Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 8 Chapter 7 Subject: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Tue, 27 Aug 2002 20:46:15 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010940 OOC: First of all, my most heartfelt, grovelling apologies for the overlong delay. (Morgan says "our" apologies, but I've been running the PPG section, so I'm taking full responsibility. So there. ;^) Between Comic-Con and 57k of words to do between then and now (and into October...) and the car dying, I've been kind of frazzled. But I still should have made time for my family (that's you folx 8^). Gomen nasai... OOC 2: Now, since everyone seems about tooned out at this point (peanuts welcome ;^), the next section will be the final one. I will begin AAE 9...sometime after. If anyone wants to run something in the interim, or wants a crack at GMing (in which case I'll happily make mine AAE X again), feel free. Now, where was I?... Narrator: Meanwhile, back in Townsville, a criss-cross crisis had come crashing to a climax! >On Wed, 10 Jul 2002 20:47:34 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010931 >> >>On Mon, 8 Jul 2K2 Roland X Said >> >>>Dhyrclhanc Said >>> >>>Dhyrlhanc acted faster than the miniature 'Puff could react and >>>with one swift chomp completely enclosed her within his extended >>>jaw just before they both disappeared in the suddenly expanding >>>fireball. The Giant Lensdragon's form curled into a fetal position >>>just minutes before the first missiles struck. >> >> Buttercup frowned and crossed her arms (her default pose ;^) as >>she realized it was dark, moist, and not the most pleasant-smelling >>place she'd ever been in (radioactive death-breath will do that >>). Then a diabolic smile began to form on her face. "Hey, tall, >>dark and gruesome! Ya know what happened to the _last_ monster that >>did this to me?" >> But as Buttercup contemplates emergency dental work on the Big >>Guy... >> >>>The effect was even more impressive, for lack of a more appropriate >>>term, as a few of the incoming missiles actually detached >>>themselves from the rest of the swarm before impact, traveled >>>further down several blocks and then turned around for a second >>>volley. >> >> Buttercup watched her impacted "prison" shudder around her. >>"Hmmph. Not the brightest monster on the block, is he?" Deciding a >>"32-to-16" approach to the root of her problem was insufficiently >>dramatic, she began a super-vision examination of her enameled >>obstacle. > >At which point a brief scan with even her hyped-up super-senses told >her that even with her newly super-charged heat-ray-vision, it'd >still take the good part of a week to get through this giant >monster's dental work. Eh...no. (See below. ) > at 21' tall, Dhyrclhanc's chompers, along with most of the rest >of him, have roughly twice the tensile strength of pure tooled iron, >at 200 stories tall... I don't even want to do the math... OOC: Sib, at her current power level, the teeth could be solid _adamantium_ and the Big Guy would be looking for dentures. ;^) >>>Then time seemed to run in reverse as the mass of dust and soot and >>>ash imploded back on itself revealing the still-untouched, >>>several-hundred-story-tall Kaiju-Dhyrclhanc, shining like a >>>hunter's-moon. >> >> Buttercup paused just before giving everyone's favorite Sentinel- >>Lensdragon the ultimate headache. Her enhanced vision powers allowed >>her to watch the reverse-explosion. "Cool! That was better than the >>'sand wall' thing from The Mummy!" > >*/You mean the Professor lets you watch those kinds of movies?/* Buttercup's eyes go wide(er). "Er, uh, ah -- hey, look, the glow's goin' away!" >>>When the glow died down, Buttercup was revealed, now being held >>>tenderly sheltered in a pair of hands, each of which the size of a >>>greyhound bus. >>> >>>...And on one the finger of one of them was a still glowing >>>Golden-Age Green Lantern Ring easily the size of a VW Beetle. >>> >>>/Well. _That's_ never happened before... / sent Dhyrclhanc, his >>>mental voice obviously non-plused. >> >> "Hey, can you do that again? That was HARDCORE! I--" Buttercup >>blinked and stared at the GL ring. "Yo, Akuzilla, why are you >>wearing a really old green flashlight the size of a car?" >> >>At this point BlossoMorgan flew up. "Because anything smaller than >>that wouldn't fit on his finger?" she said, pointing out the >>obvious. >> >> Buttercup again put on the "frown and cross arms" pose, floating >>several inches off of Dhyrkaiju's hands. "Well _duh,_ little miss >>perfect..." She grew thoughtful for a moment. "...what does Mojo >>Jojo call that...droll?...yeah, that's it -- what I _meant_ was, why >>is he wearing a flashlight at _all_ when he's got glowing fire >>breath?" She then looked up at the Big Guy again. "Hey, do I still >>haveta beat you up? You're kinda cool, so if I don't that's okay >>too." > >*/Personally, _I'd_ rather you didn't, and I'm wearing the >"flashlight" as you call it because I'm a Green Lantern. Don't you >watch that new "Justice League" cartoon?/* Buttercup grinned. "Yeah! Green Lantern ROCKS!" She frowned again. "But his ring doesn't look like _that._ His is a circle in a circle with a couple of lines, not a giant flashlight from, like, the Triassic Age. And they wear matching uniforms, and sure, there's cool-lookin' weird aliens who're Green Lanterns, but they get uniforms too." >> Bubbles floated up last, regarding the Gogira-ed-out Lensdragon >>with a little trepidation. "Um, thanks for helping save the day, Mr. >>Big Scary Dragon Lizard Samurai-Jack Person," she said in a >>superhumanly cute voice. > >*/You're welcome, Bubbles, but my name is Duh-ghlcranz... ah Tiamat, >I can't say it. Hold on a second./* OOC: ROFL! >The Big Guy prepares to shape-shift into a more presentable form, >when a huge ink eraser, held in an equally large hand comes in from >the right side of the frame and completely erases him. > >Then the same hand, holding a fountain-pen, re-draws him more to >scale to Roland and Professor Utonium. Roland, still slowly staggering his way toward the conflagration, boggled. >But it was weird enough that he's dressed in a pair of urban-camo >pants, a black spandex jacket, a psychadelic paisely-print neru >jacket and a gold-colored turtle-neck shirt but Dhyrclhanc, himself, >appeared to have more in common with Phil Foglio's plush "Winslow" >than he does to his normal "T'Skrang" form. Also he had on a >head-band and a long-hair wig that looked like it came straight from >Woodstock (No, _not_ Snoopy's friend). > >All of which left Buttercup still floating several hundred stories up >in the air. Which she can manage with ease, of course, even with the power-down the PPGs are currently experiencing. Even "normal," they can "only" juggle battleships and 747s. >Dhyrclhanc looked-up and took both the wig and the head-band off of >his head and then looked skywards. > >"I don't do wigs," he said calmly, albeit loudly. Inwardly, however, >he was happy to finally be able to hear his own voice. > >The giant hand with the ink-eraser appeared and removed the wig. > >"That's better." > >"Now then," he said looking at Bubbles, "You can call me >'Dark-Lance'." OOC note: The Galactus Princess encountered is _not_ in the same universe that we're going to. I wouldn't do that to you folx. ;^) Then... >On Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:48:40 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010934 > >>On Mon, 29 Jul 2002 22:32:37 -0500 >>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010933 >> >>Dhyrclhanc, still in his human-sized hybrid "Phil Foglio's >>Winslow/T'Skrang body, gives Bubbles, the PowerPuff he was just >>speaking with, a double-check. >> >>His lens momentarily flares, dying down almost as quickly as it lit >>up. >> >>/Er, Tink? Is that you in there?/ > > Tinkerbubbles turns to look at the Lens... dragon with wide blue >eyes. > Suddenly, she shrieks, /"EEEE! Monster!"/ and lashes out with a >fist, which stops with the sound of brakes squealing just millimeters >from the T'Winslow's beak. > /"Uncle? Hey, how come I know you? And why do I have this >overwhelming urge to color? Color!"/ The QLed PPG, the who doesn't >seem to have complete control of her faculties that is, drops to the >sidewalk and pulls a piece of paper and some crayons out of ... >somewhere behind her back... and proceeds to start drawing. Roland finally reaches the center of the disaster area, literally creaking to a halt. > /"Color color color! And I'll make the grass green, and the sky >blue, and the flux ossilation overthrusting capaciter purple, and >someone get me outta this kid's head quick! A plot hole should fix >our gestalt mentality, reuniting me with my body and leaving Bubbles >alone in her own cranium. Yeah, fix us! I don't know all these big >words, it took me a week to learn 'Education is the progressive >realization of our own ignorance.' Just a week? Shut up! Alright, >back to coloring! Yay, colors!"/ Tinkerbubbles rattles off rapidfire, >in Bubbles' voice and Tink's mental voice as each personality became >briefly dominant, nearly enveloping the other before the tables turn. Suddenly inspired (for once in this mess), Roland sticks his cape into the flurry of coloring. The crayon smudges that result spread across his cape, along his costume, and across his mask, and in moments Blaze was restored (well, sort of). /"Thanks for the pick-me-up, Tink, Bubbles. Allow me to return the favor."/ Reaching out to his right, where there was nothing in particular, he gestured with a grasping and pulling-open motion, and managed to widen a plot hole to the point where the Callahanians could pass through it one at a time (now that Aku-zilla was Winslance). /"Plenty of plot holes to go around, I'm afraid."/ With a wink to the others, Roland started to step through the hole...and was sucked in by tremendous force. Morgan was pulled out of Blossom and Dhyrclhanc soon followed (OOC: along with anyone else who wants to make the trip ;^). The hole vanished. "Holey Moley!" Bubbles blurted (as soon as Tink was free of her). Buttercup threw a peanut at the back of her head (making her a Peanut Buttercup ;^). Blossom facepal...er...face-stubbed. "And so once again," the Narrator intoned, as the concentric hearts appeared with PPGs inside, "the _day,_ is saved. Thanks to...the Powerpuff Girls! Not to mention a whole lot of _puns._ Now where are my peanuts..." The hole then appeared in the Phoenix-Greywolf household... (OOC: Again, anyone who wants in, just whistle up the roving plot hole. ;^) Meanwhile, on Earth-9... The Lair of Doctor Destroyer. Blackstar was pumping iron (about fifty tons of it) after being sprung from Stronghold. Gremlin was looking on, unimpressed. "You know, Blackstar, the only thing you're 'pumping up' is your ego. Are we supposed to be in awe of the great muscleman?" "Aw, shut up, Gremlin!" Blackstar retorted wittily. "I was going stir-crazy in Stronghold! I'm just glad the Doctor bothered busting me out!" Menton's eyes narrowed. "I do not question the Master's will. Even so, I have to wonder on occasion what he sees in you." "Same thing he sees in you, tin soldier," Gremlin quipped. "A completely obedient lap dog." Menton's entire body hummed with phenomenal power. "I, at least, am a _competent_ 'lap dog.' If you intimate, however, that you intend to defy the great Destroyer..." Gremlin waved the powerful psion back. "Whoa, whoa, back up, supermind, I was just--" Brilliant, maniacal laughter echoed from another chamber. All three lackeys froze. "Um. That's a _good_ thing, right?" Blackstar gulped. "Of _course_ it is, you lackwit," Menton said with less conviction than he'd intended. "The Master's glee is always a bane to our enemies..." "Indeed, my loyal one," Destroyer boomed as he burst into the chamber (literally, given that his specialty is teleportation). "Defender and Solitaire have been most notably absent." He gazed at his minions, satisfaction waning slightly. "You _had_ noticed?" "I was in Stronghold," Blackstar rationalized quickly. (VERY quickly. ;^) "Bah," Destroyer scoffed. "At any rate, I have tracked them down. They are beyond this dimension, as is their wont on occasion. It is a bizarre and unpredictable place...except, of course, for Destroyer." He pulled out a small device that looked like a Tricorder designed by Jack Kirby. "Remain here. I will seek them out, and return if a large number of their extra-dimensional companions are with them." "And if they are alone, Master?" Menton asked. "What else?" Destroyer smiled -- a terrible thing indeed to behold. "They shall be destroyed." He laughed again as he vanished. Roland appeared in a room filled with high-tech wonders. /All _right!_ Now we're getting somewhere--/ He got a better look around and whistled. /Look at all the TOYS! With this stuff, we should be able to find the twins in no time! That's a Cosmic Converter over there, and I can see a Hyper-Monitor to my right, and behind me is.../ he craned his neck to look over his shoulder. /Hm. that's a Negative Zone portal./ Roland paused. A moment later, he realized that he hadn't turned his body, but he was looking directly over his back. His head had turned 180 degrees. /A Negative Zone portal?/ He turned his head again, to where he sensed his beloved -- for a total of 270 degrees -- and saw a gorgeous blonde with a 60s hairdo and a bright blue jumpsuit. There was a black "4" in a white circle right in the center of her chest. /"Where have you landed us _this_ time, 'Reed?'"/ Morgan Storm-Richards asked pointedly. The entire world shuddered as a voice echoed throughout the globe. "RICHARDS--grr--DEFENDERRRR!!!!!" /"Fascinating. We appear to be in the 60s Hanna-Barbera version of the Fantastic Four. If I'm not mistaken, that was Doctor Doom, nee Destroyer, using Doom's Terra-Echo Transmitter to display his frustration."/ He paused. /FASCINATING?!? eep! It's going to be one of those days.../ /"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. (/) Roland Morgan /|\ "That is the only true legacy we can leave to those we love.. that we have made the world a little better than when we found it." -- Reed Richards ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:03:48 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010941 >In a message dated 8/27/02 11:50:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >rolandx writes: > > (OOC: Again, anyone who wants in, just whistle up the roving plot >hole. ;^) Meanwhile, the Rogers are still...moping. One might think that Designated Goofball of the Greywolf-Phoenix Phamily would be among the most unlikely of individuals to engage in extended-duration, high-intensity moping, angsting, or self-flagellation. Which is actually true -- with the corollary that *when* it happens, the intensity of the experience is in direct proportion to its rarity. Translation: He don't do it often, but when he *does,* he does it *big.* Contrary to popular opinion, he really *does* take his responsibilities very seriously -- despite the goofiness, sillyness, and general all-out crazyness that seems to make up his life, he's usually able achieve his set goals... even though the route he ends up taking to *get* there seems designed to drive everyone else nuts. Which is why dropping the ball where the twins are concerned, especially *so* badly, has driven Mudd-Roger and Dead Meat-Roger into an extended self-hating funk, dragging poor Rio along as she attempts to keep them from doing anything *permanently* suicidal (as opposed to *temporarily* suicidal, which is practically a Standard Roger Combat Tactic -- he gets it from Roland) as the threesome wanders aimlessly about the fringes of the Tooniverse. BWAM!!!! "Oh My God, they killed Roger!" "You Bastards!" "Umm, guys?" Rio ventures a bit hesitantly as Mudd scoops up Dead Meat's... er, meat... into a bucket with a resigned air. "I *really* don't think the twins would have ended up *here.*" She looks back to see a drooling Cartmann waddling after her, and picks up the pace with a faintly disgusted expression. OOC: Morgan, feel free to retcon Rio's dialogue here if you think of something more "in-character" for her -- I normally wouldn't presume to put words in her mouth, but I need something for the Angsty Pair to react to. "Probably true," Mudd says with a world-weary shrug, "but there are two reasons we're here: the first is that, given just how incredibly, unbelievably, galactically badly we hosed a simple babysitting job, it's possible that the twins might have gotten past the "G-rated" locks on the entertainment system. It's an outside chance, but it bears checking out." "And the second?' A slightly distorted voice emerges from the Dead Meat bucket. "It keeps us as far away from the real search, and the places where the twins are *likely* to be, as possible, thus improving the situation for everyone." "Huh? I don't get it." "We're trying to keep our Galactic Screw-Up Field from wrecking everyone else's attempts to find the twins," Mudd explains in a martyred voice. "This way, hopefully, we'll act as a CosmoToonological lightning rod, drawing off the worst of the Strange Luck effect and freeing up the *competent* members of the family to get the job done." "Yep," agrees the bucket. "With us out from underfoot, Mom,. Dad, and the rest should be able to find the twins, clean up the mess, and get everything back to Status Quo before bedtime." Rio looks mildly baffled, and a little irritated. "But if you're so insistent that *you* made this mess, shouldn't you be out helping to clean it up?" "We'd just screw things up more if we tried," Mudd and the bucket chorus dolefully. A small black cloud has been forming over Mudd's head, and chooses this moment to begin raining on him. Small drowning noises come from the bucket. Rio, for her part, now looks downright *peeved,* and not a little disgusted. "You know, you...guys...are normally fairly attractive, but this self-pity kick is beginning to get downright *repulsive.*" "Is is still self-pity when it's true?" the bucket gurgles with an air of morbid curiousity. Mudd looks thoughtful. "I don't know. That's an interesting philosophical question. I wouldn't say that the two *have* to be mutually exclusive, but they definitely have strongly orthogonal properties..." "But in a philosomoral dataspace arranged in more than two dimensions -- hey, bail me out here?" Mudd absently tips the bucket to empty out the excess water. "You have a point. If we assume that honestly warranted self-pity is actually a form of legitimate guilt..." Rio throws up her hands and stalks off to parallel the Gloomy Boys' course from a distance where she doesn't have to listen to their moaning. OOC: which puts her at an optional distance for the incoming plot hole, which I will leave to Morgan's discretion. Mudd breaks off the discussion suddenly. "Do you feel that? 'By the pricking of my thumbs...'" "My thumbs haven't regenerated yet," the bucket complains. "What's happening?" "I think the Boomerang of Fate is spinning in our direction." "You mean...oh. Of *course.* We try to avoid messing up things by staying out of the way..." "So naturally we're going to be sucked back in, whether we want to or not." "And probably at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place." "If we fight it, it'll just make things worse..." "And if we try to limit the damage by going with the flow, the same thing'll happen." Sigh. "We're damned if we do, and if we don't." "Catch-22." "More like a Catch-44, if you ask me." "No jokes, please -- it was our sense of humor that created this mess." "Sorry. Oh, look! A plot hole!" "How...convenient. Wait...that's not a plot *hole,* that's a plot *chasm!*" "Heck, it's a plot *singularity!* A plot Vanishing Point!" "Deeper than the national debt, and twice as fugly." "Oh, that's a good one." "Thank you. Hang on, here we go..." SSSSSLLLLLUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRP!!!!!!!!! "Ohhhhhh Booooooyyyyyyyyyyyyy...." > Roland appeared in a room filled with high-tech wonders. /All >_right!_ Now we're getting somewhere--/ He got a better look around >and whistled. /Look at all the TOYS! With this stuff, we should be >able to find the twins in no time! That's a Cosmic Converter over >there, and I can see a Hyper-Monitor to my right, and behind me >is.../ he craned his neck to look over his shoulder. /Hm. that's a >Negative Zone portal./ Roland paused. > A moment later, he realized that he hadn't turned his body, but he >was looking directly over his back. His head had turned 180 degrees. >/A Negative Zone portal?/ He turned his head again, to where he >sensed his beloved -- for a total of 270 degrees -- and saw a >gorgeous blonde with a 60s hairdo and a bright blue jumpsuit. There >was a black "4" in a white circle right in the center of her chest. In another section of the cavernous lab, a young man in sectioned techno-looking armor stands beside an overturned five-gallon bucket, and stares around himself in abject horror. "Oh, no. Oh, *Light,* please no..." "Wass'a matter?" inquires a muffled voice from under the bucket, which then jiggles, lift up, and tips off of the young boy who had been wearing it like a Dalek costume. Beside their age difference, the two could be twins. "Look around," groans the older boy. "We're surrounded by *Kirby-Tech.*" The younger boy gets big-eyed. "Uh oh." "Don't touch anything!" the elder snaps desperately. "Don't move -- don't even *breath!* Maybe if we're lucky, our Strange Luck won't interact with the inherent instabilities of this equipment." "Kirby-tech," whimpers the younger. "*Why* did it have to be Kirby-Tech?" >/"Where have you landed us _this_ time, 'Reed?'"/ Morgan >Storm-Richards asked pointedly. "So...who are we this time?" the younder boy inquired. None of the machines around them had blown up yet, or started emitting strange exotic energies, or grown fangs and jumped them... but he needed *something* to keep his mind off the fact that they were, in effect, standing in a minefield. "Well...blond, blue eyes...Kirby-Tech... *You* look like a young Franklin Richards." "And *you* look like an 18yo version, give or take..." "Well, that settles it. Two Rogers, two Franklins. Having two simulataneous Franklins is something this universe is probably used to. Bets that Mom and Dad got "leaped" into Reed and Sue?" "Nu-uh. No bet. But then who's Valeria?" Elder Franklin looks thoughtful. "Well, if *that* was going to happen, I'd say that Liam should be here solo as little Franklin, and Rachel would get squeezed into Valeria's slot under the 'closest fit' rule. If *we're* here as two Franklins, then the twins probably *aren't* here, unless we've fallen into some kind of Elseworld." Little Franklin looks around. "Sooo... are we in the comic, or the cartoon?" "Good question. The cartoon was a little weak to hang an entire universe on, but it could probably draw on the comic for background fill. If we see H.E.R.B.I.E., we'll know." > The entire world shuddered as a voice echoed throughout the globe. >"RICHARDS--grr--DEFENDERRRR!!!!!" > /"Fascinating. We appear to be in the 60s Hanna-Barbera version of >the Fantastic Four. If I'm not mistaken, that was Doctor Doom, nee >Destroyer, using Doom's Terra-Echo Transmitter to display his >frustration."/ He paused. /FASCINATING?!? eep! It's going to be one >of those days.../ Little Franklin latches onto Big Franklin's leg like a limpet mine. "Great, Destroyer as Doom. Why us?" >/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. Both Franklins suddenly sneeze violently... TBC. (:) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:22:53 -0700 Rio Lancer Said As CAoL Message # 00010942 >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:03:48 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010941 > >>In a message dated 8/27/02 11:50:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >>rolandx writes: > > OOC: Morgan, feel free to retcon Rio's dialogue here if you think >of something more "in-character" for her -- I normally wouldn't >presume to put words in her mouth, but I need something for the >Angsty Pair to react to. OOC: No prob, I think you've done a good job with her. ;-) > "Thank you. Hang on, here we go..." > SSSSSLLLLLUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRP!!!!!!!!! > "Ohhhhhh Booooooyyyyyyyyyyyyy...." Having NO desire to remain in the SouthPark universe alone (or at _all_ for that matter), and still feeling something of a responsibility to keep Roger from injuring himself beyond his ability to regenerate, Rio makes a quick dive for the plot hole. > "Well...blond, blue eyes...Kirby-Tech... *You* look like a young >Franklin Richards." > "And *you* look like an 18yo version, give or take..." > "Well, that settles it. Two Rogers, two Franklins. Having two >simulataneous Franklins is something this universe is probably used >to. Bets that Mom and Dad got "leaped" into Reed and Sue?" > "Nu-uh. No bet. But then who's Valeria?" "Not me." The Franklins turn to see Rio. Not Rio-in-a-60's-body, just Rio. Yeah, her clothes has a 60's feel, but that's because it was retro to begin with ;-). "Besides, I don't think Valeria's ever been in the cartoons." > Little Franklin latches onto Big Franklin's leg like a limpet >mine. > "Great, Destroyer as Doom. Why us?" "Do you _really_ want an answer to that question?" Rio quipped, if a bit nervous at the prospect of her home-universe's Destroyer combined with one of the great evil geniuses of the Marvel universe. >>/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >>reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. > > Both Franklins suddenly sneeze violently... > > TBC. (:) OOC: Morgan will respond from her own address :-). ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 18:18:54 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010943 In the Johnny Quest universe, in Miami, Mike was just finishing up a shower. He'd been so covered in salt and the smell of wetsuit that he'd decided to postpone his departure just long enough to get cleaned up, take the medicine the EMH had given him, and try a bit of (failed) meditation to clear his head. Tired muscles unknotted as he stood under the running water, and his eyes closed momentarily. In his ears, there was a sudden roar and he started awake, having apparently started to fall asleep in the shower. [Wait a minute,] Mike thought, [This isn't the shower I was in a second ago.] Opening the door, Mike absently grabbed the towel on the rack, looking around the strange bathroom. Wrapping it around his waist, he walked out into a bedroom. As he crossed the room, an orange blur caught the corner of his eye. Turning, Mike found himself looking in a mirror, but the reflection wasn't his. It was orange, rocky, hairless, at least three or four times as large as he ought to be, and wrapped in a bathtowel that was valiantly trying to stretch to accomodate a waistline several inches too large for even the oversized rectangle of cloth. "OH FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!" He'd heard about this from Tink, who tended to venture far afield in the tooniverse. The only way out was to find a plothole and let it undo things. But he wasn't about to go wandering around what must be New York in 'his' birthday suit. And of course, trying to explain this to the real Fantastic Four was going to be a pain in the butt. >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:03:48 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010941 > >>In a message dated 8/27/02 11:50:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >> >> A moment later, he realized that he hadn't turned his body, but >>he was looking directly over his back. His head had turned 180 >>degrees. /A Negative Zone portal?/ He turned his head again, to >>where he sensed his beloved -- for a total of 270 degrees -- and saw >>a gorgeous blonde with a 60s hairdo and a bright blue jumpsuit. >>There was a black "4" in a white circle right in the center of her >>chest. Mike Grimm began rummaging around in 'his' closet. [No way am I running around in glorified skivvies, he's gotta have something more 'me' in here...] >>/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >>reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. > > Both Franklins suddenly sneeze violently... Mike Grimm finally made his way into the lab, having donned Ben't trenchcoat, hat, an oversized black tanktop, pants and boots. Catching the sound of a sneeze, he shoved a whole section of machinary aside to reveal both versions of Roger Richards. /"I take it from the looks on yer mugs--faces-- youse weren't supposed ta be here, either."/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Collateral Damage Girls On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 17:18:32 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010944 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010930 > >The 60s cartoon Marvel-verse. > > "BEHOLD, child! You have roused supreme Galactus himself!" the >Devourer boomed, and the substance of subspace itself shook with his >might. ^My most humble apologies,^ he added to Aurora, ^for this >inhospitable welcome. It is rare indeed that I meet an equal in my >travels. But this nanoscopic nuisance must be dealt with.^ ^No problem. I appologize for the damage. I'll repair it for you in a moment.^ Aurora answers. > "Hey, _I_ don't need a summer job or anything. My DA-ddy has all >the money I neeEEEEE!" Princess screamed as Galactus slowly pointed a >device that looked like a gun the size of the Townsville Needle at >her. "Watch it! I've got SUPER-powers!" As Galactus' beam shot at >her, she countered with her own enhanced might. The two beams >met...and stopped. "HA!" Princess gloated. > Galactus looked unconcerned. "Three...two...one..." > And guess what wore off at that exact moment? Scanning Galactus quickly, Aurora realizes that THIS Galactus still has a need to feed on living worlds. ^"Galactus, I believe I have something that you might like to have."^ She says. With that, she spreads her hands apart, and a translucent ball of force appears between them. In a moment, an item shimmers into being in the ball. As soon and the item is fully manifest, the ball of force vanishes, and a small (for Galactus or Aurora at her current material size) device is left floating before her. She grabs the object (the relative size of a basketball) and offers it to Galactus. ^"This object is similar to your converter, however this works on stars. It is capable of converting ANY star into the energies that you must feed on to survive. I offer it to you with my blessings and but one condition.... that you swear that you will NEVER use it on a star that you know, or suspect, harbors sentient life."^ She says. ^"I am seeking the children of some friends. Twins, still toddlers, with a drive to be super heros. They managed to enter the Tooniveres, in spite of their parents best efforts to prevent such excursions. If you encounter them, PLEASE notify me. Here is a description of them {} (OOC: includes stuff about the kids down to the subquantum energy levels). And PLEASE don't let them get hurt. Those children have the blessing of The Stardragon itself. Anything that manages to hurt or, Creator forbid, kill one or both of those children will quickly find him/her/it self facing The Stardragon in Its fullest rage. "^ Aurora says as she applies a force to smooth out the dimples that she and Princess made in Galactus' home/ship Sensing a disturbance in the Townsville Tooniverse, she tells Galactus, ^"I must continue the search for the children. Fare-you-well."^ Then she slips into the "void" between universes, to emerge in another Marvel universe. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 19:22:54 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010945 >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 18:18:54 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010943 > >>On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:03:48 EDT >>SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010941 >>> >>>/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >>>reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. >> >> Both Franklins suddenly sneeze violently... > >Mike Grimm finally made his way into the lab, having donned Ben't >trenchcoat, hat, an oversized black tanktop, pants and boots. >Catching the sound of a sneeze, he shoved a whole section of >machinary aside to reveal both versions of Roger Richards. > >/"I take it from the looks on yer mugs--faces-- youse weren't >supposed ta be here, either."/ Morgan turns Sue's head to look at the new arrivals. /"Mike?"/ she asks, looking at the Thing. /"Roger?"/ she queries again, looking at Franklin...and Franklin. "At least I know that's you, Rio," she adds to the young mage. "At least, I assume it is. Ro...Ree...," she sighs in exasperation and crosses her arms. "Either you or the tooniverse has some explaining to do." Dr. Roland Richards stretches an arm over to a shelf full of Kirby-meters and picks up what looked like a Tricorder designed by Jack Kirby. He presses a few buttons. It beeps several times, the Kirby-tubing glowing as the display flashes. /"Interesting."/ [Dr. Richards, I think we should try to expedite matters here,] Roland thinks. [I understand your concern, Mr. Phoenix. Such matters require detailed investigation, however,] Reed replies. [Hmm...perhaps a full pattern merger for the duration?] Roland suggests. Reed considers this for a moment. [Given the circumstances, such an alliance might not be amiss.] Roland sighs mentally. [I take it that's a yes...] A brief glow appears around Mr. Fantastic. /"Ah. Better, we think. Apparently, our dimension's basic structure has created a specific psycho-cosmic polarity that is causing a partial merging of beings from another dimension, which the visiting half of me-slash-us knows as Earth-9. Certain beings from that reality, who are more or less compatible with certain beings from this reality and environs, are merging and/or being merged into singular entities, with the sum total of the amalgamated minds' knowledge, but an apparent lack of access to the visiting person's physical abilities."/ /"In English, for people with IQs _under_ 200?"/ Morgan-Sue comments dryly. 'Reed' winks. /"You're stepping on Ben's line, darling."/ /"There's a _technomage_ in _Ben's_ head, dear,"/ 'Sue' retorts. 'Reed' bows. /"Point taken, love. The short version is, the tooniverse decided it liked amalgamating core CAoL members with the Fantastic Four, and has involved at least one related character -- the current, unlamented Destroyer, in the latter case."/ Morgan-Sue looks at the Franklins. /"What about him? Them? The Richards in these uniforms we barely married, let alone had their son yet./" She pauses. /"No wait, don't tell me. Roger was split and even the Tooniverse couldn't combine him, so it did the next best thing and made him our son, from the future, in two bodies...gee this sounds familiar.../" Reed nods, restoring his neck to a 'normal' length. /"My hypothesis exactly. Drawn from nearby worlds, or 'environs' as I put it, the Franklin Richards concept was applied for its appropriateness...and, given the Tooniverse, because it was funny. Now, for the _other_ children."/ /"What about me?"/ Rio asks, looking down at her own body. Other than being stiffly animated in the 60s style, it is unchanged. /"I suspect that the situation does not require any amalgamations other than the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom,"/ Mr. Exposition replies. /"Though such a result is entirely possible, particularly if a visitor has some compatibility with a denizen of this universe, your presence as yourself is clearly empirical evidence that visitors can, in the vernacular, 'be themselves.'"/ Morgan-Sue considers this. /"Then, if it's the core CAoL and the core FF, where's John..."/ her voice trails off as she realizes who in the CAoL is most likely to show up in her host's _brother_'s body. /"O'boy."/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 17:24:02 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010946 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010940 > >The entire world shuddered as a voice echoed throughout the globe. >"RICHARDS--grr--DEFENDERRRR!!!!!" > /"Fascinating. We appear to be in the 60s Hanna-Barbera version of >the Fantastic Four. If I'm not mistaken, that was Doctor Doom, nee >Destroyer, using Doom's Terra-Echo Transmitter to display his >frustration."/ He paused. /FASCINATING?!? eep! It's going to be one >of those days.../ > >/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. Ariving just as Destroyer/Doom anounces his arival. Aurora quickly scans the Earth for members of the CAoL. /*"I have just checked another version of this particular Universe. No children. Sorry! I have asked the local Galactus to keep an eye out for them though."*/ Aurora reports. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups (Long)(sorry) On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:04:20 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010947 >On Tue, 27 Aug 2K2 Roland X Said (and the rain in spain falls mainly on the plain... ) Oy! Who's the bloke doin' the Spainsh Weather Reports!? P.S.: You're forgiven, sib! > Narrator: Meanwhile, back in Townsville, a criss-cross crisis had >come crashing to a climax! That's easy for _him_ to say! >>Dhyrclhanc Said >>>Roland X Said >>>>Dhyrclhanc Said >>>>>Roland X Said >>>>>>Dhyrclhanc Said >>>> >>>>Then time seemed to run in reverse as the mass of dust >>>>and soot and ash imploded back on itself revealing the >>>>still-untouched, several-hundred-story-tall Kaiju- >>>>Dhyrclhanc, shining like a hunter's-moon. >>> >>> Buttercup paused just before giving everyone's favorite >>>Sentinel-Lensdragon the ultimate headache. Her enhanced vision >>>powers allowed her to watch the reverse-explosion. "Cool! That was >>>better than the 'sand wall' thing from The Mummy!" >> >>*/You mean the Professor lets you watch those kinds of movies?/* > > Buttercup's eyes go wide(er). "Er, uh, ah -- hey, look, the glow's >goin' away!" >>*/Personally, _I'd_ rather you didn't, and I'm wearing the >>"flashlight" as you call it because I'm a Green Lantern. Don't you >>watch that new "Justice League" cartoon?/* > > Buttercup grinned. "Yeah! Green Lantern ROCKS!" She frowned again. >"But his ring doesn't look like _that._ His is a circle in a circle >with a couple of lines, not a giant flashlight from, like, the >Triassic Age. And they wear matching uniforms, and sure, there's >cool-lookin' weird aliens who're Green Lanterns, but they get >uniforms too." */Yes, but in this body I'd look silly dressed like this... {image of his Kaiju-ed out body wearing an "Animated Series"-style GL uniform, only with calf-height boots and forearm-length gloves that actually cover the "hands" and an Alan Scott-style lantern in the circle over his chest rather than the stylized "two-triangles and a hollow circle" lantern of the John Stewart and Kyle Rayner GL uniform. And an "AS" Kyle Rayner GL uniform's mask and a green "Doctor Strange"-style cape is added on for effect.} ... and before you ask, my costume is different because I work for a different 'section' of the Green Lantern Corps than John Stewart did... er... I mean does./* >>> Bubbles floated up last, regarding the Gogira-ed-out Lensdragon >>>with a little trepidation. "Um, thanks for helping save the day, >>>Mr. Big Scary Dragon Lizard Samurai-Jack Person," she said in a >>>superhumanly cute voice. >> >>*/You're welcome, Bubbles, but my name is Duh-ghlcranz... ah Tiamat, >>I can't say it. Hold on a second./* > > OOC: ROFL! Glad you apprictaed it! >>But it was weird enough that he's dressed in a pair of urban-camo >>pants, a black spandex jacket, a psychadelic paisely-print neru >>jacket and a gold-colored turtle-neck shirt but Dhyrclhanc, himself, >>appeared to have more in common with Phil Foglio's plush "Winslow" >>than he does to his normal "T'Skrang" form. Also he had on a >>head-band and a long-hair wig that looked like it came straight from >>Woodstock (No, _not_ Snoopy's friend). >> >>All of which left Buttercup still floating several hundred stories >>up in the air. > > Which she can manage with ease, of course, even with the >power-down the PPGs are currently experiencing. Even "normal," they >can "only" juggle battleships and 747s. And appearently fly at relativistic speeds to travel through time but even *that's* only when they're pushing it. But point taken. >>Dhyrclhanc looked-up and took both the wig and the head-band off of >>his head and then looked skywards. > "Holey Moley!" Bubbles blurted (as soon as Tink was free of her). > > Buttercup threw a peanut at the back of her head (making her a >Peanut Buttercup ;^). Boo! Hiss! Get 'im offa da stage! >/"Well, at least I don't have to worry about _Sue's_ kids in this >reality,"/ Morgan-Sue commented dryly. Which brings us to the question that I've been wanting to ask. Dave, is it Dead Meat who gets QLed into the "Tattletale" Franklin and Mudd who gets dumped into "Psi-Lord's" cranium or visa versa? At which point, Johnny, Sue's brother and Reed's brother-in-law, aka "The Human Torch" strides into the room, his face lit up with glee. "Sue, Reed, you'll never guess what just happened to Ben... Glbribtrix..." Johnny's eyes cross and he gets a weird look on his face as if all the muscles were suddenly relaxed and then he appears to snap-back to normal and he begins to speak with a slightly deeper voice. "Reed, Sue, nice to see you again." he says as he restarts walking towards them. "say why are you guys back in those old suits, did the Unstable Molecule Fabric Fabricator break down again?" He continues in this manner, until he walks by a rather large piece of Kirby-tech with a shiny metal surface, whereupon he does a double-take and then face-palms. "That's you over there, isn't it sibs? What am I doing in Johnny Storm's body, Why are these bodies wearing FF uniforms that are over 40-years out of date? Why do I feel like I just went 10 rounds with Joyboy of the Technet? And why do I feel like yelling 'Flame On'! ?" Where-upon he burst into flames and rose several feet in the air. This, or course, would've been alright but this, not so uncoincidentally, was the moment that Baxter Building's fire suppression system decided to come on, which ended up in a soaking wet, and dowsed, "Half-Dragon/Half-Human Torch." "There's just gotta be a way around _that_ weakness." Dhyrlchanc muttered to himself, then yelled out. "Costume Change." and then ran off to the right side of the frame and then back on and was now wearing an '80's style, dry, black/navy blue and white FF uniform. "Much better. No, no, don't tell me," he added waggling a raised index finger at his troth-siblings, "let me guess. That was either President Eisenhower or Doctor Doom on the horn and it's time for us to save the world from a despotic evil mastermind, again." "Gee," he pondered finally, I wonder where the Thing is..." Tag, Mike, you're it... heeheeheeheeheeheeheeheehee! ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 21:12:40 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010948 >On Tue, 27 Aug 2002, Roland X wrote: > > /"Thanks for the pick-me-up, Tink, Bubbles. Allow me to return the >favor."/ Reaching out to his right, where there was nothing in >particular, he gestured with a grasping and pulling-open motion, and >managed to widen a plot hole to the point where the Callahanians >could pass through it one at a time (now that Aku-zilla was >Winslance). /"Plenty of plot holes to go around, I'm afraid."/ With a >wink to the others, Roland started to step through the hole...and was >sucked in by tremendous force. Morgan was pulled out of Blossom and >Dhyrclhanc soon followed (OOC: along with anyone else who wants to >make the trip ;^). The hole vanished. Rob, meanwhile, was still standing on the rock that was keeping Fuzzy Lumpkin in check, when the universe disappeared out from under him. After a brief jaunt through inter-Tooniversal space, he was dumped out in what he would have sworn was -outer- space. Except for the part about being able to breathe. After panicking for a few moments, he relaxed, and moved on to the next question: /Does anybody know in the Tooniverse where I am?/ In the Baxter building, a display began reporting: "Unknown entity has appeared within range of the Distortion Area. Negative Zone access is blocked until entity is identified." (Thanks to www.ffplaza.com for their article on the Negative Zone) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 08:42:33 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010949 >In a message dated 8/28/02 6:21:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >technomagetimelord writes: > >Mike Grimm finally made his way into the lab, having donned Ben't >trenchcoat, hat, an oversized black tanktop, pants and boots. >Catching the sound of a sneeze, he shoved a whole section of >machinary aside to reveal both versions of Roger Richards. > >/"I take it from the looks on yer mugs--faces-- youse weren't >supposed ta be here, either."/ The Roger-Franklins look nonplussed. "Uncle Ben -- er...Uncle *Mike*? That's a new look for you..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups (Long)(sorry) On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 15:44:28 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010950 >On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 08:42:33 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010949 > > The Roger-Franklins look nonplussed. "Uncle Ben -- er...Uncle >*Mike*? That's a new look for you..." Mike Grimm smirks. /"You got it, kid."/ And... >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 19:22:54 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010945 > >Morgan turns Sue's head to look at the new arrivals. /"Mike?"/ she >asks, looking at the Thing. /"Roger?"/ she queries again, looking at >Franklin...and Franklin. "At least I know that's you, Rio," she adds >to the young mage. "At least, I assume it is. Ro...Ree...," she sighs >in exasperation and crosses her arms. "Either you or the tooniverse >has some explaining to do." Mike nods, /"Hiya Morgan."/ > A brief glow appears around Mr. Fantastic. /"Ah. Better, we think. >Apparently, our dimension's basic structure has created a specific >psycho-cosmic polarity that is causing a partial merging of beings >from another dimension, which the visiting half of me-slash-us knows >as Earth-9. Certain beings from that reality, who are more or less >compatible with certain beings from this reality and environs, are >merging and/or being merged into singular entities, with the sum >total of the amalgamated minds' knowledge, but an apparent lack of >access to the visiting person's physical abilities."/ [What'd he say?] [Short version, my friends here and I travel between universes. When we came here, we got seperated from our bodies and were shoved into yours. I think I know a way out, but it sounds like an old enemy of my two friends in Reed and Sue's bodies has taken over Doctor Doom, so we'll have to get him out at the same time we're getting ourselves out.] [What about the kids?] [Well, I hate to spoil the surprise, but if Sue and Reed have a kid, that's what he'll look like.at about seven and seventeen or so. My friends' kid, who can split himself in two, is in each of them.] ['nd the girl?] [She lucked out, got to keep her own body.] >/"In English, for people with IQs _under_ 200?"/ Morgan-Sue comments >dryly. > > 'Reed' winks. /"You're stepping on Ben's line, darling."/ > >/"There's a _technomage_ in _Ben's_ head, dear,"/ 'Sue' retorts. Mike Grimm bows semi-gracefully. > 'Reed' bows. /"Point taken, love. The short version is, the >tooniverse decided it liked amalgamating core CAoL members with the >Fantastic Four, and has involved at least one related character >the current, unlamented Destroyer, in the latter case."/ [What's that bit about the two-knee-verse decidin' stuff?] [It's a bit complicated. Ever seen those cartoons where the cartoon character comes alive on the artist's drawing board? We're the characters and there's something all-powerful out there that acts like the artist. And he's got a cartoon-style sense of humor, and probably finds this very funny.] [Well, I ain't laughin'.] [Me either, which is why Reed and my friend Roland there think we got stuck together.] >Morgan-Sue considers this. /"Then, if it's the core CAoL and the core >FF, where's John..."/ her voice trails off as she realizes who in the >CAoL is most likely to show up in her host's _brother_'s body. >/"O'boy."/ [Whassamadda?] [Watch... Even money says a buddy of ours is gonna land in Sue's brother's body.] Then... >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:04:20 -0500 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010947 >>On Tue, 27 Aug 2K2 Roland X Said > >"There's just gotta be a way around _that_ weakness." Dhyrlchanc >muttered to himself, then yelled out. "Costume Change." and then ran >off to the right side of the frame and then back on and was now >wearing an '80's style, dry, black/navy blue and white FF uniform. > >"Much better. No, no, don't tell me," he added waggling a raised >index finger at his troth-siblings, "let me guess. That was either >President Eisenhower or Doctor Doom on the horn and it's time for us >to save the world from a despotic evil mastermind, again." > >"Gee," he pondered finally, I wonder where the Thing is..." Mike Grimm, standing behind the Human-Dragon-Torch, takes the hat off his head and roughly shoves it onto Johnny's, covering the latter's eyes. /"Right behind ya, motormouth. At least we're all up ta speed here, let's go clobber Doom'n'Destroyer 'n' get the heck outta Dodge."/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 15:50:50 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010951 >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 21:12:40 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010948 > >>On Tue, 27 Aug 2002, Roland X wrote: >> >> /"Thanks for the pick-me-up, Tink, Bubbles. Allow me to return >>the favor."/ Reaching out to his right, where there was nothing in >>particular, he gestured with a grasping and pulling-open motion, and >>managed to widen a plot hole to the point where the Callahanians >>could pass through it one at a time (now that Aku-zilla was >>Winslance). /"Plenty of plot holes to go around, I'm afraid."/ With >>a wink to the others, Roland started to step through the hole...and >>was sucked in by tremendous force. Morgan was pulled out of Blossom >>and Dhyrclhanc soon followed (OOC: along with anyone else who wants >>to make the trip ;^). The hole vanished. Tink was yanked out immediately, before Roland even neared his portal. /Thanks, Uncle Roland! ... Oh great, my body's asleepzzzzzzz.../ >Rob, meanwhile, was still standing on the rock that was keeping Fuzzy >Lumpkin in check, when the universe disappeared out from under him. >After a brief jaunt through inter-Tooniversal space, he was dumped >out in what he would have sworn was -outer- space. > >Except for the part about being able to breathe. After panicking for >a few moments, he relaxed, and moved on to the next question: /Does >anybody know in the Tooniverse where I am?/ > >In the Baxter building, a display began reporting: "Unknown entity >has appeared within range of the Distortion Area. Negative Zone >access is blocked until entity is identified." Mike Grimm paused after the explanations and looked over at the Negative Zone portal. /"Someone's at the door,"/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 18:57:17 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010952 >In a message dated 8/28/02 10:38:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >ljwolfe writes: > >Morgan turns Sue's head to look at the new arrivals. /"Mike?"/ she >asks, looking at the Thing. /"Roger?"/ she queries again, looking at >Franklin...and Franklin. "At least I know that's you, Rio," she adds >to the young mage. "At least, I assume it is. Ro...Ree...," she sighs >in exasperation and crosses her arms. "Either you or the tooniverse >has some explaining to do." "Luuuucyyyy," singsong the Rogers sotto voce, "you got some 'splainin' to dooo..." > A brief glow appears around Mr. Fantastic. /"Ah. Better, we think. >Apparently, our dimension's basic structure has created a specific >psycho-cosmic polarity that is causing a partial merging of beings >from another dimension, which the visiting half of me-slash-us knows >as Earth-9. Certain beings from that reality, who are more or less >compatible with certain beings from this reality and environs, are >merging and/or being merged into singular entities, with the sum >total of the amalgamated minds' knowledge, but an apparent lack of >access to the visiting person's physical abilities."/ "That's what we thought," the Rogers deadpan. > 'Reed' bows. /"Point taken, love. The short version is, the >tooniverse decided it liked amalgamating core CAoL members with the >Fantastic Four, and has involved at least one related character >the current, unlamented Destroyer, in the latter case."/ "Well, *those* two mega-egos shouldn't be able to get along too well," the elder Richards/Gerywolf-Phoenix boy comments. "Yeah!" pipes up his younger counterpart. "Let's hope they give each other a Really Big Headache!" The elder boy glances down, slightly askance, at the younger, but doesn't say anything. A small furrow appears between his eyebrows, however. >Morgan-Sue looks at the Franklins. /"What about him? Them? The >Richards in these uniforms we barely married, let alone had their son >yet./" She pauses. /"No wait, don't tell me. Roger was split and even >the Tooniverse couldn't combine him, so it did the next best thing >and made him our son, from the future, in two bodies...gee this >sounds familiar.../" "Really?" the older Roger inquires, all innocence. "*I* don't recall ever hearing of such a thing..." The younger Franklin frowns up at him, unconsciously hugging a plushy doll of The Thing that he didn't have a moment ago. > Reed nods, restoring his neck to a 'normal' length. /"My >hypothesis exactly. Drawn from nearby worlds, or 'environs' as I put >it, the Franklin Richards concept was applied for its >appropriateness...and, given the Tooniverse, because it was funny. >Now, for the _other_ children."/ Little Franklin gnaws on his lower lip. "The Power Pack kids?" Elder Roger shakes his head. "Worth checking out, but none of them are twins. Just how many sets of twins do we know about in this universe?" The boys fall into identical expressions of deep thought for a moment before going pale simultaneously. "Fenris!" "Nah," the older Roger adds, just a bit shakily. "Even for the Tooniverse, *that* wouldn't be funny. Besides, they tangle with the X-Men usually, not the FF." "Whew. But I don't know any other twins." "Well...I guess we'll just have to wait for the explosions and screaming to start." Behind them, a large convoluted Kirby Machine begins to glow ominously... >Morgan-Sue considers this. /"Then, if it's the core CAoL and the core >FF, where's John..."/ her voice trails off as she realizes who in the >CAoL is most likely to show up in her host's _brother_'s body. >/"O'boy."/ "Well, *they* should get along like soup and nuts..." " Yeah! Uncle Johnny-Lance! And his Nove Lantern attack! " "Kid, you're making me nervous." "Oh yeah? Well, *little* Franklin hasn't gone all sad and gloomy-gus and forgotten how to laughl, like *you* two have!" The younger Franklin pouts and kicks his elder counterpart lightly in the ankle. The target of his irritation flinches slightly. [Is he right? Have I...we...really gotten that bad?] A strange overlapping stream of images pour across "his" inner vision -- Sentinels and HIT-Marks, lost twins and a kidnapped Franklin, concentrations camps, dying, living, loving, losing... "Errgh," he comments, clutching his head and glaring down at his younger counterpart. "Great. Now *I've* got a headache. Thanks *loads,* runt." The "runt" just turns his back with a "Hmph!" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 18:57:21 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010953 >In a message dated 8/28/02 10:38:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >ljwolfe writes: > >/"What about me?"/ Rio asks, looking down at her own body. Other than >being stiffly animated in the 60s style, it is unchanged. "Hubba..." Comments the older Roger. "...Hubba," finishes the younger. The older frowns down at him. "Give it up -- you're too young for her." The younger Franklin sticks out his tongue. "Oh, yeah? Maybe she *likes* younger men." Trying to strike a sauve pose (rather ruined by the Thing plushy doll he's still holding), he gives Rio his cutest smile. "So, how 'bout it, babe?" His pose falls apart as the elder Roger falls over laughing hysterically, and the Younger begins kicking him in the ribs. OOC: No, Roger isn't trying to corrupt Frankie, but there are some inevitable conflicts between a 375+yo mind and an 8yo one. But as time passes, the younger R/F is getting more childish and Franklin-like, while the elder R/F is actually getting along moderately well internally. Right now, little Franklin is more likely to curl up in Rio's lap and fall asleep than anything else. He may still *talk* a good game, but his heart (not to mention the rest of his body) isn't in it. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups (Long)(sorry) On Sat, 31 Aug 2002 18:43:53 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010954 >In a message dated 8/29/02 3:51:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >technomagetimelord writes: > >Mike Grimm, standing behind the Human-Dragon-Torch, takes the hat off >his head and roughly shoves it onto Johnny's, covering the latter's >eyes. > >/"Right behind ya, motormouth. At least we're all up ta speed here, >let's go clobber Doom'n'Destroyer 'n' get the heck outta Dodge."/ Elder Roger looks at Younger Franklin. "Well, we called *that* one..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Sun, 1 Sep 2002 16:03:39 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010955 >Back on Wed, 28 Aug 2K2, Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said > >Mike Grimm, standing behind the Human-Dragon-Torch, takes the hat off >his head and roughly shoves it onto Johnny's, covering the latter's >eyes. > >/"Right behind ya, motormouth. At least we're all up ta speed here, >let's go clobber Doom'n'Destroyer 'n' get the heck outta Dodge."/ Then... >On Thu, 29 Aug 2K2 "Mike Knight" Said >>"Rob Nishakawa" Said >> >>After a brief jaunt through inter-Tooniversal space, he was dumped >>out in what he would have sworn was -outer- space. >> >>Except for the part about being able to breathe. After panicking for >>a few moments, he relaxed, and moved on to the next question: /Does >>anybody know in the Tooniverse where I am?/ >> >>In the Baxter building, a display began reporting: "Unknown entity >>has appeared within range of the Distortion Area. Negative Zone >>access is blocked until entity is identified." > >Mike Grimm paused after the explanations and looked over at the >Negative Zone portal. /"Someone's at the door,"/ "Dhonny" struggles for several minutes to pry the hat off of head, seeing how John L. Storm can only lift a little less than 1/2 ton lbs on a good day while Benjamin J. Grimm can easily bench press 80 tons. Once he get if off his head, "Johnny" stares daggers at "Ben" and sends, /Hamming it up a bit much, ain't you Mikey?/ then raised two fingers and continues, vocally, "Two questions. Annihilus or Blastaar?" then he turns towards "Reed". "Bro, do know where they keep Johnny's 'Atmo-Web'. I figure that it'll allow be to sustain 'my' flame powers in a vacuum, at least temporarily, it may give me some protection against getting my flame extinguished in a normal environment. 'Sides, I've got a bone to pick with that -- if you'll excuse the expression -- South American Banana Republic Dictator and I figure we could use all the help we can get." Then he looks back at the Negative Zone Portal, seemingly studying it intently and a wall of flames appears in front of the entry/exit door. "Whoever that is, that should at least slow them down a bit." Then he looks back at "Ben". " 'Press the button, Max' ", and the wry smile returns to "Johnny's" face. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Mon, 02 Sep 2002 23:07:27 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010956 >On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 15:44:28 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010950 > >>On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:04:20 -0500 >>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010947 >> >>"There's just gotta be a way around _that_ weakness." Dhyrlchanc >>muttered to himself, then yelled out. "Costume Change." and then ran >>off to the right side of the frame and then back on and was now >>wearing an '80's style, dry, black/navy blue and white FF uniform. R.R. Richards winces. /"Why do I hear thousands of continuity-obsessed fanboys crying out in agony?"/ /"Because we're all standing here in the 60s outfits and he just changed into the 80s one?"/ Morgan-Sue replies dryly. /"_Was_ there even an 80s cartoon version?"/ /"Not to my knowledge,"/ 'R.R.' comments. /"It is an odd sensation to have this external knowledge of ourselves coming from within, given its seemingly fictional origins,"/ he adds, apparently favoring his Reed side for a moment. >Mike Grimm, standing behind the Human-Dragon-Torch, takes the hat off >his head and roughly shoves it onto Johnny's, covering the latter's >eyes. > >/"Right behind ya, motormouth. At least we're all up ta speed here, >let's go clobber Doom'n'Destroyer 'n' get the heck outta Dodge."/ /"Now _that_ sounds familiar."/ R.R. nods to himself and stretches an arm to the Fantasti-Car. /"All that remains is to discover whether we must seek out Doom, or if his insidious plot will come to us."/ Then cheating a little... >On Wed, 28 Aug 2002 21:12:40 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010948 > >Except for the part about being able to breathe. After panicking for >a few moments, he relaxed, and moved on to the next question: /Does >anybody know in the Tooniverse where I am?/ R.R. retracts his hand. /"Fascinating."/ >In the Baxter building, a display began reporting: "Unknown entity >has appeared within range of the Distortion Area. Negative Zone >access is blocked until entity is identified." /"Computer. Unlock--"/ R.R. begins. THEN... >On Sun, 1 Sep 2002 16:03:39 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010955 > >"Bro, do know where they keep Johnny's 'Atmo-Web'. I figure that >it'll allow be to sustain 'my' flame powers in a vacuum, at least >temporarily, it may give me some protection against getting my flame >extinguished in a normal environment. 'Sides, I've got a bone to pick >with that -- if you'll excuse the expression -- South American Banana >Republic Dictator and I figure we could use all the help we can get." > >Then he looks back at the Negative Zone Portal, seemingly studying it >intently and a wall of flames appears in front of the entry/exit >door. > >"Whoever that is, that should at least slow them down a bit." Then he >looks back at "Ben". " 'Press the button, Max' ", and the wry smile >returns to "Johnny's" face. R.R. sighs. Heavily. /Turn on your psi-link, sib,/ he sends, as Morgan-Sue just shakes her head. An arm stretches behind the pliant inventor and gathers a large collection of marginally assembled Kirby parts. /"As for the Atmo-Web...this is it. Apparently, I'm still in the process of inventing it in this continuity. Get the door, would you, Ben?"/ he finishes, 'unlocking' the portal with a few pressed keys. And finally... >On Thu, 29 Aug 2002 18:57:17 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010952 > > "Well, *those* two mega-egos shouldn't be able to get along too >well," the elder Richards/Gerywolf-Phoenix boy comments. > "Yeah!" pipes up his younger counterpart. "Let's hope they give >each other a Really Big Headache!" > The elder boy glances down, slightly askance, at the younger, but >doesn't say anything. A small furrow appears between his eyebrows, >however. Elsewhere... [How DARE you refer to me as an "inferior mentality?!?" I will take your abilities and consume your soul!] [Well, the equations in question _were_ incorrect. If you follow the hyperspace mechanics into 10-dimensional mathematics properly, you'll see where you miscalculated. At any rate, you won't be consuming anyone. I have by far the superior will.] [You! A superior will? I am the supreme force on this world by dint of genius and will _alone!_ I can sense for how long you have relied on petty tricks and super powers. Without them, you are NOTHING!] [Of all the ARROGANCE! So like a pathetic fleshbag to believe that you are somehow _superior_ due to your reduced level of evolution! Had I any interest in this absurd reality of yours, I could conquer it in a matter of days! Hours!] [Bah! You dare underestimate forces that could delay _me_ from taking my rightful place as Rex Mundi? My adversary is nearly my equal in intellect, while a mere _boy_ halts your eternal advances.] [Indeed? At least _I_ am not required to hide my self-revulsion behind a _mask_ forged from my own _incompetence._] [WHY YOU--!!!] (Note: Severe headache ensues. ;^) > "Well, *they* should get along like soup and nuts..." > " Yeah! Uncle Johnny-Lance! And his Nove Lantern attack! >" > "Kid, you're making me nervous." > "Oh yeah? Well, *little* Franklin hasn't gone all sad and >gloomy-gus and forgotten how to laughl, like *you* two have!" The >younger Franklin pouts and kicks his elder counterpart lightly in the >ankle. > The target of his irritation flinches slightly. [Is he right? Have >I...we...really gotten that bad?] A strange overlapping stream of >images pour across "his" inner vision -- Sentinels and HIT-Marks, >lost twins and a kidnapped Franklin, concentrations camps, dying, >living, loving, losing... > "Errgh," he comments, clutching his head and glaring down at his >younger counterpart. "Great. Now *I've* got a headache. Thanks >*loads,* runt." > The "runt" just turns his back with a "Hmph!" R.R. looks at the doubled "children" for a long moment. "You two," he says with firm parental finality, "remain _here._ You _four._ Hm. Interesting hyperspatial dilemma..." (cue outraged protests) /"No 'buts,' any of you,"/ R.R. insists. /"The hyperspatial instability around your psycho-cosmic frames simply has too much potential for the Doom-Destroyer super-amalgamation to subvert."/ The two minds briefly disengage somewhat. [Ouch. Reed, that bit of exposition gave _me_ a headache.] [My apologies, Mr. Phoenix. However, in such matters precision is of paramount importance.] [Ah. That explains a lot. You do realize that your precision is often beyond the understanding of those around you?] [Perhaps, but when summarized, the lengthier and more precise explanation remains, and is eventually understood.] Deciding not to pursue the conversation further, the melding reasserts itself. /"Ben, retrieve the spare modules for the Fantasti-Car for our extra guests, please. Johnny, you'd best circumnavigate the city in search of our adversary -- but take no unnecessary risks!"/ /"Yeah, bro, wait for the rest of us,"/ Morgan-Sue adds. R.R. nods. /"Sue, you're with me."/ He steps to a monitor panel with one long stretch and presses a few keys. Immediately, the FF's connection to the Pentagon flickers to life. "Mr. Fantastic! Thank god!" an older man in a sparsely drawn Army uniform, albeit with a great deal of ribbon, appears on screen. "Doctor Doom, General?" the ersatz FFer asks. The general exhales in relief. "Amazing. How do you do it, Richards?" "In this case, a fair amount of serendipity, sir. What can the Fantastic Four do to help?" R.R. asks, his jaw becoming squared enough to use as a straight edge. "That mad dictator is headed straight for New York in a gigantic flying fortress of some kind! And rest assured, Doctor, I don't mean a B-17!" R.R. nods. "We're on our way!" He turns to the rest of the team. "Well, it appears that the two Doctors -- no offense, Michael -- have made their move. All that remains is to make ours. Suggestions?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Tue, 3 Sep 2002 09:07:57 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010957 >On Mon, 02 Sep 2002 23:07:27 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010956 > >>On Sun, 1 Sep 2002 16:03:39 -0500 >>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010955 >> >>"Bro, do know where they keep Johnny's 'Atmo-Web'. I figure that >>it'll allow be to sustain 'my' flame powers in a vacuum, at least >>temporarily, it may give me some protection against getting my flame >>extinguished in a normal environment. 'Sides, I've got a bone to >>pick with that -- if you'll excuse the expression -- South American >>Banana Republic Dictator and I figure we could use all the help we >>can get." >> >>Then he looks back at the Negative Zone Portal, seemingly studying >>it intently and a wall of flames appears in front of the entry/exit >>door. >> >>"Whoever that is, that should at least slow them down a bit." Then >>he looks back at "Ben". " 'Press the button, Max' ", and the wry >>smile returns to "Johnny's" face. > > R.R. sighs. Heavily. /Turn on your psi-link, sib,/ he sends, as >Morgan-Sue just shakes her head. An arm stretches behind the pliant >inventor and gathers a large collection of marginally assembled Kirby >parts. /"As for the Atmo-Web...this is it. Apparently, I'm still in >the process of inventing it in this continuity. Get the door, would >you, Ben?"/ he finishes, 'unlocking' the portal with a few pressed >keys. The Everlovin' Blue-Eyed Time Lord grumbles, /"I'm a doctor, not a doorman,"/ but grabs a fire extinguisher and smothers the flames, then opens the portal to the Negative Zone. > Deciding not to pursue the conversation further, the melding >reasserts itself. /"Ben, retrieve the spare modules for the >Fantasti-Car for our extra guests, please. Johnny, you'd best >circumnavigate the city in search of our adversary -- but take no >unnecessary risks!"/ /"One flyin' bathtub, built fer company, comin' up."/ Mike Grimm says, stomping off into the techno-forest of Kirby. > "That mad dictator is headed straight for New York in a gigantic >flying fortress of some kind! And rest assured, Doctor, I don't mean >a B-17!" > R.R. nods. "We're on our way!" He turns to the rest of the team. >"Well, it appears that the two Doctors -- no offense, Michael -- have >made their move. All that remains is to make ours. Suggestions?" /"None taken,"/ Mike Grimm replies, /"Well, we can meet 'em before they get here, or set up a High Tea on the roof. Personally, I'd rather meet 'em there than here, I don't have time to make them little scones."/ Mike shakes his head roughly, /"Sooner we get this over with, the happier both of us will be, we're startin' ta grow on each other."/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Tue, 3 Sep 2002 15:09:52 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010958 >In a message dated 9/3/02 2:11:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >rolandx writes: > > R.R. looks at the doubled "children" for a long moment. "You two," >he says with firm parental finality, "remain _here._ You _four._ Hm. >Interesting hyperspatial dilemma..." > >(cue outraged protests) OOC: Outraged Protests Away! Running hot, straight, and loud... The Next Generation Brothers unite in a howl of protest. "But, DAAAAAAD!!" > /"No 'buts,' any of you,"/ R.R. insists. /"The hyperspatial >instability around your psycho-cosmic frames simply has too much >potential for the Doom-Destroyer super-amalgamation to subvert."/ "But -- but -- but -- grrr...." The boys trail off looking disgruntled. The younger Franklin sticks his free thumb in his mouth for a moment, before starting guiltily and taking a quick look around to make sure no one saw that (the Elder Roger is examining the ceiling tile, whistling innocently), before toddling over to Uncle BenjaMike and tugging on his pantleg. "Errr...Unc?" he says tenatively. "You sure you don't wanna change into your combat trunks before you go? The last time you got into a fight wearing your civvies, we got sued. And a bunch of offers from magazines that Mom says nice girls don't read." OOC: I mean, come on, let's face it. With the kind of punishment Ben usually gives his wardrobe, the only thing keeping his duds from being completely vaporised is the now-defunct Comics Code... >/"Ben, retrieve the spare modules for the Fantasti-Car for our extra >guests, please. Johnny, you'd best circumnavigate the city in search >of our adversary -- but take no unnecessary risks!"/ Roger, meanwhile, has snagged Franklin for a bit of brotherly powow. ^Hey, run-- er, Frank, you think we can do anything with all this stuff lying around?^ Franklin looks dubious. "I don't think we should. Dads told us not to do anything.^ ^No, they just told us to stay here. C'mon, between our combined knowledge of this lab, plus a couple centuries' experience with Exotic Tech, what could go wrong?^ There is a slight tremor in the building's structure. ^Then again...it can't hurt to be extra-careful, right?^ > "Mr. Fantastic! Thank god!" an older man in a sparsely drawn Army >uniform, albeit with a great deal of ribbon, appears on screen. > "Doctor Doom, General?" the ersatz FFer asks. > The general exhales in relief. "Amazing. How do you do it, >Richards?" "He knows the limits of the script writers' imaginations," Roger mutters sotto voce. > "That mad dictator is headed straight for New York in a gigantic >flying fortress of some kind! And rest assured, Doctor, I don't mean >a B-17!" "How about a B-29? Or a B-52?" Roger inquires helpfully. > R.R. nods. "We're on our way!" He turns to the rest of the team. >"Well, it appears that the two Doctors -- no offense, Michael -- have >made their move. All that remains is to make ours. Suggestions?" Roger raises his hand...and wilts slightly as everyone turns to him and yells "NO!!!" "I wasn't going to suggest *that,*" he says petulantly. "Well, okay, maybe. But my *other* suggestion is, well... just leave the Double Doc alone." "No, I'm serious. Look, *we* here represent Doc Destoyer's *and* Doc Doom's favorite enemies, wrapped up in one bundle like *they* are. The way I figure it, those two have got to be beating each other up pretty good mentally right now. But if *we* show up, I bet they'll be able to unite against us -- they hate us more than they could ever hate each other." "What I'm thinking is... don't give them an enemy they'll *combine* against. Face 'em with something that'll make them fight *each other* more." "But how?" Franklin puts in, gnawing on his thumbnail. "Uh.... I dunno. Telepathic hallucinations, LMDs, holograms, a contest for Most Evil Villain -- heck, whaddya asking *me* for? *Dads* are the big brains here!" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Tue, 03 Sep 2002 15:50:08 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010959 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010956 > > "That mad dictator is headed straight for New York in a gigantic >flying fortress of some kind! And rest assured, Doctor, I don't mean >a B-17!" > R.R. nods. "We're on our way!" He turns to the rest of the team. >"Well, it appears that the two Doctors -- no offense, Michael -- have >made their move. All that remains is to make ours. Suggestions?" /*"Roland, I sense a largish construction approaching your position from approximately an easterly direction. I am detecting a significant amount of armament on it. Would you like me to interdict the city to prevent collateral damage?"*/ Aurora asks. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Tue, 03 Sep 2002 15:57:56 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010960 >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010958 > > "What I'm thinking is... don't give them an enemy they'll >*combine* against. Face 'em with something that'll make them fight >*each other* more." > "But how?" Franklin puts in, gnawing on his thumbnail. > "Uh.... I dunno. Telepathic hallucinations, LMDs, holograms, a >contest for Most Evil Villain -- heck, whaddya asking *me* for? >*Dads* are the big brains here!" /*"Hallucinations, and holograms would be fairly easy for me to provide, if that is desired."*/ Aurora offers. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Wed, 4 Sep 2002 08:40:33 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010961 >On Tue, 3 Sep 2002 15:09:52 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010958 > > "But -- but -- but -- grrr...." The boys trail off looking >disgruntled. The younger Franklin sticks his free thumb in his mouth >for a moment, before starting guiltily and taking a quick look around >to make sure no one saw that (the Elder Roger is examining the >ceiling tile, whistling innocently), before toddling over to Uncle >BenjaMike and tugging on his pantleg. > "Errr...Unc?" he says tenatively. "You sure you don't wanna change >into your combat trunks before you go? The last time you got into a >fight wearing your civvies, we got sued. And a bunch of offers from >magazines that Mom says nice girls don't read." > > OOC: I mean, come on, let's face it. With the kind of punishment >Ben usually gives his wardrobe, the only thing keeping his duds from >being completely vaporised is the now-defunct Comics Code... Mike Grimm scowls, "We already done our compromisin' on clothes t'day, squirt. Lets jus' say the ladies ain't gonna be gettin' a free show here 'n' leave it at that." > Roger raises his hand...and wilts slightly as everyone turns to >him and yells "NO!!!" > "I wasn't going to suggest *that,*" he says petulantly. "Well, >okay, maybe. But my *other* suggestion is, well... just leave the >Double Doc alone." Mike Grimm scowls, "Ya wanna run that by me again, kid?" > "What I'm thinking is... don't give them an enemy they'll >*combine* against. Face 'em with something that'll make them fight >*each other* more." > "But how?" Franklin puts in, gnawing on his thumbnail. > "Uh.... I dunno. Telepathic hallucinations, LMDs, holograms, a >contest for Most Evil Villain -- heck, whaddya asking *me* for? >*Dads* are the big brains here!" Mike Grimm glances at R.R. as Michael's side shifts mostly into a dominant position. /Well, there is a good point, we don't -have- to do what's expected of us. My main concern is the pair of them getting peeved at our lack of showing up and starting to blast things to try and draw us out. They both know we're here in some form, though they may not realize we're actually sharing the same bodies as they are, it'd seem. How long we could maintain that illusion from them is another thing to consider./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Mon, 9 Sep 2002 21:30:10 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010962 >On Sun, 1 Sep 2K2, *I* wrote >>On Mon, 2 Sep 2K2 Roland X Said > >"Bro, do know where they keep Johnny's 'Atmo-Web'. I figure that >it'll allow be to sustain 'my' flame powers in a vacuum, at least >temporarily, it may give me some protection against getting my flame >extinguished in a normal environment. 'Sides, I've got a bone to pick >with that -- if you'll excuse the expression -- [Tin Plated] South >American Banana Republic Dictator and I figure we could use all the >help we can get." > >> R.R. sighs. Heavily. /Turn on your psi-link, sib,/ he sends, as >>Morgan-Sue just shakes her head. An arm stretches behind the pliant >>inventor and gathers a large collection of marginally assembled >>Kirby parts. /"As for the Atmo-Web...this is it. Apparently, I'm >>still in the process of inventing it in this continuity. /Er... Ah... Oh... I knew that something was missing thanks, Bro!/ Then "Johnny Lance" does a double-take at the partially constructed Atmo-Web, and then watched "Ben" extinguish the defensive fire-shield that he had hastily erected earlier, with an expression on his face that almost made it look like his best friend had just died. Then he composed himself and strode towards the bin that "Reed Roland" had tossed the pieces of the Atmo-Web into and began to rummage around in it until he had collected them back together again. While Mike finished opening up the Negative Zone Portal, Dhyrclhanc continued struggling with the Kirby-Tech units. Finally, "Ah Ha!" he held up a device that was a little larger than a paper-back novel and then clipped it to his costume's belt. "Reed's never been able to build something that I couldn't figure out before and I knew this wouldn't be the first time he did. Er... no offence intended, Bro." Upon saying this, a noise came out of the device like an air-bag being deployed and "Johnny" was instantly enveloped in a body-stocking that was as transparent as Saran-Wrap but otherwise looked like silk. Also >>On Mon, 02 Sep 2K2, "Roland" X Said >>>On Tue, 3 Sep 2K2, "Mike Knight" Said >> >> Deciding not to pursue the conversation further, the melding >>reasserts itself. /"Ben, retrieve the spare modules for the >>Fantasti-Car for our extra guests, please. >> >>>/"One flyin' bathtub, built fer company, comin' up."/ Mike Grimm >>>says, stomping off into the techno-forest of Kirby. As he passes the Human/Dragon Torch, Dhyrclhanc removes a hood-like portion of the Atmo-Web and sends the blue-eyed, craggy-faced, ex-time-lord /Actually, Mike, in this time period, I think you'll find that we've started using the Fantati-Car MkII, which _isn't_ the "Flying Bathtub" as you so colloquially put it./ /Wait a minute... Sib,/He sends to "R.R." /Remind me again. Who ended up in Mr. Fantastic's head, You or Me?/ "I don't know about the rest of you guys." "Johnny says aloud, while flopping the hood back over his head and walking towards the room's exit, "but I'm going to go fly around the city and make sure that the... ahem... 'Two Doctors' haven't gotten too close to the city. You all can follow along later or not." Halfway before getting to the roof of the Baxter Building, "Johnny" "Flames On" again and flies the rest of the way. Then, when he arrives, he creates six other "Human Torches" from his flame and all seven fly towards the outer borders of Manhattan Island in an ever-widening looping spiral. Next! ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Thu, 12 Sep 2002 11:46:06 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010963 >On Mon, 9 Sep 2002 21:30:10 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010962 > >Halfway before getting to the roof of the Baxter Building, "Johnny" >"Flames On" again and flies the rest of the way. > >Then, when he arrives, he creates six other "Human Torches" from his >flame and all seven fly towards the outer borders of Manhattan Island >in an ever-widening looping spiral. Morgan-Sue shakes her head as she watches her sib/brother fly off. "So much for laying low," she sighs. "What was plan B?" OOC: We'll try to get to this to move things along sometime over the next day or so :-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:41:13 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010966 >In a message dated 9/12/02 2:53:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >ljwolfe writes: > >>Then, when he arrives, he creates six other "Human Torches" from his >>flame and all seven fly towards the outer borders of Manhattan >>Island in an ever-widening looping spiral. Roger slumps, and exchanges a jaundiced glance with Franklin. "Tell me again -- *why* do we even *bother*?" >Morgan-Sue shakes her head as she watches her sib/brother fly off. >"So much for laying low," she sighs. "What was plan B?" Roger produces a dog-eared copy of CAoL Field Manual FM-001.A.12.b.7 ("Standard Field Operations") and makes a show of looking up the reference. "Plan B: charge ahead blindly and attack the enemy's fists with your face until their offensive capability is exhausted." Franklin hugs his Unca BenjaMike plushy doll and scowls like only a 5yo can. "Yeah, that sounds about right." "Sidebar," Roger continues. "In order to confuse the enemy, disregard any and all attempts at tactical coordination and act alone whenever possible. Keep in mind that acting in concert invites the enemy to wipe you en masse when you concentrate against him." OOC: Somewhere, George S. Patton is doing 570 rpm... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:41:22 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010967 >On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:41:13 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010966 > > Roger produces a dog-eared copy of CAoL Field Manual >FM-001.A.12.b.7 ("Standard Field Operations") and makes a show of >looking up the reference. "Plan B: charge ahead blindly and attack >the enemy's fists with your face until their offensive capability is >exhausted." > Franklin hugs his Unca BenjaMike plushy doll and scowls like only >a 5yo can. "Yeah, that sounds about right." > "Sidebar," Roger continues. "In order to confuse the enemy, >disregard any and all attempts at tactical coordination and act alone >whenever possible. Keep in mind that acting in concert invites the >enemy to wipe you en masse when you concentrate against him." Rob steps through the just-opened portal to the Negative Zone in time to hear all this, and adds a footnote: "Screaming for help is only to be done when you are in well over your head, usually when everybody else is busy." Then he blinks. [Funny, I don't sound like me...] Then he looks at his hands. [Hey, I'm a white guy.] At that point, the other part of his mind 'wakes up.' The one that normally runs the body Rob is in. "Reed? Sue? What am I doing here? The last thing I remember, I was in K'un Lun with Luke, Misty, and Colleen..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 16:18:10 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010968 >On Mon, 9 Sep 2002 21:30:10 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010962 >>On Sun, 1 Sep 2K2, *I* wrote >>>On Mon, 2 Sep 2K2 Roland X Said > >While Mike finished opening up the Negative Zone Portal, Dhyrclhanc >continued struggling with the Kirby-Tech units. > >Finally, "Ah Ha!" he held up a device that was a little larger than a >paper-back novel and then clipped it to his costume's belt. > >"Reed's never been able to build something that I couldn't figure out >before and I knew this wouldn't be the first time he did. Er... no >offence intended, Bro." R.R. raised one eyebrow at the unusually technically adept "Johnny," but said nothing. Aloud. [Hmm...fascinating solution. Definitely a short-term modification, given the instability of the parts involved, but effective for the nonce. I/we aren't sure of how useful it will be, given the likelihood of Destroyer-Doom being able to overcome the Atmo-Web's relatively meager defense. However, the idea _does_ have merit in theory.] [Oh dear. We _do_ have a bit of a tendency to ramble on, don't we?] He notices Morgan-Sue looking at him, but she doesn't say a word... >Upon saying this, a noise came out of the device like an air-bag >being deployed and "Johnny" was instantly enveloped in a >body-stocking that was as transparent as Saran-Wrap but otherwise >looked like silk. "Ah. It's a 'crash-bag.' I see," R.R. comments with droll undertones (and overtones, and... 8^). >Also >As he passes the Human/Dragon Torch, Dhyrclhanc removes a hood-like >portion of the Atmo-Web and sends the blue-eyed, craggy-faced, >ex-time-lord /Actually, Mike, in this time period, I think you'll >find that we've started using the Fantati-Car MkII, which _isn't_ the >"Flying Bathtub" as you so colloquially put it./ > >/Wait a minute... Sib,/He sends to "R.R." /Remind me again. Who ended >up in Mr. Fantastic's head, You or Me?/ R.R. raises an eyebrow. Again. "The mental linkage creates quite a potential for synaptic cross-bleed, 'Dhonny.' However, you forget, this is by the visiting group's standards a very early version of the Fantastic Four, and the original Fantasti-car is right over--" R.R. begins to point to a distant section of the "L.Z." when he realizes that the ever-efficient Mike/Ben amalgam has already brought the Fantasti-car in. He sheepishly changes his gesture to point a few meters away. "--here." >"I don't know about the rest of you guys." "Johnny says aloud, while >flopping the hood back over his head and walking towards the room's >exit, "but I'm going to go fly around the city and make sure that >the... ahem... 'Two Doctors' haven't gotten too close to the city. >You all can follow along later or not." "Johnny--!" R.R. begins. Too late, of course -- this is the F.F., after all, and the hot-head _always_ makes good his escape before his teammates can stop him. >Halfway before getting to the roof of the Baxter Building, "Johnny" >"Flames On" again and flies the rest of the way. Then... >On Thu, 12 Sep 2002 11:46:06 -0700 >Morgan-Sue Said As CAoL Message # 00010963 > >Morgan-Sue shakes her head as she watches her sib/brother fly off. >"So much for laying low," she sighs. "What was plan B?" R.R. sighs. Heavily. "We find the merged evil Doctors and prevent their nefarious plans from coming to fruition," he responds with a sincerity that even Roland couldn't manage (on his own). THEN... >On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 10:41:13 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010966 > > Roger produces a dog-eared copy of CAoL Field Manual >FM-001.A.12.b.7 ("Standard Field Operations") and makes a show of >looking up the reference. "Plan B: charge ahead blindly and attack >the enemy's fists with your face until their offensive capability is >exhausted." > Franklin hugs his Unca BenjaMike plushy doll and scowls like only >a 5yo can. "Yeah, that sounds about right." > "Sidebar," Roger continues. "In order to confuse the enemy, >disregard any and all attempts at tactical coordination and act alone >whenever possible. Keep in mind that acting in concert invites the >enemy to wipe you en masse when you concentrate against him." R.R. scowls furiously in a very Roland-like way, even with Reed's features. "I did _not_ write that," he almost growls. "Maybe you _will,_" Morgan-Sue responds innocently. "No." R.R. eyes the manual dubiously, apparently searching for signs of forgery. The Kirblimp is approaching the city, however, and time is simply not on the side of such frivolities. "I'm going to suggest using only one set of names at a time; as we all know each other, which each individual chooses is unimportant. Ben, Sue...and yes, the older Franklin, you three should go and back up Johnny with the Fantasti-car. I will be along shortly." "I think we should stick to the names that belong to these bodies," Morgan-Sue comments. "It'll be less confusing if anyone overhears us or we have to talk to anyone other than each other." R.R. nods. "Probably wise, Sue. "At any rate. Unless I'm mistaken, 'Doom' will begin with a volley of Doom-bots, most likely armed with weaponry designed to thwart us specifically. As Johnny's vulnerabilities are the most obvious, he will need assistance. Sue, your powers are best suited to that defense. Ben, Roger, begin running interference, a sort of 'zone defense' around the building . All of you, watch each other's backs while eliminating as many of the Doom-bots as possible. Translation: do what you do best. I will be along momentarily." Finally... >On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:41:22 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010967 > >At that point, the other part of his mind 'wakes up.' The one that >normally runs the body Rob is in. "Reed? Sue? What am I doing here? >The last thing I remember, I was in K'un Lun with Luke, Misty, and >Colleen..." R.R. blinks, then sighs and nods again. "Ah. Daniel. It is a rather complicated story -- with us, they tend to be -- but I believe the short version is, you were the best cross-dimensional amalgamation 'fit' for your current guest, a talented young martial artist by the name of Nishikawa. I wish I had the time to explain, but I must prepare a surprise for Victor, who is currently sharing a mind with the most dangerous conqueror of _another_ dimension, a pleasant fellow originally known as Sharma-Gorath the Destroyer." R.R., noticing the slightly perplexed look on Rio (who had mercifully taken Rog/Frank Jr. in hand), added, "Ah. Ms. Lancer, this is 'Iron Fist,' an extraordinarily talented martial artist and acquaintance of the Fantastic Four's. Or will be in several years. I believe you would think of him as an...'Akashic Brother.'" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 18:25:26 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010969 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010968 > > "At any rate. Unless I'm mistaken, 'Doom' will begin with a volley >of Doom-bots, most likely armed with weaponry designed to thwart us >specifically. As Johnny's vulnerabilities are the most obvious, he >will need assistance. Sue, your powers are best suited to that >defense. Ben, Roger, begin running interference, a sort of 'zone >defense' around the building . All of you, watch each other's backs >while eliminating as many of the Doom-bots as possible. Translation: >do what you do best. I will be along momentarily." /*"Roland, I cannot allow the innocents of this city to be endangered. To that end, I will erect a one way force dome to protect the city. Anything not touching the ground will be unable to pass into the city, however anything at all may exit. Only those things actually touching the ground will be able to pass INTO the city. I will also displace any comercial or private aircraft, not including that of the enemy, to a safe alternate location."*/ Aurora announces. That said, she does just that. A translucent dome of energy appears over the city, any airplane in danger of impacting the dome is displaced to a nearby airport, parked and engines off. Those drivers approaching the dome from either side, startled by the sudden appearance of the dome, find their brakes and steering won't respond. Reaching the "other" side of the dome, they relax, and continue their journies, somehow reasured that they're NOT crazy, and that things are OK. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 22:17:04 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010970 >In a message dated 9/13/02 7:31:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >rolandx writes: > >>Morgan-Sue shakes her head as she watches her sib/brother fly off. >>"So much for laying low," she sighs. "What was plan B?" > > R.R. sighs. Heavily. "We find the merged evil Doctors and prevent >their nefarious plans from coming to fruition," he responds with a >sincerity that even Roland couldn't manage (on his own). The Franklins exchange a look. ^We have GOT to get Dads spilt up... this is getting *scary*^ >> "Sidebar," Roger continues. "In order to confuse the enemy, >>disregard any and all attempts at tactical coordination and act >>alone whenever possible. Keep in mind that acting in concert invites >>the enemy to wipe you en masse when you concentrate against him." > > R.R. scowls furiously in a very Roland-like way, even with Reed's >features. "I did _not_ write that," he almost growls. The Franklins look at each other. Than at Roland. Then each other again. Then they turn away and very carefully pay attention to absolutely nothing in particular... >"Maybe you _will,_" Morgan-Sue responds innocently. > > "No." R.R. eyes the manual dubiously, apparently searching for >signs of forgery. The Franklins exchange another look. "Should we tell him?" "Do you think it will do any good?" "....prolly not." "Then I think he'll be happier not knowing." >The Kirblimp is approaching the city, however, and time is simply not >on the side of such frivolities. "I'm going to suggest using only one >set of names at a time; as we all know each other, which each >individual chooses is unimportant. Ben, Sue...and yes, the older >Franklin, you three should go and back up Johnny with the >Fantasti-car. I will be along shortly." "Dibs on the ring!" elder-Franklin chortles, while his younger self sulks. > "At any rate. Unless I'm mistaken, 'Doom' will begin with a volley >of Doom-bots, most likely armed with weaponry designed to thwart us >specifically. As Johnny's vulnerabilities are the most obvious, he >will need assistance. Sue, your powers are best suited to that >defense. Ben, Roger, begin running interference, a sort of 'zone >defense' around the building . All of you, watch each other's backs >while eliminating as many of the Doom-bots as possible. Translation: >do what you do best. I will be along momentarily." "What I do best?" Elder Franklin looks dubious. "Well, I'll try, Dads, but I don't think Doombots *can* laugh." >>Rob steps through the just-opened portal to the Negative Zone in >>time to hear all this, and adds a footnote: "Screaming for help is >>only to be done when you are in well over your head, usually when >>everybody else is busy." Then he blinks. [Funny, I don't sound like >>me...] Then he looks at his hands. [Hey, I'm a white guy.] For absolutely no obvious reason, one of the less-identifiable pieces of KirbyTech suddenly begins playing the intro to the Offspring's "Pretty Fly for a White Guy," before Elder Franklin blasts it to pieces. "Wiseacre machine," he growls, blowing smoke from his glowing index finger. "*I'm* in charge of the cheezy soundtracks around here." >>At that point, the other part of his mind 'wakes up.' The one that >>normally runs the body Rob is in. "Reed? Sue? What am I doing here? >>The last thing I remember, I was in K'un Lun with Luke, Misty, and >>Colleen..." [Rob is Iron Fist? I would've thought wassisname, the Master Of Kung Fu. But hey, the Tooniverse works in its own ways] ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 8: Fantastic Foul-ups On Fri, 13 Sep 2002 22:21:47 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010971 >On Fri, 13 Sep 2K2, Roland X Said >>Dhyrclhanc Said >> >>Upon saying this, a noise came out of the device like an air-bag >>being deployed and "Johnny" was instantly enveloped in a >>body-stocking that was as transparent as Saran-Wrap but otherwise >>looked like silk. > > "Ah. It's a 'crash-bag.' I see," R.R. comments with droll >undertones (and overtones, and... 8^). Have some peanuts, Sib! You obviously need the protein... 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 >"Roland" X Said >>"Rob Nishakawa" (aka Peter Eng) Said >> >>At that point, the other part of his mind 'wakes up.' The one that >>normally runs the body Rob is in. "Reed? Sue? What am I doing here? >>The last thing I remember, I was in K'un Lun with Luke, Misty, and >>Colleen..." > > R.R. blinks, then sighs and nods again. "Ah. Daniel. It is a >rather complicated story -- with us, they tend to be -- but I believe >the short version is, you were the best cross-dimensional >amalgamation 'fit' for your current guest, a talented young martial >artist by the name of Nishikawa. I wish I had the time to explain, >but I must prepare a surprise for Victor, who is currently sharing a >mind with the most dangerous conqueror of _another_ dimension, a >pleasant fellow originally known as Sharma-Gorath the Destroyer." What?! No "Dr. Zerstoiten" ?! > R.R., noticing the slightly perplexed look on Rio (who had >mercifully taken Rog/Frank Jr. in hand), added, "Ah. Ms. Lancer, this >is 'Iron Fist,' an extraordinarily talented martial artist and >acquaintance of the Fantastic Four's. Or will be in several years. I >believe you would think of him as an...'Akashic Brother.'" I probably should've "snipped-and-tucked" a little more here but, as usual, hindsight is 20/20. Sorry. =================================