Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9
                              Chapter 19

Subject: AAE 9: Confrontations

On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 22:34:44 -0800
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011765

   Roland walks into his office, which doubles as a private
communications center. It alternately annoys and infuriates him that
some leaders think that it is somehow better to confide privately with
him than his entire team -- he has consistently refused to accept
information "in confidence" if he cannot inform the other Champions --
but with dozens of extradimensionals on the Island, he's feeling a
little more forgiving.
   "Defender here," he says, sitting behind his utilitarian desk
(decorated only with two 5 inch action figures -- Superman and Captain
America -- a well-taken team photo with the initials "PP" on the back,
a small hologram of Behemoth leaning on his maul and grinning, and a
blue, glowing Atlantean crystal).
   "Thank God -- Defender?" Secretary of State Paul Collins stops
suddenly as the holo-screen pops up, eyeing the hero oddly. "Is that
you?"
   Defender smiles sheepishly, if tiredly. "After Darkseid beat the
tar out of me, the armor decided to redecorate. I get the impression
that this is more...historical."
   Secretary Collins looks at Defender penetratingly. The hero's
expression quickly turns serious. "If the security clearances on this
channel are insufficient--"
   "No, no," Collins replies, "that's not it. Aside from the obvious,
our emergency UNTIL comm system positively identifies you. However,
you might consider using your previous appearance in public, so that
Americans will feel secure with their greatest hero."
   "Sir," Defender replies in all sincerity, "their greatest heroes
wear readily apparent uniforms."
   Collins smiles. "Your modesty does you credit, son, but you have
shown great courage and quick thinking more times in the past year
than most men are forced to do in a lifetime."
   "I'm flattered, Mr. Secretary, especially considering the
Champions' rocky relationship with the current administration, but..."
Defender's train of thought evaporates along with his words. His hands
clench convulsively. "Wait a minute. UNTIL equipment? I thought the
president had refused to allow UNTIL any access to actual government
security."
   Collins looks astounded. "You...haven't heard."
   Defender pales, even through the armor. "Heard what?"
   Paul Collins straightens in his seat. "Defender, you are
_addressing_ the President of the United States."
   It is a good thing that Defender is sitting down. It avoids him
needing to fall into his chair. "But...how? Darkseid wouldn't--"
   Collins frowns. "While we are grateful that you have negotiated a
truce with this...Darkseid, and his forces are not directly
responsible for this tragedy, they didn't help matters. However, there
are surviving members of the government who owe their lives to
invaders who fought...our assailants."
   Defender straightens, composes himself. "Of the government." He
leans forward as Solitaire walks in. He gives her a grateful look as
she stands beside him, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder as
she nods a silent greeting to the new Commander-in-Chief. Then
Defender returns his attention to the Sec...President as Collins
returns the nod. "Tell me everything."
   "As these...entities were retreating, monsters that we _thought_
were familiar rushed in to take advantage of the chaos. Project
Twilight has some specialists familiar with the powers of our
'creatures of the night,' but none of the usual defenses worked.
Vampires attacking in broad daylight...slashers from horror movies
walking like Terminators through hails of gunfire...black-cloaked
things out of fantasy's evils killing with nightmares." Collins shook
his head, but in spite of the obviously terrible memory, he maintained
his composure. Defender's regard for the man returned to its
pre-election levels.
   "The losses?" Defender asks simply.
   "Everyone above me in the line of succession, obviously. Dozens of
security personnel, including 90% of the Secret Service agents on
duty, God rest their souls. Approximately half the House and
two-thirds of the Senate. All of the Supreme Court Justices. Nearly
half the Cabinet. Several top-ranking officials in our law enforcement
and intelligence communities." Collins recites this horrible litany as
evenly as humanly possible. "They even got the leader of PRIMUS."
   Defender's hands shake. "The Golden Avenger?" he asks in disbelief.
   "He died saving the House majority and minority leaders. PRIMUS got
them out, but..." President Collins sighs heavily. "At least we have
some bipartisan accord again," he says with more than a touch of
gallows humor.
   "UNTIL?" Defender breathes, almost in a whisper.
   "Saved our asses," Collins barks almost angrily. "Their
'Enlightened science' was able to drive the things off. It's a good
thing that certain people in DoD aren't where I can reach them right
now. I'm using UNTIL equipment right now because nearly every
connection in the city is down."
   "Skutharka," Defender snarls. "An Orrorshan horror with a 'gift'
for twisting technology."
   The President nods. "I'll pass that name along. What are you
working on now?"
   "We're going to start hitting back," Defender replies simply. "I
was going to start with Britain and Egypt, but if the Gaunt Man is
capable of--"
   "No," Collins intones. Defender stops short. "Stick to your plan.
UNTIL is already protecting those world leaders who either retain
control or escaped invasions, and PRIMUS is working with them here.
Don't take unnecessary risks for our sake, either out of concern or
revenge."
   Defender frowns. "You're right of course, sir. That doesn't mean I
have to like it. Over half of Congress...the _entire_ Court...by the
Source..."
   The President nods understandingly. "I know, but we have our duties
to attend to. Have you been briefed on the current state of
resistance?"
   "No sir," Defender replies, grateful for the subject change.
   Collins nods. "This should involve your entire available force. We
must coordinate our efforts."
   Defender stands and nods. "Of course, sir. I'll transfer this
channel to the main briefing room and pick you up there, with your
approval."
   "Very good," President Collins agrees, and the screen goes silent.

TBC
=================================

Subject: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766

Solitaire and Defender walk back into the briefing room, hand in hand.
As people see their expressions, a wave of silence slowly spreads
until the entire room is quiet. Without having to ask for everyone's
attention, Solitaire realizes she has it. "Defender has a...difficult
announcement. For everyone," she adds in case any of the assembled
forces feel uncertain. She squeezes her husband's hand.

   With a final return squeeze, Defender lets Solitaire's hand go and
faces the varying teams. "I have just spoken with the President -- for
those of you from off-dimension, he's the leader of our nation, as
much as any one man can be called our 'leader.' But before I patch him
through, I have to tell you something."
   With a deep breath, he begins. "Paul Collins was sworn in as
President of the United States today after a devastating Orrorshan
attack on the capitol. Thanks to the efforts of a great many brave
people, the attack was eventually repulsed, but at a terrible cost."
Defender sighs and plunges forward; there's no way to sugar-coat it,
so 'twere best done quickly.' "The former President and Vice-President
were...lost. As was a large section of the Cabinet, about half the
House, most of the Senate, and the full Supreme Court." Orchid and
Father Bryce gasp. Quantum leans on a console. Obsidian lowers his
head in sympathy. "There were heavy losses among the security forces
as well, including the head of PRIMUS, America's super-powers security
force."
   Seeker gapes. "The Golden _Avenger?_"
   Defender nods grimly. "Now, clearly, this is a serious blow to
America's leadership. It is not, however, a crippling strike to our
ability to resist, for either America or the world. We have a
president, the House majority and minority leaders survived and are
working together, America's forces are regrouping, UNTIL is assisting
in security, and the invasion here has stopped."
   "Our forces are working with your 'UNTIL' to help secure the city
from further attack," Suli replies distantly.
   Defender nods again. "The help is appreciated, Suli San. In the
meantime, the President and his advisors are ready to coordinate with
us on our counter-attack. With that, I present the President of the
United States, Paul Collins."
   The screen comes to life. Sitting in the Oval Office is a large,
older African-American with tremendous presence. "Thank you, Defender.
I am calling to brief you personally on what we know about the
invasion to date, and to help any desired coordination with local
resistance forces."
   "Sir," an aide says quietly in the back. Collins nods, and the
image from the White House retracts to a panel in the lower left
corner. The rest is filled with a map of Europe and northern Africa.
Arrows and dots emphasize various statements as the exposition
continues.
   "As I've been briefed on your immediate plans, I will begin with
those areas you are targeting first," Collins begins.
   "This is a highly secure channel," Defender assures the team,
"backed up by Quantum's cosmic science and the best UNTIL has to
offer. That includes technomagickal defense."
   "To begin. The so-called 'Nile Empire' has stalled for the moment.
These light gold areas indicate a swath of invaded territory where
modern technology continues to function. Thanks to the combined
efforts of UNTIL and...Nova Valdoria," Collins adds reluctantly, much
to Defender's chagrin, "the invasion force's advance was halted there.
Holy regions to the north and east seem to prevent this 'Pharaoh's'
other reality effects from taking hold for the moment, so he is
contained temporarily. Prime Minister Zersoiten, a.k.a. Doctor
Destroyer, has given his word that any truce negotiated will be
honored for the duration of hostilities."
   "I just bet he has," Defender mutters. Solitaire quietly 'shushes'
him.
   "Britain and Scandinavia are, as impossible as it sounds, under
attack by the fictional character 'Sauron.' Currently, England seems
to serve as a sort of neo-Gondor, with the...orcs..." President
Collins is clearly having trouble saying what he is without feeling
ridiculous, but he continues stoically. "...apparently controlling the
less inhabited areas of northern Europe. Various supernatural
organizations are helping with the resistance, in particular the
Fianna tribe of Exalted, the wizards' Order of Hermes and Verbena, and
the changeling Kingdom of Hy-Brasil. Their ability to function in the
new environment has proven vital in the defense. The Champions can
provide you with contacts for these groups. They, in turn, have been
aided by a 'Lady Pella Ardinay,' whom they give considerable credit to
the defense."
   Defender and Sir Tolwyn both beam. "We are honored to provide what
assistance we can, Your Majesty," Tolwyn replies formally, bowing.
   Collins stoically does _not_ have kittens at being treated like a
king, but has obvious trouble with the concept. Defender hides a
chuckle in a cough and briefs Tolwyn telepathically. She shrugs and
responds, which has Defender coughing quietly again. "You," the
president says after a moment, "must be Sir Tolwyn Tancred."
   "I have that honor," she replies gracefully.
   "The honor is mine," he replies, and she smiles radiantly.
"Sauron's forces have been halted for the moment, but in most of the
area taken absolutely _none_ of our equipment works," he continues.
"At least with 'Mobius,' we can take our World War II equipment out of
mothballs. Except in Ireland, Finland, and a few other spots, even
Swiss Army Knives stop functioning."
   "Because of the needs of the situation, entry points are subject to
change," Defender says, 'leader mode' fully active now, "but for the
moment, the plan is for the northern team to meet Lady Ardinay on the
Isle of Man and the southern team to coordinate with...Zersoiten," he
finishes reluctantly.
   "Ya can't be serious," Seeker says cuttingly. "Destroyer--"
   "--IS, if nothing else, a man of his word," Defender replies with
finality. Seeker grumbles direly to himself, but does not continue his
complaint. "And it _is_ his world too," Roland adds with a more
placating tone. "After all, he won't be able to conquer it if Mobius
beats him to it, eh?"
   "If I may," President Collins interjects gently. "The other regions
have less certain intel. 'Emperor Palpatine' has pacified nearly all
of India with his enormous military and their technological advantage,
though a resistance has developed almost spontaneously. The local
heritage seems to work well with a portion of the invading reality."
   "Jedi," Defender says with a faint 'make lemonade' sort of
satisfaction.
   Collins clears his throat. "After India, our information becomes
rapidly less complete. This 'Caligari' realm in southern Europe seems
to defy the abilities of most of our agents. Only one, code named
Freelancer, has been able to get out in one piece. She describes a
world that seems equal parts Three Musketeers, Harry Potter, and
Machiavelli. Freelancer was able to manage only by ignoring the normal
rules of engagement and acting, and I quote, 'as if I had been dropped
into the world of Captain Jack Sparrow.' Fortunately, these Caligari
invaders seem to have been stopped by the simple unruly nature of the
reality they've created. According to our agent, the entire area has
become a snarl of soap-opera-esque intrigue, romance, and combat."
   He looks down at his notes and shakes his head. "I am at something
of a loss to describe the invasion of Japan. Most of the 'realm' is
actually free of overt control, but a Viper-like organization called
Spectra has begun operating there. They are suspected to have taken
control of several assets there, including at least one major
corporation, but _no_ native agent has been able to retrieve
information on them or their High Lord. We've only received snippets
of intelligence from a newly-revealed Japanese strike team. Meanwhile,
the outbreak of paranormal development and emotional chaos there makes
the Caligari realm seem positively mundane."
   "Just to clarify, sir," Defender replies, "the High Lord there is
Zoltar?"
   The president's jaw twitches. "That is correct."
   Defender sighs. "Thank you, Mr. President." /[Zoltar,]/ he thinks
with resigned , sufficiently distracted that it bleeds out onto the
link. /[Why am I not surprised?]/
   "Finally, there is this." The map of Russia appears. "We only know
that this area, the invasion around Yakutsk, is the source of the
attack on our capitol, and represents a sort of 19th century Bram
Stoker nightmare. Defender has briefed us on what he knows about this
'Gaunt Man' and his invasion of terror, and as he's the source of
effectively all of our knowledge of the region, you know what we know.
They have not expanded their territory since the initial landing.
However, unlike the other regions, we have no idea why this is the
case. There is no significant resistance to them in the area."
   Defender nods. "Thank you for the briefing, sir. If there's
anything else we can do...
   Collins smiles faintly. "Kick their god-damned asses."

"With pleasure, sir," Solitaire (among others) says. The screen goes
black.

   (OOC: The rest assumes that everyone has declared their
destinations.)
   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile Empire,
and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth realm.
The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out what we
can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart of their
power and take out the problems at their source -- the High Lords and
their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the Possibility
Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them from the
ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."
   (OOC: Actually, Morgan _won't_ be leading the team in Middle-Earth,
but we'll cover that in a follow-up post. It's late. 8^)
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:30:17 -0800
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011767

>On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:34:40 -0500
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011761
>
>"Doctor Emmit L. Brown meets Quigley's modified Sharp's. Good for
>targets up to a mile away," Karma said, slinging the rifle's strap so
>it hung opposite the cartridge belt, "Nile Empire sounds promising.
>I'm told all this should fit right in."

"That..." is about as far as Patrick gets before the portal opens,
allowing a person to walk through. Dark haired and with a neatly
trimmed Van Dyke, both shot with grey, the figure holds up his hands,
indicating he is no threat. He's dressed (If anyone cares) in somewhat
beaten up clothes; blue shirt, black pants, trenchcoat with faint
runes stitched into parts of it. Most noticeable is a circular scar
around his left eye.

"Relax, I'm just here to deliver something."

Patrick's face lights up. "You came here? This is wonderful. Everyone,
this is Strange."

Jared Strange massages his forehead. "Sure, tell THIS lot my stage
name..."

<OOC: Go on....have fun with it.>

"Anyway, Mark just finished off this for you. Catch!" So saying,
Strange tosses a silvery staff at Patrick, who catches it easily.
"It's a replica of the Moon-Hunter Staff. Mark figured you might need
it." He nods as Patrick makes a few practise swings with the staff,
finally splitting the weapon into two shorter batons, and tucking the
two in his belt.

"It feels a bit different."

Jared shrugs. "Well, you know how Mark hates to let all his secrets
out; Stormcrow did a little mucking about with it. If it turns you
into a frog, blame her, not me, alright? I'm just the delivery person.
Not like the Master Mage of the Earth dimension has anything BETTER to
do, oh nooo...Oh, Hank and the gang say hi."

"Umm...tell them 'hi' back?" Patrick hazards.

"*sigh* You *sure your name isn't Jack? Anyway, I have to head back,
this portal spell's about to reverse. Keep you head low, huh? Tanith
would never forgive me if anything were to happen to her big brother."

"Of course." Patrick replies. "Safe trip."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 02:27:15 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011768

>On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 21:23:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011763
>
>   Eric considers this for a long moment, and narrows his eyes as if
>he just realized something. And he walks over to Doc Energy, menace
>in his step. "If you want trouble with me, though, there's something
>you should know..."
>   And suddenly, he grows enormous drooping mustaches and a huge
>cowboy hat as tall as he is -- but they only exist as Quintessence.
>Any Mage with Prime 1 (and all other beings with the ability to sense
>Platonic constructs/chimerical objects/ideas given Probability form)
>can see them, though. The mustache _does_ appear bright red to those
>who translate the energy visually; others get an "impression" of red.

Harlock, upon Seeing this (but not seeing it) blinks a bit, then
grins.
  "Oh, how marvelous! An illusion that only appears to True Sight. You
simply _must_ tell me how you did that, Mr. Lancer! I can think of so
many...amusing applications."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 03:33:29 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011769

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766
>
>   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile
>Empire, and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth
>realm. The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out
>what we can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart
>of their power and take out the problems at their source -- the High
>Lords and their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the
>Possibility Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them
>from the ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."

Harlock looks around at the people he has brought with him. "I think
we're ready for this 'Middle-Earth' realm. Of us all, I'm the most
familiar with technology, but nothing from this 'Nile Empire' looks
like what I know."

Veren looks uncomfortable. "I'm not going."

Erin and the Bard turn to him with similar looks of astonishment.
Erin's voice cracks a little as she asks "whah not?"

Veren sighs, if only mentally. "Erin... Honey, we've been told that
the number one problem facing this world is not Sauron or Mobius, but
this 'Gaunt Man' character. Since the Gaunt Man seems to be
controlling vampires, ghouls, and other such creepies that go bump in
the night, hunting him and his minions is the task I'm best suited
for."

He holds up his hand as Erin takes a breath. "This attack on the
land's leader...he wouldn't give any of the details, but the maps I've
seen didn't put the land's capitol in a known danger zone. To my mind,
that indicates danger from an unknown source. Something more subtle
than any of the other villains in the mix. Something like the Gaunt
Man. If I can get there while the trail is still marginally fresh, I
should be able to lead a pack back to the attacker's home base. Then
maybe we can get some better idea as to what is going on."

Erindrea stares at Veren for a long moment, then nods decisively.
"Fahn, then, but Ah'm comin' with you."

Veren chuckles, a rusty sound that startles everybody in 'Team
Harlock.'
  "And you've accused _me_ of being overprotective. I promise I'll be
careful, Erin. As soothing as Ehlonna's woods can be, I've no desire
to live there full time. Not just yet, anyway. But you _are_ needed on
the Middle Earth team: you're the second-best archer here," they
exchange sardonic glances, "and you're a damned fine sorceress to
boot.
  Both of which talents are needed more against a horde of orcs than
my skills at tracking, which are needed in the capitol."

"But Ah..."

"Erin, I know you're intelligent. But when your emotions get in the
way, you have this nasty habit of turning your brain off. If I had
proposed this a week ago, you wouldn't have even blinked, right?"

Erindrea winces and sighs deeply. "Yoah raht. Ah don't lahk it, but
yoah raht."

Veren tries to smile reassuringly at Erin--a slightly less repellant
grimace than usual, in other words--then turns to Defender. "Sorry to
switch horses on you mid-stream, as it were, but is there any way to
get me to the capitol to help in the investigations, Sir?"

(OOC: I figure Veren's work can be handled "off-camera" unless you
have some reason to decide otherwise, Roland. But Veren _is_ an Undead
Hunter and a h*** of a tracker. This is the path that he feels is
correct for him, even if _I_ would've liked to see him chopping a
Ringwraith into tiny pieces.)
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 12:01:27 -0800
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011770

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 02:27:15 -0800
>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00011768
>
>Harlock, upon Seeing this (but not seeing it) blinks a bit, then
>grins.
>   "Oh, how marvelous! An illusion that only appears to True Sight.
>You simply _must_ tell me how you did that, Mr. Lancer! I can think
>of so many...amusing applications."

   After he does his "rootinest tootinest" routine, Eric turns to
Harlock, suddenly entirely serious. "It...involves how I see reality.
As a martial artist trained in application of my world's living
energy, I 'sense' things as varying patterns of ch'i. Now that
I've...enhanced my perceptions, I am attuned to the underlying,
infinite potential that forms the core of ch'i -- which, I am led to
understand, forms the underlying potential of _everything._ It
requires a thought -- 'the Word' -- to give it form, but for the
trained Awakened, that is not a problem.
   "There are other patterns, which they...we...call Spheres, that can
create true physical applications with training. Pure Prime, however,
can manifest Platonic ideals -- er, essence-manifestations of these
patterns. Most will have _some_ sense of the pattern, but they
directly affect only very rarified entities."
   "That's the first time I've ever been called 'rarified,'" Orchid
quips.
   Eric simply nods toward her. "Changelings, for example." He smiles
gently. "And as the Admiral said, 'little girls, like butterflies,
need no excuse.' Regardless," he continues as Orchid tries to decide
whether to be flattered or insulted, "for the most part, such
'objects' only exist as an idea, a concept. Those capable of sensing
such concepts become aware of them. The problem for what I suspect
you're thinking is, the requisite senses won't be fooled into thinking
the object really exists." Eric cups his chin in his hand as he
considers. "Then again...the right use of ch'i inversion...there would
_have_ to be a conjunctional application...Forces perhaps, maybe some
unusual use of Matter...it might be possible." He shakes his head as
Orchid apparently decides (a bit reluctantly) on flattered. "Later. We
have a war to win."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 12:36:53 -0800
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011771

>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766
>
>   "As I've been briefed on your immediate plans, I will begin with
>those areas you are targeting first," Collins begins.
>   "This is a highly secure channel," Defender assures the team,
>"backed up by Quantum's cosmic science and the best UNTIL has to
>offer. That includes technomagickal defense."

/*"When your President first contacted you, *I* reinforced the
security of your communications channel. Since that moment there have
been 3 attempts to intercept the information stream. Each was by a
different individual, but all from that area of your world you call
Yakutsk. Those 3 individuals will NOT be attempting to do so again.
EVER!"*/ Hydra states quietly.

>   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile
>Empire, and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth
>realm. The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out
>what we can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart
>of their power and take out the problems at their source -- the High
>Lords and their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the
>Possibility Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them
>from the ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."

/*"Hydra and I will accompany the Middle-Earth team as we will cause
less disruption there than we would in the Nile Empire. Oracle will
monitor the Nile Empire team, and when necessary will call The
Stardragon to deal with the reality backlash."*/ Aurora announces as
both she, and Hydra 'shrink' down to more 'normal' sizes (6 feet for
her, and about 8, with only one reptilian looking human head, for
him).

<OOC: For him imagine a male figure 8 feet tall, about 4 1/2 feet wide
with muscles like the Hulk in form fitted, blood red, full plate
armor, with all the 'decorations' you would expect on Asgaurdian
armor. For her, think of a 6 foot perfectly proportioned (greek
goddess) type with similar armor in silvery white and LOTS of
translucent white cloth for tabard, cape, and 'wings' extending down
the arms to the back of the armored hands.>
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 13:35:51 -0800
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011772

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766
>
>   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile
>Empire, and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth
>realm. The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out
>what we can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart
>of their power and take out the problems at their source -- the High
>Lords and their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the
>Possibility Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them
>from the ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."

   At which point a call comes in.
   "Nass it, I meant people _here_ should shoot holes in it..."
Defender sighs, slapping an icon on the console (think flat
touch-screen TNG console). "Champions."
   "Defender!" a primal, growling, feminine voice rumbles gratefully.
Jaguar's ears swivel.
   "Eden?" Jaguar asks. Eric, too, is suddenly attentive.
   "Hey, Jag," Eden replies in a friendly voice, as the image of an
Amazonian white-haired young woman appears on screen. "Pattern-boy
treating you right?"
   Defender rolls his eyes as Jaguar laughs. "No complaints, O
Desperate One," he replies amiably. "And considering you're probably
calling for help, you really ought to treat him better."
   Eden barks a laugh. (Almost literally.) "True enough. Still, I
figure that his mate would be best in this spot. Hey Solitaire, you
on?"

Soli moves to the nearest comm panel. "Very on. This thing's been one
adrenaline rush after another," she says with a slightly weary grin.

   "Cool. Anyway, I figure that the overachiever brigade over there
will be heading out here at some point, so I thought I'd update you.
And yeah, ask for help," she notes. "UNTIL, the monarchy, the mages,
and this Ardinay character are facing Sauron's main force." She frowns
faintly. "You've read Lord of the Rings, right? Or at least seen it?"

"Both," Soli chuckles.

   The frown instantly becomes an ironic smile. "Glad to hear it,
'cause you'll understand this. Saruman's parked his evil undead butt
in Ireland, and he's got bespelled tech and an army of Uruk-Hai. A big
one. With a massive warg cavalry. It's hit the Fianna where they live,
literally. Their leadership asked for you by name, if you follow me."
   (OOC: We figure that we don't have to worry about secret identities
here, though if there are any NPCs we've forgotten -- and yes, we've
remembered Suli and Kanto -- please let us know so we can reconsider
the following. We're pretty sure it's OK, though, which is why this is
going straight out rather than the FD room.)

"They want Greywolf," Solitaire says. Most of the upper echelons of
"supernatural" society on Earth-9 know that Solitaire is Morgan
Greywolf, but some of the mages in the room may not have figured it
out before now. Morgan is pretty well known, at least by reputation,
among Earth-9's supernaturals.

   Eden raises an eyebrow. "Ah...yes. Saruman's magic is more like
yours than ours or that of the Hermetics. And we fear that he's
learned at least one lesson from...his experiences. We're fairly
certain that he's planning to take advantage of Sauron's eventual
fall." There is some barking off screen that Eden responds to briefly.
(OOC: Those who understand wolf pick up "Don't forget the enhanced
strength!" And a responding "I was getting to it!" How a wolf can have
a thick Irish brogue...) "And he's gotten the Witch-King's strength,
so he fights like a demon on top of everything else. Your help would
be invaluable."

"Any sign of Wormtongue?" Morgan asks.

   Eden laughs harshly. "Oh, _aye._ Saruman keeps his head on a pike
at the top of his tallest tower as a reminder for his other servants
of the price of disloyalty." She becomes serious again. "The Fianna
are itching to tear into those wargs, but battling Saruman is on an
entire other level. They're willing to die, of course, but we all want
a chance." At that, she frowns again, tapping her long nails (claws?)
on something wooden off screen. "Which reminds me. We've got help, of
course, but the Fianna don't like the Fenris-Get, the Get don't like
the Verbena, the Verbena look ready to strangle the Sidhe lords who
showed up trying to take charge...and don't get me started on the
Troubles. Your talent for smoothing over old grudges will help at
_least_ as much as your swordcraft and magic." She glances subtly but
pointedly at Eric. "Some of your allies, while very talented..."
   "Shih," Eric says, as if out of the blue, "by necessity, _must_ be
able to avoid difficulties with touchy supernatural beings."

Morgan looks from Eric, to Eden, and back to Eric. [Ah,] she thinks as
pieces fall into place. "True enough, Eric. But while an offer of help
is always welcome, I thought you'd decided rather definitively to stay
here with Zia?"

   "One. I was simply making a point. Two. I _am_ staying with Zia.
Three." He glares (well, okay, it's half-hearted) at Roland. "I'm
still working on the 'which Zia' thing." Eden looks confused. "Oh,
yes. Four. Zia, this is Eden," he says, gesturing to Eden without
looking back. "Eden, this is...hrm." He looks back between the two
figures. "This is complicated. This," he gestures to the unconscious
figure, "is Zia."
   Eden raises an eyebrow. "Charmed, I'm sure," she drawls.
   "And this is Ultraviolet," he adds, gesturing to the Just Violet.
   Eden blinks. "Ooookay. I'm sure this is all very interesting, but
Eric hon, as long as you don't have a jealous boyfriend out to kill
you, what you do on your time off is your own business." She looks at
the unconscious Zia B-G and grins. "Of course, I thought you preferred
your women more...lively."
   Eric _growls._
   "Ah." Eden clears her throat. "So. Morgan. Think you can come?"

Morgan looks at Roland. Roland returns the gaze. Morgan looks back up
at Eden. "Aye," she nods.

   As Morgan works out logistics with Eden, Roland turns to the
Middle-Earth group. "Okay. The Middle-Earth team needs a new
point-being." He grins faintly. "Any takers?"
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 19:22:21 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011774

> On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 21:23:15 -0800
> Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011763
>
>>>The Good Doctor laughs heartily at Defenders' remark and The
>>>Hunter's reaction to said remark. After a few minutes, he catches
>>>his breath. "Anyway, allow me to introduce myself, Gentlemen. I am
>>>Dr. Emil Romanov, but you probably know me better as....Doctor
>>>Energy."
>
>   Eric nods. "I do indeed, sir. My father was something of a fan,
>back in the day. An honor."

The Good Doctor bows at the waist, maintaining eye contact. "No, the
honor is all mine, as I am gladdened to hear that some of my wealth
has gone to a good use. I did have issue with some of the things he
wrote, but I was told that it was "dramatic license" so I left it at
that. As long as it permitted Sleepers to dream and use their
imaginations, the work was done well."

>   And the Hunter bursts out, "I'MMMMMMM the roughest, toughest,
>rootinest, tootinest hombre north, south, east, AAAAANNND west of the
>Pecos!"
>
>Now it's _Rio's_ turn to whirl from her console and face Eric. "OK,
>that's it." She smiles. "Just who _are_ you, and where is the pod
>with my brother in it?"
>
>   Eric points immediately at Zia-UV. "Ask her. _I'm_ me, and I'm
>_still_ trying to figure that out."

OOC: ROFLAMO!! That was by far the funniest thing I have ever read.

Since The Good Doctor is a master of both Prime and Forces, he sees
the effect that The Hunter had in mind. Suddenly, a familiar voice,
sounding like he was from Brooklyn said, "Ehhhhhhhh SHADDDUP!" The
Good Doctor grins. "You are not the only one who knows cartoons, my
friend. Before he died, I recorded Mel Blanc for posterity and he gave
me the secret of doing Bugs. And I was known to be a ventriloquist in
my travels."

"In any case, it is an honor to meet you at last." says The Good
Doctor extending his hand.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 16:28:46 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011775

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 13:35:51 -0800
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011772
>
>   As Morgan works out logistics with Eden, Roland turns to the
>Middle-Earth group. "Okay. The Middle-Earth team needs a new
>point-being." He grins faintly. "Any takers?"

Harlock sighs. "I am a decent small-unit tactician, but I don't know
this 'Middle-Earth' realm at all. Taking the lead role would be
inadvisable at best, methinks."

Marivale looks as if he's about to speak, but a nudge in the ribs from
Erindrea keeps him quiet.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 16:37:58 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011776

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 12:01:27 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011770
>
>"for the most part, such 'objects' only exist as an idea, a concept.
>Those capable of sensing such concepts become aware of them. The
>problem for what I suspect you're thinking is, the requisite senses
>won't be fooled into thinking the object really exists." Eric cups
>his chin in his hand as he considers. "Then again...the right use of
>ch'i inversion...there would _have_ to be a conjunctional
>application...Forces perhaps, maybe some unusual use of Matter...it
>might be possible." He shakes his head as Orchid apparently decides
>(a bit reluctantly) on flattered. "Later. We have a war to win."

The Bard's eyes have been getting a bit glassy, but the last comment
gets through and snaps him back to alertness. "Quite right. Although
there is the possibility of stepping into a different timestream for
the purposes of this discussion, I suppose..." [Methinks I'll _need_ a
timestream shift to get him down to the non-technical explanation.
Something that I can understand more than one word in three would be
nice...]
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 23:47:10 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011777

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766
>
>   "Just to clarify, sir," Defender replies, "the High Lord there is
>Zoltar?"
>   The president's jaw twitches. "That is correct."

The Good Doctor notes Defender and the Presidents' reaction. "Who is
this....Zoltar?"

>   "Finally, there is this." The map of Russia appears. "We only know
>that this area, the invasion around Yakutsk, is the source of the
>attack on our capitol, and represents a sort of 19th century Bram
>Stoker nightmare. Defender has briefed us on what he knows about this
>'Gaunt Man' and his invasion of terror, and as he's the source of
>effectively all of our knowledge of the region, you know what we
>know. They have not expanded their territory since the initial
>landing. However, unlike the other regions, we have no idea why this
>is the case. There is no significant resistance to them in the area."

Suddenly, Doc Energys' eyes start to glow and then little lightning
bolts pass from one eye to the other. Then the lightning passes down
his arms, into his Tesla batteries. [My beloved homeland. Torn to
pieces in so many countless wars and pograms, taken from its' rulers
and almost destroyed by a pack of Red Animals. The bitter irony. To
finally win their freedom from tyranny, only to be attacked and
replaced like something out of a H.P. Lovecraft story.] He looks over
at UV-Zia. [The Just Violet is well enough since her beloved Hunter is
at her side. And I am wanting to see how this so-called 'Doctor'
Mobius operates. But I must do something for Mother Russia. Even if it
means I do not have a direct hand in it.]

>   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile
>Empire, and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth
>realm. The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out
>what we can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart
>of their power and take out the problems at their source -- the High
>Lords and their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the
>Possibility Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them
>from the ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."

The Good Doctor steps forth, "I wish to help you defeat the Evil
Doctor Mobius. I believe I have the perfect transportation for you,
since it's likely that Mobius will expect you to be there soon. What I
propose is a diversion. We all know the High Lord's fascination with
all things technological. What I intend to give him is something he
wants aside from power and rulership of the Universe. Observe." he
says as he takes a small brass disc out of his pocket. He presses a
button on the side, and places it in the middle of the conference room
table. Suddenly a holographic image appears. The hologram is of a
mechanized man, with an armor design simlar to that of Doc Energys'
power-armor, with a few differences. The larger forearms for example,
housing a quad-barrel Tesla cannon in each and the large hunchback,
giving the armor a man-with-no-neck look. The robot rotates 360
degrees as The Good Doctor continues.

"This, my friends is the result of my and my AIs' work into advanced
transportation and defensive designs. The suit itself is designed to
carry as many people as needed to whereever you need to go. Just enter
in the right foot here." he says as the hologram shifts and zooms in
on the right foot. "The foot itself opens up and can accept any
vehicles, equipment, weapons or even large supers like The Hulk or
Obsidian. Once inside, the inner door opens to a larger area inside.
How does it all fit in there? See, the power source is a tiny fragment
of the sun inside The Hollow Earth. A piece of it fell during one of
my adventures. Eric, you certainly remember Doc Energy and The
Invaders from Beneath"

After Eric responds, Doc continues, "Well at the end of it, the People
Below thanked me by allowing me to keep a small fragment of their sun.
At the time I had no idea what to do with it, but after much research
I discovered what its' true potential was. After my adventures in San
Fransisco, I decided to harness its' potential. Thus, the first
prototype was born. Since then I have refined the process, thanks to
many excursions to distant worlds testing the limits of what this can
do. Simply put, this robot can transform into any vehicle I choose.
That way, no Sleepers (and more importantly none from the Technocracy)
could ever see the B.O.R.I.S. 1, even if only for a few moments. First
they might see a flying man, but then they look again and it's
only....a dirigible." As he uttered those last words, suddenly there
is a transformation sequence coming from the hologram. Then appears
what looks to be a giant brass blimp, only with a few subtle
differences. "What's more is the vehicle chosen continues to operate
at a normal speed. And even better, the fragment of The Sun Below
allowed me to create a pocket dimension within it.....so when I am
loading all these men, vehicles, heroes, etc. they aren't taking any
more space than necessary."

Suddenly the hologram turns off, and stops beeping. The Good Doctor
picks it up, and turns to address Defender. "My services, equipment
and skills are yours to command, sir. I have a few things to request."

"One, that supply me with a Lens so that I may communicate with the
team on a secured disconnection-proof line Two, that you contact the
Russian equivalent of The Champions and coodinate with them on
fighting The Gaunt Man. and 3, that you and your lovely wife accompany
me to the Russian Ballet when this is all over and we have rebuilt
things."

With that, The Good Doctor bows and steps back to await the others.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:20:21 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011778

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 03:33:29 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011769
>
>Veren tries to smile reassuringly at Erin--a slightly less repellant
>grimace than usual, in other words--then turns to Defender. "Sorry to
>switch horses on you mid-stream, as it were, but is there any way to
>get me to the capitol to help in the investigations, Sir?"

The Good Doctor coughs lightly to get Erin's attention. "Pardon me, my
dear. But before you go off hunting the Undead, perhaps there is
something I can help you with." he says as he reaches under his lab
coat. He pulls out a quiver of arrows. "These arrows are silver
specials. They are four-vaned broadheads, made of silver with a liquid
silver-nitrate core. This is perfect for werewolves of Orrorshian
origin, though I wouldn't recommend using them against the Lunar
Exalted. They don't work very well, as I found out when I ran up
against a pack of Fenris-Get once in the Carpathian Mountains. (Ed:
See Doc Energy in: Terror in Transylvania) I think it had something to
do with the magic in their blood counteracting the magic in the
arrowheads. Now, I press a jewel on the strap and..." he says as the
Silver Specials disappear and a new set of arrows reappears. "These
are Sunfires. These are designed against any creature of Vampiric or
Undead origin. The glass arrowheads hold an alchemical mixture of
sunlight and holy water, blessed by a Father of good standing in the
Celestial Chorus. Vampires don't stand a chance against them. Press
the diamond and the silvers appear, press the sapphire gem and the
Sunfires appear. The third jewel is a loadout of your choice. You can
put whatever arrows you feel comfortable using."

He places the quiver on the table close to Veren, and reaches into his
coat and pulls out twin mini-crossbows. "These babies are my own
design. Both crossbows never need reloading because of a technomagical
construct built into the loading mechanism. You still have to wait
while the crossbow reloads, but that won't be a problem. The bolts
themselves are a combination silver-nitrate and holy water mixture.
Designed with vampires, undead sorcerors, evil werewolves and even
Things Man Was Not Meant To Know. The range isn't good, but I figure
you could use something in case they are in a short range, but not
quite sword range. Also, there is a companion silver short sword." he
says placing the twin mini-crossbows on the table. "By the way, the
mini-crossbows are designed to be concealed. They have a spring loaded
mechanism that fits in the palm of your hand. One press and both the
weapons lock and load. Here is the blade." He reaches into his pocket
and pulls out a silver gladius style blade. "The steel is silver
coated, drop forged and cooled in a large vat of holy water.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 22:06:29 +0000
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011779

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 03:33:29 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011769
>
>Veren tries to smile reassuringly at Erin--a slightly less repellant
>grimace than usual, in other words--then turns to Defender. "Sorry to
>switch horses on you mid-stream, as it were, but is there any way to
>get me to the capitol to help in the investigations, Sir?"

   Kell whispers in Erindrea's ear, then steps up. "Veren, I'm not as
good as you are at 'soft and silent,' but I've learned a little. And
I'm willing to play stalking horse if you'll have me."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:17:37 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011780

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 22:06:29 +0000
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011779
>
>   Kell whispers in Erindrea's ear, then steps up. "Veren, I'm not as
>good as you are at 'soft and silent,' but I've learned a little. And
>I'm willing to play stalking horse if you'll have me."

Veren gives Kell a measuring look. "You got anything good for undead
or constructs? I'll admit, I could use a melee fighter to keep some of
what's likely to come at us pinned down while I shoot. There's only so
much I can do with summoned creatures, after all."

Erin, meanwhile, has turned away from the conversation, sniffling
slightly and wiping her eyes.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:47:38 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011781

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:20:21 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011778
>
>The Good Doctor coughs lightly to get Erin's attention. "Pardon me,
>my dear. But before you go off hunting the Undead, perhaps there is
>something I can help you with." he says as he reaches under his lab
>coat. He pulls out a quiver of arrows. "These arrows are silver
>specials. They are four-vaned broadheads, made of silver with a
>liquid silver-nitrate core. This is perfect for werewolves of
>Orrorshian origin, though I wouldn't recommend using them against the
>Lunar Exalted. They don't work very well, as I found out when I ran
>up against a pack of Fenris-Get once in the Carpathian Mountains.
>(Ed: See Doc Energy in: Terror in Transylvania) I think it had
>something to do with the magic in their blood counteracting the magic
>in the arrowheads. Now, I press a jewel on the strap and..." he says
>as the Silver Specials disappear and a new set of arrows reappears.
>"These are Sunfires. These are designed against any creature of
>Vampiric or Undead origin. The glass arrowheads hold an alchemical
>mixture of sunlight and holy water, blessed by a Father of good
>standing in the Celestial Chorus. Vampires don't stand a chance
>against them. Press the diamond and the silvers appear, press the
>sapphire gem and the Sunfires appear. The third jewel is a loadout of
>your choice. You can put whatever arrows you feel comfortable using."

Erin smiles at the Good Doctor, water standing in her eyes. "It's a
lovely thought, but it looks lahk Ah'll be goin' to this
'Middle-Earth' place. And besahds which, Ah already have plenty of
arrows." The quiver on her hip appears empty, in point of fact, but
she says this with a perfectly straight face.

>He places the quiver on the table close to Veren, and reaches into
>his coat and pulls out twin mini-crossbows. "These babies are my own
>design. Both crossbows never need reloading because of a
>technomagical construct built into the loading mechanism. You still
>have to wait while the crossbow reloads, but that won't be a problem.
>The bolts themselves are a combination silver-nitrate and holy water
>mixture. Designed with vampires, undead sorcerors, evil werewolves
>and even Things Man Was Not Meant To Know. The range isn't good, but
>I figure you could use something in case they are in a short range,
>but not quite sword range. Also, there is a companion silver short
>sword." he says placing the twin mini-crossbows on the table. "By the
>way, the mini-crossbows are designed to be concealed. They have a
>spring loaded mechanism that fits in the palm of your hand. One press
>and both the weapons lock and load. Here is the blade." He reaches
>into his pocket and pulls out a silver gladius style blade. "The
>steel is silver coated, drop forged and cooled in a large vat of holy
>water.

Veren grunts dismissively. "If they're far enough out to use a
crossbow, they're far enough to use one of my bows, and I get a better
rate of fire from my bow. For close in work..." he gestures at his
left hip. "The longsword is pure silver, hardened by an alchemical
process and enchanted by a priest of Pelor to work especially well
against undead and other unholy beings." He gestures at his right hip.
"The mace is adamantite, capable of punching holes in just about
anything and specially enchanted to destroy magical constructs."

Erin glares at Veren and mutters something about 'tact' under her
breath. "We appreciate the thought, Doctah, but we would prefuh to use
the weapons we have grown familiah with. Ah think Ah speak for both of
us when Ah say Ah'd rathah not be halfway through a battle, then get
distracted bah 'now _which_ gem was Ah s'posed to push?' That could be
fatal if it happened at the wrong tahm." She smiles winningly at the
Doctor, trying to take any sting out of the words.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 09:08:25 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011782

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:47:38 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011781
>
>Erin smiles at the Good Doctor, water standing in her eyes. "It's a
>lovely thought, but it looks lahk Ah'll be goin' to this
>'Middle-Earth' place. And besahds which, Ah already have plenty of
>arrows." The quiver on her hip appears empty, in point of fact, but
>she says this with a perfectly straight face.

The Good Doctor notes who is who and what is what (OOC: There needs to
be a scorecard as to who is what sex and so on. Too easily confused I
am.) and looks at the strap on the quiver he placed on the table.
"Actually, once you press each gem, you only have to do it once. I
modified the crystal matrix so that you have to think "silver" or
"sunfire" to get the arrows that you need. Also, those "sunfire"
arrows will most likely work against Nazghul. But if you have no use
for them, what is it that You" he said motioning to all the members of
Team Harlock,"all need to give you an edge. I ask this as assistance
to the group as a whole and to feel like I am doing something for
Mother Russia. I may not have lived there in sometime, but She is my
Homeland and ever more shall She be. Mother Russia is wounded, people.
And this Doctor wants to cure Her ills."

>Erin glares at Veren and mutters something about 'tact' under her
>breath. "We appreciate the thought, Doctah, but we would prefuh to
>use the weapons we have grown familiah with. Ah think Ah speak for
>both of us when Ah say Ah'd rathah not be halfway through a battle,
>then get distracted bah 'now _which_ gem was Ah s'posed to push?'
>That could be fatal if it happened at the wrong tahm." She smiles
>winningly at the Doctor, trying to take any sting out of the words.

The GooD Doctor nods curtly, "That is understandable." A tear falls
gently from his eye, made all the more striking by the lighting zap
that follows it down. He turns to the map of Russia. "I just wish
there was something I could do without disengaging from my prior
commitment."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Flirts with Wolves

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 07:05:40 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011783

>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011762
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011753
>>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011749
>>>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011748

<Snipping to a Walkabout scene>

>>     OOC: Superior tacticians always force an enemy to meet them on
>>their own ground, and fight in the manner which is the enemy's
>>weakest. ;)
>
>   OOC: Ohhhh boy. If Step catches on to _that..._
>   Then again, Z does like her game dangerous, doesn't she? ;^)
>   (Someone's been studying their Sun Tzu, huh?)

OOC: Now why would Step be upset even if he realizes? He might be
flattered that Zia considers him a worthy opponent (or partner, as the
case may resolve). If he researches her background, he's gonna have
trouble finding any other instance when has she not only failed to
mock an enemy in combat, but saluted him instead. I bet even Roger
would have trouble remembering if that has ever happened - besides
with Step.

>   Steppenwolf stops, carefully examining her, wondering what trap
>he's just fallen in to.

Not if he has fallen? Steppenwolf is a good tactician. Zia of the Red
just puts her off-weapon hand on an outhrust hip, her other still
resting jauntily on her sword's grip. (Not to pull it; the gesture is
completely habitual.)

>She obviously does not want to re-start hostilities now that their
>leaders had called a truce, and yet she had to want _something._
>   His gaze falls on the outrageous eyepatch. His eyes bulge _again._
>   [You can_not_ be serious.]

Her good eye's brow rises at his expression, and the ghost of a smile
seems to haunt her lips and eyes, for a second.

>   And yet, clearly, she was. Aside from that patch, her flamboyance
>does not particularly surprise Steppenwolf, who has seen everything
>his universe has to offer from Superman to the Forever People.

Now, whether any of his admittedly broad experience would prove the
least bit useful when dealing with Zia was truly an interesting
hyphothesis.

>   With a start, Steppenwolf realizes that the last time a woman
>showed interest in him unbidden had been before Darkseid was even
>born. And _she_ had been trying to use him in a scheme against his
>brother, Darkseid's father.

    OOC: Isn't it odd how Zia, a descendant (or so it is claimed) of
the Unicorn herself, keeps being attracted to men who are and have
been extremely chaste for very long periods of time? Certainly not
virgins, any of them, but then again, some of the legends say that
unicorns are the Fair ones, attracted to the chaste and honorable, not
just virginal. :) I don't think Steppenwolf would ever figure that out
- but Eric has more of the knowledge, and I bet Nemo already has.

>   Steppenwolf smiles. It is a rather predatory smile, but not  
>exactly -- threatening. "Well. I should not even be entertaining this
>notion. I should treat this...appearance...with caution -- but Pits
>take caution. Walk with me."
>   This last is deliberately imperious, challenging but not
>antagonistic. He's seeing how she reacts.

     Zia in Red gives him the slightest incline of her head, that
doesn't nothing to conceal the flash of amusement in her eyes.
However, the magical doorway of polychromatic light that had wavered
behind her winks out.

>   Steppenwolf walks to Zia's side, his brow furrowing for a moment.
>Then, with a rather ungainly start and a quick recovery, he offers
>her his arm.

     Zia gently places her arm through his elbow and onto his lower
arm, with the manner of a longtime courtier - or even royalty itself.
This almost seems some formal masked ball for a second.

     "Leaving your ax? I am armed myself." The tone is gravely
serious, but her lips almost smile. As if he could not see the sword
she carries openly - and as if he should be threatened here on his own
ship. With her alone here! Of course, what good has having the ax done
him when they've met before?
--
Red Zia
Part of Chromatic Zia - in a rainbow of fruit flavors.

(Blame Roger. I'm sure this is his fault - who do you think could have
taught an Amberite to co-locate herself - in his own home universe, no
less?)
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 13:05:26 +0000
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011784

>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011780
>
>Veren gives Kell a measuring look. "You got anything good for undead
>or constructs? I'll admit, I could use a melee fighter to keep some
>of what's likely to come at us pinned down while I shoot. There's
>only so much I can do with summoned creatures, after all."

   "I've got something on hand," Kell replies, as he pulls on a pair
of gloves. "Silver undead bane/disruption mace, and adamantine
De-Construct mace. And I've been a 'one-man wall' a few times."
   Adjusting his cloak, he stretches, then moves through a brief
pattern. If he had a mace in each hand, something would have some
really nasty bruises about now.
   "Damn. I'm a little rusty," he mutters.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 13:28:56 +0000
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011785

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 09:08:25 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011782
>
>The GooD Doctor nods curtly, "That is understandable." A tear falls
>gently from his eye, made all the more striking by the lighting zap
>that follows it down. He turns to the map of Russia. "I just wish
>there was something I could do without disengaging from my prior
>commitment."

   Rob walks up to the Good Doctor. "The war of the Third Key found me
fighting for control of the Aswan Dam. I didn't even know what was
happening until it was all over. But six people were free to face the
Proprietor because I was there."
   Then he adds, "You're a scientist. Calculate the area of a
third-order effect when the first-order cause is the size of Egypt,
with your level of energy."
   Rob doesn't wait for Dr. Romanov to come to a conclusion. He ran
these numbers years ago, using his own abilities. The third-order
effects of his actions reached down to just short of South Africa. And
Doctor Energy has the potential to provide a greater impact.
   [I hope he gets the point. I don't have any better way to explain
it.]
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 15:11:11 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011786

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 09:08:25 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011782
>
>The GooD Doctor nods curtly, "That is understandable." A tear falls
>gently from his eye, made all the more striking by the lighting zap
>that follows it down. He turns to the map of Russia. "I just wish
>there was something I could do without disengaging from my prior
>commitment."

The Bard smiles sadly at the Good Doctor. "I understand your pain,
Sir.
 My home city for many years was overrun by various forces and there
were times where I could do nothing to stop it. But," and he turns to
watch Erindrea out of the corner of his eye, even though his words are
still ostensibly directed at Doctor Energy, "once a plan has been
made, you must trust your partners to execute their part of the plan."
Erin stiffens in indignation.

"'Tis often difficult, but to do otherwise is to distract yourself to
no good purpose." Erindrea sighs as Harlock continues. "We...hmm...we
four are as prepared as may be for Middle-Earth. Trust us on that
matter, as we trust you to be prepared for the Nile Empire. Once these
other realms have been dealt with, then we can look to freeing your
homeland." Suddenly Harlock grins roguishly. "'Tis the easiest thing
in the world to counsel patience, and one of the hardest--to my mind,
at least--to practice it. Nevertheless...patience, my friend. We
_will_ save your homeland, but 'twill take some time to do so."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 20:13:03 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011787

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 13:28:56 +0000
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011785
>
>   Rob walks up to the Good Doctor. "The war of the Third Key found
>me fighting for control of the Aswan Dam. I didn't even know what was
>happening until it was all over. But six people were free to face the
>Proprietor because I was there."
>   Then he adds, "You're a scientist. Calculate the area of a
>third-order effect when the first-order cause is the size of Egypt,
>with your level of energy."
>   Rob doesn't wait for Dr. Romanov to come to a conclusion. He ran
>these numbers years ago, using his own abilities. The third-order
>effects of his actions reached down to just short of South Africa.
>And Doctor Energy has the potential to provide a greater impact.
>   [I hope he gets the point. I don't have any better way to explain
>it.]

Romanov thinks for a moment. #Ana, run the calculations on a third
order effect when the first-order cause is the size of Egypt, based on
my current level of Energy? And you silly girl.. You should have known
that this island was secure. There was no need for you to monitor.#
Romanov hears a sound like a buzzing in his ear, then suddenly, #I
understand, sir. Might I say that whomever or whatever had setup
security was the hardest line I have had to tap. The foundation of it
is rock solid...I couldn't even get a decent back door. As to the
calculations, I predict that the effect would cover the continent of
Africa. Possible secondary effects to be felt worldwide.#
" " replyed the Good Doctor. The color drains slightly from his face,
but the electrical energy glows more blue than white. "Then to Egypt I
go. I am at your disposal, Defender. Lead the way." he says a smile of
triumph overcoming his face.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 20:28:02 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011788

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 15:11:11 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011786
>
>The Bard smiles sadly at the Good Doctor. "I understand your pain,
>Sir.
>   My home city for many years was overrun by various forces and
>there were times where I could do nothing to stop it. But," and he
>turns to watch Erindrea out of the corner of his eye, even though his
>words are still ostensibly directed at Doctor Energy, "once a plan
>has been made, you must trust your partners to execute their part of
>the plan." Erin stiffens in indignation.

Romanov stiffens a bit, then relaxes. [And there was a time when I
believed that no one knew of the pain I felt after losing my
family.... were it not for the efforts of Ms. Violet, my beloved
Anastasia would have been lost to me. Even now, she became my greatest
pupil, and she and I will change the world someday.] "Da, what you say
is very true, my friend. Plans have been made and have succeeded in my
experience as well. I do confess a unnatural affection for the
Motherland and a personage such as yourself undoubtedly understands
that, or did at one time at least. I am honored to be in the presence
of gods, having met a handful myself a time or two. An invitation to
the London Philharmonic is order for you and I once this nasty
business is over."

>"'Tis often difficult, but to do otherwise is to distract yourself to
>no good purpose." Erindrea sighs as Harlock continues. "We...hmm...we
>four are as prepared as may be for Middle-Earth. Trust us on that
>matter, as we trust you to be prepared for the Nile Empire. Once
>these other realms have been dealt with, then we can look to freeing
>your homeland." Suddenly Harlock grins roguishly. "'Tis the easiest
>thing in the world to counsel patience, and one of the hardest--to my
>mind, at least--to practice it. Nevertheless...patience, my friend.
>We _will_ save your homeland, but 'twill take some time to do so."

"Fortunately, I have learned that Time is patient, but will work
things out in the end." said the Good Doctor chuckling a little
afterwards. Then he laughs heartily, and offers his hand to the Bard.
"Your words are comforting to this old scientist. But if there is
*anything* that you and your team need, please do not hesitate to
consult with me. Sometime, you and your friends must tell me about
where you are all from if you are so inclined to do so. As far as
distractions, I am hoping to *cause* a few distractions of my own."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 19:09:03 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011789

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 13:05:26 +0000
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011784
>
>   "I've got something on hand," Kell replies, as he pulls on a pair
>of gloves. "Silver undead bane/disruption mace, and adamantine
>De-Construct mace. And I've been

Veren spocks an eyebrow. "Smiting or bane?"

>a 'one-man wall' a few times."
>   Adjusting his cloak, he stretches, then moves through a brief
>pattern. If he had a mace in each hand, something would have some
>really nasty bruises about now.
>   "Damn. I'm a little rusty," he mutters.

"Would that I were so rusty," quoth Veren.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 19:32:56 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011790

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 20:28:02 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011788
>
>Romanov stiffens a bit, then relaxes. [And there was a time when I
>believed that no one knew of the pain I felt after losing my
>family.... were it not for the efforts of Ms. Violet, my beloved
>Anastasia would have been lost to me. Even now, she became my
>greatest pupil, and she and I will change the world someday.] "Da,
>what you say is very true, my friend. Plans have been made and have
>succeeded in my experience as well. I do confess a unnatural
>affection for the Motherland and a personage such as yourself
>undoubtedly understands that, or did at one time at least. I am
>honored to be in the presence of gods, having met a handful myself a
>time or two. An invitation to the London Philharmonic is order for
>you and I once this nasty business is over."

"Right gladly do I accept your offer, Sir." The Bard's grin turns sly.
  "I hear they do a _marvelous_ rendition of Rachmaninov's Fourth
Piano Concerto."

>"Fortunately, I have learned that Time is patient, but will work
>things out in the end." said the Good Doctor chuckling a little
>afterwards. Then he laughs heartily, and offers his hand to the Bard.
>"Your words are comforting to this old scientist. But if there is
>*anything* that you and your team need, please do not hesitate to
>consult with me.

Harlock shakes the Good Doctor's hand. There is a feeling of carefully
metered power to the grip. "I might have them take you up on that when
they head into the realm of...what was it called? Caligari? Sounds
like some sort of noodle dish. At any rate, I shall keep the offer in
mind."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 23:19:17 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011791

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 19:32:56 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011790
>
>"Right gladly do I accept your offer, Sir." The Bard's grin turns
>sly.
>   "I hear they do a _marvelous_ rendition of Rachmaninov's Fourth
>Piano Concerto."

The Good Doctor smiles. "They do indeed. And their Tchaikovsky is
magnificent. Not near as good as Berlin, but well enough to bring
tears to eyes."

>Harlock shakes the Good Doctor's hand. There is a feeling of
>carefully metered power to the grip. "I might have them take you up
>on that when they head into the realm of...what was it called?
>Caligari? Sounds like some sort of noodle dish. At any rate, I shall
>keep the offer in mind."

The Good Doctor grins impishly, "Actually, I was thinking it was some
kind of dish of fried squid, but I for one prefer Baluga caviar
myself. This....Calagari realm...it sounds like the time I ran against
a lost crew of pirates that had wrecked in the South Pacific. How they
managed to survive there I found out later, but they were fierce
fighters....once they agreed on what they were fighting about. As it
was, my native guide and I barely escaped with our lives." As he
shakes hands, he is careful not to exert himself. [This deity could
make the very works of Shakespeare turn to pablum in your mouth. I
eagerly await the end of this. I can hear the strains of the "1812
Overture" now...] "Now...as Mr. Holmes would say, 'The Game...is
afoot.' "
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 07:55:37 -0500
"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011792

>Roland X wrote on 3/20/2004, 12:30 AM:
>
>   And the Hunter bursts out, "I'MMMMMMM the roughest, toughest,
>rootinest, tootinest hombr=E9 north, south, east, AAAAANNND west of
>the Pecos!"

   Roger, who hasn't yet left to do his Division, does a perfect
faceplant, mumbling something about SAN points...

>Now it's _Rio's_ turn to whirl from her console and face Eric. "OK,
>that's it." She smiles. "Just who _are_ you, and where is the pod
>with my brother in it?"

   Roger rolls over, staring at the ceiling. "Da pain... Da PAIN..."

>   Eric points immediately at Zia-UV. "Ask her. _I'm_ me, and I'm
>_still_ trying to figure that out."

   Slowly regaining his feet, the Slapstick Avatar shoots a mock-sour
glance in Eric's direction. "You know that's MY line, bro."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 08:03:58 -0500
"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011793

>Roland X wrote on 3/20/2004, 12:36 AM:
>
>>   "Hey, Eric," Roger chimes in cheerfully. "Now that you're one of
>>the Immie set, I might be able to teach you a way to leverage my
>>multipresence trick. That is, *if* you're interested?" He moderates
>>his grin in Eric's direction, but obviously knows he's got Eric over
>>a bit of a barrel. OTOH, Eric ought to appreciate that Roger isn't
>>rubbing it in...
>
>   "First, I am _not_ immortal. Just especially long lived -- about
>three thousand years if I eat my Wheaties and don't blow up," Eric
>explains definitively (not emphatically -- he saves _that_ for
>special occasions). "As for multipresense, that will require
>Correspondence Sphere training. I have a long way to go on that."

   "Yeah, sorry, my bad. But there's always more than one way to do
these things. *Trust* me." Roger grins toothily in Eric's direction.
"I *know* what I'm doing."
   At this point, Eric really ought to be feeling just a teensy bit
nervous, when Roger suddenly stops being funny and looks him in the
eye.
   "Seriously, between your ki abilities and other stats, we could
probably come up with something short-term. Probably some kind of
telepresence ki-ghost or a free-roaming remote energy construct.
Although," he sighs heavily, "we probably don't have time right now. I
wish we did." He moves over to Zia's sleeping form, and very gently
brushes a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. "You're not the only one
who loves her, you know," he adds, so quietly that (probably) only
Eric can hear.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 08:56:01 -0500
"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011794

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766

   OOC:  Oy, whatta week.  RL swallowed me whole AGAIN, but I've got a
couple hours free now to try and catch up.
   Continuity note: this all takes place *before* Roger steps
off-stage to do his Division bit.

>Solitaire and Defender walk back into the briefing room, hand in
>hand. As people see their expressions, a wave of silence slowly
>spreads until the entire room is quiet. Without having to ask for
>everyone's attention, Solitaire realizes she has it. "Defender has
>a...difficult announcement. For everyone," she adds in case any of
>the assembled forces feel uncertain. She squeezes her husband's hand.
<snip>
>   Seeker gapes. "The Golden _Avenger?_"

   Roger flinches slightly, and pops a dupe out to his allied field
forces, still performing mop-up duties in Northern Ohio, and begins
giving revised orders.

>   "Just to clarify, sir," Defender replies, "the High Lord there is
>Zoltar?"
>   The president's jaw twitches. "That is correct."
>   Defender sighs. "Thank you, Mr. President." /[Zoltar,]/ he thinks
>with resigned , sufficiently distracted that it bleeds out onto the
>link. /[Why am I not surprised?]/

   "Because it's just one of those days?" Roger tries to quip, but
falls rather flat.

>   Defender nods. "Thank you for the briefing, sir. If there's
>anything else we can do...
>   Collins smiles faintly. "Kick their god-damned asses."
>
>"With pleasure, sir," Solitaire (among others) says. The screen goes
>black.

   Time dilation is *such* a handy ability. Roger stepped out for an
hour or so subjective time, but was only gone a moment from everyone
else's perspective.
   Of course, when he steps back into the tail end of the briefing,
there's rather, er, more of him now. Five more, to be precise.
   One, in the lead, looks rather like Roger after being dipped in
Essence of Pierce Brosnan (halfway between his Remington Steele and
Bond periods). Black suit, black shoes, white shirt, glossy black tie,
and perfect hair, radiating even-tempered competence with just a hint
of mayhem under the surface. Roger Smith, Negotiator of Paradigm City
(who also has a very big Giant Robot for when negotiations falls
through).
   The second looks a bit younger and more gangly than Roger normally
does, with a wild shock of hair, classic WWII-style bomber jacket,
cavalry boots, jhodpurs, and a pair of old style aviator goggles slung
around his neck. On each hip a holster holds a an archaic
Webley-Fosbury self-cocking revolver, complete with cavalry lanyard.
Think Indiana Jones as written by Stan Lee in the 1930s. Captain Roger
Thunder.
   The third looks like a cross between a punk rocker and a classic
Errol Flynn style pirate, swathed in mismatched jewelry, bright
scarves, hair beads, a half-dozen flintlock pistols and cutlass, and
khol under his eyes to block glare that isn't there right now.
Frankly, he looks just a teeny bit stoned. Sighting Rio, he shifts
rather obviously into Casanova mode, and starts in her direction...
only to have both his arms grasped firmly by the first two. Yes, it's
Captain Roger Sparrow.
   The fourth is Roger fed through a Tolkien filter with the knob
turned to "Elf." Taller than normal, with perfectly chisled features
and lacking all of Roger's normal broad-shouldered bulk, carrying an
unstrung bow and wearing a short sword over LOTR-movie-styled Legolas
Outfit, it's Rogeras.
   Bringing up the rear, almost invisibly, is the last Roger, dressed
in grey cloak, tunic, and trousers, wearing a lightsaber on one hip, a
blaster on the other, and looking rather in need of a shave. Rogus
Grephnix, grey Jedi.

   OOC: Why do I do this to myself?

   "I believe," the Negotiator states calmly, "that this provides one
of us for each team."

>   "All right, form up. I'll be leading the team into the Nile
>Empire, and Solitaire will be leading the team into the Middle-Earth
>realm. The current plan is to contact the local resistance, find out
>what we can, then do a special forces style insertion into the heart
>of their power and take out the problems at their source -- the High
>Lords and their Darkness Devices. The cosmics will then restore the
>Possibility Energy to the victims of the invasion, protecting them
>from the ensuing reality backlash. Start shooting holes in it."

   Captain Thunder moves over to join Defender, grinning like a
country boy about to see gay Paree, and Rogias steps up to Solitaire,
smiling politely.
   Roger Smith looks at the map and raises an eyebrow. "The only
'hole' I can see, at this moment, is that the plan leaves us rather
vulnerable to offenses by our enemies in areas outside the current
invasion zones. Roger Prime took the liberty of placing his
extradimensional allies in direct contact with UNTIL, with the intent
of creating a 'flying squad' of sorts to attempt and contain any
activities of this type. Being from outside this reality, they should
exhibit a greater resistance to the cosm-warping effects, especially
with certain stabilizing technologies being provided by their primary
technical support." He shrugs. "Beyond that, I see little we can do
but carry the battle to the enemy on as many fronts as practical."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 09:08:18 +0000
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011795

>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011789
>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011784
>>
>>   "I've got something on hand," Kell replies, as he pulls on a pair
>>of gloves. "Silver undead bane/disruption mace, and adamantine
>>De-Construct mace.
>
>Veren spocks an eyebrow. "Smiting or bane?"

   Kell sighs. "I don't know. They were a gift from a half-mad
sorceror I met. I'm sure about the bane, but he was too busy cackling
to tell me any other details."

>>   Adjusting his cloak, he stretches, then moves through a brief
>>pattern. If he had a mace in each hand, something would have some
>>really nasty bruises about now.
>>   "Damn. I'm a little rusty," he mutters.
>
>"Would that I were so rusty," quoth Veren.

   Kell just repeats the pattern at one-quarter speed, with a slight
change. The variance is small, but notable; there is less room for an
attack to get through.
   "-That's- more like it. Sorry to keep you waiting, Veren. Ready to
go now."
=================================

[Ed. Note: 11797 and 11976 were posted in reverse order. I'm swapping
them here for readability.]

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:13:20 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011797

{OOC: Oops a bit out of order. Ah well.]

>On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 21:23:15 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011763
>
>   "Should I tell you, when you wake up, or not?" Eric asks. "I
>hesitate to twist your own strengths and weaknesses around  
>never know when a 'weakness' is going to be a strength, after all --
>but I could make a Lens record of your actions, and even thoughts (I
>think) if you so desire."

     "I do keep a Lens-record, myself, locked even from myself. If you
do manage to make me aware of the Truth, thus Awakening me as an
Amberite here - I'm rather leery of what the effects might be, Eric.
Not only might Paradox rather Monkey's Paw to keep me from gaining too
much control here, given what I can do in a normal Shadow, but also -
what if Paradox can't sufficiently stymie me?"

     "I could wind up being far more powerful than I desire to be. If
you could raise the fallen dead, wipe away armies with a modicum of
desire, hold your friend's lives not just in your hands - but in your
smallest _whims_, would you find it desirable?"

     "And not just friends - but what about a lover? Could you trust
the emotion to be what passes for real in Shadow - if your mildest
desire took root, grew wings, and smashed out any possible other
outcome? I would rather not take the chance that your Free Won't could
stand up to my Freed Will. So, unless you think it necessary, I think
it's better that a certain degree of leash is kept on this particular
circumstance."

>   Privately, Eric examines his newfound grasp of raw Prime, the
>fundamental Probability source of the Consensus, to try and makes
>sense of Zia's current state by Earth-9's odd "rules," such as they
>are. He gives up before the headache sets in. [That's our Zia, all
>right...plays by her own rules, even when the rules are "make your
>own."]

     The Just Violet just gives him a look - her eyes grin, and he is
fairly sure her lips did, too - but he doesn't know if she heard that
or merely guessed he was pondering her technique.

<continued in my other reply...>
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:01:31 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011796

>>Now it's _Rio's_ turn to whirl from her console and face Eric. "OK,
>>that's it." She smiles. "Just who _are_ you, and where is the pod
>>with my brother in it?"
>
>   Roger rolls over, staring at the ceiling. "Da pain... Da PAIN..."
>
>>   Eric points immediately at Zia-UV. "Ask her. _I'm_ me, and I'm
>>_still_ trying to figure that out."
>
>   Slowly regaining his feet, the Slapstick Avatar shoots a mock-sour
>glance in Eric's direction. "You know that's MY line, bro."

"You mean, it isn't obvious, Eric? Rio?" The Just Violet glances back
and forth between them. "Ah. Well, perhaps a demonstration would shed
more radiation than my previous explanation." She shrugs back the
deep, royal purple cloak, the folds developing new shades of purple so
dark it looks black. Underneath is an exact match for Eric's usual
trenchcoat - including, if one is extremely perceptive, the same
bulges and slight curves (save where the gender of the wearer
necessitates additional beyond the sharp and deadly accoutrements).

She does a rather elegant - but difficult for eyes to follow - motion
with one hand. A chain that oozes purple darkness in a frenetic
glowing ultraviolet radiation spills from a sleeve, coiling around her
other hand. It cannot be looked at for longer than the briefest glance
without special lenses or other protection - the UV it radiates is
enough to leave ghostly after-images from all but the briefest of
side-glances.

A sudden martial arts motion that Eric is no doubt quite familiar with
coils one end around her forearm and elbow, the other end into loops
about her hand.

"What, no Star Trek fans? Vulcan mindmeld? Eric suddenly showing a
talent - and a desire - to entertain surprises me not at all. Given
what the commonest effect of a deep mindmeld can be. His own skills
likely are why I'm the part of the Dreamer present with him. D'jinn
RedZia is currently with Steppenwolf."

The Just Violet watches Roger as this name gets mentioned, but her
body holds the same still deadliness Eric usually radiates. Although
her eyes are visible, instead of behind sunglasses. It's all the rest
of her face that cannot be seen.
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:15:47 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011798

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 12:01:27 -0800
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011770
>
>   "There are other patterns, which they...we...call Spheres, that
>can create true physical applications with training. Pure Prime,
>however, can manifest Platonic ideals -- er, essence-manifestations
>of these patterns. Most will have _some_ sense of the pattern, but
>they directly affect only very rarified entities."
>   "That's the first time I've ever been called 'rarified,'" Orchid
>quips.
>   Eric simply nods toward her. "Changelings, for example." He smiles
>gently. "And as the Admiral said, 'little girls, like butterflies,
>need no excuse.' Regardless," he continues as Orchid tries to decide
>whether to be flattered or insulted, "for the most part, such
>'objects' only exist as an idea, a concept. Those capable of sensing
>such concepts become aware of them. The problem for what I suspect
>you're thinking is, the requisite senses won't be fooled into
>thinking the object really exists." Eric cups his chin in his hand as
>he considers. "Then again...the right use of ch'i inversion...there
>would _have_ to be a conjunctional application...Forces perhaps,
>maybe some unusual use of Matter...it might be possible." He shakes
>his head as Orchid apparently decides (a bit reluctantly) on
>flattered. "Later. We have a war to win."

"Actually, both Matter and Energy. But you've fairly well bracketed
what I do." Ultraviolet says, momentarily letting the UV radiation
flare around her. "I suspect that we were alike enough more rubbed off
both ways than I had originally extrapolated."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:21:32 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011799

>On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 09:08:18 +0000
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011795
>
>>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011789
>>
>>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011784
>>>
>>>   "I've got something on hand," Kell replies, as he pulls on a
>>>pair of gloves. "Silver undead bane/disruption mace, and adamantine
>>>De-Construct mace.
>>
>>Veren spocks an eyebrow. "Smiting or bane?"
>
>   Kell sighs. "I don't know. They were a gift from a half-mad
>sorceror I met. I'm sure about the bane, but he was too busy cackling
>to tell me any other details."

Veren's other eyebrow flies up. "And you never bothered having it
identified?! Erin, could you come identify something for your favorite
uncle, please?"

Erin comes trotting over with a scroll in hand. "Umm...what am Ah
s'posed to ahdentifah? His gloves?"
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:26:28 -0800
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011800

>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 23:19:17 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011791
>
>"Now...as Mr. Holmes would say, 'The Game...is afoot.' "

The Bard, for a change of pace, looks utterly blank. "And who is Mr.
Holmes, if I may ask?"

(OOC: _I_ know, of course, but Harlock's been too busy learning the
theater and--most especially--the music of modern Earth analogues to
delve into literature.)
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 19:17:44 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011801

>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011772
>
>   "Ah." Eden clears her throat. "So. Morgan. Think you can come?"
>
>Morgan looks at Roland. Roland returns the gaze. Morgan looks back up
>at Eden. "Aye," she nods.
>
>   As Morgan works out logistics with Eden,

"If I may?" The Just Violet asks Morgan, raising an eyebrow at Eden's
jibes Eric's direction. "Eden, if you keep that up, you might just
find out how lively I am. I fit a Fae mythos best of any. Fianna,
Sidhe lords, eh? Has the Glass Mountain or Rose-Hedged Castle appeared
yet? Because if if has, that will solve Eric's problem with the
duty-conflict handily."

"I strongly doubt that even the forces arrayed against you can come up
with a Questor fit to break through either of those to rescue the
sleeping damsel. Or for that matter, I rather think that the
Rose-Hedge might be arranged here - thus leading Legendary protections
to this mystic isle's already formidable defenses." The pulp heroine's
tone is wry, but factual.

"If need be, I can summon one more avatar, but I prefer to hold some
reserve. Eric? How best should I resolve this conflict? I would have
you fulfill your chosen role, but I will not like to worry you
unecessarily, either."
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:59:59 -0500
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011802

>On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:26:28 -0800
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011800
>
>>On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 23:19:17 -0500
>>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011791
>>
>>"Now...as Mr. Holmes would say, 'The Game...is afoot.' "
>
>The Bard, for a change of pace, looks utterly blank. "And who is Mr.
>Holmes, if I may ask?"

OOC: Hmmm...A puzzle...

The Good Doctor looks surprised, realizing that The Bard has never
heard of Sherlock Holmes. "Then whilst we are at the London
Philharmonic, I would like to take you to another place that I like to
visit. 221-B Baker Street, the "home" of the Great Detective, Sherlock
Holmes. In this particular fiction, his writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
wrote many stories of the crimes that he has solved. Crimes for which
no obvious solution was available. I oversimplify, of course, but when
you get a chance, I recommend them to you. There have been movies
based on his exploits as well as television shows. I recommend "The
Hound of The Baskervilles" as a start." says The Good Doctor.

"Tell me..." said Romanov, changing the subject, "What is your opinion
of Frank Zappa?"
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 22:05:33 -0800
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011803

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 03:33:29 -0800
>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00011769
>
>Harlock looks around at the people he has brought with him. "I think
>we're ready for this 'Middle-Earth' realm. Of us all, I'm the most
>familiar with technology, but nothing from this 'Nile Empire' looks
>like what I know."
>
>Veren looks uncomfortable. "I'm not going."

<snip great character stuff>
>Veren tries to smile reassuringly at Erin--a slightly less repellant
>grimace than usual, in other words--then turns to Defender. "Sorry to
>switch horses on you mid-stream, as it were, but is there any way to
>get me to the capitol to help in the investigations, Sir?"

   Defender smiles gratefully. "I get the impression that Wa-our
capitol is relatively monster free." The smile vanishes, and Roland
turns grim. "I'll admit, there are several other areas in the country
that are still...infested. Nothing would please me more than to give
the Gaunt Man the back of my hand. However, the Orrorshan realm
is...harsh. It's _designed_ to kill heroes. Even the most experienced
defenders of reality..." he quiets briefly. Morgan squeezes his hand.
   "Still," he continues gamely, "if you really feel called to help
out here, we've got more situations than we've got people to deal
with, so it's your call." Roland smiles again. "Just please be patient
with the natives. They're still getting used to the idea of a
more...flexible reality.

>(OOC: I figure Veren's work can be handled "off-camera" unless you
>have some reason to decide otherwise, Roland. But Veren _is_ an
>Undead Hunter and a h*** of a tracker. This is the path that he feels
>is correct for him, even if _I_ would've liked to see him chopping a
>Ringwraith into tiny pieces.)

   OOC: Well, as mentioned, Washington DC is a crawly-free zone, for
the moment (the combined supernatural forces of Earth-9 and the New
Gods are nothing to sneeze at), but if you're heart's set on Hunting
Undead ;^), there are a few other Orrorshan "soft points" -- New
Orleans, central Haiti, Mexico City, and the gray dots on the
Europe/Africa map (they're Casablanca, Baghdad, Jerusalem, and
Transylvania/central Romania). If you want to plop something down
elsewhere, it should be okay -- New York and Bay City/SF are out, as
are other invasions, but otherwise there shouldn't be any problems.
   Of course, if you want an excuse for Veren to go to Middle Earth,
Washington _is_ Orrorshan-free, and the Gaunt Man could always loan
Sauron a nightmare or two...and there are already eight Ringwraiths
working directly for the High Lord...
=================================

Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 22:55:04 -0800
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011804

>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 23:47:10 -0500
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011777
>
>The Good Doctor notes Defender and the Presidents' reaction. "Who is
>this....Zoltar?"

   "The second most dangerous High Lord in the invasion. Not because
he's necessarily more brilliant or powerful than the others -- he's
demonstrably less personally powerful than Sauron, and has fewer
military forces than Palpatine -- but because he alone among the High
Lords directly does his Darkness Device's bidding. He worships it as
'the Luminous One' or 'the Great Spirit.'
   "As for Zoltar, he -- sorry, she -- is very much like the villains
of the Nile Empire, with a combination of style and ruthlessness that
makes Spectra very dangerous. It's the style that primarily differs,
with the Luminous One's predilection for giant, animal-theme robots
and a hunger for energy resources. Otherwise, the large number of
identically-suited goons, the weird, unique-costumed minions, and
unlikely plots involving weird science will probably be very familiar.
Also, if I know Zoltar (and I do, unfortunately), he -- she, nass it
-- has probably picked up some lackeys from her local multiverse."

>>[Orrorshans] have not expanded their territory since the initial
>>landing. However, unlike the other regions, we have no idea why this
>>is the case. There is no significant resistance to them in the
>>area."
>
>Suddenly, Doc Energys' eyes start to glow and then little lightning
>bolts pass from one eye to the other. Then the lightning passes down
>his arms, into his Tesla batteries.

   Roland winces in sympathy. He remembers how angry and powerless he
felt with Darkseid's shadow covering the eastern seaboard, and _he_
had been at the top of the list, not to mention is possessed of a
certain sense of honor. The Gaunt Man, on the other hand...somehow, he
didn't think that Orrorsh's presence in the Russian equivalent of the
"boonies" would be any comfort.

>"How does it all fit in there? See, the power source is a tiny
>fragment of the sun inside The Hollow Earth.

   Quantum looks intrigued. (Doc Energy may have vague recollections
of her, as Mercedes Targer, being affiliated with the SoEs back in the
day herself. 8^)

>A piece of it fell during one of my adventures. Eric, you certainly
>remember Doc Energy and The Invaders from Beneath"

   Eric smiles apologetically. "Sorry, sir, my father was more of a
Shadow fan. Most of my Inner Earth 'knowledge' revolves around
Pellucidar."

>Simply put, this robot can transform into any vehicle I choose. That
>way, no Sleepers (and more importantly none from the Technocracy)
>could ever see the B.O.R.I.S. 1, even if only for a few moments.
>First they might see a flying man, but then they look again and it's
>only....a dirigible." As he uttered those last words, suddenly there
>is a transformation sequence coming from the hologram.

   Defender glances at Roger. ^NO Transformers references, please.^
   (OOC: Which guarantees one, of course. Eh, 'Skyefire?' ;^)

>Then appears what looks to be a giant brass blimp, only with a few
>subtle differences. "What's more is the vehicle chosen continues to
>operate at a normal speed. And even better, the fragment of The Sun
>Below allowed me to create a pocket dimension within it.....so when I
>am loading all these men, vehicles, heroes, etc. they aren't taking
>any more space than necessary."

   Roland grins. "And in the Nile Empire, it'll be coincidental..."

>Suddenly the hologram turns off, and stops beeping. The Good Doctor
>picks it up, and turns to address Defender. "My services, equipment
>and skills are yours to command, sir. I have a few things to
>request."

   "If I can, of course."

>"One, that supply me with a Lens so that I may communicate with the
>team on a secured disconnection-proof line.

   "Well, we use mini-lenses, provided by our own one-of-a-kind
(literally, to hear him tell it) Sentinel-Lensdragon. Dhyrclhanc?
You're on," Roland says with a grin.
   (OOC: Our sib's connection is...erratic. 8^) Until/unless said
otherwise, it's safe to assume that you get a mini-lens at this
point.)

>Two, that you contact the Russian equivalent of The Champions and
>coodinate with them on fighting The Gaunt Man.

   Defender concentrates. He scowls. "The Bogatyrs -- an alliance of
Lunars, Mages, Changelings, and Mythics using the legend to rally
around -- are engaging the realm at the fringes. Against my specific
advice." He sighs. "Not that I can blame them. Most nations don't have
their own super-team, but there is an Eastern European franchise of
Vanguard that might as well be. Vanguard...Gamma?" He looks at
Solitaire.

"Delta, actually," Solitaire replies distractedly as she coordinates
with Eden and the Fianna. "Gamma is the Far East, Japan/China,
remember?"

   "Oh yeah," Defender says, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Specializing in giant monsters with rubbery complexions. Anyway,
they're on the case, and coordinating with the Council and UNTIL."

>and 3, that you and your lovely wife accompany me to the Russian
>Ballet when this is all over and we have rebuilt things."

   Defender laughs, the first good, solid laugh in a while. After a
flicker of contact, he replies, "We'd be delighted."
=================================