Action, Adventure, Excitement, Interlude New Arrivals - Chapter 1 Subject: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:11:27 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 (OOC: Assume this takes place a week or so after the post-resurrection party breaks up.) Roland is sitting in the kitchen, sipping a vanilla shake and reading "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Things have been calm for the past few days, and he's taking the opportunity to catch up on his reading. Suddenly, he feels a twinge through his link to Morgan. ^Morganwhatwasthat?^ he sends, on alert. Morgan's "voice" is somewhat sheepish. ^It's OK, hunny. I was just running through some sword katas in the danger room.^ ^You were _what_?^ ^I'm alright,^ the life mage sounds slightly exasperated. ^I was taking it easy.^ ^Then why did I just feel a twinge?^ Morgan hesitates briefly, and Roland starts to take another sip of his drink. ^Because it's time.^ Morgan is rewarded with the image of her husband kittening vanilla shake all over the kitchen. Roland then proceeds to do an impressive impersonation of a chicken with its head recently removed (no Highlander jokes, please). He scrambles frantically around the house, looking for the necessary supplies to take to Arcadia. Morgan calmly ascends the stairs from the basement holodeck, and goes to the closet in the front hall. As she does this, Caitlin comes down from the second floor to see what's going on. She looks at Roland racing around, then says to her daughter, "It's time, isn't it?" Morgan smiles and nods as she removes their pre-packed bag, and mentally "ahem"s Roland. Roland comes screeching to a halt, and manages to look placid as kinetic tendrils continue his mad rush. ^"Yes, dear?"^ Morgan rolls her eyes fondly. "We packed everything three weeks ago, remember?" Roland slowly closes his eyes, takes careful aim, and scores a critical success on his forehead with his palm. All three vanish, as if there had been a switch on his head... ...and appear in a land of wonder. A city--if it is fair to call a massive grove that would dwarf redwoods, strung with golden bridges and crystal dwellings, protected by bastions that are built from rainbows, a city--appears around them. Fae of all kinds--pixies with transparent wings, Giants of all sizes, Sidhe of impossible beauty, Gnomes seemingly carved from rock itself, just to name a few--smile at the new arrivals as they pass. A gleaming silver dragon lands gracefully on a diamond perch, lowers its long, sinewy neck, and down from it's back strides the magnificent Queen of Faerie. Titania smiles, and looks from one Freelance Immortal to the other. "Time, then, is it?" she asks, in a calm, mellifluous voice. Morgan smiles. "Yes, Your Majesty. I thank you again for allowing our children to be born in your fair realm." Titania laughs musically. "This is a land that thrives on glamour, imagination, wonder. What could be more wondrous than the birth of two such magnificent children?" Morgan blushes (tm Roland ;-). Her Majesty turns to look at Caitlin, who is staring at her surroundings, wide eyed as any child on a holiday morning. Morgan quickly speaks up. "Ah, Your Majesty, this is my mother, Caitlin inghen Uilliam. She's recently moved to Roland's Earth from our native time. Mother, this is Her Royal Majesty Titania, Queen of the Fae, Ruler of Arcadia, and my liege Lady." Caitlin turns her stare on the fae, then suddenly remembers her manners. "Your Majesty," she curtsies slightly, then reconsiders and drops the curtsey a bit lower. This is no mortal queen, after all. But being told that Titania is going to be midwife to your grandchildren, and meeting the Queen of the Faerie in person, were two entirely different things. Meanwhile, Roland concentrates on the Lens Link. /Folks, it's started,/ Roland sends, his "voice" a little shaky. /Those who want to be here should move relatively quickly. But check in first, though--you never know when a woman in labor's going to get testy./ /I heard that!/ Morgan sends, mostly good naturedly. /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, /Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2001 15:43:03 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 18:25:53 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009553 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 > >(OOC: Assume this takes place a week or so after the >post-resurrection party breaks up.) The transporter pad hums into life automatically as a figure forms on one of the forward lighted circles. He is tall, dark haired, bearded, with mismatched eyes and a dark tan. He slips a pair of brown sunglasses from his eyes and puts them in the shirt pocket of a bright yellow Hawaiian shirt with green leaves and red and blue flowers printed all over it. He pulls a bit of change from the pocket of his khaki cargo pants and dumps it in a large jar of money from many planets and civilizations. Taking a small, silver band from his pocket, he slips it on his left wrist and starts to speak into it, then rethinks it. "No, I'll surprize her," Mike says, taking his olive duffel bag from the transporter pad. As he steps out into the corridor, there's the sound of feet running, many feet. Mike turns to see a plethora of strange animals round a corner and scamper past down the hallway. In the lead is a small, white pony with a mane and tail of pure flame, followed by a yellow rodent with red cheeks shouting "Pi pika pi!" and a pink and turquoise polygon-shaped bird. In the rear and taking up most of the corridor is a blue and white cross between a cat and a bear, looking wild-eyed and shouting "Lax! Lax!" "Tink... I'm home..." Mike says, staring agog at the animals as they try and jam the big one into the turbolift. Tinkerbell comes running around the corner, holding a large red and white ball. "Snorlax, return!" she shouts as a red laser beam travels the distance between her and the big bear-cat-thing and it disappears in a red flash of light. "Porygon, return!" "Pikachu, return!" "Ponyta, return!" Tink grins up at her grandfather, tucking the four red and white balls in her belt, before rubbing her hands on the thighs of her white flared jeans, then tucking her light blue t-shirt in. "Bath day," the little girl explains, sheepishly. > Meanwhile, Roland concentrates on the Lens Link. /Folks, it's >started,/ Roland sends, his "voice" a little shaky. /Those who want >to be here should move relatively quickly. But check in first, >though--you never know when a woman in labor's going to get testy./ > >/I heard that!/ Morgan sends, mostly good naturedly. /We're on our way,/ Mike replies. dropping the duffle bag at his brown, leather sandaled feet and turning to the transporter room again. He takes a few moments to select coordinates, then joins Tinkerbell on the transporter pad. > /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, >/Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living >Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx >off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ /We'll try not to take anything personally,/ Mike sends with a smirk, /ETA... oh, right now./ he adds as the transporter begins to hum and the pair dissolve, reappearing near the expectant couple. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 08:09:34 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 07:51:51 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009555 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 > >(OOC: Assume this takes place a week or so after the >post-resurrection party breaks up.) We're skipping the party? Gosh. Okay. > /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, >/Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living >Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx >off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ Ziactrice, sitting somewhere in a magnificently English supper club style library, with a tome spread over her lap, smiles briefly to herself. She debates whether or not she should attend, briefly. Then she shakes her head. "I might just ask." /Roland, can you ascertain an invitation from Titania Regina to her realm, or has she given you leave to invite whom you will in her name? I just want to be sure proper warning is given. That way she can decide if or if not to tolerate or ameliorate any unfortunate mishaps resultant./ /Remember when I came in Callahan's Place? Magic can react badly to contraints of randomness. I would not want to cause any distress there, especially annoying the Queen. Most especially that. But I would like to offer what support I may, to either or both of you. (smile) And I'm good at using humor against temper; I've had so long to practice it on myself./ P.S. No idea where Nemo is or what they've been up to (if anything), so jump in when/where you like, if you like with yourself, Nemo. :) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 10:11:24 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 09:52:24 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009557 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 07:51:51 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009555 > >/Roland, can you ascertain an invitation from Titania Regina to her >realm, or has she given you leave to invite whom you will in her >name? I just want to be sure proper warning is given. That way she >can decide if or if not to tolerate or ameliorate any unfortunate >mishaps resultant./ > >/Remember when I came in Callahan's Place? Magic can react badly to >contraints of randomness. I would not want to cause any distress >there, especially annoying the Queen. Most especially that. But I >would like to offer what support I may, to either or both of you. >(smile) And I'm good at using humor against temper; I've had so long >to practice it on myself./ ^If I may, dear?^ Nemo's thougts follow over the link, though they seem to have an odd "tone", possibly from being "relayed" somehow... /Would you please confirm that I am welcome there as well, I'd rather not step on any toes, if I can avoid it./ Nemo wll knock at the door and enter the "library" when Zia bids him enter. (Zia, feel free to come up wuth an outfit for him) We can travel via Zia, or Nemo, as seems appropriate. >P.S. No idea where Nemo is or what they've been up to (if anything), >so jump in when/where you like, if you like with yourself, Nemo. :) Nemo (well, one *particular* Nemo, anyway) will be somewhere around. ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:41:16 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:29:01 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009560 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 18:25:53 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009553 > > /We'll try not to take anything personally,/ Mike sends with a >smirk, /ETA... oh, right now./ he adds as the transporter begins to >hum and the pair dissolve, reappearing near the expectant couple. Morgan walks over to the Sevens, leaning lightly on Roland's arm. They are in a small glade in a grove in the Heart of Arcadia, and Titania is arranging plantlife, cushions, etc. in preparation. Caitlin is watching her closely, shyly asking the occasional question. Morgan hugs her old friend. "Look like you're the first here," she smiles. "Between these kids and this place, almost anything could happen, but at least I know I'll be surrounded by friends." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:41:21 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:32:15 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009561 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 07:51:51 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009555 > >Ziactrice, sitting somewhere in a magnificently English supper club style >library, with a tome spread over her lap, smiles briefly to herself. She >debates whether or not she should attend, briefly. Then she shakes her >head. "I might just ask." > >/Roland, can you ascertain an invitation from Titania Regina to her >realm, or has she given you leave to invite whom you will in her >name? I just want to be sure proper warning is given. That way she >can decide if or if not to tolerate or ameliorate any unfortunate >mishaps resultant./ One eyebrow goes up. /Oh?/ >/Remember when I came in Callahan's Place? Magic can react badly to >contraints of randomness. I would not want to cause any distress >there, especially annoying the Queen. Most especially that. But I >would like to offer what support I may, to either or both of you. >(smile) And I'm good at using humor against temper; I've had so long >to practice it on myself./ Several thoughts fairly clearly play through Roland's head, though exactly what they are is difficult to discern; just as clear, however, is the ruthless efficiency with which they are squashed. /One moment./ A minute or so later, Roland sends, /Titania says that she and Oberon have sufficient power to "buffer" the area, so that any unconscious shifts don't reach Morgan. As for the rest, well, Titania promises not to be annoyed as long as you can handle--or perhaps 'accept' is a better word--Arcadia's reactions./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 13:45:25 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 13:11:27 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009562 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 09:52:24 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009557 > >Nemo's thougts follow over the link, though they seem to have an odd >"tone", possibly from being "relayed" somehow... > >/Would you please confirm that I am welcome there as well, I'd rather >not step on any toes, if I can avoid it./ /I fail utterly in imagining a problem,/ Roland replies, /but one sec-/ Roland's connection to the link flickers briefly. /Nope. 'Break on thru to the other side,'/ Roland sends, in a (barely) passable Morrison imitation. 8^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 18:15:40 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 18:04:42 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009563 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 09:52:24 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009557 > >/Would you please confirm that I am welcome there as well, I'd rather >not step on any toes, if I can avoid it./ > >Nemo wll knock at the door and enter the "library" when Zia bids him >enter. > >(Zia, feel free to come up wuth an outfit for him) I have such a terrible temptation to dress him just like a certain character from the Lady Sally books. But I simply cannot be that unoriginal, however tempting the thought is. Okay. Just remember you did type 'feel free'... grin. Nemo is garbed in some stylistic cross between a knight of long ago and modern slightly club-esque. An intricately worked double chain mail shirt, one chain of each pair silver and one black-enameled, alternating which chain surmounts the other, drapes over his shoulders and chest, fitted so as to mold and move easily with him despite the apparent weightiness. It's bright enough the silver reflects light, while the black gleams like liquid. The chain laces up the back through a series of gromets, but it would take a keen observer to note that the lacing black wire? cord? doesn't seem to have any ends dangling loose at any place. Under the chain is a quilted surcoat in black silk. It is opened rogue-ishly at the neck in a deep vee, spilling gorgeous black laces over the metal below, and displaying the metal pendant Nemo wears around his neck. The surcoats black silk sleeves emerge at each shoulder, below rolled epaulets of intricate silver knots. Slashed over-sleeves tied on, also black silk but embroidered with silver roses in various stages, with green vining everywhere. The chain mail shirt ends above the waist, fitted with the rolled peplum of the surcoat fitting under the end of the metal. Below that, a finely embroidered codpiece covers for modesty, given that the black piped velvet hose that comprise the rest of his clothing fit to the skin of both legs and presumably do the same beneath the codpiece. Soft black leather boots pile around his ankles. Zia takes his hand, offered to raise her from the chair. She smiles. "Well, _you_ certainly will fit in there. I need a bit more myself. Something classy, and I can even go flashy. There is no danger of outshining Titania in her own realm, after all. What shall I - oh! For once, what I wear at home Court will do." She whirls, shadow-shifting her own new costume. An elegant long dress, in black silk bias-cut with a full circle skirt and very well-fitted bodice, embroidered with silver roses with dewdrops of seed pearls and lead crystal beads swirls up around her, and she pulls a shawl apparently made of silver cloud-like mist up around her shoulders from nowhere. It clings and reveals here and there giving tantalizing hints of the woman's figure it covers. Her daisho appear tucked in a silk in brightest, eye-aching blue, in scabbards also decorated with ebony and seed pearl roses tucked neatly through. She wears a silver ring with a rose on the little finger of her left hand, and the same ring as before on the first one of her right. "I imagine Arcadia will have little effect until I am actually within it's bounds, either way, Nemo, so I'll see us there." She takes his hand, puts it in the crook of her elbow with a smile, and walks forwards through the door into the hallway, as shadows shift about them, becoming earth and grass. Shortly, a shimmering plane of polychromatic doorway appears near the appointed place in Arcadia, and Zia escorts Nemo out of it unto the meadow. "Morgan, Roland... thank you for the invitation. Is there anything you'd like me to do to help? I know it's unlikely, but I'd like to offer, despite that." She'll curtsey deep and respectful when formal introduction to the Queen rolls around. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 19:13:24 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:46:07 GMT, In alt.callahans Travis McGee Said As CAoL Message #00009564 >>On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 09:52:24 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009557 >> >>>> /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he >>>>adds, /Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the >>>>Living Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to >>>>put folx off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ >> >>Nemo's thougts follow over the link, though they seem to have an odd >>"tone", possibly from being "relayed" somehow... >> >>/Would you please confirm that I am welcome there as well, I'd >>rather not step on any toes, if I can avoid it./ "Err...lets see here" (faint scrabbling sounds). /Exactly how *do* you become welcome/ (Yeah, I know I didn't do anythign about taht right..._ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 19:13:28 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 21:34:09 -0500 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009565 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 > > /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, >/Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living >Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx >off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ There is just enough time for Legion to give a warning of /Incoming!/ When Mischief appears out of nowhere next to Morgan. The kitten is purring up a storm, prancing and rubbing against Morgan's ankles unless someone prevents her. Telepathically, Mischief singsongs *Kittens are coming, Morgan's kittens are coming, Kittens are coming!* Shortly there after, Legion and Essex arrive. They are both clad in pseudo-Victorian finery that may remind some of the images in some Vertigo comics. Legion chuckles and looks apologetically at Morgan, "I'm sorry...give me a moment to catch her." ================================= Subject: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:00:56 -0800 (PST) On 03-15-2001 at 22:57:52 Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00009570 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 > >(OOC: Assume this takes place a week or so after the >post-resurrection party breaks up.) (OOC: I can see that, My cascade failure has caused an awful Quiet...) > /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, >/Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living >Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx >off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ Fuzzy sends /Nemisis and I will be along Momentarily./ Nemisis sends /I have a Split in that Realm, but My Core Self will arrive with Lord Fuzzy, Unless there is a Sudden Need the Split will mind it's own task./ ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:15:27 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 01:24:15 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009571 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:29:01 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009560 > >Morgan walks over to the Sevens, leaning lightly on Roland's arm. >They are in a small glade in a grove in the Heart of Arcadia, and >Titania is arranging plantlife, cushions, etc. in preparation. >Caitlin is watching her closely, shyly asking the occasional >question. Morgan hugs her old friend. > >"Look like you're the first here," she smiles. "Between these kids >and this place, almost anything could happen, but at least I know >I'll be surrounded by friends." Mike smiles, returning the hug gently, looking well rested. "Well, we were near the transporter room. Tink just got back from a week of travelling around with some other kids learning to be Pokemon trainers, and I'd literally just gotten back from a week on Risa. As for anything happening, I remember the last time we were here. As long as anything doesn't include that sort of thing, I'll be a happy guy." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:22:48 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:14:29 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009572 >In a message dated 3/14/01 1:12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, >ljwolfe writes: > >Morgan hesitates briefly, and Roland starts to take another sip of >his drink. ^Because it's time.^ Morgan is rewarded with the image of >her husband kittening vanilla shake all over the kitchen. And Roger, who just happened to pop in that that very moment (Roger's Law of Serendipity: The Wrong Place, at the Wrong Time, Every Time). After carefully wiping dripping ice cream out of his eyes, he examines the fading afterimage blurr left behind by his father. "Right. I'll just...come back later." And departs at 2pi Radians to local reality, blissfully unaware of what's going on... > Meanwhile, Roland concentrates on the Lens Link. /Folks, it's >started,/ In BetweenSpace, Roger goes [Huh? What's start...oh. Oh! OH! Helm, hard over! Maneuvering, rig for Ludicrous speed! Wardrobe Detail, stand to the after paint locker and prepare for Plaid!] >Roland sends, his "voice" a little shaky. /Those who want to be here >should move relatively quickly. But check in first, though--you never >know when a woman in labor's going to get testy./ Based on previous experience, Roger starts to say something...and then thinks better of it. Unfortunately, the sheer improbability of this event causes several adjoining universes (fortunately all uninhabited) to collapse into Primordial Chaos, and causing reams of paperwork for several overworked Galactic Gaurdian-type entities. The worst part was, they couldn't even go after him for it -- *everyone* always tells Roger to think twice before opening his mouth... >/I heard that!/ Morgan sends, mostly good naturedly. > > /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he adds, >/Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the Living >Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to put folx >off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ With an existential *pop-goes-the-weasel*, Roger joins the party. "Hi Mom, hi Dad." To Caitlin: "Hi, grandma." To Morgan's stomach: "Hi, kids! Now, listen up, Wonder Twins! Your orders are: upon egress from the Hanger Bay, proceed in a positive direction up the Z axis of the Mothership to the refueling pods--" Which is about as far as he gets before the GGGGGGgreat Grandaddy of all Big F*****g Peanuts drops out of the sky and bounces on his head several times, pounding him into the ground like a railroad spike in Wile E Coyote-approved Warner Bros fashion. From his new chin-in-dirt perspective, Roger looks up, eyes gone into little whirling spirals. "Can't...pass...out...yet," he gasps with heroic effort. "Haven't...taught...'em to...'port...yet..." before falling into the gentle grip of comatose oblivion... OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him there? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 00:33:53 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:40:34 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009574 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009560 >Morgan walks over to the Sevens, leaning lightly on Roland's arm. >They are in a small glade in a grove in the Heart of Arcadia, and >Titania is arranging plantlife, cushions, etc. in preparation. >Caitlin is watching her closely, shyly asking the occasional >question. Morgan hugs her old friend. > >"Look like you're the first here," she smiles. "Between these kids >and this place, almost anything could happen, but at least I know >I'll be surrounded by friends." /*"I believe it would be best, if we watched from a distance, since Titania and Oberon have, with only one exception, never been entirely happy with The Stardragon's visits."*/ Oracle says. /*"Yeah, I tend to break things that shouldn't be broken, there."*/ The Stardragon adds. /*"I will be watching. Call for me if you want my assistance."*/ Aurora offers. /*"Roland, we will keep an eye on your world, to ward it from harm. You can attend the birth of your children in peace. We will not interfere unless needed, but if needed we will act to preserve. When you return to it, your world will be much as you left it."*/ Hydra states. ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 00:33:57 -0800 (PST) On 03-16-2001 at 00:30:57 Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00009575 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 12:29:01 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009560 > >"Look like you're the first here," she smiles. "Between these kids >and this place, almost anything could happen, but at least I know >I'll be surrounded by friends." A few minutes later Fuzzy (Again in Feline form),and Nemisis Arrive outside and walk in. Probably just after Mischief Arrives, followed by Legion and Essex. Fuzzy =Ear-Flick acknowledgment to Legion, Whisker Laugh to Mischief= =Princess Mischief, Queens in this condition can be prone to Swat First, and Think later if at all... Nature requires it to be sure that the birthing is safe.= Fuzzy picks out a good vantage point to curl up in. =Why don't you come over here and join me Mischief.= Nemisis Whose Eyes show a faint Lens like shimmer of Colors... "I have the Castle Medical facilities standing by in case of Need." "Beg Your Pardon, Lady Titania, But as Lord Fuzzy says, 'Better Prepared than Suprised'." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Zia & Nemo) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:16 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:01 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009579 OOC: Eep! We don't check mail after 6pm yesterday, and this morning there's a deluge :-). Apologies in advance if this leads to a lot of short posts. >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 18:04:42 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009563 >Shortly, a shimmering plane of polychromatic doorway appears near the >appointed place in Arcadia, and Zia escorts Nemo out of it unto the >meadow. > >"Morgan, Roland... thank you for the invitation. Is there anything >you'd like me to do to help? I know it's unlikely, but I'd like to >offer, despite that." "Hello Zia, Nemo." Morgan looks at the two with her head slightly cocked, and smiles. "You're both looking well," she adds, with a slightly wicked gleam. (OOC: As in, she's noticing that they're a couple, and is happy for them.) "And thank _you_ for joining us. I know this sort of thing," her hand rests lightly on her stomach, "isn't everyone's cuppa. We should have everything covered, but when _this_ crew is all in one place, especially _this_ place, anything could happen and we're glad for all offers of potential assistance." >She'll curtsey deep and respectful when formal introduction to the >Queen rolls around. (OOC: Roland usually writes Titania, but he's gone for work so assume she responds in kind.) ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Mike) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:21 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:48:08 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009580 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 01:24:15 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009571 > > Mike smiles, returning the hug gently, looking well rested. >"Well, we were near the transporter room. Tink just got back from a >week of travelling around with some other kids learning to be Pokemon >trainers, and I'd literally just gotten back from a week on Risa. As >for anything happening, I remember the last time we were here. As >long as anything doesn't include that sort of thing, I'll be a happy >guy." Morgan shudders slightly. The last time there were all here, they'd fought off the Controller's intended invasion of Arcadia, Morgan had been killed stopping him and been granted her immortality from the King and Queen of the Fae in return for her sacrifice, and Driscoll had reached the end of _his_ 1000 years of immortality. And they'd gotten their first look at the creature they'd later come to know as Z'on'dar, a "Shadow" who was learning fae magicks, and whose plan to reboot the multiverse to his liking had led to Fuzzy's sacrifice. (OOC: How's _that_ for AAE2 in 100 words or less? ;-) "Your lips to the Gods ears," the druidess says softly, stroking the torc that she'd been given at her resurrection. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Travis) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:26 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:16 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009581 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:46:07 GMT, In alt.callahans >Travis McGee Said As CAoL Message # 00009564 > >>>>> /I love you too, dear,/ Roland sends. Then, to the others he >>>>>adds, /Not to mention that it'll be rubbing off on Roland, the >>>>>Living Temper./ He sends a smile through the link. /Don't mean to >>>>>put folx off, though. Family is, of course, welcome./ > >"Err...lets see here" (faint scrabbling sounds). >/Exactly how *do* you become welcome/ > >(Yeah, I know I didn't do anythign about taht right..._ (OOC: /This/ notation is for the CAoL's "private" lens-link, which Travis couldn't be using yet. So, in the interests of keeping things moving, I'm going to take the liberty of retconning this to him sending some sort of telepathy from the Place.) Morgan raises an eyebrow. *Hello,* she teeps to the unfamiliar voice. *I'm a bit surprised that someone who's not part of the 'gang' wants to be here, but unless Titania has some reason to object I see no problems with you coming to Arcadia. If you don't have a method of getting here on your own, I'm sure the Mick 'o Time can point you to an X-Window from the Place.* There is a brief signal drop as Morgan blocks a contraction from going out over the link, then she continues with a smile in her "voice". *I hope you'll forgive me if I'm not much of a conversationalist for the next few hours, though.* OOC: You can introduce yourself to everyone when you get to Arcadia. Welcome to our sleigh ride ;-). ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Caprice) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:31 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:27 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009582 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 21:34:09 -0500 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009565 > >There is just enough time for Legion to give a warning of /Incoming!/ >When Mischief appears out of nowhere next to Morgan. The kitten is >purring up a storm, prancing and rubbing against Morgan's ankles >unless someone prevents her. Telepathically, Mischief singsongs >*Kittens are coming, Morgan's kittens are coming, Kittens are >coming!* Morgan smiles, and uses a bit of TK (she's been learning from Roland) to scritch Mischief's ears without having to bend over. *Hello, little one.* >Shortly there after, Legion and Essex arrive. They are both clad in >pseudo-Victorian finery that may remind some of the images in some >Vertigo comics. Legion chuckles and looks apologetically at Morgan, >"I'm sorry...give me a moment to catch her." Morgan chuckles. "It's alright. I'm used to walking around cats, and if I do trip I've got the TK Meister," she squeezes Roland's arm, "here to catch me. I leave it to your discretion how much of the...details...of the procedure you're comfortable with her seeing. I'm sure Titania can arrange for a distraction if you think it appropriate." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Roger) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:36 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:38 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009583 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:14:29 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009572 > > With an existential *pop-goes-the-weasel*, Roger joins the party. >"Hi Mom, hi Dad." To Caitlin: "Hi, grandma." Caitlin stares in shock for a moment, then smiles. Roger will, no doubt, be familiar with that smile and realize it's the one he can never tell if he's in trouble or not until it's too late . "Ah, and _you_ must be Roger. I dunna understand how all this time travel business works, but I do know that, as far as you're concerned, ye're my grandchild, and I expect you te behave and te stay out o' yer mother's way. Is that clear?" she adds, one hand on her hip. > To Morgan's stomach: "Hi, kids! Now, listen up, Wonder Twins! Your >orders are: upon egress from the Hanger Bay, proceed in a positive >direction up the Z axis of the Mothership to the refueling pods--" Morgan's eyes go wide, as if she's not quite sure she just heard what she thinks she heard, and hasn't decided how to respond to it if she did. > Which is about as far as he gets before the GGGGGGgreat Grandaddy >of all Big F*****g Peanuts drops out of the sky and bounces on his >head several times, pounding him into the ground like a railroad >spike in Wile E Coyote-approved Warner Bros fashion. Titania _smiles._ > From his new chin-in-dirt perspective, Roger looks up, eyes gone >into little whirling spirals. "Can't...pass...out...yet," he gasps >with heroic effort. "Haven't...taught...'em to...'port...yet..." >before falling into the gentle grip of comatose oblivion... Morgan looks at Roland in silent appeal. ^I don't need this,^ she sends, though she can't help chuckling. >OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him >there? OOC: Oh, I'm sure Roger's used to digging himself out of deeper holes . ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Stardragon) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:40 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:47 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009584 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:40:34 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009574 > >/*"I believe it would be best, if we watched from a distance, since >Titania and Oberon have, with only one exception, never been entirely >happy with The Stardragon's visits."*/ Oracle says. > >/*"Yeah, I tend to break things that shouldn't be broken, there."*/ >The Stardragon adds. /*"Whatever you think best,"*/ Morgan responds. (OOC: I'll let Roland respond to the other part later.) ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (cats ;-) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:12:45 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:50:00 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009585 >On 03-16-2001 at 00:30:57 >Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00009575 > >A few minutes later Fuzzy (Again in Feline form),and Nemisis > Arrive outside and walk in. > Probably just after Mischief Arrives, followed by Legion and Essex. > >Fuzzy >=Ear-Flick acknowledgment to Legion, > Whisker Laugh to Mischief= > >=Princess Mischief, > Queens in this condition can be prone to Swat First, and > Think later if at all... > Nature requires it to be sure that the birthing is safe.= =Lord Fuzzy is right, little one,= Morgan add in wolf-speak. =I'm going to go through stages of being in a Very Bad Mood, and I'd feel bad if I did anything to hurt your feelings.= She sends privately to Caprice, *Let me know how you've explained things to her, so I can use familiar terminology. You know better than I what she's able to understand and handle at this point.* (OOC: Unless you want to get into this, we can assume it happens "off screen," and that Morgan will couch any further commentary to Mischief on the subject of childbirth accordingly.) =And Fuzzy, I'm most definitely glad you could be here,= Morgan continues. Cutter and Leetah wander over to join the four-foot contingent, knowing that they can help Morgan best at this point by staying out of her way. (OOC: Since I'm doing a lot of back-story explaining, Cutter and Leetah are wolves, named after the Elfquest characters. They have a few special powers of their own, and though we haven't seen them much since AAE2, they are still very close to Morgan and consider the Greywolf-Phoenix house to be a second home.) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Caprice) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:41:49 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:24:33 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009586 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:27 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009582 > >>On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 21:34:09 -0500 >>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009565 > >Morgan smiles, and uses a bit of TK (she's been learning from Roland) >to scritch Mischief's ears without having to bend over. *Hello, >little one.* Roland can't help chuckling, though he helps steady Morgan with his own powers so that the very pregnant Highlander doesn't trip over the cute kitten. >>Shortly there after, Legion and Essex arrive. They are both clad in >>pseudo-Victorian finery that may remind some of the images in some >>Vertigo comics. Legion chuckles and looks apologetically at Morgan, >>"I'm sorry...give me a moment to catch her." Roland laughs gently. He starts to say something, but Morgan beats him to it. >Morgan chuckles. "It's alright. I'm used to walking around cats, and >if I do trip I've got the TK Meister," she squeezes Roland's arm, >"here to catch me. I leave it to your discretion how much of >the...details...of the procedure you're comfortable with her seeing. >I'm sure Titania can arrange for a distraction if you think it >appropriate." Titania smiles. ^You sure, hon?^ Roland asks. Mischief doesn't have a malicious bone in her body, but all cats have a gift for being underfoot at the worst possible time, and kittens are even better at it. Then a cute winged _child_ slams into Roland's neck with a flying hug. "Uncle ROLAND!" "Mmrf--" Roland begins thoughtfully. "Hello, Psyche." "Hi I'm so glad to see you Hello Princess Morgan I just started learning to cast glamour charms is your mate birthing? there was an army of skeletons a little while ago but Daddy turned them into chocolate OH A KITTEN!" Roland's eyes go wide as Psyche flits over to a (barely) safe distance from Morgan's ankles. "Hi! I'm Psyche. What's your name?" Psyche asks the kitten. "Psyche, behave yourself," Titania warns. "Oh, NO..." Roland groans. He shrugs heroically to Legion and Dr. Essex--and clenches up for a moment. Nathaniel Essex--Mr Sinister--is present at the birth of _his_children._ And then he drops it. It's a heroic effort--no more difficult, say, than one of the Labors of Hercules--but he unclenches. And takes a mental axe to the impulse and hacks it to death. The man in front of him is _not_ Mr. Sinister, super-villain and master manipulator. He is Doctor Nathaniel Essex, Legion's friend, companion and physician. And member of the Callahanian Army of Light. Besides, they have a bigger problem. "I am open," Roland says carefully, glancing as casually as he can manage at the two children, "to suggestions." ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Mike) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 10:11:02 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:58:27 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009587 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:48:08 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009580 > >>On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 01:24:15 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009571 >> >> Mike smiles, returning the hug gently, looking well rested. >>"Well, we were near the transporter room. Tink just got back from a >>week of travelling around with some other kids learning to be >>Pokemon trainers, and I'd literally just gotten back from a week on >>Risa. Roland offers Mike another hug when Morgan's gotten hers, gently tousling Tink's hair and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Sounds like fun. Light, it's good to be getting together for something other than multiversal cataclysms." >>As for anything happening, I remember the last time we were here. As >>long as anything doesn't include that sort of thing, I'll be a happy >>guy." > >Morgan shudders slightly. The last time there were all here, they'd >fought off the Controller's intended invasion of Arcadia, Morgan had >been killed stopping him and been granted her immortality from the >King and Queen of the Fae in return for her sacrifice, and Driscoll >had reached the end of _his_ 1000 years of immortality. (OOC-R: Yeah, the hard way. Ouch.) >And they'd gotten their first look at the creature they'd later come >to know as Z'on'dar, a "Shadow" who was learning fae magicks, and >whose plan to reboot the multiverse to his liking had led to Fuzzy's >sacrifice. (OOC: How's _that_ for AAE2 in 100 words or less? ;-) (OOC-R: My hunny's been taking lessons from Kurt Busiek ;-) >"Your lips to the Gods ears," the druidess says softly, stroking the >torc that she'd been given at her resurrection. "So mote it be," Roland nods. As he walks with Morgan, never straying far (on the few occasions she manages to shake him off 8^), he favors Tink with a wink. ;^) "So. Pokemon, huh? Maybe you should talk with Eric. It's a bit petty of me, but I like the idea of Mr. Uber-warrior getting advice on cute-monster care from a twelve-year-old girl." Then he chuckles. "Besides, now that Eric's...better...you might just get a Mew out of the bargain." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Caprice) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 12:40:49 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 15:16:55 -0500 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009588 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:24:33 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009586 > > Then a cute winged _child_ slams into Roland's neck with a flying >hug. "Uncle ROLAND!" > "Mmrf--" Roland begins thoughtfully. "Hello, Psyche." > "Hi I'm so glad to see you Hello Princess Morgan I just started >learning to cast glamour charms is your mate birthing? there was an >army of skeletons a little while ago but Daddy turned them into >chocolate OH A KITTEN!" > Roland's eyes go wide as Psyche flits over to a (barely) safe >distance from Morgan's ankles. "Hi! I'm Psyche. What's your name?" >Psyche asks the kitten. Mischief sits up prettily, fanning her butterfly wings behind her for balance, and brushing lightly at Psyche with one velvet-soft paw. *I'm Mischief....* She's just soooo cute > "Psyche, behave yourself," Titania warns. > "Oh, NO..." Roland groans. He shrugs heroically to Legion and Dr. >Essex--and clenches up for a moment. > Nathaniel Essex--Mr Sinister--is present at the birth of >_his_children._ > And then he drops it. > It's a heroic effort--no more difficult, say, than one of the >Labors of Hercules--but he unclenches. And takes a mental axe to the >impulse and hacks it to death. The man in front of him is _not_ Mr. >Sinister, super-villain and master manipulator. He is Doctor >Nathaniel Essex, Legion's friend, companion and physician. And member >of the Callahanian Army of Light. Essex doesn't seem to notice Roland's clenching up. He's standing behind Legion, holding her and looking down at her with a bitter-sweet, wistful expression, very similiar to the one that Legion is watching Mischief and Morgan with. > Besides, they have a bigger problem. > "I am open," Roland says carefully, glancing as casually as he can >manage at the two children, "to suggestions." Legion chuckles softly, then suggests in a casual voice, "Mischief, are you sure you don't want to go home? You haven't eaten since breakfast..." Ah food. A great distractor. [OOC: Titania, now that the wings are spread, might recognize Mischief's race. They're an independent race of fae (could a feline, even a fae feline, be anything but independent?) and Mischief is a very young member, probably less than fifty years old.)] ================================= Subject: Re: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (cats ;-) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 12:40:56 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 15:07:54 -0500 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009589 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:50:00 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009585 > >=Lord Fuzzy is right, little one,= Morgan add in wolf-speak. =I'm >going to go through stages of being in a Very Bad Mood, and I'd feel >bad if I did anything to hurt your feelings.= Mischief does some octave-purr runs as she nuzzles at Morgan's ankles. =Not hurt my feelings. Mommy says humans growl instead of purr when having kittens. Not your fault.= You aren't quite sure if Mischief means that growling isn't Morgan's fault, or being human isn't Morgan's fault. Maybe it's safer not to ask. >She sends privately to Caprice, *Let me know how you've explained >things to her, so I can use familiar terminology. You know better >than I what she's able to understand and handle at this point.* *She understands the concept, and has been at the birth of one of her cousins. Being telepathic, her race tends to be very open about such things. The hard part was explaining to her why with humans the other females don't all curl up near by and purr at the mommy to make her feel better, while the males hide Very Far Away. I can't quite convince her that the human way makes sense for us.* ================================= Subject: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Mike) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 14:33:22 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 17:01:28 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009591 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:58:27 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009587 > > Roland offers Mike another hug when Morgan's gotten hers, gently >tousling Tink's hair and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Sounds like >fun. Light, it's good to be getting together for something other than >multiversal cataclysms." Mike grins, "Amen, brother." > "So mote it be," Roland nods. As he walks with Morgan, never >straying far (on the few occasions she manages to shake him off 8^), >he favors Tink with a wink. ;^) "So. Pokemon, huh? Maybe you should >talk with Eric. It's a bit petty of me, but I like the idea of Mr. >Uber-warrior getting advice on cute-monster care from a >twelve-year-old girl." Then he chuckles. "Besides, now that Eric's... >better...you might just get a Mew out of the bargain." Tink's eyes light up at the idea of getting a Mew, but she reigns herself in a bit, "Well, Mew's welcome but that's up to them. Mew seemed sort of attached to Eric. But," she adds brightly, "I'm always happy to help. I'll ask sometime." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 18:24:49 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 16:47:54 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009593 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:14:29 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009572 > >OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him >there? Nemo will carefully step *over* Roger upon arriving. But otherwise ignore him. :-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Zia & Nemo) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 18:24:54 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 17:50:01 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009594 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:49:01 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009579 > > >"Hello Zia, Nemo." Morgan looks at the two with her head slightly >cocked, and smiles. "You're both looking well," she adds, with a >slightly wicked gleam. (OOC: As in, she's noticing that they're a >couple, and is happy for them.) Ziactrice just smiles faintly, and says a polite, "Thank you, Morgan." >"And thank _you_ for joining us. I know this sort of thing," her hand >rests lightly on her stomach, "isn't everyone's cuppa. We should have >everything covered, but when _this_ crew is all in one place, >especially _this_ place, anything could happen and we're glad for all >offers of potential assistance." "Well, I don't know yet how well I'll be able to weather this, being an empath is a true disadvantage in some situations. Not to mention, I'm not really sure of how Arcadia's shadow might react to me. But I'll be of what support I may, even if it is 'they also serve, who only stand and wait'." Zia smiles. "I do wonder," she says, watching Roger's goofing around, "what you meant by my being able to take it, Roland. Have any more hint for me, or are you being vague because you don't know?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 18:24:59 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 21:02:57 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009595 >In a message dated 3/16/01 2:23:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, >SkyeFire writes: > >OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him >there? Dig him OUT, that should have been. Although I'm sure all the hep-cats in the CAoL can dig the Rog-man, you catch that vibe I'm sendin'? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Zia & Nemo) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 20:12:29 -0800 (PST) On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 19:53:38 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009597 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 17:50:01 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009594 > >"I do wonder," she says, watching Roger's goofing around, "what you >meant by my being able to take it, Roland. Have any more hint for me, >or are you being vague because you don't know?" "Just talking about the same unconscious shadow-shifting I think you were referring to. It's just that, since Arcadia is 'alive,' it may react. Not violently, as I understand it, but Arcadia is...um...unpredictable." (OOC-R: This is basically an excuse for Zia to invoke any sort of High Weirdness she wants--it just won't reach Morgan or her immediate area. 8^) ================================= Subject: Re: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (cats ;-) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 01:38:05 -0800 (PST) On 03-17-2001 at 01:34:55 Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00009599 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 15:07:54 -0500 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009589 > >>On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 08:50:00 -0800 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009585 >> >>=Lord Fuzzy is right, little one,= Morgan add in wolf-speak. =I'm >>going to go through stages of being in a Very Bad Mood, and I'd feel >>bad if I did anything to hurt your feelings.= > >Mischief does some octave-purr runs as she nuzzles at Morgan's >ankles. =Not hurt my feelings. Mommy says humans growl instead of >purr when having kittens. Not your fault.= You aren't quite sure if >Mischief means that growling isn't Morgan's fault, or being human >isn't Morgan's fault. Maybe it's safer not to ask. >>She sends privately to Caprice, *Let me know how you've explained >>things to her, so I can use familiar terminology. You know better >>than I what she's able to understand and handle at this point.* > >*She understands the concept, and has been at the birth of one of her >cousins. Being telepathic, her race tends to be very open about such >things. The hard part was explaining to her why with humans the other >females don't all curl up near by and purr at the mommy to make her >feel better, while the males hide Very Far Away. I can't quite >convince her that the human way makes sense for us.* >>=And Fuzzy, I'm most definitely glad you could be here,= Morgan >>continues. Cutter and Leetah wander over to join the four-foot >>contingent, knowing that they can help Morgan best at this point by >>staying out of her way. =Glad to be here, Did you have a specific reason? I doubt a Cat Midwife and Nanny All Cat-Changelings are trained as such, Will be much direct use for a human... :)= ================================= Subject: Re: Re:AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (cats ;-) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 14:41:27 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 14:20:59 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009600 >On 03-17-2001 at 01:34:55 >Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00009599 > >>On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 15:07:54 -0500 >>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009589 >> >>Mischief does some octave-purr runs as she nuzzles at Morgan's >>ankles. =Not hurt my feelings. Mommy says humans growl instead of >>purr when having kittens. Not your fault.= You aren't quite sure if >>Mischief means that growling isn't Morgan's fault, or being human >>isn't Morgan's fault. Maybe it's safer not to ask. > > > >>*She understands the concept, and has been at the birth of one of >>her cousins. Being telepathic, her race tends to be very open about >>such things. The hard part was explaining to her why with humans the >>other females don't all curl up near by and purr at the mommy to >>make her feel better, while the males hide Very Far Away. I can't >>quite convince her that the human way makes sense for us.* > > IIRC Wolves have a supportive croon for reasons, > Hasn't Morgan worn Wolf Shape on occasion? ;) > Maybe they could work together...> Morgan smiles at Mischief, looking a little tired, and has Roland walk her back over to where she can sit down for a while. =You are a very smart girl. Still, I think it's best if you stay over by Uncle Fuzzy. Later, though, I may ask you to come and purr for me. I think that might be very nice.= Roland blinkblinks (tm Mischief). >=Glad to be here, > Did you have a specific reason? > I doubt a Cat Midwife and Nanny > All Cat-Changelings are trained as such, > Will be much direct use for a human... :)= Morgan suddenly realizes that her mother is _staring_ at her. Belatedly, it occurs to her that Caitlin has no way to translate the non-human communication, and likely didn't realize that Morgan could _do_ that. "Just another skill I've picked up along the way, Ma," Morgan says sheepishly. "Roland, can you take care of translating for Mother? I don't have another attention channel to spare." "Ah. Got your six." Roland begins explaining to Caitlin what's going on (that Morgan was just speaking wolf), then adds on the link, /I was _wondering_ what you were speaking. Our link translated for me, but I didn't grok the sound./ Caitlin, for her part, just nods. "Wolf. Alright," and goes back to helping/watching Titania. Morgan turns back to Fuzzy. =I'm glad you can be here because if this had happened a few weeks ago you _couldn't_ have been. You're family, and you would have been missed.= ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Zia & Nemo) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 18:39:45 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 18:10:39 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009601 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 19:53:38 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009597 > >>On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 17:50:01 -0800 (PST) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009594 >> >>"I do wonder," she says, watching Roger's goofing around, "what you >>meantby my being able to take it, Roland. Have any more hint for me, >>or are you being vague because you don't know?" > > "Just talking about the same unconscious shadow-shifting I think >you were referring to. It's just that, since Arcadia is 'alive,' it >may react. Not violently, as I understand it, but Arcadia is...um... >unpredictable." > (OOC-R: This is basically an excuse for Zia to invoke any sort of >High Weirdness she wants--it just won't reach Morgan or her immediate >area. 8^) Zia shakes her head, "It's not unconscious, else such a hazard would involve my surrounds even Nemo would hesitate to approach me. I just bend randomness my way, a permanent sort of luck, I suppose. Magic is rather...dramatically effected, more so than most things, so I thought it polite to give the hosts of this realm specific warning, in case I unbalanced any permanent spells in the area." High Weirdness doesn't seem called for, and I don't understand this place well enough to write such myself, so I think I'll chicken out of trying to do this, at least, for right now. Thanks, anyways. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:47:14 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:10:16 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009602 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 02:14:29 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009572 > > Based on previous experience, Roger starts to say something...and >then thinks better of it. Unfortunately, the sheer improbability of >this event causes several adjoining universes (fortunately all >uninhabited) to collapse into Primordial Chaos, and causing reams of >paperwork for several overworked Galactic Gaurdian-type entities. The >worst part was, they couldn't even go after him for it -- *everyone* >always tells Roger to think twice before opening his mouth... This doesn't immediately affect any members of the CAoL. However, a small piece of paper "pops" into existence in the Greywolf-Phoenix family home, bearing the mark of the Time Variance Authority. It is a summons, to appear before them as witnesses in an investigation into an LCA (Living Chronal Anomaly) and their potential culpability therein. Fortunately, an advertisement from Nathaniel Richards Paradoctoring, Inc. explains that any possible liability on their part would be inherently paradoxical, and that their firm would be more than happy to a) represent them at the inquest, or b) present the TVA with proof that their OWN existence is paradoxical (their records show them existing before the multiverse), thus causing them to swallow themselves Ouroborous-like. (OOC note: This is just an enormously silly side note. Feel free to ignore any and all of the potentially enormous ramifications herein. Thanks and apologies to Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Chris Claremont all around. ;^) OOC-M: We donated blood today, and I think Roland is still suffering from some light-headedness ;-). > With an existential *pop-goes-the-weasel*, Roger joins the party. >"Hi Mom, hi Dad." To Caitlin: "Hi, grandma." To Morgan's stomach: >"Hi, kids! Now, listen up, Wonder Twins! Your orders are: upon egress >from the Hanger Bay, proceed in a positive direction up the Z axis of >the Mothership to the refueling pods--" Roland pitches a peanut at his...er...anyway, to his mild annoyance, it vanishes halfway to Roger. But his annoyance doesn't last long. > Which is about as far as he gets before the GGGGGGgreat Grandaddy >of all Big F*****g Peanuts drops out of the sky and bounces on his >head several times, pounding him into the ground like a railroad >spike in Wile E Coyote-approved Warner Bros fashion. Roland's eyes sparkle. > From his new chin-in-dirt perspective, Roger looks up, eyes gone >into little whirling spirals. "Can't...pass...out...yet," he gasps >with heroic effort. "Haven't...taught...'em to...'port...yet..." >before falling into the gentle grip of comatose oblivion... And gentle fields of kinetic energy (though Roland briefly considered far worse ) float him away...to land next to Psyche and Mischief, who are playing innocently. [Here, kids, you're very own Jungle Rog,] Roland thinks with a pirate's grin. ^Roland!^ Morgan sends, slightly shocked. She doesn't, however, do anything to extricate Roger from his new situation . >OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him >there? OOC: "He's a mean mother-" "Shut yo' mouth!" "I'm just talking about Rog'." "I can dig it." /OOC >David McMillan, Imagineer at Large. >Chief Systems Analyst and Integration Engineer, Exotic Technologies >Division, KUKA GmbH. Mecha and Weapons Design Specialist. >"Agent Mulder? My name is Neo. I believe I may be able to show you >part of the truth you've been searching for. I should warn you, >however -- it's not what you think." Many months later... "I should've taken the BLUE pill." --Agent Scully ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:47:19 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:15:15 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009603 >On Thu, 15 Mar 2001 23:40:34 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009574 > >/*"I will be watching. Call for me if you want my assistance."*/ >Aurora offers. Roland grins. /Appreciated, Aurora, but barring the Gaunt Man, the Adversary, Sauron, Eddore, and Darkseid all showing up looking for trouble as a cohesive unit, I doubt we'll run into trouble. Although I don't think I can talk Their Majesties into letting the Stardragon in, BTW, I'm sure you'd be welcome./ >/*"Roland, we will keep an eye on your world, to ward it from harm. >You can attend the birth of your children in peace. We will not >interfere unless needed, but if needed we will act to preserve. When >you return to it, your world will be much as you left it."*/ Hydra >states. /Thanks!/ Roland sends, pleased. Then the exact words hit him. /Er. Um. What, approximately, do you mean by 'much' as we left it?/ ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Caprice) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 21:40:32 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:21:22 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009605 >On Fri, 16 Mar 2001 15:16:55 -0500 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009588 > >Mischief sits up prettily, fanning her butterfly wings behind her for >balance, and brushing lightly at Psyche with one velvet-soft paw. >*I'm Mischief....* She's just soooo cute *oooooh! Pretty! Wanna play?* Psyche flutters her own wings, hovering so as to be almost literally nose to nose with the gorgeous kitten... >Legion chuckles softly, then suggests in a casual voice, "Mischief, >are you sure you don't want to go home? You haven't eaten since >breakfast..." Ah food. A great distractor. "Psyche, you haven't had lunch yet yourself," Titania adds. "But-but-but MOOOOM!" Psyche objects... >[OOC: Titania, now that the wings are spread, might recognize >Mischief's race. They're an independent race of fae (could a feline, >even a fae feline, be anything but independent?) and Mischief is a >very young member, probably less than fifty years old.)] (OOC: She probably does, but wouldn't be worried about it right now. The CAoL has proven itself more than friendly several times now, and the sheer _glamour_ being generated by their presence would easily protect her daughter from any possible danger involved. Not to mention the benefits to the local faerie realms overall. 8^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 14:12:33 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 18 Mar 2001 14:11:58 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009606 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009603 > /Thanks!/ Roland sends, pleased. Then the exact words hit him. >/Er. Um. What, approximately, do you mean by 'much' as we left it?/ /*"The four guardians we have stationed on your moon will watch for trouble that your local defenses cannot handle. If such trouble develops, they will act to stop the problem. If they cannot handle the problem, they will summon such aid as is necessary, up to, and including The Stardragon itself. However they may not feel inclined to repair any damage caused by miscreants up till that point. They certainly will repair any damage they themselves cause, and any damage an enemy causes after they get involved. Also, life is change. When change stops, it means that life has been long ended."*/ Hydra answers with a chuckle. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Roger) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 03:41:14 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 06:27:10 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009608 >In a message dated 3/16/01 12:13:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, >ljwolfe writes: > > Caitlin stares in shock for a moment, then smiles. Roger will, no >doubt, be familiar with that smile and realize it's the one he can >never tell if he's in trouble or not until it's too late . >"Ah, and _you_ must be Roger. I dunna understand how all this time >travel business works, but I do know that, as far as you're >concerned, ye're my grandchild, and I expect you te behave and te >stay out o' yer mother's way. Is that clear?" she adds, one hand on >her hip. "Yes'm!" Roger says brightly, looking momentarily More Innocent Than Mischief -- if such a thing were possible -- before going on to greet the stars of the hour: >> To Morgan's stomach: "Hi, kids! Now, listen up, Wonder Twins! >>Your orders are: upon egress from the Hanger Bay, proceed in a >>positive direction up the Z axis of the Mothership to the refueling >>pods--" > >Morgan's eyes go wide, as if she's not quite sure she just heard what >she thinks she heard, and hasn't decided how to respond to it if she >did. OOC: Wait 'til he starts taking pizza orders from them....(:) >> Which is about as far as he gets before the GGGGGGgreat Grandaddy >>of all Big F*****g Peanuts drops out of the sky and bounces on his >>head several times, pounding him into the ground like a railroad >>spike in Wile E Coyote-approved Warner Bros fashion. > >Titania _smiles._ OOC: But why? She hasn't even *met* him yet -- oh. Right. The "Roger Aura." Gotta do something about that.... >> From his new chin-in-dirt perspective, Roger looks up, eyes gone >>into little whirling spirals. "Can't...pass...out...yet," he gasps >>with heroic effort. "Haven't...taught...'em to...'port...yet..." >>before falling into the gentle grip of comatose oblivion... > >Morgan looks at Roland in silent appeal. ^I don't need this,^ she >sends, though she can't help chuckling. To which Roger *would* reply, if only he were conscious: "*You*? *I'm* the one who just got used as a tent peg!" >>OOC: Now, the only question is: Do we dig him, or do we leave him >>there? > >OOC: Oh, I'm sure Roger's used to digging himself out of deeper holes >. OOC: Generally by digging out the other side. "China? Why is it *always* China?!?" ================================= Subject: AAE: interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Xander) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 13:31:43 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:34:32 -0500 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00009611 Xander is kicked back in the Place, knocking back beers (in hir case, IBC Root Beer) with a skinny-ish guy in a flight suit, blue hair, and glasses, and a well-aged (and aged very well) woman in a high-tech variation of early-aeronautics flying gear. The three area exchanging flying stories, ie flat-out lies, about combat with various aliens. "Honest, Max, Amy, there I was, in an asteroid belt, Melaconians congerging in three dimensions, a sphere a dozen layers thick. Well..." sie breaks off, heads cocked to either side as sie recieves the call from the Phoenix family. Hir eyes lit up, and glittering along with hir grins, sie informs the others that, "Hey, my Aunt Morgan's going to have her twins pretty soon. This one's on-- I mean, I'm covering this round," sie finishes, tossing a fistful of dollars onto the bartop, and hurrying over to the X-window to the Fae realm Once there, sie heads over to Morgan and Roland, one head smiling tenderly as sie watches Mischief and Psyche play. "Congrats, Auntie Morgan! Well, soon to be congrats," sie says, offering hir auntie a careful hug, then another to Roland. Adopting a more serious mein, sie directs hir full attention to Titania, and bows deeply. (it should be noted here sie's wearing the same brown-and-silver uniform hir projected image was wearing a while ago at Fuzzy's rebirth.) "Good day, Your Majesty," sie more intones than speaks, heads still bowed slightly in respect to Royalty. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:13:30 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 21:39:20 +0000 (GMT) Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00009613 >On Wed, 14 Mar 2001 10:05:36 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009551 Stranger has reached a valley high in the Californian mountains, the sort of valley you can only ever find if you know exactly where to look and how to look. He pauses as Roland reaches out across the lens link. > Meanwhile, Roland concentrates on the Lens Link. /Folks, it's >started,/ Roland sends, his "voice" a little shaky. /Those who want >to be here should move relatively quickly. But check in first, >though--you never know when a woman in labor's going to get testy./ /Hey Roland, give my regards to Morgan and best wishes. I can't be there right now, but if you need me call and I'll come a running. Hope it goes smoothly./ Stranger resumes his course, passing between two ancient, gnarly trees, there's a flurry of dust and leaves kicked up by a gust of wind and he is gone. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 22:51:00 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:14:22 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009616 >In a message dated 3/17/01 11:48:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, >rolandx writes: > > And gentle fields of kinetic energy (though Roland briefly >considered far worse ) float him away...to land next to Psyche >and Mischief, who are playing innocently. > [Here, kids, you're very own Jungle Rog,] Roland thinks with a >pirate's grin. OOC: You, Roland, are an evil, EEEVIL person.... >^Roland!^ Morgan sends, slightly shocked. She doesn't, however, do >anything to extricate Roger from his new situation . OOC2: You too, Morgan. Somewhere deep inside Roger's (alleged) brain, a monitor tracking Probability of Destruction (POD) suddenly spikes upwards, triggering several autonomous low-level responses among cybersystems, persona fragments, and subprocessors -- one of which is dumping a hard jolt of adrenaline into his metabolism, while another pumps a high-voltage arc of stored Halo energy through his slumbering consciousness. #EMERGENCY COMBAT-MODE JUMPSTART: ENGAGED# Under other circumstances, this might have snapped him into wakefulness with all weapons hot, primed, and ready. But since Arcadia is listed as a low-danger zone, especially given present company, and since some of those low-level autonmous routines have already recognized Mischief and Psyche as Non-Hostile (but still Highly Dangerous) contacts, the most that happens is that his internal shields spool up to Max, the nanomed system initiates emergency internal-organ hardening, and his jacket... ....sprouts an airbag. Not a very thick one, but brightly colored and covered with illustrations from Dr Seuss's "Hop On Pop"....which might lead certain people, if they were nasty, paranoid, suspicious types, to wonder just how hard he was *really* trying to avoid becoming a Kiddy (or is that Kitty?) Trampoline. Or just how comatose he really was.... In any event, he apparently rejoins the waking world just in time to participate in Mischief and Psyche's dynamic stress-test of his diaphragm. It doesn't take his erstwhile playmates long to discover just how fun Roger can be: not only is his torso as bouncy as a Really Expensive Bed, but he makes those weird pipe-organ noises when you jump on him juuust right. And he keeps turning all those funny colors, too... /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of evil, and what do I get? Used as playground equipment..../ OOC: He's enjoying himself. Really. Well, mostly. I'm drawing on personal experience with having two younger sisters, here -- once they discovered they could knock me down and tickle me until I ordered (and payed for) pizza, I was doomed until they outgrew the habit.... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:14:19 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 22:59:11 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009618 >On Sat, 17 Mar 2001 20:10:16 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009602 > > And gentle fields of kinetic energy (though Roland briefly >considered far worse ) float him away...to land next to Psyche >and Mischief, who are playing innocently. > [Here, kids, you're very own Jungle Rog,] Roland thinks with a >pirate's grin. > >^Roland!^ Morgan sends, slightly shocked. She doesn't, however, do >anything to extricate Roger from his new situation . As Roland smiles as innocently as possible... A reasonable distance from where the CAoL has gathered, a boom tube wide enough to accommodate a tank opens, and Sil slides down the side of the tube, Ma'an floating behind her. "For shame!" Sil is wearing a broad smile and a badly ripped-up set of biker's leathers. Her skin is also torn in a few places, showing shining metal beneath. A chain gun is still fully extended from a mechanical arm from her back, making her seem like a particularly attractive, petite asian manticore. "You started the party and didn't invite us!" "Sil, we _did_ invite--" Roland objects. "Don't be silly, dear, you need to learn when I'm _teasing_ you." Sil kisses Roland gently on the cheek. "Besides," Morgan quips wearily, "the timing wasn't exactly our choice." Ma'an, a tall, gentle bear of a man with a full red beard and a sparkle in his eyes, becomes somewhat translucent as he floats down from the boom tube. The tube closes behind him. "Silver would have been here sooner, but she had insisted on helping to roust out some Spiral Dancers in Scotland. This was, of course, before your announcement." "_Now_ then, how's the mom-to-be?" Sil says, changing the subject. She heads towards Morgan, but stops briefly, puzzled, as Roland frowns at her. Then the light bulb goes off, she blushes (tm Roland), and the chain gun retracts into her back, folding itself to fit as it does so. Sil goes through a quick series of motions, a red light springing from her left eye as her fingertips brush lightly across Morgan's forehead and abdomen. She smiles reassuringly. "How badly is Roland obsessing?" "Oh, _thank_ you," Roland mutters. "About what you'd expect," Morgan replies. Sil nods and takes a step back, the scanner from her eye shutting off. She lays an arm across Roland's shoulders. /She'll be _fine,_ Roland. I'm probably wasting my time here, but _try_ to relax?/ Roland smiles fatalistically and taps his temple. /"Sil, I know exactly what she's going through. I'll relax when the twins are asleep and breathing on _this_ side of the womb."/ "For a man who's actually having to _experience_ labor, he's not doing half bad," Morgan adds, squeezing his hand. Sil shrugs and grins at Morgan. "And who's the worse for wear in _that_ one, with him pacing so loudly inside your heads I can hear it from out here? I can't imagine how you do it with him inside your head 24/7..." Her tone is clearly joking. A quick glance passes between Sil and Titania, and they share a very slight nod. Roland rolls his eyes. "I'm not the type to pace in the waiting room chain-smoking, Sil," he quips. Morgan looks horrified at the very _concept._ "NO you can't go 'way!" she blurts, grabbing his arm quite emphatically, with unquestionable finality. Sil pats Morgan's shoulder. "Wild black holes couldn't tear him away, hon." "I know," Morgan replies sweetly, maintaining her death grip on Roland's arm. "I think I'll go play with the four-foots," Ma'an says sagaciously, shifting form as he calmly slides away from Ground Zero... (To Be Concluded) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Stranger) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:14:24 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:05:11 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009619 >On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 21:39:20 +0000 (GMT) >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00009613 > >/Hey Roland, give my regards to Morgan and best wishes. I can't be >there right now, but if you need me call and I'll come a running. >Hope it goes smoothly./ /You just did,/ Morgan responds with a smile, /and thank you. Please do come by to visit when you can manage. Be well./ (OOC: Morgan understands that this sort of event isn't everyone's cuppa, and takes _no_ offense or hard feelings from those who choose not to join them.) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:09:38 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:17:12 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009620 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:14:22 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009616 > > In any event, he apparently rejoins the waking world just in time >to participate in Mischief and Psyche's dynamic stress-test of his >diaphragm. It doesn't take his erstwhile playmates long to discover >just how fun Roger can be: not only is his torso as bouncy as a >Really Expensive Bed, but he makes those weird pipe-organ noises when >you jump on him juuust right. And he keeps turning all those funny >colors, too... > > /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of >evil, and what do I get? Used as playground >equipment..../ And, as Roger's luck would have it, this is exactly when Rio arrives. She looks at the "children" with a sweetly wicked smile. "That looks like fun. Can I play, too?" (OOC: Roland's gone to sleep, but says Psyche's response will be based on whether it looks like there's enough room for another, grown-up-sized person on the airbag. ) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 03:10:24 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 01:14:36 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009622 >On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 22:59:11 -0800 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009618 > >"For a man who's actually having to _experience_ labor, he's not >doing half bad," Morgan adds, squeezing his hand. > > Sil shrugs and grins at Morgan. "And who's the worse for wear in >_that_ one, with him pacing so loudly inside your heads I can hear it >from out here? I can't imagine how you do it with him inside your >head 24/7..." Her tone is clearly joking. A quick glance passes >between Sil and Titania, and they share a very slight nod. > Roland rolls his eyes. "I'm not the type to pace in the waiting >room chain-smoking, Sil," he quips. > >Morgan looks horrified at the very _concept._ "NO you can't go 'way!" >she blurts, grabbing his arm quite emphatically, with unquestionable >finality. > > Sil pats Morgan's shoulder. "Wild black holes couldn't tear him >away, hon." > >"I know," Morgan replies sweetly, maintaining her death grip on >Roland's arm. Nemo speaks up quietly. "I have some small experience in these matters. If one of you would like a 'link' to my obstetrics database, I could set it up." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 05:12:48 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 07:26:25 -0500 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009623 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:14:22 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009616 > >>In a message dated 3/17/01 11:48:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, >>rolandx writes: >> >> [Here, kids, you're very own Jungle Rog,] Roland thinks with a >>pirate's grin. >> >>^Roland!^ Morgan sends, slightly shocked. She doesn't, however, do >>anything to extricate Roger from his new situation . It's finally too much temptation for Mischief to resist, *Wheeeeeee!* She goes hurling towards Roger, somehow turning midair to land POUNCE on Unc'a Fuzzy's tail, then bounding off again (hopefully) before he has time to catch her, this time to pounce at Roger. >and his jacket... > ....sprouts an airbag. Not a very thick one, but brightly colored >and covered with illustrations from Dr Seuss's "Hop On Pop"....which >might lead certain people, if they were nasty, paranoid, suspicious >types, to wonder just how hard he was *really* trying to avoid >becoming a Kiddy (or is that Kitty?) Trampoline. Or just how comatose >he really was.... Mischief mews? Then bounces a few times... Then starts to purr giggle and really starts bouncing! *Psyche, this is fun!* > /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of >evil, and what do I get? Used as playground >equipment..../ Mischief gigglepurrs. Apparently mom let her hear that. She pauses to lick Roger on the nose. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 07:13:02 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 09:50:29 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009624 >On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:17:12 -0800 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009620 > >And, as Roger's luck would have it, this is exactly when Rio arrives. >She looks at the "children" with a sweetly wicked smile. "That looks >like fun. Can I play, too?" Mike and Tink have taken seats somewhere out of the way of the main business and are keeping half an eye on the kids, just to be helpful. Tink watches the Jungle Rog with some amusement in her eyes, then digs four golf ball-sized red and white spheres from her belt and tosses them towards Roger. They expand to softball-size, bounce off a tree nearby, open, spilling their contents in a flash of light, then rebound into Tink's lap. Snorlax, Tink's largest Pokemon, appears, already asleep as he lies back near Roger. Ponyta, the white horse with flames for a mane and tail, stands nearby, Porygon, the pink and turquoise polygon-composed bird, perched on her back. And Pikachu is bouncing up and down on Snorlax's stomach happily with a "Pi-ka! Pi-ka!" "Just a little more entertainment for the kindercrowd," Tink explains. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 07:39:28 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 10:19:18 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009625 >In a message dated 3/20/01 2:14:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, >ljwolfe writes: > > "_Now_ then, how's the mom-to-be?" Sil says, changing the subject. >She heads towards Morgan, but stops briefly, puzzled, as Roland >frowns at her. Then the light bulb goes off, she blushes (tm Roland), >and the chain gun retracts into her back, folding itself to fit as it >does so. /Nice Gn, Aunt Sil. How's things?/ >Sil goes through a quick series of motions, a red light springing >from her left eye as her fingertips brush lightly across Morgan's >forehead and abdomen. She smiles reassuringly. "How badly is Roland >obsessing?" > "Oh, _thank_ you," Roland mutters. There's a strangled snort from Roger's direction, though that *might* just be because Mischief stuck her tail up his nose... >"For a man who's actually having to _experience_ labor, he's not >doing half bad," Morgan adds, squeezing his hand. /My fther, the maschist.../ Roger manages to get out. Psyche has apparently decided to see how far his knee joints will reverse, and she's *stronger* than she looks... > Sil shrugs and grins at Morgan. "And who's the worse for wear in >_that_ one, with him pacing so loudly inside your heads I can hear it >from out here? I can't imagine how you do it with him inside your >head 24/7..." Her tone is clearly joking. A quick glance passes >between Sil and Titania, and they share a very slight nod. > Roland rolls his eyes. "I'm not the type to pace in the waiting >room chain-smoking, Sil," he quips. > >Morgan looks horrified at the very _concept._ "NO you can't go 'way!" >she blurts, grabbing his arm quite emphatically, with unquestionable >finality. Roger *almost* sits up at that, from spinal reflex to see what made Morgan ract that way. But Mischief chooses that moment to experiment with the springboard properties of his head, and pins him long enough for the reflex to subside.... > Sil pats Morgan's shoulder. "Wild black holes couldn't tear him >away, hon." > >"I know," Morgan replies sweetly, maintaining her death grip on >Roland's arm. > >"I think I'll go play with the four-foots," Ma'an says sagaciously, >shifting form as he calmly slides away from Ground Zero... Roger shelters a bit of his brain from his current physical trauma and uses his private link to Rio. ^Tell me, luv...does Mom seem a bit, er, nervous to you?^ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 09:11:09 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 09:06:48 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009627 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 10:19:18 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009625 > > Roger shelters a bit of his brain from his current physical trauma >and uses his private link to Rio. ^Tell me, luv...does Mom seem a >bit, er, nervous to you?^ Rio just _looks_ at Roger, as if he'd just asked her the color of the sky on his homeworld. ^She's about to give birth to what could be two of _you_. All things considered, I think Lady Morgan's doing pretty good.^ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Xander) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 18:42:35 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 18:11:40 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009628 >On Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:34:32 -0500 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00009611 > >Once there, sie heads over to Morgan and Roland, one head smiling >tenderly as sie watches Mischief and Psyche play. >"Congrats, Auntie Morgan! Well, soon to be congrats," sie says, >offering hir auntie a careful hug, then another to Roland. Roland looks at their sudden--niece-phew?--and grins lopsidedly. "That's the general idea. Thanks, Xander." Morgan spocks an eyebrow. "'Auntie'?" she asks good naturedly. "I guess that comes from being Den Mother to this lot." >Adopting a more serious mein, sie directs hir full attention to >Titania, and bows deeply. (it should be noted here sie's wearing the >same brown-and-silver uniform hir projected image was wearing a while >ago at Fuzzy's rebirth.) "Good day, Your Majesty," sie more intones >than speaks, heads still bowed slightly in respect to Royalty. Titania (who is currently concentrating on a dozen things, including a woman in labor and her youngest child playing trampoline on a paradoxical immortal from the future) stops briefly, bows back, smiles gently, and says, "Thank you, sir." (OOC: As in "sir knight," thus making it essentially gender-neutral. 8^) Then, to the group, adds, "Though ceremony is of great importance to the Realm, there are times when it can be put aside without dishonor." She looks around and chuckles. "Methinks this is one of those times." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 18:42:40 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 18:24:34 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009629 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 01:14:36 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009622 > >Nemo speaks up quietly. > >"I have some small experience in these matters. If one of you would >like a 'link' to my obstetrics database, I could set it up." Sil and Titania look at each other and smile. NEMO (and of course, by extension, Nemo) can tell that they're trying desperately to put this gently. "That's sweet, Nemo," Sil replies. "I suppose you could put a screen over here," adds Titania. "Might come in handy," Sil continues. "Any information could, theoretically, be useful," Titania finishes. (OOC: This is fairly easily read as, being said as gently as possible, 'don't teach your grandma to suck eggs.' 8^) >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 10:19:18 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009625 > > /Nice Gn, Aunt Sil. How's things?/ /Oh, fine, L.R.,/ Sil replies brightly. /I see you're as bouncy as ever./ (OOC: "L.R." is/was/will be Sil's nickname for 'Little Roland' or 'Little Roger,' depending on how far down the time line you look. Exactly how _this_ Sil _knows_ that is anyone's guess...) > /My fther, the maschist.../ Roger manages to get out. >Psyche has apparently decided to see how far his knee joints will >reverse, and she's *stronger* than she looks... A lot stronger, actually. There's a sound of metal groaning (as well as Roger groaning) before she realizes that this thing is actually attached to a _person,_ at which point she gives up. Then she goes back to bouncing on him. ;^) /I _could_ share the experience with _you,_ Roger,/ Roland offers helpfully. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:54:55 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:46:28 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009630 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 07:26:25 -0500 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009623 > >>On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:14:22 EST >>SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009616 >> >>>In a message dated 3/17/01 11:48:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, >>>rolandx writes: >>> >>> [Here, kids, you're very own Jungle Rog,] Roland thinks with a >>>pirate's grin. >> >> OOC: You, Roland, are an evil, EEEVIL person.... OOC: Your point? ;^) >>>^Roland!^ Morgan sends, slightly shocked. She doesn't, however, do >>>anything to extricate Roger from his new situation . >> >> OOC2: You too, Morgan. OOC-M: It's on his head, dear. ;-). >It's finally too much temptation for Mischief to resist, *Wheeeeeee!* >She goes hurling towards Roger, somehow turning midair to land POUNCE >on Unc'a Fuzzy's tail, then bounding off again (hopefully) before he >has time to catch her, this time to pounce at Roger. Psyche watches this with the combination of innocence and dubiousness that only a child can manage. >>that his internal shields spool up to Max, the nanomed system >>initiates emergency internal-organ hardening, and his jacket... >> ....sprouts an airbag. Not a very thick one, but brightly colored >>and covered with illustrations from Dr Seuss's "Hop On Pop"....which >>might lead certain people, if they were nasty, paranoid, suspicious >>types, to wonder just how hard he was *really* trying to avoid >>becoming a Kiddy (or is that Kitty?) Trampoline. Or just how >>comatose he really was.... > >Mischief mews? Then bounces a few times... Then starts to purr giggle >and really starts bouncing! *Psyche, this is fun!* Psyche laughs and jumps in. *"Wheee!"* She tries to bounce _over_ Mischief, manages to spin head over heels, then 'settles' for springing up and down like a maniac. (She almost never uses her wings to gain extra altitude for those really _high_ bounces, either... ) >> /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of >>evil, and what do I get? Used as >>playground equipment..../ > >Mischief gigglepurrs. Apparently mom let her hear that. She pauses to >lick Roger on the nose. Roland laughs. /Well, at least you're _good_ at it. 8^)/ /Good. He'll be in practice for when he has to help his Grandma watch the "Wonder Twins",/ Morgan replies, with probably a bit less of a smile than Roger'd prefer . >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 09:50:29 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009624 > > Snorlax, Tink's largest Pokemon, appears, already asleep as he >lies back near Roger. Ponyta, the white horse with flames for a mane >and tail, stands nearby, Porygon, the pink and turquoise polygon- >composed bird, perched on her back. And Pikachu is bouncing up and >down on Snorlax's stomach happily with a "Pi-ka! Pi-ka!" > "Just a little more entertainment for the kindercrowd," Tink >explains. "Yay!" Psyche cries, apparently having thought of something new. She decides that if _one_ living trampoline is fun, then _two_ are even better! She starts bouncing from Roger to Snorlax and back like an absurdly cute pinball. She's good at it, too. /Morgan? Is it too late to send them back?/ Roland sends good-naturedly. /Back...where?/ Morgan replies dryly. /Good point,/ Roland notes. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:55:03 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 23:48:33 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009631 >In a message dated 3/20/01 8:13:19 AM Eastern Standard Time, >caprice writes: > >> /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of >>evil, and what do I get? Used as >>playground equipment..../ > >Mischief gigglepurrs. Apparently mom let her hear that. She pauses to >lick Roger on the nose. /Yeah, I love you tOOF!, Kitten.../ Roger replies wryly. Mischief, being a clever child, no doubt notices that he's not asking her to get off, and probably milks the tacit permission for all it's worth... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:55:07 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 23:48:32 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009632 >In a message dated 3/20/01 3:10:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, >rio writes: > >> /almost four hundred years fighting the Forces of >>evil, and what do I get? Used as >>playground equipment..../ > >And, as Roger's luck would have it, this is exactly when Rio arrives. >She looks at the "children" with a sweetly wicked smile. "That looks >like fun. Can I play, too?" > >(OOC: Roland's gone to sleep, but says Psyche's response will be >based on whether it looks like there's enough room for another, >grown-up-sized person on the airbag. ) Roger *starts* to reply, /Always room for you, luv, but in front of the kids?/ but gets cut off by Psyche's reply -- and only *then* realizes that she wasn't asking *him.* OOC: Well, I'd say there's room for Rio. I'll let Roland decide what Psyche says, though I suspect she'll want to see what kind of notes they can make Rog produce with the extra weight... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Sil's back! 8^) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:55:11 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 23:48:29 EST SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009633 >In a message dated 3/20/01 12:11:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, >rio writes: > >> Roger shelters a bit of his brain from his current physical >>trauma and uses his private link to Rio. ^Tell me, luv...does Mom >>seem a bit, er, nervous to you?^ > >Rio just _looks_ at Roger, as if he'd just asked her the color of the >sky on his homeworld. ^She's about to give birth to what could be two >of _you_. All things considered, I think Lady Morgan's doing pretty >good.^ Roger is distracted enough to forget to make a funny noise the next time Psyche bounces on him. ^Huh?^ he sends blankly. ^What's to be nervous about? She's immortal, we've got the finest medical attention, natural or super-, and she's done this be...for...^ His thoughts grind to an audible halt. ^Oh. She *hasn't* done this before. Right, I forgot...^ He pops a dupe over to Rio, grin back in place. "But hey, what would be so bad about having two of me?" Another Roger appears on her other side, and they both leer at her politely. "Or even three?" "I mean," the three chorus, buffing their nails nonchalantly in perfect synch, "*you* wouldn't mind having...more...of me around, would you, luv?" OOC: No, he's not that arrogant, he's just kidding around. Although I wonder what might happen if Rio decided to explore the possibilities inherent in Roger's many abilities... I'm also assuming that this happens immediately before Rio cheerfully dumps the three Don-Jaugers and joins the kids hopping on Jungle Rog...(serves them right) Jungle Rog, meanwhile, is adjusting the rebound properties of his airbag to let Mischief and Psyche experiment with just how high they can bounce -- after all, the kids've got wings, so it's perfectly safe, right? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 12:12:57 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 21 Mar 2001 14:54:28 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009638 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:46:28 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009630 > >>On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 09:50:29 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009624 >> >> Snorlax, Tink's largest Pokemon, appears, already asleep as he >>lies back near Roger. Ponyta, the white horse with flames for a mane >>and tail, stands nearby, Porygon, the pink and turquoise polygon- >>composed bird, perched on her back. And Pikachu is bouncing up and >>down on Snorlax's stomach happily with a "Pi-ka! Pi-ka!" >> "Just a little more entertainment for the kindercrowd," Tink >>explains. > > "Yay!" Psyche cries, apparently having thought of something new. >She decides that if _one_ living trampoline is fun, then _two_ are >even better! She starts bouncing from Roger to Snorlax and back like >an absurdly cute pinball. She's good at it, too. For Snorlax's part, he doesn't seem to take notice. But as this is the same Snorlax who'll one day, four years from now and an adventure or two back, pin the Amalgamverse's version of the Blob simply by landing on him, that's not surprizing. > /Morgan? Is it too late to send them back?/ Roland sends >good-naturedly. > >/Back...where?/ Morgan replies dryly. > > /Good point,/ Roland notes. Mike chuckles, putting an arm around Tink. She lays her head on his shoulder and watchs the kids bounce. /You wanna join them?/ he asks with a smirk. /Nah, I'm good,/ Tink replies with a grin. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 (Rogers) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 16:14:35 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 22 Mar 2001 15:59:28 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009640 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 23:48:29 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009633 > >>In a message dated 3/20/01 12:11:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, >>rio writes: >> >>Rio just _looks_ at Roger, as if he'd just asked her the color of >>the sky on his homeworld. ^She's about to give birth to what could >>be two of _you_. All things considered, I think Lady Morgan's doing >>pretty good.^ > > Roger is distracted enough to forget to make a funny noise the >next time Psyche bounces on him. ^Huh?^ he sends blankly. ^What's to >be nervous about? She's immortal, we've got the finest medical >attention, natural or super-, and she's done this be...for...^ His >thoughts grind to an audible halt. ^Oh. She *hasn't* done this >before. Right, I forgot...^ Rio just smiles at Roger indulgently and shakes her head. > He pops a dupe over to Rio, grin back in place. "But hey, what >would be so bad about having two of me?" Another Roger appears on her >other side, and they both leer at her politely. "Or even three?" > "I mean," the three chorus, buffing their nails nonchalantly >in perfect synch, "*you* wouldn't mind having...more...of me around, >would you, luv?" Rio's smile turns mischievous as Roger can sense her considering the possibilities. "Me? I think having several of you could be...interesting. But that's a girlfriend talking about an adult. If I were your mother and you were asking if I'd want three of you all going through the 'terrible two's' at the same time, I think I'd give a _very_ different answer." > OOC: No, he's not that arrogant, he's just kidding around. >Although I wonder what might happen if Rio decided to explore the >possibilities inherent in Roger's many abilities... OOC: Want to meet me on ICQ and find out? ;-) > I'm also assuming that this happens immediately before Rio >cheerfully dumps the three Don-Jaugers and joins the kids hopping on >Jungle Rog...(serves them right) OOC2: Yep, we'll be getting to other responses later, after Roland gets home. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE interlude: New Arrivals, part 1 Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 22:19:03 -0800 (PST) On Thu, 22 Mar 2001 21:48:49 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009644 >On Tue, 20 Mar 2001 23:48:32 EST >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009632 > >>In a message dated 3/20/01 3:10:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, >>rio writes: >> >>And, as Roger's luck would have it, this is exactly when Rio >>arrives. She looks at the "children" with a sweetly wicked smile. >>"That looks like fun. Can I play, too?" > > Roger *starts* to reply, /Always room for you, luv, but in front >of the kids?/ but gets cut off by Psyche's reply -- and only *then* >realizes that she wasn't asking *him.* Psyche looks beneath her from mid-air and mid-bounce. After a quick assessment of the volume of the air bag, the distance covered as Psyche and Mischief bounce around, and the air speed velocity of the unladen swallows overhead, she decides to wing it. "Sure!" Psyche calls out after a particularly emphatic bounce directly above Roger's diaphragm. "Wanna see who can bounce highest?" she asks, and even the vaguely wicked gleam in her eye is innocent. Rio contemplates this, a less innocent wicked gleam in _her_ eye. Then she decides that, despite the possibilities, it's probably better if she does her jumping on Roger at another time . "Weeeeeelll, maybe another time. You two have fun; I'm going to go...see if Lady Morgan needs anything." Considering that Rio knows full well who "Lady Morgan" has attending her, Roger should see this transparent excuse for what it is :-). =================================