to one to the fastest unenhanced human, all in perfect coordination. > Eric stops his katas in mid-spinning-thrust-kick, stops, and >turns. "Should we prepare for...interference...from your relatives?" >He says it with surprising mildness, as chi flows easily into him to >replace that which burned away. In a less power-rich environment, >such swift recovery would be far less likely. Once things cool down a bit, but before the group goes haring off to grab artifacts, Nemo will speak to Eric. "Interesting style. Sparring might prove most interesting." With this, Nemo *flows* thru some "moves". There's no trace of "hurry" or "rush" about them. He and they radiate INTENT thick enough to cut. Yet as he completes them, observers will suddenly realize that they took remarkably little time for all the lack of "hurry". Think Valentine Michael Smith "waiting faster". Yet for all this, they have an inexorable air about them, like watching a tsunami or other massive natural force. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 07:14:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 09:43:02 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007329 In a message dated 10/5/99 1:04:53 AM Pacific Daylight Time, harlock writes: >>Nemo points at a rock, and a beam of almost palpable energy shoots >>forth, only to stop several meters away. At the "stopping" point, an >>intricate gemlike structure takes form. It'll take an hour or so to >>complete, if anyone cares to hang around. There's a force field >>that'll prevent any but the most powerful entities from contacting >>the beam, the rock or the "gem". It is possible to use various >>senses and sensors thru the field. > >Harlock grimaces. "Yes, but if I understood my lessons in the arcane >art of physics correctly, such a process will inevitably release >waste heat at both conversion points. 'Twould seem rather silly to >run through the conversion process twice, just to produce a lump of >slag." "Well, yes, but when you're building a Dyson Sphere, you tend not to care about 'small' inefficiencies. The reason I've seen for building the things tend to be space, not energy as originally proposed. Although the energy source sure helps maintain the things." Scott scratches the back of his left hand. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 09:04:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 08:53:59 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007330 >Rob continues to watch Eric, but his eyes are the least part of it. >For the most part, he's watching the energy flow. As Eric's energies >return, he remembers something else he learned recently, and places >his pen and notepad in a pocket. > >Wishing a block of stone into existence, he flares his Ler around his >fists, shifts it from red to blue, and then focuses to an even >greater extent. > >Three seconds later, the block of stone has been frozen, punched >skyward, re-frozen, kicked sideways, frozen for a third time, and >then slammed into the ground. It ends up in three large pieces driven >halfway into the ground, with several rocks and a large number of >pebbles scattered about. > >"That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." > >Pulling the washers back out, he begins tossing them at one of the >pieces of stone, apparently using it for target practice. OneEye stares in abject horror as Rob performs his moves. With a flick of his hand a small energy sphere forms in his open palm. He gazes intently within it, then looks up. He closes his eye, and anyone with any degree of psychic power can hear the arguments of several thousnad minds within the mage's own head. He grimaces slightly.."By the lady" He quirks an eyebrow, as his face becomes more and more angered. Finally, he shouts. "NO!" and the sound of voices dies down. He looks about him, and tries to look unnoticeable. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 09:04:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 08:59:16 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007331 >"I do not Know where this group are based, > Several times there have been rumors, > That someone trying to Acquire, > Either the Artifact or the Time Machine, or Both, > Have Failed to return..." > >"What their defenses are is unknown... > Not even in Rumor..." OneEye laughs long and loud. "Considering the number of time beings or travelers we have here, This one shouldn't be a problem. Altough i would suggest using the big guns," Here he looks at aroura "Just in case. And if we already had the rod, leaving something behind shouldn't be a problem."He grins. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE:Visions of home. On Wed, 5 Oct 1983 10:06:35 -0700 Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00007332 Squee sits upon a throne in a foul mood. So foul even his consort decided to take a temporary leave from his side. He had power. He had wealth. But there was a fire within him that seemed to grow with each passing day. He needed something more. Something unattainable. "SERVE ME NOW!!" Squee barked, grasping the hilt of Soulstealer and sending eldritch lightning from its tip into a nearby wall. Two figures shuffled through a doorway towards him. One seemed a conglomeration of other creatures bodyparts sewen together on the frame of a small hair-covered humanoid. The other was more whole, and obviously once had been one of Squee's race, but now stared vacantly into space, adn shuffled along with seemingly no mind of its own. Squee moved off the throne and walked over to the figures embracing them both. "Mother. Father. I need you help. I don't know what to do. Guide me." The figures stood there silently, waiting for Squee's next order. Squee stood there in silence, a growing darkness coming over his face once again. Darath the Black's necromantic powers had allowed him to animate the bodies of his parents, but they were empty husks. Nothing more. Though they were in the room, he was still alone. "I need answers. I need your help! TALK to me! ANSWER ME!!!" Fury boiled up inside of Squee and magical energy crackled around his hands as he raised them. Two large fireballs lept forth, obliterating the zombies into ashes and also knocking apart a large section of the wall beyond. Squee sunk down to his kness amongst the smoke and ashes and wept. [You're not ready for the power. You can't handle it.] [Let us free. Release us adn you release yourself.] [Soulstealer will consume you.] [You can't control the power any longer. You're too weak. You're not ready. You will die.] [Release us! Please. If not for us, for yourself. Let there be peace again.] [You will join us. Soulstealer will consume you. You shall die and I will live again.] [Don't listen to him. You have the power to do anything. Release me Squee and I can be your guide. Please release me.] [She only wants to kill you Squee. Give it up. It's hopeless. You will be consumed. I will be reborn in your body. Throw yourself on Soulstealer now and be done with it.] [Please! Let me go. I miss my family. I miss my wife. I never did anything to you. Free me.] [No! don't free him, Free me! What can you have against me?? I never even knew you.] [They all ask to be free. But they all want your blood, including me.] Squee held his head in pain. "Quiet! QUIET! QUIET!!!! I AM IN CONTROL HERE!! YOU WILL OBEY ME!!" He screamed and threw Soulstealer across the room, the two-handed sword whirling until its blade buried itself in the stone wall. Squee stood there panting, but could still hear the awful echoes of a thousand voices calling out to him from the sword. He touched the shard of Soulstealer he wore around his neck, wondering if he should throw that away as well, but knowing the enchantment on it was the only think keeping Soulstealer from controlling him now. Instead Squee decided to just distance himself from the unholy weapon for a short while. Shifting into a rat form, he scurried down the hallway, Looking for something, anything to fill the void within him, and knowing he would not find it this time any more than any of the other times he had searched the castle. He ran from room to room, exploring and searching for anything new, anything that could ease the pains he felt. And finding nothing. In his bedroom he paused near a full length mirror and changed into his natural form. He was more or less fully grown now, standing just under three feet tall. The hair all over his body had been uncared for for a few days now, and was matted in many places and had a dishevelled look to it. But Squee didn't care right now. He had no reason to groom it for right now. Around his neck hung the golden medallion marking him as a Guardian of Arcadia, a silly qwirk of Oberon's power since he hadn't been back to his homeland in decades. His left wrist itched a bit and scratching it his fingertips ran over a large lump under the matted hair. Pulling the hair aside, he saw his mini-lens, his continuing connection to the CAoL, though he had not bothered to even listen in for quite a while. His mind drifted back to when he first got his lens. He remembered a huge castle. No it wasn't a castle. A TARDIS. Mike Knytt's TARDIS. He rememebered playing tag with a kitten while a larger cat watched them. And exploring the kitchen for food and trying to impress her with his magic. He had said someday he would be a powerful mage. And now ehre he was, one of the most powerful mages there was, his face still wet with his own tears and in a castle all alone. he had what he always dreamed of. So why was he so miserable? He ran a finger lightly over the mini-lens' cool smooth surface. Company was literally a thought away. But wouldn't it be a sign of weakness calling them for help? They were as much to blame for his current situation as anyone else. Of course it was Roscoe he hated most for never helping him seek out his parents. And Roscoe was dead. Squee had watched that himself. Squee moved his hand away. [No, whatever is going on I can handle it myself. I won't go looking to THEM for help. Besides, they're probably too busy saving the universe to help a single person anyways.] But still, he stood there staring down at the small disk on his wrist. Finalyl his head perked up. The hair on the back of his neck rose a bit. How long had he been standing here? Soulstealer was alone. Unprotected. What if someone had snuck in and stolen it? What if it was gone forever, and with it the power? Squee shifted into the form of a small hawk and flew back to the throne room. Once there he shifted into a human form again and looked around. there was soulstealer, still embedded in the wall where he had left it. His hand reached out and wrapped around the hilt, pulling it free of the wall again. "Together again." he whispered. [Welcome back. Join us all the way.] [Die on the sword and never be alone again.] [Free us and you needn't do that. You'll have both life adn company.] [If you free her, she'll never stay near you. She hates you. She wants you dead as much as any of us.] [You will be one with us soon. You know it.] Squee shifted the sword to his left hand and held it up, at the same time, willing the mini-lens to appear in his human form. He gazed at the pair, as if comparing them for some reason. TBC ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:19:04 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007333 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:46:40 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007318 > >"I don't think you have to worry about anyone messing with the >artifacts once they are brought here. One of my selves can stay here, >and 'anchor' them to the structure of this cosmos. That will render >them effectively immovable until released." "From what I can see of your Structure that Should be Effective..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:19:06 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007334 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 > >>Nemisis wrote: >> >>"We would not want our mole to be the "Inventor", >> Since the Guild is sure to attempt to, >> Suppress Any such Threat to their Power..." >> >>"However it may make a suitable second string to this Bow, >> If their Monopoly is Broken then, >> The Governments would not feel the need to Defend them, >> Reducing the military forces that would be available, And >> Because of that much reducing to Death Count, >> A Smash and Grab maneuver would cause... >> It Might also provide our Mole with a usefull distraction, >> If we activate both plans, >> In the Proper sequence... >> Once we know who our Mole will be, >> We can decide what that sequence should be..." >> > >Harlock looks up with a grin. "Ah, but what if said mad inventor were >working for one of the defending governments? He would thus be >protected from overt molestation by the guild. Granted, said >government would likely attempt to set up a competing monopoly, if >such be not a contradiction in terms, but the resulting possibilities >for espionage and trade wars could easily cause havoc enow to acquire >the rod for ourselves." "The Time issue may be a problem there, As the Government will not want the Guild to Know they have it, At least not until they are ready..." "That Issue aside, Why only one of the Governments? :), Why not all of them and the Common Market, Just to force their hands and Spread the Attention?" >His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft >that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine >points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: >this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on >communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few >tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who >was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the >greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated >purpose." "The Issue of theft is a problematic one, I do not know how the Guild Acquired The Gauge, but They did not create it, That Claim may fall to Fuzzy or The Powers that creationed Him, I know not which... However the Point Remains that, They and Their Allies Will call it Theft, and Believe it to be so themselves, Even if we Revealed the Basis for our Claim, and Our Purpose in Acquiring the Artifact, Which not be wise as it would warn all the others, They would likely deny it." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:28 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:19:16 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007335 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:55 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007320 > >>FailSafe wrote: >> >>As you might guess the Paired Chips, >> Are worth a large percentage of the an industrial planet's >> Annual Product for a number of years... >> And are only availble from the Ansible Guild..." >> >Harlock grimaces. "An I understand your words correctly, this master >switching station sounds like a prime place for Murphy to strike." He >breaks off and looks thoughtful for a few minutes. His grimace slowly >fades, to be replaced by a mischevious grin. "An I could...ah...'talk >shop' with a techno-mage of some sort, I believe I know a spell which >could be adapted to the purpose." "I can see Purpose to that concept, If we are reduced to a brute force method, But it should only be Applied to the Guild Station, and Those Governments which will still Aid The Guild, At that Time... Each Government has its own Switching Station, Though there are a Few "Neutral" Stations, Generally run by FreeHolding Corporations, Linking the Various Governmental Networks together..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:19:19 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007336 >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:43:38 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007326 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 14:21:51 PDT >>Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007289 >> >>>"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, >>> Would seem to be, >>> Infiltration and Subversion..." >> >>"but of course not the only. Somehow, i get the impression that this >>group could probably do it by force alone. But if we do infiltrate, >>it will half to be a small group or singular person, so we come back >>to my question about groups..." > >"Might I suggest a novel approach? Ask if we may *borrow* it. A cover >story can be constructed such that we can truthfully answer enough >questions that we may be able to gain *voluntary* co-operation. After >all, we are dealing with a 'deity' of sorts here." [OOC: LOL 'Please Ser may we Borrow your Source of Power, We Promise to bring it back, Unless it is destroyed, In the Process of Bringing a Mythical Entity to Life.' I laughed so hard it hurt, think about their Reply... ;) ] "That could tip our hand, and To Date they have let only Three Monarchs see, What they said was 'The Gauge of Infinity', We do not know that they were shown the Real one." "I Said Fuzzy was Remembered, Please be Aware that in most cases it is a Passing Reference, Though a Few Religions have cast him, As a Hero, Saint, Demi-god, God, Demon, or Devil... Most have no particular Reverence for him." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:23:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:19:21 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007337 > On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 08:59:16 PDT > Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007331 > >>"I do not Know where this group are based, >> Several times there have been rumors, >> That someone trying to Acquire, >> Either the Artifact or the Time Machine, or Both, >> Have Failed to return..." >> >>"What their defenses are is unknown... >> Not even in Rumor..." > >OneEye laughs long and loud. "Considering the number of time beings >or travelers we have here, This one shouldn't be a problem. Altough i >would suggest using the big guns," Here he looks at aroura "Just >in case. And if we already had the rod, leaving something behind >shouldn't be a problem."He grins. "I Do Not Understand, Perhaps we could find them by following the Lost Expeditions, But how would the Gauge assist us in Leaving something behind?" "Most of the "Big Guns" do not time travel... And any Time Traveler sent to scout, Would have to be careful not to interfere..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:37:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:10 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007338 >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 02:02:05 -0400 (EDT) >caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007317 > >>>On 10-04-1999 at 09:54:29 >>>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 >>> >>>"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, >>> Would seem to be, >>> Infiltration and Subversion..." >> >> "Not playing to our strong suits," Roland comments, apparently >>trying to prove to Eric that he can be just as dry as the next >>costumed avenger, "but considerably better than the only provided >>alternative at the moment." > >Essex clears his throat politely. "Not yours, perhaps... but might I >suggest that it is one of mine?" "That appears to identify at least one benefit gained, From your Decision to accompany us..." Having followed the various comments elsewhere... Nemisis continues... "It Seems we will have two or more Groups out, Group one will have, The Infiltration Team, and One or More Support Teams carrying out various side tasks. Led or Directed in general by Dr. Essex... Tasked to acquire 'The Gauge of Infinity'. " "Group two needs A Time Traveler willing and able to not provoke paradox, And at least Some of our 'Heavy Hitters'... Tasked to Acquire 'The Game of IF'. " "FailSafe, Are you going to Reveal any more of the Artifacts at this time?" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:37:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:11 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007339 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:46:40 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007318 > >"I don't think you have to worry about anyone messing with the >artifacts once they are brought here. One of my selves can stay here, >and 'anchor' them to the structure of this cosmos. That will render >them effectively immovable until released." "The Castle carved into the Cliffs, [Gesture to indicate where] Exactly matches a Castle that I and Another, Built for Lord Fuzzy and Lord Dyhrclhanc, That Castle went missing during the Reset, I have had a set of Micro-Splits check it, and even the interior matches, I Suggest we use that as our base of Operations..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:37:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:11 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007340 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 > >His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft >that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine >points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: >this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on >communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few >tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who >was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the >greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated >purpose." "I am unsure, That the Greater Good would be served... Much as I dislike thinking about it, Lord Fuzzy served the Balance, As Such he has Wrought both Great Good and Great Evil, In at least one world where Good had won the final battle, He Shattered the Seals that held the Dark Forces out, 'That Life might have Choices and the potential for Growth.' Any situation where one or another of the Biased Forces, Held full sway without opposition seemed to offend him, then He would Meddle... Regardless of the Suffering he might loose on the people..." "I do not truly understand, Perhaps when I am older and wiser... What Advice would you give?" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:37:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:12 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007341 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:55 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007320 > >Harlock grimaces. "An I understand your words correctly, this master >switching station sounds like a prime place for Murphy to strike." He >breaks off and looks thoughtful for a few minutes. His grimace slowly >fades, to be replaced by a mischevious grin. "An I could...ah...'talk >shop' with a techno-mage of some sort, I believe I know a spell which >could be adapted to the purpose." "When ever you are Ready, Call..." "Even if it is not used, We should have it ready, The most likely disaster is, The Disaster you are not ready for..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:37:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:12 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007342 >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:48:11 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007327 > >>On 10-04-1999 at 19:16:23 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007303 >> >>"Anything that we can Make one of, >> we can make multiples of..." > >"Not necessarily. It is possible to construct items that, by their >very nature, *must* be unique, at least in the universe they are in." After a moments thought, "You are of course correct, I had not realized that these (The Quantum-NegaBands), Gave me that capability, So I had not considered it, ... In this case, Would we Want To?" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:42:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:56:25 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007343 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:56:30 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007322 > >>Nemo answers. >> >>Nemo points at a rock, and a beam of almost palpable energy shoots >>forth, only to stop several meters away. At the "stopping" point, an >>intricate gemlike structure takes form. It'll take an hour or so to >>complete, if anyone cares to hang around. There's a force field >>that'll prevent any but the most powerful entities from contacting >>the beam, the rock or the "gem". It is possible to use various >>senses and sensors thru the field. > >Harlock grimaces. "Yes, but if I understood my lessons in the arcane >art of physics correctly, such a process will inevitably release >waste heat at both conversion points. 'Twould seem rather silly to >run through the conversion process twice, just to produce a lump of >slag." "It all depends on *how* one goes about the process." "I am using more energy than can be supplied by the rock. But not large amounts more. If one works *with* the flow of the quantum foam, rather than against it, much that is otherwise impossible may be done." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:42:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:52:34 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007344 >On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 23:47:29 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007277 > >>Leonard Erickson wrote: >> > >>"And provided your opponents don't know what they are. Being both >>fragile and easily grabbed, they can be a *dis*advantage in those >>circumstances." > >Harlock's lip twitches. "Fragile? Perhaps. They're remarkably hard to >hit, though. And as for grabbing them..." The Bard mutters something, >and the stones fade from view. The twitch has developed into a rather >roguish grin. "That's not especially easy, either." "Really?" Nemo smiles and makes a sweeping bow. "By your leave?" he inquires. Assuming he gets a puzzled but affirmative answer, Nemo suddenly flicks out an odd object (picture it as a sticky yo-yo). Several flicks and several stones are stuck to it. "One must remember not to overestimate one's defenses." says Nemo as he hands over the "yo-yo" with a smile. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:42:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 11:23:51 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007345 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:02:14 -0700 (PDT) >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007310 > >"In several prior incidents which I became aware of, > Attempts at Planning to minimize incidental damage, > Has been derailed by one or another of them, > Deciding to take his or her Figits out on the Opponents..." > >"Very Few of the CAoL have not done this at one time or another." > >"Several of the Possible courses of action from this point, > Could result in Massive avoidable death tolls, > I am trying to prevent that." "Gaia." Eric shakes his head in astonishment and mild disgust. "I am greatly looking forward to meeting this 'Fuzzy,' so I can get out of this asylum..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 13:07:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: My Kung Fu, part II... On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 12:20:56 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007346 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 > >Rob stares at this. "Zia, if I might offer a suggestion...don't spar >with him. I knew his Ler - his Chi, to use a more recognizable term - >was on a par with my Valdritkar - er, sensei's - ability, but I know >that Rose would need more effort to reach that speed. And she uses >the Psycho Whirlwind style - speed is a major component of it." Eric snorts. "I _was_ trained by a civilized master. I can spar without killing my opponent." He shrugs. "As for the speed I achieved, this place made it somewhat easier. I think I would have only reached a six-to-one speed under less forgiving circumstances. Hrm." He looks at the other (known) martial artists present, then adds, "I can also train without harming my sparring partner. An important distiction, I suppose." >Three seconds later, the block of stone has been frozen, punched >skyward, re-frozen, kicked sideways, frozen for a third time, and >then slammed into the ground. It ends up in three large pieces driven >halfway into the ground, with several rocks and a large number of >pebbles scattered about. > >"That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." Eric nods. "The use of a Qiao (OOC: translates to 'Bridge,' according to my Demon Hunter X book) should never be a thing done easily or lightly. I'll not refuse so blatant an advantage, but the implications are...disturbing. Very impressive display, incidentally." >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:22:14 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007323 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007309 >Zia just half-grins, half-shrugs in something like mild >embarrassment. "At least she figured it out.... which I thought >deserved a truthful response." Eric nods, still dubious, but clearly respecting her honesty. >> Roland sighs, then chuckles. /No wonder you don't like her. >>You're too much alike./ >> /I BEG YOUR PARDON./ >> /You both adhere to one supreme philosophy, that I've noticed: >>'If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.' I'm >>glad it's a lifestyle I haven't embraced; paranoia doesn't strike me >>as a lot of fun./ Roland's tone becomes more mild. /Zia isn't good >>at first impressions. She's an acquired taste, but she's worth >>getting to know. I reacted to her even more poorly when we first >>met. She's one of my closest friends now./ > >One of Zia's eyebrows, the left one to be precise, rises a minute >fraction. She might not be directly linked via Lens to the CAoL >chat-channel all the time, but Lensing her name about evidently DID >get picked up on her own bit of polychromatic cabochon. 'Roland' chuckles. /"Sorry, Zia. I can give you a playback if you like..."/ Eric manages to suppress a scowl. >> "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place >>to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) >"I don't know if that is wise or not. It generally does not improve >someone's mood to spar - " She cuts herself off, and _stares_ at what >he is doing. "Rather like vampirism in reverse, without the fangs, >isn't that?" She murmurs to herself, apparently appalled. Eric nods and shrugs, all absently, stopping for about a tenth of a second to do so, then continues. "Better than tearing it from the innocent. And my ability to steal from the thieves is rather limited. It is, ultimately, a small sacrifice to be able to do what we must." He seems inured to it, though the pain must have been considerable. >> Eric stops his katas in mid-spinning-thrust-kick, stops, and >>turns. "Should we prepare for...interference...from your relatives?" >>He says it with surprising mildness, as chi flows easily into him to >>replace that which burned away. In a less power-rich environment, >>such swift recovery would be far less likely. > >"What, you didn't have your escape route resting persistently in your >mind already, Eric? How come I doubt that so veteran a warrior would >neglect the basics of tactical thought?" Zia isn't making a joke; she >evidently considers a fast getaway the most desirable way to 'deal >with' her family showing up. "I have several in mind," he replies with equal seriousness. "I haven't kept up with science fiction as much as I'd like, but this isn't my first Dyson Sphere, so I imagine that hiding is rather simple. Also, a gateway back to the pub we were in would make an excellent tactical retreat - vast reinforcements and what appears to be an easily defensible location. (OOC: I imagine even Benedict would think twice about assaulting the Place. 8^) However, retreat is not my first, or preferred, option, and awareness is the first step in a successful defense." >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:38:40 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007325 >"Rob, don't be overly concerned; I will be cautious. Eric does seem >to have the requisite skill not to cause serious injury - unless he >decides to do so. Besides, Silver Rose is a common name for my shadow >analogs. Speed isn't everything, even in the Arts Martial. I just >have to be sure my other talents don't interfere. Harlock, I don't >suppose you know any of the Chaos school's probability stabilizing >spells?" Eric, who is still 'paused,' watches with the unconcerned curiosity familiar to experienced martial artists everywhen. >When Eric pauses to talk, she begins to dance. Not quickly, she >doesn't seem to have speed in mind. She steps through Embracing the >Moon, a whimsical choice, and there is a sudden welling, shifting in >the chi force all around. Until that point, Eric watched, nodding in mild approval. Now Zia has his undivided attention. >Rather like a tidal force, as it seems to slowly begin drifting >towards the attracting body. The center of the flow is Zia. She >begins to slowly dance a kata that flows from Jeet Kung Do through >akido through judo rolls, then up into something like a Spiral >Dancer, or Balinese cultural dance. Once her concentration is >significantly sharpened, she stands 'open', letting the chi flow >through her as if she were some large geographical focus like a >river. It fountains upwards, and spreads slowly back to normal, as if >the spillgates on a dam were full open. "I was not aware," Eric says slowly, "that I was in the presence of a Master of Prime." >She glances to her left, where a light blue glimmering Symbol seems >to exist only in peripheal vision, and then her right, where a >'negative' like a photo swims black and shadowy of the space >'between' the lines of the Pattern. It is large, not quite circular, >and the center a trifle off balance to the right. > >"What kind of sparring did you want, Eric?" She asks, her voice >sounding far more peaceful than before. Her eyes glimmer with some >inner amusement, or merely the sort of feeling one might expect of >that much chi flowing through one. "I was referring to an option preferable to risking a more permanent confrontation. Or did you assume that your commander would find someone with acceptable self-control, but did not assume corresponding skill?" Eric licks his lips unconsciously, however, as he says it. "If you still require a demonstration - and after that display, I can't imagine why you would - I will indulge you." >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:55:31 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007328 >Once things cool down a bit, but before the group goes haring off to >grab artifacts, Nemo will speak to Eric. > >"Interesting style. Sparring might prove most interesting." > >With this, Nemo *flows* thru some "moves". There's no trace of >"hurry" or "rush" about them. He and they radiate INTENT thick enough >to cut. Yet as he completes them, observers will suddenly realize >that they took remarkably little time for all the lack of "hurry". >Think Valentine Michael Smith "waiting faster". > >Yet for all this, they have an inexorable air about them, like >watching a tsunami or other massive natural force. Eric just _watches_ this display, almost disbelieving. And it's pretty clear by now that the man's seen a lot. "Roland?" he finally says, quietly. /"Yes?"/ "Why in Gaia's name am I here?" he asks. Roland chuckles. /"I imagine a few rounds would answer that question. I have to admit I'd love to see the reaction of a Zia or a Nemo when you used your Heaven Stance block on 'em."/ His smile fades. /"Still, we should get moving."/ Eric mutters something about gnats and hammers, leaping back (each leap a blur of lines and motion) to the rest of the group. (OOC: If you've seen the anime 'Blue Seed,' think Kusanagi. There is probably plenty of other anime with similar characters. For the rest of you, his jumps seem to defy laws of physics, able to stop in mid-air and 're-leap,' sudden starts and landings between which he's at a constant state of high speed. 8^) ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 13:36:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On 10-05-1999 at 13:32:35 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007347 >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:10 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007338 > >"Group two needs > A Time Traveler willing and able to not provoke paradox, > And at least Some of our 'Heavy Hitters'... > Tasked to Acquire 'The Game of IF'. " "This group should also have one or more "Paradox" immunes, as "The Guardians of IF" could use their time machine, to engineer a Paradox Gem which when swapped by the Machine, Traps, Kills or otherwise Neutralizes the team, Without warning..." >"FailSafe, > Are you going to Reveal any more of the Artifacts at this time?" "Yes, One more, To complete the set of examples, Showing how much or little data I might have on any one artifact." "However I will wait a bit longer, to give the Second group time to begin forming..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 14:36:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Command Decisions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:05:30 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007348 >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 02:02:05 -0400 (EDT) >caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007317 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:19:13 -0700 >>Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007311 >> >>>On 10-04-1999 at 09:54:29 >>>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 >>> >>>"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, >>> Would seem to be, >>> Infiltration and Subversion..." >> >> "Not playing to our strong suits," Roland comments, apparently >>trying to prove to Eric that he can be just as dry as the next >>costumed avenger, "but considerably better than the only provided >>alternative at the moment." > >Essex clears his throat politely. "Not yours, perhaps... but might I >suggest that it is one of mine?" /"I meant the group as a whole,"/ Roland replies, apparently having forgotten his animosity towards Essex. /"We certainly have, and have had, members who are skilled in such things. Stranger, for example,"/ he nods to Stranger with a warm smile, /"and several others who are not with us at the moment. Also I suspect some of the newer members share your-"/ Roland's expression turns to one of shock briefly, then hardens somewhat. /"-ah, talents."/ >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 >Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 > >His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft >that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine >points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: >this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on >communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few >tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who >was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the >greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated >purpose." /"Needs of the many, sir,"/ Roland replies coolly. /"The Rod is also _providing_ said communications, at least as I understand it. Even if the thing was Fuzzy's in the first place, it is at least incumbent on us to ensure that we do not remove what communications are available to these people. I think judgement on that score will have to wait until we have at least had the chance to see what this group is like."/ >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:26:32 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007324 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:19:13 -0700 >>Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007311 >> >> /"One of them, at any rate,"/ Roland replies. /"You'd have >>thought America was going to Defcon 2, the way some people moaned >>when Ma Bell broke up. It's a good thing it happened before our >>computer network 'exploded' the way it did."/ > >Zia gives the Roland-projection a single, incredibly wicked smirk, >but the expression turns on and off like a strobe light it's so >quickly done. /Yes, that was a good thing - now they can't agree how >much they should charge per minute of local connection, so unlike >some parts of Europe, you're not paying a per minute connection fee >on even local calls to the Internet./ > >/As I said, communications are dreadfully important.../ /"Didn't know that...I don't think I would've liked even the Order of Reason having the ability to do that in America."/ He smiles back. /"I think it would be unfair to remove this Guild's ability to compete, but if breaking their monopoly becomes a viable option, we'll definitely have to look into it."/ >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 08:53:59 PDT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007330 > >OneEye stares in abject horror as Rob performs his moves. With a >flick of his hand a small energy sphere forms in his open palm. He >gazes intently within it, then looks up. He closes his eye, and >anyone with any degree of psychic power can hear the arguments of >several thousnad minds within the mage's own head. He grimaces >slightly.."By the lady" He quirks an eyebrow, as his face becomes >more and more angered. Finally, he shouts. "NO!" and the sound of >voices dies down. He looks about him, and tries to look unnoticeable. Roland winces, and his very form shimmers as if from radiant heat. /"Are you all right, sir?"/ >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:10 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007338 > >"It Seems we will have two or more Groups out, > Group one will have, > The Infiltration Team, and > One or More Support Teams carrying out various side tasks. > Led or Directed in general by Dr. Essex... > Tasked to acquire 'The Gauge of Infinity'. " > >"Group two needs > A Time Traveler willing and able to not provoke paradox, > And at least Some of our 'Heavy Hitters'... > Tasked to Acquire 'The Game of IF'. " Roland frowns. /"Ahem. I'm not sure dividing the team is wise. Especially given how many new members we have. We might want to deal with the 'Gauge' first, since we're already on our way to having a viable plan in dealing with it."/ >On 10-05-1999 at 13:32:35 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007347 > >>On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:10 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007338 > >"This group should also have one or more "Paradox" immunes, > as "The Guardians of IF" could use their time machine, > to engineer a Paradox Gem which when swapped by the Machine, > Traps, Kills or otherwise Neutralizes the team, > Without warning..." /"That settles that,"/ Roland adds. /"No one is going up against that kind of power with less than full strength, without proving to my satisfaction that a small team can handle these 'Guardians of IF.'"/ (OOC: If you want to run these adventures two or more at a time, Fuzzy, that's your call, but I know what a nightmare GMing separate groups can be, even over email, so if you want, there's your excuse to trim things back. 8^) >>"FailSafe, >> Are you going to Reveal any more of the Artifacts at this time?" > >"Yes, > One more, > To complete the set of examples, > Showing how much or little data I might have on any one > artifact." > >"However I will wait a bit longer, > to give the Second group time to begin forming..." Roland looks around, a weighing expression on his face. >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:11 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007339 > >"The Castle carved into the Cliffs, [Gesture to indicate where] > Exactly matches a Castle that I and Another, > Built for Lord Fuzzy and Lord Dyhrclhanc, > That Castle went missing during the Reset, > I have had a set of Micro-Splits check it, > and even the interior matches, > I Suggest we use that as our base of Operations..." Roland nods approvingly. /"Is that a match for the base we briefly used in the supers world with 'Lunitic?' An LZ that doesn't make the Place a target wouldn't be a bad idea."/ ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:45:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Command Decisions On 10-05-1999 at 15:43:51 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007349 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:05:30 -0700 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007348 > > /"I meant the group as a whole,"/ Roland replies, apparently >having forgotten his animosity towards Essex. /"We certainly have, >and have had, members who are skilled in such things. Stranger, for >example,"/ he nods to Stranger with a warm smile, /"and several >others who are not with us at the moment. Also I suspect some of the >newer members share your-"/ Roland's expression turns to one of shock >briefly, then hardens somewhat. /"-ah, talents."/ "Infiltration Perhaps one or two, The references I have accessed indicate that it is unlikely, We have ever had even a close match for Dr. Essex, In the Field of Subversion." >>On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 >>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 >> >>His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft >>that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine >>points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: >>this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on >>communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few >>tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who >>was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the >>greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated >>purpose." > > /"Needs of the many, sir,"/ Roland replies coolly. /"The Rod is >also _providing_ said communications, at least as I understand it. >Even if the thing was Fuzzy's in the first place, it is at least >incumbent on us to ensure that we do not remove what communications >are available to these people. I think judgement on that score will >have to wait until we have at least had the chance to see what this >group is like."/ "The data we were given seems to indicate that removal of the Gauge, will only prevent the creation of additional communications hardware, we were told that, The Existant hardware operates even outside the Matrix Cosm, This indicates that continued operation, Is not dependant on the Gauge... Which can not be removed from the Matrix Cosm." [OOC: if you have read Dumarest of Terra, you have a clue, Combine that with the Navigators Guild of the Dune Universe...] > Roland frowns. /"Ahem. I'm not sure dividing the team is wise. >Especially given how many new members we have. We might want to deal >with the 'Gauge' first, since we're already on our way to having a >viable plan in dealing with it."/ "That Plan, Does not make use of a significant portion of the Personnel, Several of whom are recommended Not to Participate, Unless it comes to a Assault in Force..." >>On 10-05-1999 at 13:32:35 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007347 >> >>"This group should also have one or more "Paradox" immunes, >> as "The Guardians of IF" could use their time machine, >> to engineer a Paradox Gem which when swapped by the Machine, >> Traps, Kills or otherwise Neutralizes the team, >> Without warning..." > > /"That settles that,"/ Roland adds. /"No one is going up against >that kind of power with less than full strength, without proving to >my satisfaction that a small team can handle these 'Guardians of >IF.'"/ > (OOC: If you want to run these adventures two or more at a time, >Fuzzy, that's your call, but I know what a nightmare GMing separate >groups can be, even over email, so if you want, there's your excuse >to trim things back. 8^) [OOC: The First set I want to Start Three... Putting Essex and Legion on the Infiltration, Will allow them to drop out of contact, 'because it got a bit hot", for a while ie Caprice's planned ABEND... ;) ] [OOC: StarSpawn and other Cosmic and Up Class Powers are, The Only ones who should get anywhere near, 'The Guardians of IF.'... As for Why, You will find out... Now Where did I put that Evil Laugh....?] >>On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:11 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007339 >> >>"The Castle carved into the Cliffs, [Gesture to indicate where] >> Exactly matches a Castle that I and Another, >> Built for Lord Fuzzy and Lord Dyhrclhanc, >> That Castle went missing during the Reset, >> I have had a set of Micro-Splits check it, >> and even the interior matches, >> I Suggest we use that as our base of Operations..." > > Roland nods approvingly. /"Is that a match for the base we briefly >used in the supers world with 'Lunitic?' An LZ that doesn't make the >Place a target wouldn't be a bad idea."/ [OOC: The castle looks a bit like the Castle of Ultimate Darkness, In Time Bandits...] "Well it is not small or hidden, but This Is an awfully big place to search, Full Medical Facilities, Defenses fit to stand off Planet Killers, Offenses in the same range, Research and Educational Facilities, For every field I know of short off the Quantum-NegaBands..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:26:02 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007350 >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:11 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007340 > >>On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 >>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 >> >>His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft >>that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine >>points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: >>this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on >>communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few >>tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who >>was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the >>greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated >>purpose." /"That's an old cliche and an older excuse,/" Roland replies dryly. /"I am a recognized enforcer of law on my world, and last I checked theft was still illegal. I'm quite willing to argue that the artifact is Fuzzy's in the first place, or even _is_ Fuzzy, but just taking it without concern for the consequences is hardly an option."/ >"I am unsure, > That the Greater Good would be served... > Much as I dislike thinking about it, > Lord Fuzzy served the Balance, > As Such he has Wrought both Great Good and Great Evil, > In at least one world where Good had won the final battle, > He Shattered the Seals that held the Dark Forces out, > 'That Life might have Choices and the potential for Growth.' > Any situation where one or another of the Biased Forces, > Held full sway without opposition seemed to offend him, then > He would Meddle... > Regardless of the Suffering he might loose on the people..." Roland sobers quickly, growing quiet for a moment. /"I always thought the Prime Directive was a copout, but sometimes...I'd hate to end up on the opposite side of a battle against Fuzzy."/ He chuckles. /"Not that evil is in any immediate danger on my world."/ >"I do not truly understand, > Perhaps when I am older and wiser... > What Advice would you give?" /"When in doubt, always err on the side of friendship. Fuzzy was - is - my friend."/ Roland says that with the certainty of 'gravity makes things fall down.' >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:12 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007342 > >>On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:48:11 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007327 >> >>"Not necessarily. It is possible to construct items that, by their >>very nature, *must* be unique, at least in the universe they are >>in." > >After a moments thought, >"You are of course correct, > I had not realized that these (The Quantum-NegaBands), > Gave me that capability, > So I had not considered it, > ... > In this case, > Would we Want To?" /"I think, Nemo, you missed the point,"/ Roland comments. /"We can no doubt make objects that are unique in nature - but with the power available to us, we can make duplicates virtually indistinguishable, for most purposes. While we can't create objects with the pieces of Fuzzy's soul, for example, I suspect we could make variants that have all the other properties of said objects, between our combined abilities."/ Directing his comments more to both at this point, he continues, /"The question is, which direction to take, and with the 'Gauge,' the consensus - myself included - seems to be the more groups that can provide this service, the better. I don't think just doing that would gain us the Rod, though. This Guild might want to keep it from us just from sour grapes, by then."/ >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:52:34 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007344 > >>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 23:47:29 -0700 >>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007277 >> >>Harlock's lip twitches. "Fragile? Perhaps. They're remarkably hard >>to hit, though. And as for grabbing them..." The Bard mutters >>something, and the stones fade from view. The twitch has developed >>into a rather roguish grin. "That's not especially easy, either." > >"Really?" > >Nemo smiles and makes a sweeping bow. > >"By your leave?" he inquires. > >Assuming he gets a puzzled but affirmative answer, Nemo suddenly >flicks out an odd object (picture it as a sticky yo-yo). Several >flicks and several stones are stuck to it. > >"One must remember not to overestimate one's defenses." says Nemo as >he hands over the "yo-yo" with a smile. Roland suppresses a smile. Barely. "That's hardly fair, Nemo. You have the power of NEMO to draw on. One cannot expect we mere mortals - um, well, you know what I mean - to compete with beings on the scale of Arisians, Starspawn, or, well, you." 8^) ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:48:40 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007351 >"I Do Not Understand, > Perhaps we could find them by following the Lost Expeditions, > But how would the Gauge assist us in Leaving something behind?" > >"Most of the "Big Guns" do not time travel... > And any Time Traveler sent to scout, > Would have to be careful not to interfere..." "Simplicity in itself. The gauge makes a copy of whatever it touches. Touch it to the game, take the original, and leave the copy. The same can be done for all of them. Shouldn't be hard." The merchant of time laughs to himself. "The hard part if of course going to be keeping certain memebers of this group from having fun expierimenting with the rod." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:54:24 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007352 OneEye raises his hand. "As far as time travel goes, I'm more than willing to help. Paradox...."He grins, and it is not a nice thing. "Well, it doesn't seem to mind me very much. Geuss I'm just lucky." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 21:34:12 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007353 Nemisis wrote: >Nemisis steps through the Gateway... > >"Ok, People I am about to set that gateway to View Only, > You Might want to be on the Callahan's Side of it, > Though I will be trying to limit the area of any Effects, > even on this side, so it is Optional..." Stranger, reluctantly stepped through the gate into Callahans, still finishing off the last of a ham sandwich. >"It is Asking, Who I am..." >"I am {}, called Nemisis" > >=The Children of the House are Always Welcome.= > >With a Ripple of Energy the Quantum Time Stop collapses, > A Wave of 'Emotion' Spreads, > Like one of those Trans-Cosmic Statements, > Unlimited by space or time or attempts to stop it... > Roughly translated it seems like, > "Hope Transcends All Boundaries!" >Fuzzy's Staff comes off the Surface of the Sphere as > A Shimmer forms on the surface of the Sphere... Stranger staggered slightly and grinned broadly. >"That is a Passwall Effect, > I Believe we are invited in..." > >The Gateway ripples again as it returns to "Normal" Operation > >"Anyone care to Join me?" > >Assuming that everyone who is going to, >Goes to and into the Sphere... Stranger, stepped back through the gateway to the sphere and on into the 'passwall' without any hesitation. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 21:37:30 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007354 >On Sat, 2 Oct 1999 02:19:22 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007231 > >Zia tags along at the back of the general group, watching the strange >new world unfolding all around, and occasionally giving some odd bit >of scenery a bemused smile. "Well, by all indications, we've now >opened Pandora herself's box of ills for mankind, in reverse. Hope >came out first. Rather intriguing." "Depends on your point of view, hope can be poisonous if misdirected." Stranger comments levelly. "But then, you have to know who you are before you can decide what you want." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 22:28:57 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007355 Rio wrote: > Eric doesn't react visibly, except to reply, "You know full well >that there are some creatures against whom a bullet is more effective >than a 'rote.'" He stands there, still (carefully) holding out the >gun and clips. > >"But...." Rio sighs heavily. "You've got that look in your eyes. >There's no way I can win this one, is there?" His lack of response >speaks volumes. "Hmph," she pouts, as she takes the weapon, plops >herself on the ground, and makes a show of fumbling to get her pant >leg out of the way enough to strap on the holster. Stranger drops a small box next to her - it's marked with the words "9mm jacketed" in handwritten capitals. If she opens it she'll find sixty 9mm bullets. "I'm afraid I don't have any magazines you could use, I use Berettas personally, however they'll give you the option of not incinerating your target" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 22:36:28 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007356 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:42:03 -0700 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007314 > >"The Artifact called 'The Game of IF' " > >"According to Rumor, > A semi-Secret Society called, >'The Guardians of If', >Have Possession of this Artifact, and a Time Machine, >They Maintain an archive of Paradox Gems, >'In case the Night should come again' ." > >"I do not Know where this group are based, > Several times there have been rumors, > That someone trying to Acquire, > Either the Artifact or the Time Machine, or Both, > Have Failed to return..." "So what do we know about the Guardians? Presumably we have their location down to a given Cosm? Do we know their aims?" >"What their defenses are is unknown... > Not even in Rumor..." "I wonder if someone with a loud enough mouth and a couple of these gems could get them to come to him? Do you think we could get hold of some without causing too much damage?" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Command Decisions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 15:10:15 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007357 >Roland winces, and his very form shimmers as if from radiant >heat. >/"Are you all right, sir?"/ "I...am fine. The power here is such that certain rebellious elements belive a solution that would not be viable is possible. please, I know the customs of the Place we come from, and ask that you continue to observe them in regard to this." He smiles grimly. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 15:51:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Command Decisions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 23:11:14 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007358 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:05:30 -0700 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007348 > > /"I meant the group as a whole,"/ Roland replies, apparently >having forgotten his animosity towards Essex. /"We certainly have, >and have had, members who are skilled in such things. Stranger, for >example,"/ he nods to Stranger with a warm smile, Stranger shrugs as if to say 'who? me?' and smiles back. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 17:04:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:36:25 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007359 In a message dated 10/5/99 1:37:08 PM Pacific Daylight Time, FailSafe writes: >>"Group two needs >> A Time Traveler willing and able to not provoke paradox, >> And at least Some of our 'Heavy Hitters'... >> Tasked to Acquire 'The Game of IF'. " > >"This group should also have one or more "Paradox" immunes, > as "The Guardians of IF" could use their time machine, > to engineer a Paradox Gem which when swapped by the Machine, > Traps, Kills or otherwise Neutralizes the team, > Without warning..." "I can do that." Scott volunteers. "Heck, if you need a scout, I can do that to perfection." With that, Scott fades out of view for a few seconds. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 17:09:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 17:06:35 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007360 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 > >Rob stares at this. "Zia, if I might offer a suggestion...don't spar >with him. I knew his Ler - his Chi, to use a more recognizable term - >was on a par with my Valdritkar - er, sensei's - ability, but I know >that Rose would need more effort to reach that speed. And she uses >the Psycho Whirlwind style - speed is a major component of it." The armored Raver wandered over to Rob and Zia, watching the Hunter go through his katas with professional interest. However, it is Mandy, standing near where the CAoL entered this world, who speaks up. "Neat. We have seen few humans with that speed. Unaltered, that is." >Rob continues to watch Eric, but his eyes are the least part of it. >For the most part, he's watching the energy flow. As Eric's energies >return, he remembers something else he learned recently, and places >his pen and notepad in a pocket. > >Wishing a block of stone into existence, he flares his Ler around his >fists, shifts it from red to blue, and then focuses to an even >greater extent. > >Three seconds later, the block of stone has been frozen, punched >skyward, re-frozen, kicked sideways, frozen for a third time, and >then slammed into the ground. It ends up in three large pieces driven >halfway into the ground, with several rocks and a large number of >pebbles scattered about. Raver lifted her eyebrows at Rob's display of power, and nodded. "Impressive." [No shadowdancing here,] Mandy interjected. [The danger is less now that I know of it,] came the reply. [Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see the effects of a free shadowdance...] The demon shrugged, drawing her greatsword from its back sheath, and sat on one of the large pieces. A reach into katana space produced a set of whetstones, and a softly breathed phrase took care of any sparks that might appear. >"That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." Mandy nodded at Rob, not seeming to notice that Raver's eyes darkened briefly at his statement. Lizard "spoken communication" [private thoughts] ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:04:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 21:53:24 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007365 >On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 17:06:35 -0700 (PDT) >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007360 > >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 >> >>"That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." > >Mandy nodded at Rob, not seeming to notice that Raver's eyes darkened >briefly at his statement. Zia blinks, as Eric has already bounded off. Then she nods, and simply looks relieved. "I wonder what a Master of Prime is?" She asks herself, rheotorically. "Why wouldn't that be the Madame of Prime, anyway?" Left with quite a bit of energy flowing that she has cycled about, she regards the rather stunningly bleak landscape of rocks, rocks, and more rocks. "Ah. Much better than getting trounced, indeed. Perhaps my Good Luck is in working condition after all. Now, what do I do, since it seems I'm not in for a lesson in humility at the moment..." She slowly lowers the Chi Fountain she'd built up around here, and lets it find a natural drain through the topography local to her. As it flows away, the slightest green 'misty' color appears on the stones. Then larger spots of lichen, the beginnings of plant life that will with time form soil, slowly grow along the 'stream' from the new upwelling of Chi force here that seems to have become self-sustaining. Zia watches this, distracted from the Planning discussion and grinning quite broadly with evident enjoyment. "I haven't lost my touch for a nicely-appointed Conjury, at least. Marvelous, if not as spectacular as a rose, it is a nice beginning. She crouches to gentle touch a spot of lichen, then nods, stands and brushes off her hands like any craftsman might. She grins at Raver and Mandy, "Hi, gals." "Say, Scott - " This despite his disappearing act, "How did you get to my Trump deck? That is _supposedly_ protected. It'd be disastrous if a pickpocket got it from me." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:32:42 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:04:50 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007366 In a message dated 10/4/99 1:02:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time, FailSafe writes: > >"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, > Would seem to be, > Infiltration and Subversion..." Roger raises a tenative hand. "Er...is there any possibility we might just talk them out of it? Or buy it from them? I mean, if we can produce reasonable evidence that it is, er, 'part of Fuzzy'...." He trails off at the looks he's getting. "What? I just hate stealing stuff from people who aren't utter slime. It seems to me that if there's a way too honestly buy the artifact, or trade for it, we should take it. Assuming, of course, we aren't perpetuating some kind of Horrendous Evil....or something..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:32:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Freelance Responses On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:04:53 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007367 In a message dated 10/5/99 12:32:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time, ljwolfe writes: > >>> "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?" >> >>Roger's right shoulder undergoes a pre-motion tremula, before he >>glances around and decides *not* to raise his hand. > > (OOC: Aw, nuts. 8^) OOC: Hey, he's done it before. And Gen-F, and maybe even the Champions at some point -- given 350+ years in the biz, he's probably led *everything* at least once. Although we won't mention the Scions of Caine.... But here-now, it's unlikely that the CAoL has anywhere near enough experience with Roger (they've known him for what, 72 hours subjective by now?) for him to try herding this pride of cats with any real hope of success. Plus, his memories might get in the way. > "-do you think you're-oh, grife." Roland rolls his eyes. "You >inherited my martyr complex too, didn't you? Roger opens his mouth-- >Don't answer that; I'd deny it too, in your place. And closes it again, with the merest ghost of an ironic grin playing at the corners. >What the sprock am I saying?" he mutters at the end, then >concentrates. "Morgan may be the healer in this lot, but Haloes are >_my_ end of the deal, and you've pushed yours way past tolerances. >You get a warranty on that upgrade, Roger?" By now, as Roland's Halo >slowly extends to touch Roger's, becoming visible (a beautiful >rainbow-like effect, like a 'normal' aura on steroids _and_ speed 8^) >as his effort becomes plain. "This lot can use all the help they can >get, but you're not going anywhere until you look more like an >immortal than Swiss Cheese." "Yes, Dad." "I really appreciate the recharge -- I'd mend on my own, but I'm not into needless masochism. Despite my Martyr Complex." He smirks mildly at Roland's expression. "And as for my warranty...well, I got *that* from you too, didn't I?" His grin falters. "I'll admit, it's been a while since I came that close to...mortality. I was running in dual mode, and one of me got zeroed by somebody who *really* knew their stuff -- every chakra, all at once." He shudders slightly. "I couldn't decouple in time, and so -- Zap! Half my Halo, in one fell swoop." He grimaces. "Usually Duping is a survival *enhancer,* but it has certain vulnerable points where I'm concerned." >"_And_ you're going to let me work on the rest of that trauma," >Morgan adds in a voice she's sure Roger has heard more times than he >cares to ;-). "I care about all of you...," her voice softens as she >indicates both Roger and the CAoL, "...too much to send you into who >knows what at any less than full health, as long as there's anything >I can do about it." Even close on 400 years old, it's still incredibly comforting to let Mom "kiss it and make it better." (Of course, where Morgan is concerned, *anyone* would be glad to --WHACK! Nevermind) But one must keep up appearances: even as he sags in obvious relief at Morgan's Healing Touch, he says in full Teenager Mode, "Awww, MOOOoooooOOOMMmmmm.....not in front of the other superheroes...." His heart obviously isn't in it, however, as the amount of tension that bleeds out of him makes it obvious just how much effort he was expending to stay upright. Meanwhile, on the Dyson Sphere, the other Roger, still seated in his chair during FailSafe's briefing, does a stretch-and-melt like a stroked cat, relaxing almost to the point of dozing off. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:04:54 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007368 In a message dated 10/5/99 12:32:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rolandx writes: > > "Exactly what kind of precipitous actions," Eric asks in a >near-monotone, "are you trying to prevent?" Roger, looking asleep, sniggers from behind closed eyelids. "Oh, Hunter, shall I make you a *list*?" he asks, in semi-conscious imitation of Essex earlier.... ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:04:55 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007369 In a message dated 10/5/99 1:06:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rolandx writes: > > /ROLAND./ Eric sends. > /I'm working on it,/ Roland replies. > /No. Why does this woman feel a need to test someone you've chosen >to take your place?/ Eric snaps. > Roland sighs, then chuckles. /No wonder you don't like her. You're >too much alike./ > /I BEG YOUR PARDON./ Callahans-Roger falls off his stool again. Dyson-Sphere-Roger bites his lip, hard. ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:05:00 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007370 In a message dated 10/5/99 1:39:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time, ljwolfe writes: > >/"I should warn you all, I'm 'hitching a ride' from the lens-link, >and I'm not at all used to being in 'two places at once,' "Ooo! Ooo!" Roger hops about -- Finally, somethig *he* can teach *Roland*! "I can help with that -- gimme a sec...." A long moment's concentration allows Roger to rezz up a small energistic crystalform in his hand, made up of a teeny fraction of his halo energy and designed to be absorbed Quickening-style by another Immie -- keyed to Roland, in this case, and designed to impart knowledge rather more effectively than the usual mode. It contains the distilled lessons Roger has learned about Multiplexing, minus the references that only work with his particular brand of it. >but if no one else is going to lead this lot then I'd better do >_something._ Though I'd better appoint an XO pro-tem, since I could >easily flicker out for any number of reasons. Morgan and the Wonder >Twins have to be my first priority."/ His eyes literally sparkle with >amusement. "Gahhh--!" >The Blaze-construct flinches slightly; apparently Morgan heard the >"Wonder Twin" comment and retaliated appropriately . Roger appears to be weighing the cost/benefit ration of strangling Roland -- just a little bit. "Light -- Dad, I swear, if you're even *considering* 'Jan and Zana,' I'm going to...going to...well, I'll do something drastic, is what I'll do!" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:05:03 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007371 In a message dated 10/5/99 2:08:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time, caprice writes: > >> "Not playing to our strong suits," Roland comments, apparently >>trying to prove to Eric that he can be just as dry as the next >>costumed avenger, " but considerably better than the only provided >>alternative at the moment." > >Essex clears his throat politely. "Not yours, perhaps... but might I >suggest that it is one of mine?" ^No, Dad, DON'T say it....^ ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:05:04 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007372 In a message dated 10/5/99 4:04:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time, harlock writes: > >>Rio looks down at her right pantleg, sprouts a broad grin, and goes >>off to one side of the group. Anyone paying attention will notice >>she's practicing quick-draws, using a combination of Time and >>Correspondence :-). Roger, doing a good imitation of Mischief (sleepy and purring), enjoys just watching her move from under hooded eyelids. OOC: Something tells me this will push Rio's 'flirt' button. And if/when Eric notices....oooohboy. OOC2: I should clarify that. I'm hypothesizing that CoXes have the same of of attitudes toward sex generally found at Lady Sally's and on Beta Colony. "It's not just *fun,* it's therapuetic and energizing!" (OK, so that last bit was tongue-in-cheek.....) ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 19:33:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Roger and retcons On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:05:02 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007373 In a message dated 10/5/99 2:08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rio writes: > >>Since Eric has no idea what's going on here-now, Roger indulges in a >>non-serious wolf whistle -- just to observe the forms, you >>understand.... > >The woman looks at Roger, and her eyes widen. Then she smiles warmly, >and her lips form a kiss at him. He actually _feels_ it ;-). "Wha -- oh, wait, I remember now....wow. I'd forgotten how Foxy CoXies kiss." Roger smiles a bit blissfully. >>>War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are _so_ elite!" >> >>"Oh, great....she's still in her groupie stage. I remember Eric >>telling me about this." He glances up at his parents(?). "Don't >>worry -- she gets better." He glances back at the replay. "In a >>manner of speaking." > > (OOC-Roland: Er, there's no guarantee that Eric is staying with >the CAoL. Or even that he'll survive. In fact, chances are he'll be >going his own way after his 'tour of duty' is done, if he does >survive. Plus, he's mortal. He likes it that way. More detail on him >would be spoiling surprises. 8^) OOC: Oops. For some reason, I actually thought Eric was immortal. My bad. Still, if he does survive the next, say, 30 years, he strikes me as being waaaay too cool for Young Roger to not hunt up and pester. (:) Think Miles and Piotr Vorkosigan.... >>On the second try, another Roger appears in the Place about five >>minutes ago, at the top of this post, of in an unobtrusive corner >>where no one notices him (thus satisfying causality, Wrinkle, >>Hawking, and Bullwinkle). As he reaches the present, Roger-then >>remerges with Roger-now, and the latter gets to relive everything >>that he missed....with his mind opened to Roland and Morgan >>sufficiently that they can see what he's reacting to. > >Rio stops, turns, and stares at Roger. "Ohh, yeah," she mutters, >"Roger from the Future. _This_ is going to be _interesting_." "I should change my codename to Timex...." He gives her his rakish grin, the rare one that comes with a Surgeon General's Warning. "You *do* realize, lovely lady, that we are now violating several causality rules? My Unc -- er, I mean, Wrinkle will be *quite* put out with us." He pauses for reflection. "Although I must say that if you kiss him like you just did me, you should be able to wrap him around your little finger. He's...vulnerable, that way...sometimes." A momentary wave of ineffable sadness washes across Roger's face and disappears back into his rakish grin. "In the meantime, about that tie-dye: have you given any thought to the benefits of...spaaaandex?" > OOC: How's Roger at sensing Time abilities in others? Normally pretty damned good (Wrinkle wants someone to spell him during vacations -- kidding!), although his edge is going to be rather dulled at the moment by his condition. But if she has an affinity for Time, he should be able to make an educated guess at how strong and how accurate she is, and end up somewhere in the ballpark. Is she a Traveller, or a Sensor? ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:11:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: My Kung Fu, part II... On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:01:46 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007374 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 12:20:56 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007346 > >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 >> >>Three seconds later, the block of stone has been frozen, punched >>skyward, re-frozen, kicked sideways, frozen for a third time, and >>then slammed into the ground. It ends up in three large pieces >>driven halfway into the ground, with several rocks and a large >>number of pebbles scattered about. >> >>"That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." > > Eric nods. "The use of a Qiao (OOC: translates to 'Bridge,' >according to my Demon Hunter X book) should never be a thing done >easily or lightly. I'll not refuse so blatant an advantage, but the >implications are...disturbing. Very impressive display, >incidentally." "This is the first time it's worked. I learned the technique when I was amalgamated with...Ryu, or somebody like him. But I haven't been able to focus well enough before now. And my Ler was not flowing as smoothly as it does at my usual levels. Knowing it works is enough for now." [OOC] That maneuver, in case anybody hasn't guessed, is supposed to be roughly equivalent to a level one Super Combo. Rob shouldn't be able to perform one at his current skill level, but this universe gives just enough of an extra 'kick' to make it possible. Barely. [/OOC] >>On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 06:38:40 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007325 > >>"Rob, don't be overly concerned; I will be cautious. Eric does seem >>to have the requisite skill not to cause serious injury - unless he >>decides to do so. Besides, Silver Rose is a common name for my >>shadow analogs." "Something which may not matter as much as you think. None of Rose's analogs are named 'Silver Rose.'" >>"Speed isn't everything, even in the Arts Martial." "It isn't the speed that concerns me. It's the source of the speed, and what it implies about the fighter." >>When Eric pauses to talk, she begins to dance. Not quickly, she >>doesn't seem to have speed in mind. She steps through Embracing the >>Moon, a whimsical choice, and there is a sudden welling, shifting in >>the chi force all around. > > Until that point, Eric watched, nodding in mild approval. Now Zia >has his undivided attention. And Rob's. While his abilities are well into the unusual, he would be the first to admit that World Warrior rank is still beyond his abilities, and mastery even farther out of reach. Zia, understandably, has experience that Rob lacks. His ability to gauge another person's Ler is not precise, but it offers enough of a view to cause him to re-think his previous statement. >>Rather like a tidal force, as it seems to slowly begin drifting >>towards the attracting body. The center of the flow is Zia. She >>begins to slowly dance a kata that flows from Jeet Kune Do through >>aikido through judo rolls, then into something like a Spiral Dancer, >>or Balinese cultural dance. Once her concentration is significantly >>sharpened, she stands 'open', letting the chi flow through her as if >>she were some large geographical focus like a river. It fountains >>upwards, and spreads slowly back to normal, as if the spillgates on >>a dam were full open. > > "I was not aware," Eric says slowly, "that I was in the presence >of a Master of Prime." "Zia? Forget I said anything." >>On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:55:31 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007328 >> >>Once things cool down a bit, but before the group goes haring off to >>grab artifacts, Nemo will speak to Eric. >> >>"Interesting style. Sparring might prove most interesting." >> >>With this, Nemo *flows* thru some "moves". There's no trace of >>"hurry" or "rush" about them. He and they radiate INTENT thick >>enough to cut. Yet as he completes them, observers will suddenly >>realize that they took remarkably little time for all the lack of >>"hurry". Think Valentine Michael Smith "waiting faster". >> >>Yet for all this, they have an inexorable air about them, like >>watching a tsunami or other massive natural force. Rob doesn't say anything. Instead, he pulls an envelope from his jacket, and scribbles something on the outside. Opening it, he reads the message on the card inside, and stares at the result, then drops both envelope and card on the grass. "I don't believe it." Anybody who bothers to read them will find that the envelope has, "Am I really necessary here?" written on the outside. The card says, "Yes." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:11:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:10:56 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007375 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:48:40 PDT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007351 > >"Simplicity in itself. The gauge makes a copy of whatever it touches. >Touch it to the game, take the original, and leave the copy. The same >can be done for all of them. Shouldn't be hard." > >The merchant of time laughs to himself. "The hard part if of course >going to be keeping certain memebers of this group from having fun >expierimenting with the rod." "And that's why I mentioned an 'artistic enhancement,'" Rob remarks. "If a pair of small teleport gates could be placed close to each other, and at right angles to each other, the Gauge might be used in concert with such an item to duplicate _itself._ But I wouldn't try that stunt with anyone less than a High Master in the field, or the equivalent." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:34:15 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 20:17:18 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007377 >On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 14:26:02 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007350 > >>On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 10:52:34 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007344 >> >>"One must remember not to overestimate one's defenses." says Nemo as >>he hands over the "yo-yo" with a smile. > > Roland suppresses a smile. Barely. "That's hardly fair, Nemo. You >have the power of NEMO to draw on. One cannot expect we mere mortals >- um, well, you know what I mean - to compete with beings on the >scale of Arisians, Starspawn, or, well, you." 8^) Rob smiles. "Roland, I don't rank on that scale, but I might be able to grab one of those stones with my eyes closed. Although to be fair, I must note that I would _have_ to close my eyes to bring my mage-senses up and focus my Ler simultaneously." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 21:08:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 23:38:51 -0400 (EDT) caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007378 >On 10-05-1999 at 11:35:10 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007338 > >"It Seems we will have two or more Groups out, > Group one will have, > The Infiltration Team, and > One or More Support Teams carrying out various side tasks. > Led or Directed in general by Dr. Essex... > Tasked to acquire 'The Gauge of Infinity'. " Essex murmurs, "I am flattered by the trust." >"Group two needs > A Time Traveler willing and able to not provoke paradox, > And at least Some of our 'Heavy Hitters'... > Tasked to Acquire 'The Game of IF'. " Legion shakes her head. "While we can time travel, it makes us rather ill... and the group already knows the effect that such gross effects have on us... Perhaps it would be better if we worked with Essex..." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 21:09:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Command Decisions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 23:51:48 -0400 (EDT) caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007379 >On 10-05-1999 at 15:43:51 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007349 *snipped* >"Infiltration Perhaps one or two, > The references I have accessed indicate that it is unlikely, > We have ever had even a close match for Dr. Essex, > In the Field of Subversion." Essex arches a brow, "I'm flattered, I think. Failsafe, I trust you can provide a...telepathic download of the data I will need in order to pass as a native and do what needs to be done?" Legion says, "If not, I can provide that information once I've become...acclimatized to that reality." Essex turned to Legion, taking one of her hands in both of his. "I would rather you stayed here, it would be safer." Legion looks up at him, "You don't have to do this alone, Nathaniel.. you have nothing to prove to any of them." Essex says softly, "Not to them. To you." He raises one of Legion's hands to his lips, and kisses it gently. Legion... doesn't say a thing for once. She just blushes furiously, her eyes lowering. =================================