Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6f The Quantum Shield - Chapter 3 Subject: Re: AAE 6f: Comes a Hunter (again) Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 22:43:56 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 04 Dec 2000 21:09:16 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009059 >On 12-02-2000 at 21:55:41 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009054 > >"You are most welcome sir, > We endeavor to meet all possible requirements, > The defenses against forms of Transport used at your Destination, > Would have blocked Most of our available Methods, > Including the others that can be used without a Matched Receiver." Eric's constructive paranoia reaches his expression. "So noted." He checks out a Global... >The Secretary Looks just a touch troubled >"Is that Technology in Common Use?" Eric shrugs. "Don't think so." He seems about to say something else, then thinks better of it. *Problem, Eric?* Mew sends. *Not really. Just observing possible classification protocols.* *Huh?* *I know when to keep my mouth shut,* Eric replies with a grin. Rio spocks an eyebrow at her brother. >On Sun, 3 Dec 2000 05:15:41 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009057 > >>In a message dated 12/2/00 5:14:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, >>hunter writes: >> >> And the _next_ thing he sees is a familiar face, filling his >>field of vision. "What happened to him?" an Eric who's been through >>a serious wringer says evenly, leaning over Roger as he looks at him >>with a professional expression. >> This should worry Roger, given Eric's profession... > > Right now, Roger's too tired to be worried. Besides, Eric is in >the "assumed friend until proven otherwise" column in his mental >checklist. Eric's grin broadens slightly. /I'm losing my touch,/ he sends to Rio, who just blinks at him. > "You look the way I feel," Roger enunciates carefully. "Only >less beat." "Not beat," Eric agrees, "just beat up. I hate the invulnerable ones." > He groans his way to what some might charitably call a vertical >position. "Well," he adds, glancing about, "I take it, since we're >all still here, that things went well after I checked dropped out?" "Beats me," Eric replies. "But we covered that." He looks over to Rio for an update. "OK, who are you, and what have you done with my brother?" she responds with a slight grin. Eric looks around, then looks back at his sister and points at himself with a "who, me?" look on his face. Then his smile turns bittersweet--but more sweet than bitter. "I got a chance most people never get, Kiri. I got to say goodbye." Rio smiles and hugs Eric, who hesitates uncertainly before returning the hug. The younger Lancer takes a step back, leaving her hands on her big brother's shoulders. "I already welcomed you back to the living once--I guess now you're the rest of the way back?" Eric nods, brushing at his hair with annoyance as it turns pink briefly. "I guess I was...ah...UNdead, before." He grins. "Good thing I recovered. I'd hate to have to stake myself." The fact that Eric could make that last comment, after what he (and Julie's spirit) had just been through, _without_ it dripping irony, told Rio how far he'd come. And, getting it all back together, >On Sun, 3 Dec 2000 05:15:43 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009056 > >>In a message dated 12/3/00 1:10:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, >>FailSafe writes: >> >>The Secretary's desk Beeps >>He looks at the Terminal >> >>"If you are ready The High King will See you now." > > "Well," Roger says, levering himself onto his feet, "time to >dress up." With a shimmer that, to those with the right senses, is >almost purely a technological effect with almost no assistance from >his natural TK, Roger's usual outift morphs into a more formal >version of its usual self. > The black denim pants turn to raw silk, shot through with glossy >mettalic or crystal threads that add a sutble glint in the right >light. The t-shirt grows buttons, a collar, and a white tie. And the >bomber jacket becomes a fine, tooled-leather blazer[1] while growing >a cape from the shoulders. As his movements make glimpses of it >visible, the inner liner of the cape looks more like a window into a >starless void than anything else (think Quasar's capes, for those >Marvel fans among you). > "Well, I'm ready. Shall we go?" "Nice look," Rio smiles at Roger, and takes his arm. Mainly, she's taking the opportunity for a snuggle, but she's also prepared to provide support if he still needs it. "I didn't know this was a formal affair," Eric responds dryly (though a much different sort of dry than usual...more deadpan than ironic). Mew giggles, and for a moment Eric is wearing a pink dress tie over his black everything. Eric lets out a long-suffering sigh, and then the tie is gone. >He touches a Button that opens a Door in the Adjacent wall, >The Office visible through the door is almost, >Overflowing with Communications and Monitoring equipment... Rio manages not to whistle, and looks at Mike with an "after you" expression. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 6f: Comes a Hunter (again) Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 03:07:17 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 5 Dec 2000 05:50:23 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009060 >In a message dated 12/5/00 1:45:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, >hunter writes: > >> Right now, Roger's too tired to be worried. Besides, Eric is in >>the "assumed friend until proven otherwise" column in his mental >>checklist. > > Eric's grin broadens slightly. /I'm losing my touch,/ he sends to >Rio, who just blinks at him. Roger, uncharacteristically, lets this whopper of a straight line go past without comment (yes, he's THAT tired...). >> "You look the way I feel," Roger enunciates carefully. "Only >>less beat." > > "Not beat," Eric agrees, "just beat up. I hate the invulnerable >ones." "There have been days," Roger comments in a not-entirely-here tone, "that I would have traded my immortality for invulnerability. Although," he blinks a bit owlishly, "I suppose that, integrated over long time periods, the end results of the two options are essentially congruent for any significant non-quantum measurements..." >> He groans his way to what some might charitably call a vertical >>position. "Well," he adds, glancing about, "I take it, since we're >>all still here, that things went well after I checked dropped out?" > > "Beats me," Eric replies. "But we covered that." He looks over to >Rio for an update. One of Roger's eyebrows *boinngs* almost audibly. > "OK, who are you, and what have you done with my brother?" she >responds with a slight grin. > > Eric looks around, then looks back at his sister and points at >himself with a "who, me?" look on his face. Then his smile turns >bittersweet--but more sweet than bitter. "I got a chance most people >never get, Kiri. I got to say goodbye." Roger twitches slightly before smiling. His grin is laced with a touch of irony, and what might almost be a trace of faint, melancholy jealousy. > Eric nods, brushing at his hair with annoyance as it turns pink >briefly. "I guess I was...ah...UNdead, before." He grins. "Good thing >I recovered. I'd hate to have to stake myself." > >The fact that Eric could make that last comment, after what he (and >Julie's spirit) had just been through, _without_ it dripping irony, >told Rio how far he'd come. Roger whimpers in pain...oh, the opportunity! >"Nice look," Rio smiles at Roger, and takes his arm. Mainly, she's >taking the opportunity for a snuggle, but she's also prepared to >provide support if he still needs it. And splicing in from my response to Mike: "Rio, dear," Roger puts on the most debonaire smile he can manage, "would be you be averse to supporting your decrepite old current-main-squeeze while he totters about the reception hall? It'd be *so* embarrassing to fall flat on my keester, after all..." In actuality, his cybernetics can keep him upright and moving even when he's unconscious, if the situation demands. But any excuse to stick close(r) to Rio-chan... > "I didn't know this was a formal affair," Eric responds dryly >(though a much different sort of dry than usual...more deadpan than >ironic). > Mew giggles, and for a moment Eric is wearing a pink dress tie >over his black everything. Eric lets out a long-suffering sigh, and >then the tie is gone. "Nice tie. Brook's Brothers'?" Roger leans over and whispers into Rio's ear. "Um, if Mew turns *my* hair pink, you'll let me know, right?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 6f: In the King's Court Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 03:07:28 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 5 Dec 2000 05:50:18 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009061 >In a message dated 12/5/00 1:44:22 AM Eastern Standard Time, >technomagetimelord writes: > > Mike smirks at Roger, "Welcome back to the land of the living, sleepy > head. And > welcome aboard, Hunter, I believe it is?" > Tink grins, "Hope you don't need coffee to jumpstart your systems, > Roger, we're fresh > out." Roger may be dead on his feet, but his sense of humor is "too legit to quit." He smirks (which changes his look from that of the three-week dead corpse to three-week dead corpse of someone who died smiling) and produces a can of Jolt Cola(tm) and a giant syringe from jacketspace. "Heh. If this doesn't work, I'll just have Rio...hey, what am I *thinking*?" He tosses the props away. "Rio, dear...?" > Mike nods, "Absolutely." Putting action to words, Mike passes >through the indicated open doorway, followed by Tinkerbell. > Tink says, agog at the impressive technological display before >her, "I think we may have found a kindred spirit, Grumpa." > Mike nods, "Indeed, one to whom I owe an apology, especially if >all this was needed to quell things." > Tinkerbell nods in reply, "One would hope it is all at least >user-friendly." Roger droops slightly. "Damn. I'm too tired to drool." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 6f: Comes a Hunter (again) Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 11:58:49 -0800 (PST) On 12-05-2000 at 11:31:53 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009062 >On Mon, 04 Dec 2000 21:09:16 -0800 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009059 > >>On 12-02-2000 at 21:55:41 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009054 > > Eric's constructive paranoia reaches his expression. "So noted." >He checks out a Global... The Team searching 'The Blue Horizon' was issued them, and They were never retrieved, so he should still have one." >>The Secretary Looks just a touch troubled >>"Is that Technology in Common Use?" > > Eric shrugs. "Don't think so." He seems about to say something >else, then thinks better of it. > *Problem, Eric?* Mew sends. > *Not really. Just observing possible classification protocols.* > *Huh?* > *I know when to keep my mouth shut,* Eric replies with a grin. > >Rio spocks an eyebrow at her brother. He looks a bit relieved, but not totally Reassured... "Thank You." >On Mon, 4 Dec 2000 234046 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009058 > > Mike nods, "Absolutely." Putting action to words, Mike passes >through the indicated open doorway, followed by Tinkerbell. > Tink says, agog at the impressive technological display before >her, "I think we may have found a kindred spirit, Grumpa." > Mike nods, "Indeed, one to whom I owe an apology, especially if >all this was needed to quell things." > Tinkerbell nods in reply, "One would hope it is all at least >user-friendly." Smile " All of this is just to keep me informed of hot spots, Or events that Might become Critical, That I might want to pay attention to now..." " Each one is connected to a Team of Specialists, Who's Job is to monitor even more situations and predict trends, So that I don't get blind-sided..." " Not especially User-Friendly, but All Part of the Job Description." The High King ================================= Subject: AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 12:55:24 -0800 (PST) On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 The Quantum Shield is held in a device, That is hanging around Her neck. She addresses Mike " Lets get down to Brass {Fastening Devices}." " You sent, > "I seek the woman known as the High King, rightful owner of the >Quantum Shield. My name is Michael Seven and I would restore a friend >of mine to life with your Quantum Shield, if you would allow it." > "His name was Fuzzy. And to the best of my understanding before >I came to the Matrix Cosm, he was a cat changeling techno-mage. Now I >see he was far more." > "In the beginning, there were nine beings known as Fuzzy, who >existed in nine universes. Through accident on his part and on >others, Fuzzy became the relative "cause" of his universes' >destructions. To save these universes, a being was created that held >within him the ability to recreate these realms, when the time was >right. This being was the Fuzzy I knew, and the one I seek to try and >recreate." " The generic Term is 'The Keystone', Every Culture has their Name for that entity, but The Generic term is understood by all." " You are saying, You Personally Knew this 'Fuzzy'? How sure are you that This Fuzzy was The Keystone?" > "Fuzzy died while fighting the Great Adversary, who essentually >is the summation of all that is evil in all the universes, presumably >within and without the Matrix Cosm. When he died, the universes were >reformed, and this was how the Matrix Cosm was formed." " The Keystone fought a battle Against, A Personification of the Anti-Thesis of the Demiurge? Not just some lesser manifestation of Its Goals? Like an Evil God, or Avatar, or the like? ... and" > "But, Fuzzy remained, after a fashion. He was split into nine >parts which were formed into objects. By bringing these okjects >together, we hope to restore our friend to the living." " There was something that survived???? I can not even see how 'The Matrix' was able to be reborn after that, Let alone how anything of 'The Keystone' could remain." > "I must caution we do not know the ultimate result of this, nor >that the objects can be returned once they have been brought >together. If we can bring them back, we shall gladly." " I would gladly accept the Loss of 'The Quantum Shield', If You could garauntee the Destruction of 'The Eye of Heavan', and Most of the Bengin Powers of 'The Matrix' would Agree with me. > "One of the objects we seek is the Quantum Shield. Will you >permit it's use in this endeavor? Or may we at least be granted an >audience to discuss the matter further?" " As if I really had a Choice." " Your implication than a Rejection of your Request, Would be accepted is Obviously False. He {Gesture at The Hunter} has Proven, That you or members of your Group can get through my defences, And it is Obvious that your Goal can not be achived without, Acquiring all of The Primal Artifacts. I also Know from the Disruptions I have sensed, That your group have at least fought 'The Gaurdians of IF'. To a Standstill and You still Exist in Time. Which Implies Beings of Great Power, As well as some Very Unusual Abilities. Therefor it is a Given that if Your Request is Rejected, Sooner or Later someone will come take 'The Quantum Shield', Using as much Force as is Required to succeed." "We will come back to this Point." She next addresses Roger " There are a few things you should Know. First, The Kurl you defeated was About to be a Parent, That is Close enough to 1000 Years Old, That age group is the most commited to defence of the young. Second, The Kurl Birthday is {20 days} in the Future. Third, I am not sure that you Know the Price, That You personaly May be called on to Pay, for that little trick. Fourth, The Leading Cause of Death amongst Elder Kurl, 2900 years old Or older, is 'A Worthy Cause'." Addressing the Group in general " It is only a matter of time before, Someone will want Proof that I Have rejected your Request, The Only Proof that will do is to show It to Them, or Show it in Action, doing something that Imperial Cybers can not. Failure to do either will cause a Revolt, That will cause untold damage and loss of life." " Do you have any suggestion as to how I can sbould with that?" The High King ================================= Subject: Re:AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2000 19:18:23 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 6 Dec 2000 18:23:49 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009065 >On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 > >She addresses Mike >" Lets get down to Brass {Fastening Devices}." Mike nods, "Of course, I'm sure we've made your life hectic enough recently." >" The generic Term is 'The Keystone', > Every Culture has their Name for that entity, but > The Generic term is understood by all." > >" You are saying, You Personally Knew this 'Fuzzy'? > How sure are you that This Fuzzy was The Keystone?" "Well," Mike says, admittedly a bit uncertain of that himself, "I must admit the metaphysics boggles me. The Fuzzy I knew was an ordinary man, or at least as ordinary as any of my compatriats, which admittedly is not very. But, others in our group are certain, and considering their insights far exclipse mine, I tend to trust their findings." >" The Keystone fought a battle Against, > A Personification of the Anti-Thesis of the Demiurge? > Not just some lesser manifestation of Its Goals? > Like an Evil God, or Avatar, or the like? Mike nods, "The actual Great Adversary. As I recall, Fuzzy himself didn't believe himself to be the Keystone, but agreed to the fight in order to allow a being known as the Stardragon, cursed by the Great Adversary to never grow up, the freedom from that curse. According to the beings who watch over the Stardragon, he was the only one in a position to do this." >" There was something that survived???? >I can not even see how 'The Matrix' was able to be reborn after that, > Let alone how anything of 'The Keystone' could remain." Mike made a helpless gesture, "Again, the metaphysics boggle me." >" Your implication than a Rejection of your Request, > Would be accepted is Obviously False. > He {Gesture at The Hunter} has Proven, > That you or members of your Group can get through my defences, > And it is Obvious that your Goal can not be achived without, > Acquiring all of The Primal Artifacts. > I also Know from the Disruptions I have sensed, > That your group have at least fought 'The Gaurdians of IF'. > To a Standstill and You still Exist in Time. > Which Implies Beings of Great Power, > As well as some Very Unusual Abilities. > Therefor it is a Given that if Your Request is Rejected, > Sooner or Later someone will come take 'The Quantum Shield', > Using as much Force as is Required to succeed." Michael Seven nodded resignedly, "News travels quickly in the Matrix Cosm. I believe the Fuzzy I know would have simply replied "There is always a choice, even if we don't like the options offered." I prefer to think that we would indeed leave without the Artifiact, rather than take it by force. However, someone believing they are acting for the greater good might indeed return here to take it." >"We will come back to this Point." Mike nods, "Very well." >Addressing the Group in general >" It is only a matter of time before, > Someone will want Proof that I Have rejected your Request, > The Only Proof that will do is to show It to Them, or > Show it in Action, doing something that Imperial Cybers can not. > Failure to do either will cause a Revolt, > That will cause untold damage and loss of life." > >" Do you have any suggestion as to how I can sbould with that?" Mike looked thoughtful. "I think we have something to start with. I don't understand how it works, but it was built by the same beings who facilitated the Hunter's transport here. I assume that system is still operating, I should be able to have it sent here and perhaps you and your people can test it to see if it will suffice?" Using his Global, Mike sent a message to the castle to have the Quantum Shield left in his room transported to him. [Looks like I should have brought it with me after all.] Mike picked it up after it arrived. "I had this made up before we arrived here. I wasn't sure what we'd be walking into so having a copy seemed like a good idea at the time, one I later thought better of. I wanted simply a physical copy, but apparently, this replicates some of the effects of the Quantum shield as well. I suspect if you know what you are doing with it, it might pass muster." ================================= Subject: Re:AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 04:31:54 -0800 (PST) On 12-07-2000 at 04:08:03 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009066 >On Wed, 6 Dec 2000 18:23:49 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009065 > >>On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 >> >>She addresses Mike >>" Lets get down to Brass {Fastening Devices}." > > Mike nods, "Of course, I'm sure we've made your life hectic >enough recently." Rueful Shrug... " As I said, All Part of The Job Description." >>" You are saying, You Personally Knew this 'Fuzzy'? >> How sure are you that This Fuzzy was The Keystone?" > > "Well," Mike says, admittedly a bit uncertain of that himself, >"I must admit the metaphysics boggles me. The Fuzzy I knew was an >ordinary man, or at least as ordinary as any of my compatriats, which >admittedly is not very. But, others in our group are certain, and >considering their insights far exclipse mine, I tend to trust their >findings." " I guess we will have to go with that for the Moment." Touching a Button for a moment "Jives, See if you can get Geofin on the horn." >>" The Keystone fought a battle Against, >> A Personification of the Anti-Thesis of the Demiurge? >> Not just some lesser manifestation of Its Goals? >> Like an Evil God, or Avatar, or the like? > > Mike nods, "The actual Great Adversary. As I recall, Fuzzy >himself didn't believe himself to be the Keystone, but agreed to the >fight in order to allow a being known as the Stardragon, cursed by >the Great Adversary to never grow up, the freedom from that curse. >According to the beings who watch over the Stardragon, he was the >only one in a position to do this." "What Weapons or Powers are there that could possibly be effective, Against The Great Adversary?" " Just Incidentally, What manner of Being is this Stardragon, That The Great Adversary had to be content with a Crippling Curse, Rather that Simply Killing it or Having it Killed?" >>" There was something that survived???? >> I can not even see how 'The Matrix' was able to be reborn after >> that, Let alone how anything of 'The Keystone' could remain." > > Mike made a helpless gesture, "Again, the metaphysics boggle >me." "That seems to be a Recurring Theme." :) She does not seem to doubt that what Mike is Saying, Is True enough, At least as far as it goes, and To the best of his knowledge. >> Therefor it is a Given that if Your Request is Rejected, >> Sooner or Later someone will come take 'The Quantum Shield', >> Using as much Force as is Required to succeed." > > Michael Seven nodded resignedly, "News travels quickly in the >Matrix Cosm. I believe the Fuzzy I know would have simply replied >"There is always a choice, even if we don't like the options >offered." I prefer to think that we would indeed leave without the >Artifiact, rather than take it by force. However, someone believing >they are acting for the greater good might indeed return here to take >it." " It was not a Matter of News, And Though I would not like 'The Guardians of IF' to know of it, The Quantum Change Wave spawned by Temporal Alteration, May be Observed at least with This Toy." Smile " That does indeed sound like the attitudes of the Fuzzy of Legend, Those basic philosophical traits could be expect to be evident, In the Nature of The Keystone." >>Addressing the Group in general >>" It is only a matter of time before, >> Someone will want Proof that I Have rejected your Request, >> The Only Proof that will do is to show It to Them, or >> Show it in Action, doing something that Imperial Cybers can not. >> Failure to do either will cause a Revolt, >> That will cause untold damage and loss of life." >> >>" Do you have any suggestion as to how I can sbould with that?" > > Mike looked thoughtful. > "I think we have something to start with. I don't understand how >it works, but it was built by the same beings who facilitated the >Hunter's transport here. I assume that system is still operating, I >should be able to have it sent here and perhaps you and your people >can test it to see if it will suffice?" " By all means have it sent, At the very least we may gain some useful knowledge..." > Using his Global, Mike sent a message to the castle to have the >Quantum Shield left in his room transported to him. [Looks like I >should have brought it with me after all.] > Mike picked it up after it arrived. "I had this made up before >we arrived here. I wasn't sure what we'd be walking into so having a >copy seemed like a good idea at the time, one I later thought better >of. I wanted simply a physical copy, but apparently, this replicates >some of the effects of the Quantum shield as well. I suspect if you >know what you are doing with it, it might pass muster." Mike noticed as he picked it up that the equations, Seemingly engraved into its surface, Have changed since he last saw it. She peeps through the crystal in The Quantum Shield at Mikes copy. " It seems like the Imperial Cybers, but several orders of magnitude better in both speed and precision, than anything we can build, and What is this... Thirteen Perceptron Class Awareness's... Each with distinct, but equivalent sensory capability... Molecular Inferometers that can resolve to Quantum Scale, Including Physical, Mental, and Mystical Phenomena, This device is beyond any Tech-Base I have ever seen or heard of." " Do the Formulae on it Change to constantly reflect the local Quantum Observation Laws?" The High King ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 6f: In the King's Court Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 09:49:24 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 07 Dec 2000 08:59:26 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009067 >On Tue, 5 Dec 2000 05:50:23 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009060 > >>In a message dated 12/5/00 1:45:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, >>hunter writes: >> >>"Nice look," Rio smiles at Roger, and takes his arm. Mainly, she's >>taking the opportunity for a snuggle, but she's also prepared to >>provide support if he still needs it. > > And splicing in from my response to Mike: > "Rio, dear," Roger puts on the most debonaire smile he can >manage, "would be you be averse to supporting your decrepite old >current-main-squeeze while he totters about the reception hall? It'd >be *so* embarrassing to fall flat on my keester, after all..." > In actuality, his cybernetics can keep him upright and moving >even when he's unconscious, if the situation demands. But any excuse >to stick close(r) to Rio-chan... "Of course, my sweet," Rio responds in a similar tone, with a smile that indicates that she doesn't consider him decrepit at all ;-). >> "I didn't know this was a formal affair," Eric responds dryly >>(though a much different sort of dry than usual...more deadpan than >>ironic). >> Mew giggles, and for a moment Eric is wearing a pink dress tie >>over his black everything. Eric lets out a long-suffering sigh, and >>then the tie is gone. > > "Nice tie. Brook's Brothers'?" Roger leans over and whispers >into Rio's ear. "Um, if Mew turns *my* hair pink, you'll let me know, >right?" Rio's eyes open wide in an overly innocent expression. Then she giggles, "Of course, love." >On Tue, 5 Dec 2000 05:50:18 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009061 > >>In a message dated 12/5/00 1:44:22 AM Eastern Standard Time, >>technomagetimelord writes: >> >> Tink grins, "Hope you don't need coffee to jumpstart your >>systems, Roger, we're fresh out." > > Roger may be dead on his feet, but his sense of humor is "too >legit to quit." He smirks (which changes his look from that of the >three-week dead corpse to three-week dead corpse of someone who died >smiling) and produces a can of Jolt Cola(tm) and a giant syringe from >jacketspace. "Heh. If this doesn't work, I'll just have Rio...hey, >what am I *thinking*?" He tosses the props away. "Rio, dear...?" The ultra sweet-and-innocent expression still on her face, Rio turns to him obligingly and responds, "Yes, Roger?" (OOC: And I'll assume we're in the "control room" listening to Mike and the High King discuss philosophy by this point.) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 11:14:58 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 06 Dec 2000 19:44:48 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009068 >On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 > >The Quantum Shield is held in a device, > That is hanging around Her neck. > >She addresses Mike >" Lets get down to Brass {Fastening Devices}." The Hunter raises an eyebrow, then settles into an "at ease" stance, clearly all business once more. Mew cocks her head as she looks at the High King, soon displaying her tendency to flip completely over when she does so. >> "In the beginning, there were nine beings known as Fuzzy, who >> existed in nine universes. Through accident on his part and on >> others, Fuzzy became the relative "cause" of his universes' >> destructions. To save these universes, a being was created that held >> within him the ability to recreate these realms, when the time was >> right. This being was the Fuzzy I knew, and the one I seek to try and >> recreate." > >" The generic Term is 'The Keystone', > Every Culture has their Name for that entity, but > The Generic term is understood by all." /The guy had connections, huh?/ Eric sent across the lens-link. >> "Fuzzy died while fighting the Great Adversary, who essentually >>is the summation of all that is evil in all the universes, >>presumably within and without the Matrix Cosm. When he died, the >>universes were reformed, and this was how the Matrix Cosm was >>formed." > >" The Keystone fought a battle Against, > A Personification of the Anti-Thesis of the Demiurge? > Not just some lesser manifestation of Its Goals? > Like an Evil God, or Avatar, or the like? > ... and" Eric whistles. Even now, it takes a lot to impress him. He's clearly impressed. >> "But, Fuzzy remained, after a fashion. He was split into nine >>parts which were formed into objects. By bringing these okjects >>together, we hope to restore our friend to the living." > >" There was something that survived???? > I can not even see how 'The Matrix' was able to be reborn after > that, Let alone how anything of 'The Keystone' could remain." Eric bows. "Forgive this one, Your Majesty...if I may...?" (OOC: Assuming she allows) "If I understand what I was told properly, a...being...called the Stardragon facilitated this recreation. He/she/it is essentially omnipotent in the literal sense of the word. Or so I'm told." > Therefor it is a Given that if Your Request is Rejected, > Sooner or Later someone will come take 'The Quantum Shield', > Using as much Force as is Required to succeed." Eric bows again. "Forgive this one's presumption, but I would aid you in resisting any such attempt if you permitted. Violently, if necessary. Your possession of this artifact, unlike some others' of similar ones, is clearly both rightful and deserved. It has been my admittedly limited experience that this group of beings is extremely reluctant to interfere with worthies such as yourself." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 19:54:14 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 07 Dec 2000 19:51:50 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009070 >On Wed, 06 Dec 2000 19:44:48 -0800 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009068 > >>On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 >> >>" The generic Term is 'The Keystone', >> Every Culture has their Name for that entity, but >> The Generic term is understood by all." > > /The guy had connections, huh?/ Eric sent across the lens-link. /It is difficult to measure such beings, but he may well have been, albeit unknowingly, the second or perhaps the third most powerful being in the Macro Cosmic All./ Aurora answers. /At any rate I am sure from my own experience that he could easily have defeated Cerberus, a being with perhaps ten times my raw power. If Fuzzy had been able to access his full potential./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 21:14:17 -0800 (PST) On 12-07-2000 at 21:10:36 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009071 Writing for The High King >On Thu, 07 Dec 2000 19:51:50 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009070 > >>On Wed, 06 Dec 2000 19:44:48 -0800 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009068 >> >>>On 12-05-2000 at 12:39:01 >>>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009063 >>> >> Eric bows. "Forgive this one, Your Majesty...if I may...?" >> (OOC: Assuming she allows) >> "If I understand what I was told properly, a...being...called the >>Stardragon facilitated this recreation. He/she/it is essentially >>omnipotent in the literal sense of the word. Or so I'm told." Nod " That lends more urgency to the Questions of How can anything fight 'The Great Adversary' Directly, and What is The Stardragon." Touch Button " Jives, Tell Geofin I want to see his Silly looking Assets Now..." " A reluctent Deity, Who once said something to me about 'The Final Warden', And a Power greater than that Entity. Geofin was half Drunk at the Time...." >> Eric bows again. "Forgive this one's presumption, but I would aid >>you in resisting any such attempt if you permitted. Violently, if >>necessary. Your possession of this artifact, unlike some others' of >>similar ones, is clearly both rightful and deserved. It has been my >>admittedly limited experience that this group of beings is extremely >>reluctant to interfere with worthies such as yourself." " Thank you for the Offer Mr. Lancer, But I do not believe I will allow it to become that big an Issue." ================================= Subject: Geofin Re: AAE6f: Discusions with The High King Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 15:31:03 -0800 (PST) On 12-09-2000 at 14:56:08 Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009076 >On 12-07-2000 at 21:10:36 As CAoL Message # 00009071 >Writing for The High King > >Touch Button >" Jives, Tell Geofin I want to see his Silly looking Assets Now..." > >" A reluctent Deity, > Who once said something to me about 'The Final Warden', > And a Power greater than that Entity. > Geofin was half Drunk at the Time...." A tattered figure appears as if it were sneaking around a corner... It looks a bit hungover, and You sure don't want a closer smell of it... Humanoid, Rat Tailed, Exo-skeletal Arms... After a Glance at the CAoL Team, It addresses the High King, " Alright, Alright... I'm here, What is so bloody important?" The High King " Geofin, Please don't make me go through it all again, I know you already heard it." Geofin Snickering " Ohh well, you know I don't like to do it that way." The High King " Let me introduce you to, These Beings, {Gesturing to each in turn}, Mike, Tink, Rio, Eric, and Roger. Ladies and Gentlemen, This is Geofin, The God of Urban Wildlife, Survial in Hostile Places, and Wisdom." Geofin looking bored "I was Framed." Looking at Mike " You look like the best Telepath in this Group, If you would be kind enough to show me, What you know of the Keystone's History and Final Battle? I may be able to answer Miss Fuss-Budgets Questions." ================================= Subject: Re:Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 18:28:30 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 10 Dec 2000 18:17:22 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009081 >On 12-09-2000 at 14:56:08 >Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009076 > >The High King >" Let me introduce you to, > These Beings, > {Gesturing to each in turn}, > Mike, Mike nods his head. > Tink, Tink waves. > Rio, > Eric, and > Roger. > Ladies and Gentlemen, > This is Geofin, > The God of Urban Wildlife, Survial in Hostile Places, and Wisdom." > >Geofin looking bored >"I was Framed." Mike archs an eyebrow. >Looking at Mike >" You look like the best Telepath in this Group, > If you would be kind enough to show me, > What you know of the Keystone's History and Final Battle? > I may be able to answer Miss Fuss-Budgets Questions." Mike nods, "Alright, one moment." Mike turns his mind inward, digging in the deepest recesses of his mind for memories gleaned from Fuzzy's first arrival in the Controller's castle in Arcadia to his death on Greyworld, some of which is vague, him actually having seen the event was as if dreamed, to his second death on Epsilon Three against the Great Adversary before being caught up in a mini-universe of his own design. Once he has it all in mind, he turns and locks eyes with Geofin and sends the entirety to the Reluctant God. ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 23:00:22 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 11 Dec 2000 20:22:59 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009089 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009081 > Mike nods, "Alright, one moment." > Mike turns his mind inward, digging in the deepest recesses of >his mind for memories gleaned from Fuzzy's first arrival in the >Controller's castle in Arcadia to his death on Greyworld, some of >which is vague, him actually having seen the event was as if dreamed, >to his second death on Epsilon Three against the Great Adversary >before being caught up in a mini-universe of his own design. > Once he has it all in mind, he turns and locks eyes with Geofin >and sends the entirety to the Reluctant God. ^Mike before you tell the High King about The Stardragon, I, Oracle, or Hydra MUST be present. There are things you might tell the High King that Cerberus must NOT be allowed to learn. He will not scan the minds of any of the CAoL because that would bring The Stardragon's wrath down upon him like ugly on an ape. The High King does not have that protection however. One of US must be present to 'protect' the knowlege she wants to know. We can render the knowlege 'invisible' to his scanning without harming her in any way, but we CANNOT take the chance that he might scan her. And he might, just because she has had dealings with members of the CAoL. Though he knows more about The Stardragon than any other living Starspawn, except Oracle, he does not understand just what it REALLY is.^ Aurora sends. ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 12:45:39 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:05 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009091 >On Mon, 11 Dec 2000 20:22:59 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009089 > >^Mike before you tell the High King about The Stardragon, I, Oracle, >or Hydra MUST be present. There are things you might tell the High >King that Cerberus must NOT be allowed to learn. He will not scan the >minds of any of the CAoL because that would bring The Stardragon's >wrath down upon him like ugly on an ape. The High King does not have >that protection however. One of US must be present to 'protect' the >knowlege she wants to know. We can render the knowlege 'invisible' to >his scanning without harming her in any way, but we CANNOT take the >chance that he might scan her. And he might, just because she has had >dealings with members of the CAoL. Though he knows more about The >Stardragon than any other living Starspawn, except Oracle, he does >not understand just what it REALLY is.^ Aurora sends. Michael Seven mentally nods, ^Understood. One moment.^ Looking to Geofin, he says, "One moment, before you explain things," then he turns to the High King, "This is getting to be a regular party. One of the Starspawn has asked before anything is revealed to you that she be allowed to come through to protect against a malevolent faction of the Starspawn from attempting to gather information from your mind, should anything be revealed about the Stardragon that same group is not already aware of. After all the time they've been around I'm not sure what they wouldn't know about it, but might be safer in the long run to agree." Assuming the High King consents, Mike sends, ^Come in, Aurora.^ then says, upon arrival, "Aurora, this is the High King. High King, this is Aurora of the Starspawn." If the High King doesn't approve, Mike sends, ^She has waived the right to protection, but I don't think I could provide enough information to be a threat.^ then says, "Sorry, Geofin, please continue." ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 18:28:10 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 12 Dec 2000 16:34:53 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009093 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009091 > > Assuming the High King consents, Mike sends, ^Come in, Aurora.^ >then says, upon arrival, "Aurora, this is the High King. High King, >this is Aurora of the Starspawn." (OOC: Assuming the High King consents) Aurora manifests a body beside Mike and Tink (about 6'2" 125 lbs, tall and slender for a humanoid, but not ridiculously so). The telepaths in the room can sense a subtle but unbelievably powerful mental shield form around the room. The ONLY "opening" in the shield seems to be the lens link. /*"Your Majesty."*/ She says nodding slightly. ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 01:36:18 -0800 (PST) On 12-13-2000 at 00:46:26 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009095 >On Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:05 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009091 > >>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009081 >>> Mike turns his mind inward, digging in the deepest recesses of >>>his mind for memories gleaned from Fuzzy's first arrival in the >>>Controller's castle in Arcadia to his death on Greyworld, some of >>>which is vague, him actually having seen the event was as if >>>dreamed, to his second death on Epsilon Three against the Great >>>Adversary before being caught up in a mini-universe of his own >>>design. >>> Once he has it all in mind, he turns and locks eyes with >>>Geofin and sends the entirety to the Reluctant God. Mike receives in return the History of Geofin, Before Doomsday he was a Minor priest, Of a Minor God, One Culture's God of Urban Wildlife, Not even a Global Religion... He was such a discipline problem, His seniors would have tossed him out, If His Prayers were not occasionally Answered... His God did not believe the Disaster could be Complete, but Just to be sure he offered Geofin a 'Deal', He Lent his Power to Geofin for a Day, Geofin was to assure the rebirth of His charges, By Sacrificing himself for them, Geofin was Promised a Place in Heaven Either way, but His God had not made any provisions for his own Rebirth, So Geofin is Stuck with the Role and the Power... For some reason, Probably something his Predecessor set up, He has been active for Ages, The Additional Titles were earned during that time... > Michael Seven mentally nods, ^Understood. One moment.^ Looking >to Geofin, he says, "One moment, before you explain things," then he >turns to the High King, "This is getting to be a regular party. One >of the Starspawn has asked before anything is revealed to you that >she be allowed to come through to protect against a malevolent >faction of the Starspawn from attempting to gather information from >your mind, should anything be revealed about the Stardragon that same >group is not already aware of. After all the time they've been >around, I'm not sure what they wouldn't know about it, but might be >safer in the long run to agree." The High King Raises an Eyebrow at Geofin, Who Responds: " Yeah, I can see some interpolations that should be held quiet..." " You can Tell your Associate that I will allow a Security Check, And I will just be sure not to Tell Her, Anything she does not need to know..." She Nods Agreement > Assuming the High King consents, Mike sends, ^Come in, Aurora.^ >then says, upon arrival, "Aurora, this is the High King. High King, >this is Aurora of the Starspawn." [Ed. Note: This next paragraph is from Dane As CAoL Message # 00009093] >(OOC: Assuming the High King consents) Aurora manifests a body beside >Mike and Tink (about 6'2" 125 lbs, tall and slender for a humanoid, >but not ridiculously so). The telepaths in the room can sense a >subtle but unbelievably powerful mental shield form around the room. >The ONLY "opening" in the shield seems to be the lens link. /*"Your >Majesty."*/ She says nodding slightly. Geofin looks at her then addresses The High King " That is the Kind of Being that The Final Warden used to be." >Mike then says, "Sorry, Geofin, please continue." Addressing the High King, " There is no doubt that The Fuzzy they Knew was The Keystone. No Power born Entirely of any Part of Creation, Can hope to Defeat The Great Adversary. The Powers The Keystone used to Battle It, Were Borrowed from The Primal Creator. It is Probable that they can Reassemble The Keystone, but It is likely to have changed to some degree... In fact Reassembly probably became unavoidable, Just a matter of Time after They Opened The First Realm." " One interesting point, Is that I was Right... Those fools Badly Over-Designed the Keystone. I told them, but why should they Listen..." Geofin ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 13:05:11 +0000 On Thu, 21 Dec 2000 06:39:14 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009116 >On 12-13-2000 at 00:46:26 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009095 > >Mike receives in return the History of Geofin, > Before Doomsday he was a Minor priest, > Of a Minor God, > One Culture's God of Urban Wildlife, > Not even a Global Religion... > He was such a discipline problem, > His seniors would have tossed him out, > If His Prayers were not occasionally Answered... >His God did not believe the Disaster could be Complete, but > Just to be sure he offered Geofin a 'Deal', > He Lent his Power to Geofin for a Day, > Geofin was to assure the rebirth of His charges, > By Sacrificing himself for them, > Geofin was Promised a Place in Heaven Either way, but > His God had not made any provisions for his own Rebirth, > So Geofin is Stuck with the Role and the Power... >For some reason, > Probably something his Predecessor set up, > He has been active for Ages, > The Additional Titles were earned during that time... Mike arches both eyebrows at this information. [Interesting.] >" One interesting point, Is that I was Right... > Those fools Badly Over-Designed the Keystone. > I told them, but why should they Listen..." > > Geofin should not get too Technical.> Mike sends this information to the Callahanian Army of Light with an ALERT! flag. /Folks, the Fuzzy we remake here may not be the same one we lost, according to our friend here./ This prompts Tink to ask, "Overdesigned? How so?" ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 03:20:00 +0000 On 12-21-2000 at 19:15:39 Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009118 >On Thu, 21 Dec 2000 06:39:14 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009116 > >>On 12-13-2000 at 00:46:26 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009095 >>" One interesting point, Is that I was Right... >> Those fools Badly Over-Designed the Keystone. >> I told them, but why should they Listen..." The High King Impatiently " Geofin, 'What is The StarDragon?' What should I know About It, Before It Shows up Here???" > Mike sends this information to the Callahanian Army of Light >with an ALERT! flag. /Folks, the Fuzzy we remake here may not be the >same one we lost, according to our friend here./ > This prompts Tink to ask, "Overdesigned? How so?" Geofin on a favorite hobby-horse " The Lords of Order aka The Lawful Powers, Designed The Keystone's Body, Mind, and Spirit. The Lords of Chaos being more Artistic, Implemented those Designs, as far as they went..." " The Keystone's Mind was designed to, Hold all of the Knowledge and Intellect, Of the nine proto-type Fuzzys, but Only to Express 1/9'th of the Total at a time, Dynamic to the needs of the situation, It seems that Limiter was breaking down, as I expected. It also was intended never to know it's own Nature, So that it would never see itself as merely a means to an End." " The Keystone's Spirit was designed to, Include all of the Potentials, Of the nine proto-type Fuzzys, but At a Lower intensity each... That was not being maintained either." " Of the body, now thankfully gone, Let me simply say that It was Designed, As the Ultimate Survival Machine, Able to adapt to Any Realm they could conceive of." " The Keystone should have had no access to, The Energies of the Universes it held in Potential, Obviously that was a incorrect expectation. " All in all, The Powers spent as much Thought and Energy, On the Singular Being of The Keystone, As they would have on a complete Biosphere, Including at least one Sentient potential Species. Each trying to make The Keystone a fitting, Final Work." " The Keystone was a Manifestation of Life, and Life as some wise being observed, Will Find A Way To Continue..." " Assuming you succeed, I expect that all of the Limiters will be gone, How the Being thus created will adapt to that, I do not Know." ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 23:39:18 +0000 On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 14:54:52 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009121 >On Thu, 21 Dec 2000 06:39:14 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009116 > > Mike sends this information to the Callahanian Army of Light >with an ALERT! flag. /Folks, the Fuzzy we remake here may not be the >same one we lost, according to our friend here./ Nemo responds: *You cannot step twice into the same river.* The above shamelessly stolen from "Circle of Iron" who probably stole it from some oriental philospher. But it's *exactly the sort of thing Kosh (or Nemo :-) would say. ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 04:08:46 +0000 On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 20:22:35 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009123 >Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009118 > The High King Impatiently > " Geofin, 'What is The StarDragon?' > What should I know About It, > Before It Shows up Here???" /*"Perhaps I should answer that question. It is everything. It embodies the entire Macro Cosmos. It could be considered the Primal of Quantum Existance. It is Space, Time, Matter, and Energy, in all their possible forms, and it rules over all those things. As to its consciousness comming here, it is unlikely that it will, unless it is called here either by one with the requisite knowlege and power, or by any one of the CAoL asking it for its direct help. Harming one of the CAoL would also bring it. That would be a disaster on a scale that frightens even me. Generally unless it encounters one of its pet peeves, or some fool provokes it, it is peaceful enough. But angering it is a sure way get killed, even for a Starspawn. The kinds of things that will anger it just by being encountered include: slavery and anything that looks like it. Attacking a place, home, world, whatever... where it is a guest. The brutalizing of an immature lifeform. Disturbing the eternal rest of the dead, which is a form of slavery for the spirits so constrained. All of these will elicit a VIOLENT response from The Stardragon. Is there anything else about it you would like to know?"*/ Aurora says. ================================= Subject: Re: Geofin's Request from AAE6f: Discussions with The High King Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 02:11:37 +0000 On Sun, 24 Dec 2000 17:13:20 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009134 >On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 20:22:35 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009123 > >>Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009118 >> The High King Impatiently >> " Geofin, 'What is The StarDragon?' >> What should I know About It, >> Before It Shows up Here???" > >/*"Perhaps I should answer that question. It is everything. >It embodies the entire Macro Cosmos. /You mean it's Elvis?/ the Hunter drawls along the Lens Link. /He's not--whoulf!--joking,/ Roland replies. /What makes you think I _am,_ Phoenix-boy?/ Eric shoots back with a grin. /You have better taste,/ Roland finishes in a tone as dry as the Hunter's. ================================= Subject: AAE 6f: Back to the point (was Re: Geofin...) Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 02:11:47 +0000 On Sun, 24 Dec 2000 17:25:56 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009135 >On 12-13-2000 at 00:46:26 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009095 > >Addressing the High King, >" There is no doubt that The Fuzzy they Knew was The Keystone. > > No Power born Entirely of any Part of Creation, > Can hope to Defeat The Great Adversary. > The Powers The Keystone used to Battle It, > Were Borrowed from The Primal Creator. > > It is Probable that they can Reassemble The Keystone, but > It is likely to have changed to some degree... > In fact Reassembly probably became unavoidable, > Just a matter of Time after They Opened The First Realm." > >" One interesting point, Is that I was Right... > Those fools Badly Over-Designed the Keystone. > I told them, but why should they Listen..." Eric stretches; he took a beating during 6-d and hasn't _entirely_ recovered. "Okay, got it, so Fuzzy Keystone Callahan was designed by committee and there's going to be some weirdness if/when he's back in one piece. Are they going to have the _chance_ to put him back in one piece?" If anyone looks at him confusedly, or asks him to elaborate, he continues. "The Quantum Shield. Or the Eye of Heaven; I admit I'm a little lost as to which item we're talking about. That's what we're negotiating for here, right? If you need to keep it, thank that's that; if the substitute Talisman will do the job, then we can make the switch, right?" ================================= Subject: Re:AAE 6f: Back to the point (was Re: Geofin...) Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 15:39:46 +0000 On Wed, 27 Dec 2000 09:56:10 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009150 >On Sun, 24 Dec 2000 17:25:56 -0800 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009135 > > If anyone looks at him confusedly, or asks him to elaborate, he >continues. "The Quantum Shield. Or the Eye of Heaven; I admit I'm a >little lost as to which item we're talking about. That's what we're >negotiating for here, right? If you need to keep it, thank that's >that; if the substitute Talisman will do the job, then we can make >the switch, right?" Mike smirks, "Okay, I'm gonna answer a few questions at once here. We're here for the Quantum Shield, to see if we can use it for our purpose. It sounds as if our imitation will pass muster, if I understand right, as no one else has the technology to make something that powerful. To further sweeten the pot, yes, we think we have a way to obtain the Eye of Heaven, the final artifact we're still missing, and the people to do it. I can't guarantee any of the artifacts, including the Eye of Heaven, will be destroyed, but I'd wager this is the best shot at destroying them there is." Turning to the High King, Michael Seven says in his best courtly manner, "Thus, we turn to you, Your Majesty. May we have the Quantum Shield in exchange for our false one in order to restore our friend and quite possibly destroy the Eye of Heaven?" ================================= Subject: AAE6f: Request's and Answers - Very Long Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 21:21:27 +0000 On 01-06-2001 at 13:17:19 Geofin_and_THK Said As CAoL Message # 00009180 >On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 20:22:35 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009123 > >>Geofin Said As CAoL Message # 00009118 >>The High King Impatiently >>" Geofin, 'What is The StarDragon?' >> What should I know About It, >> Before It Shows up Here???" > >/*"Perhaps I should answer that question. It is everything. It >embodies the entire Macro Cosmos. It could be considered the Primal >of Quantum Existance. It is Space, Time, Matter, and Energy, in all >their possible forms, and it rules over all those things. As to its >consciousness comming here, it is unlikely that it will, unless it is >called here either by one with the requisite knowlege and power, or >by any one of the CAoL asking it for its direct help. Harming one of >the CAoL would also bring it. That would be a disaster on a scale >that frightens even me. Generally unless it encounters one of its pet >peeves, or some fool provokes it, it is peaceful enough. But angering >it is a sure way get killed, even for a Starspawn. The kinds of >things that will anger it just by being encountered include: slavery >and anything that looks like it. Attacking a place, home, world, >whatever... where it is a guest. The brutalizing of an immature >lifeform. Disturbing the eternal rest of the dead, which is a form of >slavery for the spirits so constrained. All of these will elicit a >VIOLENT response from The Stardragon. Is there anything else about it >you would like to know?"*/ Aurora says. " More to the Point, It is an Immense Creature and Pattern{1}, Like the StarSpawn, but The Tricks they can play with Mass and Energy, It can play with Space/Time/Dimension... It never was Mortal or Corporeal in any form we would understand, Which, I am told, at least some of the StarSpawn Were, So do not expect it to understand your perspective, Unless you are very Very Clear, and that would still be iffy..." " I suspect it is more likely to be seen in the Matrix, Than the StarSpawn Aurora estimates, Given that 'The First Realm' is Fuzzy's Home, and He is a Member of the CAoL, It May Visit him there." {1} Patterns of stress(in various mediums) and energy, Not to be confused with Zia's Symbols. > Eric stretches; he took a beating during 6-d and hasn't _entirely_ >recovered. "Okay, got it, so Fuzzy Keystone Callahan was designed by >committee and there's going to be some weirdness if/when he's back in >one piece. Are they going to have the _chance_ to put him back in one >piece?" " I don't think anything could stop them. Even if they gave up, It is likely that it would still happen, Though it might take several Million Years." > If anyone looks at him confusedly, or asks him to elaborate, he >continues. "The Quantum Shield. Or the Eye of Heaven; I admit I'm a >little lost as to which item we're talking about. That's what we're >negotiating for here, right? If you need to keep it, thank that's >that; if the substitute Talisman will do the job, then we can make >the switch, right?" "Right" The High King from here down " That reminds me, I should send that Imitation Quantum Shield, Down to the Lab for analysis." Opening a Drawer in her desk she puts the Phony inside, The Closes it and pushes a Button on its outer face. > Mike smirks, "Okay, I'm gonna answer a few questions at once >here. We're here for the Quantum Shield, to see if we can use it for >our purpose. It sounds as if our imitation will pass muster, if I >understand right, as no one else has the technology to make something >that powerful. To further sweeten the pot, yes, we think we have a >way to obtain the Eye of Heaven, the final artifact we're still >missing, and the people to do it. I can't guarentee any of the >artifacts, including the Eye of Heaven, will be destroyed, but I'd >wager this is the best shot at destroying them there is." Nod " That sounds better than any amount of 'Old Slug Oil', Do you mind if I send along an Observer?" Yet Another Button gets pushed and Captain Ironfounderson enters in a New Uniform. " I believe you know Captain Ironfounderson, Now Inspector Ironfounderson of Imperial Oversight." For those able to Perceive it, Each Piece of Equipment he is Wearing or Carrying, Is Aware of (in Ascending order of Priority) Their Team, ie All of His Equipment, Themselves, and Their Boss, Inspector Ironfounderson... > Turning to the High King, Michael Seven says in his best courtly >manner, "Thus, we turn to you, Your Majesty. May we have the Quantum >Shield in exchange for our false one in order to restore our friend >and quite possibly destroy the Eye of Heaven?" " Yes, I think so..." To Inspector Ironfounderson "Your Priorities in Descending order are 1: Observe, I will expect your report in 21 days. 2: Keep him (Point at Roger) alive, For 21 days or until his Promise is Claimed, By the Council of Kurl Elders... 3: If they succeed within that time frame, Do what you can to keep it Quiet, Until After The Kurl Birthday. You may Assist them if you choose, but You are under no conditions to attempt to impede them." To Roger " During your encounter with that Kurl Adult, A potential Branch in your personal World Line was Created, If necessary they may require you to take the post as, Guardian of the Waiting Room. That Involves Adoption into all of the Kurl Clans, and Ritual Sacrifice... Your best chance to close that Line Safely, Is For your Quest to succeed within 20 Days, and For the Kurl to not know that it has until after, Their Birthday successfully Past." Back to Inspector Ironfounderson Rising to Approach She Shakes his Hand "Good Luck Inspector Carrot, Be Careful." Inspector Ironfounderson " Thank You Your Majesty, I will Do my Best." The Quantum Shield is Passed to Mike. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Request's and Answers - Very Long Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 22:36:48 +0000 On Sat, 06 Jan 2001 14:09:11 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009183 >On 01-06-2001 at 13:17:19 >Geofin_and_THK Said As CAoL Message # 00009180 >The Quantum Shield is Passed to Mike. /Great!/ Rio sends on the link, careful not to let it leak to anyone _not_ in the CAoL. /Let's go home. Well, as quick as we can without being impolite anyway,/ she adds. (OOC: So now all we need is John to finish AAE6g, and we're ready for the finale, right?) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Request's and Answers - Very Long Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 00:00:04 +0000 On Sun, 07 Jan 2001 16:08:49 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009193 >Geofin_and_THK Said As CAoL Message # 00009180 >" More to the Point, > It is an Immense Creature and Pattern{1}, > Like the StarSpawn, but > The Tricks they can play with Mass and Energy, > It can play with Space/Time/Dimension... > It never was Mortal or Corporeal in any form we would understand, > Which, I am told, at least some of the StarSpawn Were, > So do not expect it to understand your perspective, > Unless you are very Very Clear, and that would still be iffy..." > >" I suspect it is more likely to be seen in the Matrix, > Than the StarSpawn Aurora estimates, > Given that 'The First Realm' is Fuzzy's Home, and > He is a Member of the CAoL, It May Visit him there." > >{1} Patterns of stress(in various mediums) and energy, > Not to be confused with Zia's Symbols. "*/By comming here, I was referring to this particular location. You are correct, in saying that The Stardragon may well come to the Matrix Cosm, and may even come 'here' often. However unless brought to its attention, in some way, the odds of interacting with it, for any one individual, are so small that it is difficult to calculate. And even more so since it DOES have both the power and the skill to conceal its movements and actions from even a Starspawn that is looking for them. For what it's worth, all the Starspawn, that I know of, are mortal. At least in the sense that we CAN die from accident and violence. For many of us, it does take a tremendous amount of violence, but we can be killed. The only exception that I know of, may be Failsafe. I haven't had the opportunity to examine his particular structure yet, so it is posible that the transformation he underwent has rendered him unkillable./*" Aurora replies. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Request's and Answers - Very Long Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 23:06:19 +0000 On 01-10-2001 at 14:53:40 Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009196 >On Sat, 06 Jan 2001 14:09:11 -0800 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009183 > >/Great!/ Rio sends on the link, careful not to let it leak to anyone >_not_ in the CAoL. /Let's go home. Well, as quick as we can without >being impolite anyway,/ she adds. Inspector Ironfounderson looks around after a few minutes (Yes, he is based on Capt. Carrot Ironfounderson of Ahnk-Morpork.) " Well it seems there are no more bits of Information that will be volunteered at this time, and no further Questions to be asked. So, shall we be on our way?" " I have a Ship waiting." he gets out his HoloGate door projector, Points it at a wall and enters a code... "Right this way." " I suggest that we see to retreiving your RV at a later date." On 01-10-2001 at 14:53:40 >Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009196 > >>On Sat, 06 Jan 2001 14:09:11 -0800 >>Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009183 >> >>/Great!/ Rio sends on the link, careful not to let it leak to anyone >>_not_ in the CAoL. /Let's go home. Well, as quick as we can without >>being impolite anyway,/ she adds. Tink nods. Michael accepts the true Quantum Shield. "Thank you." >Inspector Ironfounderson looks around after a few minutes > (Yes, he is based on Capt. Carrot Ironfounderson of Ahnk-Morpork.) >" Well it seems there are no more bits of Information that will be > volunteered at this time, and no further Questions to be asked. > So, shall we be on our way?" Mike nods, "I don't have any more information. And I presume Aurora would volunteer more were she able. So, we probably should be going now, yes. Thank you again, Your Majesty." Tink adds, "Wish us luck!" >" I suggest that we see to retreiving your RV at a later date." Mike nods, "Good idea." Tink takes a Global and calls Nemisis, "Grandmother, can you arrange to have the RV retrieved? If not, it's okay, just thought we'd save a step." > You do not want to take this Artifact to The Castle yet, > >FailSafe, Aurora, or Nemo can give you a set of nice empty >coordinates in the Realm that is planned to be used to leverage, >The Eye of Heaven loose of it's Defences... > Then it would just be a matter of Waiting. >Unless something finds you that is... Mike sends over the Lens-link, /I believe you need a pair of Artifacts for use with the Eye of Heaven heist? We have one, as well as a local Inspector with a ship ready to launch to whatever coordinates we've got. Preferably somewhere out of the way. Things're finally calming down, I'd hate to spoil it by being shot it. {smirk}/ When coordinates are sent, Michael will forward them to Ironfounderson or whoever appropriate, depending on how long the team after the Eye takes to choose them. "Well, Inspector, congradulations on the promotion," Michael Seven says, "Sorry you got such a lousy first assignment, though." ================================= Subject: AAE6f: Cleanup and a Decoy Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 06:08:53 +0000 On 01-10-2001 at 22:02:42 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009198 >On Wed, 10 Jan 2001 23:12:35 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009197 > > Tink takes a Global and calls Nemisis, "Grandmother, can you >arrange to have the RV retrieved? If not, it's okay, just thought >we'd save a step." " I will have a set of Automatons Mimicking your Group, As last Publicly seen, Gated to it." " They will be Programed to take a long road trip, Routing to a Corporate Office in another Realm, If they make it that far, In about 4 weeks, They and The RV will be gated back to the Castle." " Don't worry these will be non-sentient Automata." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f: Request's and Answers - Very Long Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 06:12:30 +0000 On Wed, 10 Jan 2001 22:23:30 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009199 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009197 > > Mike sends over the Lens-link, /I believe you need a pair of >Artifacts for use with the Eye of Heaven heist? We have one, as well >as a local Inspector with a ship ready to launch to whatever >coordinates we've got. Preferably somewhere out of the way. Things're >finally calming down, I'd hate to spoil it by being shot it. {smirk}/ > When coordinates are sent, Michael will forward them to >Ironfounderson or whoever appropriate, depending on how long the team >after the Eye takes to choose them. > "Well, Inspector, congradulations on the promotion," Michael >Seven says, "Sorry you got such a lousy first assignment, though." "*/The Quantum Shield must not be brought to the Castle just yet. It will be needed to retrieve the Eye of Heaven, at these {} coordinates. I believe you will find either Nemo, or Failsafe waiting for you there./*" Aurora says, before she vanishes. "*/Fare thee well, Your Majesty, and thank you/*" ================================= Subject: AAE6f: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 10:46:32 +0000 On 01-14-2001 at 02:43:53 Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009203 >On Wed, 10 Jan 2001 22:23:30 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009199 > >"*/The Quantum Shield must not be brought to the Castle just yet. It >will be needed to retrieve the Eye of Heaven, at these {} >coordinates. I believe you will find either Nemo, or Failsafe waiting >for you there./*" Aurora says, before she vanishes. "*/Fare thee >well, Your Majesty, and thank you/*" When Inspector Ironfounderson receives the Coordinates, He leads the way to his Bridge and addressing the Empty Room... "Did you hear our Destination?" A Voice Replies " Yes Sir, I am laying out a Stealth course now." " Would you care to specify a Target level of Caution, or A Target time to reach the destination?" Inspector Ironfounderson turn to the others and raises an eyebrow... The comments " Default methods, Are to have the base launcher, drop us into another realm, on a different branch of the Line network from Either This one or the closest one to our Destination. Then after several transits on LineWalker Stardrive, We would shift to a non-Line dependent Stardrive, To make the final approach to our destination. This would yield a probable trip duration of Seven to Ten days." ================================= Subject: AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 19:14:13 +0000 On Sun, 14 Jan 2001 12:56:23 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009204 >On 01-14-2001 at 02:43:53 >Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009203 > >Inspector Ironfounderson turn to the others and raises an eyebrow... >The comments > >" Default methods, > Are to have the base launcher, > drop us into another realm, > on a different branch of the Line network from Either > This one or the closest one to our Destination. > Then after several transits on LineWalker Stardrive, > We would shift to a non-Line dependent Stardrive, > To make the final approach to our destination. > This would yield a probable trip duration of Seven to Ten days." Mike looks at the others in the group; Tink, Roger, and Rio, then turns to Ironfounderson. "Alright, let's use as much caution as we can while getting there as quickly as we can. Reason for caution being Roger's recently acquired proverbial price on his head. Reason for speed being I'd rather get this whole show over with and Fuzzy back in one piece ASAP. "So, using the length of the trip from the nearest Ley Line to our final destination as a guide, keep us on the move as cautiously and as randomly as possible while keeping us as close as possible to it. When the second artifact is set to arrive, we'll make a direct course for the position so we arrive with it." /We're going to try and keep Roger out of the line of fire of some local nasties, so we're going to try running under radar until we're actually needed to be in position, when we'll head full out for Aurora's coordinates. I'll forward our heads up time in a moment, let us know at T minus then and we'll move into position./ "I've let our other teams know what we're planning, they'll need our minimun travel time so they can warn us when they're about to enter with their artifact so we can coordinate and bring ours in as well. When you've got it, let me know and I'll forward it." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 17:06:20 +0000 On Mon, 15 Jan 2001 08:17:04 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009206 >On Sun, 14 Jan 2001 12:56:23 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009204 > >>On 01-14-2001 at 02:43:53 >>Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009203 >> >> We would shift to a non-Line dependent Stardrive, >> To make the final approach to our destination. >> This would yield a probable trip duration of Seven to Ten days." > "I've let our other teams know what we're planning, they'll need >our minimun travel time so they can warn us when they're about to >enter with their artifact so we can coordinate and bring ours in as >well. When you've got it, let me know and I'll forward it." > >>> That is up to you... ;) >> I will go along with it either way. >> I have nothing specific planned.> Rio turns to Roger and smiles. "Well, since we're going to be 'running under the radar' for a while to protect Roger's handsome head from that price, I think I know how to keep the fugitive's mind off his troubles." Roger, not being grotesquely stupid ;-), should realize *exactly* what she has in mind ;-). Assuming young Greywolf-Phoenix doesn't look unwilling, the Ecstatic smiles at Inspector Ironfounderson. "Which way to our quarters?" she asks with a winning and (for the situation) surprisingly innocent smile. Assuming (again) that he provides the information, she takes Roger's hand and starts in the indicated direction. And I'll leave it to Roger if we want to provide any further details . ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 14:15:34 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 15 Jan 2001 17:06:47 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009207 In a message dated 1/15/01 12:07:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, rio writes: Roger, in the meantime, is looking rather disgruntled and muttering under his breath. "Dammit all anyways -- s/he committed suicide anyways, it's not like *I* was holding the knife. I even talked hir lingering self into helping me defuse the situation. But does anybody take that into account? Ooooh, no." His tired eyes begin to kindle with fresh irriatation. "Dammit, IT WASN'T MY FAULT!!" He blushes as everyone stops to stare at him. "Sorry. Having a Kei&Yuri moment, there." He withdraws back into himself, mutterin darkly about species with no sense of humor... >Rio turns to Roger and smiles. "Well, since we're going to be >'running under the radar' for a while to protect Roger's handsome >head from that price, I think I know how to keep the fugitive's mind >off his troubles." Roger, not being grotesquely stupid ;-), should >realize *exactly* what she has in mind ;-). Roger returns to reality with a blink, replays Rio's last thirty seconds of speech (cybernetic tape delay instant replay -- 'swonderful), and emerges from his funk with alacrity. "Then again, people are ALWAYS trying to kill me. What am I worried about?" He turns to Rio, cranking up the wattage on his usual grin. "You were saying...?" >Assuming young Greywolf-Phoenix doesn't look unwilling, the Ecstatic >smiles at Inspector Ironfounderson. "Which way to our quarters?" she >asks with a winning and (for the situation) surprisingly innocent >smile. Assuming (again) that he provides the information, she takes >Roger's hand and starts in the indicated direction. Roger floats after her like an affectionate balloon, adrift in a sea of anticipatory carnal bliss. Some of the more observant bystanders, however, might notice him palming raw oysters out of Jacketspace with his free hand... >And I'll leave it to Roger if we want to provide any further details >. OOC: ================================= Subject: AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 09:21:25 +0000 On 01-28-2001 at 01:17:41 Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009221 >On Sun, 14 Jan 2001 12:56:23 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009204 > > "I've let our other teams know what we're planning, they'll need >our minimun travel time so they can warn us when they're about to >enter with their artifact so we can coordinate and bring ours in as >well. When you've got it, let me know and I'll forward it." After a brief consultation with his ship Inspector Carrot Replies " Our minimum Transit time to the destination, assuming we abandon stealth, is 73.5 Hours. Due to it not being on a Line Node. If one of your people can supply an inter-realm gateway, From this location {Same coordinates, different Realm}, In the realm of the Crystal Spheres, where a minor Line Node happens to be adjacent to our destination. We could keep to stealth, and Still bring the travel time down to 8.35 Minutes." ================================= Subject: Re:AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 01:09:16 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 2 Feb 2001 09:30:48 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009271 >On 01-28-2001 at 01:17:41 >Inspector_Carrot Said As CAoL Message # 00009221 > >After a brief consultation with his ship Inspector Carrot Replies >" Our minimum Transit time to the destination, > assuming we abandon stealth, is 73.5 Hours. > Due to it not being on a Line Node. > If one of your people can supply an inter-realm gateway, > From this location {Same coordinates, different Realm}, > In the realm of the Crystal Spheres, > where a minor Line Node happens to be adjacent to our destination. > We could keep to stealth, and > Still bring the travel time down to 8.35 Minutes." Mike nods, "Excellent, I'll arrange it. C'mon, Tink, we've got a dimensional jump engine to build." He taps in a code on his wrist computer and a three and a half inch cube lands in his palms, his portable replicator. "We'll be in our quarters." Glancing at Roger and Rio, he grins, "You have the conn, Mr. Phoenix. Proverbially anyway, since it's not our ship. Let me know if anything important happens, but otherwise, I'll be busy with this." Tink trails after Michael, asking, "How big are we talking about?" To which Mike replies, "About tabletop size, we just want to do a positional open and shut gateway, nothing grandious. Though the extra size comes in from adding some stealth features and some buffers since we'll be doing this at a line node. Wish your aunt was here, she knew more about these things than me. I'm sure we can manage, though..." They continue to banter about design as they make their way to their quarters to get to work. ================================= Subject: Re:AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 07:40:30 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 05 Feb 2001 07:16:41 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009272 >On Fri, 2 Feb 2001 09:30:48 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009271 > > Mike nods, "Excellent, I'll arrange it. C'mon, Tink, >we've got a dimensional jump engine to build." He taps in >a code on his wrist computer and a three and a half inch >cube lands in his palms, his portable replicator. "We'll be >in our quarters." Glancing at Roger and Rio, he grins, "You ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >have the conn, Mr. Phoenix. Proverbially anyway, since it's >not our ship. Let me know if anything important happens, but >otherwise, I'll be busy with this." OOC: Glanced at _who_? They retired to their quarters a while back (posts #9206 and 9207), and haven't come out yet ;-). I'm sure there's someone else who can take the con while Mike and Tink work on their project. ================================= Subject: Re:AAE6f syncing with AAE6g: Enroute to AAE6i Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 15:10:30 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 5 Feb 2001 16:40:23 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009273 >On Mon, 05 Feb 2001 07:16:41 -0800 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009272 > >OOC: Glanced at _who_? They retired to their quarters a while back >(posts #9206 and 9207), and haven't come out yet ;-). > >I'm sure there's someone else who can take the con while Mike and >Tink work on their project. Mike nods, tapping a few things into his wrist computer. "Okay, we'll handle that. C'mon Tink, time to build ourselves a tabletop dimension jumper." There's a transporter effect and a small cart appears with what looks like a pedestal replicator on it. Which it is. Mike wheels it off, calling over his shoulder, "Should be done in a day, call us if you need us." =================================