Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9 Chapter 20 Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:26:27 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011805 >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 Said As CAoL Message # 00011781 >> >>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." "Well, I'm trained in a wide variety of weapons," Eric says evenly, making his union-mandated understatement du jour. "I'll take some of that action." He removes his infamous duster and lays it on a table, inside up. The effect is distinctly similar to Rick O'Connell from "the Mummy" unrolling his bag of weapons, though Eric does so in a more polite manner (not slamming it down or out in annoyance or to impress; he has more respect for his equipment than that). "The only absolute 'keepers' are the chain...oh." He looks at the gathered, broken links in one pocket. "Hrm. I'm going to need my old kusari-gama. And this stays too," he adds, pointing out a blackened wooden stake. The appropriate senses show it to have overwhelming Resonance of...hunter, of slayer, of triumph over death incarnate, albeit with a bloody price. Doc Energy, along with the other Earth-9 mages present, instantly know that this is the stake that ended Ventru, the 'First and Forsaken Lion.' "Other than that, they're just tools. And I'm going to need more, ah, 'period' equipment," he adds, looking at Zia-UV, "just in case." Meanwhile, Defender has worked his way over to Doc Energy. "Do you need to talk?" he asks quietly, knowing better than most how the good Doctor must feel right now. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Flirts with Wolves On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:57:52 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011806 >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 > > > >>> 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. OOC: "Where the _enemy_ is weakest" being the sticking point. Once it's clear that she's not being...antagonistic, that problem will not exist. Until then, he's a god of Apokolips -- of course he'll be suspicious. OTOH, that _last_ bit is interesting... >> 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.) Oh, he knows it's not a _physical_ trap. At least, not at first. Later, he's not so sure. And, well it _is_ a trap...of sorts. As Lorien said, however, if one is a 'prisoner' of joy, does one have a duty to escape to misery? ;^) >> 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? Marcus - "I'm picking something up." Susan - "A unicorn?" >> 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 nods, clearly granting her the 'point,' though there seems no element of 'conceding,' since that would indicate reluctance. > "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? Steppenwolf emits a sound somewhere between a contented rumble (very lupine) and a chuckle. "You cut Kanto." He seems about to add more, then thinks better of it. "It has been a long time since I took a moment to enjoy 'the sights,' as it were. Have you a preference?" >Red Zia >Part of Chromatic Zia - in a rainbow of fruit flavors. "Red hearts! Orange moons! Purple stars! Green clo--" SLAP Sorry. I'm better now. (It's better than my other thought, though -- _that_ would've had to go to the Risque Room. ) >(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?) On some level, sooner or later, _everything_ is Roger's Fault. It's kind of like Six Degrees of Kevin Spacey. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:57:14 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011807 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:59:59 -0500 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011802 > >>>"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?" > >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. "Ah," says Harlock. "I hadn't gotten around to that one yet." He winks at Doctor Romanov. "'Tis not a musical, after all." >"Tell me..." said Romanov, changing the subject, "What is your >opinion of Frank Zappa?" "Oddly compelling, with an emphasis on the 'odd.' And I'm still trying to figure out what he was thinking when he named his children." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:01:17 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011808 >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." "That was _you?_" Roland blurts suddenly. "I owe you one. That freed up a...classified...UNTIL unit to help against Eurostar, which freed up Vanguard Beta to help us against the Proprietor." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:15:28 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011809 >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 hombre 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... A chibi anime Eric made of pure Quintessence holds up a sign: "9.7". Orchid giggles and creates a Glamour chibi-her that holds up a "10.0". Rogi-poo...er, Roger has a fan. Rio looks like she's considering it, then abstains. ;^) >> 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're from the future. So where did you get it in the _first_ place?" Eric smiles like the proverbial canary-laden cat. >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: >> >>"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." "I'll bet," the Hunter replies in his best "dubious Harrison Ford" mode. > 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. Eric looks at Roger with a new respect, and a certain sympathy. [What boy _didn't_ end up with a horrible crush on the pretty, vivacious aunt?] "Actually," Kanto drawls, sauntering over, "I believe I can solve your dilemma." At Eric's raised eyebrow, he bows slightly. "Having fought me, you can attest to my skill." The Hunter absently fingers where Kanto scored a hit earlier. "And the Lady herself can attest to my honor. You have my word, this form will endure no harm while I breathe." Eric removes the shades, staring penetratingly at Kanto. The assassin returns the gaze evenly. "You may scan me with your 'Lens,' if it will reassure you," Kanto adds dryly. "That won't be necessary," Eric replies simply. "Ultraviolet, I am at your disposal." In love he may be, but remaining in safety while others face danger suits the Hunter not at all. "I don't expect you to be as...vigilant...as I would have been, but I expect you to be here if trouble comes." Kanto simply nods while Eric turns to his coat, and the selection of weaponry now available to him. His eyes widen ever so slightly, then he regains his composure as the shades go back on. /So. Defender. Do you _have_ to wear spandex to join this outfit?/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:18:37 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011810 >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 >> >>Veren looks uncomfortable. "I'm not going." > > *blush* >>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. Veren blinks. "I know the attack was beaten back, but did they find the lair of the fiends responsible? I'm a damned good tracker. As for harsh..." he bares his teeth in what only the most charitable would call a smile. "I fought off a trio of wraiths back when I was still just a Runner at Stalwart Pines. I've learned quite a bit since then." >>(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, OOC: Oh, goody! Voodoo! >Mexico City, OOC: Hmm...Aztec remnants, perhaps? Shades of a Mercedes Lackey novel? >and the gray dots on the Europe/Africa map (they're Casablanca, >Baghdad, Jerusalem, OOC: Not seeing the connections here, beyond the fact that all three cities are ancient by Western standards. >and Transylvania/central Romania). OOC: Naturally. ;) >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, OOC: Nah. Veren won't admit it even to himself, but he needs a little time away from Erin to sort himself out. His world's just turned more than a bit topsy-turvy, don'cha know. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:54:29 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011811 >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 >> >> 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. Roland blushes (tm). "'Scuse me." > 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 -- Roger Smith, Negotiator of Paradigm City > The second -- Captain Roger Thunder. OOC: He'll get along fine with The Blaze, Mesmerist Master of Mayhem. > The third -- Captain Roger Sparrow. > The fourth -- Rogeras. > Bringing up the rear -- Rogus Grephnix, grey Jedi. > OOC: Why do I do this to myself? Masochism? *smiles innocently* > "I believe," the Negotiator states calmly, "that this provides one >of us for each team." Defender nods. "Impressive. Still," he says in full leader mode, "I want Negotiator Smith, Captain Sparrow, and Grephnix to use _extreme_ caution until reinforcements arrive." He grins weakly. "I'm not even going to _try_ to tell you lot to stay out of the realms entirely. I know better." >>{This is the plan}. 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. Morgan looks over her elvish-ized son. "It looks good on you, but all things considered I think you'd best go with the main team. You'll almost certainly be more help to them than being an 'agent of chaos' in a diplomatically delicate situation." She smiles apologetically. "The Fianna would love you, the Get...aren't known for their sense of humor, and I don't know _what_ the Changelings would make of you -- of _that_ you." (OOC: Morgan will probably join up with the main team later, but we've got some stuff we want to work through first that having others along on won't be conducive to.) > 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. >"Beyond that, I see little we can do but carry the battle to the >enemy on as many fronts as practical." "Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much to be done about that particular hole." Roland frowns. "I know we're playing the Gaunt Man's game, sprock him, but -- and please forgive me for saying this, Doctor Energy -- the only reason he would have chosen a base of operations so far from the main action is to 'allow' us to wear ourselves down fighting the other High Lords. Assaulting him now, however, is out of the question. The Gaunt Man could rally the others to him directly, something I doubt any of the others would do even if they could. Even the CAoL couldn't take on all six remaining High Lords, Darkness Devices, and sundry forces at once." The frown becomes a grimace. "It's hardly hopeless, though. The Gaunt Man thinks we can do his dirty work for him, taking out his rivals, then he can stomp on us when we come to deal with him. He's being too clever by half," [I hope,] "and I mean to see him choke on it." Then, more privately, ^Roger Smith? Got a minute?^ Tight-beamed so tightly even the other Rogers, except Roger-Prime, aren't aware. Morgan's only connected because she's _always_ connected to Roland. ^I've been thinking about...our connection lately. Some of its oddities, some other things. And lineage has been...on my mind a fair amount the last few days.^ (OOC: It's been a year for me. Roland just lost _his_ father not too long ago.) ^And there's been a penny that just won't drop. Until, I think, now. This fight...^ Mentally, his ESP 'gaze' wanders over to the war maps. ^...it's unlike any even the CAoL has faced. And Orrorsh kills.^ He takes a deep mental 'breath.' [Nothing for it but to say it.] ^I die, don't I? Or rather, in your Hypertime branch, I will/did.^ Both Greywolf-Phoenix men pick up a wordless spike of concern from Morgan. (OOC: Unless Roger comes back with a quick, convincing "no"...) ^I'm guessing that you were older than the twins are now, but still fairly young. Mid teens to early twenties, I'd imagine. I remember how I felt, trying to measure up to _my_ father. If your father, 'Earth's Defender,' died taking out the Gaunt Man...^ ^And it was almost certainly against the Gaunt Man -- perversely, most High Lords have realities that help heroes win in the end. I can almost see it playing out, in my mind, the faint hints of precog, oddly enough.^ Roger can see hints of it in Roland's mind as well, a blade darker than a black hole against a saber seemingly made of red-blue marble, flashing in the heart of a battle to beggar even the Champions' imaginations... OOC: Ain't I a stinker? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 08:14:45 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011812 >George wrote on 3/23/2004, 12:11 AM: > >"Tell me..." said Romanov, changing the subject, "What is your >opinion of Frank Zappa?" "Should've been convicted of child abuse for naming his kids the way he did," Roger interjects from the sidelines. "Other than that, he's not bad." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Flirts with Wolves On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 06:12:19 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011813 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:57:52 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011806 > > Steppenwolf emits a sound somewhere between a contented rumble >(very lupine) and a chuckle. "You cut Kanto." He seems about to add >more, then thinks better of it. "It has been a long time since I took >a moment to enjoy 'the sights,' as it were. Have you a preference?" "Obviously." The tone is like the Gobi in a drought. Her eye's gaze dips, then she looks up him (note: not -at- him). Steppenwolf doesn't think it coincidence that her good eye is facing him, but it puts her blind side on the outside. The first less than optimal tactical action he has seen her make. "I'm here, aren't I? The part that matters, at least." Her lips quirk to share the wicked glint of amusement that flares in her eye again. "Where do you wish to go sight-seeing?" -- The Dame of Hearts, specializing in Loaded Q & A >>Red Zia, Part of Chromatic Zia - in a rainbow of fruit flavors. > > "Red hearts!" Check. Zia of the Red, D'jinn-Z, or just the Dame of Hearts, if you prefer. > "Orange moons!" Hmmm. Moons. Ewoks. Star Wars. Orange robes. Buddhist monks? Kung Fu meets Jedi? That has possibilities, though I don't think Zia is as good at multiplexing as Roger. So only if I'm done with one of the others first. > "Purple stars!" "I do usually get title billing." The Just Violet agrees. > "Green clo--" Zia as a 'chaun? I'm not sure even Roger could cope with that! Although lemme see, if there was a Zia that could cope with the mythos of the Ring, after she's already been corrupted by it once, this might work. ;) Hmmmm. > SLAP > Sorry. I'm better now. > (It's better than my other thought, though -- _that_ would've had >to go to the Risque Room. ) Aha. That's an interesting idea, too. I'll find a way to use that. It would be interesting to see Eric's reaction to being outnumbered, too. >>(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?) > > On some level, sooner or later, _everything_ is Roger's Fault. >It's kind of like Six Degrees of Kevin Spacey. I knew it! The kid's a fault collector for Reality. That makes so much sense, now! ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 09:20:33 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011814 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:57:14 -0800 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011807 > >>On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:59:59 -0500 >>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011802 >> >>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. > >"Ah," says Harlock. "I hadn't gotten around to that one yet." He >winks at Doctor Romanov. "'Tis not a musical, after all." The Good Doctor nods, "True enough, my musical friend. Though to my recollection, very few detective mysteries are musicals." >>"Tell me..." said Romanov, changing the subject, "What is your >>opinion of Frank Zappa?" > >"Oddly compelling, with an emphasis on the 'odd.' And I'm still >trying to figure out what he was thinking when he named his >children." The Good Doctor laughs heartly, "As am I, my friend. The only one that he gave a normal name was Ahmet. Odd indeed, but the man was a genius. Comperable to the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Richart Wagner. Though without the facism of the latter." As he says that, the sound system that is built into his power suit plays "Peaches En Regalia" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 06:44:22 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011815 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:15:28 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011809 >>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011792 >>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011793 >>>Roland X wrote on 3/20/2004, 12:36 AM: >> >>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. > > Eric looks at Roger with a new respect, and a certain sympathy. >[What boy _didn't_ end up with a horrible crush on the pretty, >vivacious aunt?] Violet suddenly busies herself checking on her own gear, taking much more time to examine her pearl-inlaid pistols than the task would seem to demand. It's almost weird to see even a part of Zia pass on the chance to tease Roger, but perhaps there are a few things that even she (or Roger) don't use as material for their ribbing of one another. > "Actually," Kanto drawls, sauntering over, "I believe I can solve >your dilemma." At Eric's raised eyebrow, he bows slightly. "Having >fought me, you can attest to my skill." The Hunter absently fingers >where Kanto scored a hit earlier. "And the Lady herself can attest to >my honor." The figure in slowly-coruscating hues of purple gives an agreeing nod, the hat brim dipping in the motion making it seem almost a bow. > "You have my word, this form will endure no harm while I breathe." > Eric removes the shades, staring penetratingly at Kanto. The >assassin returns the gaze evenly. > "You may scan me with your 'Lens,' if it will reassure you," Kanto >adds dryly. > "That won't be necessary," Eric replies simply. "Ultraviolet, I am >at your disposal." The Just Violet loosens the scarf to show the rest of her face, including a vivid purple-birth mark down one side - that almost matches scars from disease Roland and Morgan saw once at the Place. She grins at Dr. Energy. "Amazing how often the heroes ask me to 'waste 'em', isn't it?" >In love he may be, but remaining in safety while others face danger >suits the Hunter not at all. "I don't expect you to be >as...vigilant...as I would have been, but I expect you to be here if >trouble comes." > Kanto simply nods while Eric turns to his coat, and the selection >of weaponry now available to him. His eyes widen ever so slightly, >then he regains his composure as the shades go back on. > /So. Defender. Do you _have_ to wear spandex to join this outfit?/ /Roland, if you say yes and make it stick, you can name your own price./ Even Zia's mental communication seems to have an overlay of wickedly amused... purple? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 13:56:48 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011816 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:26:27 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011805 > >>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." > > "Well, I'm trained in a wide variety of weapons," Eric says >evenly, making his union-mandated understatement du jour. "I'll take >some of that action." He removes his infamous duster and lays it on a >table, inside up. The effect is distinctly similar to Rick O'Connell >from "the Mummy" unrolling his bag of weapons, though Eric does so in >a more polite manner (not slamming it down or out in annoyance or to >impress; he has more respect for his equipment than that). "The only >absolute 'keepers' are the chain...oh." He looks at the gathered, >broken links in one pocket. "Hrm. I'm going to need my old >kusari-gama. And this stays too," he adds, pointing out a blackened >wooden stake. The appropriate senses show it to have overwhelming >Resonance of...hunter, of slayer, of triumph over death incarnate, >albeit with a bloody price. Doc Energy, along with the other Earth-9 >mages present, instantly know that this is the stake that ended >Ventru, the 'First and Forsaken Lion.' Doc Energy turned from the map, and observed as The Hunter checks his loadout. "Good man. The Shing-hu Monks of Tibet used kusari-gamas against a lost tribe of Mongols once. They were very effective, disarming the entire army, and converting them to the defense of the monastery within 6 months." #Doctor?# "Just a moment." he said, his eyes unfocusing for a moment. #Yes, Ana. What is it?# #I am getting strange readings from the wooden stake. It resembles the legendary stake that ended Ventru, the sire of the Ventrue clan of vampires.# #No doubt a powerful weapon indeed against greater vampires,# said Doc Energy, #but note the blood that remains on the stake itself. A pure weapon would absorb any Ancient blood, but this weapon is tainted. I am guessing that the stake is a Monkey's Paw, originally designed to produce miraculous effects, but at a great price.# #One moment. Accessing "Monkey's Paw."# There is a buzzing in his head like a million bees off in the distance. #Aha. The Monkey's Paw brought great wealth but at a terrible price. A great power with a great sacrifice.# Doc Energy #chuckles# like a kind uncle enjoying the company and intellect of his niece. #Da, my dear. It is a thing of great Chaos and Decaying Forces.# He looks the Hunter in eyes. "Would you carry my weapons into battle, sir. I would be honored if you did. The blade is yours. I have something better in mind for ranged attack." he opens the left side of his labcoat and pulls out a Thompson sub-machine gun. "This weapon is your standard Thompson, but with a difference." he says as he pats the ammo drum on the side. "The ammo is a design of my own. You have a variety of round types at your disposal. Explosive, phospherous, hydro-shock, Undead specials (holy water and silver nitrate splat rounds), depleted uranium, and rubber bullets for stun. Practice using it in the Danger Room. Just say the name of the round you want outloud. The micro-computer will switch loadouts inside the drum, with a full complement of bullets. But mind your ammo, because they are not infinate. I built a pocket dimesion to house each round, but only had enough room for a full set of each ammo type." He pulls a second Thompson out and places it on the table beside the other one. Doc Energy grins...."Ladies and gentlemen, The Thompson Twins." > "Other than that, they're just tools. And I'm going to need more, >ah, 'period' equipment," he adds, looking at Zia-UV, "just in case." > Meanwhile, Defender has worked his way over to Doc Energy. "Do you >need to talk?" he asks quietly, knowing better than most how the good >Doctor must feel right now. Doc Energy turns to Defender. "Yes, I think a talk would be nice. Do you have any vodka? I don't really need to eat or drink much lately, but it's an affection of mine from my days before." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 12:35:48 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011817 >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 best thing you can do for your homeland is to fulfill your 'prior commitment'. The filth that is attacking there will be repulsed. But while that is the greatest danger, it is NOT the most urgent. The other areas of this world must be cleansed first. Without that prior cleansing, avenues of escape and roads to victory would remain for him."*/ The "voice" of The Stardragon fills the area of the Champions Island. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 12:46:16 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011818 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 09:20:33 -0500 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011814 > >The Good Doctor nods, "True enough, my musical friend. Though to my >recollection, very few detective mysteries are musicals." The Bard chuckles. "Aye. And the few that I have seen are universally dreadful. The only...hmm...crime story that I've seen in musical form that was worth the trouble of watching it was 'Chicago.'" (OOC: If you haven't seen it yet, _RENT_IT_! There's a reason it won all those Oscars, folx!) >>"Oddly compelling, with an emphasis on the 'odd.' And I'm still >>trying to figure out what he was thinking when he named his >>children." > >The Good Doctor laughs heartly, "As am I, my friend. The only one >that he gave a normal name was Ahmet. Odd indeed, but the man was a >genius. Comperable to the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Richart >Wagner. Though without the facism of the latter." As he says that, >the sound system that is built into his power suit plays "Peaches En >Regalia" Harlock smiles. "Very nice. Is that a studio cut? There are nuances I don't remember from the recording I heard." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:22:43 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011819 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 12:46:16 -0800 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011818 > >The Bard chuckles. "Aye. And the few that I have seen are universally >dreadful. The only...hmm...crime story that I've seen in musical form >that was worth the trouble of watching it was 'Chicago.'" The Good Doctor nods, "I have heard many good things about it, but have not yet seen it. Nor have I seen the movie version of it. I intend to take a very long, very much needed vacation after all this is over." >Harlock smiles. "Very nice. Is that a studio cut? There are nuances I >don't remember from the recording I heard." The Good Doctor nods, "It's a remix that he cut just before he passed on. He was famous for taking music he had already recorded and redoing it, such as the version of "We're Turning Again" for "Have I Offended Someone" the controversial songs album. He also was one of the first to make recordings of all of his live sets. He was methodical in that fashion, which is something that I as a scientist can respect. I will never forget the time he showed up on Ed Sullivan in the 50s playing a bicycle as a musical instrument." The track switches over to "Electric Aunt Jemima" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:44:33 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00011821 >Harlock wrote: > >The Bard chuckles. "Aye. And the few that I have seen are universally >dreadful. The only...hmm...crime story that I've seen in musical form >that was worth the trouble of watching it was 'Chicago.'" Scott raises a finger. "What about 'The Singing Detective'? The miniseries, not the movie. Then again, you might not count it as a musical, and thus, ignore it..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:20:50 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011822 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:22:43 -0500 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011819 > >The Good Doctor nods, "It's a remix that he cut just before he passed >on. He was famous for taking music he had already recorded and >redoing it, such as the version of "We're Turning Again" for "Have I >Offended Someone" the controversial songs album. He also was one of >the first to make recordings of all of his live sets. He was >methodical in that fashion, which is something that I as a scientist >can respect. I will never forget the time he showed up on Ed Sullivan >in the 50s playing a bicycle as a musical instrument." The Bard quietly boggles. "I...must have missed that one. How was the feat accomplished? Obviously, it couldn't be played as a stringed instrument..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 21:23:06 -0800 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00011823 >On Tue, 9 Mar 2004 15:18:42 -0500 >"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011747 > > Roger, who's been a little behind the intel curve ever since >arriving, studies the map with obvious interest, while his >subconscious links into the Island's various datafeeds and speedsucks >down all the available data on just what he missed while stuck in >traffic. > After a moment, he begins to smile -- the classical Roger >"I've-got-an-idea" smile, that makes people start checking their >insurance policies. And their Quintessence pools ;-). > Meanwhile, a third Roger dupes over to Rio, watching his other >selves beg for Angelic forgiveness from a distance. He leans down to >whisper in her ear. > "You know, luv, I have this wicked, *wicked* idea, based on a >baaad joke Dad made earlier. But I need three Angels to pull it off. >I've got a redhead and a brunette already -- want to round out the >set?" He leers at her in a comedic fashion. "You'd certainly do the >outfit justice. And I can provide whatever firepower you need to keep >up." His voice drops even lower. "Besides, I think you'd be a good >influence on them." [Plus, it puts my three Best Grrrls together in >one place for mutual support, making it easier to keep them all safe] "Well, I dunno..." the Ecstatic ponders, looking at the Dirt\\\Lovely Angels. "They don't seem fond of...sharing your attentions, if you know what I mean." She smiles. "Besides, Orchid's asked me to stay here for at least a little while. There's so much going on, even with _her_ speed my skills are helping out. Maybe after the first teams are settled in place?" Kanto grins insouicantly... Then: >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 08:56:01 -0500 >"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011794 > > 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 ... Roger Smith, Negotiator of Paradigm >City... > The second ... Think Indiana Jones as written by Stan Lee in the >1930s. Captain Roger Thunder. > The third ... 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. Rio smiles at _Captain_ Roger, then giggles behind her hand as Roger Smith and Roger Thunder steer him away. *Spoilsport,* she sends playfully. > The fourth ... Rogeras. "Hm, I don't know how he does it, but the Depp look _and_ the Bloom look both work for him," Rio comments to Orchid. > 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. > "I believe," the Negotiator states calmly, "that this provides one >of us for each team." "And which," she wonders aloud (though not very loud), "is Roger Bosley?" Rio "Happiness is just an illusion caused by the temporary absence of reality." It which case, running with the CAoL should make one happy most of the time ;-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 22:41:35 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011824 >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?" >>> >>> 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. Eric begins to respond, then thinks better of it, leaning back to wait for her response. >"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). Eric's head cocks slightly to one side in (especially considering his temperament) a respectable imitation of the RCA dog. "How did you fit...never mind." >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. [Now _that_ is a useful trick,] he thinks, fingering the remains of his Lightning Chain. >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. @Complete with ch'i effect,@ the Hunter notes privately. @I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still impressed.@ >"What, no Star Trek fans? Vulcan mindmeld? Eric suddenly showing a >talent - and a desire - to entertain surprises me not at all. "Which is where that last comment about asking you came from," Eric notes, deadpan. >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." Eric doesn't react overtly. That he's not moving helps. @Steppenwolf? Is that...wise?@ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 22:50:12 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011825 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:13:20 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011797 > >>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. > >So, unless you think it necessary, I think it's better that a certain >degree of leash is kept on this particular circumstance." Eric nods. "That's why I asked first. I'm leery of too much power, particularly of the 'cannot put down' variety, myself." (OOC: Just in case it's not obvious, that's a reference to the "do not pick up that which you cannot put down" axiom.) "I envy neither NEMO nor the Starspawn." @Nor the boy scout,@ he adds privately. @It can't have escaped your notice that while NEMO may be...flexible...in terms of chain of command, the Stardragon's coterie seem ready to follow his orders on anything reasonable. And I hesitate to theorize what the Stardragon would consider 'unreasonable.'@ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 23:04:18 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011826 >On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 19:17:44 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011801 > >>Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011772 >>>On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:09:15 -0800 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011766 >> >> 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." Another glance between Zia B-G and UV and Eden seems to make the connection. "Ah. Ahhhh." The Lunar grins. "No, no glass mountains." The grin vanishes. "And Saruman is staying true to form. So unless a wicked queen has taken up residence nearby, no walls of thorns either." She looks off-screen. "And don't _you_ get any ideas, either!" "What?" an older woman replies. She doesn't sound the least bit innocent. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 23:16:56 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011827 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:18:37 -0800 >Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00011810 > >>On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 22:05:33 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011803 >> >> "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. > >Veren blinks. "I know the attack was beaten back, but did they find >the lair of the fiends responsible? I'm a damned good tracker. As for >harsh..." he bares his teeth in what only the most charitable would >call a smile. "I fought off a trio of wraiths back when I was still >just a Runner at Stalwart Pines. I've learned quite a bit since >then." Roland nods. "Noted. Just remember, the very rules of reality may be set against you if you track these things back to an area infiltrated by Orrorsh. Fear is...harder to resist, by design. And while the Gaunt Man does have his 'fire and forget' monsters, the real threats each have one unique weakness -- which is the only way to truly destroy it." >>OOC: New Orleans, central Haiti, > >OOC: Oh, goody! Voodoo! Pretty much, yeah. 8^) Now (necessary PC disclaimer) real vodun is by no means horrific, except in the hands of an evil practitioner (do _not_ get me started on the Doctors Duvalier). However, on many Earths, ignorance creates frightening distortions and dark legends...a dark mythology that the Gaunt Man can make real. What happens when a zombi really _is_ an undead monster? Run away! Run away! (Unless you're a professional monster hunter, of course...) >>Mexico City, > >OOC: Hmm...Aztec remnants, perhaps? Shades of a Mercedes Lackey >novel? Possibly. A combination of ancient bloodletting and modern violence. >>and the gray dots on the Europe/Africa map (they're Casablanca, >>Baghdad, Jerusalem, > >OOC: Not seeing the connections here, beyond the fact that all three >cities are ancient by Western standards. Casablanca is a hub of resistance against the three nearby realms (think Rick's Cafe Americain with elves, musketeers, and rocket rangers ;^). So the Gaunt Man's poisoned it (now add vampires and a paranoid government crackdown in place of Vichy leadership). As for Baghdad and Jerusalem...when your enemies are sitting on a powder keg, it's so easy to just light a match... 8^( >>and Transylvania/central Romania). > >OOC: Naturally. ;) >> Of course, if you want an excuse for Veren to go to Middle Earth, >>Washington _is_ Orrorshan-free, > >OOC: Nah. Veren won't admit it even to himself, but he needs a little >time away from Erin to sort himself out. His world's just turned more >than a bit topsy-turvy, don'cha know. Then I'm going to recommend Voodoo goodness for plenty of undead bashing, but it's your call, esp. since it looks like it'll mostly happen "off-camera." (Not to be confused with "off-Gamera," which would be the anime realm. ) Morgan adds: Is that what happens when the turtle meat goes bad? :-) There goes _one_ fond childhood memory. Ick. (Well, okay, not really. ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 00:11:34 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011828 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 23:16:56 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011827 > > Roland nods. "Noted. Just remember, the very rules of reality may >be set against you if you track these things back to an area >infiltrated by Orrorsh. Fear is...harder to resist, by design. And >while the Gaunt Man does have his 'fire and forget' monsters, the >real threats each have one unique weakness -- which is the only way >to truly destroy it." Veren spocks an eyebrow. "Really? Hmm...is there any way to do research on these big nasties, then? Impetuous is usually Erin's department. I think she gets it from her mother." Erindrea and Harlock both turn to glare at him, which he pretends not to notice. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 04:01:33 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011829 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 22:41:35 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011824 >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011796 >> >>"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). > > Eric's head cocks slightly to one side in (especially considering >his temperament) a respectable imitation of the RCA dog. "How did you >fit...never mind." Violet gives him an eyebrow, then, since she has lowered the scarf, the same sort of almost-smile he would give someone asking him how he hid a weapon. >>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. > > @Complete with ch'i effect,@ the Hunter notes privately. @I >suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still impressed.@ @Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.@ Her Lens is still polychromatic, but it just _seems_ more purple than else. @I'm really not sure where or how the chain came from, to tell you the truth. The armor Doc Energy made for me always appears, but now it has seamlessly merged with Nemo's work. This Lucid Dreaming has aspects of shadowshifting reality I don't fully understand myself.@ >>"What, no Star Trek fans? Vulcan mindmeld? Eric suddenly showing a >>talent - and a desire - to entertain surprises me not at all. > > "Which is where that last comment about asking you came from," >Eric notes, deadpan. "As if you didn't know what was going on?" She replies. "Or I suppose I could just point out that for a martial artist to grow from the young, tough and grim to the older, full master of every single form - with the ineveitable, quirky sense of humor - there _must_ be some point in his growth where his sense of humor finally matures." >>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." > > Eric doesn't react overtly. That he's not moving helps. > @Steppenwolf? Is that...wise?@ @Oh, by no means. But why should love ever be wise? Are you ... wise for me? Am I for you? Are you getting old, Eric? What a question. I could say, what do you expect me to do about it. Once one gives a man - or a god who is also male - that first hint, the initiative is rather out of one's hands, isn't it?@ @Even if I backed off, now, I don't think I could make it convincing - even to myself - certainly not to him. And I really don't want to think about what he might if he figured it out after _that_. Besides, it isn't as if one Aspect of my Dreamer can tell another what to do - or not do. I'm not as good at this as Roger is.@ @I could say, do you think I made a conscious decision, given I'm Dreaming? But to cut to the heart of the matter (there is a chuckle of laughter), you know the signs as I by now. I would worry about it, but thinking I could marry Nemo - or even NEMO - is a whole lot stranger than getting involved with Steppenwolf.@ Violet frowns suddenly. @Although the memory aspect _will_ be a problem. I'll record. I might have to pick up the power I've been avoiding. I refuse to play games with anyone's emotions and that cuts too close.@ @And you haven't even met some of my... other husbands.@ There is a hint of humor in that, as if Nemo isn't exactly the strangest man she has been intimate with. Or dragon, or vampire, or shapeshifter, he catches glimpes. Apparently, dragons make love on the wing, like falcons. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 08:06:50 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011830 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:20:50 -0800 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011822 > >>On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:22:43 -0500 >>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011819 >> >>The Good Doctor nods, "It's a remix that he cut just before he >>passed on. He was famous for taking music he had already recorded >>and redoing it, such as the version of "We're Turning Again" for >>"Have I Offended Someone" the controversial songs album. He also was >>one of the first to make recordings of all of his live sets. He was >>methodical in that fashion, which is something that I as a scientist >>can respect. I will never forget the time he showed up on Ed >>Sullivan in the 50s playing a bicycle as a musical instrument." > >The Bard quietly boggles. "I...must have missed that one. How was the >feat accomplished? Obviously, it couldn't be played as a stringed >instrument..." The Good Doctor grins, "It was something to see. He left one wheel on to play it as a string instrument, and he had some kind of bellows system on one end to play it as a wind instrument. It produced an interesting sound. Not bad, for an Army brat. And for rhythm, he left the chain on." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 09:55:56 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011831 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 22:50:12 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011825 >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011797 > > Eric nods. "That's why I asked first. I'm leery of too much power, >particularly of the 'cannot put down' variety, myself. I envy neither >NEMO nor the Starspawn." > @Nor the boy scout,@ he adds privately. @It can't have escaped >your notice that while NEMO may be...flexible...in terms of chain of >command, the Stardragon's coterie seem ready to follow his orders on >anything reasonable. And I hesitate to theorize what the Stardragon >would consider 'unreasonable.'@ @The Stardragon's coterie - also known as our Super Public Address System, @ Violet replies sarcastically as a voice broadcasts through the entireity of Champion's Island, @give me a serious case of creepies. As for the Stardragon itself, I consider it rather like I consider Uncle Bleys. The less one thinks about what he might be thinking, the better.@ "Unfortunately, current circumstances seem to be limiting my routes to avoid picking it up. Very unsettling." Violet frowns to herself. "I had suspected Darkseid of planning for just that circumstance, but it wouldn't serve his purposes. I fear it may be the Gaunt Man." "If it comes to it, Gaia has promised me her assistance - I'd wind up her avatar. Not a comfortable role - even for me - but it would prevent my becoming more hazard than help. It is odd contingency plan vs. Awakening, but it was the best patch on the problem I could think of off the top of my head." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 13:23:59 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011832 >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011831 > >"If it comes to it, Gaia has promised me her assistance - I'd wind up >her avatar. Not a comfortable role - even for me - but it would >prevent my becoming more hazard than help. It is odd contingency plan >vs. Awakening, but it was the best patch on the problem I could think >of off the top of my head." /*"Are there no other 'powers' that you can think of that just might be acting surreptitiously in this situation?"*/ Oracle asks as holographic images of The Stardragon, the Allfather, Odin, Gaia, Oracle, Cerberus, Zeus, Hades (the one out the the Hercules cartoon movie), Failsafe, Z'On'Dar, Corwin, Bleys, Oberon, and a host of others flash into and out of view before her in rapid succession. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:12:22 -0600 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011833 >As CAoL Message # 00011804 On Mon, March 22nd, 2K4 Roland X writes... > >"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." */I believe my adopted brother to be partially correct in his summation./* Dhyrclhanc's voice can be "heard" inside everyone's mind in the great hall in Champions Island, as he is projecting his mental voice telepathically even to those who are not part of the CAoL N-way Lens-link Psi-Web. The Lensdragon's actual current physical where-abouts, on the other hand, would anyone's guess, as he hasn't actually been seen, in person, since the end of the conflict with Darkseid's Forces. OTOH, what have proven to be temporal Dhyrclhanci doubles have been popping-up and then disappearing, in several locations around Champions, including the briefing hall where the majority of the members current iteration of the CAoL now sit. */Unless I am completely off the mark, the Zoltar that I am familiar with is a hybrid being composed of the fused together form and essence of both Berg Katse and his fraternal twin sister, Onna Taicho. The "Great Spirit" fused the two of them together and, seemingly in return, hw/she/they act as the primary Commander of the forces of "The Great Spirit", or Sosai/Overlord X. These forces are primarily known as "Spectra", which on the surface appears to be a para-military terrorist organization, but it is actually made up of members of a race of humans called "Gallactor" and who believe themselves to be possibly several million years older than Native Terran humanity, however I have never been able to deduce if this makes Gallactor an Extra-Terrestrial race or simply an ancient race of humanity of solely Terrestrial origins. Anthropology is not among my strong suits. However, Defender's info regarding Spectra/Gallactor's predilection for animal-shaped giant Mecha and both Zoltar/Berg Katse/Onna Taicho and Spectra/Gallactor's chief weakness in their supreme arrogance. This despite, or perhaps because of, their more advanced technology. Berg Katse is an incredibly savvy and intelligent opponent and is not to be underestimated, chiefly because he/she is a tactical mastermind; this helped by the fact that he/she has the combined intelligence of both of the original fraternal twins, and he/she is also a master of disguise, subterfuge, and miss-direction. This. in turn, is helped by the fact that, as a hermaphroditic hybrid being he/she can switch sexes at a whim. Although this ability is not one that is completely under his/her/their control. Spectra/Galactor, in general, is also an unrelenting opponent because their prime driving goal, driven guided by the Luminous One's goals and desires, is nothing short of complete global subjugation and domination. Perhaps "Zoltar" being the High Lord of the Anime Cosm in Japan and the surrounding local environs, however, may go some distance in mellowing this. Maybe./* >>"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.) Ain't my connection that's erratic, Sib, it's _me_. But you probably knew that already. I'm hip-deep in RL at the moment, but I'll spare you the gory details. OTOH, somewhat like Will Rogers, I've never met an entrance cue I didn't like... % Just a sec, Bro.% Dhyrclhanc sends through the private link he maintains with his Sibs-By-Troth. A slight "pop" is heard and a miniature jump-point appears in mid-air, next to where the expatriate Romanoff-Era Russian Scientist and SOE Mage, and the Free-Lance Immortal Boy Scout are currently standing. Then, similar to the effect of a Boom-Tube, a figure can be seen far off in the distance at the other end of the Jump-Point, and the closer the figure gets, that faster the figure's progress forwards, until finally Dhyrclhanc, in his 21-foot tall form, once again stands next to the two in the Great Hall. "Sorry I'm fashionably late again, Sib, I wanted to make sure that the 'Dragon-Tine", and all her sub-craft, were all set-up in case that Nut-Job Palpatine finds some way to pierce the Cloak-Shield surrounding my Super Star-Destroyer and decides to attack." Then the Sentinel-Lensdragon turns to face Doctor Romanov, who in turn will probably have to look up, and up, and up some more, to be able to see Dhyrclhanc's face. My Greetings Doctor, I believe you had said something about wanting a mini-Lens? Please, do I have your permission to enter your mind? (presuming that permission is granted... ) If Doctor Energy has any form of Sight, he'll see, in his mind's eye, a multi-chromatic, scintillating beam of energy quickly traverse the distance in between the True Lens that Dhyrclhanc wears on the trident-head-shaped leather headdress he wears on his forehead. Once the beam of energy connects to Doctor Romanov's forehead, where popular culture believes the third-eye chakra is located, Dr. Energy will be able to perceive an intricate web that is inter- connecting most of the charter members of the original CAoL, with the core center of the web centering on Dhyrchlanc, Roland and Morgan's heads. In the Good Doctor's mind's ear, he will hear a single chime ping and then the voice of Peter Gabriel saying "Hi There" and then the initial musical phrase from the same singer's "Big Time". /I've placed the Mini-Lens onto your forehead, however, you'll be able to move it to your wrist if you are more comfortable with it located there. The general effect of the mini-Lens will be that you will find your more positive traits will be further strengthened and your negative traits will me weakened to the point of being effectively eliminated. It will also, obviously, tie you into the CAoL's Psi-Web-Link. I would say more but, more often than not, the mini-Lens' wearers preconceptions about the mini-Lens will affect the mini-Lens' effects. In the long run, this makes perfect sense as the mini-Lens is not a physical object but more of a "philosophical construct" which is simply an extension of the owner's mind. However, given this fact, it means that many of the mini-Lenses' secondary and tertiary effects will be, as I've just said, will be dependant upon the nature of the owner. Thus, even my somewhat limited Visualization of The Cosmic All, I cannot predict what kinds of effect, or effects, your state as, at least partially, energy-based life-form might have on the function, or functions, of mini-Lens you know possess. By the way, welcome, you are know a member of the CAoL's Wide-Open N-Way!/ "I'd also like to take this opportunity to say", adds the Lensdragon, now speaking aloud, "that I am now formally, and officially, making available to all members of the Callahanian Army of Light aprox. 1/3 of my Total Resources. Thus any and all of you now have access to the equivalent to 3 times that of an individual who has direct access to the financial resources of a country like Great Britain, or the equivalent of $225.00 per week." "Not that I actually use actual money", adds everyone's lovable Sentinel-Lensdragon, "nor that this is likely to help us in our current conundrum." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:41:07 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011834 >> Roger, who hasn't yet left to do his Division, does a perfect >>faceplant, mumbling something about SAN points... > > A chibi anime Eric made of pure Quintessence holds up a sign: >"9.7". > Orchid giggles and creates a Glamour chibi-her that holds up a >"10.0". Rogi-poo...er, Roger has a fan. A chibi-Roger dupe pops over to Orchid and bows gratefully. "Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all... the next ten minutes, about." >Rio looks like she's considering it, then abstains. ;^) She gets another chibi, who sits on her shoulder and begins singing "signs, signs, everywhere a sign..." >> Slowly regaining his feet, the Slapstick Avatar shoots a >>mock-sour glance in Eric's direction. "You know that's MY line, >>bro." > > "You're from the future. So where did you get it in the _first_ >place?" Eric smiles like the proverbial canary-laden cat. Roger smiles back exactly the same way, only bigger (he cheats, using shapeshift to make his jaw fit arbitrarily wide grins). "That," he says slyly, "would be telling. Although if I recall correctly," he adds in a mock-musing fashion, "your kids were involved." He looks away, rolling his eyes back to twinkle at Eric sidelong. OOC: Eric, Eric, Eric... Rogi's not as harmless as he appears, you know. >> "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." > > "I'll bet," the Hunter replies in his best "dubious Harrison Ford" >mode. "Hey, you got off the Death Star, didn't y-- sorry, wrong movie. But you've seen me improvise." Roger smirks slightly. "Do you *really* want to bet against me when it comes to mix-and-matching powers?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:18:05 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011835 >Roland X wrote on 3/23/2004, 4:01 AM: > >> 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 -- Roger Smith, Negotiator of Paradigm City >> The second -- Captain Roger Thunder. > > OOC: He'll get along fine with The Blaze, Mesmerist Master of >Mayhem. It'll be interesting. But most of Roger's chaotic effects have gone into splitting him into this five-way -- all these Rogers will be surprisingly normal. For Roger, that is. The backlash when he re-merges will be *wicked,* though. I should probably mention that, right now, there *is* no Prime. Rather, Roger spent a major chunk of power *completely* dividing himself out into five selves "tuned" to the major cosms. So each Roger is more specialized, and less powerful. OTOH, being "designed" for their destination cosms will counteract that somewhat. It *also* means that these Rogers are "disposable" -- as long as one is left at the end, we won't lose "core" Roger (oh stop looking disappointed, you know you love having him around). The experiences and memories of any KIA Roger, though, will be lost to the recombined Roger later. >> The third -- Captain Roger Sparrow. >> The fourth -- Rogeras. >> Bringing up the rear -- Rogus Grephnix, grey Jedi. >> OOC: Why do I do this to myself? > > Masochism? *smiles innocently* My employers agree with you, it would seem... >> "I believe," the Negotiator states calmly, "that this provides >>one of us for each team." > > Defender nods. "Impressive. Still," he says in full leader mode, >"I want Negotiator Smith, Captain Sparrow, and Grephnix to use >_extreme_ caution until reinforcements arrive." He grins weakly. "I'm >not even going to _try_ to tell you lot to stay out of the realms >entirely. I know better." The Negotiator nods. "Negotiation should always be performed between professionals, and from a position of maximum strength. I'll avoid calling out Big O if at all possible." He smiles slightly. "I'm sure that Japan currently needs skilled negotiators badly. I'll put the time to good use. Captain Sparrow will head to Casablanca and hire a crew, I suspect... IF he can keep out of the cathouses." Smith glares at Sparrow, who stops his micrometric inching in the direction of the nearest non-relative attractiv female and puts on his most innocent look, complete with head-rolling and weird hand gestures (watch "Pirates of the Caribbean' -- I can't figure out how to describe this in text, I really can't). "And Grephnix," the Negotiator begins, and trails off, cocking an eyebrow at the Jedi, who cocks one back at him. "Grephnix," he replies in a voice rather more gravelly than Roger's own, "will be following the paths of the Force. Or hanging out in smuggler's bars, picking fights and making contacts with the Rebels. Likely they amount to the same thing." >Morgan looks over her elvish-ized son. "It looks good on you, but all >things considered I think you'd best go with the main team. You'll >almost certainly be more help to them than being an 'agent of chaos' >in a diplomatically delicate situation." She smiles apologetically. >"The Fianna would love you, the Get...aren't known for their sense of >humor, and I don't know _what_ the Changelings would make of you >of _that_ you." Rogias bows politely to Morgan with full Elvish grace. "While I regret, Mother, that we will not go questing together yet, I bow to your superior wisdom in this matter. I misdoubt me not that we will have another opportunity 'ere long." >>"Beyond that, I see little we can do but carry the battle to the >>enemy on as many fronts as practical." > > "Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much to be done about >that particular hole." Roland frowns. "I know we're playing the Gaunt >Man's game, sprock him, but -- and please forgive me for saying this, >Doctor Energy -- the only reason he would have chosen a base of >operations so far from the main action is to 'allow' us to wear >ourselves down fighting the other High Lords. Assaulting him now, >however, is out of the question. The Gaunt Man could rally the others >to him directly, something I doubt any of the others would do even if >they could. Even the CAoL couldn't take on all six remaining High >Lords, Darkness Devices, and sundry forces at once." Smith shrugs, spreading his gloved hands. "Our primary opponent is good strategist, and took the initiative early on. His allied invaders are not feints that can be ignored, they're securing his flanks. Unfortunately, the strategic situation dictates that we eliminate his flanking forces first before concentrating for a major blow against his strategic center of gravity. Doing so is not playing the Gaunt Man's game, it's merely playing the hand we are dealt." He frowns at the map. "The trick will be finding a way to blunt any advantage he may be able to gain during the interim." > He takes a deep mental 'breath.' [Nothing for it but to say it.] >^I die, don't I? Or rather, in your Hypertime branch, I will/did.^ >Both Greywolf-Phoenix men pick up a wordless spike of concern from >Morgan. > (OOC: Unless Roger comes back with a quick, convincing "no"...) Smith remains absolutely still, leaking nothing, simply waiting for Roland to babble himself out. OOC: (:) > ^I'm guessing that you were older than the twins are now, but >still fairly young. Mid teens to early twenties, I'd imagine. I >remember how I felt, trying to measure up to _my_ father. If your >father, 'Earth's Defender,' died taking out the Gaunt Man...^ > ^And it was almost certainly against the Gaunt Man -- perversely, >most High Lords have realities that help heroes win in the end. I can >almost see it playing out, in my mind, the faint hints of precog, >oddly enough.^ Roger can see hints of it in Roland's mind as well, a >blade darker than a black hole against a saber seemingly made of >red-blue marble, flashing in the heart of a battle to beggar even the >Champions' imaginations... > OOC: Ain't I a stinker? OOC: Yes. PPppppppppp! Smith pulls a folded pair of sunglasses from his blazer and begins toying with them absently. ^In fact, there has been enough temporal divergence to render my memories... innacurate. In fact, I believe there has been a remergence of two or more hypertime threads since my arrival in here/now -- several sets of my memories have become multithreaded and mutually conflicting, especially where major cusps are concerned.^ He unfolds the broad, narrow shades carefully and dons them. ^As for your precognition--^ A broad, confident smile splits his face between shades and tie. ^Do you *really* think that any such premonition means anything when *I'm* around?^ OOC: Suuuure, go ahead, make poor Roger call up Breaker and take it all the way to its cosmological limits. *You* get to put the universe back together after its all over, Evil-GM-Sama. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Flirts with Wolves On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:27:41 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011836 >Samatha Cooper wrote on 3/23/2004, 9:25 AM: > >> SLAP >> Sorry. I'm better now. >> (It's better than my other thought, though -- _that_ would've had >>to go to the Risque Room. ) Somehow, I see Zia doing the "Lucky Charms" commercial in a air-only-after-midnight-on-cable fashion... (A bit like her standup routine on B5, waaay back when) >>>(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?) "Is it MY fault if she kept watching me until she figured it out?!?" >> On some level, sooner or later, _everything_ is Roger's Fault. >>It's kind of like Six Degrees of Kevin Spacey. > >I knew it! The kid's a fault collector for Reality. That makes so >much sense, now! In autonomous robotics, there's often a need for some kind of randomness-injector. Take, frex, a robot trying to navigate a maze without a map, just a knowledge of its position and direction. A dimension-based navigation algorithm can leave it "stuck" in an area where the necessary next move may be too counterintuitive. So a watchdog routine tries to detect a deadlock or stagnation condition (stuck in a rut, IOW), and punches in a big random offset to try and get the machine up over the edge and out of the ditch, so to speak. If the Multiverse is a computer, Roger is that routine. Among other things. I've no doubt he has a massive fault collection gathering dust in pocketspace. "Hey, would you like to see my etchin-- I mean, my fault collection?" Now, for those familiar with the cosmology in "Oh My Goddess!" this should present some very distrubing possibilities. Heh heh heh... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:35:03 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011837 >Samatha Cooper wrote on 3/23/2004, 9:51 AM: > >> Eric looks at Roger with a new respect, and a certain sympathy. >>[What boy _didn't_ end up with a horrible crush on the pretty, >>vivacious aunt?] > > Violet suddenly busies herself checking on her own gear, taking >much more time to examine her pearl-inlaid pistols than the task >would seem to demand. It's almost weird to see even a part of Zia >pass on the chance to tease Roger, but perhaps there are a few things >that even she (or Roger) don't use as material for their ribbing of >one another. Roger, for his part, misses all this entirely, partly because he's still watching BG-Zia sleep, and partially because there's just (almost) no cross-reference between "crush" and "Zia" in his headspace. Well, except for watching other people (like Eric) fall into her gravity well... > The Just Violet loosens the scarf to show the rest of her face, >including a vivid purple-birth mark down one side - that almost >matches scars from disease Roland and Morgan saw once at the Place. >She grins at Dr. Energy. "Amazing how often the heroes ask me to >'waste 'em', isn't it?" Roger *gulps* and claps both hands over his mouth. /Must... restrain... obligatory... dominatrix... pun... arrrgh..../ >> /So. Defender. Do you _have_ to wear spandex to join this >>outfit?/ > > /Roland, if you say yes and make it stick, you can name your own >price./ Even Zia's mental communication seems to have an overlay of >wickedly amused... purple? /Well, Eric, spandex *has* been known to increase survival rates of members. I think it's a cosmological thing./ Anyone taking a hard look at Roger as he says this will be rather surprised to discover that *they can't tell* if he's kidding or not. Would he go to that much work just to get Eric into spadex? You betcha he he would. The Polaroids alone would be priceless. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:47:32 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011838 >Rio wrote on 3/24/2004, 12:31 AM: > >> After a moment, he begins to smile -- the classical Roger >>"I've-got-an-idea" smile, that makes people start checking their >>insurance policies. > >And their Quintessence pools ;-). >> Meanwhile, a third Roger dupes over to Rio, watching his other >>selves beg for Angelic forgiveness from a distance. He leans down to >>whisper in her ear. >> "You know, luv, I have this wicked, *wicked* idea, based on a >>baaad joke Dad made earlier. But I need three Angels to pull it off. >>I've got a redhead and a brunette already -- want to round out the >>set?" He leers at her in a comedic fashion. "You'd certainly do the >>outfit justice. And I can provide whatever firepower you need to >>keep up." His voice drops even lower. "Besides, I think you'd be a >>good influence on them." [Plus, it puts my three Best Grrrls >>together in one place for mutual support, making it easier to keep >>them all safe] > >"Well, I dunno..." the Ecstatic ponders, looking at the Dirt\\\Lovely >Angels. "They don't seem fond of...sharing your attentions, if you >know what I mean." She smiles. "Besides, Orchid's asked me to stay >here for at least a little while. There's so much going on, even with >_her_ speed my skills are helping out. Maybe after the first teams >are settled in place?" Roger hugs her from behind and watches his other selves bicker with the Angels. "Oh, don't worry about that, luv. They know there's always enough of me to go around. I got them over their jealous phase a long time ago. Don't ask," he adds hastily as Rio starts to say something. "But I could be persuaded to *show* you," he adds wickedly. "If you think you're up to it, that is. Later, of course." "As for the 'three angels' thing, it can wait. I really just want to pull it in front of Dad, hopefully while he's drinking something, and watch him choke." He snickers in her ear. "Besides, you'd do the cosume justice, 70s skiffy schtick and all." >> The third ... 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. > >Rio smiles at _Captain_ Roger, then giggles behind her hand as Roger >Smith and Roger Thunder steer him away. *Spoilsport,* she sends >playfully. The Negotiator and the good-ol'-country boy (Thunder) look pained. *Please, DON'T encourage him,* they beg in chorus. >> The fourth ... Rogeras. > >"Hm, I don't know how he does it, but the Depp look _and_ the Bloom >look both work for him," Rio comments to Orchid. Those pointed ears work real well, too. Rogias sketches a courtly bow in Rio's direction, without even a hint of Roger's usual self-aware sardony. Rogias isn't simply Roger-emulating-an-elf -- he's actually who Roger would have been if he had been born in Tolkienville *as* an Elf. Sparrow, OTOH, just looks wistfully libidinous, but he's still under guard. He settles for making promissory gestures (which manage somehow to be both lewd and somewhat gentlemanly) to both Rio and Orchid. And Zia, and Lady Templeton, and Eren, and several others before being restrained by his longsuffering brethren. >> "I believe," the Negotiator states calmly, "that this provides >>one of us for each team." > >"And which," she wonders aloud (though not very loud), "is Roger >Bosley?" "You'll have to wait until we reintegrate, I'm afraid" he replies without missing a beat. >Rio >"Happiness is just an illusion caused by the temporary absence of >reality." >It which case, running with the CAoL should make one happy most of >the time ;-) And having Roger around should... um. Be too much of a good thing? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:50:38 -0500 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011839 >Samatha Cooper wrote on 3/24/2004, 7:13 AM: Forgot to respond to that first time 'round. >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." Roger, whose mental cash register is still busy ringing up "Eric + Zia.humor = NO SALE," *completely* misses this scarlet-hued Arabian Nights reference. Which is probably too bad for him, really.... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:46:55 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011840 >On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 13:23:59 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011832 >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011831 >> "Unfortunately, current circumstances seem to be limiting my >>routes to avoid picking it up. Very unsettling." Violet frowns to >>herself. "I had suspected Darkseid of planning for just that >>circumstance, but it wouldn't serve his purposes. I fear it may be >>the Gaunt Man." >> >>"If it comes to it, Gaia has promised me her assistance - I'd wind >>up her avatar. Not a comfortable role - even for me - but it would >>prevent my becoming more hazard than help. It is odd to contingency >>plan vs. Awakening, but it was the best patch on the problem I could >>think of off the top of my head." > >/*"Are there no other 'powers' that you can think of that just might >be acting surreptitiously in this situation?"*/ Oracle asks as >holographic images of The Stardragon, the Allfather, Odin, Gaia, >Oracle, Cerberus, Zeus, Hades (the one out the the Hercules cartoon >movie), Failsafe, Z'On'Dar, Corwin, Bleys, Oberon, and a host of >others flash into and out of view before her in rapid succession. The Just Violet pauses a moment; Eric gets to see exactly what his high alertness, honed paranoia looks like from the outside for once. Then she blinks once. "Defender." She catches Roland's attention with only his name and a tone that cuts through the background conversation like a a cold, sharp knife. "Unless you judge I am overeacting, would you consider informing Oracle that egging on an Amberite's paranoia - and taunting same with implied threats of coercion or manipulation of said Amberite by zieself or the Stardragon - is behavior an Amberite - at least one attempting to behave politely and work as a cooperative team - will likely find ... somewhat disagreeable, please?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On 24 Mar 2004 21:25:21 -0800, In alt.callahans Peter Eng Said As CAoL Message # 00011841 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Post # 00009427 > >Veren's other eyebrow flies up. "And you never bothered having it >identified?!" "I finished bashing the lich, and retired. It never seemed like a priority." >"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?" Kell snaps the fingers on his left hand, and a mace with a silvery sheen to it drops into that hand. "This, Erin. I've just been lazy about things." OOC: Sorry about the delay. My usual e-mail has shut down so it can move... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On 24 Mar 2004 21:40:31 -0800, In alt.callahans Peter Eng Said As CAoL Message # 00011842 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:01:17 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Post # 00009436 > >>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." > > "That was _you?_" Roland blurts suddenly. "I owe you one. That >freed up a...classified...UNTIL unit to help against Eurostar, which >freed up Vanguard Beta to help us against the Proprietor." Rob rubs the back of his head with his hand. "Um, yes. I was doing some research when everything went crazy. I stepped in when I saw the robots had some sort of adaptation program. By the time they knew all my attacks, there was only one left. All I knew about Vanguard Beta came from the post-war CNN reports." "And by this point, I think we owe each other enough to cancel all debts." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dividing Lines On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 22:29:29 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011843 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 06:44:22 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011815 > >>On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:15:28 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011809 >>>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011793 >> >> "That won't be necessary," Eric replies simply. "Ultraviolet, I >>am at your disposal." > > The Just Violet loosens the scarf to show the rest of her face, >including a vivid purple-birth mark down one side - that almost >matches scars from disease Roland and Morgan saw once at the Place. >She grins at Dr. Energy. "Amazing how often the heroes ask me to >'waste 'em', isn't it?" Eric returns to his previous, more usual 'deadpan' state, raising an eyebrow of his own. "I certainly _hope_ I haven't given you cause to want to dispose of me in _that_ sense of the word." >> /So. Defender. Do you _have_ to wear spandex to join this >>outfit?/ > > /Roland, if you say yes and make it stick, you can name your own >price./ Even Zia's mental communication seems to have an overlay of >wickedly amused... purple? Roland 'looks' pained. /Even if Seeker weren't proof that it's not true,/ he replies, keeping Eric "out of the loop" as it were, /more than half those weapons are Doc Energy's contributions. The rest are Quantum showing off./ Suddenly he brightens. /Then again, if he wants one of _Quantum's_ weapons...considering how reluctant _she_ was to get into spandex, encouraging _her_ to include such a requirement.../ he smiles, suddenly finding a console _very_ interesting. /...you're lucky I'm an honorable man, m'lady. Frankly, I'd do it just to see if I could get away with it./ The hairs on the back of Eric's neck stand on end, but he can't quite figure out why... Then... >On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 04:01:33 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011829 > >>On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 22:41:35 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011824 >> >> @Complete with ch'i effect,@ the Hunter notes privately. @I >>suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still impressed.@ > > @Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.@ Her >Lens is still polychromatic, but it >just _seems_ more purple than >else. @Consider me flattered,@ the Hunter replies dryly. >@I'm really not sure where or how the chain came from, to tell you >the truth. The armor Doc Energy made for me always appears, but now >it has seamlessly merged with Nemo's work. This Lucid Dreaming has >aspects of shadowshifting reality I don't fully understand myself.@ @Hrm.@ Eric seems mildly concerned about this, but hard put to put it into words, even with a Lens. >> "Which is where that last comment about asking you came from," >>Eric notes, deadpan. > > "As if you didn't know what was going on?" She replies. "Or I >suppose I could just point out that for a martial artist to grow from >the young, tough and grim to the older, full master of every single >form - with the ineveitable, quirky sense of humor - there _must_ be >some point in his growth where his sense of humor finally matures." @Actually, I meant that the comment was part of the humor,@ Eric replies via Lens, to avoid 'giving away the gag.' Funny; his 'tone' can be even more dry Lensed. Though given a Lens' abilities, I suppose it isn't _that_ surprising. >> Eric doesn't react overtly. That he's not moving helps. >> @Steppenwolf? Is that...wise?@ > > @Oh, by no means. But why should love ever be wise? Are you ... >wise for me? Am I for you? Are you getting old, Eric? What a >question. I could say, what do you expect me to do about it. Once one >gives a man - or a god who is also male - that first hint, the >initiative is rather out of one's hands, isn't it?@ @Hrm. You're really attracted to him, then.@ Eric sends a grin. @Have a thing for finding lost causes? Or should I say 'making lost causes found?'@ > @Although the memory aspect _will_ be a problem. I'll record. I >might have to pick up the power I've been avoiding. I refuse to play >games with anyone's emotions and that cuts too close.@ Eric winces, 'remembering' those cuts without actually remembering them. (OOC: I think I'm going to need some backstory if Eric is going to actually _know_ any of that instead of just being 'aware' of it. Privately or on another list, natch.) @Oh my.@ > @And you haven't even met some of my... other husbands.@ There >is a hint of humor in that, as if Nemo isn't exactly the strangest >man she has been intimate with. Or dragon, or vampire, or >shapeshifter, he catches glimpes. Apparently, dragons make love on >the wing, like falcons. Eric, interestingly enough, finds this information fascinating more than anything else. @Native vampires are -- _were_ -- incapable of that sort of physical relation,@ he notes strictly for technical edification. @The few that remain are each unique, like Obsidian.@ The rest of his rumination is intense curiosity about how her observations vary between dragon types (two -- Dhyrclhanc and Moonstone -- being present), and amused understanding at the joys and problems of a shapeshifting lover. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Crossroads On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 23:20:49 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011844 >On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 13:56:48 -0500 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011816 > >>On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:26:27 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011805 >> >>"Hrm. I'm going to need my old kusari-gama. And this stays too," he >>adds, pointing out a blackened wooden stake. The appropriate senses >>show it to have overwhelming Resonance of...hunter, of slayer, of >>triumph over death incarnate, albeit with a bloody price. Doc >>Energy, along with the other Earth-9 mages present, instantly know >>that this is the stake that ended Ventru, the 'First and Forsaken >>Lion.' > >Doc Energy turned from the map, and observed as The Hunter checks his >loadout. "Good man. The Shing-hu Monks of Tibet used kusari-gamas >against a lost tribe of Mongols once. They were very effective, >disarming the entire army, and converting them to the defense of the >monastery within 6 months." Eric looks mildly surprised. (Most others would be doing the 'slack jaw' schtick.) "I didn't know that." [And I thought I knew every major bit of obscure trivia about the kusari-gama.] >#Doctor?# >"Just a moment." he said, his eyes unfocusing for a moment. "Of course." Eric begins to expertly eye the weapons. >He looks the Hunter in eyes. "Would you carry my weapons into battle, >sir. I would be honored if you did. The blade is yours. I have >something better in mind for ranged attack." Eric nods in gratitude and hefts the Gladius. "Defender, a safety field, if you please." Defender nods, and a faint shimmer appears around the Awakened Exalt. He does a couple of thrusts, slashes, spins the blade from extension to overhand and back. His style, curiously, has become noticeably more stylish, though no less efficient. (He's worked the style into his style. ;^) He wields it like a very large knife, interestingly, though there is no disrespect for the weapon in this handling. "Very nice. Perfect balance. Light without being too light. Ideal for close-quarters combat." >he opens the left side of his labcoat and pulls out a Thompson >sub-machine gun. "This weapon is your standard Thompson, but with a >difference." he says as he pats the ammo drum on the side. "The ammo >is a design of my own. You have a variety of round types at your >disposal. Explosive, phospherous, hydro-shock, Undead specials (holy >water and silver nitrate splat rounds), depleted uranium, and rubber >bullets for stun. Practice using it in the Danger Room. Just say the >name of the round you want outloud. The micro-computer will switch >loadouts inside the drum, with a full complement of bullets. But mind >your ammo, because they are not infinate. I built a pocket dimesion >to house each round, but only had enough room for a full set of each >ammo type." Eric looks over the Thompson professionally, though there's just the faintest hint of emotional attachment, the first anyone has seen in him for a firearm. [A Tommy...] He goes over the weapon carefully, and it doesn't take being as close to him as Zia to 'hear' him calculating specifications and maximum ammunition per clip. "Does weight go into the pocket dimension as well as volume? Switching from rubber to DU will make a difference if it doesn't." Curiously, he doesn't seem bothered by the idea of the (rather disturbing for human strength) total weight if 'carrying' the whole load. "Notes on reloading the clip itself will also be handy, unless it takes a Scientist to do so." [Sons of Ether make such wonderful allies...] >He pulls a second Thompson out and places it on the table beside the >other one. Doc Energy grins...."Ladies and gentlemen, The Thompson >Twins." Eric groans, then chuckles. "Even _I_ am not going to try to John Woo a pair of Thompsons." He looks the table over. "How many clips do you have?" >> Meanwhile, Defender has worked his way over to Doc Energy. "Do >>you need to talk?" he asks quietly, knowing better than most how the >>good Doctor must feel right now. > >Doc Energy turns to Defender. "Yes, I think a talk would be nice. Do >you have any vodka? I don't really need to eat or drink much lately, >but it's an affection of mine from my days before." "No, but I can get some," Defender replies, eyes flickering with blue energy for a moment. Doc E would certainly sense cyberkinesis at work. About thirty seconds later, a bottle of high-quality vodka appears in a gentle "pop" of teleportation at the table. He grins. "Solitaire won't let me replicate 'good' alcohol. Something lost in translation, she insists." The grin vanishes, and he 'knocks' telepathically. If accepted: ^I have to keep things rolling, but this is as private as any room on the Island. ^If it helps, the Gaunt Man isn't going to risk throwing his timetable by expanding his Siberian invasion. He may drop more of his little 'nuisance' fields around the world, but he'll want to keep the advantage he's made for himself.^ =================================