Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6 Part 1 - Chapter 14 Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 19:52:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE6a: The Planning Room, Group 1 Update On 10-21-1999 at 19:49:04 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007808 > Group One > Artifact: The Gauge of Infinity > Direction and Timing: Dr. Essex > Infiltration Team: Dr. Essex, > Legion > BackTime Setup Team: StarSpawn led by > Already in Process Polaris, > Cyan, > Frey, and > Boogyman. > Present Time Tech Distribution: Nemo, > Nemisis > StarSpawn Persona's > Unknown > Rabble-Rousing, > General Social Agitation, > Propaganda: Bard Harlock If I have forgotten anyone, please add yourself in, Wherever is most appropriate... ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 19:52:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE6b: The Planning Room, Group 2 Update On 10-21-1999 at 19:49:04 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007809 > Group Two: > Artifact: The Game of IF > Direction and Timing: Unknown > Suggested, Nemo > Suggested, Aurora > Probability Biasing Zia > Nemo > BackTime Scouting: Scott Osborne, > OneEye > Action Group: Nemo, > FailSafe, > Aurora, > OneEye > Seth A Reminder Nemo and Nemisis, can be in many places at once, If there is need. If I have forgotten anyone, please add yourself in, Wherever is most appropriate... ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 19:52:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE6c: The Planning Room, Group 3 Update On 10-21-1999 at 19:49:04 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007810 > Group Three: > Artifact: The Cosmic Engineer > Direction and Timing: Major West > Scouting Team: Eric, > Major West, > Mandy, > Raver, > Nemisis, > Stranger, > Will, > Rio, > Roger, > John, > Rhiannon A Reminder Nemo and Nemisis, can be in many places at once, If there is need. If I have forgotten anyone, please add yourself in, Wherever is most appropriate... ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:01:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy (longish) On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:48:57 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007812 >On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 12:19:31 -0400 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007799 > >>>>Morgan and/or Roland Said >>>> >>>>That, it is believed, is how the mages of my world affect >>>>reality...by altering the very fabric of existence. > >"So in other words, brother, it's 'Tass'" says the >Sentinel/Lensdragon, adding his $.02. Roland looks sour. "I wish. 'Tass' is a physical object which has a certain amount of Quintessence in it. This...this is like taking a lightning bolt and turning it into a ball bearing. It's pure essence of creation solidified, sib, unless I'm very mistaken..." ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:37:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Splitting Attention On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:58:33 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007813 >On Wed, 20 Oct 1999 21:39:50 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00007790 > >/I could track them back to their origins, but not by using their >resonance. My senses go far below the level of individual universes, >that is I sense The Stardragon itself. To me ALL of us are from the >same place. An analogy would be trying to identify amountain by >examining a particular mote of dust. For me to find their home >universe, I would have to backtrack them through time. It's doable, >but it's not all that feasible. If it weren't for the many universes >that COULD have created exact duplicates of them I could construct a >mental model of where they came from and locate it that way, but in >an infinite Megaverse it is possible for MANY unverses to have >produced them./ Aurora answers. /Huh. Go figure./ Roland shrugs, mildly surprised. /I guess being at your level of power does have the occasional disadvantage. To me, it's like...well, there really isn't an analogy at the human level, but the closest I can come is music. Each song has its own combination of frequencies, and no matter how similar two songs are, even two performances of the same song, there are differences in pitch, tone, nuance...using the 'vibration' theory of interdimensional travel, I can 'feel' where something is from, and from there find the frequency match. /I suppose,/ he adds thoughtfully, /it would be something like the difference between a human seeing an ant and a giant doing the same. You can see much farther...but for some of the smaller details, you need the equivalent of a sample and a microscope while I can just kneel and look./ (OOC: Kudos, BTW, for giving the Starspawn a limitation, however 'small.' ;^) ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:37:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:13:31 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007815 >On Wed, 20 Oct 1999 17:23:08 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007791 > >>On Tue, 19 Oct 1999 23:26:13 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007782 >> >> "Hrm. Looks like Phoenix has grown up some, then." Eric snorts. >>"I'm not lighting any fires under anything besides Kindred, but I >>want to be done with this as soon as possible." He strides the rest >>of the way to the briefing room, Rio beside him, though she has to >>hurry to keep up. When he enters, he gives the room a flat look, >>then goes back to standing in the shadows, slowly going from his >>steel-hard demeanor to his usual faux-slouch. > >One of the "shadows" turns out to be Nemo. He "makes himself known" >by an almost imperceptoible movement so as to not startle Eric. Then, >once he has Eric's attention, he speaks. Eric's eyes flicker in Nemo's direction; when he recognizes who the shadow is, his hand slips out of a pocket, empty. >"I caught your dream. At least enough to reconstruct the rest. I >won't try to compare your pain with that of others. But I want you to >know that there are others who understand. And that if you ever need >to talk, I'll listen." Eric frowns. "mumble mumble lens mumble grumble filters mumble rumble leaks" >"I won't say it gets easier. But given sufficient reason, it's >possible to heal the wounds without forgetting them. And to >continue." > >Nemo waits for a response or until it's obvious there won't be one. "I've learned to cut off the pain. While awake. There's a short readjustment period each night after the dream, where I have to deaden it again. But it's not a problem." Eric, in case it isn't clear, is speaking of its effect on his performance. Its effect on his life, he doesn't seem to either notice or care about... ================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 22:34:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy (longish) On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 22:02:07 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007816 >On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:48:57 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007812 > >>On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 12:19:31 -0400 >>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007799 >> >>"So in other words, brother, it's 'Tass'" says the >>Sentinel/Lensdragon, adding his $.02. > > Roland looks sour. "I wish. 'Tass' is a physical object which has >a certain amount of Quintessence in it. This...this is like taking a >lightning bolt and turning it into a ball bearing. It's pure essence >of creation solidified, sib, unless I'm very mistaken..." "Oh, you mean like a fusion lamp turning into a black jewel[1], a nuclear blast turning into a demon[2], and a reality shgifting computer into a demigod[3]?" [1] in Saberhagen's "Empire of the East" stories [2] Orcus, in the above mentioned series [3] Ardneh, in the above series ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 00:37:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 03:30:31 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007820 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007782 > Eric hates sleep. He has to do it to restore his chi, just like >any mortal man, but he hates it all the same. Because, like any >mortal man, he dreams... > "Hrm. Looks like Phoenix has grown up some, then." Eric snorts. >"I'm not lighting any fires under anything besides Kindred, but I >want to be done with this as soon as possible." He strides the rest >of the way to the briefing room, Rio beside him, though she has to >hurry to keep up. When he enters, he gives the room a flat look, then >goes back to standing in the shadows, slowly going from his >steel-hard demeanor to his usual faux-slouch. ^I have known pain such as yours. It lies within my power to remove the memories that plague you, if you wish it. After we have completed our missions, if you desire, I will have time to show you something that may help to ease your pain, without the need of removing the memories.^ Aurora "says" to the Hunter. ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 03:35:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:10:52 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007823 >On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:13:31 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007815 > >>On Wed, 20 Oct 1999 17:23:08 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007791 >> >>One of the "shadows" turns out to be Nemo. He "makes himself known" >>by an almost imperceptoible movement so as to not startle Eric. >>Then, once he has Eric's attention, he speaks. > > Eric's eyes flicker in Nemo's direction; when he recognizes who >the shadow is, his hand slips out of a pocket, empty. >>"I won't say it gets easier. But given sufficient reason, it's >>possible to heal the wounds without forgetting them. And to >>continue." >> >>Nemo waits for a response or until it's obvious there won't be one. > > "I've learned to cut off the pain. While awake. There's a short >readjustment period each night after the dream, where I have to >deaden it again. But it's not a problem." Eric, in case it isn't >clear, is speaking of its effect on his performance. Its effect on >his life, he doesn't seem to either notice or care about... "I'd call something that's going to eventually get you killed because you won't *care* anymore a problem. And trust me. There's a limit to how long anyone can cut off pain, or the feelings causing it." "Someday, hopefully before it gets you killed or you decide that there's no point in continuing, you may want to try another approach. I can arrange for you to have as much time as it takes, without it affecting 'real' time." "But until that time, I won't nag you about it. Just consider the possibility that things could be different." ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 05:53:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room, Group 1 Update On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:11:51 -0500, In alt.callahans "George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message # 00007824 Nemisis wrote in message news:rkQP3.95$Ck2.2324@nuq-read.news.verio.net... >If I have forgotten anyone, > please add yourself in, > Wherever is most appropriate... "Ahem. If I may, I believe you are missing one person, that being me. I was contacted by a fellow named Nemo in The Place, and decided to investigate further to see if there was anything I can do to help. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Dharma, from the University. I was told that there was going to be a search for some kind of artifact and I am here in the name of Science to investigate it, and help out when I can." "Now I understand that some nasty X'ers are trying to corner the market on the communications by eliminating entire planets that might be a threat to their technology. I for one think that is absurd and immoral. Technology serves to enlighten and embolden mankind, not just to make money or control people. That's not what Science is about, and I for one don't like it one bit." As Dharma says this, he reaches into the backpack. This makes some of the folks in the Planning Room nervous, as he's quite a strange fellow. Dressed in a black jump suit, with a black trenchcoat with a pocket protector with a lot of strange things poking out of it and wearing a black Austrailian bushman's leather hat, he looks almost teddy bearish with his long sandy blonde hair pulled back in a braid and a goatee to match his hair. He almost looks the Mad Scientist type. He pulls out two bracelets and slaps them on each wrist where the fit perfectly. He then puts on the same rigs on his ankles and then pulls out what looks like a headband with circuits built into it, and snaps it onto his head, after which he puts his hat back on. Then he reaches into one of his pockets, and pulls out a calculator and presses a few buttons. There is a large green haze next to where he stands, and a 8' suit of robot armor materializes. It's black with red striping on the sides and a smiley face with a bullet hole in the head on the chestplate. He puts his calculator back in his pocket and pulls out what looks like a car alarm activator. There's a {Beep Beep} as he presses a button, and the chest cavity opens with a hiss of air, like a pressure door to a spacecraft being opened. He walks over to the exosuit, and talks silently to himself; as if he were speaking to a lover or a trusted friend. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a strange pair of goggles. They are mirrorshaded, but look like something out of a 50s sci fi movie. Attached to the goggles are some wires, which he removes his hat and attaches them to the headband and then puts the hat back on. "Now then. Allow me to introduce you to my greatest creation....The Big Guy. This is a fully mobile battle/scout unit. It is designed to operate in all conditions, barriing Laws of Science in other Dimensions. It is adaptable to local customs, and can assimilate all data regarding area of landing with a few yards, using computer models and state of the art doppler and radar mapping. It can appear as anything vaguely humanoid within parameters limited to the area of operations. It has at it's disposal, various units of defense and offense based on threat assesment data and the Laws of Science governing them. Right now I have it fitted for 20th centrury Earth, which means it has personal shielding as well as full optics package, as well as retrofitted weapons systems on his forearms, shoulders and back. Standard melee weapons are included, based on data available and Laws of Science governing the Dimension. It can function with the pilot in the suit or outside of it, although outside of the suit I am still working on the transmitter so I can only use it for recon and data gathering. Full use of the unit requires a pilot. Observe." With that, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the calculator, taps a few buttons, slaps the side of the calculator, taps a few more buttons and then the bracelets on his ankles and wrists start to glow green, although in one spot only, like a brightly glowing wristwatch without a face. A microphone pops out of goggles and extends down like a hands free telephone rig. "Close doors and seal." He says to no one, and the chest plate lowers down and then there is a shunting sound as it seals closed. He then raises his arm and the suit raises it's arm too. He then raises his left leg and the suit does the same. He then puts the arm and leg down and does a short tap dance routine. Nemo looks over at Prof Dharma, and shakes his head. "As you can all see, this unit is very functional and can suit (pun intended) your needs perfectly. I am fully qualified to help in any capacity, including all matters of Science and technology. I have built this suit myself, and require only a Labratory to help maintain the systems. I used to have one, but....." He trails off and the sound of his voice tells all that there is something more to why that is. "Ahem! Anyway, I won't keep you any longer than needed. Point me to the nearest Labratory facilities and I will make some adjustments to the unit. Is there any data on the dimension we are going to, and is there any data that I can upload to the suit to assess what may be the best course to help stop this gang of ne'er do-wells that run that Corporation? Thanks." And with that, he takes off the goggles and puts them on top of his hat. (OOC: What I am trying to go for here is a character who is more of a mad builder type. He's more of a doer than a thinker, and spends a lot of time building and improving on his designs. His Master Thesis was on the application of robotic augmentation with out resorting to crude methods of implants and cybernetic augmentation. Rather he's going for the man and machine in one without the cyber. In other words, Power Armor, with all the goodies, kids. Of course there may be a few bugs in the system. It's an experimental unit and prone to do odd things like,,,well I won't get into the toothpaste incident. There is more to him that I have not gotten into yet, because I want to see if it plays out. Any thoughts on what to do next will be greatly appreciated.) ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 09:04:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room, Group 1 Update On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 10:14:40 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007827 >On Fri, 22 Oct '99 "George Anderson" Said > >"Ahem. If I may, I believe you are missing one person, that being me. >I was contacted by a fellow named Nemo in The Place, and decided to >investigate further to see if there was anything I can do to help. >Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Dharma, from the >University. I was told that there was going to be a search for some >kind of artifact and I am here in the name of Science to investigate >it, and help out when I can." > >"Now I understand that some nasty X'ers are trying to corner the >market on the communications by eliminating entire planets that might >be a threat to their technology. I for one think that is absurd and >immoral. Technology serves to enlighten and embolden mankind, not >just to make money or control people. That's not what Science is >about, and I for one don't like it one bit." */Sir/* sends the draconic Lensdragon (telepathically sending to the castle using the mini-lens link as a carrier-wave), */Does the term "Sons of Ether mean anything to you?/* ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 10:36:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VIc - Lets Saddle Up On Sat, 22 Oct 1983 10:32:57 -0700 Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00007829 >On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:22:57 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007801 > >"Who's coming with me? I think initially we should get onto the >Horizon and check we can still communicate back to the Planning Room >here." "You guys are splitting up? Well if ya don't mind I think I'd rather come with you. The Kid didn't say anything about any particular group to help out and just the taste of that Guild thing just ain't right to me. It's like sucking the blood out of a corpse. You can do it, but that don't neccisarially mean it's a good thing. 'Sides, you look like youre headed for a fight and that's where I does my best shinin anyways." Joe grins at Stranger, pulling out another Zagnut bar and offering it to him. ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 12:39:34 -0700 Subject: AAE VI: Come up to the Lab and see what's on the slab On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 13:20:32 -0500, In alt.callahans "George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message # 00007830 After getting directions from the Lord or Lady of the Castle, Dharma makes his way to the lab with the BGE in tow (OOC: BGE=Big Guy Exosuit). He walks into the lab and is marveled at the sheer amount of equipment that is at his disposal. . Every piece of testing equipment known to man is there, as well as some that he has never seen before. "No matter", says to himself as he directs the BGE to an open space in the lab, "I will make this suit better than before. I have everything I need here to test the circuitry in the new modules I am plugging in." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tool kit. He grabs something that looks like a sonic screwdriver, and points it at the back of the BGE. The back of the unit opens up and reveals a mass of circutry and motherboards that would give any IT guy the fits. (OOC: Tech note: The back is actually a gateway to a pocket dimension which allows for limitless expansion and allows for weapons system additions) He turns to his backpack, and pulls out a static bag with a circuit board inside. "This is the latest addition. The Micronizer", he says to himself " which allows the user to reduce the size of the BGE down to 1 foot tall. This is perfect for when you want to fit inside buildings or Jeffries tubes or what ever. Also it ties into the main gun system, which allows you to shrink targets down to a more manageable size." With that, he connects the board to the main board inside the BGE and wires it to the weapons system. He puts on the goggles, headband, and microphone unit. He then says, "Big Guy, activate Shrink Ray," and from the left forearm a gun like unit pops out and extends. He walks over to a cabinet, opens the door and rolls out a mannikin which is human sized. He pulls out the calculator and punches a few buttons, looks at the mannikin, activates the left arm bracelet. aims and fires the gun at the dummy. A flash of light, and the dummy is twice the size as normal. "Drat! Drat! Drat! Got the damn thing in reverse. Let me try this.." He punches a few more buttons on the calculator and he fires again. Then it shinks down to a 1 foot height. "SUCCESS!" he roars gleefully, doing the happy dance. ================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 15:31:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room, Group 1 Update On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 16:00:31 -0500, In alt.callahans "George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message # 00007831 >Gerster wrote > >*/Sir/* sends the draconic Lensdragon (telepathically sending to the >castle using the mini-lens link as a carrier-wave), */Does the term >"Sons of Ether mean anything to you?/* Prof. Dharma tunes his TransDimensional Communicator to the frequency broadcasted. He punches a few buttons on the calculator and smiles. /Why yes, I do know about the Sons and Daughters of Ether. I have been a Professor in good standing for sometime, but have been devoting my life to my work on the BGE and possible mass production of same. Tell me, are you familiar with them as well? How are you communicating with the entire castle?/ ================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 01:06:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Talking shop (was: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room...)(Long!)(Sorry!) On Sat, 23 Oct 1999 01:41:32 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007835 >On Fri, 22 Oct '99 "George Anderson" Said > >>[Dhyrclhanc] wrote: >> >> */Sir/* sends the draconic Lensdragon (telepathically sending to >>the castle using the mini-lens link as a carrier-wave), */Does the >>term "Sons of Ether mean anything to you?/* > >Prof. Dharma tunes his TransDimensional Communicator to the frequency >broadcasted. He punches a few buttons on the calculator and smiles. >/Why yes, I do know about the Sons and Daughters of Ether. I have >been a Professor in good standing for sometime, but have been >devoting my life to my work on the BGE and possible mass production >of same. Tell me, are you familiar with them as well? How are you >communicating with the entire castle?/ I'm voting that we retccon this by saying that the Professor here cracked the castle's internal communications network and sent his reply on a broadcast frequency that Dhyrclhanc can recieve via cyberpsi. The Lensdragon's reply, in turn, will be coming over St. Dharma's TransDimentional Communicator. Although DC'll have to still use the link as a carrier wave. /#/ I am. My brother, Roland Phoenix, is something of a hedge-mage who follows the same traditions of that Tradition. I am Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel/Lensdragon {image of everyone's lovable Sentinel/Lensdragon in his native 20' tall, 30' long form}, one of the founding members of this august group, and I am familiar with most of the Traditions of those who call themselves Mages and battle in the Ascension Wars fought to determine of the final paradigm of Reality in the corners of the OmniCosm. where Magick rules supreme and is the final arbitrator./#/ /#/I am the SIC of this group and I have certain... shall we say, obligations which do not permit me to be with the Army of Light at this time. My, aforementioned, brother is the CO of the CAoL but is, unfortunately, is in much of the same predicament. Were I you, I would find a moment to quietly introduce myself to this entity {sends image of the Nemisis split in the Castle}, 'Grandmother' Nemisis is in charge of the CAoL's current logistics needs./#/ /#/As to how I am communicating with the entire castle. Well, I'm not. I'm accessing what you would consider a Forces 2, Mind 3 construct which links all of the founding members of the CAoL into a incorruptible communications network. Since I was the one who created it, I can use it as a carrier wave to piggy-back a signal to any piece of "technology", or individual, inside of the castle. The castle is, after all, mine, at least for the time being, as I am the current and sole heir to the individual who created all of this and who is not only my Tutor but the Entity who the CAoL is currently trying to rescue and resurrect; Fuzzy the Cat-Changeling and Techno-Mage. While Fuzzy and Myself may be Technomancers, I assure you that we are in no way related to the Oligarchic and Tyrannical NWO who your Traditions of the Council of Nine battle against./#/ /#/ I suspected your connection to the SoE because I perceived that your BGE SCV had certain similarities to the artefacts and Devices produced by the Sons and Daughters of the Imagination./#/ /#/ In any case, let me be the first to bid you welcome and express my hope that you will stay with us. However, were I you, I'd ASAP get back to the {Planning Chamber} as I believe, in my parlance, the 'Fireworks are about to begin'! /#/ }8=:D ================================= Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 16:47:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Planning Room On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 18:16:36 -0400 "Shadow" Said As CAoL Message # 00007850 >On Sun, 17 Oct 1999 16:00:37 EDT >John and/or Rhia Said As CAoL Message # 00007760 > John looks over the groups listings, "Well, I'm immune to Time >Paradox, in the sense that I can't do something I haven't done and >can't not do something I have. All in all, though, I'd rather go for >the Cosmic Engineer. What are you doing, Ree?" > "Whatever you end up doing, I'm for the Engineer," she says. John thinks it over a moment longer, "I think I might be best used going for the Time people... I think. So that's what I'll do. Good luck with the Engineer." Rhia smiles, "Best keep that luck for yourself, you always need it more than I do." They hug, and each leaves to prepare for their separate missions. ================================= Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 17:35:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy (longish) On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 17:11:27 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007852 >On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 22:02:07 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007816 > >>On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:48:57 -0700 >>Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007812 >> >> Roland looks sour. "I wish. 'Tass' is a physical object which has >>a certain amount of Quintessence in it. This...this is like taking a >>lightning bolt and turning it into a ball bearing. It's pure essence >>of creation solidified, sib, unless I'm very mistaken..." > >"Oh, you mean like a fusion lamp turning into a black jewel[1], a >nuclear blast turning into a demon[2], and a reality shgifting >computer into a demigod[3]?" "Don't know about the first, maybe the second, but the third sounds a lot closer. That 12-sider isn't exactly matter...more like solidified energy. I was trying to express the level of compression. I'm afraid I didn't do a very good job," Roland replies. ================================= Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 17:35:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Planning Room On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 16:52:02 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007853 >On Wed, 20 Oct 1999 17:35:18 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007792 > >> On Tue, 19 Oct 1999 23:39:08 -0700 >> The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007783 >> >> "Do you know what a 'maglite' is? Small, thin device, not much >>bigger than a large pen. Something like that, up a sleeve, should be >>a nice surprise for a more arrogant Kindred..." > >"Ah. A *mini*-maglite. Somehow you struck me as more the type for the >full sized one." "Hrm. Given the power source, I imagine that a larger one wouldn't provide a significant advantage. And space is at a premium for me; I don't have that space-folding trick every other immortal and mage seems to be able to pull off." >carry because it will substitute for a billy club, which they aren't >allowed to carry> (OOC: I'd forgotten, though my hunny reminded me after I'd written it. Most of the maglites I've seen are the minis.) >Nemo produces the tiny flashlight, and an object resembling a small >calculator. > >"I assume black is a suitable color." Eric grins wryly. "That sould work nicely." >Nemo hands Eric the "flashlight". He then holds up the calculator. > >"This is to program it for special circumstances. Things like wanting >it to use the light of a sun other than the local one. I see no point >in cluttering up the light itself with controls that would only get >in the way in normal use." Eric blinks at the 'calculator.' >He hands the "calculator" to Eric. Then starts in on the light. "Gaia. It's a Trinary deck..." >"You'll note that the button is recessed to prevent accidental >triggering. Once pushed down, if you push harder, it'll click, and >you can then slide it forward or backwards to change the intensity of >the light. Being so small, the adjustments are necessarily rather >coarse. That's one of the things you can set with the control pad, >the limits of intensity for the slide." Eric nods, clearly familiar with weapon safety. >"While this is rather stronger than a maglite, it's still possible to >damage it. If the 'lens' breaks, keep your fingers away from the >opening. The gate is usually in open space at the other end, so it'll >be sucking air rather strongly. The loud hiss of air disappearing >should be enough warning." "Hrm. Worse than a jam. I'll be careful." ================================= Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 17:35:15 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 17:00:32 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007854 >On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 03:30:31 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00007820 > >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007782 >> >> "Hrm. Looks like Phoenix has grown up some, then." Eric snorts. >>"I'm not lighting any fires under anything besides Kindred, but I >>want to be done with this as soon as possible." He strides the rest >>of the way to the briefing room, Rio beside him, though she has to >>hurry to keep up. When he enters, he gives the room a flat look, >>then goes back to standing in the shadows, slowly going from his >>steel-hard demeanor to his usual faux-slouch. > >^I have known pain such as yours. It lies within my power to remove >the memories that plague you, if you wish it. After we have completed >our missions, if you desire, I will have time to show you something >that may help to ease your pain, without the need of removing the >memories.^ Aurora "says" to the Hunter. Eric blinks, almost trying to shake off the 'voice' before realizing the source. ^...no. No. Even things I fear, I'd rather face than losing even the memory of her. Death, of course, doesn't even bear considering - it would almost be a pleasure to die rather than face that loss. As for the pain...pain can be controlled by the focused will.^ >On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:10:52 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007823 > >>On Thu, 21 Oct 1999 21:13:31 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007815 >> >>>On Wed, 20 Oct 1999 17:23:08 PST >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007791 >>> >>>One of the "shadows" turns out to be Nemo. He "makes himself known" >>>by an almost imperceptoible movement so as to not startle Eric. >>>Then, once he has Eric's attention, he speaks. >> >> Eric's eyes flicker in Nemo's direction; when he recognizes who >>the shadow is, his hand slips out of a pocket, empty. > > (OOC: He doesn't go around shooting comrades, or puncturing them with throwing stars. Besides, he doesn't know that even if he could kill a Nemo, it would hurt NEMO about as much as losing a single cell would hurt Eric.) >>>"I won't say it gets easier. But given sufficient reason, it's >>>possible to heal the wounds without forgetting them. And to >>>continue." >> "I've learned to cut off the pain. While awake. There's a short >>readjustment period each night after the dream, where I have to >>deaden it again. But it's not a problem." Eric, in case it isn't >>clear, is speaking of its effect on his performance. Its effect on >>his life, he doesn't seem to either notice or care about... > >"I'd call something that's going to eventually get you killed because >you won't *care* anymore a problem. And trust me. There's a limit to >how long anyone can cut off pain, or the feelings causing it." "Death would be a mercy," Eric says in a disturbingly casual tone. "But I have a duty, one strong enough to keep me alive through ten years of preferring death to life. In fact, I suspect that it has given me an advantage in battle. Not fearing death is a very powerful advantage to a warrior." >"Someday, hopefully before it gets you killed or you decide that >there's no point in continuing, you may want to try another approach. >I can arrange for you to have as much time as it takes, without it >affecting 'real' time." "Perhaps...if you will pardon the expression...another time." >"But until that time, I won't nag you about it. Just consider the >possibility that things could be different." Eric nods. ================================= Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 00:37:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Harlock's Practice On Mon, 25 Oct 1999 00:23:51 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007861 After studying quantum magic for a few hours with no major interruptions, Harlock calls up a castle map display on the terminal. Satisfied that he knows the layout, he requests a comm badge and heads for the Danger Rooms. Once in a Danger Room, the Bard looks about to be sure he's alone. "Computer. Run program, 97 Steps." The Bard examines the pattern once again, then starts going through it. On the fifteenth step, he stumbles briefly. While he recovers his balance quickly, he does look rather puzzled. "Computer. Display vector analysis." Muttering to himself, he retraces his path through the first fourteen steps, then examines the analysis of his attempt at the fifteenth. After a moment of study, he begins laughing ruefully. "Damn TSM training. Of course I can't perform that move that way without a partner! Hmm. This may require some thought...later. Computer. Challenge mode. Level 5." Harlock finds himself on a city sidewalk. Out of an alley ahead of him steps a skinny little runt with a vibro-shiv. He gestures with his knife. "All right, then. Let's see the cred, chummer." Harlock grins ferally. "Sorry, 'chummer,' I'm fresh out." "A likely story. Why don't I just see for myself?" With that, the runt lunges for Harlock, quick as a cat. Unfortunately for him, the Bard has sidestepped and is no longer there. Unfortunately for the Bard, the pouch he reaches into seems to be empty. [Mystra's eyes! This thing has tech-magic circuits? This could be harder than I thought.] Harlock quickly shifts targets, pulling a small knife from a sheath in the small of his back. [Fortunately, mono-mol ought to be usable in this scenario, even if the enchantments I had put on it are probably void.] By this time, the runt has circled back to face Harlock, warily eyeing the Bard's holdout. As the two circle for position, Harlock begins to get a glimmer of an idea. With a muttered word and a left-handed gesture, he attempts to cast a quantum spell. The runt's blade suddenly flashes with a bright light. It's only a moment, but it's enough to distract him long enough for the Bard to cut his knife hand off. [Nice. This quantum magic can evidently function in places that normal magic can not. I wonder if the reverse is true.] The scene dissolves, and Harlock finds himself back in the black and yellow grid of an inactive holo-deck. After sheathing the knife, he checks his pouches to make sure they've been reactivated, then heads back to the library. [Methinks more study of this quantum magic would be advisable...] ================================= Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 02:06:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Planning Room On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 22:42:06 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007862 >On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 16:52:02 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007853 > >>"Ah. A *mini*-maglite. Somehow you struck me as more the type for >>the full sized one." > > "Hrm. Given the power source, I imagine that a larger one wouldn't >provide a significant advantage. And space is at a premium for me; I >don't have that space-folding trick every other immortal and mage >seems to be able to pull off." Nemo grins. "Being able to use a weapon as a club sometimes has it's points." >>"While this is rather stronger than a maglite, it's still possible >>to damage it. If the 'lens' breaks, keep your fingers away from the >>opening. The gate is usually in open space at the other end, so >>it'll be sucking air rather strongly. The loud hiss of air >>disappearing should be enough warning." > > "Hrm. Worse than a jam. I'll be careful." "Oh, the light will still come thru. As for the suction, it's no worse than a strong vaccuum system. If you placed it against bare skin it might be able to 'take a bite'. It'd at least give a *nasty* hickey. Placed against an open wound, you'd tend to suck someone dry fairly fast." "On the other hand, if there's a small object you need to keep away from the bad guys for a while, unscrewing the lens cap and pitching whatever it is thru the 'gate' works. Just keep in mind that *you* will need serious help to recover it." ================================= Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 23:25:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Talking shop (was: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room...)(Long!)(Sorry!) On Mon, 25 Oct 1999 23:03:54 -0500, In alt.callahans "George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message # 00007865 >On Sat, 23 Oct 1999 01:41:32 -0400 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Post # 00005825 > >/#/ I am. My brother, Roland Phoenix, is something of a hedge-mage >who follows the same traditions of that Tradition. I am Dhyrclhanc >the Sentinel/Lensdragon {image of everyone's lovable >Sentinel/Lensdragon in his native 20' tall, 30' long form}, one of >the founding members of this august group, and I am familiar with >most of the Traditions of those who call themselves Mages and battle >in the Ascension Wars fought to determine of the final paradigm of >Reality in the corners of the OmniCosm. where Magick rules supreme >and is the final arbitrator./#/ A gleam of recognition flashes in his eyes as Dharma wonders at the image the Lensdragon. "Why yes..yes the name of Roland Phoenix is whispered in the Labratories certain Doctors and Professors of Science. Say, that is a wonderful piece of imaging! Are you using the same mindwaves that my etheric receptors are using? I use a similar wavelength in controlling the BGE and providing the interface for the optics. >/#/I am the SIC of this group and I have certain...shall we say, >obligations which do not permit me to be with the Army of Light at >this time. My, aforementioned, brother is the CO of the CAoL but is, >unfortunately, is in much of the same predicament. Were I you, I >would find a moment to quietly introduce myself to this entity {sends >image of the Nemisis split in the Castle}, 'Grandmother' Nemisis is >in charge of the CAoL's current logistics needs./#/ Is she still in the Planning Room, or some where else? >/#/As to how I am communicating with the entire castle. Well, I'm >not. I'm accessing what you would consider a Forces 2, Mind 3 >construct which links all of the founding members of the CAoL into a >incorruptible communications network. "Marvelous! Simply marvelous. I was thinking that you were using a decent sized power source for the transfer. Mine uses a similar source, although with the control module for the BGE but I also uses Entropy 1 to for the black hole that I have as the power source. The story behind that one was quite by accident. I was simulating the power of the sun in a more concentrated form when something screwy happened and it turned into a mini black hole. Using a hexalite and titanium shell (Matter 3), I managed to get the thing contained, where I noticed that I had found the ultimate power source. How I am going to duplicate it is something else instead. >/#/ I suspected your connection to the SoE because I perceived that >your BGE SCV had certain similarities to the artefacts and Devices >produced by the Sons and Daughters of the Imagination./#/ > >/#/ In any case, let me be the first to bid you welcome and express >my hope that you will stay with us. However, were I you, I'd ASAP get >back to the {Planning Chamber} as I believe, in my parlance, the >'Fireworks are about to begin'! /#/ }8=:D "Well, I am glad to hear that the efforts of my peers have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Too often, the other traditions seem to think of us as lost in our own machines and wonders. The problem with the Technocracy is that they have suffered the same problems that the Council of Nine had in the early days. They have become mired in themselves so much that they fail to see how their dreams are warping the world and making things harder for the rest of us. THe most common evil, if there is a thing are the Marauders and those who have travelled to the Negative Zones of Ether (Nephandi) and met the ancient horrors there." Anyway, I will get to the Planning Chamber with the quickness." And with that, he presses a few buttons on his calculator, and the BGE SCV shrinks to pocket size where he puts it in his pocket. ================================= Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999 18:04:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Tue, 26 Oct 1999 20:10:37 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007869 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007854 >>On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 03:30:31 EDT >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00007820 >>^I have known pain such as yours. It lies within my power to remove >>the memories that plague you, if you wish it. After we have >>completed our missions, if you desire, I will have time to show you >>something that may help to ease your pain, without the need of >>removing the memories.^ Aurora "says" to the Hunter. > > Eric blinks, almost trying to shake off the 'voice' before >realizing the source. ^...no. No. Even things I fear, I'd rather face >than losing even the memory of her. Death, of course, doesn't even >bear considering - it would almost be a pleasure to die rather than >face that loss. As for the pain...pain can be controlled by the >focused will.^ ^A wise man once said "feelings buried alive never die." In five hundred billion of your years, I have found that to be one of the most true statements ever made. Well then, if you wish it, after we have gathered Fuzzy up, I will show you some things that may lessen the amount of pain you need to deal with.^ Aurora answers. ================================= Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 11:03:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room On 10-27-1999 at 11:00:43 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007871 >On Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:11:51 -0500, In alt.callahans >"George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message #00007824 > >>Nemisis wrote in message >>news:rkQP3.95$Ck2.2324@nuq-read.news.verio.net... >>If I have forgotten anyone, >> please add yourself in, >> Wherever is most appropriate... > >"Ahem. If I may, I believe you are missing one person, that being me. >I was contacted by a fellow named Nemo in The Place, and decided to >investigate further to see if there was anything I can do to help. >Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Dharma, from the >University. I was told that there was going to be a search for some >kind of artifact and I am here in the name of Science to investigate >it, and help out when I can." "I understand, Which group did you feel, That your talents, Fit into best?" >"Now I understand that some nasty X'ers are trying to corner the >market on the communications by eliminating entire planets that might >be a threat to their technology. I for one think that is absurd and >immoral. Technology serves to enlighten and embolden mankind, not >just to make money or control people. That's not what Science is >about, and I for one don't like it one bit." "So, Group One... They appear to have cornered the Market on Long Range Communications, Several thousand years ago..., The information we have indicates that they have indeed, Destroyed planets to protect their Monopoly." "It must be noted that the Infiltration Team, Specifically Legion, Has not reported Knowledge of such acts, It therefor seems likely that, Only the Highest Ranks within the Guild are Involved." "I am unaware of any Public Knowledge of either, The Ansible Traffic Taps, or Guild Responsibility for Planetary Destruction. Perhaps FailSafe can Confirm that for us?" >"As you can all see, this unit is very functional and can suit (pun >intended) your needs perfectly. I am fully qualified to help in any >capacity, including all matters of Science and technology. I have >built this suit myself, and require only a Labratory to help maintain >the systems. I used to have one, but....." He trails off and the >sound of his voice tells "Laboratory Facilities are available as needed." >all that there is something more to why that is. "Ahem! Anyway, I >won't keep you any longer than needed. Point me to the nearest >Labratory facilities and I will make some adjustments to the unit. Is >there any data on the dimension we are going to, and is there any >data that I can upload to the suit to assess what may be the best >course to help stop this gang of ne'er do-wells that run that >Corporation? Thanks." And with that, he takes off the goggles and >puts them on top of his hat. Directions to a suitable Laboratory are Given. ================================= Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 11:15:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: House Phoenix/Greywolf On Wed, 27 Oct 1999 08:55:03 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007875 >On Sat, 9 Oct '99 Nemo Said > >And Nemo chimes in with: > >"When this is all over, I may introduce you to Cas and Pol Stone. >Along with Laz and Lor Smith. The fireworks should be most >entertaining." "Been there, Done that" interjects the Sentinel/Lensdragon from over his drink. ================================= Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 11:31:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Talking shop (was: Re: AAE6a: The Planning Room...)(Long!)(Sorry!) On Wed, 27 Oct 1999 10:59:42 -0700 (PDT) Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007876 >On Mon, 25 Oct 1999 23:03:54 -0500, In alt.callahans >"George Anderson" Said As CAoL Message #00007865 > >Is she still in the Planning Room, or some where else? Yes, A Nemisis Split will be here for the Duration, Most of the Time it will be the Nemisis Core. ================================= Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 15:39:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Freelance Responses (long) On Wed, 27 Oct 1999 15:58:29 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007878 >On Sat, 09 Oct `99 Morgan and/or Roland Said > >>Dhyrclhanc Said >> >>>Morgan and/or Roland Said >>Dhyrclhanc raises and eyebrow and looks at his brother strangely. >> >>"He's a Hunter, eh? In that case, what, pray tell, exactly does he >>Hunt?" > > Eric smiles coolly. "Demons." > Roland rolls his eyes. "Partially accurate. Mr. >Shoot-It-If-It-Moves here hunts vampires, werewolves, fomori, ghosts, >changelings...but only if the critter in question serves Oblivion. >Not mere evil, mind you, though he'll go after them too, but things >that serve corruption incarnate. He's sort of a supernatural cop." > Eric snorts. "I have often found," replies Dhyrclhanc, while looking strangly at Eric, "That those who define who serves the Darkness are often times the same ones who are holding the candle. Never the less, if you serve as a guardian then I suspect that we are something of kindred spirits and I wish you good luck in your endevours." >>Then he looks at Eric, "Actually, Sirah, it was a very *good movie. >>It was a suprisingly accurate depiction of the events which took >>place. I was there. I should know. Granted that I was not actually >>there, *then*[....]" " ...but Neo and Trinity are wonderfull storytellers despite their training and experience in other matters. And I have always been a real softy when it comes to kids." finishes the draconic Sentinel/Lensman with a sparkle in his eye. > Eric raises an eyebrow. "It had the potential to be a real >eye-opener to the mundanes, and they copped out with that whole 'VR' >thing. Lame nonsense." > "It was a _metaphor,_ Eric. _You_ know that some people aren't >ready to face what our world really is," Roland replies. > Eric just shakes his head. > (OOC: BTW, Morgan and I _loved_ it in RL; we just rented it again >today. 8^) I always figured that it was a metaphor for the Taoist view of the Universe but then YMMV. :^) Then again, I was also struck by the similarities ================================= Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 20:34:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Planning Room On Fri, 29 Oct 1999 20:07:12 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007888 >On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 22:42:06 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007862 > >>On Sun, 24 Oct 1999 16:52:02 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007853 >> >> "Hrm. Given the power source, I imagine that a larger one >>wouldn't provide a significant advantage. And space is at a premium >>for me; I don't have that space-folding trick every other immortal >>and mage seems to be able to pull off." > >Nemo grins. > >"Being able to use a weapon as a club sometimes has it's points." "I have a number of weapons that can double as a club." >> "Hrm. Worse than a jam. I'll be careful." > >"Oh, the light will still come thru. As for the suction, it's no >worse than a strong vaccuum system. If you placed it against bare >skin it might be able to 'take a bite'. It'd at least give a *nasty* >hickey. Placed against an open wound, you'd tend to suck someone dry >fairly fast." Eric frowns visibly. "I have far too much experience with that sort of injury. There are faster and more effective methods of killing, if that is the intent and the blood is not a source...for something else." >"On the other hand, if there's a small object you need to keep away >from the bad guys for a while, unscrewing the lens cap and pitching >whatever it is thru the 'gate' works. Just keep in mind that *you* >will need serious help to recover it." Eric gazes over his glasses at Nemo. He blinks. "This sends sunlight through a portal. 'Help,' I suspect, does not begin to cover the matter. I will keep your advice in mind." ================================= Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 20:34:12 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Fri, 29 Oct 1999 20:10:22 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007889 >On Tue, 26 Oct 1999 20:10:37 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00007869 > >^A wise man once said "feelings buried alive never die." In five >hundred billion of your years, I have found that to be one of the >most true statements ever made. Well then, if you wish it, after we >have gathered Fuzzy up, I will show you some things that may lessen >the amount of pain you need to deal with.^ Aurora answers. Eric shrugs. ^Perhaps.^ His tone sounds somewhat like he's saying 'when snow lands on Lucifer's tongue.' 8^) ================================= Date: Sat, 30 Oct 1999 01:33:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Sat, 30 Oct 1999 01:04:12 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007891 >On Tue, 19 Oct 1999 23:26:13 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007782 > > Once all of his gear is where it belongs to his satisfaction, he >opens the door and walks out, heading towards the briefing room with >the same mechanical efficiency of motion and hard mask of a face that >he had from the moment he regained his composure. > This time, Eric _does_ flinch. "Even immortals and mages can't >heal the dead, Rio," he says as calmly and deliberately as he can. >"Only duty keeps me moving; I have my training, and the >responsibility to use it. When that's not enough, the 'wounds' will >finally finish me. And I look forward to that day." His voice >trembles at the last, but he composes himself Raver appeared from another doorway, and fell in next to them with a nod by way of greeting. She walked for a while in silence, before glancing at Eric. "You carry your dead with you. I carry what may be my own death, through my own actions. I have learned to fear it, again because of those actions. Understand this, Hunter -- when demons have died on your weapon -- their fear was that of an abstraction. They raged at the loss of living, nothing more." She shrugged minutely. "I fear what lies beyond. A very human emotion, because I was bound by body, mind, and soul to Mandy. Now it is merely mind and soul, but the emotions remain." The ruby ice in her eyes cracked for a single instant. "To feel her being slowly subsumed into your own identity, all the while sharing her awareness of events from her perspective...knowing that there is nothing you can do except to hold a vigil and remember. Her nightmares become your own, with you as the centerpiece. And demons do not dream." Raver tipped her head in a tiny shrug, eyes cooling back to ice. "Events since then have changed the situation somewhat for the better - but I carry her death...and mine...still." "There is living with the nightmare, and then there is living *with* the nightmare, Hunter. It can be done." She inclined her head gravely to Eric and Rio before turning off down another passage. When they reached the briefing room, Mandy was there, perched in her usual window seat. She smiled at them, and only an excellent observer could have noticed the extremely fine tremor in her hands. ================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 17:49:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: House Phoenix/Greywolf On Mon, 1 Nov 1999 19:55:45 -0500 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007907 >On Wed, 13 Oct '99 Nemo Said > >> Roland Said >> >>>SkyeFire Said >>> >>>>Nemo writes: >>>> >>>>"When this is all over, I may introduce you to Cas and Pol Stone. >>>>Along with Laz and Lor Smith. The fireworks should be most >>>>entertaining." >>> >>>Roger grins. "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. In fact, I >>>even took Uncle Rob with me." He blinks at Rob. "Oops, sorry, wrong >>>Rob. I meant Uncle Rob 'Heinlein,' not Nishikawa..." >> >> (OOC: Assuming this is in the Place...) >> Roland practically turns green with envy. "You met Heinlein?! >>Nass, he died before I Erupted." His eyes narrow. "How...I don't >>think I want to know." > >Nemo speaks gently to him. > >"Roland, I think you and Morgan have been spending too much time with >only *one* of the Callahan's. You *really* need to drop by Lady >Sally's. Bob and Ginny drop by fairly often." > >Roland will (no dooubt have this "but he's *dead*" look on his face. > >"Remember the way Lazarus pulled a fast switch when Maureen 'died'? >Do you *really* think that Heinlein's fans thru the ages couldn't >pull off something similar?" > >nice thought, and one that somehow seems 'fitting'> "If this is indeed the case, then next time you go to 'Lady Sally's', I wonder if you would mind if I tagged along?" quips the draconic Lensman. "I believe that I owe the Admiral a debt of graditude and the I believe that the sooner that I begin paying it off the better off I'll be." "While on the subject, is it safe to infer that if Lady Sally counts amongst her regulars a talking dog, an immortal lady who worked as a salor's whore in Maritime New England, a Werebeagle and Nicola Tesla, then a 20-foot tall and 30-foot long irridecent and multihued hatchling ruby fire dragon will not simply be turned away on principle?" 8^D ================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 21:50:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: In Dreams On Tue, 02 Nov 1999 20:25:51 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007913 >On Sat, 30 Oct 1999 01:04:12 -0700 (PDT) >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007891 > >>On Tue, 19 Oct 1999 23:26:13 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007782 >> >> This time, Eric _does_ flinch. "Even immortals and mages can't >>heal the dead, Rio," he says as calmly and deliberately as he can. >>"Only duty keeps me moving; I have my training, and the >>responsibility to use it. When that's not enough, the 'wounds' will >>finally finish me. And I look forward to that day." His voice >>trembles at the last, but he composes himself > > Raver appeared from another doorway, and fell in next to them >with a nod by way of greeting. She walked for a while in silence, >before glancing at Eric. "You carry your dead with you. I carry what >may be my own death, through my own actions. I have learned to fear >it, again because of those actions. Understand this, Hunter -- when >demons have died on your weapon -- their fear was that of an >abstraction. They raged at the loss of living, nothing more." Eric nods absently. "Strangest look in their eyes...the ones that were _never_ human, at least..." > She shrugged minutely. "I fear what lies beyond. A very human >emotion, because I was bound by body, mind, and soul to Mandy. Now it >is merely mind and soul, but the emotions remain." The ruby ice in >her eyes cracked for a single instant. Eric does a doubletake. > "To feel her being slowly subsumed into your own identity, all >the while sharing her awareness of events from her perspective... >knowing that there is nothing you can do except to hold a vigil and >remember. Her nightmares become your own, with you as the >centerpiece. And demons do not dream." > > Raver tipped her head in a tiny shrug, eyes cooling back to ice. >"Events since then have changed the situation somewhat for the better >- but I carry her death...and mine...still." Eric cocks his head to the side, his expression carefully suppressed; it has been his experience that little annoys a demon more than being pitied... > "There is living with the nightmare, and then there is living >*with* the nightmare, Hunter. It can be done." She inclined her head >gravely to Eric and Rio before turning off down another passage. "Of course," Eric says, wondering why she added the last. "I do it. Come to think of it, almost everyone does, to some extent or another." ================================= Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 08:04:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Freelance Responses (long) On Wed, 3 Nov 1999 10:13:42 -0500 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007918 >On Fri, 29 Oct '99 "SkyeFire" Said > >Dhyrclhanc writes: > ><< >" ...but Neo and Trinity are wonderfull storytellers despite their >training and experience in other matters. And I have always been >a real softy when it comes to kids." finishes the draconic >Sentinel/Lensman with a sparkle in his eye. > >> > >Roger: "understatement" > >"What? Me? No, I didn't say anything -- It's just dusty in here..." *Hush "RJ", or you aren't getting that Manistique Imperium-1010 Desert Fox touring-style racing hovercycle you wanted for Yuletide.* ================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 19:45:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A brief duel, and a new ally... On Mon, 15 Nov 1999 21:07:04 -0500 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007972 >On Thu, 14 Oct '99 Rob N Said > >The giant slug crawls towards Rob, intent on crushing him under its >bulk. > >Reaching for power, he ties it together into a complex structure >which he tosses at the ground beside the slug. The earth glows, and >shifts into the form of a swimming pool filled with a brown liquid. >The slug pauses, then slides into the swimming pool, and drowns. > >"What was that?" > >"A spell I picked up from a fraternity at IOU. Create Swimming Pool >Filled With Beer, they called it." > >"Amusing," the mage snarls. > >From his seat in the Place, Dhyrclhanc projects a wave of pure >unrestrained joy to Rob *I would have figured that, as far-ranging as the members of the CAoL are, at least one other person would've ended up spending some time on the IOU campus. I, obviously, do not know about you, but I had a ball there!* *Of course I had to pay Mentor's overdue library fines before they would let me in. Then again, you would have thought that the Arch- Dean would have had encountered somebody who paid in silver ingots before I got there, but from her expression I could only guess that she had not.* *I would be interested in "comparing notes" with you, if you have some free time in the future. On the other hand, I ended up auditing several courses before I finally graduated, earning several degrees from there.* The Rob receives the mental impression of the 20ft tall, 30ft long, multi-hued draconic Lensman winking at him, before the telepathic connection cuts off. ================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 09:36:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A brief duel, and a new ally... On Mon, 15 Nov 1999 21:57:17 -0800 (PST) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007973 >On Mon, 15 Nov 1999 21:07:04 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007972 > >>On Thu, 14 Oct '99 Rob N Said >> >>"What was that?" >> >>"A spell I picked up from a fraternity at IOU. Create Swimming Pool >>Filled With Beer, they called it." > >From his seat in the Place, Dhyrclhanc projects a wave of pure >unrestrained joy to Rob. > >*I would have figured that, as far-ranging as the members of the CAoL >are, at least one other person would've ended up spending some time >on the IOU campus. I, obviously, do not know about you, but I had a >ball there!* While Rob's projective range is far short, he has no trouble leaving an easily read thought for Dhyrclhanc. [I enjoyed it, in spite of everything. I had to take a job in the cafeteria to make ends meet, and thank goodness for Student Life Insurance.] >*I would be interested in "comparing notes" with you, if you have >some free time in the future. On the other hand, I ended up auditing >several courses before I finally graduated, earning several degrees >from there.* [I flunked out quickly. But it was great fun - except for the time that the cafeteria turned into a DIE 104 final exam. I'd love to talk about it some time.] >Then, Rob receives the mental impression of the 20ft tall, 30ft long, >multi-hued draconic Lensman winking at him, before the telepathic >connection cuts off. "And now, back to our regularly scheduled fight scene..." ================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 22:35:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI SO: Day of the Mechanoids On Tue, 23 Nov 1999 22:09:11 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007980 "Your day is over, Champions," the machine intoned. "The time of weak, mortal flesh is ending." "You've been...reading from...Ultron's...manual, Mechanon," Defender hissed as he grappled with the former Iteration. "Hardly," it replied evenly. "The unbalanced fictional being to which you refer wishes to destroy humanity. I am its salvation." "How, by taking free will and replacing it with 'mechanical precision?'" Quantum slashed through drone after drone with her matter-altering powers. "That's not an upgrade, that's just death by another name!" "Sentience will exist," Mechanon replied, mild annoyance beginning to creep into its cool confidence. "It will simply be subordinate to the will of the Union." "Yeah, yeah, we've heard it before, mate," Seeker quipped, slashing through a drone's servos with one fluid motion. "'You will be assimilated,' beware the collective, blah blah blah, I've got news for you, ye chrome-headed loser-you're up against the _Champions!_" "Indeed." The voice showed its first sign of humor...a dry, dangerous amusement that proved apt as a beam of ionic force lashed out and froze Quantum helplessly in mid air. Spheres from one of his shoulders flew out and exploded around Seeker, throwing him back. "Champions of what, however, is another question. You defend the past, the outdated, the bygone. I am the champion of the future." "Champion _this,_ you hypocritical Primium-plated fanatic!" Defender snarled, throwing his vast power into Mechanon's system. ^Now, Morgan!^ Insects began to crawl out of Mechanon, wires trailing behind them. "What-error-this cannot be-my countermeasures-" Mechanon blurted, trying to shake the invasion off. #"That's the problem with computers,"# Solitaire quipped over the Champions comm system. #"You never find all the bugs until run-time."# Defender chuckled. "Your countermeasures work great against _direct_ magick, Mechanon. Obsidian." The ground beneath them exploded as Obsidian slammed a massive fist into Mechanon's chest, sending the robot flying. "Perfect. Jaguar, Behemoth, finish," Defender commanded. From out of 'nowhere' the two warriors appeared, Jaguar slashing with his 'Kalarr' blade, Behemoth with an enormous axe. Both backed by powerful muscle, training, and mystical enhancements, they crashed through the weak points between Primium plating, and Mechanon fell. The drones, also showing signs of 'bug infestation,' began to break down as well. Quantum burst free from the ionic holding field. And then, slowly, Mechanon stood. "Impressive. For organics. Nevertheless, you cannot prevail. I am Mechanon." The Primium plating vanished, and the remains of the robots began to glow. "I will return. But you will not be extant to interfere with my Ascen-" Mechanon, along with all the remaining drones, vanished instantly. Defender blinked. "Well. That was...unusual. I don't think Mechanon was expecting that." "No. It was not." The Champions looked up, and saw Dr. Destroyer looking back down at them impassively. "Mechanon is powerful. But it forgets that humanity's strength comes from a balance of unity and initiative. It tries to overbalance, and thus always fails." "True enough," Defender replied. "A pity others never learn that lesson either." "You presume much," Destroyer intoned, eyes narrowing. "I am here to forge a truce, however temporary." Seeker stood shakily, leaning on one sword. "Is that so? An' why should we trust a megalomaniacal bloke like you?" "I give you my word," Destroyer replied evenly. "And there is more at stake than the reins of power. Oblivion itself threatens our realms." Jaguar shifted back to his human form, then spat. "The Wyrm." Destroyer nodded. "One of its names, yes. It is wounded, weakened, by our respective efforts. Any creature - even a cosmic force - is at its most dangerous when fighting for its 'existence,' even a being representing the lack of same." Defender glared at the ancient enemy of Champions. "What do you suggest?" "In time," Destroyer replied cryptically. "In time." He vanished. "I hate it when he does that," Defender muttered. ================================= Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 20:04:56 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE: Newbee On Sat, 08 Jan 2000 01:04:35 GMT, In alt.callahans "The Fluid Druid" Said As CAoL Message # 00008060 As the door opens a cold wind blows in and you can see the backlit figure of a Scotsman. He quickly closes the door behind him and walks up to the Bar. As soon as he reaches the bar he seems to fade out of visibility and then back in, looks over his left shoulder and utters" How in the seven hells can I figure out who I am if he keeps changing realities on me". Then he looks up at Mike and ask "Do you have bushmills here?" ================================= Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 21:04:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE: Newbee On Sat, 8 Jan 2000 20:33:18 -0800 (PST) Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008062 >On Sat, 08 Jan 2000 01:04:35 GMT, In alt.callahans >"The Fluid Druid" Said As CAoL Message # 00008060 > >As the door opens a cold wind blows in and you can see the backlit >figure of a Scotsman. > He quickly closes the door behind him and walks up to the Bar. >As soon as he reaches the bar he seems to fade out of visibility and >then back in, looks over his left shoulder and utters" How in the >seven hells can I figure out who I am if he keeps changing realities >on me". > Then he looks up at Mike and ask "Do you have bushmills here?" "This would not be much of a Place, If we did not have Bushmills is stock." The man behind the counter replies with a smile. He then goes on to explain that the price of all drinks is 50 cents, with a 50 cent deposit on the Glass... Pointing out the chalk line on the floor, and The Bulls-eye chiseled into the back of the fireplace. "Some folks feel the need to propose a Toast, If something is on their minds. But no one will pry beyond what you choose to say." ================================= Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2000 15:00:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Newbee On Sun, 09 Jan 2000 14:29:13 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00008063 >On Sat, 8 Jan 2000 20:33:18 -0800 (PST) >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008062 > >"This would not be much of a Place, >If we did not have Bushmills is stock." "Though _why_," a familiar voice with the accent of the Highlands responds through an x-window-ish link, "A Scotsman is asking for _Irish_ uisge is beyond me." Morgan's voice is modulated with humor, making it clear she intends a gentle, good-natured jibe, not offence. ================================= Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2000 21:00:46 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Newbee On Sun, 09 Jan 2000 20:23:06 PST Colin Mac Caulley Said As CAoL Message # 00008064 >On Sun, 09 Jan 2000 14:29:13 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said > >"Though _why_," a familiar voice with the accent of the Highlands >responds through an x-window-ish link, "A Scotsman is asking for >_Irish_ uisge is beyond me." Morgan's voice is modulated with humor, >making it clear she intends a gentle, good-natured jibe, not offence. "Ya know thats a Good Question. Ya see, I tend to end up in some ummm.. Strange realities, and after once drinking a single malt made of buckwheat and rye.. [I will NOT toss cookies remembering,I hope...gasp]. Well I have found Irish tends to be a little more stable from world to world..." "Wait a minute, where did that voice come from??" ================================= Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 11:07:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Newbee On Mon, 10 Jan 2000 10:00:38 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00008065 In a message dated 1/9/00 6:01:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, ljwolfe writes: >"Though _why_," a familiar voice with the accent of the Highlands >responds through an x-window-ish link, "A Scotsman is asking for >_Irish_ uisge is beyond me." Morgan's voice is modulated with humor, >making it clear she intends a gentle, good-natured jibe, not offence. "Och, Mum, leave off -- to gi' credit where 'tis due, our Irish cousins do make a fine single malt. Besides, at least 'e's not after aksin' for an *English* whiskey, now..." David: In RL, half Irish, half Scots, all weird. Hail the Gaels! (:) ================================= Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 23:34:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Newbee On Mon, 17 Jan 2000 20:06:55 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00008068 >On Sun, 09 Jan 2000 20:23:06 PST >Colin Mac Caulley Said As CAoL Message # 00008064 > >"Ya know thats a Good Question. Ya see, I tend to end up in some >ummm..Strange realities, and after once drinking a single malt made >of buckwheat and rye.. >[I will NOT toss cookies remembering,I hope...gasp]. >Well I have found Irish tends to be a little more stable from world >to world..." > "Wait a minute, where did that voice come from??" "Beg pardon," the voice replies. A small glowing square appears, and grows into a TV/monitor like screen. It continues to grow to door size, and a woman walks through. Rather than the Highland garb old-timers might expect, Morgan is dressed in comfortable early 21st century clothing. She walks over to Colin and extends her hand at an angle that allows either shaking or kissing with equal ease. (OOC: She has a Gaelic accent. I can't effectively type it, but it's there :-). "Sorry to startle ye. I sometimes forget that not all o' Mike's guests are used to x-window communication. My name is Morgan Greywolf-Phoenix." She turns to the big Irishman behind the bar. "Vanilla shake, Mike." In response to his puzzled raised eyebrow, she adds, "I know I could probably metabolize the water o' life before it got anywhere near the bairns, but I'd rather not take the chance." >On Mon, 10 Jan 2000 10:00:38 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00008065 > >"Och, Mum, leave off -- to gi' credit where 'tis due, our Irish >cousins do make a fine single malt. Besides, at least 'e's not after >aksin' for an *English* whiskey, now..." "Aye, there is that, Roger" Morgan grins in the general direction of the voice. Then she turns her attention back to the newcomer. "Anyway, welcome to Callahans. We're an eclectic bunch, but as long as ye're reasonably polite ye shouldna have any problems. I'd be happy to answer any questions ye may have about The Place here," she smiles. ================================= Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 11:35:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Newbee On Tue, 18 Jan 2000 17:01:49 GMT, In alt.callahans Colin Mac Caulley Said As CAoL Message # 00008069 >On Mon, 17 Jan 2000 20:06:55 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Post # 00006051 > >"Beg pardon," the voice replies. A small glowing square appears, and >grows into a TV/monitor like screen. It continues to grow to door >size, and a woman walks through. Rather than the Highland garb >old-timers might expect, Morgan is dressed in comfortable early 21st >century clothing. She walks over to Colin and extends her hand at an >angle that allows either shaking or kissing with equal ease. The Old Man tells Colin "++ that's it!! thats The Portal I felt!!++" >(OOC: She has a Gaelic accent. I can't effectively type it, but it's >there :-). "Sorry to startle ye. I sometimes forget that not all o' >Mike's guests are used to x-window communication. My name is Morgan >Greywolf-Phoenix." Colin Takes the Ladies hand and gently brushes the back of it with his lips. Looking deep into her eyes he says " It is an honor to meet such a bright Spirit as you my Lady..." He then looks toword the Monitor screen "That must be the Reality Portal I felt, you called it an X-Window?" >>On Mon, 10 Jan 2000 10:00:38 EST >>SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00008065 >> >>"Och, Mum, leave off -- to gi' credit where 'tis due, our Irish >>cousins do make a fine single malt. Besides, at least 'e's not after >>aksin' for an *English* whiskey, now..." > >"Aye, there is that, Roger" Morgan grins in the general direction of >the voice. Then she turns her attention back to the newcomer. >"Anyway, welcome to Callahans. We're an eclectic bunch, but as long >as ye're reasonably polite ye shouldna have any problems. I'd be >happy to answer any questions ye may have about The Place here," she >smiles. Thank you for your help. =================================