Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Spin-offs
                     The Adventures of Dr. Energy

On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 00:59:42 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000190

The pages of the book are well worn. On the cover of the book is a
drawing of a metallic man. The metal man is human, but his eyes are
glowing a strange Etherial glow. Below the man it reads, "The
Adventures of Dr. Energy" On the back of the book jacket it reads,
"SEE! the brilliant and Mighty Dr. Energy battle the forces of Evil. A
man of Science and a man of Action, who never fails to save the day.
His mighty skills are put to the test time and time again by the
forces of Evil. Only his brain and his skills in robotics, aerospace,
and weaponsmithing are required to save the day, win the girl and
retire to his Home for Vodka and Cigars. Join the Energetic, Exciting
Dr. Energy in his adventures."

You open the page to the first chapter.


Chapter One: A Hero Emerges

1917, October. On the former Imperial Palace grounds.

It is early winter in Russia. The cold is the kind that gets into your
bones, passing through as though you had no flesh of any kind to
protect you from it's icy grip. It's not quite Siberia, but this night
is coldest of all. In the darkness, a figure in a white lab coat
emerges from the snowy hillocks just on the edge of the palace
grounds. Around the grounds is bedlam. The Bolsheviks and their Soviet
allies are raiding the Palace. The figure in the white lab coat stops
for a moment and pulls a device out of a backpack. He turns it on and
the area is flooded with light though not enough to seem more than the
brightness of a campfire. In the light the man in the lab coat is not
in a lab coat at all. It's a white metallic suit of some kind with a
clear helmet of some sort. His face is visible through the helmet, and
his striking Russian visage is like something out of a painting. You
definately see he has the Romanov profile, and the dark black hair and
beard only accentuate the effect. His square jaw is clenched in fear.
Fear that the Revolution will come to him and find him. He knows that
he has broken with the other members of The Order, but he was a man of
his convictions. He would not design these weapons unless they were
sure to not be used to Enslave or to Kill haphazardly. The heavily
dressed soldiers come into the light for the first time. They are not
alone.

Dr. Emil Romanov was one of the brightest stars in the Sons of Ether
for many reasons. One was his quickness of mind in all matters of
science. The other was his ability to show off without serious
breakdowns or Paradox. Some would say that he had a touch of Blatancy,
but others just chalked it up to his showman nature. He was forever
delighting both his students at the College where he taught and his
fellow colleagues in the Instructors Lounge. This flamboyancy is what
brought him to the attention of the Sons early in his college career.
His work in physics and aerospace was beyond anything at the moment or
any other Time. The man who becamse known as Doctor Eon first met the
young Doctor Romanov while he was a guest speaker at a anthropology
seminar in Moscow. Eon saw much potential in this young lad, but he
knew that he needed to have formal training first. So he introduced
him to another more scholarly fellow. Romanov immediately took a
liking to both Dr. Eon and the other fellow, Doctor Donatello Lizardo.
He studied at his private labs in Italy, which he used a trip to his
cousin in Germany as an cover to go to Italy. From there, he learned
of many great things, such as the nature of Ether and how it permeates
everything around us. It was there that he Discovered the Theory of
Sympathetic Energetic Transmutation. How one energy form could become
another and how all matter can be sympathetic to revert to certain
energy states. And how matter can take other properties by energizing
them with the right frequency. Lizardo molded and shaped his intellect
into a finely honed edge. When he was done, Romanov was a master of
all Sciences, with a newly printed Doctorate in his hand when he met
his good friend Dr. Eon again in Florence. Eon convinced him to join
him and his men in adventures around the world. He assisted Dr. Eon in
many of his victories, and was saddened when he had to leave the group
to attend to his family. He got a teaching job at a college in St.
Petersburg, and was working quite well for him. Until Fate and Love
met full force. Her name was Zatrina. Her radiant dark haired beauty
was accented by her stunning and blazing intellect. In many ways, she
was his equal in sciences and a doctor of Aerodynamics. To say that
they fell madly in love is an understatement.

And so, years later Dr. Energy aka Dr. Emil Romanov was faced with the
one thing he feared would never happen. He knew that bad things
happened to people, but he always made sure that it was never by his
hand or by his Machines. But here he stands, in the cold Russian
October, with 3 men in dark winter suits and two figures flanking the
3 men. The two unknown figures are larger than the biggest Cossack in
the field, but Romanovs' keen senses hear the whirring and pinging of
tiny clockwork gears.

"Very amusing of you, Agent Dimitri, to bring 2 of my inventions with
you this night. I am afraid that threatening my beloved Zatrina will
not get you anywhere. My answer is still no. I know what you and your
Order bretheren are trying to do to my Colleagues regarding the Ether.
I will not be a party to your madness." said he, looking over to the
other Automaton Soldier who held his beloved wife on her knees in the
snow. She had been knocked unconcious, but the cold snow woke her, and
she looked over at her beloved Emil.

The look on his face was one of stern defiance. She knew this look and
realized that talking him out of whatever he was thinking would have
been fruitless. He got that look often, especially when it came to
chess and to matters of Energy and Ether.

"So then, " said the man in the dark suit, obviously the Dimitri that
Romanov was referring to," I will perhaps instruct you on what happens
to those who defy the Order." And with that, the Agent pulls out a
strange looking gun and pulls the trigger. The resulting energy plasma
burst hits Zatrina square in the chest, to completely fry her insides
and killing her instantly. Romanov looked over at the expiring form of
his wife, who had been unceremoniously dropped into the snow like a
dead deer that had been felled by a hunter. A scan by the IVAN suit
indicated what his eyes and heart had confirmed. She was dead... His
face becomes ashen. He stands up slowly and backs away from the 3 MIBs
and the 2 robots and stands between two gigantic rock formations.
#Initiate Startup Seqence. Transfer All Experimentation Results to
these coordinates and Standby on my Mark.# #Compliance# says his comm
link. He turns to the Agent who fired the fatal blow. "You know, I
always feared that this day would come. Dr. Eon told me once that what
you do has reprocussions throught Time and Space. It was your doing
that undermined my beloved family. You and your Syndicate friends all
used to digust me to no end, but now I realize that I will never be
rid of you. So come closer, and I will give you the answer that you
seek."

"I knew that you would see things our way, Emil." said the Agent, his
words crackling like a bolt of lighting across the summer skies.
"Guards, power down to level 1, but keep an eye open." "Compliance!"
says one of the automatons as they both become less bulky than before.

As the Agent walks over, carefully being watched by both the robots
and one of the other agents while the 3rd man watches for any soldiers
to come in the area, Romanov whispers #Mark.# into the comm link
shared with his Electronic Brain back in the lab. Suddenly the rocks
beside him begin to glow with Etherial energy, at the same brightness
as the parts of the IVAN suit that Romanov had designed himself. As
the Agent realizes what has happened, he draws his weapon. What
happens next is a blur. Romanov was no fool. He knew that the MIBs
would come for him, and he knew what to hit both them and their
robotic allies with once they came around. The IVAN suit was armed
with hideout mini-Tesla guns, to which Romanov tested first on the MIB
Dimitri. The arc then went over to the first HIT Mark, where it then
passed to another stone formation and arced over to the 2nd agent who
was drawing a bead on Romanov. The electrical convulsions caused the
2nd agent to fire on the automaton just as he was barrelling into
Romanov. The blast knocked it slightly off balance, causing it not to
bowl Romanov over, but instead knocking him into the rock formation
that was radiating the energy. Only it was not a rock formation at
all.

The Good Doctor knew that he could not have Etherial Tesla Coils on
the grounds as they would cause talk. So he figured out a way to
disguise them in the surrounding landscape. So the Automaton had
managed to knock both it and Romanov into a giant Tesla Coil. The
resulting explosion sent men over to investigate the noise and the
strange flash of light. They found nothing.

Sometime later in the Private Labs of Dr. Emil Romanov:

A strange glowing figure emerges from the Tesla Coil that is
established in the main experimentation room. The being has a humanoid
shape, but is sparkling erratically as though it's drawn to certain
areas of the lab at the same time. After a time, the being begins to
take a more definative shape. It becomes male, about 6' in height. The
outline starts to shimmer and then suddenly with a POP! the figure
reverts in to the form of a dark haired gentleman of about 30 years of
age. The look of sadness crossed with guilt crosses his face. He looks
over at a desk and picks up a picture there. It's of him and a woman.
A very beautiful dark haired woman. Both he and the woman are dressed
in fencing gear. His face becomes twisted. When his tears come, they
glow with an unnatural glow. Almost as if they were electified.

[Ah my beloved Zati. You could never know about the things I did or
the People I met in my travels and in my Work. As keen as your mind
is, I don't think you could have handled the truth. And now I will
never be able to tell you my greatest Achievement.]

OOC: Ziatrice, this would be a good time for you appear and console
the good Doctor. An explanation on how you knew of his beloved's
passing would help much, and strengthening words will carry the day.

After much consideration of his fate, Dr. Romanov decided to dedicate
his life to the Righting of Wrongs and the Undoing of Evil. He decided
to change his name, as the Romanov name was no longer applicable to
him. He from that day forth became known as Dr. Energy.
=================================

On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 19:42:48 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000194

> [Ah my beloved Zati. You could never know about the things I did or
> the People I met in my travels and in my Work. As keen as your mind
> is, I don't think you could have handled the truth. And now I will
> never be able to tell you my greatest Achievement.]
>
> OOC: Ziatrice, this would be a good time for you appear and console
> the good Doctor. An explanation on how you knew of his beloved's
> passing would help much, and strengthening words will carry the day.

OOC: I'll try, although this time period's Ziactrice is a little
different.


Chapter Two: A Woman so Violet

From the shadows a woman's voice comes faintly, almost dismissed as a
grief-borne fantasy. Until the woman steps out into the light. The
slender, skirted suit and large-brimmed hat are of a comely but
conservative cut around an hourglass figure that inspires thoughts of
sine curves - well, it might be conservative if not for the garishly,
violently _purpleness_. Even the scarf wrapped high enough to conceal
half her face is an eye-stabbing violet. The mask drawn tightly over
her eyes matches the rest of the ensemble. It almost seems _she_
should be glowing, but only he is shedding light.

"Dr. Romanov?" The lady's voice is oddly unfocused, as if it is more
echo than original. "Ah, forgive this intrusion, but it seems that
there is some difficulty drawing my presence here."
=================================

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 02:31:13 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000195

> On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 19:42:48 -0800 (PST)
> Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000194
>
> "Dr. Romanov?" The lady's voice is oddly unfocused, as if it is more
> echo than original. "Ah, forgive this intrusion, but it seems that
> there is some difficulty drawing my presence here."

Dr. Romanov turns toward where the voice came from and startles at the
sight. The voice almost reminds him of Zati. The confident air, the
intelligence beneath an air of sensuality. The garish color of the
outfit is striking, and the color glows from the light eminating from
his eyes.

"Ah.. Dear lady, you have startled me. I was despairing for the loss
of my love. I knew that it was inevitable that she would have to know
of all my secrets, including my tenure as a Professor in the Order of
Reason. See, I wonder how it is that you have found this place, since
there are no longer any Land Above access points to this place, as the
lab there has been obliterated. Ironically, it was the scene of my
Greatest Triumph and the source of my Greatest Tragedy."

As Dr. Romanov speaks, the lights in the Lab come on one by one. He
hasn't touched any switches that you can see, but that doesn't seem to
be a problem. " I hope my simple trick doesn't disturb you. I used to
get many a laugh from her when I would turn the lights on without
touching them. What she never knew is that I was controlling the
lights by remote control. I always joked that I had them set to where
they would come on when I entered a room, and there were times when I
even turned them on the old fashioned way. Now... Now I am afraid to
touch anything like that ever again. I am in unchartered waters, so to
speak."

"You see," he continues as a coffee machine turns on to make a pot of
the wonderful brew, "I believe I have attended what those of another
group might call Acended. This happened by an enormous set of
coincidental things. I am *so* sorry. Where are my manners? I am
Doctor Emil Romanov. Yes, *those* Romanovs. I had thought myself safe
from the changes that were to come, and I knew the dangers outside
thanks to a bunch of self-serving politcos. My students from the
college I taught at wrote often to tell me of the things Lenin and his
followers were talking about. Though my family dismissed them out of
hand, I knew that the revolution would come soon. So I prepared. I
built my lab both on the estate grounds, and connected them through
tunnels to the Hollow Earth where I could work in peace. I had gone
back to my private quarters during my cousins' house arrest by the
Provisional Government, and found my beloved Zatrina gone. Fearing the
worst, I searched the grounds for her. I found her. She was in the
company of 5 individuals. 3 were from another faction within the Order
called The Technocracy. They were wearing black uniforms, though the
cut could look like any soldier in the Imperial Army. The other two
were hidden, but hearing the gear whirring confirmed my worst fears.
My enemies had found my hiding place, and were determined to make an
example of me since I continued to support the Theory of Ether.
They...." he pauses for a moment, as though the memory were hitting
him like bolts of lightning in his heart, "....they had kidnapped my
beloved Zati and were using her as a bargaining chip. They told me if
I didn't change my vote, they would deal with me. I refused them
again, and then they showed at my door. After they threatened me with
a variety of tortures including death, I still refused them. After
they left, unbeknownst to them (and I scanned the area well before I
did my upgrades) I knew they would come back with a larger showing. I
intended to show them what the power of Ether can do under the right
circumstances. How was I to know that the demonstration would turn out
to be something far more."

He pauses, and glides over to where the coffeemaker has finished
brewing. As the smell hits the air, you notice that it's not coffee
that he is making, but Russian tea. "Would you care for some tea?"

(Waits for The Violet Vixen's response.)

He pours him self a glass of the dark tea, and floats over to face the
woman in violet. "Strange... I can see that your energy pattern is
somewhat different than normal Terran energy patterns. As if your
energy is a shadow of another type of energy. Fascinating." he says.
He takes a sip from his tea, and you can see little static charges in
the liquid. "Please forgive. I still lack the fundamental control over
the form I now possess, so there tends to be leakage. Anyway... the
day arrives, my wife is nowhere to be found, I search the grounds, and
I enter the lab to see if she might have found a storage area I forgot
to lock. When I passed the security station, I saw something I will
not forget to this day. My wife, being held by a hooded coat wearing
soldier. When I panned the InvisoCamera out, I saw 5 figures. The 3
men from The Technocracy, including the one that I had rebuffed
before. I also saw the other large soldier. My scans indicated my
worst fears. The 2 men were the newest creations from the Mechnaical
Order, with design specs that I myself had created for them way back
when. This infuriated me. I knew that they were using my wife as a
barganing chip. So I had to be very careful. I had perfected a suit
called IVAN. It didn't mean anything, it was just a good sounding name
for a wonderful device such as this.. Basically it was a full clean
suit with extra additions for operating in harsh environments. Siberia
can be very brutal, especially when you are chasing the dreaded
Abominable Snowman. But that's another story. So I donned the suit,
and commanded my ElectroBrain to monitor my comm channel and to
initiate my primary experiment. I had just finished my experiment on
the nature of matter and energy, and was about to demonstrate it's
abilities. When I reached the surface, the damn fool had the gall to
ask me for my answer to his question. He got his answer. He said to
me, and I will never forget his words. 'Now you will see what happens
to those who cross the Technocracy. Think of this as you stand by your
priciples.' And he took my Tesla gun...the one that I had designed for
use in the Baba Yaga incident...and shot my wife with it. She died
instantly."

He looks down at his tea. He sets the glass down gently, and suddenly
throws up his hands. As he does, giant multicolored bolts of lighting
fire into the giant Tesla batteries he has set in the lab. He roars
incoherently as the bolts of eldritch lightning buffet the battery.
Strangely, the battery doesn't explode, but instead glows. Which in
the lab is impressive since the lights are pretty bright as they are.
The roar passes as he stops blasting the batteries. It is the roar of
a man who has much to rage about. He quiets down for a while, and the
lights start to dim a little bit more. "Sorry, you must please forgive
if the lights dim, as my powers also drain energy sources. As I said,
I still lack control. I am not always an angry man. But when they
killed her, suddenly all became clear to me. Everything, my Theory,
the Theory of Ether, my place in it, the whole ball of twine. I knew
what I had to do, though my heart burned for it. I could never again
see her face, nor would she ever share in the joy that I felt when I
reached Acension. There was a fight. I had disguised a series of Tesla
coils around the entrance to my lab, and had the ElectroBrain activate
them on a command. I had a modified Tesla gun of my own, which I had
built into the suit. The suit could access it from the Etherial plane
where stored it, and return it back once I had no use for it. The
first shot took out my wifes' killer, which then arced to the second
MIB covering him. The bolt then arced to the first Automatonic
Soldier, and then it arced to the coil that was nearby. Bearing in
mind that the electrical arc was essentially going THRU me ala the
suit from the two Super Coils that I was standing between. I fired
another shot at the 3rd MIB who was taking aim at me. As my bolt hit
him, the Tesla gun he was using fired and missed me, but his the 2nd
robot that had since dropped my wife to the ground. The bolt didn't
destroy it, but it knocked him off balance enough so when he tackled
me he only grazed me enough to knock me into the Super Coil. It also
knocked him into the other coil I was standing between. The last thing
I remember before waking here was a loud roaring and buzzing, and then
a bright light. Brighter than a thousand suns. And the first things I
remember thinking was "No light compares to the radiant face of my
beloved. And they took her away from me." As he talks, you notice that
his face is glowing wetly. As if the tears are energized themselves.

He stops, drinks his tea, and when he gets almost finished with the
cup he sets the cup down and composes himself. As he does this, the
glowing subsides, and his face becomes an unreadable mask. As though
he were holding a great shame. After a moment, he speaks. "When I
awoke, I realized that I had become a being of pure Energy. By my
knowledge of Etheric design as well as my experience with transmuting
matter to energy and imbuing certain objects with energy, I had
unwittingly tapped into a secret truth. When the accident happened, I
was Awakened. I was eager to tell all in my Order of this, when I
looked at the monitors. The revolution had come this cold October
night, and there was nothing I could do about it. I saw men
slaughtering my beloved family, including the children that I had
amused with my fantastic inventions. Little Alexi, once his health
improved, would often times beg me to demonstrate electricity for him.
So I watch these butchers do this heinous act, but I knew that in my
weakened state I couldn't help them. So I retreated to my Labs. The
effort was taxing.. I also noticed that the dark walls of the tunnels
I had carved weren't as dark as they were. I then realized what had
truly happened. My body was now pure energy. It was also getting
harder to maintain cohesion since I had shielded the tunnels well. I
knew I had to do something until I could get to the lab, so I
concentrated. The glow became less and I was feeling less tired. I
rushed to the labs, and sealed the only doors behind thick iron walls
and other barriers. I looked into a mirror, and realized that I was
looking a lot younger than I was. And then I saw the glow. I truly
realized what had happened. My momentary rush of joy was overshadowed
by my deep loss for my wife. It was exactly what I was thinking in the
dark, when you arrived."

"To put it bluntly, my dear. The difficulty you are feeling here is no
doubt the quantum reflections of my great grief and sorrow over
realizing that the woman I love is dead, and cannot know of wonders
that I have felt from that day forward."

"In the meantime, I was about to start creating some new designs and
items to be used. I have decided that the best way to fight Evil is to
start at home. I know that I cannot fight them as Dr. Romanov, because
Stalin and Lenin have made the name an anethema here. Plus that is the
old me. My name is...... Dr. Energy! Only friends may call me Emil. So
I ask. Are you friend, or are you foe?"

The Good Doctor suddently disappears, and you hear and feel a
THUMP-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP as if it was a giant elephant marching through
the lab. The sound gets louder and vibrates the delicate-looking
equipment. Suddenly a roll up bay door opens, and a 9 foot tall
mechanical man enters the room. Except for the gaps in the suit, the
man looks like Dr. Energy, only 9 feet tall. The man kneels, and the
chest opens to reveal a glowing crystal in the heart. The mech man
pulls the crystal out, and places it on the ground. The crystal rises
into the air, and begins to spin faster, and faster..and then suddenly
there is a flash as though from a camera, and Dr. Energy appears
again, only with a few new things. One, the Lab Coat is gone, replaces
with a white leather duster with a multitude of pockets. Underneath,
he wears a pair of white linen trousers, with a white denim shirt. The
white is glowing white. He wears a white bandana that covers his head
and face into a mask. He blinks, and the colors change to more
appropriate setting. Like neutral agressive colors. "Friend or foe, I
thought it would be best to show you the marvelous things that
Science, Ether, Matter and Energy can do when combined into one form.
Dr. Energy."

-------
Saint Dharma, genius, madman and all around nice guy.
=================================

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:04:32 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000196

> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 02:31:13 -0500
> Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000195
>
> "I hope my simple trick doesn't disturb you. I used to get many a
> laugh from her when I would turn the lights on without touching
> them. What she never knew is that I was controlling the lights by
> remote control. I always joked that I had them set to where they
> would come on when I entered a room, and there were times when I
> even turned them on the old-fashioned way. Now... Now I am afraid to
> touch anything like that ever again. I am in unchartered waters, so
> to speak."

The woman conceals the slightly sarcastic raise of one eyebrow beneath
her mask; these old-World Continentals and their belief in the
daintiness of women can be rather tiresome about assuming the least
little thing will bother the Fairer Gender, but he is grieving both
the loss of his wife, his family, and his entire previous life.
Allowances must be made for the more Gallant Gender, as well. She
composes herself on a lab stool, lending him a sympathetic ear. It
seems, from the sheer volume of words, that he needs one badly.

<snip his intro and recounting of the terrible events of this day>
> He pauses, and glides over to where the coffeemaker has finished
> brewing. As the smell hits the air, you notice that it's not coffee
> that he is making, but Russian tea. "Would you care for some tea?"

"Very kind of you to offer, Dr. Romanov." The woman in violet accepts.
"Three sugars and milk, since I smell that is true chai."

> "Strange... I can see that your energy pattern is somewhat different
> than normal Terran energy Patterns. As if your energy is a shadow of
> another type of energy. Fascinating." He says.

A saucer in one, a teacup held properly (there are no little fingers
in the air if one drinks tea correctly), the woman unwraps her scarf.
He is gifted with a wry smile, but no retort to his discerning
comment. She removes a laced (and of course, violet) handkerchief from
her other gauntlet, to dab at her mouth most appealingly.

<snip through the story>
> brutal, especially when you are chasing the dreaded Abominable
> Snowman. But that's another story.

A flash of eyes, a grim set of her lips - something about that phrase
upset the Lady in Violet, but she says nothing.

> Lenin have made the name an anethema here. Plus that is the old me.
> My name is...... Dr. Energy! Only friends may call me Emil. So I
> ask. Are you friend, or are you foe?"

<snip most impressive re-entrance>
> "Friend or foe, I thought it would be best to show you the marvelous
> things that Science, Ether, Matter and Energy can do when combined
> into one form. Dr. Energy."

The woman in violet calmly settles her teacup back in the saucer. Then
she favors him with a _sharply_ disapproving look.

"I'm neither; I have no basis yet to consider you a friend, anymore
than I have to think you a foe. Although your threatening a guest to
whom you have offered hospitality fails to impress. Your Rom ancestors
must be _spinning_ in their graves. I shall +not+ be bullied. Grieving
or not you, sir, should be _ashamed_. If I had wished you ill, sir,
why would I sit here providing you a sympathetic ear, sharing your
tea?"

"Since you're not even extending me common courtesy, I shall depart. I
hope you do well without my abilities, but that is unlikely by how
you've done thus far." She stands, pulls the scarf back over her lower
face, and then she walks calmly toward the tunnel leading out.
=================================

On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 23:18:23 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000197

> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:04:32 -0800 (PST)
> Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000196
>
> The woman conceals the slightly sarcastic raise of one eyebrow
> beneath her mask; these old-World Continentals and their belief in
> the daintiness of women can be rather tiresome about assuming the
> least little thing will bother the Fairer Gender, but he is grieving
> both the loss of his wife, his family, and his entire previous life.
> Allowances must be made for the more Gallant Gender, as well. She
> composes herself on a lab stool, lending him a sympathetic ear. It
> seems, from the sheer volume of words, that he needs one badly.

The Good Doctor sighs, and continues his story, grateful at least that
someone is willing to listen to his tragic tale.

> "Very kind of you to offer, Dr. Romanov." The woman in violet
> accepts. "Three sugars and milk, since I smell that is true chai."

"Very good. And please forgive me my manners, as I am very distraught
over the days events." Dr. Energy takes her a glass of chai tea, with
milk and three sugars per her request.

> A flash of eyes, a grim set of her lips - something about that
> phrase upset the Lady in Violet, but she says nothing.

Dr. Energy notices her slight change of face upon his statement. "I am
sorry. Was there something I have said that might have offended you? I
must admit my ignorance about many things, but we had been chasing a
particular monster who had slaughtered whole villages wholesale. What
we discovered there was something beyond a simple folk tale to scare
children."

> "Since you're not even extending me common courtesy, I shall depart.
> I hope you do well without my abilities, but that is unlikely by how
> you've done thus far." She stands, pulls the scarf back over her
> lower face, and then she walks calmly toward the tunnel leading out.

Dr. Energy, realizing that his guest is far more refined than he
believed, manages a very sheepish look. "Please, dear lady. Forgive a
foolish scientist. I am, admittedly, acting churlish and boorish. I
have been subjected to many traumatizing events, and my every word has
been used against me by people that I thought I trusted. So fallen
have I from the Order, that I have been forced to retreat to my
ancestral home to continue my studies. It is only because of the
influence of my good friend Dr. Eon that I have been able to keep this
lab and everything in it. I am very ashamed for my actions, and I
offer my humblest apologies." He bows, gracefully and continues, "if
you would like to leave, that is understandable as I have not been
what you would call the most gracious of hosts, and my ignorance in
matters of social graces leave much to be desired."
=================================

On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:36:26 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000198

> On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 23:18:23 -0500
> Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000197
>
> Dr. Energy notices her slight change of face upon his statement. "I
> am sorry. Was there something I have said that might have offended
> you? I must admit my ignorance about many things, but we had been
> chasing a particular monster who had slaughtered whole villages
> wholesale. What we discovered there was something beyond a simple
> folk tale to scare children."

"That was a yeti. The AS is a different creature. Rather like
comparing a tiger to one of the Rakhasha. A very dangerous but common
mistake. I've had some misfortunate encounters with both, having
traveled that region briefly."

<snip through the good Doctor Energy discovering another creature, the
Zia on a High Horse>
> Dr. Energy, realizing that his guest is far more refined than he
> believed, manages a very sheepish look. "Please, dear lady. Forgive
> a foolish scientist. I am, admittedly, acting churlish and boorish.
> I have been subjected to many traumatizing events, and my every word
> has been used against me by people that I thought I trusted. So
> fallen have I from the Order, that I have been forced to retreat to
> my ancestral home to continue my studies. It is only because of the
> influence of my good friend Dr. Eon that I have been able to keep
> this lab and everything in it. I am very ashamed for my actions, and
> I offer my humblest apologies." He bows, gracefully and continues,
> "if you would like to leave, that is understandable as I have not
> been what you would call the most gracious of hosts, and my
> ignorance in matters of social graces leave much to be desired."

The woman in violet pauses, turning to listen to his apology politely.
She ponders it a long moment, manifestly weighing him with her eyes.
Then, just barely, she nods.

"Very well, sir. You have had a very bad time. I accept your apology."
Her hands unwind the scarf to looseness again, as if, like the People
of the Desert, she does not show even the lower half of her face among
strangers.

"If I may have your word that you will continue to be a gentleman, not
allowing grief, anger, or newfound power to make you a boor or bully,
I will keep your company and give you whatever assistance I can, be it
agreeable to you."

"What may I do to help?" The woman takes her stool again, lifting her
saucer to sip delicately at the hot tea within. She discovers it
empty. With a slight smile, she offers, "Shall I pour, this time,
Doctor?"

--
The Woman in Violet
=================================

On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 16:44:08 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000200

> On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:36:26 -0800 (PST)
> Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000198
>
> "That was a yeti. The AS is a different creature. Rather like
> comparing a tiger to one of the Rakhasha. A very dangerous but
> common mistake. I've had some misfortunate encounters with both,
> having traveled that region briefly."

Dr. E looks at his guest with interest, "A Rakhasha? I had heard of
such creatures, but have never had the fortune to run up against them.
That would explain the reactions I got when I mentioned the AS to a
few local Tibetian villagers. In fact were it not for their
assistance, plus the timely use of a heat-ray I had invented for this
excursion, I would probably be a corpse-sicle now." He barely
surpresses a shudder.

"The Nephandi were searching for something in those mountains. They
found it, but it was Good Fortune that Dr. Eon and I were on their
trail. Had they succeeded in opening that cave, there's no tellings
what would have poured forth. The things they got from one of the
smaller caves were bad enough. That's how we heard about it, because
one of them got loose and started tearing up the villages one by one.
I am grateful that the Black Book of The Dead is no longer there. At
least that's what I was told."

Doc E turns to the side for the moment, and his features become
clouded. As though a thunderstorm were rolling of the Siberian plains
to hit full force. "Damn the Void Seekers! They were so interested in
Mount Everest as a stronghold for their designs that they kept me from
ensuring that the area had been sealed off against trespassers and
those that are seeking Things Man was Not Meant To Know. And now I
hear that they are the ones behind the expulsion of Ether from the
Paradigm. No doubt to further their own cause." He stops and realizes
that he's in Brood Mode again. He composes himself, and looks at the
Violet Femme. "I am sure you didn't come here to listen to a foolish
man rant about things he cannot control."

> "If I may have your word that you will continue to be a gentleman,
> not allowing grief, anger, or newfound power to make you a boor or
> bully, I will keep your company and give you whatever assistance I
> can, be it agreeable to you."
>
> "What may I do to help?" The woman takes her stool again, lifting
> her saucer to sip delicately at the hot tea within. She discovers it
> empty. With a slight smile, she offers, "Shall I pour, this time,
> Doctor?"

"My lady, you not only have my word as a gentleman, but as a Romanov.
What I would like is an assessment of the world outside. What can a
man with my Powers do to make the world a better place. I would love
very much to smash these Communists into powder, but I know that will
do no one any good. I was never one to be a tyrant. And in all
fairness, the people were just looking for a better way to live. Lenin
and his kind saw that need and saw to it that it would manifest. I
would not stand in the way of noble efforts, though the price for
those efforts cost me most of my family. I do have a memory of
something, however. I believe that Anastasia did manage to escape, but
I know not where. I think she would be very happy if she were to learn
her favorite Cousin were still alive."

"And I would be delighted if you would pour the next round. Though it
is almost time for Vodka.

{Doc E waits for the response.)

"As for assistance, I need input on a design I have been working on."
He motions to the robot behind him, "As you see, I have experience in
the new field of automatons, but I am working on a design that is less
like an automaton and more like a suit of armor. For a person. I have
the power supply worked out. It's a Multi-Dimensional Infinate Power
Modulator. Basically it can fit into a pack of cigarettes, and can be
dispersed throughout the suit. What I need is a refinement of the
human interface." He walks over to a cabinet, and pulls out a paper
tube. He takes the tube over to the worktable where the tea has been
set up, and pulls out a blueprint. He unrolls it, and you see a design
for what would later be called an exoskeleton. "This is the initial
design for what I call the IVAN. It's a radiation suit, with added
components for handling dangerous materials, sensor packages located
in the visor for analysis of all kinds, an internal comm link for
communication with the Electronic Brain I have in the lab, and a
couple of crude Tesla weapons for dealing with things that might come
out of Dimensional Rifts. (A few miscalculations ended up opening a
portal to a Nether realm. Fortunately for me, the Hounds that came
through were very succeptable to lightning.) The irony is that those
same calculations (once they were corrected) were what led me to my
ultimate experiment. I had found a portal to a realm that was Pure
Ether. Pure Ether in it's raw form can become anything you want it to.
Matter or Energy. It can take the form of all 4 stages of Matter, and
it can take the properties of an infinate number of energy states.
Observe." He takes his glass of tea, sips it gently, "Ahh. That's good
tea. You make tea very well. I am guessing that you have other skills,
and not only ones in the matter of good manners and social graces.
Your outfit reminds me of The Red Queen, who is currently serving as
the secretary to the British Ambassador to Egypt. After my shock of
her taking a subserviant role, she told me that she was better off
serving where she was, since all communiques come through her to the
Ambassador. This allows her to notify certain individuals about
activites in Egypt and the surrounding areas. There are many things
hidden under the sands that should stay buried. But there are those
that would seek those Infernal treasures for their own ends. But
that's another story." He realizes that he's been prattling on for a
while when he was supposed to be demonstrating something. "Ah. You see
that this is an ordinary glass of tea. Now watch as I apply Pure Ether
to the mix." He takes a small slide rule out of his pocket, which is
bolted onto the side of what looks like a mini-Tesla coil. He works
the slide, and the coil zaps the tea in the glass. The tea glows for a
minute...then the color changes into a clear liquid. "Now sample
this."

(He waits for her response.)

"What you have tasted is Vodka. By telling the Pure Ether what state I
wanted the liquid to be in, it simply changed the structure. This
means that I can convert any substance or energy into another
substance or energy. Imagine things that could be powered by the sun,
or the moon, rain or wind, even crystals. And not just simple machines
either. Imagine an iron horse that never tires and can plow fields
morning, noon and night. Motorcars that never need to be cranked up or
fueled up. These are the possiblities." He broods for a moment, "But I
know that even if I do these things and make these things, eventually
they will end up in the Wrong Hands. The heat-ray I invented for the
Yeti would be a godsend to armies of nations. New ways of killing and
destroying would be possible." He sighs. "Yet I know I must not live
in this lab forever. There are Wrongs to be Righted and Villanous
Plots to Uncover."

A flash comes from another part of the lab, and after the smoke
clears, a strong voice comes forth. "And that is exactly what a Man of
Science should think in dark times like these. I knew there was a
reason that I took you along with me in my travels. Good thing,
because that Death Cult in Calcutta would have been the end of me had
you not found a radio wave that disrupted the Undying."

Doc E startles, and then a smile beams across his face. "Doctor Eon!
How wonderous it is to see you again. When are you these days?"

The Man Outside of Time grins sheepishly, "Oh here and there. I have
come to tell you that there is trouble brewing in the future. I just
came back from 1929 when I heard about your accident. I am sorry to
hear about your loss of Zatrina, but I am elated that you are
apparently alive and well and about to Fight The Good Fight. It's
fortunate for you that I came here, for there is an Evil Plot being
formulated in the near now. Apparently, the Infernals have been
infiltrating the Society of Thule in the future. They have found a few
artifacts, but they are currently seeking The Spear of Longinus."

Doc E grimaces, "The Spear of Destiny? What would they want with the
Spear of Destiny?"

The Man Outside Of Time looks over at the lady in Violet, "Ah, Emil.
Were you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Bolshe moi. Where I my manners. Lady, this is Doctor Eon, The
celebrated Man Outside of Time. Though that is a title he has yet to
recieve, that hasn't prevented him from travelling around through Time
and Space, righting wrongs and foiling villains."

(Doc Energy waits for the response)

"Well," says The Good Doctor, "what are we going to need for this
trip. I have a new IVAN that I have been dying to try out."
"Hmmm...," says Doc Eon, "What is it you have in mind?"

With that, The Good Doctor walks over to a locker and opens it. He
takes out a bronze backpack, and puts it on. He pulls out a box from
the side of the backpack, and reaches into it. He puts on a metallic
headband, and makes a few adjustments. "Flight Mode On!" he exclaims,
and suddenly the backpack rearranges itself. The headband morphs into
a flight helmet (OOC: With full sensor package on board), the backpack
turns into a set of wings and a tail fin. From the bottom of the
backpack, two jet engines appear, and ignite on a small burn. The Good
Doctor jumps into the air, after adjusting a dial in the center of the
unit that has appeared on his chest, and hovers around the lab. After
a bit, he lands and says, "Gladiator Mode On." The helmet becomes a
full face helmet, with a clear plastic visor. The backpack retracts
the engines and from the sides a liquid metal substance covers his
entire body. The substance hardens, but remains flexible enough that
there is full articulation with all extremeties. From the left upper
part of the backpack, a cord and a gun comes around to land in the
left hand and from the right upper part of the backpack, a hilt
without a blad shoots out and lands into the right hand. He presses a
button on the side of the hilt and a katana shaped blade of coherent
light appears.

"Not bad at all," says Doc Eon who is visibly impressed.
"But wait,"says The Good Doctor," there's more. Protector Mode ON!"
and the gun in the left hand disappears but in its place a round
shield appears. There is an audible POP! and a shimmer of air, like
the heat off of a asphalt road, appears around the Good Doctor. "This
is my Best Work. The shield can turn away all manner of attacks, but
it's most succeptable to melee attacks. SOmething about the slow blade
penetrating the shield. Which is why I can disengage the energy shield
and settle on the round shield to block melee attacks. The Laser Sword
is about the only thing that can cut through the round shield, and
that happens slowly which gives me enough time to retaliate."

"Power Down." says Doc Energy. When he says that, he reverts back to
his normal form, and the backpack remains a backpack. "The backpack
can also be used as a storage unit, but there are size limits to what
can be put in there. It basically has to fit the opening of the pack."
He opens the pack and you see that the opening is slightly larger than
your standard backpack, indicating that all manner of tools and
equipment can be put in there.

Doc Energy turns to the Violet Femme, "My dear, I believe you have
offered your assistance in anything. Would you like to join my
colleague and I on a little adventure?"

(Doc Energy waits for the response.)

The Man Outside Of Time grins, "As soon as you are ready, ring me up
on the comm system I had rigged up for you, and we will get started."
And with that he disappears in a flash of light, leaving 2 walkie
talkies behind where he stood.
=================================

Subject: Interlude: A Villian in Vienna

On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:27:29 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000201

Vienna, Austria. 1913:

A young man and an older gentleman enter a museum. The sign off to the
side read "Hofsburg Museum" and underneath are posted the hours of
operation. The two men enter the building, quiet as a demons whisper.
They pass by the various artifacts of different periods. They finally
come to a glass case. Inside the case is a four foot shaft, with
spearhead on top. The spear looks as though it were carried by a Roman
legionairre, though you would not tell by the age of it since the
spearhead has not tarnished, nor has the wooden shaft succumbed to
rot. The two men stare at the object with a strange look, like they
were transfixed by it's evident power. The older man is Dr. Walter
Stein. Unknown to the Fellows at the Museum of which he is a member,
he is part of an ancient society of wizards and witches. Known as the
Occult Order of Thule, they have spent many man hours tracking this
particular object to the point of ignoring all other artifacts of
great importance.

The younger man is a non-descript man of early to mid 20s. His brown
hair and unassuming looks allow him to blend in with almost any crowd.
This is counterbalanced by the stains of paint on his clothing and his
hands. He has the look of an artist who has found his Muse. At least
this was the look he had upon seeing the spear in the glass case.

"And now, my apprentice, you see what I meant when I told you of
objects of power such as this." said Dr. Stein. "Yes, I do. It's as if
the Spear is speaking to me, showing me what my life is to become. I
must get all of this down." said the young man.

"In due time, in due time. Your Destiny has yet to be written, but
remember that the Spear of Destiny only grants success to the one who
controls or wields it. Frederick of Barbaraossa learned that the hard
way, as did Contstantine. Come, let me introduce you to my colleagues
in the Order." As the old man ushers his young protege out the door,
the young man who would become Fuerer of Germany many years later
looked back at the spear, as if he were Lots' wife turning back to
Sodom and Gamorrah. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was born to
have this spear in his hands. [Someday.] he thought to himself.
[Someday, it will be mine, and the Heavens themselves will shake.]

Vienna, Austria. 1938.

Dimitri Volkov aka Daniel Von Schassborg certainly fit the ideal of an
ubermenche. His blonde hair and ice blue eyes certainly made for a
profile fitting the Third Reich. In fact, when Hitler interviewed him
personally for the job of Brigadefuhrer, he had offered to take his
photograph to be used by the propaganda division. Dimitri thanked him
for the flattery and instead offered to have them paint a portrait of
him instead. Hitler was delighted by this counteroffer, and the next
week, he was off to Vienna on a special assignment for the Deaths Head
division.

And so it was that Dimitri came to the Hofsburg Museum, mere days
after Hitler had annexed Austria. There he alone was to confiscate a
certain item of great National Interest to the Reich. After he
confiscated and documented the item, he was to create a second set of
"documents" indicating that the object was to be taken to Nueremburg
for storage at a church there. Meanwhile, the real journey of the
Spear of Destiny was to make it's way to Berlin, under the watchful
eye of Hitler himself.

[Such a strange thing, for so much work over a thing that isn't even
supposed to exist.] thought Dimitri. His years before had been spent
hiding from his watchers in the Technocracy. After the debacle that
was the October Revolution and the planned extermination and/or
extraction of Dr. Romanov, he knew that they would be looking for him
at every corner of the world. [Agent Smith would have thought it
ironic,] thought the Iceman, [that I would seek refuge in the abodes
of my enemies. The way I see it, better to have the power of a nation
behind me than to stand alone. And should my brothers find me, I can
use the information I gather here to avoid my brutish fate.]

As he opened the case to put the Spear of Destiny into the plain
wooden box, he felt a very strange feeling. It reminded him of the day
his life changed. He was supposed to have been killed that day in
October, but something weird happened. The two trainees that were with
him, plus the Automaton Soliders programmed to guard them, were killed
and destroyed by something emerging from the late Dr. Romanov. The
only reason that he survived is somehow his conciousness was
transferred from his old body to one of the trainees. The accident
turned the man's hair from brown to blonde instantly, and Dimitri had
blue eyes since birth. That's where he got the nickname Iceman. Partly
from his cold logical demeanor and partly from his eyes which were
like chips from a blue glacier.

He dismissed the feeling as a memory of different times, and placed
his hand upon the spear to put it in the box. Suddenly his vision
darkened, and he was treated to a sight no man would have been able to
bear. A dark hooded figure seated on a throne of skulls and bones
sits. Around him is a pool of what looks to be human blood. The figure
looks upon him, and glowing red eyes pierce into his heart and rip him
open psychically. /Fool! Did you really think that this weapon would
not be watched by the Nephandi? Hitler and those pitiful mortals in
the Order of Thule have no idea of the power in this weapon. The only
reason I have not smote them out of hand is that their efforts are
leading toward another end entirely. One that involves the Remaking of
The World in My Image. One of pain, suffering and madness, ultimately
leading to death./

Dimitri had heard of these beings, and it was not unheard of for Mage
and Technocrat to put aside differences momentarily to fight these
beings. As if the being had heard his very thoughts, it laughed a
laugh from the bowel of the Void itself. /Pitiful former Man in Black.
Do you really believe that all those struggles would diminish the
power of the Void? We are Eternal, which is more than I can say for
the likes of you. You have one chance to avoid dying a thousand slow
deaths. You are to make another copy of the Spear and deliver it to
Hitler himself. After you are done, you are to take this item to a
location yet to be determined where there you will leave it until you
are contacted by one of my agents. After you are contacted, you are to
proceed to the location and take the Spear to Tibet. There you will be
contacted and you will deliver the Spear to them. Succeed in this, and
you will be rewarded beyond your richest dreams. Fail me, and your
suffering will be legendary. Now GO!/

And with that, his vision became clear again, and he was back in the
Museum, outwardly calm on the outside, but a raging storm of emotions
inside. He looked down at the spear still in his hand, and suddenly he
knew what he must do....
=================================

On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:42:55 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000202

> On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 16:44:08 -0500
> Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000200
>
> He stops and realizes that he's in Brood Mode again. He composes
> himself, and looks at the Violet Femme. "I am sure you didn't come
> here to listen to a foolish man rant about things he cannot
> control."

"Actually," she blows gently on her tea to cool it, "you're not a
fool, but I did come to listen to you. I think you needed someone to
do so. Was I wrong?"


Chapter 3: A Man Outside of Time

> "And I would be delighted if you would pour the next round. Though
> it is almost time for Vodka."

"I think I shall remain with the tea, as I am rather on-duty at the
moment, but I shall be happy to pour your vodka. As for what you can
do to the good, as murderous as the Communists are, I do not think it
advisable to try to change the entire course of this country. Too many
revolutions in too little time simply destabilize everything, and that
does not benefit the side of Law and Order."

"Which is not to say that the occasional egregious cancer cannot be
removed to keep the malignancy from running rampant. The trouble is
tracing back to someone high enough in the chain of command to
actually topple their secret cells of do-nasties. If you take out one
or two of the topmost ones, internecine warfare tends to keep them
humble for quite some time, I've noticed."

"But that is my own methodology. All heroes develop their own; I would
suggest a serious research study until you identify those components
of a style with which you feel the greatest concordance."

> "As for assistance, I need input on a design I have been working
> on." He motions to the robot behind him, "As you see, I have
> experience in the new field of automatons, but I am working on a
> design that is less like an automaton and more like a suit of armor.
> For a person."

"Oh?" Her eyebrow lifts, under the mask. "Fascinating. There have been
moments when I've wished for armor, but the bulk is a problem."

> "This is the initial design for what I call the IVAN. It's a
> radiation suit, with added components for handling dangerous
> materials, sensor packages located in the visor for analysis of all
> kinds, an internal comm link for communication with the Electronic
> Brain I have in the lab, and a couple of crude Tesla weapons for
> dealing with things that might come out of Dimensional Rifts. (A few
> miscalculations ended up opening a portal to a Nether realm.
> Fortunately for me, the Hounds that came through were very
> susceptible to lightning.)"

The woman in violet smiles, amused by these anecdotal asides, if
somewhat alarmed by the casual nature of the Mad Scientist doing
things he Can't Quite Control. Even a Good Mad Scientist can be a bit
... daunting.

> "The irony is that those same calculations (once they were
> corrected) were what led me to my ultimate experiment. I had found a
> portal to a realm that was Pure Ether. Pure Ether in it's raw form
> can become anything you want it to. Matter or Energy. It can take
> the form of all 4 stages of Matter,

Her lips mouth the word, 'Twelve' but she doesn't say it aloud - she
doesn't like to interrupt.

> "Ah. You see that this is an ordinary glass of tea. Now watch as I
> apply Pure Ether to the mix." He takes a small slide rule out of his
> pocket, which is bolted onto the side of what looks like a
> mini-Tesla coil. He works the slide, and the coil zaps the tea in
> the glass. The tea glows for a minute...then the color changes into
> a clear liquid. "Now sample this."

The woman in violet looks at the glass, smells it, then she cautiously
tastes it.

<snip down to Dr. Eon's entrance>
> "Bolshe moi. Where I my manners. Lady, this is Doctor Eon, The
> celebrated Man Outside of Time. Though that is a title he has yet to
> receive, that hasn't prevented him from traveling around through
> Time and Space, righting wrongs and foiling villains."

The woman controls a flinch as the good Doctor completely botches the
introduction - you always present the man to the woman, never
vice-versa, and you should never only introduce one side. Of course,
he has yet to actually ask her what even her nom de guerre is, much
less her actual name. It would, however, be much ruder to correct him
in front of his friend. She stands politely, but does not offer her
hand (as women commonly didn't in this time frame).

"Dr. Eon, how do you do?" She bows, slight, but like someone from the
East, though her accent seems faintly American. "I'm known as Ultra
Violet, though perhaps not this far afield of my usual territory."

<snip of the really cool, science-geekery suit>
> "Not bad at all," says Doc Eon who is visibly impressed.

Ultra Violet is cocking her head, somewhere between interested and
faintly curious - what wonders might result if she asked Dr. Energy to
do some design work in tandem with her? A very interesting idea...

<more science-suit geekery, still cool>
> Doc Energy turns to the Violet Femme, "My dear, I believe you have
> offered your assistance in anything. Would you like to join my
> colleague and I on a little adventure?"

"I have no objection, but I would like to know what sort and where; I
may need some different equipage. Particularly useful would be the
reasons for the adventure, and mission parameters. Oh, and something
about possible opponents, if possible, although that isn't a
requirement, of course." Ultra Violet says, calmly sipping the rest of
her tea.

> The Man Outside Of Time grins, "As soon as you are ready, ring me up
> on the comm system I had rigged up for you, and we will get
> started." And with that he disappears in a flash of light, leaving 2
> walkie talkies behind where he stood.

Ultra Violet watches the flash of light vanishing act with an oddly
speculative glance. Then she shakes it off.

"Doctor Energy, I am glad you trust me so well, but I must say I'm
also surprised. What have I dont that convinces you it is safe to show
me all these things and invite me to adventure with you? I am pleased,
but surprised."

Ultra Violet
"Beware, Evil Hearts, of the Woman who is Twilight's Last Gleaming."
=================================

On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 21:23:21 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000203

> On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:42:55 -0800 (PST)
> Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000202
>
> "Actually," she blows gently on her tea to cool it, "you're not a
> fool, but I did come to listen to you. I think you needed someone to
> do so. Was I wrong?"

Doc Energy composes himself. "Nyet. You are not wrong. And I thank you
for listening."

> "I think I shall remain with the tea, as I am rather on-duty at the
> moment, but I shall be happy to pour your vodka. As for what you can
> do to the good, as murderous as the Communists are, I do not think
> it advisable to try to change the entire course of this country. Too
> many revolutions in too little time simply destabilize everything,
> and that does not benefit the side of Law and Order."

Doc Energy nods, "Actually tea would be fine, thanks."

> "But that is my own methodology. All heroes develop their own; I
> would suggest a serious research study until you identify those
> components of a style with which you feel the greatest concordance."

"Cancers can be removed easily. It's just a matter of doing the
research and finding the common link to a certain malignant element.
Usually those who truck in the forces of Chaos don't always cover
their tracks. They leave evidence of their passing in many ways.
Generally, I had learned over the years that it's easier to follow the
activities of certain groups, and if they start moving in one
direction then you find the thing that they seek and deny them of it.
You hit their supply lines, and they start to spread out to protect
them. That makes them succeptable to infiltration or outright
destruction. If they expect one method, come up with a new method.
Keep them off balance and the fight will be won before it begins. I
subscribe to the theory that Sun Tzu put forth. You know yourself
first, then you know your enemy. Once you do that, the battle is half
won. And taking out the top dog isn't always necessary. If you remove
key pieces from the board, the King is exposed. The King and Queen are
nothing without the pawns, rooks, knights and bishops to protect
them."

> "Oh?" Her eyebrow lifts, under the mask. "Fascinating. There have
> been moments when I've wished for armor, but the bulk is a problem."

Doc Energy nods, "Bulk is always an issue with armor, powered or
otherwise. I have devised a method to avoid that issue." He pulls out
another set of blueprints, only different than the last ones. This one
appears to be a backpack/belt unit with schematics for living metal
compartments and extra-dimensional spaces for storage of different
units. "This is the Backpack Unit Mark 1, with several different modes
of operation. This design is primarily used for myself, since you will
notice it has no large power supply. Since I am the power supply in
this case, it's not needed. And if I need to increase the power, the
suit acts as a shield. Now future designs will probably have more
power units included, since there's always something bigger out there
waiting to eat us, but for now it's sufficient."

> The woman in violet looks at the glass, smells it, then she
> cautiously tastes it.

Doc Energy smiles as she tastes it. "Notice that it's vodka. The pure
Ether changes the nature of the liquid. Since the Ether is in its Raw
or Pure form, any external stimulus or programming can cause it to
change it's nature. Even down to its chemical makeup. And only by
using the methods I have devised can you succeed in this."

> "Dr. Eon, how do you do?" She bows, slight, but like someone from
> the East, though her accent seems faintly American. "I'm known as
> Ultra Violet, though perhaps not this far afield of my usual
> territory."

Doctor Energy suddenly remembers what he was supposed to do here, but
social graces were never his strong suit, even when he was forced to
attend balls with his cousins he would often be what would be called a
"wallflower", sitting in the back up on the wall somewhere, doing
calculations on a small chalkboard. It was only when his nieces
Anastasia or Olga would beg him to dance with them he would relent and
join them. He was never faulted for his dancing skills, since he
trained with many great ballet Masters while he was studying the
Sciences.

> Ultra Violet is cocking her head, somewhere between interested and
> faintly curious - what wonders might result if she asked Dr. Energy
> to do some design work in tandem with her? A very interesting
> idea...

Doc Energy notes her sudden curiosity, and makes a note to talk to her
about it later.

> "I have no objection, but I would like to know what sort and where;
> I may need some different equipage. Particularly useful would be the
> reasons for the adventure, and mission parameters. Oh, and something
> about possible opponents, if possible, although that isn't a
> requirement, of course." Ultra Violet says, calmly sipping the rest
> of her tea.

Doc Eon grins, "Well, it's not a where but a when. Seems that
something has been brewing with the Order of Thule in 1938.
Specifically, one of their current initiates has risen in rank and is
now the leader of Germany. He knows where the Spear of Destiny is
kept, having seen it in Vienna in this time. "
Doc Energy grimaces and spits to his left to curse them, "Bah. The
Order of Thule is a dark sect determined to remake the world in a
Infernal image. They are one of many front organizations for a group
calling themselves The Nephandi. Eon and I have run across many of
their minions in the past, and I had heard rumors from my collegues in
Vienna that they were on the rise again. What they are doing now is
anyone's guess, but I would imagine the others would love to know what
they are doing. I just hope that the Crown of Thorns is safe from
them."
Eon nods, "The Crown is safe in a Safe in my personal lab. What I am
worried about is if they have found the Holy Grail or not."
Dr. Energy tilts his head, "Well, sounds to me like we should find out
more about them and see what they are doing to secure it, and when we
find where it lies, we will take it from them before they find it."
"Sounds like a plan to me." says Doc Eon.

> "Doctor Energy, I am glad you trust me so well, but I must say I'm
> also surprised. What have I done that convinces you it is safe to
> show me all these things and invite me to adventure with you? I am
> pleased, but surprised."

Dr. Energy looks over at Ultra Violet and looks at her as though he is
remembering someone fondly. "Your intelligence and quick mindedness
reminds me a lot of my beloved Zatrina. Though she was a woman of
letters and intelligence, she was also more adept at the social graces
than I was. That and she made a good cup of tea. Also call it a hunch,
but I feel like you are someone that could be trusted with secrets,
since your identity is secret to me."

He continues, "You mentioned that you were wanting to do some design
work in tandem. What did you have in mind? My gifts are too important
to be hoarded like a miser hoards his gold."
=================================

On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:31:00 -0800 (PST)
Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000204

> On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 21:23:21 -0500
> Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000203
>
> Doc Energy composes himself. "Nyet. You are not wrong. And I thank
> you for listening."

"Always a pleasure, Doctor, so you're quite welcome."

> And taking out the top dog isn't always necessary. If you remove key
> pieces from the board, the King is exposed. The King and Queen are
> nothing without the pawns, rooks, knights and bishops to protect
> them."

"Perhaps it is only that I am of the Gentler Gender, good Doctor, but
I find killing mere pawns and lesser evils ... distasteful. It may
also be due to the fact my timing is rather tricky to manage, as
well."

> Doc Energy smiles as she tastes it. "Notice that it's vodka. The
> pure Ether changes the nature of the liquid. Since the Ether is in
> its Raw or Pure form, any external stimulus or programming can cause
> it to change it's nature. Even down to its chemical makeup. And only
> by using the methods I have devised can you succeed in this."

"Are you sure, Doctor?" Ultraviolet passes her palm over the top of
the cup. It is again tea. Not only that, the cup is full again. She
smiles mysteriously at him, letting him get a good look. Then the
woman in violet sips again, still smiling.

> Eon nods, "The Crown is safe in a Safe in my personal lab. What I am
> worried about is if they have found the Holy Grail or not."

Ultra Violet seems about to say something, but she reconsiders.

> Dr. Energy looks over at Ultra Violet and looks at her as though he
> is remembering someone fondly. "Your intelligence and quick
> mindedness reminds me a lot of my beloved Zatrina. Though she was a
> woman of letters and intelligence, she was also more adept at the
> social graces than I was. That and she made a good cup of tea. Also
> call it a hunch, but I feel like you are someone that could be
> trusted with secrets, since your identity is secret to me."

"It will remain so. Not for any distrust, Dr. Energy, merely a matter
of habit for me."

> He continues, "You mentioned that you were wanting to do some design
> work in tandem. What did you have in mind? My gifts are too
> important to be hoarded like a miser hoards his gold."

"Actually, I did not say that aloud. Are you telepathic, now, as
well?" Ultra Violet does not look alarmed to discover this, however.
Is it that her conscience is so clear - or her secrets are _that_
well-hidden?

"I would enjoy doing so. There have been many tight scrapes where
better equipment would have saved me, and others, wounds and deaths.
However, this adventure after the Spear - it is not well for me to
displace myself in time. I'll have to live through the long way and
arrange to meet you somewhere."

"Additionally, since you mentioned both the Crown and Cup - I am not
Christian. I follow the Taoist traditions. Will this be a problem?"

--
Ultra Violet
A heroine truly suited for the Mauve Period.
=================================

On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:36:13 -0500
Saint Dharma / Dr. Energy Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000206

> On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:31:00 -0800 (PST)
> Ziactrice Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000204
>
> "Perhaps it is only that I am of the Gentler Gender, good Doctor,
> but I find killing mere pawns and lesser evils ... distasteful. It
> may also be due to the fact my timing is rather tricky to manage, as
> well."

Dr. Energy nods almost imperceptibly, "Indeed, and I would rather not
Kill unnecessarily. How about we compromise. Killing of an underling
is on shaky moral ground, but incapacitation of said underling for
questioning and/or infiltration purposes is acceptable to me. At least
this way, you can get closer to the Head Cheese. So to speak."

> "Are you sure, Doctor?" Ultraviolet passes her palm over the top of
> the cup. It is again tea. Not only that, the cup is full again. She
> smiles mysteriously at him, letting him get a good look. Then the
> woman in violet sips again, still smiling.

The Good Doctor looks somewhat astonished upon witnessing this. "Well,
it just goes to show that there is no One True Way to Enlightenment."

>> Eon nods, "The Crown is safe in a Safe in my personal lab. What I
>> am worried about is if they have found the Holy Grail or not."
>
> Ultra Violet seems about to say something, but she reconsiders.

Doc Eon continues, "It is in my personal safe, and I have plans to
send it to a fellow I know in the Celestial Chorus. In fact, I better
make a note of that before I leave and pop over to get the Crown and
give it to him."

> "It will remain so. Not for any distrust, Dr. Energy, merely a
> matter of habit for me."

The Good Doctor grins, "Much like the Violet Habit you are wearing
now, yes?"

> "I would enjoy doing so. There have been many tight scrapes where
> better equipment would have saved me, and others, wounds and deaths.
> However, this adventure after the Spear - it is not well for me to
> displace myself in time. I'll have to live through the long way and
> arrange to meet you somewhere."
>
> "Additionally, since you mentioned both the Crown and Cup - I am not
> Christian. I follow the Taoist traditions. Will this be a problem?"

OOC: Live through the Long Way? You might want to give me a refresher
course in Amberites, because there are gaps in my memory.

The Good Doctor tilts his head, as if studying a complex puzzle
waiting to be solved. "It was as plain as the reaction on what I could
see of your face. That and telepathy is just another form of
communication. I was working on a prototype for a telepathy machine
when the damn thing overloaded. I spent a week in bed with a screaming
migraine and when I recovered, I noticed that I was able to pick up
some surface thoughts, but nothing deeper than that. As for the
equipment; If you wouldn't mind, could you leave me a checklist of
specifications as to what you would want in the design?"

"As to the Taoist tradition....Christ Himself was rumored to have
travelled with Tibetan and Buddhist monks when he traveled with his
father. A holy relic is a holy relic, whether it Dharma Beads or a 1st
Century Prayer Wheel or even a Magickally charged drinking cup. There
are many paths to enlightenment. Some, however, will use the energies
present in these relics to open up dark portals to Hell and beyond,
unless we stop them. So no, it will not be a problem."
=================================

Subject: Re: Interlude: A Villian in Vienna

On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 20:42:53 -0800
Roland X Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000207

>On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:27:29 -0500
>Saint Dharma Said As SO.CAoL Message # 00000201
>
> And with that, his vision became clear again, and he was back in the
> Museum, outwardly calm on the outside, but a raging storm of
> emotions inside. He looked down at the spear still in his hand, and
> suddenly he knew what he must do....
>
> (OOC: And now we have the villian of the piece. Roland, you are free
> to do what you see fit with Dimitri, as it's your universe that I
> have him in. Let me know what you plan to do before hand, and I will
> see if it fits what I have in mind for him.)

   OOC: Well, first a little Busieking... ;^)
   The Iceman was well named. As the Nephandic monster (he feared that
he had faced Al-Aswad himself in that moment) had spoken, options had
flashed through Dimitri's mind with lightning speed. The criminal
underworld was rife with ways of disappearing from even such as
Al-Aswad and Doc Eon; he had proven useful to both the Ubiquitous
Dragon and the King of the World, the overlords of Eastern and Western
crime respectively. Also, there was the infamous White Czar, Ivan
Staynskaya. He remembered how Dr. Energy and his companions rescued
Anastasia from the White Czar; though it was Staynskaya's own accursed
fault, the _nyeculturny_ fool blamed Dimitri. No, that was _not_ an
option.
   And even Dimitri was not about to join the Nephandi. Not only would
he never trust those dark forces with a ruble, let alone his life,
there were limits even to the Iceman's amorality. What good was all
the wealth and power of the world in a living Hell? And that was
surely the intent of the evil mages, to make the Earth as Malfeas
itself.
   There were only two real possibilities. One was to return to the
Order of Thule, where it was possible -- just barely possible -- that
Hitler's gratitude would be sufficient that he would persuade the
Order to protect him. The other was to claim the Spear's power for
himself, and use it to control his _own_ destiny.
   That, after a moment of consideration, was not really much of a
choice at all. Dimitri was not one for conquest or excessive greed,
after all. Not when there were so many others willing to allow their
egos to place them at the forefront. So when the Nephandus master
vanished, the infamous Iceman already had a plan. All he needed was a
"master" to "obey."
   He looked down at the spear, and it came to him in a flash of
brilliance...

* * *

   Lady Argentine de Winter regarded the man kneeling before her with
some interest. He was well dressed, of course, but bore nothing save
the long box he'd arrived with. "So, the infamous Iceman comes to my
employer for...what? Sanctuary? Aid? Bargains?" That he knew she was
more than simply a wealthy heir to exiled nobility was impressive
enough. [Let us see what _else_ Mr. Von Schassborg nee Volkov knows.]
   "You are far more than a mere employee, milady de Winter," Volkov
replied without a hint of irony. "You are the very right hand of the
Monarch of the global syndicate, the King of the World himself. As
well as his face. No one actually sees the King, except for his inner
circle, am I right?"
   Lady de Winter smiled humorlessly.
   "And I do indeed come in search of something. Employ."
   The Lady's eyes widened slightly, and she smiled. "You want a job?"
she said, words far simpler than her station normally allowed.
   "Indeed," Dimitri agreed.
   "Why?"
   "I find my former position...uncomfortable," Dimitri explained.
   "You chose to work for the most despicable public leader on Earth,"
Lady de Winter replied coolly. "You find this surprising?"
   Dimitri paused. [Well, you cannot hunt the bear without risking the
claws,] he decided, showed her the box formally, then opened it.
   The Lady recoiled, shielding her eyes. [Interesting,] Dimitri
thought.
   After a moment, de Winter recovered. "You could not have known that
I am...sensitive...to such phenomena. Given the spear's style and
tremendous power, I can only imagine that it is the Spear of
Longinus." Dimitri nodded.
   Lady de Winter smiled suddenly. "Of course. Anyone else you could
have taken this to would have taken it from you, leaving you
vulnerable to the many who desire it. Only my employer has the will to
use it and the prudence to allow another to let another take the risks
of wielding it."
   The Iceman lost his legendary reserve for a second. [Who _is_ this
woman?] he wondered. Then the mask fell back into place. "Yes, milady.
Most astute. There is, of course, one other complication." He
explained the Nephandus' visitation.
   De Winter nodded absently. "Of course they would want it. That
cannot be allowed, any more than Hitler can be permitted a position of
global dominance."
   "Forgive me, milady, but I do not understand why..." Dimitri began.
   She silenced him with a raised hand. "First, let us see whether
_you_ are the one to wield the Spear."
   Dimitri smiled thinly. This, he had prepared for. "A
demonstration?"
   Lady De Winter gestured to a window. The room was grandly
appointed, almost as if she were royalty herself -- [appropriate for
the King's 'seneschal,' I suppose,] Dimitri decided -- but had several
windows. Obviously not a place for the King himself. Dimitri walked
over, and saw two men chatting amiably.
   "One of those men is--" de Winter began.
   "Inspector Broomfield of the International Detective Agency,"
Dimitri finished with a smile. Lady de Winter, rather than being upset
at the interruption, looked impressed. "The Contedorri has placed a
hundred thousand pound contract out on him. He's speaking to Agent G-5
of Branch 9."
   De Winter said nothing, merely motioning for the man to continue.
   "I will kill him from this spot, with no weapon other than the
Spear, without any suspicion falling on your person. I will take a
position in the Contedorri in lieu of the bounty," Dimitri said
confidently.
   De Winter chuckled, a musical sound. "By all means."
   Dimitri gripped the Spear and waited. After a few minutes, the
conversation was complete, and Inspector Broomfield stepped into a
cab. It began to drive off. As it entered the first cross-section, a
lorry carrying munitions of all things barrelled down on the sedan,
swerving wildly as if the driver had lost control -- which he had. The
larger vehicle slammed into the smaller, sending both careening into a
lamp post. A single rifle flew out of the lorry while both automobiles
stopped, miraculously without any serious damage to any save those
within. The rifle landed -- and fired.
   Lady de Winter's eyes widened. "A bullet in a rifle being
transported?"
   "Someone was rather careless, wouldn't you say?" Dimitri said,
walking away from the window. "Your target is dead. The bullet went
cleanly through his skull."
   "Insurance?" de Winter asked.
   "Style," Dimitri replied. "He was not killed in the accident,
merely trapped. Your enemies will wonder how that accident could
possibly have occurred by sheer coincidence -- and _also_ wonder how
you could have arranged for something so outrageously improbable to
happen by design."
   As de Winter watched, men rushed to the vehicles, pulling the
drivers of both the lorry and the cab out, both merely banged up.
Inspector Broomfield, likewise, would have survived with nothing but a
broken arm from the looks of him -- except the bullet had indeed
passed through his head, emerging neatly from between his eyes. "Mon
dieu," she breathed.
   "It is truly the Spear of Destiny," Dimitri said, a wolfish grin
slowly forming on his face as he talked. "Though there are limits to
its power -- the greater the area affected, the less I can control its
effects finely -- as you can see, it is a potent weapon indeed. And
there may be even more to this artifact."
   De Winter considered. "You will go to America." She handed him a
slip of paper. "These are your instructions."
   Dimitri looked at the envelope, nonplused. "This is...from the
King?"
   De Winter nodded. "He said that you would be perfect for this
assignment, and that you would pass a test of your own creation."
   The Iceman swallowed. "But...how...?"
   It was de Winter's turn to smile confidently. "You are not the only
one with...special gifts."
   Dimitri opened the envelope. "San Francisco?" he asked with
curiosity. De Winter nodded again. "The Ubiquitous Dragon is making
his move. He believes that the current unrest is the perfect cover for
a strike on our operations. You will disabuse him of the notion."
   Dimitri looked at his instructions...and paled. "Chinatown?"
   De Winter's smile grew slightly.
   "All of it?"
   The smile vanished. "You will ensure that as many civilians as
possible escape...and that no one in any Tong survives," Lady de
Winter said flatly.
   "This will start a war," Dimitri noted.
   Lady de Winter's smile returned. "And the Spear of Destiny ensures
victory in war, does it not?"
   Dimitri gaped. "He knew. He _knew_ what I intended, what I had,
even the presence of Inspector Broomfield."
   Lady de Winter slid over to Dimitri, who suddenly felt crosshairs
on the back of his neck. Her smile...changed. "He told me that you'd
be impressive. I don't know that even His Majesty knew just _how_
impressive," she said, slinking over to him.
   Dimitri's very mind seemed to cloud over; the legendary Iceman had
to use all his mental training just to keep a grip on his own
thoughts. [Is this woman Enlightened?] he wondered dimly. "There will
be...opposition."
   "Yes, dear Doctor Mercer and his merry band. The Man of Many
Tomorrows," she said with a dismissive shrug. She was still smiling,
blast her! "You will have assistance."
   Dimitri fought off the woman's diabolic appeal. The worst part
about it was that he didn't _want_ to fight it off. [I am the Iceman!]
he insisted furiously. "No doubt." He considered. "We should also
prepare for that accursed Doctor Energy. He haunts me, I think."
   "Doctor _Energy,_" de Winter said contemptuously. "A skilled
mechanic, nothing more. He is an anachronism."
   "Far more than that, I assure you," Dimitri insisted. "I have
barely escaped in our every encounter."
   Lady de Winter sighed. "I will send one of our finest Eternal
operative with you. This 'Doctor Energy' will learn the difference
between having power and controlling it." Her fingers brushed against
the back of Dimitri's hand. "Is there anything else?"
   He swallowed, then bowed, kissing her hand. "We can discuss other
matters after the mission is complete."
   Lady de Winter's smile...grew. The Iceman fought once again to stay
cool. "A strong will," she noted. "Yes, business before pleasure, I
think." She watched the legendary Iceman retreat -- rather, withdraw
-- in good order. Once she was alone again, she couldn't help a
chuckle. [Russians. Still, he will be _very_ useful, that one.] She
caressed a pearl on her necklace.
   Shades slid down to cover the windows, and two paintings rolled
back, revealing two video transmission screens. They lit up, revealing
the faces of her only two equals in all the world.
   "Henry," she said to the one on her left. "Joseph," she added to
the one on her right.
   "I do wish you would stop playing these games," Joseph von Reisman,
head of Special Projects, insisted. "And your opposition to the
current balance of power--"
   "Your pet madman has no interest in balance," Lady de Winter
replied smoothly. "He is going to start a second global war, and that
will be bad for everyone's business."
   "God, I hope not," Henry replied in his usual blunt American style.
Head of the Financiers, Henry was the last of the great robber barons,
and an infamous autocrat in his own demesne. "Still, if worst comes to
worst, there's a lot of money in outfitting an army."
   "And by being on both sides of the conflict, the Syndicate wins no
matter who loses," von Reisman insisted.
   Argentine frowned. "Brutality is only useful to a point, my dear
Joseph. Subtlety always wins in the end." Her frown vanished.
"Besides, now the Spear is working for us. The demagogue will have his
Spear, of course -- a fake, just as the Nephandi want, to lull both
they and he into complacency."
   Henry laughed. "Damn, you're good. 'Your Majesty,'" he quipped.
   The King of the World -- more appropriately, the Queen -- laughed
back. "Of course."
--
Evil GM-San
Wheels within wheels turn in the background. Careful, heroes, lest you
are ground to dust. AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!
=================================