Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Nile Empire / Pulp Chapter 4 Subject: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:15:12 -0700 Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011965 At the address provided by Nemo, a figure in black knocks on the door. Despite his monochromatic attire, he looks utterly ordinary, just a man in a suit and topcoat at night. (It gets _cold_ in the desert after dark. 8^) When the door opens... "Hello. I'm Mr. Lancer. A friend provided me with your address?" If asked who provided the addy, he grins slightly. "Oh, 'no one.' Just a mutual acquaintance with a fondness for the classics. Though whether he's more fond of Homer or Verne, I can't say for certain." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 21:19:54 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011967 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 15:13:46 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011963 > >>On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 03:12:38 -0400 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011952 >> >>/Meet everyone at the safe house, I'm going to have to shake these >>guys first./ > > @/QX, holler if you need backup,/@ Eric replies, distracted but >sincere. Karma smiled to herself, /It's been two lifetimes since I heard anyone say that./ >>Bringing up the sights, she looked toward the darkness rising >>through this magnified view, adjusting the focus until she could >>clearly see... > > ...a blasphemous anti-sun, larger in the sky than the genuine >article (say, about 125% the apparent diameter of the solar disc), >"burning" in the distance. Light seems to fall into it, like a black >hole, but close observation reveals that light isn't so much >_falling_ into it as being annihilated, like matter and anti-matter >colliding. The corona, at least, is quite spectacular, although it >usually consists of colors that are just "wrong." Rust red, toxic >green, sickly yellow, etc. > The top is slowly distending, as if it were some sort of >impossible amoeba about to divide... Karma gaped, saying "..." then after another moment, /South by south-east, follow the river upstream. I don't know what it is, but it feels ominous./ Dropping down into the trees again around the river, Karma gave the matter no more thought. Returning to the safe-house was top priority. Correction: not being captured was top priority. Returning to the safe-house was second priority. And ditching this airchariot and taking on a suitable disguise might be wise as well. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:09:41 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011968 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:15:12 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011965 > > "Hello. I'm Mr. Lancer. A friend provided me with your address?" > If asked who provided the addy, he grins slightly. "Oh, 'no one.' >Just a mutual acquaintance with a fondness for the classics. Though >whether he's more fond of Homer or Verne, I can't say for certain." A presence carefully concealed behind the man in black suppresses a smile, but her hands stay crossed and lightly touching both pistol butts, ready to attack at the slightest sense of something wrong. OOC: Cue to Baraka, I think this is the pre-Hanging Rescue meetup? =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:28:44 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011970 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 15:13:46 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011963 >> "Gad. Now I remember why I never did that much." UV notes, >>sounding drunk with fatigue. > > "No kidding," the Hunter replies. Jack lets Eric take her from >here, as he gently (but firmly) picks her up and places her on a >couch. > "I hope this isn't going to become a habit," he says in fond >exasperation, brushing a lock of hair from her eyes. Does he notice the hair is very _dark_ purple - and is glowing more than faintly at the moment? "What? You've had to carry me out of two fights, I've had to carry you out of one. Don't start sounding like James at me until you're at least a couple ahead." The words are still game, but the tone is exhausted - and worried. > "I need a cigarette," Jack adds, half-collapsing to sit on the >floor. > Somehow, from halfway across the room, without leaving UV's side, >and without force- or spatial magick, Eric _still_ manages to slap >Murphy upside the head. "I hope the rest of them make it out all right." Ultraviolet says as she fishes out a pack and tosses it Jack's way. It is whatever brand he likes best, with a lighter rubber-banded to the side. The Just Violet pushes herself up to a sitting position, although she does remove the large hat, folding her gloves in it, then she unwraps the turban-veil she had been wearing. Even the dark purple hair is upstaged by the years-old scars and gouges at her throat and a large, healed but still purplish mark that fills her left cheek. Spots trail upwards, with another large mark half-disappearing into her hairline on the right. The pattern of deep pock-marks and coloration - and location of the scars - are quite characteristic of a survivor of the Black Death aka bubonic plague. (OOC: I'm not sure if Eric has ever been in the Place when Zia's face was looking this way due to the Possibility Nexus effect or not. Given we're in Egypt, the land of plagues, and Infra-red being her principle arch-enemy, I figure that Ultraviolet should have them. It gives her pretty flower nickname of the Just Violet the right ironic twist for a pulp hero.) Jack Murphy, of course, hasn't seen her face before, so his surprise might come just at the damage - or at the cause of the damage if he has enough medical knowledge to recognize it. "So, I presume your name isn't Jack _Ketch_, despite the circumstances? Give him a hand up to a chair, please, beloved?" The last, of course, to Eric. =========================== Subject: Re: OOC: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 19:50:07 -0700 Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011971 >On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:09:41 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011968 > > A presence carefully concealed behind the man in black suppresses >a smile, but her hands stay crossed and lightly touching both pistol >butts, ready to attack at the slightest sense of something wrong. > >OOC: Cue to Baraka, I think this is the pre-Hanging Rescue meetup? OOC: Correct. This is the "night before," where Our Heroes (presumably) follow Nemo's advice and contact...well, whoever they're supposed to contact (yeah, we know it's Baraka -- _now._ 8^) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2) On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 00:40:23 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00011972 >In a message dated 4/9/2004 6:29:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >Ziactrice writes: > >OOC: Ummmmmm. Ultraviolet got him out of thet gravity wave. Think; >what one thing cannot be caught and stopped by gravity - short of a >black hole? And Mobius isn't going to throw a black hole around near >Earth-9. > >Yep. That's right. Light. Even ultraviolet light. ;) > >Or you can retcon that she didn't, but I can't see UV just chatting >up the villains while Roger (or Rogi-dupe) was still in peril... No, no retcon necessary. I just need to start reading my Inbox in *reverse* once my unread-mail count exceeds 100... (:) I'd guess we can just let the dialogue stand as having happened in between, unless I'm missing something else (STILL catching up...) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2) On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 22:12:08 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011974 >On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 21:51:54 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011949 > >>On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 20:15:30 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011948 >> >>>On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 14:44:27 -0700 >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011944 >> >> The Ubiquitous Dragon is Earth-9's greatest pulp villain, and >>master of the largest "independent" (i.e. not controlled by a larger >>faction of supernaturals) criminal empire in the world. This is a >>guy who gave a Really Hard Time to Earth-9's greatest pulp _hero,_ >>Doc Eon. Basically, he's just "slumming" with Mobius -- even >>super-criminals need a vacation now and then. (And, well, Mobius >>just has _so_ many Neat Toys...who knows what might end up in the >>Heaven Thunder Triad's arsenal? ;^) As such, I'm going to be >>retconning a fair amount of this fight. Actually, a lot of it... > >I'll just lie back and enjoy it. *snork* LOL! You _almost_ owed me a new screen for that... Anyway, the retconning is appreciated. >>>Baraka makes a move. The Dragon starts to counter. Only to discover >>>that the counter placed just the right stress on his gi to snap the >>>belt that had been weakened by one of Baraka's "misses". >> >> Unfortunately, 1) he's not wearing a gi, but rather fairly >>form-fitting pants that wouldn't fall regardless, and 2) he could do >>any number of things -- switch in an undamaged pair being the most >>obvious -- that would negate the problems detailed in what I >>snipped. > >Ah, in that case, if we can double retcon to the outfit becoming >rather more abbreviated due to the slashes??? Sure. Main characters in the pulps are always either demigods or uglier than sin, and the Dragon ain't ugly, so... ;^) UD looks at the damage, then at Baraka, and sighs melodramatically. "Do you desire that your opponents have as little clothing as yourself?" >>>The gun disappears back into the harness as Baraka takes a few >>>running steps towards the Set-statue and hurls the staff at its >>>eyes. (figure it's about as bad as a harpoon fired from a whaling >>>ship) >> >> The statue's glowing eyes suddenly fire lancing beams of power. >>The staff is reduced to shards and lumps before it touches the >>thing. > >Yeek! OOC: Thank yew, thank yew. It's nice to be appreciated. >>>She follows up with several smoke(?) grenades. >>> >>>And returns to the Dragon, if he's still up to facing her. >> >> Yes, actually, he is. >> _His_ next punch, while not _quite_ as strong as hers, is >>superhuman -- and just as fast as hers. >> UD's smile broadens as a second him flanks her, just as strong >>and fast. On the other hand, the ones facing Rob and Hippolyta are >>starting to flicker a little. He's devoting more of his >>concentration to Baraka now. Aren't you lucky? He seems to be >>trying to slash Baraka with his right index finger and his left ring >>finger. "When you awaken, tell your teacher that the >>Dragon-Who-Is-In-All-Places has learned much over the decades." > >Isn't he going to be surprised when he succeeds and her skin doesn't >scratch worth a damn (unless his nails are reinforced some way). As a matter of fact, they are -- about the hardness of a good, solid, sharp gemstone (though nothing outrageous like diamond, tungsten alloy, or unobtanium 8^). His study of the ways of the Lung Kuei (read: Awakened powers) has granted him a number of pulp abilities, this being but one. >(And if he does scratch her, she won't display much of an effect >while he's watching) _This_ the Dragon notes with some respect. "Your learning is impressive," he says, noting that she doesn't...well, react (if she _knows_ what was on those two fingers, let me know). It wasn't easy to get those strikes in, even with his "Grasping Dragon Strike" (hey, they've all gotta have cool names 8^). >> The Dragon doesn't bother answering with words, taking Eon's quip >>to heart, it would seem. Instead, the Dragons (four of them now) >>begin to circle Eon and Baraka, chanting "Dao te lung kuei...dao te >>lung kuei...dao te lung kuei..." > >Baraka whispers to Eon as the move so their backs are to each other. >"I think it's about time we leave. The party is getting too >unfriendly." "Agreed," Eon whispers back. "If you don't have a ride, mine should be arriving shortly." Even surrounded by chanting Master Villains and whispering to a complete stranger, his voice manages to be silk-smooth, friendly, and reassuring. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 23:30:07 -0700 Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011975 >On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 21:19:54 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011967 > >>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 15:13:46 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011963 >> >>>On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 03:12:38 -0400 >>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011952 >>> >>>/Meet everyone at the safe house, I'm going to have to shake these >>>guys first./ >> >> @/QX, holler if you need backup,/@ Eric replies, distracted but >>sincere. > >Karma smiled to herself, /It's been two lifetimes since I heard >anyone say that./ Eric grins at that. @/Heh. I just started using it./@ >> ...a blasphemous anti-sun, larger in the sky than the genuine >>article (say, about 125% the apparent diameter of the solar disc), >>"burning" in the distance. Light seems to fall into it, like a black >>hole, but close observation reveals that light isn't so much >>_falling_ into it as being annihilated, like matter and anti-matter >>colliding. The corona, at least, is quite spectacular, although it >>usually consists of colors that are just "wrong." Rust red, toxic >>green, sickly yellow, etc. >> The top is slowly distending, as if it were some sort of >>impossible amoeba about to divide... OOC note: I have Die Another Day music in my head for this -- for soundtrack owners, track 12, starting 1:20 in. I'll post to the GR with spoiler warnings if anyone's interested. 8^) >Karma gaped, saying "..." then after another moment, /South by >south-east, follow the river upstream. I don't know what it is, but >it feels ominous./ @/We'll definitely have to check it out. Later./@ Eric, of course, hasn't really seen it yet -- and isn't going to get a chance for a while... Then... >On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:28:44 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011970 > >>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 15:13:46 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011963 >> >> "No kidding," the Hunter replies. Jack lets Eric take her from >>here, as he gently (but firmly) picks her up and places her on a >>couch. >> "I hope this isn't going to become a habit," he says in fond >>exasperation, brushing a lock of hair from her eyes. > > Does he notice the hair is very _dark_ purple - and is glowing >more than faintly at the moment? Naturally. Not much gets by the Hunter. 8^) > "What? You've had to carry me out of two fights, I've had to carry >you out of one. Don't start sounding like James at me until you're at >least a couple ahead." The words are still game, but the tone is >exhausted - and worried. "True, but this is the second time I've had to drop you, immobile or virtually so, on to someone else's couch." Eric's smile is uncharacteristically weak. "Not that I mind watching your back in the least, it being functional _and_ decorative." The quip, too, is less than spot on. He's worried too. "I'd just rather be your wingman than primary line of defense, and adolescent male fantasies be damned." >> "I need a cigarette," Jack adds, half-collapsing to sit on the >>floor. >> Somehow, from halfway across the room, without leaving UV's side, >>and without force- or spatial magick, Eric _still_ manages to slap >>Murphy upside the head. > > "I hope the rest of them make it out all right." Ultraviolet says >as she fishes out a pack and tosses it Jack's way. It is whatever >brand he likes best, with a lighter rubber-banded to the side. Eric's attempt to be sanguine now fails utterly. @/All friendlies in the fire zone, check in,/@ he Lenses to the Nile team and Doc Eon. *Just catching a ride out now, son,* Eon replies. *The thought is appreciated, literally,* he adds. "Someone get that guy to Callahan's," Eric groans, this with a little more heart. /How do you know that he and Mike aren't part of the same union?/ Rio kibbitzes from Champions Island. @/Don't start with me, you/@ Eric replies, though the tone is gentle. UV, meanwhile, can sense that Eric is unhappy and torn. On the one hand, there are friendlies -- _friends_ -- still under fire. On the other hand, Violet -- ZIA -- is extremely vulnerable. Twice over, yet. Of course, he hasn't the powers to return to help anyway, so the question is moot. He just doesn't like it. > The Just Violet pushes herself up to a sitting position, although >she does remove the large hat, folding her gloves in it, then she >unwraps the turban-veil she had been wearing. Even the dark purple >hair is upstaged by the years-old scars and gouges at her throat and >a large, healed but still purplish mark that fills her left cheek. >Spots trail upwards, with another large mark half-disappearing into >her hairline on the right. The pattern of deep pock-marks and >coloration - and location of the scars - are quite characteristic of >a survivor of the Black Death aka bubonic plague. Eric hisses in sympathy and distaste (for the disease, not her appearance). He begins tracing the scars with his fingers, never exactly touching them (out of politeness) but carefully examining them with his various ch'i powers. "Hrm." He grins suddenly and unexpectedly. "I'm tempted to say 'turnabout is fair play,' all things considered." The grin vanishes. "On the other hand, considering that you got rid of mine, I suspect you could take care of them yourself, if you wanted to." > (OOC: I'm not sure if Eric has ever been in the Place when Zia's >face was looking this way due to the Possibility Nexus effect or not. >Given we're in Egypt, the land of plagues, and Infra-red being her >principle arch-enemy, I figure that Ultraviolet should have them. It >gives her pretty flower nickname of the Just Violet the right ironic >twist for a pulp hero.) OOC: Don't think so, and after a check, it looks like Infra-Red's attack on UV in Brussels has not been brought up IC -- and Roland's the obsessive-compulsive fanboy, so I don't think Eric would've read that bit. So he'll probably place the disease as the culprit. > Jack Murphy, of course, hasn't seen her face before, so his >surprise might come just at the damage - or at the cause of the >damage if he has enough medical knowledge to recognize it. Jack has many skills, but medicine isn't one of them -- he's got some basic first aid skills, but that's it. So he politely just doesn't "see" them. > "So, I presume your name isn't Jack _Ketch_, despite the >circumstances? Give him a hand up to a chair, please, beloved?" The >last, of course, to Eric. Jack chuckles. "It seems that you and Wraith Junior over there came closer to that name than me." He rubs his neck. "I was a bit too near to the other end for my taste, thank you. I think I'll let the Scarab keep the costume and stick with my own nickname -- 'Diamond' Jack." He flips a jack of diamonds out of his pocket. "Hit it rich a few years ago, been trying to find a way to give something back since. But hel-heck, 'Diamond Jack Murphy' sounds almost as good as Indiana Jones or Doc Savage, eh?" While Jack responds, Eric slides over a chair, then helps Jack into it. The ex-Scarab nods wearily in gratitude, then lights a Lucky Strike (natch 8^) and takes a long, relieved drag. "Those things'll kill you, you know," Eric comments evenly, returning to the Just Violet's side with a chair of his own. She can tell that its placement is determined by the best angle to defend her from, at need. "So will dirty water hot dogs, if you live long enough to let 'em," Jack retorts casually. "How're you holding up, Vi?" He blows out a long, relieved cloud of smoke -- carefully away from Eric and Violet, it bears noting. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 05:45:07 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011976 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 23:30:07 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011975 >Then... >>On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:28:44 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011970 > > "True, but this is the second time I've had to drop you, immobile >or virtually so, on to someone else's couch." Eric's smile is >uncharacteristically weak. "Not that I mind watching your back in the >least, it being functional _and_ decorative." The quip, too, is less >than spot on. He's worried too. "I'd just rather be your wingman than >primary line of defense, and adolescent male fantasies be damned." "If you were to join me on this couch, " the Just Violet informs him, "you'd discover I'm not so immobile as you think. That was just tiring because I had to lug you two big hunks of beef along. As for primary line of defense - are you saying you don't want me to rely on you, or that you don't want me to rely on you as much? American slang changes so fast." > Eric hisses in sympathy and distaste (for the disease, not her >appearance). He begins tracing the scars with his fingers, never >exactly touching them (out of politeness) but carefully examining >them with his various ch'i powers. > "Hrm." He grins suddenly and unexpectedly. "I'm tempted to say >'turnabout is fair play,' all things considered." The grin vanishes. >"On the other hand, considering that you got rid of mine, I suspect >you could take care of them yourself, if you wanted to." "Ziactrice took care of the ones you did not attach some value to, true enough." Ultraviolet corrects, mindful of Jack's presence, and that most people think healing scars rather a miracle. "Ziactrice had a set of these, as rewards for managing to survive the Black Death in her youth. However, mine are due to burns, rather artistically sculpted into my flesh with Infra-red's powers during a very bad night in Brussels in nineteenn - ah, well, long ago. She is a Progenitor gone very wrong; by my estimations she has at least six times Hitler's body count, maybe more. I know she released the influenza that caused the pandemic of 1918-22, and I suspect she was behind the same disease pandemic in 1940." "Until I can stop her, these stay. I don't know whether I consider them a badge of shame, exactly, but I do know I'll never underestimate her again as long as I have these as reminders." > Jack chuckles. "It seems that you and Wraith Junior - UV makes a face. @Eric, you REALLY need to pick a name. Soon. Or I'm going to do it for you, 'sidekick'.@ > While Jack responds, Eric slides over a chair, then helps Jack >into it. The ex-Scarab nods wearily in gratitude, then lights a Lucky >Strike (natch 8^) and takes a long, relieved drag. > "Those things'll kill you, you know," Eric comments evenly, >returning to the Just Violet's side with a chair of his own. She can >tell that its placement is determined by the best angle to defend her >from, at need. > "So will dirty water hot dogs, if you live long enough to let >'em," Jack retorts casually. "How're you holding up, Vi?" > He blows >out a long, relieved cloud of smoke -- carefully away from Eric and >Violet, it bears noting. Especially given UV gave him the cigarettes. "You can call me Just, or Justy if you must, Dia." The Just Violet quips, obviously starting to recover already. "I'll be fine, gentlemen; that little gift of mine is just a trifle wearing. If not for recent developments," she gives Eric a sideglance, "I probably would not have dared it knowing I had to remain in a hostile-controlled area." She wrestles out of the long trenchcoat without rising to her feet, laying it nearby over her hat and gloves. It's hard to say which is more incredible. The number of carefully holstered and harnessed weapons up, down, and sideways acrost her rather not formidable form, or the fact that despite all that, she is wearing a long, slender skirt that nearly reaches booted ankles (although it is slit in the side a bit). The long sleeve shirt is tight to her skin, allowing for the attaching of a fighting harness worthy of a Barsoom warrior, but apparently there are some things (like wearing pants) Ultraviolet won't unbend far enough to to do. "If you want to research Doctor Mobius, still," she says to Eric, "I believe Jack might be willing to answer some questions. Particularly if we got him some food and water - allowing him a Last Meal was likely beyond his captors civility, or his ability to enjoy, or both." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:55:03 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011978 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:15:12 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011965 > > "Hello. I'm Mr. Lancer. A friend provided me with your address?" > If asked who provided the addy, he grins slightly. "Oh, 'no one.' >Just a mutual acquaintance with a fondness for the classics. Though >whether he's more fond of Homer or Verne, I can't say for certain." The large man who opened the door raises an eybrow. "I suppose next you'll be telling me that you wish to avoid Imperial entanglements...." With that he waves them into a medium sized room. A few low tables, some comfortable furniture. Thru an archway a kitchen with a large table and some chairs is visible. (I'll assume folks enter, and Mr. Ferrer either ecognizes someone or is introduced) Mr. Ferrer will offer some snacks and drinks if anyone wants them. After folks are comfortable, he'll stand before them and speak. "I assume you are here to help deal with the would-be Pharoah. Or to rescue Silver Scarab. Or both." "I can be of some small assistance with this, as I have good sources of information..." Suddenly Baraka is standing in his place. "... and I can be of assistance in other ways as well." She does a backflip into the kitchen and returns to offer the others refills... from the icebox she is carrying with one hand. (Yes, a bit showy, but she rarely gets to show off. :-) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2) On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:45:56 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011979 >On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 22:12:08 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011974 > >>On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 21:51:54 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011949 >> >>I'll just lie back and enjoy it. > > *snork* LOL! > You _almost_ owed me a new screen for that... > Anyway, the retconning is appreciated. Windex and a box of kleenex next the the computer. :-) >>Ah, in that case, if we can double retcon to the outfit becoming >>rather more abbreviated due to the slashes??? > > Sure. Main characters in the pulps are always either demigods or >uglier than sin, and the Dragon ain't ugly, so... ;^) > UD looks at the damage, then at Baraka, and sighs >melodramatically. "Do you desire that your opponents have as little >clothing as yourself?" "Only if they are worth looking at...." She launches a few attacks and bounce back to a "comfortable" distance. "... besides, now I know you aren't hiding anything up your sleeves." (Or trousers, or shirt... :-) >>Isn't he going to be surprised when he succeeds and her skin doesn't >>scratch worth a damn (unless his nails are reinforced some way). > > As a matter of fact, they are -- about the hardness of a good, >solid, sharp gemstone (though nothing outrageous like diamond, >tungsten alloy, or unobtanium 8^). His study of the ways of the Lung >Kuei (read: Awakened powers) has granted him a number of pulp >abilities, this being but one. Ok, that'll cut her all right. Though his nails may need resharpening... >>(And if he does scratch her, she won't display much of an effect >>while he's watching) > > _This_ the Dragon notes with some respect. "Your learning is >impressive," he says, noting that she doesn't...well, react (if she >_knows_ what was on those two fingers, let me know). It wasn't easy >to get those strikes in, even with his "Grasping Dragon Strike" (hey, >they've all gotta have cool names 8^). No idea. If there are any effects that can be felt, she'll feel them spreading slowly. Very slowly. >>Baraka whispers to Eon as the move so their backs are to each other. >>"I think it's about time we leave. The party is getting too >>unfriendly." > > "Agreed," Eon whispers back. "If you don't have a ride, mine >should be arriving shortly." Even surrounded by chanting Master >Villains and whispering to a complete stranger, his voice manages to >be silk-smooth, friendly, and reassuring. "Ok, when you are ready *throw* me at the one on your left as hard as you can..." (I'm assuming he can do this ) At the appropriate moment Baraka leaps and is thrown at the Dragom, Regardless of which way she was facing she hits him feet first, knocking him back. She uses her momentum to *bounce* off him (which doubles the impact :-) and to hit another Dragon on the opposite side of the circle. Think of it like a pinball bouncing off four bumpers. With Baraka as the ball and the four Dragons as the bumpers. After the fourth Dragon she lands next to Doc Eon and jumps, just as the tear gas grenades she'd thoughtfully drooped at each Dragon's feet go off. While they are momentarily blinded she grabs Doc Eon and jumps to... (either a good bit of cover or Doc's ride). =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:40:22 -0700 Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011980 >On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 05:45:07 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011976 > >>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 23:30:07 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011975 >> >>>On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 19:28:44 -0700 (PDT) >>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011970 >> >>"I'd just rather be your wingman than primary line of defense, and >>adolescent male fantasies be damned." > > "If you were to join me on this couch, " the Just Violet informs >him, "you'd discover I'm not so immobile as you think. Eric raises an eyebrow at that, smiling faintly. >That was just tiring because I had to lug you two big hunks of beef >along. As for primary line of defense - are you saying you don't >want me to rely on you, or that you don't want me to rely on you as >much? American slang changes so fast." "I don't know about slang, but while I certainly don't object to you being _confident_ that you can rely on me, I'd rather that you not _have_ to." >>>Even the dark purple hair is upstaged by the years-old scars and >>>gouges at her throat and a large, healed but still purplish mark >>>that fills her left cheek. Spots trail upwards, with another large >>>mark half-disappearing into her hairline on the right. The pattern >>>of deep pock-marks and coloration - and location of the scars - are >>>quite characteristic of a survivor of the Black Death aka bubonic >>>plague. >> >> "Hrm." He grins suddenly and unexpectedly. "I'm tempted to say >>'turnabout is fair play,' all things considered." The grin vanishes. Retcon-edit to account for Eric's ultra-competence: @^On the other hand, considering that you got rid of mine, I suspect you could take care of them yourself, if you wanted to.^@ > "Ziactrice had a set of these, as rewards for managing to survive >the Black Death in her youth. However, mine are due to burns, rather >artistically sculpted into my flesh with Infra-red's powers during >a very bad night in Brussels in nineteenn - ah, well, long ago. Eric's expression instantly becomes utterly neutral. Of course, he can't hide his feelings from Zia behind that particular mask; he's suppressing an overwhelming desire to make Infra-Red Not Be. > She is a Progenitor gone very wrong; by my estimations she has at >least six times Hitler's body count, maybe more. I know she released >the influenza that caused the pandemic of 1918-22, and I suspect she >was behind the same disease pandemic in 1940." The 'mask' hardens, with the loathing increasing many fold. "So. She _is_ real. I thought that those stories were just Tradition propaganda. Though they, at least, have a different name for her in our time: the Queen of Spades." > "Until I can stop her, these stay. I don't know whether I consider >them a badge of shame, exactly, but I do know I'll never >underestimate her again as long as I have these as reminders." Eric nods, understanding perfectly. Unconsciously, he strokes the bleeding wound that was the scar below his eye left by Lasombra. >> Jack chuckles. "It seems that you and Wraith Junior - > > UV makes a face. @Eric, you REALLY need to pick a name. Soon. Or >I'm going to do it for you, 'sidekick'.@ @And what, precisely, is wrong with 'The Hunter?'@ he replies evenly. Even though he only teeped it, a gust of wind surges through an open window (was that window _open_ a moment ago?) and swirls his coat dramatically as he sends that. >> "So will dirty water hot dogs, if you live long enough to let >>'em," Jack retorts casually. "How're you holding up, Vi?" He blows >>out a long, relieved cloud of smoke -- carefully away from Eric and >>Violet, it bears noting. > > Especially given UV gave him the cigarettes. > > "You can call me Just, or Justy if you must, Dia." The Just Violet >quips, obviously starting to recover already. Diamond Jack chuckles. "Point taken." >"I'll be fine, gentlemen; that little gift of mine is just a trifle >wearing. If not for recent developments," she gives Eric a >sideglance, "I probably would not have dared it knowing I had to >remain in a hostile-controlled area." OOC: Eric, I'm sure, knows what UV is alluding to. His clueless writer is drawing a blank (Morgan believes that it's because UV has The Hunter to watch her back). "Oh, and Jack," Eric says, placing his hat and sunglasses back on, "they call me The Hunter." This time, instead of his coat swirling dramatically, a nearby radio plays the Shadow's terrifying laugh, complete with ominous music. "Hey, whatever you say...Hunter," Jack replies, almost hiding the slight case of nerves Eric gave him. @How's that?@ Eric sends almost smugly, in a tone that would be ominous if directed at someone else, reminding the Just Violet of yet another of her core self's husbands... > "If you want to research Doctor Mobius, still," she says to Eric, >"I believe Jack might be willing to answer some questions. >Particularly if we got him some food and water - allowing him a Last >Meal was likely beyond his captors civility, or his ability to enjoy, >or both." Jack grins. "Oh, they offered me a really first class last meal. I spat in Wu Ming's eye and told him where to stick it." Then Eric nods. "As I don't want to make assumptions about our host's stores, I'll be right back." Jack raises an eyebrow. "You've got some eyes?" At Eric's quizzical glance, Murphy adds, "Royals. Local scratch." Eric shakes one pocket, which jingles satisfactorily. "Like I said, be right back." He slides the shades off and heads out. A few minutes later, he returns with food and drink for everyone who wanted something, including those who weren't there yet, by sheer amazing coincidence. ;^) After eating with relish, Jack leans back and pats his belly. "Ohhh, yeah. So, Hunter, whaddaya want to know?" "Who is he? Where does he come from? His power structure, his major allies, his goals, his skills, his resources, and especially any known weaknesses." Jack nearly chokes on a swig of ale. "You don't ask for much, do you?" He pauses, brow furrowing. "The Scarab can tell you more about Mobius than I can. Arch-enemies and all that." OOC: I'll pick this up when the escape is complete. There are folx still fleeing the awesome might of the Omegatron, after all... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:52:22 -0700 Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011981 >On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:55:03 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011978 > >>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:15:12 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011965 >> >> "Hello. I'm Mr. Lancer. A friend provided me with your address?" >> If asked who provided the addy, he grins slightly. "Oh, 'no one.' >>Just a mutual acquaintance with a fondness for the classics. Though >>whether he's more fond of Homer or Verne, I can't say for certain." > >The large man who opened the door raises an eybrow. > >"I suppose next you'll be telling me that you wish to avoid Imperial >entanglements...." Eric coughs to hide a laugh. "Only if you're offering a fast ship." >With that he waves them into a medium sized room. A few low tables, >some comfortable furniture. Thru an archway a kitchen with a large >table and some chairs is visible. > >(I'll assume folks enter, and Mr. Ferrer either ecognizes someone or >is introduced) OOC: Who'd recognize or know him? Eric has already introduced himself... Eric takes off his hat and coat. He seems to know the etiquette of this realm naturally. Golden Age reality...suits him. >"I assume you are here to help deal with the would-be Pharoah. Or to >rescue Silver Scarab. Or both." Eric raises an eyebrow. "I take it this room is secure?" OOC: Assuming it is... >"I can be of some small assistance with this, as I have good sources >of information..." > >Suddenly Baraka is standing in his place. > >"... and I can be of assistance in other ways as well." The Hunter raises one eyebrow. "Useful trick." >She does a backflip into the kitchen and returns to offer the others >refills... from the icebox she is carrying with one hand. > >(Yes, a bit showy, but she rarely gets to show off. :-) [Enhanced strength and agility. Interesting. I wonder if that carries over into the other form.] Eric smiles slightly, taking an iced tea. "That's handy." =========================== Subject: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:27:42 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011982 >On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:45:56 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011979 > >>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 22:12:08 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011974 >> >>>On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 21:51:54 -0700 >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011949 >> >> UD looks at the damage, then at Baraka, and sighs >>melodramatically. "Do you desire that your opponents have as little >>clothing as yourself?" > >"Only if they are worth looking at...." > >She launches a few attacks and bounce back to a "comfortable" >distance. > >"... besides, now I know you aren't hiding anything up your sleeves." Wu Ming smiles a terrible smile. "Do you, now?" he asks ominously. "Do you...really?" >>>Isn't he going to be surprised when he succeeds and her skin >>>doesn't scratch worth a damn (unless his nails are reinforced some >>>way). >> >> As a matter of fact, they are -- about the hardness of a good, >>solid, sharp gemstone (though nothing outrageous like diamond, >>tungsten alloy, or unobtanium 8^). His study of the ways of the Lung >>Kuei (read: Awakened powers) has granted him a number of pulp >>abilities, this being but one. > >Ok, that'll cut her all right. Though his nails may need >resharpening... Wu Ming looks at his nails, which look rather duller than they did, then at Baraka. "Interesting." He snaps his hand out (not as an attack, just as an effect 'focus'), and the 'talons' gleam again. >>>(And if he does scratch her, she won't display much of an effect >>>while he's watching) >> >> _This_ the Dragon notes with some respect. "Your learning is >>impressive," he says, noting that she doesn't...well, react (if she >>_knows_ what was on those two fingers, let me know). It wasn't easy >>to get those strikes in, even with his "Grasping Dragon Strike" >>(hey, they've all gotta have cool names 8^). > >No idea. If there are any effects that can be felt, she'll feel them >spreading slowly. Very slowly. The Dragon tried to scratch her with his right index and left ring fingers. The right index talon has a paralytic neurotoxin, while the left ring talon has an overtly magical "vampiric" effect that transfers life energies ("fundamental ch'i") from the victim to the Dragon over time. Someone with enough personal bio-control can resist the effects of the latter toxin, rendering it ineffective once the magickal transfer is neutralized (the material does nothing other than serve as a conduit for the Dragon's energy theft. >>>Baraka whispers to Eon as the move so their backs are to each >>>other. "I think it's about time we leave. The party is getting too >>>unfriendly." >> >> "Agreed," Eon whispers back. "If you don't have a ride, mine >>should be arriving shortly." Even surrounded by chanting Master >>Villains and whispering to a complete stranger, his voice manages to >>be silk-smooth, friendly, and reassuring. > >"Ok, when you are ready *throw* me at the one on your left as hard as >you can..." Doc Eon waits for an attack by the referenced Dragon, then parries with a kick that thrusts 'Wu Ming' aside. Using the momentum from this, he takes Baraka's hand and smoothly launches her at the unbalanced Dragon. >At the appropriate moment Baraka leaps and is thrown at the Dragom, >Regardless of which way she was facing she hits him feet first, >knocking him back. > >She uses her momentum to *bounce* off him (which doubles the impact >:-) and to hit another Dragon on the opposite side of the circle. > >Think of it like a pinball bouncing off four bumpers. With Baraka as >the ball and the four Dragons as the bumpers. The Dragons would have normally been able to use this rather risky attack against the heroine, but their chanting distracted them long enough to allow her to pull this off. None seem more than shaken, but a swirling energy that was surrounding them (and coursing around the heroes, with the Dragons being the boundary) seems to have weakened. >After the fourth Dragon she lands next to Doc Eon and jumps, just as >the tear gas grenades she'd thoughtfully drooped at each Dragon's >feet go off. The Dragons vanish. >While they are momentarily blinded she grabs Doc Eon and jumps to... ...a rope ladder hanging down from a _very_ low-flying, surprisingly sleek (and fairly small) cargo plane. "Geez, Doc, not another one!" A short, powerfully built ape of a man calls down from the ladder. Doc Eon laughs heartily. "Just a young woman determined to rescue _me,_ it would seem, Joe," he shouts back. "Pull us up!" Between the combined Ultra-Strength of Baraka and Doc Eon and Joe retracting the ladder, they're on board within moments. An elegant-looking woman in a black neo-flapper dress and low-heeled boots gets a jealous expression for a _very_ brief moment before strangling the impulse ruthlessly, smiling earnestly instead. "Welcome aboard the Steel Hawk, miss. Eon Airlines -- the only service that can get it there yesterday." A man in an archaic (even by Nile 30s standards) bowler hat laughs a bit sardonically. "Don't mind the turbulence, that's just because our pilot is certifiable." "Aw, you're just jealous you don't have my winning personality," a voice (slightly tinged with a Polish accent) laughs from the cabin. If the man in the bowler is being uncharitable, he's also got a point. The pilot certainly sounds like he'd enjoy the situation better if it were even _more_ dangerous. "You couldn't win a game of Tic-Tac-Toe with that personality, Stefokowski," the man with the bowler shot back. "That's 'Danger Ace' to _you,_ Whitley!" Ace laughed back. "That will do, gentlemen," Doc Eon said in a friendly but firm voice, turning back towards the still-open door. Grabbing the frame (and managing to only bend the metal a tiny bit while getting a firm grip), he leans out and looks behind them. With Danger Ace angling towards the north, the darkrise is directly behind them. Its source can now be seen...a second sun in the sky, burning in "reverse," light slowly dying around it as it spreads a cancerous shadow across the sands. A terrible hum echoes towards them, a hum that seems to carry an awful, beautiful chant within. Doc Eon sighs. "Oh, Mobius, what have you done?" he asks quietly. The others (aside, possibly, from Baraka) are less sanguine. "Hey, Jacob, pedal faster!" Whitley calls to the cockpit. "Oh, it can't be good when you're stealing someone else's lines," Penny gasps. Doc Eon takes a top of the line pocket watch with his trademark symbol on its cover. He fiddles with the stem and presses one button, then another. The device begins to tick more insistently, audible even over the engines. Then he leans out the door again, looking from Omegatron to watch and back. Far to the south, there is a terrible explosion. If darkness can "glow," that glow can be seen inside even the Steel Hawk. All three members of the Terrific Trio head for a rear turret, looking behind them. If Baraka leans out the door or joins the Trio, she can see it as well, as can anyone still in the city... ...a terrible black bolt of anti-plasma spiralling towards them! TBC =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 04:42:21 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011984 >On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:27:42 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011982 > >>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:45:56 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011979 >> >>No idea. If there are any effects that can be felt, she'll feel them >>spreading slowly. Very slowly. > > The Dragon tried to scratch her with his right index and left ring >fingers. The right index talon has a paralytic neurotoxin, Not a problem unless there's a big delay in getting somewhere safe. >while the left ring talon has an overtly magical "vampiric" effect >that transfers life energies ("fundamental ch'i") from the victim to >the Dragon over time. Someone with enough personal bio-control can >resist the effects of the latter toxin, rendering it ineffective once >the magickal transfer is neutralized (the material does nothing other >than serve as a conduit for the Dragon's energy theft. Given what happens to Baraka's "life energy", when she switches back, this may be a *major* mistake on his part.... >>While they are momentarily blinded she grabs Doc Eon and jumps to... > > ...a rope ladder hanging down from a _very_ low-flying, >surprisingly sleek (and fairly small) cargo plane. > "Geez, Doc, not another one!" A short, powerfully built ape of a >man calls down from the ladder. > Doc Eon laughs heartily. "Just a young woman determined to rescue >_me,_ it would seem, Joe," he shouts back. "Pull us up!" "I'm older than I look." > Between the combined Ultra-Strength of Baraka and Doc Eon and Joe >retracting the ladder, they're on board within moments. > An elegant-looking woman in a black neo-flapper dress and >low-heeled boots gets a jealous expression for a _very_ brief moment >before strangling the impulse ruthlessly, smiling earnestly instead. >"Welcome aboard the Steel Hawk, miss. Eon Airlines -- the only >service that can get it there yesterday." Baraka smiles. "But what if I need to be there the day before yesterday?" She opens a pouch and pulls out a light but opaque caftan and dons it. "Distracting the enemy is fine. And I don't mind showing off, but that slipstream was cold!" > Far to the south, there is a terrible explosion. If darkness can >"glow," that glow can be seen inside even the Steel Hawk. > All three members of the Terrific Trio head for a rear turret, >looking behind them. If Baraka leans out the door or joins the Trio, >she can see it as well, as can anyone still in the city... > ...a terrible black bolt of anti-plasma spiralling towards them! Wonderful. Not. Baraka *so* does not need this right now... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 06:50:54 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011985 >On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:40:22 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011980 > >>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 05:45:07 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011976 >> >>>On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 23:30:07 -0700 >>>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011975 > > "I don't know about slang, but while I certainly don't object to >you being _confident_ that you can rely on me, I'd rather that you >not _have_ to." "And I'd rather be in Rio, working on my tan and samba." Ultra Violet comments wistfully. "You'd rather I wasn't in danger at all, but that isn't the sort of woman I am. I'd rather I didn't have to, either, but given the stakes we're playing for, I don't think you can reasonably expect me to ignore any tactical advantage." "Besides, I'd be doing worse if you weren't around. Ask the Double Docs sometimes about the crazy things I used to do when I was young and reckless." Ultra-violet gives him a wide grin that definitely is in the manner of 'you thought _that_ was bad?!?' >>> "Hrm." He grins suddenly and unexpectedly. "I'm tempted to say >>>'turnabout is fair play,' all things considered." The grin >>>vanishes. > > Retcon-edit to account for Eric's ultra-competence: @^On the other >hand, considering that you got rid of mine, I suspect you could take >care of them yourself, if you wanted to.^@ @Given that these came back when we entered this reality, that really isn't something I'm eager to prove. I have a feeling that 'miracle-change' shadowshifting would be vulgar for Ultra-violet here. Now, if I was here as Ziactrice - but that would have greater hazards. Keeping the Lens is help enough.@ >> "Ziactrice had a set of these, as rewards for managing to survive >>the Black Death in her youth. However, mine are due to burns, rather >>artistically sculpted into my flesh with Infra-red's powers during a >>very bad night in Brussels in nineteenn - ah, well,long ago. > > Eric's expression instantly becomes utterly neutral. Of course, he >can't hide his feelings from Zia behind that particular mask; he's >suppressing an overwhelming desire to make Infra-Red Not Be. Ultra-violet gives the man in black a sideglance, and a nod of agreement. >> "She is a Progenitor gone very wrong; by my estimations she has at >>least six times Hitler's body count, maybe more. I know she released >>the influenza that caused the pandemic of 1918-22, and I suspect she >>was behind the same disease pandemic in 1940." > > The 'mask' hardens, with the loathing increasing many fold. "So. >She _is_ real. I thought that those stories were just Tradition >propaganda. Though they, at least, have a different name for her in >our time: the Queen of Spades." "Then Queen of the death card suit? It fits her. Who are these Tradition people? I might want to see if they've managed to learn anything about her current operations. I'm a bit out of date on the latest happenings." > "But until I can stop her, these stay. I don't know whether I >consider them a badge of shame, exactly, but I do know I'll never >underestimate her again as long as I have these as reminders." > > Eric nods, understanding perfectly. Unconsciously, he strokes the >bleeding wound that was the scar below his eye left by Lasombra. "Didn't someone famous here locally say something about removing the beam from one's own eye before worrying about the splinter in a neighbors? I'm not even bleeding. First check the wound Wu Ming's fingernails made. He can do some wickedly nasty things with those." >> UV makes a face. @Eric, you REALLY need to pick a name. Soon. Or >>I'm going to do it for you, 'sidekick'.@ > > @And what, precisely, is wrong with 'The Hunter?'@ he replies >evenly. > Even though he only teeped it, a gust of wind surges through an >open window (was that window _open_ a moment ago?) and swirls his >coat dramatically as he sends that. @Weeeell, I've always thought those 'The Whatever' names were a leetle bit overblown on the dramatic side, and I thought you didn't much care for the title. What was it you said, the first time I met you in Callahan's? It's like being called The Baker, or The Cook? And you told us to call you Lancer, or Eric, yes?@ >>"I'll be fine, gentlemen; that little gift of mine is just a trifle >>wearing. If not for recent developments," she gives Eric a >>sideglance, "I probably would not have dared it knowing I had to >>remain in a hostile-controlled area." > > OOC: Eric, I'm sure, knows what UV is alluding to. His clueless >writer is drawing a blank (Morgan believes that it's because UV has >The Hunter to watch her back). OOC: Morgan's nailed it. ;) There is something to be said for a man capable of winning an Amberite's trust - and even respect. Especially this Amberite's. > "Oh, and Jack," Eric says, placing his hat and sunglasses back on, >"they call me The Hunter." This time, instead of his coat swirling >dramatically, a nearby radio plays the Shadow's terrifying laugh, >complete with ominous music. > "Hey, whatever you say...Hunter," Jack replies, almost hiding the >slight case of nerves Eric gave him. > @How's that?@ Eric sends almost smugly, in a tone that would be >ominous if directed at someone else, reminding the Just Violet of yet >another of her core self's husbands... @I'll wait to express my true opinion if and when I get a chance to take you to bed later. That spooky bit always does ('turn me on', slips through the Lenslink in an almost not-heard underwhisper) get my attention. Ahem. Besides, I bet you've never tripped the Light Fantastic _with_ light, no matter what wierd circumstances you've stumbled over in previous years. And I could help you work on that tan, too.@ > After eating with relish, Jack leans back and pats his belly. >"Ohhh, yeah. So, Hunter, whaddaya want to know?" Violet, for her part, merely continues to make serious dents in the food. Fighting is a hungry business. > "Who is he? Where does he come from? His power structure, his >major allies, his goals, his skills, his resources, and especially >any known weaknesses." > Jack nearly chokes on a swig of ale. "You don't ask for much, do >you?" He pauses, brow furrowing. "The Scarab can tell you more about >Mobius than I can. Arch-enemies and all that." > OOC: I'll pick this up when the escape is complete. There are folx >still fleeing the awesome might of the Omegatron, after all... OOC: QX, GM, holding pattern set Alpha-Omega. ;) =========================== Subject: AAE9n: Overtime On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 19:09:29 -0700 Reality Hacker AJ47 Said As CAoL Message # 00011987 T minus n: Avery hung upside down in the air as he attached a series of electromagnets to the outer surface of the damaged energy core that he was trying to repair. Certain Akashics would adjust to this unusual orientation through sheer force of willpower and concentration; he was cheating a little, tweaking local gravity to reduce most of its effect on him. #Attention,# the chip in his head relayed, #attention. This is a drill. This is a drill. This is not a drill. Transport vehicle BORIS 1 is scheduled to depart for Africa in thirty minutes.# [Projection of cross-cosm transform formula?] #Hindered. VA historical records of the relevant time period were damaged subsequent to Turing's death.# [Retrieve a suitable cross-section of historical records from other sources. Calculate a compensated projection while en route to Africa.] He fired up the electromagnets for another burst - to no avail - then shut off the gravity field, hopped down to the ground, and spoke into the com-link on his left hand. {AJ47 to Doc Energy. I'm on my way.} ------------------------------------------------------------ T minus (m < n): >Doc Energy activated the comm. {Attention passengers. Aetherian >Flight 9 arriving on the shore between Libya and Egypt in one hour. >You have this time to make preparations to depart. Please observe all >no-smoking signs and use the holomonitors to catch a lovely view of >the Mediterranian (sp) Sea from the bottom up. That is all.} Avery paced nervously. [Status of compensated projection?] #This review matches the previous three, within tolerances. The specified set of equations has no real solutions.# [That's what they said about the first prototype designs of New Law Asimovian robots. What it really meant was "they'd go on a homicidal rampage". What's this really mean?] #Thirty-three percent: confined to vehicle until next cosm shift. Sixty-six percent: incapacitated, same duration. One percent--# [I don't want to know. Well, they changed the equations; we've got to change the equations. Analyze for a single equation that leads to a real solution. Failing that, analyze for a subset.] Time passed. #Candidate found. Solution requires using an existing archetype as a focal point, similar to Captain Thunder. Forty-six percent: archetype absent, translation fully successful. Twenty-eight percent: archetype absent, translation partly successful due to limited scope of information available. Twenty-four percent: archetype present, incapacitated as previously--# [That seems... unusually high. Is Captain Thunder running a similar risk?] #Insufficient data. Earlier planning may have allowed him to scan ahead and confirm the archetype's absence.# [Time we don't have. Two percent?] #You don't want to know.# [I figured. Well, nothing for it. Implement.] ------------------------------------------------------------ T plus eight hours: Light stung Dick Jensen's eyes as he came to; he instinctively putting his right arm up to block the source, only to discover that it didn't really help any. The unsavory word approaching his lips was cut short by the distinctive crackle of his two-way wrist radio: {--repeat, do you read?} He switched arms and replied. "Yes, I read you, Smith." {It's about time. You've been out of touch for several hours.} "I know. It was Jones [1]; he caught me off guard. I didn't get a good look at who stepped in to save me... and, presumably, take me in long enough to sleep it off." {Well, I'm afraid finding out will have to wait-- as will pursuing Jones. Urgent call from this () address [2]; you need to make a pick-up. According to the triangulation of your signal, you're within a block of your car.} "I'm on it." After tapping a button to close communications, he got up and looked around. Spotting a pen and a sheet of paper, he proceeded to scrawl out a barely-legible note: Whoever you are-- Have to leave soonest. Sorry. Will return and thank you properly later. -Jensen Leaving the paper sitting on the desk in an easily visible spot, Jensen took a moment to peruse his new threads - black slacks, black tie, black suit jacket [3] - as he fished his car keys out of a pocket and hurried out to the street. [1] No relation to Indy. Maybe. [2] Reasonably close to the spot where Doc Eon caught his ride. Anyone want to hook up for the next round? [3] What did you expect? Yellow raincoat? =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 21:04:36 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011988 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011982 > >>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:45:56 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011979 >> >>While they are momentarily blinded she grabs Doc Eon and jumps to... > > ...a rope ladder hanging down from a _very_ low-flying, >surprisingly sleek (and fairly small) cargo plane. In the streets below, a tall figure in a white suit with matching top hat hurries away from the square, followed closely by a manservant with a knapsack of knicknacks. [Are you sure this will work?] Rob shifts the backpack as he replies, *I don't know. But I did a good job; it'll take an expert eye or a proper search to tell that it's you under there. And if they're looking for us, I don't expect them to look for a gentleman and his servant.* He picked up his pace, working to stay within the six or seven feet that his telepathy could reach so he could read her thoughts. [I am surprised,] Hippolyta remarks, [that you could get this done so quickly. Do you disguise women for a living?] *No, though I've designed dresses a time or two, and worked as a hairdresser to make ends-um, to make money. I learned to judge sizes by eye quickly.* > Far to the south, there is a terrible explosion. If darkness can >"glow," that glow can be seen inside even the Steel Hawk. > All three members of the Terrific Trio head for a rear turret, >looking behind them. If Baraka leans out the door or joins the Trio, >she can see it as well, as can anyone still in the city... > ...a terrible black bolt of anti-plasma spiralling towards them! Below, the street darkenes as the anti-plasma shadowed the area. Both Rob and Hippolyta look up, to see the cargo plane threatened. [Is there anything you can do to help them?] *Nothing, your Highness. Nothing but pray. We'll be better off getting to the safe house.* A brief image of macaroni and cheese slips across the link. *Sorry. Fighting makes me hungry, and I was thinking about what I can cook with the things I bought.* Hippolyta picks up the pace, Rob providing directions to the safe house telepathically while keeping an eye out for a shadow. [I don't know if we lost the pursuit, there isn't any pursuit, or there's some -good- tails. I hope I'm not dragging trouble along behind us.] =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 22:26:30 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011989 >On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 21:04:36 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011988 > > Hippolyta picks up the pace, Rob providing directions to the safe >house telepathically while keeping an eye out for a shadow. [I don't >know if we lost the pursuit, there isn't any pursuit, or there's some >-good- tails. I hope I'm not dragging trouble along behind us.] {"All imperial citizens, report to the shelters immediately! This is not a drill! Repeat: all imperial citizens to the shelters immediately!"} Loudspeakers begin announcing. Air raid sirens wail mournfully, and the already frightened citizens begin to panic. Ironically, the otherwise thuggish shocktroopers prove quite capable in this instance, beginning to herd the terrified populace to stairways leading underground. These appear to be subway entrances of some sort, but apparently serve another purpose. [Oh my,] Hippolyta thinks suddenly, then as loudly as she can, [Robert! We must leave this area immediately! I should have realized that Mobius would take strategies such as ours into account, but -- great Hera, it's like swatting gnats with an Eternium bomb!] If Rob asks what she means (Hippolyta sets aside questions about Eternium and bombs for later), the Amazon Queen explains, [The anti-plasma! I remember Mobius telling me about it while he...once! If we are caught in it, we will 'burn' in a cold flame that will freeze us and shatter us in one terrible blow! He used it on a Libyan counter-attack...the blast reduced tanks and jets to dust!] A quick look, incidentally, will confirm that Dragons are flickering from shelter to shelter, smiling with malicious confidence... (OOC: I'm ruling that the safe house is well outside the blast range, but...you didn't think it'd be _that_ easy, did you? ;^) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 16:40:47 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011990 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011989 > > {"All imperial citizens, report to the shelters immediately! This >is not a drill! Repeat: all imperial citizens to the shelters >immediately!"} Loudspeakers begin announcing. Air raid sirens wail >mournfully, and the already frightened citizens begin to panic. >Ironically, the otherwise thuggish shocktroopers prove quite capable >in this instance, beginning to herd the terrified populace to >stairways leading underground. These appear to be subway entrances of >some sort, but apparently serve another purpose. > [Oh my,] Hippolyta thinks suddenly, then as loudly as she can, >[Robert! We must leave this area immediately! I should have realized >that Mobius would take strategies such as ours into account, but >great Hera, it's like swatting gnats with an Eternium bomb!] *What's going on?* Rob sends, positive that he won't like the answer. > The Amazon Queen explains, [The anti-plasma! I remember Mobius >telling me about it while he...once!] Rob notes the shift in phrase, but ignores it as the mental image of an orangutan comes to mind. The orangutan in question has one hand on a piano, while the other holds a blackjack. > [If we are caught in it, we will 'burn' in a cold flame that will >freeze us and shatter us in one terrible blow! He used it on a Libyan >counter-attack...the blast reduced tanks and jets to dust!] > A quick look, incidentally, will confirm that Dragons are >flickering from shelter to shelter, smiling with malicious >confidence... [Yep, I didn't like the answer.] Rob runs the numbers in his head. It doesn't take long; "one plus one is less than ten" is pretty easy. [Maybe she can make it, but I can't. Underground shelters seem to be good enough, though. What to do...] As they run, Rob glances to one side, making sure they aren't spotted, when he sees his answer. *Your Highness! This way!* Rob sends, as he skids to a stop. By the time she is turned around, the street fighter is halfway down the alley. "What are you...ah, I see," Hippolyta says, as Rob lifts the manhole cover. With her assistance, they manage to get it moved aside, and she drags it shut behind them. *Sorry about the smell, Your Highness. Sewers are like that,* Rob notes, as they continue on. [Are you sure this is safe?] *No. But I know it isn't safe up there. And I'm used to doing what it takes to survive.* (OOC: It's amazing what info can be had from the internet. Cairo, Egypt had sewers in 1915. Well before the Nile Empire's setting.) As they move on, there is a *WHUMP* as the blast wave hits, and a rush of cold behind it. The temperature drops, but the water doesn't freeze, and nobody is shattered to flinders. [It seems that it was safe.] *Safe from the anti-plasma, Your Highness. What worries me now is the question of what Mobius put in the sewers to keep people like us from sneaking through them.* Ten minutes later, nothing has happened. *We're almost there. Maybe I was wrong about there being something down here...* (OOC: Ohhhh, Evil GMmmm-Saaannn...) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: A Hero at Hazard (ie; Retcon, volley #1) On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:15:58 -0500 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011991 >On Mon, March 29th, 2K4, >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011886 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011882 >> >> Prologue. >> Doctor Destroyer smiles grimly at the holo-screen in front of >>him. "Ah, Dhyrclhanc. It _has_ been a while." >> OOC: Hope you don't mind me taking a minor liberty with the Big >>Guy, sib. Insert banter here ;^) #"Doctor Zerstoiten, I must say that it is a rare pleasure. Every time we meet, you have never failed to impress me. And I assure you that this is no common occurance."# #"How long ago was that Gambit you tried to pull with Doctor Richards and his Family, Anyway?" Unless one of us has been time-traveling, again, that was the last time we met, at least from my stand point. May I say to you, sir, that you have an amazing memory."# #"On the other-hand, I'm suprised to see you at the Vanguard of the defense of your world against these invaders. I suppose that you cannot conquer this world if someone already beat you to the punch."# #"In a similar vein, Doctor, we were wondering if you'd be so kind as to let us through your blockade. You see we have a pending apointment with the Pharoh Mobius and we can hardly be expected to keep it if we've been shot down by your troops, now can we?"# That fact that Dhyrclhanc isn't actually there, but his voice is coming out of the BORIS Blimp's sound system is just enough to confuse the Hunter and, probably, most of the rest of the passenger's of Doctor Energy's vehicle. The Good Doctor Romanov, however, should not be surprised in the least. The dials and gauges on the dashbord in front of him mark the presence of an electro-psi-energy spike eminating from the Robo-Blimp's Cargo Hold, and an interaction between the electrokinetic energy eminations and the BORIS' como-systems. >Doc Energy activated the comm. {Attention passengers. Aetherian >Flight 9 arriving on the shore between Libya and Egypt in one hour. >You have this time to make preparations to depart. Please observe all >no-smoking signs and use the holomonitors to catch a lovely view of >the Mediterranian (sp) Sea from the bottom up. That is all.} /"Don't wait up for me"/ Dhyrclhanc's mental "voice" comes from the Cargo Bay, /"I'll catch-up to the rest of you when I can. I've still got some preparations I need to finish making."/ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:14:21 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011992 >On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 04:42:21 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011984 > >>On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:27:42 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011982 >> >>>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:45:56 -0700 >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011979 >> >>while the left ring talon has an overtly magical "vampiric" effect >>that transfers life energies ("fundamental ch'i") from the victim to >>the Dragon over time. Someone with enough personal bio-control can >>resist the effects of the latter toxin, rendering it ineffective >>once the magickal transfer is neutralized (the material does nothing >>other than serve as a conduit for the Dragon's energy theft. > >Given what happens to Baraka's "life energy", when she switches back, >this may be a *major* mistake on his part.... Oh, come _on,_ this is the Ubiquitous Dragon we're talking about here. You don't think it's a two-way flow, do you? >> Doc Eon laughs heartily. "Just a young woman determined to rescue >>_me,_ it would seem, Joe," he shouts back. "Pull us up!" > >"I'm older than I look." Doc Eon nods, still smiling. "My apologies. Despite my travels, I am often still a man of my...time." >> An elegant-looking woman in a black neo-flapper dress and >>low-heeled boots gets a jealous expression for a _very_ brief moment >>before strangling the impulse ruthlessly, smiling earnestly instead. >>"Welcome aboard the Steel Hawk, miss. Eon Airlines -- the only >>service that can get it there yesterday." > >Baraka smiles. "But what if I need to be there the day before >yesterday?" "For that we need 24 hours notice," Penny replies with a clever grin. >> Far to the south, there is a terrible explosion. If darkness can >>"glow," that glow can be seen inside even the Steel Hawk. >> All three members of the Terrific Trio head for a rear turret, >>looking behind them. If Baraka leans out the door or joins the Trio, >>she can see it as well, as can anyone still in the city... >> ...a terrible black bolt of anti-plasma spiralling towards them! > >Wonderful. Not. > >Baraka *so* does not need this right now... "Doc!" the pilot calls back. "The Hawk's startin' to play hard to get!" Indeed, the entire plane is beginning to shudder. Even if Baraka knows very little about airplanes (unlikely), she can tell that it's an amazingly well-built plane, if only because another craft would be shaking a lot harder. "Penny, I need fate on my side," Doc Eon says authoritatively. "Whitley, contact Emil, make sure he can get out, then link with me to ensure my accuracy. Joe, man the rear guns." The Terrific Trio all nod, Whitley and Penny buckling in and unfocusing their eyes, while Joe races to the rear. "If I may?" Doc then asks Baraka, gesturing to her light wounds. If she accepts, Eon touches a few pressure points, then pushes gently but firmly above each scratch. The poison flows out without significant further loss of blood. The Doctor smiles with weary satisfaction. "I could tell that you were resisting their effects, but your biofunctions would have been affected eventually." He nods toward the cockpit. "We could use your help, if you're up to it." (OOC: Assuming that Baraka accompanies him to the cockpit...) "Doc!" Ace laughs. "What kept ya?" "Timing is everything," Eon replies cryptically. "Ma'am, if you would sit here, next to Ace?" Danger Ace whistles. "That kinda help I'll take _any_ --" "That will do, Ace," Eon says firmly, though not unkindly. "At times, the Steel Hawk needs...extra convincing. With your strength and speed, I believe that your help will be ideal." "What about you, Doc?" Ace asks. "You're usually the guy who pulls this bit off." The Man of Many Tomorrows holds up the pocket watch. "I need to ensure that our timing is perfect. You must turn at the precise moment. Too soon, and Mobius will be able to adjust his attack. Too late, and..." Ace sobers. "Precisely. Ma'am, you must match your movements to Ace's exactly. When I give the signal, change heading to 090 as sharply as possible," Eon explains. (OOC: If necessary, Ace will explain the controls -- they are merely very well designed versions of the standard 30s plane controls.) "You got it, Doc," Ace replies jauntily. "You ready, gorgeous?" Eon heads back to the doorway, wind blasting around him as he stares steadily into the terrible approaching doom. At amazingly regular intervals, he looks to the watch, then back to the spiralling plasma... "NOW!" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:37:35 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011993 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 16:40:47 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011990 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011989 >> >> The Amazon Queen explains, [The anti-plasma! I remember Mobius >>telling me about it while he...once!] > > Rob notes the shift in phrase, but ignores it as the mental image >of an orangutan comes to mind. The orangutan in question has one hand >on a piano, while the other holds a blackjack. ROFL! 8^) > As they run, Rob glances to one side, making sure they aren't >spotted, when he sees his answer. *Your Highness! This way!* Rob >sends, as he skids to a stop. By the time she is turned around, the >street fighter is halfway down the alley. > "What are you...ah, I see," Hippolyta says, as Rob lifts the >manhole cover. With her assistance, they manage to get it moved >aside, and she drags it shut behind them. > *Sorry about the smell, Your Highness. Sewers are like that,* Rob >notes, as they continue on. [An amazon can endure far worse,] the queen assures him. > [Are you sure this is safe?] > *No. But I know it isn't safe up there. And I'm used to doing what >it takes to survive.* > (OOC: It's amazing what info can be had from the internet. Cairo, >Egypt had sewers in 1915. Well before the Nile Empire's setting.) > As they move on, there is a *WHUMP* as the blast wave hits, and a >rush of cold behind it. Then the black and purple 'flames' begin to flow into the sewer after them. While the force wave seems past, the way it freezes the water it flickers across and leaves frost and cracks along pipes _can't_ be good. "Great Athena," Hippolyta breathes, frost accompanying the words. "We have to get to the surface!" she exclaims, running (assuming Rob has the good sense to do the same 8^). "Just as open air spreads flame, enclosed spaces spread this unholy anti-fire!" -- Evil GM-San It's not just a box -- the walls are closing in! =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:44:56 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011994 >On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:52:22 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011981 > >>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:55:03 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011978 >> >>(I'll assume folks enter, and Mr. Ferrer either recognizes someone >>or is introduced) > > OOC: Who'd recognize or know him? Eric has already introduced >himself... OOC: Am I correct in assuming 'Mr. Ferrer' is actually Nemo? If so, Ultraviolet might recognize him; although she might not, too, depending on how well Nemo was attempting to disguise himself. The smaller figure also in black - no, actually, a very dark purple - coat and hat follows at the tail end of the group with Eric. She, however, as the rules of polite conduct allow, retains both her hat and her gloves, even indoors. > Eric takes off his hat and coat. He seems to know the etiquette of >this realm naturally. Golden Age reality...suits him. UV either keeps her coat on - or waits for a gentleman to offer to help her with it. >>She does a backflip into the kitchen and returns to offer the others >>refills... from the icebox she is carrying with one hand. "One would imagine." UV says, in the same tone Eric used. Then to Baraka. "Thank you." Ultraviolet takes a ladylike sherry. "What name are you using in this form, if you will?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:08:09 -0400 "David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011995 >Samatha Cooper wrote on 4/8/2004, 8:01 PM: > > "Ut-oh." Violet comments, but she is too busy trying not to be >sliced up by ninja to see what is creating the darkness. @Doc E, you >all right in there, or should I fetch a fifty foot can opener? I'm >sure Rog-Thunder has one in a pocket...@ /Other pants/ replies Thunder absently, too wrapped up in the mental processes of trying to decide what to do next to catch the joke. /But Ah can do the next best thing./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 19:52:07 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011996 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:14:21 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011992 > >>On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 04:42:21 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011984 >> >>>On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:27:42 -0700 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011982 >> >>Given what happens to Baraka's "life energy", when she switches >>back, this may be a *major* mistake on his part.... > > Oh, come _on,_ this is the Ubiquitous Dragon we're talking about >here. You don't think it's a two-way flow, do you? Doesn't have to be. It's *her* energy. It goes back to being *his* mass. :-)In any case, the link will break, same as any "trace" spell. >>> Doc Eon laughs heartily. "Just a young woman determined to >>>rescue _me,_ it would seem, Joe," he shouts back. "Pull us up!" >> >>"I'm older than I look." > > Doc Eon nods, still smiling. "My apologies. Despite my travels, I >am often still a man of my...time." "Or younger. Depends on your point of view." She smiles as she delivers this cryptic bit of information(?). > "If I may?" Doc then asks Baraka, gesturing to her light wounds. >If she accepts, Eon touches a few pressure points, then pushes gently >but firmly above each scratch. The poison flows out without >significant further loss of blood. The Doctor smiles with weary >satisfaction. "I could tell that you were resisting their effects, >but your biofunctions would have been affected eventually." He nods >toward the cockpit. "We could use your help, if you're up to it." "It's not a problem yet. and it won't be at all when I can spare a minute". She stops. "Would it help if the plane got around 300 pounds heavier and then lost the weight again? I can do it on cue, but it'll take a second or two. And I'd prefer a bit of privacy if I do it." > "Doc!" Ace laughs. "What kept ya?" "Timing is everything," Eon >replies cryptically. "Ma'am, if you would sit here, next to Ace?" > Danger Ace whistles. "That kinda help I'll take _any_ --" Baraka gives him a look. The sort that promises a lot for later. If he's up to it. "Be careful what you ask for. You may get it." she purrs. > "That will do, Ace," Eon says firmly, though not unkindly. "At >times, the Steel Hawk needs...extra convincing. With your strength >and speed, I believe that your help will be ideal." "In that case, you may need to deal with that weight increase as soon as possible." (if they agree and can spare the time, she'll disappear for a moment and the plane will lurch twice once as it gets heavier, once as it gets lighter. She'll warn Ace each time. Though her voice will sound "odd" for the second warning :-) > "Precisely. Ma'am, you must match your movements to Ace's exactly. >When I give the signal, change heading to 090 as sharply as >possible," Eon explains. (OOC: If necessary, Ace will explain the >controls -- they are merely very well designed versions of the >standard 30s plane controls.) "How strong are the control cables?" > "You got it, Doc," Ace replies jauntily. "You ready, gorgeous?" "Ready *and* willing, handsome." > Eon heads back to the doorway, wind blasting around him as he >stares steadily into the terrible approaching doom. At amazingly >regular intervals, he looks to the watch, then back to the spiralling >plasma... > "NOW!" Hopefully she won't damage the yoke with her grip. :-) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 20:44:23 -0700 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011997 >At 05:01 PM 4/8/2004 -0700, you wrote: > @Attention all heroes! It is now time to make an orderly retreat. >Let's have groups of two to four, the Amazon and Jack out first, and >the rest of us by order of ability to escape and/or power level. >Baraka - you with the Amazon? Eric, you take Jack and me. Patrick, >will you and the Silver Scarab collect our Scientist and make him >vanish, please? OOC: Okay , I'm back. And as I'm sifting through about 200+ email messages, if I miss something, I apologize. OOC2: And yes, most Kai do know the value of bugging out when the situation's gone all pear-shaped. The Kai discipline of Suicidal Fighting was phased out right quick, some centuries ago on Magnamund. They can also cook. Anyone like steamed Baknar roast in a light Laumspur sauce? *Understood!* Patrick replies telepathically. Quickly, he glanced at the statue, slowly moving back to the attack. [A creation of stone, huh? Maybe...] > OOC: Ew. Well, Quiet Moon's busy for a while, so it can be assumed >that you're "playing" with Set & co. Oh, and that 'toxins' bit? She's >lying (well technically, just deceiving -- she didn't _actually_ >lie). The scarabs are explosive -- too small to be lethal, but they >make a nice "boom" on contact -- say, from a parry. Or a Scarab Sting >shot. If QM gets kicked around by those...ouch. Warned by his Kai Sixth Sense, Patrick whirls, reaching out with his Magnakai Nexus powers. Seizing the scarabs, he telekinetically hurls them at the statue, opening several more cracks. Somewhat annoyed now, and seeing that the scientist he is to save is about to be overwhelmed by Lin Kuei, The kai reaches out psychically, using his Elementalism discipline to force the weakened stone to come apart, the statue falling apart rather dramatically. OOC3: Yes, I've been watching 'Star Wars: Clone Wars.' Does it show too much? > @Ready? BREAK.@ The Just Violet leaps into the fray with the >Amazon, determined not to leave anyone behind as they withdrawal, but >feeling that time is running out. "Come!" he yells, running to the scientist, grabbing an arm and half-dragging the scientist away. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Duel Identity On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:59:46 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011998 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:44:56 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011994 > >>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:52:22 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00011981 >> >>>On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:55:03 -0700 >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011978 >>> >>>(I'll assume folks enter, and Mr. Ferrer either recognizes someone >>>or is introduced) >> >> OOC: Who'd recognize or know him? Eric has already introduced >>himself... Sorry, I meant that Mr. Ferrer might recognize someone or they might introduce themselves. Other than Eric and Violet, I don't know who else is there. > OOC: Am I correct in assuming 'Mr. Ferrer' is actually Nemo? If >so, Ultraviolet might recognize him; although she might not, too, >depending on how well Nemo was attempting to disguise himself. Nope. Not Nemo. A resemblance, but not that great a one. > UV either keeps her coat on - or waits for a gentleman to offer to >help her with it. Mr. Ferrer isn't a gentleman, but he'll offer to take her coat anyway. :-) > "One would imagine." UV says, in the same tone Eric used. Then to >Baraka. "Thank you." Ultraviolet takes a ladylike sherry. "What name >are you using in this form, if you will?" She sets down the icebox, and manages to look much younger (if it wasn't for her more adult attributes, you'd think 8, call it a well developed 12 or 13). She does a sort of bow crossed with kneeling. "If it pleases you, this unworthy one is called Baraka." And then she stands up without a trace of submisseness (but a lot of sensuality) and comments, "Protective coloration can be *so* useful". "But then you'd know about that, wouldn't you, Just Violet?" >> [Enhanced strength and agility. Interesting. I wonder if that >>carries over into the other form.] Eric smiles slightly, taking an >>iced tea. >> "That's handy." > >"If only he knew just how _handy_." "Yes. They can't seem to figure out how I keep slipping thru their patrols. And since Mr. Ferrer deals in gray market items that are popular with the authorities and others in power, and is careful to never do anything suspicious that can't be explained by his business, I have a very solid cover." "I find that being known as a minor criminal of a tolerated sort is far safer than trying to appear innocent. In the unlikely event that anyone noticed you and asks about this meeting, I'll produce a few imports I've been saving. And put out feelers for a few items that I can say you want for your customers. "And after all, no one would mistake sweet little me, for.." She becomes Ferrer again. "... this hulk of an old man." Ferrer starts for the icebox and then mutters something under his breath. And Baraka reaches down to pick it up and return it to the kitchen. "There are disadvantages to his form, though. Alas, I found that my 'power' seems to relate to the weight difference. And since I am restored to otherwise perfect health in either form when I switch, it's merely a nuisance." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: A Hero at Hazard (ie; Retcon, volley #1) On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:03:05 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011999 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:15:58 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011991 > >>On Mon, March 29th, 2K4, >>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011886 >> >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011882 >>> >>> Prologue. >>> Doctor Destroyer smiles grimly at the holo-screen in front of >>>him. "Ah, Dhyrclhanc. It _has_ been a while." >>> OOC: Hope you don't mind me taking a minor liberty with the Big >>>Guy, sib. Insert banter here ;^) > >#"Doctor Zerstoiten, I must say that it is a rare pleasure. Every >time we meet, you have never failed to impress me. And I assure you >that this is no common occurance."# "Ah, but we are not common beings, are we?" Destroyer replies. >#"How long ago was that Gambit you tried to pull with Doctor Richards >and his Family, Anyway?" Unless one of us has been time-traveling, >again, that was the last time we met, at least from my stand point. >May I say to you, sir, that you have an amazing memory."# Well, Dhyrclhanc has pulled off one for the history books. Destroyer looks faintly...embarrassed? "That situation was...unfortunate," Destroyer says slowly. >#"On the other-hand, I'm suprised to see you at the Vanguard of the >defense of your world against these invaders. I suppose that you >cannot conquer this world if someone already beat you to the punch."# Destroyer barks a laugh. "Indeed. And while this 'Pharaoh' has a certain flair, and is not the worst monarch I have ever encountered, he is in thrall to a Darkness Device -- and whatever his own intentions, he ultimately serves Oblivion. Whatever our differences," he says, now deadly serious and completely honest, "against the Nothing behind these Devices, all sane beings must become allies against a common foe." >#"In a similar vein, Doctor, we were wondering if you'd be so kind as >to let us through your blockade. You see we have a pending apointment >with the Pharoh Mobius and we can hardly be expected to keep it if >we've been shot down by your troops, now can we?"# "Hmmph," Destroyer snorts. "Blackstar." "Huh? _Oh!_ Working, boss...I mean, sir," someone in the background replies. "Ah...sir, you're not going to believe this. We have a _blimp_ heading from core reality territory, _toward_ the Nile realm!" Destroyer nods. "Thus explaining the contact. While _I_ would not mistake the works of Doctor Energy for those of Doctor Mobius, my armies might not be so...discerning. You will have clearance." -- Doctor Destroyer "The Ubiquitous Dragon? Infra-Red? Argentine de Winter? Is it amateur night in Cairo?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:31:38 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012000 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011993 > >>On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 16:40:47 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011990 >> >> As they move on, there is a *WHUMP* as the blast wave hits, and a >>rush of cold behind it. > > Then the black and purple 'flames' begin to flow into the sewer >after them. While the force wave seems past, the way it freezes the >water it flickers across and leaves frost and cracks along pipes >_can't_ be good. > "Great Athena," Hippolyta breathes, frost accompanying the words. >"We have to get to the surface!" she exclaims, running (assuming Rob >has the good sense to do the same 8^). "Just as open air spreads >flame, enclosed spaces spread this unholy anti-fire!" Rob doesn't even blink. [Nothing like being in a tearing hurry to get rid of restrictions,] he notes as he races ahead of Hippolyta. *When I jump, throw me at the ceiling. -Don't hold back.-* The amazon queen stares at her rescuer in confusion. [Has he lost his mind?] There isn't any time to debate; Rob jumps, losing enough forward momentum that she catches him easily. So she throws him at the ceiling. Hard. OOC: Transmute Author to Pumpkin: Peter Eng fails save, and falls asleep at keyboard. Continuing in twelve hours, give or take an hour. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Dark Sun Rising On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:32:52 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012001 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 19:52:07 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011996 > >>On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:14:21 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011992 >> >>>On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 04:42:21 -0700 >>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011984 >>> >>>Given what happens to Baraka's "life energy", when she switches >>>back, this may be a *major* mistake on his part.... >> >> Oh, come _on,_ this is the Ubiquitous Dragon we're talking about >>here. You don't think it's a two-way flow, do you? > >Doesn't have to be. It's *her* energy. It goes back to being *his* >mass. :-)In any case, the link will break, same as any "trace" spell. Well, sure, I'll buy that. That trick doesn't work on truly _worthy_ opponents like Eon, UV, the Hunter, and -- obviously -- Baraka, but IMO there's a difference between "well _that_ didn't work, now did it?" and what I would consider a "major" mistake. >>>"I'm older than I look." >> >> Doc Eon nods, still smiling. "My apologies. Despite my travels, I >>am often still a man of my...time." > >"Or younger. Depends on your point of view." > >She smiles as she delivers this cryptic bit of information(?). Doc Eon chuckles at that. "Are you _sure_ we haven't met, ma'am?" >"Would it help if the plane got around 300 pounds heavier and then >lost the weight again? I can do it on cue, but it'll take a second or >two. And I'd prefer a bit of privacy if I do it." Doc looks slightly puzzled, but after a moment's calculation, nods. "If you stand over there while you do it," he says, pointing toward one of the many safety harnesses on board, "that should improve our escape angle. I'll be right back." (OOC: Picking up after this trick) >> "Doc!" Ace laughs. "What kept ya?" "Timing is everything," Eon >>replies cryptically. "Ma'am, if you would sit here, next to Ace?" >> Danger Ace whistles. "That kinda help I'll take _any_ --" > >Baraka gives him a look. The sort that promises a lot for later. If >he's up to it. > >"Be careful what you ask for. You may get it." she purrs. > >> "That will do, Ace," Eon says firmly, though not unkindly. Ace nods to Eon, then winks at Baraka as Doc continues. >>"At times, the Steel Hawk needs...extra convincing. With your >>strength and speed, I believe that your help will be ideal." (OOC: reply removed to deal with shift being performed above) >>"Ma'am, you must match your movements to Ace's exactly. When I give >>the signal, change heading to 090 as sharply as possible," Eon >>explains. (OOC: If necessary, Ace will explain the controls -- they >>are merely very well designed versions of the standard 30s plane >>controls.) > >"How strong are the control cables?" "Strong enough to handle Ultra-Strength, I assure you," Doc replies, his voice growing a touch wistful. "Corwin was one of the best aeronautics engineers of any age." Focusing on the here and now again, he pats the controls. "They'll hold." >> "You got it, Doc," Ace replies jauntily. "You ready, gorgeous?" > >"Ready *and* willing, handsome." Ace grins widely. >> Eon heads back to the doorway, wind blasting around him as he >>stares steadily into the terrible approaching doom. At amazingly >>regular intervals, he looks to the watch, then back to the >>spiralling plasma... >> "NOW!" > >Hopefully she won't damage the yoke with her grip. :-) Nope. 8^) The Steel Hawk shudders and complains, but turns as directed, more sharply than any normal plane or pilot could manage. Naturally, the Steel Hawk is no ordinary plane, and Danger Ace is no ordinary pilot. "YEE-HAH!" Danger Ace howls, having the time of his life. "FULL THROTTLE! Eon roars, leaping out (?!) onto the wing! Landing right next to the engine, he rips an access hatch away as if it were tissue paper and rewires with calm alacrity. The metal is reduced to dust before it can even vanish into that devastating black ray. The anti-plasma beam begins to swerve slowly, giving chase. Ornithopters, too, leap into the sky after them, and the rear guns roar. The robot flying machines are devastated from ahead and behind, falling prey to the Omegatron's beam, but still manage to add to their hazard. "HANG ON, HONEY!" Ace roars, dropping the hammer. There's a long, tense moment as the beam slowly closes with them. The Hawk shakes even harder. The rear guns go silent as the last ornithopter vanishes into the blast. A lick of anti-flame catches against the rudder. Then, mercifully, finally, the beam "winks" out, and the Hawk roars safely and triumphantly through the sky. "We _did_ it!" Penny cries, hugging a stunned Whitley. "Yeah!" Joe howls, pumping a fist into the air. Ace leans back with a confident grin. "Wait," Whitley says suddenly. "What about--" Penny gasps. "--about me?" Doc Eon replies with a smile as he leaps back into the plane, riding the slipstream perfectly to land in the open doorway. He closes it a moment later. Penny hugs him even more fiercely than she did Whitley, who thumps the hero on the shoulder. "*ahem* Well done, everyone." Eon strides to the cockpit. "Everyone all right up here?" "Right as rain and twice as slick," Ace quips back. "Where to, Doc?" "Back to Cairo, as low as you can manage," Doc Eon replies. "We have to return our benefactor home, meet with the others..." his face grows serious. "And plan our next move against Mobius. With the Ubiquitous Dragon at his side, there is no telling what fantastic scheme he will hatch." "Just like old times, eh Doc?" Joe laughs. Doc smiles at his old friend, but says nothing in response. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Quitting Time? On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 00:05:26 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012002 >On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 20:44:23 -0700 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011997 > >*Understood!* Patrick replies telepathically. Quickly, he glanced at >the statue, slowly moving back to the attack. [A creation of stone, >huh? Maybe...] > >> OOC: Ew. Well, Quiet Moon's busy for a while, so it can be >>assumed that you're "playing" with Set & co. Oh, and that 'toxins' >>bit? She's lying (well technically, just deceiving -- she didn't >>_actually_ lie). The scarabs are explosive -- too small to be >>lethal, but they make a nice "boom" on contact -- say, from a parry. >>Or a Scarab Sting shot. If QM gets kicked around by those...ouch. > >Warned by his Kai Sixth Sense, Patrick whirls, reaching out with his >Magnakai Nexus powers. Seizing the scarabs, he telekinetically hurls >them at the statue, opening several more cracks. As Natatiri is drawn into the sphinx head, she scowls at the Kai Lord. "Very _well,_ warrior. I will simply have to be even _more_ creative in our next encounter!" OOC: Heh heh heh... >Somewhat annoyed now, and seeing that the scientist he is to save is >about to be overwhelmed by Lin Kuei, The kai reaches out psychically, >using his Elementalism discipline to force the weakened stone to come >apart, the statue falling apart rather dramatically. > >OOC3: Yes, I've been watching 'Star Wars: Clone Wars.' Does it show >too much? OOC: Beats the heck out of me. No cable. 8^( The statue seems to rather not want to fall apart, and while only a miniscule portion of the god's might empowers it, making it shatter requires a great deal of effort. In the end, however, shatter it does. The horrible, soul-freezing shriek it lets out, however, cuts across the physical plane to the mystical. Even the mighty Silver Scarab shudders and recoils under the assault, wondering if it would have been better to leave the thing be... >> @Ready? BREAK.@ The Just Violet leaps into the fray with the >>Amazon, determined not to leave anyone behind as they withdrawal, >>but feeling that time is running out. > >"Come!" he yells, running to the scientist, grabbing an arm and >half-dragging the scientist away. OOC: Unless I'm mistaken, the "Scientist" UV is referring to there is Doc Energy. Who is, again unless I've missed something, in a miniature BORIS -- which would still make him about nine feet tall and massive. "I think we should hitch a ride!" Scarab shouts, gesturing to both the larger BORIS and the incoming plane as the sky darkens. ===========================