Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6b The Game of IF - ch. 2 Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 18:12:05 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Sun, 20 Feb 2000 19:50:59 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008179 >On Sat, 19 Feb 2000 21:49:38 -0600 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008177 > >>On Sat, 19 Feb 2000 17:18:10 -0500 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008176 >> >>>On Fri, 18 Feb 2000 12:19:44 PST >>> Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008164 >A paper plane sails gracefully across the chasm, bobbing upward on >the hot updrafts from below, then drops to the ground nearby, within >view of the pair, but at a distance. Made of blue construction paper, >with yellow stripes, the folds make the paper construction resemble a >jet. As it passes over the chasm, print starts to become visible, >until it's fully ledgible as it reachs its landing spot. Zia blinks at Nemo. "I believe I might know whom that is." She lets Nemo check it out first, but then will step over, and pick up the missive to read it herself. >It reads, in a familiar Benedictine hand: > > Ignore this if you would prefer, but if the ring is > important to this world, and a danger, I would rather bear > that yoke than risk those needed whole to defeat our enemy. > Please place this message in a pocket or pouch if > you would discard the suggestion completely. Or throw it > over a shoulder if you would discuss it. I will arrive from the > direction the message was thrown if your decision is so. > -- Seth > > interesting. But, don't let it interfere with your plans.> "Well?" She asks Nemo. "For my thought, another might be more hindrance than help considering just how sickly insiduous that thing is, but Seth seems to have an aura of Otherwordly Good, although not as pronounced in imagery as yours or Sera's. I wouldn't mind having his help." "Besides." Her lips twitch with that black humor that sometimes escapes from her under certain trying or bleak conditions. "How many girls get someone like Seth offering to don a yoke for them? I didn't think he'd be into that sort of ... different loving." She grins, obviously not serious, but trying to break through her own fear and stress somewhat. Zia crumples up the missive, and unless Nemo demurs, or talks more first, she'll pitch it over her left shoulder. ================================= Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 23:09:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs On Mon, 21 Feb 2000 01:06:51 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008180 >In a message dated 2/20/00 6:12:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, >samatha1 writes: > >Zia crumples up the missive, and unless Nemo demurs, or talks more >first, she'll pitch it over her left shoulder. At this point, Scott walks up (from where is unclear). "I'd offer myself, since you can't corrupt a nonexistent mind, but I don't think anybody would trust me with it. Not you, not, er, my associates, not FailSafe, and most especially not me." Scott pauses. "You should come back as soon as you're done with that; there's some good news and some bad news. Most immediate bad news: there are a bunch of temporal paradoxes floating around; try to ride them out as if you were a native. We may be being searched for." With that, Scott fades out. ================================= Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 06:36:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Thu, 24 Feb 2000 07:18:23 -0600 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008188 >On Sun, 20 Feb 2000 19:50:59 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008179 > >Zia crumples up the missive, and unless Nemo demurs, or talks more >first, she'll pitch it over her left shoulder. The ball of blue construction paper bounces down a small incline on the left, past a curve in the path and stops. Back up the path first came a careless, bounding song of nonsense words, followed by a hat with a tall crown and a long blue feather stuck in the brim, under which sat bright blue eyes under deep brows amid a face as red as an apple and wrinkled with a hundred laugh lines. With large brown thumbs sticking out of his blue jacket pockets, he bounded toward the three on thick legs in yellow boots. In this world, he would be too large for a hobbit, but not large enough for a man, though he certainly moved like one. "Well now, my long missed fair friends, let's see this ring on which so much depends," he said, as he withdrew the crumpled paper plane from a pocket and tossed it in the air before catching it in his opposite large brown hand and shoving it in the other pocket. Though he looked and sounded different, this small figure of a man still carried that same mystique Seth exhibited in the planning room. ================================= Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 21:37:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians Seeking ??? On 02-24-2000 at 21:30:05 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008191 The Senior Master of The Guardians of IF, Waits patiently in his office for the Teams he assigned to Report... A Senior Brother enters his office... "Senior Master, I bring report of A Few Significant Details." The Senior Brother says excitedly. "Ahh, It seemed a bit early for the Reports to come in. You seem Troubled, come tell me your News." The Senior Master says Calmly. Making an effort to calm himself The Senior Brother Complies. "We Began the Task of Identifying any Paradox Immune Nexi within the Matrix, as planned by generating an array of minor Paradoxes, and observing the achronistic response patterns." Taking a Deep breath he continues. "The First Realm has been Opened, and We now have Proof Positive of The Existence of, The Watcher at The Gate. It will be a while before we have much more data, The Senior Brothers are having to relearn how to interpret what they are perceiving, since the major reference point is no more..." "Brother you have become agitated again, Calm Yourself." With Effort The Senior Brother Replies "Yes Master..." The Senior Master Instructs "We must consider this Carefully, Inform The Masters that I require their attendance, For Planning Purposes... Do Not Inform them of your findings to date, Just tell them that there are New Findings." ----------------------------------------- By this Time, Nemo and some other know that rumor is wrong, The Guardians have at least 50 Time Machines... The "Brothers" are a roughly normal Spectrum of creatures, A bit above the common bell curve, But not enough to truly stand out, The "Senior Brothers" range in power from "Herald of Galactus" to "Cosmic Cube" levels... The "Masters" Of which only Scott has seen one in action, 'I am assuming all reports are integrated', Have power on the Scale of 'The Starbrand', Not the Pale imitations gotten when he tried to give it away, The True Thing... The Power of the Living Paradox... ================================= Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 07:38:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 07:21:43 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008193 >On Thu, 24 Feb 2000 07:18:23 -0600 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008188 > "Well now, my long missed fair friends, let's see this ring on >which so much depends," he said, as he withdrew the crumpled paper >plane from a pocket and tossed it in the air before catching it in >his opposite large brown hand and shoving it in the other pocket. > Though he looked and sounded different, this small figure of a >man still carried that same mystique Seth exhibited in the planning >room. Zia blinks at the rather brightly garbed stranger, then shakes her head slowly in bemusement. "I haven't been greeted as a "fair friend" since I left Dindan's companionship." She smiles at Seth. "Thanks for reminding me of that time." The nostalgic light in her eyes dies off suddenly. "The Ring... is right there." She points to the still energy-encased band of gold. She glances at the halo'd Nemo and nods, "Actually, that isn't a bad idea, if Dragonfire can do that. DC seems rather a good choice, as well." She cocks her head, and suddenly smiles. "And if the dwarves, hobbits, wizards and men in general need a lesson the Ring War won't happen to provide, I could probably serve as instigator to a whole differing way to accomplish the same peace and self-knowledge between them, given your guidance. Though knowing how that sort of thing goes before, I'll wind up the major villainess, again." "Another ring, or treat this ..." She glances at the One Ring, "as my turning point here, eliminate the Ploorans who 'know too much', and move on to another Sign's curve? I can skip about in time and chronologies, helping this purpose, so fixing me with power here-now might be less than maximum resultant for our cause." "What do you think, Nemo?" ================================= Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 12:02:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 10:12:19 -0600 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008194 >On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 07:21:43 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008193 > >Zia blinks at the rather brightly garbed stranger, then shakes her >head slowly in bemusement. "I haven't been greeted as a "fair friend" >since I left Dindan's companionship." She smiles at Seth. "Thanks for >reminding me of that time." The nostalgic light in her eyes dies off >suddenly. The stranger explains briefly, "My kind are often seen differently at different times by different peoples. I've been a while on Arda, by its reckoning, anyway, though I usually don't leave fair Goldberry and the Old Forest for so long. They call me 'Tom Bombadil' here, among other names." >"The Ring... is right there." She points to the still energy-encased >band of gold. She glances at the halo'd Nemo and nods, "Actually, >that isn't a bad idea, if Dragonfire can do that. DC seems rather a >good choice, as well." 'Tom' squatted down and looked at the One Ring beneath it's 'wards'. "Pretty," he mused, "Too bad for its owner he put so much of himself into something so easily taken away," tsking to himself, "Ah well." >She cocks her head, and suddenly smiles. "And if the dwarves, >hobbits, wizards and men in general need a lesson the Ring War won't >happen to provide, I could probably serve as instigator to a whole >differing way to accomplish the same peace and self-knowledge between >them, given your guidance. Though knowing how that sort of thing goes >before, I'll wind up the major villainess, again." 'Tom' tugged at his beard in thought as he sat next to the Ring, listening. >"Another ring, or treat this ..." She glances at the One Ring, "as my >turning point here, eliminate the Ploorans who 'know too much', and >move on to another Sign's curve? I can skip about in time and >chronologies, helping this purpose, so fixing me with power here-now >might be less than maximum resultant for our cause." > >"What do you think, Nemo?" For 'Tom's' part, he shrugs, "I could lose the Ring for a time, until it needs to be found again, if that is the path desired. These Ploorans are a different question, as I have no knowledge of their ways. They would be unable to find it, but I know not their reply to such a loss." -- Seth (as Tom Bombadil) ================================= Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 16:38:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 15:31:31 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008195 >On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 07:21:43 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008193 > >"The Ring... is right there." She points to the still energy-encased >band of gold. She glances at the halo'd Nemo and nods, "Actually, >that isn't a bad idea, if Dragonfire can do that. DC seems rather a >good choice, as well." "Yes, and even Sauron might quail at facing him." >She cocks her head, and suddenly smiles. "And if the dwarves, >hobbits, wizards and men in general need a lesson the Ring War won't >happen to provide, I could probably serve as instigator to a whole >differing way to accomplish the same peace and self-knowledge between >them, given your guidance. Though knowing how that sort of thing goes >before, I'll wind up the major villainess, again." "Is playing Morgaine le Fay really that bad?" >"Another ring, or treat this ..." She glances at the One Ring, "as my >turning point here, eliminate the Ploorans who 'know too much', and >move on to another Sign's curve? I can skip about in time and >chronologies, helping this purpose, so fixing me with power here-now >might be less than maximum resultant for our cause." "The Ploorans aren't going remember the ring for a *long* time. I used all that fear and terror you were generating to perform a partial mindwipe. All the memories involved are now tied to so much fear that it'd take a master therapist decades to get them back. They don't know why they are here, nor what they were looking for. And they're subconcious is busily generating lots of reasons for them *not* to get curious about it." "And, Ploorans, being Ploorans, they didn't trust underlings with the task. So there's no one else to remind them of the Ring." ================================= Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 08:08:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 10:45:21 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008198 >On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 15:31:31 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008195 > >>On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 07:21:43 -0800 (PST) >>Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008193 >> >>"The Ring... is right there." She points to the still energy-encased >>band of gold. She glances at the halo'd Nemo and nods, "Actually, >>that isn't a bad idea, if Dragonfire can do that. DC seems rather a >>good choice, as well." > >"Yes, and even Sauron might quail at facing him." Zia nods, "I could see that. I'll let you and, " she grins almost like her normal self again at their other companion, "Tom here work out how to employ it best. Just keep in mind that it's probably a bad idea for Nemo to carry it, Tom. Not that I mind, I just don't even want to think about what could result if it were able to subvert one of them." She shivers. "I don't think it can, but some risks just aren't worth taking." >"Is playing Morgaine le Fay really that bad?" "Well. 'Playing' her is actually a lot of fun. She is a lady who always knows exactly what she wants, and usually gets it. That sort of self-knowledge and will-to-do is rare in anyone. But afterwards, it's not as much fun. People don't see me as 'playing' her, you know. They see me AS her. Arthur... well. Let's just say that people find it easy to see evil unmitigated in another, far more easily than they can see both the black and the white. It's easier perhaps, on a person's conscience to assume that any evil tendency means that a villain's heart holds only evil. But it's not exactly true. I think generally even the so-called 'heroes' know this, but how much they admit it to themselves grades how truly they are heroic." Zia shakes her head. "But I lot of Morgraine's actions that resulted in an actual balance of improvement were either left out of the legend.. or attributed to the Lady of the Lake." >"The Ploorans aren't going remember the ring for a *long* time. I >used all that fear and terror you were generating to perform a >partial mindwipe. All the memories involved are now tied to so much >fear that it'd take a master therapist decades to get them back. They >don't know why they are here, nor what they were looking for. And >they're subconcious is busily generating lots of reasons for them >*not* to get curious about it." > >"And, Ploorans, being Ploorans, they didn't trust underlings with the >task. So there's no one else to remind them of the Ring." "I was THAT bad?" Zia looks slightly startled. "Oh... yeah, I can see maybe it was. Racial, or perhaps legendary, fear as well as my own personal fear, on top of all the 'normal' load of paranoia and fear an Amberite has by inescapable environmental consequence. I'm glad it's already fading in my memory. But I'm still surprised it was so bad as to overwhelm a shipful of Ploorans - maybe I should consider screaming for help a bit EARLIER next time." "Any projection on the next correction we can chisel in? Or should I just open a Sign again, and see where it takes me?" ================================= Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 09:12:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VIb:Grabbing The Bull By The Horns On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 16:48:57 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008199 OneEye looks up from the computer a scowl upon his face. "Something wrong boss?" His imp questions impishly. "Only in the logistics manner of the word..." He pulls out his pipe, and somehow smoke begins issueing from it. "It seems theres over a mllion of these holocaust class Dictators scattered throughout the matrix cosm. I'm beginning to wonder about the sanity of my plan." Frogface beathes a sigh of relief "Thank god boss. I mean, do you really want these gaurdian of if freaks breathing down your neck?" "Yes, actually I do." Frogface looks worried. "But no one sane will be able to do so. Which means Virgo is all wrong for this assignment. Get me the list of Malkavians in our employ." The sprite mumbles something under his breath as a small palm top appears before the merchant. "Hmm, let me see, Jaiman Jack? No too ravnos. Destiny is a singer, and Maxwell's not much better. Jim Morrison, a Malkavian? I could of sworn he was a cultist, but oh well, not him either. Ah! Here we are then. Sgt James J. Joker, USMC." Coughing oneeye begins to chant and waves his hands. Something resembling a x-window appears before him, revealing a grizzled face, with one pupil in the shape of a target. "Joker here, whas up?" "Sgt. Joker, This OneEye of the Tech Tonic. We need you to perform a mission for our cause. Regular pay, as well as acess to the typical sun protection amulet. Agreed?" "Sir yes Sir!" The grunt bellows. "Perfect, You will be transported shortly..." ********************************************************************** Sgt James J Joker, USMC, deceased, crawled his way slowly across the top of the darkened building. Accordfing to his breifing this man, Himmler, would be the death of millions of people. No real biggy, but The Tech Tonic wanted him stopped, along with other like him. The pay is good, and the amulets are nifty, so why not? Carefully raising his head only slightly above the edge of the roof to avoid showing an outline, he sees the target sitting by the jail window, reading something. Carefully, he raises his rifle to his shoulder, and fires. Pulling out a small com unit and speaks into it. "Mission one accomplished, move me on...." as he fades from view in the type of twinkle that usually accompanies a star trek beam out... In the cell,the now gently singing Himmler smiles brightly, and begins redecorateing in Pastels, hoping to make the world a nicer place.... And so it continues, from world to world. Death is not needed, when brainwashing will do just fine. 100 worlds go by and Joker stops after a visit to a rain forest. He now finds himself sitting in a bar, sipping a vodka. Slowly, joker fades out, as OneEye fades in, so slowly that no one notices. "That ought to attracte thier attention, especially now that I'm a stationary target. I wonder how they'll react? Hope they're smart enough to ask questions first...." ================================= Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 11:01:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VIb:Grabbing The Bull By The Horns On 02-26-2000 at 10:53:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008200 Was this Present or Past? My comments will be based on the assumption, That it is past to generate Paradox Gems, That was what I last heard as your goal... >On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 16:48:57 GMT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008199 > >OneEye looks up from the computer a scowl upon his face. > >"Something wrong boss?" His imp questions impishly. > >"Only in the logistics manner of the word..." He pulls out his pipe, >and somehow smoke begins issueing from it. "It seems theres over a >mllion of these holocaust class Dictators scattered throughout the >matrix cosm. I'm beginning to wonder about the sanity of my plan." >Frogface beathes a sigh of relief Besides few of them lasted very long, There should only be 2 maybe 3 in the present... Their Legacy is felt much longer... >Carefully raising his head only slightly above the edge of the roof >to avoid showing an outline, he sees the target sitting by the jail >window, reading something. Carefully, he raises his rifle to his >shoulder, and fires. At the moment he pulls the trigger, A 4" Diameter object resembling a crystal ball, Clanks to the roof top next to him... Nothing else happens... Think of it as a Weird Holo-Camera, It Takes Pictures of what Might have been, If that Shot had been effective... If the "Film/Paradox Gem/Crystal Ball" is "Developed:, By The Game of If, It May, Replace, or Branch from that moment, or Become a Parallel Time Line... >Pulling out a small com unit and speaks into it. "Mission one >accomplished, move me on...." as he fades from view in the type of >twinkle that usually accompanies a star trek beam out... Several Days Later it could be found and Stored somewhere, Eventually One of the Brothers finds it, He then acquires it and forwards it to a Senior Brother, Who takes it back to The Guardians of IF's Headquarters, For analysis... >In the cell,the now gently singing Himmler smiles brightly, and >begins redecorateing in Pastels, hoping to make the world a nicer >place.... >And so it continues, from world to world. Death is not needed, when >brainwashing will do just fine. And the Pattern Continues, As the Evidence of Multiple Deliberate Attempts, By a Single Entity, To Modify History accumulates, The Guardians consider what to do about it... >"That ought to attracte thier attention, especially now that I'm a >stationary target. I wonder how they'll react? Hope they're smart >enough to ask questions first...." ================================= Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 12:38:35 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb:Grabbing The Bull By The Horns On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 20:16:55 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008201 >Was this Present or Past? > My comments will be based on the assumption, > That it is past to generate Paradox Gems, > That was what I last heard as your goal... Past. >Besides few of them lasted very long, > There should only be 2 maybe 3 in the present... > Their Legacy is felt much longer... This is looking at a long scan of history. > >>In the cell,the now gently singing Himmler smiles brightly, and >>begins redecorateing in Pastels, hoping to make the world a nicer >>place.... > This is what would happen if the shot takes effect. >And the Pattern Continues, > As the Evidence of Multiple Deliberate Attempts, > By a Single Entity, > To Modify History accumulates, > The Guardians consider what to do about it... OneEye will be waiting at that bar when they're ready. ================================= Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 19:29:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 18:35:44 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008203 >On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 10:45:21 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008198 > >>On Fri, 25 Feb 2000 15:31:31 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008195 >> >>"Yes, and even Sauron might quail at facing him." > >Zia nods, "I could see that. I'll let you and, " she grins almost >like her normal self again at their other companion, "Tom here work >out how to employ it best. Just keep in mind that it's probably a bad >idea for Nemo to carry it, Tom. Not that I mind, I just don't even >want to think about what could result if it were able to subvert one >of them." She shivers. "I don't think it can, but some risks just >aren't worth taking." Nemo, musingly, "On the other hand, what could Sauron or the Ring *offer* me that I couldn't obtain myself?" >>"And, Ploorans, being Ploorans, they didn't trust underlings with >>the task. So there's no one else to remind them of the Ring." > >"I was THAT bad?" Zia looks slightly startled. "Oh... yeah, I can see >maybe it was. Racial, or perhaps legendary, fear as well as my own >personal fear, on top of all the 'normal' load of paranoia and fear >an Amberite has by inescapable environmental consequence. I'm glad >it's already fading in my memory. But I'm still surprised it was so >bad as to overwhelm a shipful of Ploorans - maybe I should consider >screaming for help a bit EARLIER next time." "Well, I *did* 'stimulate' you a bit, as well as add such amplification as I could... but it may help to think of me as using your fear as a catalyst to trigger *their* fears." >"Any projection on the next correction we can chisel in? Or should I >just open a Sign again, and see where it takes me?" "Your 'random walks' are as likely to trigger key events as my 'directed chaos'[1] nudges." [1] Chaos in the mathematical sense. While a chaotic system (weather, for example) cannot be *predicted* over a long period (the so-called "butterfly effect" where the flap of a butterfly's wing may, over time lead to a tornado or hurricane), it can be *steered* by the right sort of tiny nudges applied frequently. ================================= Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 15:37:20 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Sun, 27 Feb 2000 18:17:45 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008206 > On Sat, 26 Feb 2000 18:35:44 PST > Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008203 > >Nemo, musingly, "On the other hand, what could Sauron or the Ring >*offer* me that I couldn't obtain myself?" Zia pauses a moment. "Drive and desire, Nemo. About the only thing that drives you now, is simple curiosity. I shudder to think what would occur if you ever discovered what madnesses passion drives other entities to perform. You might be powerful beyond even my imagination, much less my admittedly humble comprehension, but somehow you seem to have the typical difficulty of the Tin Man." "Of course, I might be wrong, too. The only caution that might even be suitable to offer is that passion cannot be fathomed without the integral emotion of pain. If I'm incorrect, and you already know both, then I'm at a loss." >"Well, I *did* 'stimulate' you a bit, as well as add such >amplification as I could... but it may help to think of me as using >your fear as a catalyst to trigger *their* fears." "I'd be more reassured," the petite Amberite grins, "If you didn't sound like you were stating a rationalization instead of real logic or deduction. But I'll keep in it mind, Nemo." She turns to the other resident on this ledge of Mt. Doom, "Tom, well met and I hope to meet you again sometime. I'll leave the exact fate of this object in your and Nemo's capable hands, as I should be moving on." >"Your 'random walks' are as likely to trigger key events as my >'directed chaos'[1] nudges." "Frankly, I'm hoping some chance will fall together and our effects heterodyne together to create an unpredictable, and unparadoxable solution at some point." She turns and concentrates again, simple Shadow-walking out to a safer place to cover her tracks before beginning another Summoning of the Sign of Order. To Nemo and Tom, she simply walks about the corner and isn't there any longer. Ziactrice reappears in the halls of the 'complex' near Failsafe, and asks of the computer systems there, "Could I have a precise of the current local and progress, please? Any scramble calls for help from anyone anywhen?" ================================= Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 22:02:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians Seeking ??? On 02-28-2000 at 21:59:48 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008207 >On 02-24-2000 at 21:30:05 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008191 > >The Senior Master Instructs >"We must consider this Carefully, > Inform The Masters that I require their attendance, > For Planning Purposes... > Do Not Inform them of your findings to date, > Just tell them that there are New Findings." A Short while later "Masters of The Game of IF, We have several pieces of New Information... The recent disturbances may be related to a more significant item, Someone has opened 'The First Realm'..." "I AM NOT THROUGH!" "We have definite confirmation of the Existence of, The Final Warden'..." The Senior Master softly says "silence" Backed by a surge of Power that reminds all attendees of his position... <> "Whoever Opened 'The First Realm' has access to 'The Blue Horizon', "There are indeed several Paradox Immunes at large in The Matrix Cosm, But of more significance is a larger number of, Something we had not considered to be possible, These Entities seem to be able to Deliberately Shape Probabilities, Across a broadband of Realms, Several of those have the unsettling ability to, Manipulate the fine details of all decision points, Between a Paradox Gem's origin, and The point at which it is made the active time line... Instantly at the event of Reality Swap..." "Additionally Someone has been trying to contact Us, I have here a list of one hundred attempted temporal alterations, All actions of a Single entity in rapid succession... All have short term benign or benevolent resultant spectra, Sixty eight have median term benign or benevolent resultant spectra, Three are long term disasters... The Librarians tell me that One of these leads to the discovery of A previously un-suspected way to get at 'The Eye of Heaven'..." "Given that the entity in question is not of Local Origin, It seems Likely that any ill effects at any range are incidental." "Now we may begin discusion of our options." "Sigh" [I will let them work some of it out of thier systems, Before calling them back to the task at hand...] The Senior Master of The Guardians of IF ================================= Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 16:08:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardians, Ohh My...) On Tue, 29 Feb 2000 16:40:14 -0600 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008211 >On Sun, 27 Feb 2000 18:17:45 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008206 > >"Of course, I might be wrong, too. The only caution that might even >be suitable to offer is that passion cannot be fathomed without the >integral emotion of pain. If I'm incorrect, and you already know >both, then I'm at a loss." 'Tom' just grins, reachs out and picks up the ring. Keeping it within it's protective energy fields, he turns it in his hands, inspecting it closely. "An insidious compulsion, attempting to appeal to the hidden desires of Man. Ziatrice's suggestion is probably for the best. Should one have desire, this ring would ferret it out and try to move you toward action. The only people safe are likely men of no desire whatsoever. I would dare speculate even curiousity would be enough." 'Tom' smiled in a particularly, Seth-ish fashion, "I'm not of a mind to test if I am such a man for any length of time, but I do seem to be safe thusfar. For hiding it, I will likely attempt to lose it and have faith I will quickly forget where. Such a thing should be destroyed by those who live here, or they will have learned nothing." At Zia's words of departure, he replies, "Until our paths next cross, milady." ================================= Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000 18:23:27 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At Mt. Doom, Mordor, Middle Earth (from: Rings Vrs Guardia On 03-03-2000 at 17:49:15 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008219 >On Sun, 27 Feb 2000 18:17:45 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008206 > >Ziactrice reappears in the halls of the 'complex' near Failsafe, and >asks of the computer systems there, "Could I have a precise of the >current local and progress, please? Any scramble calls for help from >anyone anywhen?" A Nearby terminal beeps and displays, "Of Course, Here is an Index, Please Select By: _Group_, _Progress_, or _Expressed Urgency_, Or Request any other characteristic to index on, And I will prepare an appropriate Index." ================================= Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000 22:13:36 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VIb: At HQ For a Status Update On Sat, 4 Mar 2000 00:21:44 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008221 >On 03-03-2000 at 17:49:15 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008219 > >>On Sun, 27 Feb 2000 18:17:45 -0500 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008206 >> >>Ziactrice reappears in the halls of the 'complex' near Failsafe, and >>asks of the computer systems there, "Could I have a precise of the >>current local and progress, please? Any scramble calls for help from >>anyone anywhen?" Well, I got confused from not recalling quite right, Fuzzy; thought Failsafe was still 'here', but he never was. Oops! Okay... I'm assuming the 'house' system is rigged to communicate, or Nemesis has a split, or whatever you like.... >A Nearby terminal beeps and displays, >"Of Course, > Here is an Index, > Please Select By: _Group_, _Progress_, or _Expressed Urgency_, Or > Request any other characteristic to index on, > And I will prepare an appropriate Index." "Order by risk of permanent damage non-healing from known abilties of each by your determination, secondary importance details of known location from greatest to least. I'll have to be able to GET to them fast enough to be any help. Report only those under current threat, for now. Prepare for upload of said listing via a carrier wave of #this frequency# code as transmitted in that burst." Zia waits a moment, head cocked. ================================= Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000 22:43:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: At HQ For a Status Update On Sat, 4 Mar 2000 01:30:54 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008222 >In a message dated 3/3/00 10:14:05 PM Pacific Standard Time, >samatha1 writes: > >Zia waits a moment, head cocked. And Scott walks in. He looks all right, in as far as he ever looked healthy. After a brief pause staring off into space, he turns to Zia, and smiles weakly. "I'd like to apologize for earlier; I wasn't exactly, er, myself at that juncture. I'd also hoped to have a short briefing for you about what I saw, but it can wait until we're all here." His smile fades, as the terminal's reports start coming in. "Well, I suppose you should be off. Have a pleasant time storming the castle." ================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2000 18:37:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On Sat, 4 Mar 2000 21:29:35 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008225 >On Sat, 4 Mar 2000 01:30:54 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008222 > >And Scott walks in. He looks all right, in as far as he ever looked >healthy.\ Ziactrice just gives him the sort of look you'd expect someone to aim at a person who just keeps showing up EVERYwhere you go. Especially considering how Zia travels and hiphops about, having a tailgater just bugs her to no end. >After a brief pause staring off into space, he turns to Zia, and >smiles weakly. "I'd like to apologize for earlier; I wasn't exactly, >er, myself at that juncture. I'd also hoped to have a short briefing >for you about what I saw, but it can wait until we're all here." "It's rarely wise to let intel wait, but I'm not the efficient entity for said function. You'd be better off talking at computer speed to one of the assorted CAoLers who aren't 'meat'. I may be a cyborg by the strictest definition, but my gray matter is still just that; gray matter." >His smile fades, as the terminal's reports start coming in. > >"Well, I suppose you should be off. Have a pleasant time storming the >castle." "Why, +thank+ you for your kind permission, sir. If I do have occasion to storm a castle, I'm sure you'll turn up after alls been said and done. Again." Her eyes spark like blue ice, but she just grits her teeth, summons a Sign much more easily this time, and steps through the electric blue swirl to elsewhere... [Ed.Note: Snip part that's in AAE6c.] ================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2000 21:57:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians Seeking ??? On 03-04-2000 at 21:42:29 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008227 >On 02-28-2000 at 21:59:48 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008207 > >[I will let them work some of it out of thier systems, > Before calling them back to the task at hand...] "Gentlebeings, May we return to the task at hand?" Sigh All Sound except the Senior Master's voice, Slides down to silence... Selecting a Master, "Have one of the Senior Brother under your direction, Find out what that person in the Bar at {} wants. Do Not inform the Senior Brother, But I expect you to Provide backup and Monitoring Personally." "Those who are expecting some Malign Effect, Convene in Conference room 2. Those who are expecting some Benevolent Effect, Convene in Conference room 3. Others Convene in Conference room 4." "I will be expecting a Consensus from each group within an hour, Addressing these points... How do we confirm or deny the effect of these peoples actions, What do we do about it for each case." "If that can not be done, I will take Unilateral Action of my own choice." The Senior Master of The Guardians of IF ================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2000 23:23:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIc: Now what? On Sun, 5 Mar 2000 00:10:20 -0600 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00008228 >On Wed, 01 Mar 2000 21:49:26 -0800 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00008213 > > /Any ideas, Mew?/ > /You cannot intellectualize your way into belief, Eric,/ Mew >replies. Those receiving her on the link hear a gentle but strong >feminine voice. > /True but unhelpful,/ Eric replies evenly, then sighs as the >gospog finally tags him, gripping an arm. [I'm sorry, Kiri.] At Mt. Doom, Tom Bombadil, AKA Seth, frowns. Suddenly taking up the One Ring, his form shifts back to Seth's, growing wings, white robes and a golden aura. "Forgive this unilateral action, Nemo, but I suspect, as a well-read being, you will know where this ring is, should it be needed before it is refound. My presence is required elsewhere." Seth takes flight, passing over the Cracks of Doom, shooting out from the cinder cone, heading back to the river near the Misty Mountains. There he drops the ring before leaving this world for another. [Ed. Note: The rest of this post is in AAE6c.] ================================= Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2000 15:43:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-05-2000 at 15:27:00 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008230 >On 03-04-2000 at 21:42:29 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008227 > > "If that can not be done, > I will take Unilateral Action of my own choice." As soon as the others have left, The Senior Master manifests a Lens and Sends @Nedanillor, If you have a few moments, I could use your input.@ Nedanillor replies @ Yes Eldest Child of Paradox, What need do you perceive.@ @The First Realm has been opened, Several of the Entities responsible bear A Lens, There is also a Lens Like Phenomenon, Which connects some of them to each other. Any Insights, or Knowledge concerning these events would be welcome. We as yet have only incomplete data, However It appears that they seek all of the Primal Artifacts, For Purposes Unknown. Have your people managed to achieve a Visualization, Which reveals the Purpose of the Artifacts?@ @ They are not from any nearby Universe, We will seek further Data, Then inform you of our evaluation.@ @Be aware that I will be updating the design team, Working on the Containment systems for 'The Eye of Heaven', A new weakness has been identified by our research people. You may expect a minor disturbance as that is made real, In about 5 Minutes.@ The Senior Master of The Guardians of IF ================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 02:41:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On Mon, 6 Mar 2000 04:42:52 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008234 >In a message dated 3/4/00 6:38:30 PM Pacific Standard Time, >samatha1 writes: > >"It's rarely wise to let intel wait, but I'm not the efficient entity >for said function. You'd be better off talking at computer speed to >one of the assorted CAoLers who aren't 'meat'. I may be a cyborg by >the strictest definition, but my gray matter is still just that; gray >matter." "Who ever said I was a computer?" Scott pauses. "Oh, yes, I did." Scott turns to a panel, "And I'm not letting it wait; I just got back a few minutes ago, most of which was spent warning you and Nemo." >>"Well, I suppose you should be off. Have a pleasant time storming >>the castle." > >"Why, +thank+ you for your kind permission, sir. If I do have >occasion to storm a castle, I'm sure you'll turn up after alls been >said and done. Again." Her eyes spark like blue ice, but she just >grits her teeth, summons a Sign much more easily this time, and steps >through the electric blue swirl to elsewhere... After she's left, Scott mutters, "Geeze, can't a weirdo make an odd reference without offending anybody anymore? It's not like I'm following her or anything." And with that, he turns to a terminal. "Computer, show me the location of the nearest Nemisis split, FailSafe, One-Eye, and the nearest Nemo; if possible, page them." ================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 04:02:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VIb: Scott's Return On 03-06-2000 at 03:58:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008235 >On Mon, 6 Mar 2000 04:42:52 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008234 > >After she's left, Scott mutters, "Geeze, can't a weirdo make an odd >reference without offending anybody anymore? It's not like I'm >following her or anything." > >And with that, he turns to a terminal. "Computer, show me the >location of the nearest Nemisis split, FailSafe, One-Eye, and the >nearest Nemo; if possible, page them." The Terminal Displays, "Nemisis, and FailSafe are in The Planning Room, Down the Hall to the Left, One-Eye's Current location is Not in my files." If there is not a Nemo in the Planning Room, "A Nemo is Being Paged, Expected Arrival in a few moments" "You may also be assured that None of the Castle Systems, Or Staff, Will be offended by any Odd References made by Guests, No matter how weird the Guest in Question is." ================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 04:02:20 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians Seeking ??? On 03-06-2000 at 03:58:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008236 >On 03-04-2000 at 21:42:29 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008227 > >Selecting a Master, > "Have one of the Senior Brothers under your direction, > Find out what that person in the Bar at {} wants. > Do Not inform the Senior Brother, But > I expect you to Provide backup and Monitoring Personally." A non-descript gentleman walks into the bar, I suspect that One-Eye will have no trouble, Detecting his power field, He Sits at the bar and has an Ale... ... After have looked for any booby traps, And Drinking his Ale... Generating a masking field to prevent eaves droppers "I believe you were trying to get a message to us, May I ask your purpose?" A Senior Brother ================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 10:08:17 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Scott's Return On Mon, 6 Mar 2000 12:04:38 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008239 >In a message dated 3/6/00 4:02:41 AM Pacific Standard Time, >Nemisis writes: > >The Terminal Displays, > "Nemisis, and FailSafe are in The Planning Room, > Down the Hall to the Left, > One-Eye's Current location is Not in my files." Scott blinks. "Thank you, computer." He then walks down the hall, and turns left. "Good day, gentlemachines." ================================= Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2000 08:09:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians Seeking ??? On Tue, 07 Mar 2000 15:49:12 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008245 >Generating a masking field to prevent eaves droppers >"I believe you were trying to get a message to us, > May I ask your purpose?" OneEye smiles warmly. "Of course of course, good to be recognized. A pleasure to meet you I'm sure. My name is OneEye, and I am a merchant by trade, and a time traveller by life. I am in this cozm as a favor to some friends, and i figgured that the direct approach i salways best." The old man signals for another shot of vodka. "I represent a consortium, known as the CaoL, afriad I'm not authorized to tell you what it stands for, but we're interested in purchasing the game of if.." OneEye raises his hand to forestall any comments "Hear me out friend, hear me out. From what I've heard, the game of id holdsa fraction of a friend of thiers soul. We're trying to collect all the fragments so that we can put him back together. If the Game survives, I'm sure they'd be more than willing to return it." He lights his pipe as he watches the Brother."Now, like Ah said, we're not expecting you to give this away for free, which is why ah'm authorized to offer you, for a limited time only, four magic items, which may help replace the game if need be." OneEye grins, his eye twinkling merrily. Putting his right hand on the table, he indicates a folden ring witha large blue sapphire place within it. "See this pretty thing? this ring allows a time traveller to become a part of the timeline, so that whatever he does in the past always happened. Allow me to demonstrate!" OneEye twists the ring, and a slight haze settles on him, making him seem somehow more real. He blinks out of reality for a microsecond, then returns, twisting the ring back. Sitting on the table is now a smoke filled bottle. But in the seniors brother mind, he see two pasts, the one he just lived through, and one where the bottle was on the table since he sat down. "Quite useful. Now the second item is in the bottle. NO! Don't open it. You see, inside there is time, pure time. Not somethign thats easy to get a hold of, let me tell you. I had to drain 216 timelines in order to fill one bottle. It's hard work but worth it. Un fortuneately, bottled time is unable to be duplicated, trust me I've tried, but whats in that bottle could last you millions of years, if used properly." "I know, they're somewhat small gifts, but thats not all." Reaching into a sleeve oneeye produces a Klien Bottle The bottle seems to twist in upon itself, but it very obviously contains somethign within it. "Entropy, all nice and contained. Very heavily spelled, after all a little of this stuff can destroy all the variant timelines if used incorrectly, but still useful. Just a small token." "Oh the last thing, of course of course. An item that might help you deal with the ansible guild. I have a ring that will enable the wearer to move between the seconds, and grab an item, thus duplicating it! Watch closely..." OneEye does his blinking trick, and his shot glass appears beside itself. "Fun at parties, and useful at outwitting a certain ansible guild.... Do you agree to the exchange?" Oneeye smiles brightly at the man ================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 14:34:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Scott's Return On 03-08-2000 at 13:30:16 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008250 >On Mon, 6 Mar 2000 12:04:38 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008239 > >Scott blinks. "Thank you, computer." He then walks down the hall, and >turns left. > >"Good day, gentlemachines." "Good day, What is your current Status?" ================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 14:34:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Scott's Return On 03-08-2000 at 13:30:16 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008251 >On Mon, 6 Mar 2000 12:04:38 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008239 > >Scott blinks. "Thank you, computer." He then walks down the hall, and >turns left. > >"Good day, gentlemachines." Blink, Blink "Greasings and Lubrications." ================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 15:44:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Scott's Return On Wed, 8 Mar 2000 18:33:54 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00008253 > On 03-08-2000 at 13:30:16 > Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008250 > >"Good day, > What is your current Status?" "Not the best I've ever been, but that's another matter. Here's the complete results of my incomplete temporal scans of the coordinates you sent me to; mayhaps you can make more sense of it then I can." Scott pulls out what looks like a transparent CD-ROM, and places it on the table. "Maybe, when the others get back, you can show them what exactly this means. In the meantime, I've got something to talk to you both about." +---------------------+ |Five minutes later...| +---------------------+ "Like I said, it's not something that has to happen right now, but it does need to be done." [OOC: All will be explained later; Fuzzy, I'm ready whenever you are.] ================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 23:03:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 6b: How to win people and influence events, pt2 On Wed, 8 Mar 2000 16:46:38 EST John and/or Rhia Said As CAoL Message # 00008255 >In a message dated 2/12/00 2:15:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, >pookie writes: > > "Yes," he murmured, watching one of them, "let's not crash into >the wall." With that the ship lifted and took off. John traveled through probability and space. After about ten minutes he realized that he had no clue what he was doing, where he was going, or what he might accomplish in the process. "Time to let the dogs run loose for a while." Closing his eyes he entered a trance state, and let his overlarge collective unconscious direct him. An unknown time later, though from indications he suspected it had been several days, he emerged from it to find himself back in the probablity stream and docking at a space station/holowed out moonlet. Running on a screen was a looped recording describing the station: Arcadia, pleasure station of the cosmos, specializing in all forms of gambling and recreation. A wholly owned subsidiary of NUI Inc., Arcadia is the place to relax in. Test your skills in the casino, thrill to our amazing zero-gee rides, even go camping in one of our highly rated holo-parks. Arcadia is fun for the whole family. Upon entering the station you will be assigned your own specially trained host or hostess to ensure that your experiance is enjoyable for all. Need a night away from the children? Just ask your guide and she will be happy to... John switched off the monitor and handed the ship over to the port authorities, making up a background to go with his name. Upon disembarking he was approached by a small man with a slightly defeated look about him. The man bowed to John, "Hello sir, I am Rafael, and I have been assigned to be your host for your visit here." The man looked John over, taking in his somewhat bland and servicable clothing. With a slight lift to his voice he continued, "If you should wish another host, or perhaps a hostess, I would take no offense. Many of our guests make such requests." "No, no. You will do quite well, Rafe. At the moment I would like to see to lodging. Someplace not too expensive, but near the main concourse, I think." Rafe winced when John shortened his name, nor did John miss the small sigh and dejected look as he gave his preferences for lodging. "Of course sir," he said, "just follow me." John followed the guide through several twisty streets, finally stopping before the Excelsior Hotel. John got squared away then called Rafe over. "Rafe, you don't seem that happy to be my host. Is there a problem?" "No sir. Not at all." Rafe looked miserable. "Come now, I won't be mad or offended. I know I don't look like a particularly exciting guy. Spill." "Well, each host works off commission based on a percentage of how much the guest spends during their stay. I used to be one of the best, but a run of bad luck and now I only get the dregs.." Rafe stops there, aware of his slip. John at him for a second, "Dregs, am I? Tell me Rafe, what about the casinos? Not every guest loses money there. How do they work that?" "A host also gets a percentage of the winnings, though it is, of course, smaller. I would advise against trying the casino unless you have the means to cover your losses. Right now credit is being extended to you based on the value of your ship. Should you meet or exceed that your ship will be taken and you will be given the option of working here to try to recoup your losses, or a one-way ticket to the world of your choice." John smiled, "Rafe, I have a feeling that your fall was not just the result of bad luck. Be that as it may, this is your lucky day. Here, redeem my ship and have a seperate line extended based on the value of this." John hands the host a small bag. When rafe opens it sparkling gems fall into his hand. He looks up at John, all deferential, "Of course, sir. Right away." John stops him as he turns to leave, "When you get back I'd like to visit a haberdashery." At the mans look of incomprehension he adds, "A clothsieres. Then I want to go to the casino." ================================= Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2000 16:57:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On 03-11-2000 at 16:52:28 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008260 >On Wed, 8 Mar 2000 20:51:24 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008254 > >Zia helps Rhia jump/crawl out of the confined space within the cage, >then starts to open another Sign back to the Planning Room. "I should >make a Trump; this is too tiring to do regularly." She mutters >absently under her breath. "House Security would prefer that such a thing, Be keyed to the Courtyard, or Entry Hall, Use of any Blue Tiled Alcove is recommended, Tile Color will be reset to Red afterward, To indicate an In Use status..." Castle Maintenance Systems ================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 11:35:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-12-2000 at 11:30:23 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008265 Writing for Mentor of Arisia >On 03-05-2000 at 15:27:00 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008230 Nedanillor Thought >@ They are not from any nearby Universe, > We will seek further Data, > Then inform you of our evaluation.@ After looking at the arrival of the CAoL... Each Lens Bearer gets a private call from the local Mentor, 'Mentor see's to it that they can't compare notes, At least during the up coming descusion...' Full Lens, Not the Mini-Lens's, And inside the Matrix Cosm... I think that lets Fuzzy and Dhyrclhanc out... @Greetings Far Traveler. I would know of your Goals in the Matrix, and of Your Ideals... A Situation has developed that may require, A Non-Local operative to deal with.@ ================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 14:31:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE VI: OneEye and the Guardian On 03-12-2000 at 14:26:01 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008266 > On Tue, 07 Mar 2000 15:49:12 GMT > Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008245 > >OneEye smiles warmly. "Of course of course, good to be recognized. A >pleasure to meet you I'm sure. My name is OneEye, and I am a merchant >by trade, and a time traveller by life. I am in this cozm as a favor >to some friends, and i figgured that the direct approach i salways >best." "I doubt it could hurt. You may call me George." >"Hear me out friend, hear me out. From what I've heard, the game of >id holdsa fraction of a friend of thiers soul. We're trying to >collect all the fragments so that we can put him back together. If >the Game survives, I'm sure they'd be more than willing to return >it." "What is the Name of this Friend of theirs?" >He lights his pipe as he watches the Brother."Now, like Ah said, >we're not expecting you to give this away for free, which is why ah'm >authorized to offer you, for a limited time only, four magic items, >which may help replace the game if need be." OneEye grins, his eye >twinkling merrily. '?' >OneEye twists the ring, and a slight haze settles on him, making him >seem somehow more real. He blinks out of reality for a microsecond, >then returns, twisting the ring back. Sitting on the table is now a >smoke filled bottle. But in the seniors brother mind, he see two >pasts, the one he just lived through, and one where the bottle was on >the table since he sat down. to remember both time lines for a good while, but the majority of >norms will never know the difference> "Quite useful. Now the second >item is in the bottle. NO! Don't open it. You see, "Have no worries, Opening Suspect containers, I leave to the Bomb Squad" >inside there is time, pure time. Not somethign thats easy to get a >hold of, let me tell you. I had to drain 216 timelines in order to >fill one bottle. It's hard work but worth it. Un fortuneately, >bottled time is unable to be duplicated, trust me I've tried, but >whats in that bottle could last you millions of years, if used >properly." "!" >"Oh the last thing, of course of course. An item that might help you >deal with the ansible guild. I have a ring that will enable the >wearer to move between the seconds, and grab an item, thus >duplicating it! Watch closely..." OneEye does his blinking trick, and >his shot glass appears beside itself. "Fun at parties, and useful at >outwitting a certain ansible guild.... Do you agree to the exchange?" >Oneeye smiles brightly at the man "The Rings might be of interest, But before we could hope to deal, We would have to be assured of proper disposal, Of the Toxic Substances you are carrying in those bottles." "The Idea of anyone willing and able, To produce the described substances, Not to mention carry them around, Is not calculated to make us happy." "As far as out-witting the Ansible Guild, If they will not take warning, They will have no future and darn little past." Senior Brother George ================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 15:11:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: OneEye and the Guardian On Sun, 12 Mar 2000 23:00:21 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008267 >"The Rings might be of interest, > But before we could hope to deal, > We would have to be assured of proper disposal, > Of the Toxic Substances you are carrying in those bottles." > >"The Idea of anyone willing and able, > To produce the described substances, > Not to mention carry them around, > Is not calculated to make us happy." > >"As far as out-witting the Ansible Guild, > If they will not take warning, > They will have no future and darn little past." "The name the name, Frogface what was that name again?" The little imp pops up. "It was Fuzzy sir" "Ah yes, Fuzzy. Do not worry about the stuff itself, if you do not desire it, they will not remain inside this matrix cosm. After all, i wouldn't wish to upset the gaurdians....I remember some gaurdians, a long time ago, Oans they were called, no relation are they? oh well on to other...." OneEye stops a wheel in his head clicking. He twists a ring and speeds up to the point at which time is essentially froazen for all others. Pulling out a small communicator, he beams a message to whoever is listenign for this sort of thing back at the castle. "If we have the game of if, shouldn't it be possible for us to go back, stop fuzzy from being destroyed in the nine realms, then using it to make the resulting paradox gems real? End transmission." He twists the ring back. "So do we have a deal, or do you desire more?" ================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 21:03:46 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: OneEye and the Guardian On 03-12-2000 at 20:52:15 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008271 >On Sun, 12 Mar 2000 23:00:21 GMT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008267 > >He twists the ring back. "So do we have a deal, or do you desire >more?" "Fuzzy..." "A Fraction of Fuzzy's Soul..." "I will carry your words to the Masters of The Game of IF." "It may take some time for them to come to a decision, Everyone in the Matrix has Heard of Fuzzy, but The Tales Vary widely as to his Nature, And the effect of His Return..." "Our Researchers have not been able to find any Sign that, He ever existed..." "I will return as soon as I may." He gets up to leave, Unless stopped he will leave, and be back in a later message... Senior Brother George ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:08:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: OneEye and the Guardian On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 12:32:46 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008273 >"I will return as soon as I may." > >He gets up to leave, > Unless stopped he will leave, > and be back in a later message... Oneeye nods. "If'n ya need to get int ouch with me, just dial these numbers in any phone." He hands the brother a small sheet of paper with 13 numbers on it. "Have a good day!" With that OneEye does his fading thing, taking his items with him. ********************************************************************* Back in the control room, OneEye fades back into being, wiping sweat from his brow. "Whew. That went better than I expected." ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:14:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:07:35 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008274 >On 03-11-2000 at 16:52:28 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008260 [ED. NOTE: responding to stuff that started in AAE6c.] >"House Security would prefer that such a thing, > Be keyed to the Courtyard, or Entry Hall, > Use of any Blue Tiled Alcove is recommended, > Tile Color will be reset to Red afterward, > To indicate an In Use status..." > >Castle Maintenance Systems "Of course. I'd prefer not to arrive somewhere predictable, but unfortunately a Trump doesn't afford that luxury, unless it's too someone specific. I'm not sure I _can_ make a Trump of Nemo - which one would it 'get'? Same problem with Nemesis. Hmmmm, this will require some thought, plainly. For now, I'll take your preference of a Blue-tiled Alcove. Although I must ask for curiosity's sake, why not a Green-tiled Alcove?" Zia grins. ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:39:20 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:21:56 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008276 >On 03-12-2000 at 11:30:23 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008265 > >@Greetings Far Traveler. > I would know of your Goals in the Matrix, > and of Your Ideals... > A Situation has developed that may require, > A Non-Local operative to deal with.@ @You may designate me 'Zia' for ease of conversation. Since the goal of Civilization you must already understand, it must be more personal goals of which you Lens. The current endeavor is to return to a former mode of existence a colleague designate 'Fuzzy' with minimal disturbance amongst the Matrix.@ @My Ideals are to resolve dispute without battle as the highest strategy, to kill a sentient only when the waste of a life is necessary, and to conduct myself in harmony with the Tao in all ways.@ @What seems to be the problem?@ ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 12:20:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 19:33:53 GMT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008277 >"Of course. I'd prefer not to arrive somewhere predictable, but >unfortunately a Trump doesn't afford that luxury, unless it's too >someone specific. I'm not sure I _can_ make a Trump of Nemo - which >one would it 'get'? Same problem with Nemesis. Hmmmm, this will >require some thought, plainly. For now, I'll take your preference of >a Blue-tiled Alcove. Although I must ask for curiosity's sake, why >not a Green-tiled Alcove?" > >Zia grins. Oneye fades into exsistence, a little imp riding his shoulder. Shaking slightly, he wipes the sweat from his brow. "Thank god that's over with. Frogface, keep an ear out for the phone, if you would? Thanks pal." he appears to finally notice the other people in the room. "Oh Hi, nice to see you again, how goes it?" ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 18:09:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: OneEye and the Guardian On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 18:04:21 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008280 Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008267 >Pulling out a small communicator, he beams a message to whoever is >listenign for this sort of thing back at the castle. "If we have the >game of if, shouldn't it be possible for us to go back, stop fuzzy >from being destroyed in the nine realms, then using it to make the >resulting paradox gems real? >End transmission." *Unfortuneately, no. Fuzzy's destruction was the result of a battle with a being that exists outside the Cosmic All. Moreover his destruction resulted in an opportunity for That Which Creates to repair a damage done to The Stardragon by That Which Destroys. The sequence of events involve things that exist outside of any time, and thus trying to "undo" it would fail in any event. On top of that, the event occured outside the Matrix Cosm and so would not generate the gem, and worse the destruction of Fuzzy Created the Matrix Cosm and the Game of IF. Trying to prevent that event would cause a paradox of such proportions that The Stardragon itself would have entered the field of battle to see what was making it itch so. This would have had a disastrous result.* Aurora answers. ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 18:33:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VIb: Rapid Rescues & Recoveries R Zia On 03-13-2000 at 18:28:54 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008281 >On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 19:33:53 GMT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00008277 > >>"Of course. I'd prefer not to arrive somewhere predictable, but >>unfortunately a Trump doesn't afford that luxury, unless it's too >>someone specific. I'm not sure I _can_ make a Trump of Nemo - which >>one would it 'get'? Same problem with Nemesis. Hmmmm, this will >>require some thought, plainly. For now, I'll take your preference of >>a Blue-tiled Alcove. Although I must ask for curiosity's sake, why >>not a Green-tiled Alcove?" >> >>Zia grins. "Understandable, Perhaps we could construct a Mobile Referent. As well as the Alcove for defaults?" "Those are in use for Derinni style tranfer patterns..." > >Oneye fades into exsistence, a little imp riding his shoulder. >Shaking slightly, he wipes the sweat from his brow. "Thank god that's >over with. Frogface, keep an ear out for the phone, if you would? >Thanks pal." he appears to finally notice the other people in the >room. "Oh Hi, nice to see you again, how goes it?" "OneEye you sent, >Pulling out a small communicator, he beams a message to whoever is >listenign for this sort of thing back at the castle. "If we have the >game of if, shouldn't it be possible for us to go back, stop fuzzy >from being destroyed in the nine realms, then using it to make the >resulting paradox gems real? >End transmission." " The Situations which are reported to have, Merged the original nine Versions of Fuzzy, Are not part of any Current TimeLine. The Merged version made the ReCreation spell possible, At the Cost of Its own Existance. The Artifacts which are being sought make those events impossible, They have existed since the ReCreation of The Matrix Cosm... And there is no known way to access, The nine Universes that became the Matrix Cosm during the Reset..." The Version of Fuzzy that is to be recreated from the Artifacts, Was in turn Created by the Powers of the nine Universes, As a Component in the ReCreation Spell..." Castle Data Systems ================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 18:33:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-13-2000 at 18:28:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008283 >On Mon, 13 Mar 2000 05:21:56 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00008276 > >@You may designate me 'Zia' for ease of conversation. Since the goal >of Civilization you must already understand, it must be more personal >goals of which you Lens. The current endeavor is to return to a >former mode of existence a colleague designate 'Fuzzy' with minimal >disturbance amongst the Matrix.@ @Thank you@ >@My Ideals are to resolve dispute without battle as the highest >strategy, to kill a sentient only when the waste of a life is >necessary, and to conduct myself in harmony with the Tao in all >ways.@ @Interesting, but not incompatible.@ >@What seems to be the problem?@ @The Beings of Ploor have acquired one of the Primal Artifacts, Specific that which we know as The Loom of Space, Our Visualization indicates that they will use it to, Begin Construction, Of a New Fleet of Inherently Inertia Free Ships, The Hulls of these ships can be expected to be, Comparable to Neutronium Alloy... Beings from outside the Matrix may be able to, Avoid detection long enough to stop them. Your Trans-Dimensional allies may also be able to assist...@ Mentor of Arisia ================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2000 16:09:27 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On Tue, 14 Mar 2000 18:33:48 -0500 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008285 >On 03-13-2000 at 18:28:55 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008283 > >@The Beings of Ploor have acquired one of the Primal Artifacts, > Specific that which we know as The Loom of Space, > Our Visualization indicates that they will use it to, > Begin Construction, > Of a New Fleet of Inherently Inertia Free Ships, > The Hulls of these ships can be expected to be, > Comparable to Neutronium Alloy... > Beings from outside the Matrix may be able to, > Avoid detection long enough to stop them. > Your Trans-Dimensional allies may also be able to assist...@ @Do you have any further recommendations as to methodlogies?@ Zia enquires, while at the same time, speaking to the Nemesis split here in the Planning Room. "Can you message out on the CAoL Lenslink that the Ploorans have the Loom of Space, a Primal Artifact, and Mentor has asked for beings from outside the Matrix who can elude detection long enough to foil a plan to build a fleet of special ships? I heard Roger's echo, but I think in this case, I might have to put Mentor's problem a bit higher on the priority list. If Mentor can't solve this one in-house, it might be a tad complex." She adds, with an ironic tone at her understatement. "Unless, Nemo, you think I'd be better on the planet hunt routine, since Roger has a lead?" She grimaces, "I don't think I can run a 'double' there and still have the jets left over to elude a Plooran systematic security effort. Hmmm, unless I go take a nap, in which case I might be able to bend the 'rules' a bit." Zia P.S. Neal Stormcloud, from the Vortex Blaster was judged (albeit by the Thought Masters, not the Arisians) to be a Level FIVE mind. :) Instant calculator was one of the talents associated with that level, as well as the level of stress, and the band of communication possible for the mind. ================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2000 17:20:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-14-2000 at 17:16:04 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008286 >On Tue, 14 Mar 2000 18:33:48 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008285 > >@Do you have any further recommendations as to methodlogies?@ Zia >enquires, while at the same time, speaking to the Nemesis split here >in the Planning Room. @ I Will see to it that a Liaison is available, To Inform you of current activities, and available information. Recommendations from us would be futile as that would only, Render your actions more predictable to the Ploorans >P.S. Neal Stormcloud, from the Vortex Blaster was judged (albeit by >the Thought Masters, not the Arisians) to be a Level FIVE mind. :) >Instant calculator was one of the talents associated with that level, >as well as the level of stress, and the band of communication >possible for the mind. P.S. reread the book today finish 5 minutes ago, The Masters of Thought were Level 5, Neal "Storm" Cloud is believed to be Level 6, The only mind of that level known... And that includes the L2's... But that assessment was made by the Masters of Thought, And may not be completely accurate, Since Their Minds are of Lesser Capability. All Instant Calculator's Must be at least Level 3... ================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 13:36:57 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On Wed, 15 Mar 2000 12:39:00 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008287 >On Tue, 14 Mar 2000 18:33:48 -0500 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008285 > >"Unless, Nemo, you think I'd be better on the planet hunt routine, >since Roger has a lead?" She grimaces, "I don't think I can run a >'double' there and still have the jets left over to elude a Plooran >systematic security effort. Hmmm, unless I go take a nap, in which >case I might be able to bend the 'rules' a bit." "These Ploorans are becoming an annoyance. Something will have to be done." >P.S. Neal Stormcloud, from the Vortex Blaster was judged (albeit by >the Thought Masters, not the Arisians) to be a Level FIVE mind. :) >Instant calculator was one of the talents associated with that level, >as well as the level of stress, and the band of communication >possible for the mind. I think that the "levels of stress" the Arisians speak of, and the "levels" the Thought Masters refer to are different classifications. Both unfortunately render into English as the same word. ================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 23:52:05 -0800 (PST) Subject: Ooops Typo: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-14-2000 at 23:50:20 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008288 Sorry I thought I had sent this last night... :( >On 03-13-2000 at 18:28:55 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008283 > >@The Beings of Ploor have acquired one of the Primal Artifacts, > Specific that which we know as The Loom of Space, Sorry This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Should have been The Sextant of Time, I will edit in the correction, In some replies from my characters... > Our Visualization indicates that they will use it to, > Begin Construction, > Of a New Fleet of Inherently Inertia Free Ships, > The Hulls of these ships can be expected to be, > Comparable to Neutronium Alloy... >Beings from outside the Matrix may be able to, > Avoid detection long enough to stop them. >Your Trans-Dimensional allies may also be able to assist...@ I am still waiting for The Stranger, and Xander, To respond to Mentor in some way... ================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 23:52:11 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Guardians and Arisians On 03-14-2000 at 23:50:21 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008289 >On 03-14-2000 at 17:16:04 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00008286 > >>On Tue, 14 Mar 2000 18:33:48 -0500 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00008285 >> >>"Can you message out on the CAoL Lenslink that the Ploorans have >>the Sextant of Time, a Primal Artifact, and Mentor has asked for >>beings from outside the Matrix who can elude detection long enough >>to foil a plan to build a fleet of special ships? I heard Roger's >>echo, but I think in this case, I might have to put Mentor's problem >>a bit higher on the priority list. If Mentor can't solve this one >>in-house, it might be a tad complex." She adds, with an ironic tone >>at her understatement. Nemisis replies "I believe so. I also agree with your estimation of urgency" FailSafe Interjects: "If what they are referring to as 'Primal' Artifacts, Is what I think it is, then the Sextant of Time would be, One of the Artifacts we are seeking..." ================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 17:21:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAEVIc: Xander's reply to Mentori On Wed, 22 Mar 2000 19:53:05 -0500 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00008316 >>@Greetings Far Traveler. >> I would know of your Goals >>in the Matrix, and of Your Ideals... >> A Situation has developed >>that may require, A >>Non-Local operative to deal with.@ @Greetings,@ the two-headed dragon replies. @My goals within the Matrix are to re-unite the components of Fuzzy, and to guard and assist my fellow members of the CaoL. As for my ideals... {flashes of honor, kindness, charity, and a solid moral pillar}@ @And as for that situation, we'll see. To my knowledge, my companions shouldn't need me right off.@ ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 00:38:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE: 6b Ansible Tech and Time On Tue, 28 Mar 2000 00:24:24 -0800 Nemisis and/or FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008334 The Guardians of IF Started Distributing your New Ansible Tech, ~100 years before those who would have founded the Guild, Would have acquired The Guage of Infinity... Since the Guage itself would not be affected by the change, It still moved the same way, And was in a Pocket Realm that was never created, Effectively Very well hidden, Until they retrieved it for delivery... The current "Monopoly" problem was the result of, One of the Ansible Corporations acquiring, Control of the bank that all of the royalty payments, Have been deposited with... With interest for the last 5092 years... As far as their estimate of the results of your efforts, They suspect it will be A Major Disaster, However they also think that trying to stop you, Would be worse... I will try to write Mentor's report to the Senior Master, Tonight or Tomarrow... ================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 20:11:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE6B: Opening gambit Queen to Kings Knight 1 On Wed, 29 Mar 2000 18:40:05 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008343 Dane Anderson wrote: >/*"I suspect you are correct. I will keep my Gage of Infinity people >working to provide a replacement for it, since rapid communications >is essential to a peacefull expansion of any civilization. It is also >essential for a civilization to be able to defend itself"*/ Aurora >answers. That said, she vanishes to reappear in the home cosm of >Mentor, in space just outside the outermost screens of Arisia. >*Mentor, if you will indulge me, it will be faster for me to gain the >information about this particular cosm from you, than for me to build >up a visualization of it from scratch.* She beams into Arisian space. /Ah, Aurora, we have been expecting you./ Mentor replies. /You derived my existance from your contact with Zia and Zander I presume?/ Aurora asks. /Of course, however because you possess a mind of power at least as capable as our own, we were unable to completely discern your motives, methods, and ultimate goals and thus were reluctant to approach you directly. Had you been hostile, inspite of our visualization to the contrary, our approach might have resulted in you attacking us. With your powers, you might have been able to remove us from this cycle of existance. Having examined you first hand however we discern that you have dealt with our counterparts in other universes , and done so in a positive fashion, and are unlikely to change that position in the near future. What information would you have?/ Mentor says. /I would know the history, of this, your home cosm, and any information you might have concerning the "Sextant of Time". I could of course derive all of this information myself, but that would take precious hours, which I sense cannot be afforded. Also the Fuzzy artifacts, of which I believe the Sextant of Time is one, are somehow deeply connected to the Matrix Cosm, which in turn seems deeply connected to The Stardragon itself. These relationships are masking many of the aspects of the items including their locations and uses from my senses./ Aurora answers. /Very well, brace yourself, {{{...}}}. Does that suffice?/ Mentor inquires. (OOC: Fuzzy I need the tech data on the Sextant of Time that Mentor would know. Also has the Arisian project reached the penultimate stage?) /Yes, thank you. If I might review this information with you: Because your home cosm is part of a larger Matrix where there are many inhabited worlds in each cosm it was necessary for "Civilization" to advance faster than would otherwise happen. Thus you were forced to allow the Ploorans to advance without outward signs of opposition. Until recently you could have destroyed the Ploorans utterly by force of mind had it been otherwise. Their possession of the Sextant of Time Skews the situation enormously. The Ploorans would have won the war several times Already, Without the Covert help of The Gaurdians of IF, That will be harder now, Because the Ploorans now know of them... You have several kinds of Lens. All of these Lens' help develop in all catagories, But each type has a peak effectiveness range. There are Exalted Lines being bred for each, As well as the 4 mainline breeding lines. Closest to mainline in effect is, Levels of Stress. In other words, how extreme a Mental Strain does it take to Cause Damage or Death in the Individual. This Relates to Raw Strength and Resilience. You also have a few lines of Mage Potential breeding, but have not yet issued any Lenses to them, that may happen soon as the War may spill over, Into the other Realms. Of course there is a Type Like Fuzzy's, where the Goal is handling all of the dichotomies of balance and Justice. The Masters of Thought of Manark, are involved in the development of "pure" thought capabilities. They do consult with you, but view your breeding projects as being far too narrow, for the longest term good./ She says. /From this information, I conclude that Zia and Nemo should be able to retrieve the Sextant of Time, but they will need me to distract the Ploorans. The easiest way for me to do this will be to take the side of the Galactic Patrol, and "help out." I am loathe to kill without reviewing the mind and memories of my would be victims, so any that can be redeemed I will "displace" and give a "second chance." It is a large Macroverse however so that shouldn't be a problem. I thank you for the information Mentor. If I or my people can be of assistance to you, you may feel free to ask. I caution you however, not all Starspawn hold the same values as myself and those who follow me. For your own safety you should approach any Starspawn only after determining which group they cleve to, the Coalition of Light, the Compact of the Unaligned, or the Empire of Evil. Approaching a follower of the Coalition or the Compact should be safe enough as long as you don't disturb whatever project that Starspawn is engaged in. Approaching a follower of the Empire of Evil could embroil your entire cosm in a war the likes of which have rarely been seen, even by one of my people./ She finishes. Then with a slight curtsy, she vanishes. ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 00:38:13 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAEVIc: Xander's reply to Mentori On Thu, 30 Mar 2000 00:32:11 -0800 Nemisis and/or FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008344 >On Wed, 22 Mar 2000 19:53:05 -0500 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00008316 > >@Greetings,@ the two-headed dragon replies. >@My goals within the Matrix are to re-unite the components of Fuzzy, >and to guard and assist my fellow members of the CaoL. >As for my ideals... {flashes of honor, kindness, charity, and a solid >moral pillar}@ >@And as for that situation, we'll see. >To my knowledge, my companions shouldn't need me right off.@ @The Primal Artifact we know as the Sextant of Time, Has fallen into the keeping of Ploor This Artifact regulates the operation of Inertia, Both in General and Specific cases...@ @We are able to predict their most probable uses for it, However they have been able to predict all possible avenues, Of retrieval available out of Local Resources...@ @Worse than that they have been able to deduce from it, The Existence of the rest of the Matrix Cosm, As well as the existance of The Guardians of IF, Including Their role in pre-emptively preventing, Ploor from breeding Dynamic Third Stage Stability into themselves, Yet...@ ================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 20:08:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE6B: Opening gambit Queen to Kings Knight 1 On Thu, 30 Mar 2000 19:40:47 -0800 Nemisis and/or FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008346 >On Wed, 29 Mar 2000 18:40:05 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008343 > >/Ah, Aurora, we have been expecting you./ Mentor replies. >/Very well, brace yourself, {{{...}}}. Does that suffice?/ Mentor >inquires. > >(OOC: Fuzzy I need the tech data on the Sextant of Time that Mentor >would know. Also has the Arisian project reached the penultimate >stage?) Inertia has a few attributes... Inertia is Relative to other things not an absolute, A Specific Minumum count of Relationships is Standard, Those Relationships Have a Standard Range/Mass Relationship... And a Rate of Change Limiter, Overall it looks Normal, But The Original Cleveland/Roadbush SuperDrive was mankiller, Because it reduced the Minimum viable mass to Atomic range, Molecular Structures Destabilized in the Field... The Berghenholm Modification Limits the Inertial Modification, To Scales Larger than Molecular Structures... The Sextant of Time, Can Alter the Base Inertial Factors for the Realm it is in, Or For any Item Individually... Those alterations are constant until changed again... Can You see the Potential DoomsDay Here? The Ploorans will be making ship Hulls that are Innately "Free", The Atoms and Molecules of the Hulls, will Effectivelly have Strengthend Atomic and Molecular Bonds, To greater than the Strong Neuclear Bond Level... This will incidently limit Inertial relationships of the contents, To the Hull only which means that the Contents will be, Inert relative to that, and Free relative to anything outside the hull... >/Yes, thank you. If I might review this information with you: > >Because your home cosm is part of a larger Matrix where there are >many inhabited worlds in each cosm it was necessary for >"Civilization" to advance faster than would otherwise happen. Thus >you were forced to allow the Ploorans to advance without outward >signs of opposition. > >Until recently you could have destroyed the Ploorans utterly by force >of mind had it been otherwise. Their possession of the Sextant of >Time Skews the situation enormously. The Ploorans would have won the >war several times Already, Without the Covert help of The Gaurdians >of IF, That will be harder now, Because the Ploorans now know of >them... @Allowing the Rapid Growth of their Infuence helped prevent them, From Finding out about the other realms, or The Fact that these are not the only two inhabited Galaxies, In this Realm...@ @/Unfortunately the most recently we could have Destroyed them, Was about 150 ,000,000 T Years Ago, Which was before we knew of them, Their Race is Barely Younger than Ours.@ All of the penultimate pairs have met, Their offspring are expected to reach maturity, In 30 T Years... The Guardians of IF Report that that will beat, The Plooran Project by less than .5 T Year, Unless something goes wrong... ================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2000 23:38:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE6B: Opening gambit Queen to Kings Knight 1 On Fri, 31 Mar 2000 23:34:27 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008353 >Nemisis and/or FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008346 > >@Allowing the Rapid Growth of their Infuence helped prevent them, > From Finding out about the other realms, or > The Fact that these are not the only two inhabited Galaxies, > In this Realm...@ > >@/Unfortunately the most recently we could have Destroyed them, > Was about 150 ,000,000 T Years Ago, > Which was before we knew of them, > Their Race is Barely Younger than Ours.@ /Ah, I perceive where my understanding erred. To me a Million T years can be but the blink of an eye./ She murmurs. >All of the penultimate pairs have met, > Their offspring are expected to reach maturity, > In 30 T Years... > >The Guardians of IF Report that that will beat, > The Plooran Project by less than .5 T Year, > Unless something goes wrong... /Hmmmm... Perhaps I should give Ploor a "visit", and remove their third level operators from this cycle of existance, BEFORE they can reach maturity. They will be no more vulnerable to physical force than you are, and it would be somewhat difficult to slay them with mental force, since they will be guarded by the whole of Ploor's populace who, while not having level three minds, do have minds of some power and have the population of a whole planet to draw from for strength. However even third level and higher minds can be vulnerable to attacks on the spirit. The Stardragon itself is vulnerable to such attacks even, though its resistance to such is great. This will bear some thinking... But to continue.