Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Nile Empire / Pulp Chapter 7 Subject: Re: AAE9n: Hang Time (Retcon) On Wed, 28 Apr 2004 21:06:11 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012084 >On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 20:49:45 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012073 > >"Mobius! I bid you greetings from Haroeris, Bastet, Sekmet and Mother >Isis!" >He appears in the midst of the conflict and began to shoot beams of >golden light-energy from his hands, harrying the majority of Mobius' >troops and Ultra-Tech war machines present at the, now, failed >execution and away from the other members of the CAoL and their >allies currently present. > >In reaction to the appearance of yet another interloper, Pharaoh >Mobius will probably go into another apoplectic fit and begin to rant >and rave about how he's suddenly being beset by heroes. Not really, no. "Ah yes. You." Mobius' diabolic smile can be seen even beneath his cowl. "You are a close friend of your leader's, are you not? Our file is rather extensive on you. Thus you will find me..." he snaps his fingers. A dragon easily dwarfing Dhyrclhanc, bristling with Ultra-Science devices, explodes into existence above the battle. "...well prepared." The terrible, fell beast, its nigh-invulnerable blue-white scales glistening in the sun, vapor billowing from its enormous maw, and foul magics crackling around its claws (only two, like some truly gigantic wyvern), rises far above the battlefield to tower over its target. Some huge Tesla-coil device is on its back like some weapon pack, and a vast array of weird science weaponry extends down its ridged spine down its tail. If one removes the equipment, it resembles nothing so much as Slifer the Sky Dragon in pale blue, albeit with only one mouth (which ought to be enough for anyone). (OOC: Over 50 meters long. Rough power translation: Shift-Y strength, Shift Z claws/armor/breath, Class 1000 magics. All crude translations, but since you seem to know MSH best... ) "So," it says in a rough, gravelly voice. "You are Dhyrclhanc. I have no particular interest in you, so if you flee now, you may live. Stay..." its mockery of a smile is, if anything, worse than its snarl. "...and you will be delaying my opportunity to thank Tolwyn for all of her involvement in my troubles. I promise to make any such delay even more uncomfortable for you than it is for me." -- Angar Uthorion Nothing like being an ex-High Lord to give you a _really_ bad temper... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Worlds Enough, And Time On Wed, 28 Apr 2004 21:30:00 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012085 >On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 19:44:40 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012074 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012065 >> >> She blinks, regarding Rob for a moment. Then she ties her hair >>back in a bun and pulls a pair of horn-rimmed glasses out of a panel >>in her armor. "I'm going to need a severe-looking suit," she notes >>calmly. Then she grins. "The best part is, here no one will get the >>gag." > > *Myself included,* Rob notes. It only takes a little shopping and >a quick bit of sewing to come up with a suit that fits the >description. Rob doesn't mind; his plans don't get particularly >detailed until after sunset. Hippolyta blinks. [Don't tell me you've never heard of Wonder Woman.] If he hasn't, she thinks fairly intently about the character, trying to stick with as coherent a backstory as she can, staying primarily with the Golden Age version (Lynda Carter as "the New, Original Wonder Woman" being a primary source 8^). >> "Doctor Eon," the Dragon replies, as if to a child. The >>satisfaction in his next statement, however, is very plain. "It has >>been a long time...oh yes, a very long time..." >> And the Dragon and his aide turn a corner, and the sound is >>beyond the martial artist. > > As Rob digests this information, a squad of troopers marches >around the far corner. They are in a close formation, one that barely >leaves enough room for the air to slip between them. [Damn. It's a >sweep for people who know the Secret Art of Invisibility.] > Fortunately, this is a detail that has been run for weeks without >catching anything; their flashlight sweeps are a little sloppy, >allowing Rob to make it most of the way up the wall before they spot >his shadow. > As Rob flees into the night, he also gives thanks to the pulp >universe, where mooks can't hit with the first shot. "We have an intruder! Squad 'A', give pursuit! Squad B--UNGH!" a trooper says, stopping suddenly as a black-armored fist crashes into his jaw, sending him sprawling. "Squad 'B,' break for milk and cookies!" Hippolyta dives in, spinning her spear, Needle of the Just, like a whirlwind. "No, really, take five, will you?" The troopers, in the classic persistent-but-dumb manner of Grunts Of Evil everywhere, press her anyway. "Oh, well. HOLA!" Though not for long. ;^) Hippolyta leaps to Rob's side (though if he got pretty far by the time she starts pounding on them, this may take two or three leaps), saluting him with her spear while holding her glasses and suit in a bundle under her other arm. "Leave?" she asks. (OOC: Depending on Rob's response...) Not long after, Hippolyta is back to her 'Diana Prince' look, even holding a clipboard in one hand. "Where to now? The Dragon will most likely be prepared for us, now...though he may not be _expecting_ us." She pauses, rubbing her chin lightly. "Either way, he's just an underling, albeit a grandiose one. Mobius is the real issue." She grins ruefully. "Not that I'm suggesting another assault on his palace just yet." -- Queen Hippolyta Kosmos Doing a woman's work in a Man's World =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Worlds Enough, And Time On Mon, 3 May 2004 00:48:27 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012089 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012085 >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012074 > > Hippolyta blinks. [Don't tell me you've never heard of Wonder >Woman.] *I have, but obviously I've missed a few details.* >If he hasn't, she thinks fairly intently about the character, trying >to stick with as coherent a backstory as she can, staying primarily >with the Golden Age version (Lynda Carter as "the New, Original >Wonder Woman" being a primary source 8^). *Oh. Well, it makes more sense than the whole Clark Kent/Superman thing,* Rob comments, while adjusting the cut of the skirt. >> As Rob flees into the night, he also gives thanks to the pulp >>universe, where mooks can't hit with the first shot. > > "We have an intruder! Squad 'A', give pursuit! Squad B--UNGH!" a >trooper says, stopping suddenly as a black-armored fist crashes into >his jaw, sending him sprawling. [?! I didn't even see her. I am suitably impressed.] > "Squad 'B,' break for milk and cookies!" Hippolyta dives in, >spinning her spear, Needle of the Just, like a whirlwind. "No, >really, take five, will you?" Nonsensically, Rob thinks of jazz. > The troopers, in the classic persistent-but-dumb manner of Grunts >Of Evil everywhere, press her anyway. "Oh, well. HOLA!" > Though not for long. ;^) > Hippolyta leaps to Rob's side (though if he got pretty far by the >time she starts pounding on them, this may take two or three leaps), >saluting him with her spear while holding her glasses and suit in a >bundle under her other arm. "Leave?" she asks. "Avoiding unnecessary battle is wisdom itself," Rob replies, followed by an internal curse at the stelae. > Not long after, Hippolyta is back to her 'Diana Prince' look, even >holding a clipboard in one hand. "Where to now? The Dragon will most >likely be prepared for us, now...though he may not be _expecting_ >us." She pauses, rubbing her chin lightly. "Either way, he's just an >underling, albeit a grandiose one. Mobius is the real issue." She >grins ruefully. "Not that I'm suggesting another assault on his >palace just yet." *Worse, he may have been expecting me. I don't know whether what he said was a setup, or reliable data. I'll warn Doctor Eon anyway, but... information, or disinformation?.* The two fade into the night, planning as they go. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Violet Persuasions and Suggestions On Mon, 03 May 2004 20:54:54 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012090 >On Wed, 28 Apr 2004 19:11:30 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012080 > >>On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 22:59:12 -0700 >>Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00012079 >> >>She looks UV over with slight concern. "Maybe you should be >>less...purple." > > Violet looks down at her faded lavender burnoose and abaya in some >surprise, given how muted and native the cloth is, then she looks >back at the student. OOC: Sorry about that -- I missed that bit when I was writing. (Feels like I've been tired for several weeks straight. 8^/ Ah well.) We can keep this if you like the development, or just retcon it out; I was just being cute (too cute for the room, it would seem). >> "So," the young lady says, pouring them beverages of their choice >>(though in her dorm, the options are coffee, tea, milk, and water, >>with honey for sweetening), then sitting herself, nursing a tea with >>milk and honey, "how can I assist you?" > > "I have heard that Rama-tet practice mathemagic, that he has great >knowledge of the gods, and he uses this to function as both oracle >and soothsayer to the pharoah. I desire to study your notes, hear >your impressions, explore the subjects being taught to extract what >deeper knowledge I can." The student nods, sipping her tea and listening carefully. > "However, as you are well aware, helping me learn of his skills >and methods, what forms he prefers, may place you in some danger. As >this man with me was in this very morning, if you've seen the >pictures in the paper." She swallows a gulp of tea a bit more forcefully than she'd intended and nods. Jack rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed, and grins. "I _was_ in disguise..." he shrugs, gesturing to his face where now-absent concealment can be deduced from bare (and possibly clean or non-tan) areas. > "However, if you do decide to assist me, we can also discuss what >may be done to assure your safety. I must oppose these men, and what >they are doing to this fair planet and place." Violet pauses, then >she hesitantly reaches up and unwinds the veil, showing this young >woman her scarred face. She gasps, then masters her reaction. Jack's jaw clenches of its own accord, but then, he's heard the story of how she got those scars. It's clear that he's reacting to that story rather than UV's appearance. > "I know evil, but through opposing it, I have been healed of the >terrible wound that evil dealt my spirit. I have hope once again. If >you dare, please, teach me what you can." The young student swallows. "My name is Fajia," she begins slowly, seemingly just now realizing that she hasn't introduced herself. "The former Scarab, I know -- 'Diamond Jack' Murphy, yes?" "Word gets around," Jack replies confidently. He regards her with curiosity as he munches on a cracker. Fajia hides a smile shyly behind one hand. "We...some of the students found you dashing. The girls who aren't as afraid of the teachers have something of a shrine on one basement wall in your honor." At Jack's surprised look, she lets a bit more of her smile show. "It has been found twice, yet somehow most of the clippings survive to appear on some other corner of the catacombs." She turns to Zia, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "I fear that I am less familiar with you, ma'am. There are already rumors, of course...a man and a woman at the heart of Jack's rescue, or escape. The man all in black, the tales making him like unto the hand of Anubis himself, living death yet just. The woman, in purple, less deadly but more dangerous if possible, able to conjure violet lightning, appearing out of shadow and erupting like the phoenix to vanish." (OOC: Tales grow in the telling, of course. 8^) Fajia pauses, tapping an eraser lightly on one lip. "Mathemagic. Yes. An apt phrase, though our teachers merely call it 'Mathematics.' Though the higher, more rarified variants alter the very fabric of possibility itself, initially, our...mathemagic...concentrates on mystical connections, particularly regarding astrology. As the stars of the Pharaoh's astrology are from a reality separate from our own, knowing the cycles is very important. This makes 'mundane' mathematics vital." The student begins to take on the tone of a fair lecturer, though not in a pedantic manner -- Fajia is clearly passionate about her studies. "As I mentioned earlier, numerology plays some role in this, but extensive study of it is discouraged as delving overmuch into superstition. I feel that it is too readily dismissed, though I agree that numerology, as a pursuit, can only take a mathematician so far..." she clears her throat and smiles apologetically. "Please forgive me. I fear that I can ramble somewhat, given the opportunity." (OOC: This space reserved for kibitzing. ;^) "Now, where was I -- oh yes, astrology. Every spell in Egyptian mathematics has astrological associations, which can be accessed by casting the spell at favorable times. More advanced mathematicians can forge these associations by 'configuring' them, crossing the gap of time with equations." Fajia pauses, looking into the distance. "Astrology goes farther than numerology, as the powers of the very gods are invoked -- one for each planet." She refocuses on the present, looking to the heroes. "Isis equates to Venus and Horus to Mars, for example." Her gaze wanders again. "Even so, astrology is only an aid -- a potent one, perhaps, but not an end unto itself. That, the College leaves to the Priests. The ideal is to alter the universe, not through ethereal correspondences or divine favor, but by rearranging the fundamental equations underlying the cosmverse itself." Jack whistles. "Makes me wish I'd paid attention in algebra," he quips with a grin. Fajia shakes her head, again hiding a smile (this time by turning her head and fingering an earlobe). "It is not like that. Though algebra certainly has its uses, our violet friend uses 'mathemagic' to describe the discipline most accurately. Formulas and equations are necessary yet insufficient. One must create a matrix of the mind, becoming aware of the hidden variables within the universe, and altering them through will as well as training." She frowns gently. "While no merely human mind can encompass all the many possible permutations inherent in any one alteration, it is still vital to understand that one change affects many things, and focus the change as tightly as possible." Fajia paces. "It is like the 'butterfly effect' of our -- my, at least, forgive me -- native reality. If you could reach into the world, like God, and remove a butterfly from Cairo before it flaps its wings, there is a monsoon in Hong Kong rather than clear skies." Fajia shudders. "That is why I have not been favored in my studies. The College is structured deliberately to favor students of the...appropriate inclinations, that they might serve the Pharaoh. Those more willing to risk monsoons." She shakes her head vigorously. "No. No. Even if it means I can never so much as -- as touch an abacus again," and her hands shake slightly, as if the very thought frightens her, "I cannot be so cavalier with mathematics. Mathemagic. It is wrong. No." Her eyes narrow, and a fire lights behind the eyes of the tremulous student. "An _abomination._ I..." Fajia straightens fully, gaining an inch. She is still tiny, but the effect is heartening. "Tell me how I might help. My life would be a small price to pay to resist this violation of what should be pure." -- Fajia "My Life not Availeth Me In Comparison to the Liberty of the Truth" --Mary Dyer =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Rest and a Plan. On Tue, 4 May 2004 02:30:35 -0400 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012091 After The Good Doctor landed the BORIS, he checked to make sure that the cloaking device was still working and operational. [It is good that I updated the Telluric Batteries and adapted them to fuel the cloaking features. The mini-sun in the heart of Boris is sturdy, but I shudder to think what would have happened if AntiHelios would have completely overrun the power system. That much anti-matter in one place...] he shudders, imagining the explosion that would have followed. #"Computer, launch into Low Earth Orbit and monitor all radio frequencies. We must be prepared for any eventuality."# #"Compliance. Shall I contact any allies?"# #"Negative. Hans Zarkov, Dale and Flash are most likely up to their necks in whatever Ming has conjured up. Besides, the last thing we need now is another villian stirring the pot."# With that, Romanov teleports to outside the robot just as it takes off. He uses the jetwash as cover, cloaking his metallic form so he can duck into an alley 5 blocks north of the safehouse. As he winds his way through the alley way, his form shimmers into a more suitable and less obvious look. When he emerges just outside the safehouse, he appears in a cream colored suit and pants, with white shoes that don't seem to get dirty despite the presence of dust and grime. He enters the back door to the safehouse, and enters the room where everyone was. He walks over to the liquor cabinet and makes himself a White Russian. He tastes it, adds a bit more vodka to it, mixes some more and sips again. "Ahhh.. A perfect drink." He sits down at the couch and sips on his drink. He finishes it, thinking about what he will do next. [I think I need to contact my good friend Professor Benjamin Franklin. This is a puzzle that is somewhat beyond my knowledge.] Romanov looks over at Eon and nods his head in greeting. "If you would please, can you get me in touch with Professor Benjamin Franklin Dixon? It has been a long time since he and I have exchanged letters, and I believe I have information that will help us defeat this Anti-Helios, but I need his expertise in all things Telluric. I would have been at Dr. Hammersmith's exposition, but I was....delayed. (OOC: I believe Dr. Energy would have been exposed to Z-waves, since Hammersmith performed his experiment at the same time that Romanov and Volkov were fighting the first time.) " =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Worlds Enough, And Time On Tue, 04 May 2004 23:13:46 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012096 >On Mon, 3 May 2004 00:48:27 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012089 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012085 >>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012074 >> >>...she thinks fairly intently about the character, trying to stick >>with as coherent a backstory as she can, staying primarily with the >>Golden Age version (Lynda Carter as "the New, Original Wonder Woman" >>being a primary source 8^). > > *Oh. Well, it makes more sense than the whole Clark Kent/Superman >thing,* Rob comments, while adjusting the cut of the skirt. Hippolyta nods. [You'd be amazed how easily a woman can get into...well, almost anywhere, really, by putting on the right outfit, wearing glasses, putting her hair in a bun, carrying a clipboard, and looking like someone's secretary. Say, you're quite good at this,] she adds, noting his work on her outfit. >>> As Rob flees into the night, he also gives thanks to the pulp >>>universe, where mooks can't hit with the first shot. >> >> "We have an intruder! Squad 'A', give pursuit! Squad B--UNGH!" a >>trooper says, stopping suddenly as a black-armored fist crashes into >>his jaw, sending him sprawling. > > [?! I didn't even see her. I am suitably impressed.] Magical armor. Gotta love it. 8^) Not that it makes her _more_ stealthy -- Hippolyta manages okay on her own -- but it doesn't _clank._ Very important. >> "Squad 'B,' break for milk and cookies!" Hippolyta dives in, >>spinning her spear, Needle of the Just, like a whirlwind. "No, >>really, take five, will you?" > > Nonsensically, Rob thinks of jazz. Strangely, a saxophone starts playing in the distance. There doesn't seem to be any causal relation, of course... ;^) >> Hippolyta leaps to Rob's side, saluting him with her spear while >>holding her glasses and suit in a bundle under her other arm. >>"Leave?" she asks. > > "Avoiding unnecessary battle is wisdom itself," Rob replies, >followed by an internal curse at the stelae. The Amazon Queen nods and follows him into the night. (OOC: LOL! 8^) >> Not long after, Hippolyta is back to her 'Diana Prince' look, >>even holding a clipboard in one hand. "Where to now? The Dragon will >>most likely be prepared for us, now...though he may not be >>_expecting_ us." > > *Worse, he may have been expecting me. I don't know whether what >he said was a setup, or reliable data. I'll warn Doctor Eon anyway, >but... information, or disinformation?.* [I doubt the Ubiquitous Dragon would have simply allowed us to leave, even taking his cavalier attitude regarding Mobius' fury into account, if he knew we were there,] Hippolyta replies 'thoughtfully.' [If nothing else, he could have used us as bait for Doc Eon.] -- Hippolyta Kosmos, Queen of the Amazons "I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat." --Rebecca West, 1913 =========================== Subject: AAE9n: Re: "Hang Time" On Sun, 9 May 2004 22:01:51 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012100 >As CAoL Message # 00012084 >On Weds, April 28th, 2K4 Roland X writes... >>On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 20:49:45 -0500 >>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012073 >> >>"Mobius! I bid you greetings from Haroeris, Bastet, Sekmet and >>Mother Isis!" > "Ah yes. You." Mobius' diabolic smile can be seen even beneath his >cowl. "You are a close friend of your leader's, are you not? Our file >is rather extensive on you. Thus you will find me..." he snaps his >fingers. > A dragon easily dwarfing Dhyrclhanc, bristling with Ultra-Science >devices, explodes into existence above the battle. > "...well prepared." While still in his illusionary disguise, Dhyrclhanc's eye's widen, as he does a double take -- taking in both the Mad Doctor Pharoh Mobius and the newcomer guivre (ie; a dragon with two wings, a pair of arms (and hands) but no legs (or feet)) > The terrible, fell beast, its nigh-invulnerable blue-white scales >glistening in the sun, vapor billowing from its enormous maw, and >foul magics crackling around its claws (only two, like some truly >gigantic wyvern), rises far above the battlefield to tower over its >target. Some huge Tesla-coil device is on its back like some weapon >pack, and a vast array of weird science weaponry extends down its >ridged spine down its tail. If one removes the equipment, it >resembles nothing so much as Slifer the Sky Dragon in pale blue, >albeit with only one mouth (which ought to be enough for anyone). First question, who's this "Slifer" that you're referring to? I think that I might've missed something somewhere... > "So," it says in a rough, gravelly voice. "You are Dhyrclhanc. I >have no particular interest in you, so if you flee now, you may live. >Stay..." its mockery of a smile is, if anything, worse than its >snarl. "...and you will be delaying my opportunity to thank Tolwyn >for all of her involvement in my troubles. I promise to make any such >delay even more uncomfortable for you than it is for me." There's a huge burst of blue, yellow and white light, and, when it clears, Dhyrclhanc is there, all 30 ft. of him, only he's kept the yellow and black striped hood-like head-dress. [I guess I'll have to get to get Fuzzy to take a look at that image inducer. I haven't the slightest idea how my disguise was pierced.] In one hand, the same as the one where he wears his golden-age green-lantern holds a huge (15 1/2' long) swept-hilt sword-rapier constructed from what looks like a marbled gold and silver steel alloy. He's pointing the sword towards the ground at a 45 degree angle. In the other hand, is what Roland -- were he here -- would recognize as the Disc-like shield of Captain America, but enlarged so that Dhyrclhanc can wield it at his full size. Similarly, orbiting around him, like the outer shell of an atom, is Dhyrclhanc's Glaive. In addition, Dhyrclhanc is garbed in an ornate suit of armor that physically resembles like that worn by Alan Scott in the Kingdom Come Hypertime variant, but is seemingly constructed of the same material as the sword-rapier. "Sir Guyvre," Dhyrclhanc addresses the other dragon, "I know neither you nor who this 'Tolwyn' is of whom you speak. However as we are both dragons, and both subject to the rule of Our Lord Bahomet and Lady Tiamat. So, I offer you the chance now to back away from your vendetta. Otherwise, you will find me capable of a great many things, but, I assure you, backing down and/or running from a challenge are not among them." Dhyrclhanc awaits the other dragon's response ... assuming that it's a negative on the not attacking bit. Dhyrclhanc just squeaks by dodging and, thereby, not getting hit by the larger dragon's attack and then says... "In that case, fine... " "Guyver!" There is another bright flash of light, and Dhyrclhanc is now in his T'Skrang form and clothed in his Eidolan Warwear Armor. In addition, a Silver Klaive floats above his right shoulder and two flying dragon dagger/short-swords float at his waist, on either side of him. All three have their points pointed in the direction of the Lensdragon's opponent. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Rest and a Plan. On Tue, 11 May 2004 21:37:39 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012102 >On Tue, 4 May 2004 02:30:35 -0400 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012091 > >A perfect drink." He sits down at the couch and sips on his drink. He >finishes it, thinking about what he will do next. [I think I need to >contact my good friend Professor Benjamin Franklin. This is a puzzle >that is somewhat beyond my knowledge.] > >Romanov looks over at Eon and nods his head in greeting. "If you >would please, can you get me in touch with Professor Benjamin >Franklin Dixon? It has been a long time since he and I have exchanged >letters, and I believe I have information that will help us defeat >this Anti-Helios, but I need his expertise in all things Telluric. I >would have been at Dr. Hammersmith's exposition, but I was.... >delayed. (OOC: I believe Dr. Energy would have been exposed to >Z-waves, since Hammersmith performed his experiment at the same time >that Romanov and Volkov were fighting the first time.) " Eon looks tired suddenly. Whitley, uncharacteristically, turns away, peering aimlessly out the window. "Benjamin is..." the mighty Doc Eon sighs. "...missing. No one has heard from him since the Third Key incident a few years back." "He's dead," Whitley snarls suddenly. "He was _killed,_ Max -- we both know it, and we both know who did it." Joe and Penny look at each other and slide slowly back. "'We' know no such things, Whitley," Eon replies with surprising finality. "Hephaestia has done many questionable things during her career, but for all of our troubles with her she has never taken violent action against Benjamin." Doc rubs the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger, then looks back up at Dr. Romanov. "At any rate, I fear that locating him right now would be problematic. Once we have dealt with this invasion, however..." Eon's brilliant smile returns. "One last quest together, perhaps, old friend?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Violet Persuasions and Suggestions On Sat, 15 May 2004 08:43:03 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012105 > On Mon, 03 May 2004 20:54:54 -0700 > Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012090 > She swallows a gulp of tea a bit more forcefully than she'd >intended and nods. Jack rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed, and >grins. "I _was_ in disguise..." he shrugs, gesturing to his face >where now-absent concealment can be deduced from bare (and possibly >clean or non-tan) areas. "No criticism meant, Jack. Wu Ming has see through my own subterfuges before, for all the techniques available to me that are not to you. I merely wanted to make the level of risk clear." > Fajia hides a smile shyly behind one hand. "We...some of the >students found you dashing. The girls who aren't as afraid of the >teachers have something of a shrine on one basement wall in your >honor." At Jack's surprised look, she lets a bit more of her smile >show. "It has been found twice, yet somehow most of the clippings >survive to appear on some other corner of the catacombs." She turns >to Zia, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "I fear that I am >less familiar with you, ma'am. There are already rumors, of course... >a man and a woman at the heart of Jack's rescue, or escape. The man >all in black, the tales making him like unto the hand of Anubis >himself, living death yet just. The woman, in purple, less deadly but >more dangerous if possible, able to conjure violet lightning, >appearing out of shadow and erupting like the phoenix to vanish." > (OOC: Tales grow in the telling, of course. 8^) "Ah." Violet blinks - so Eric is just, and _she_ is like the phoenix? What an odd game of musical chairs; too bad Roland isn't here. She is wary of traps, but there can be no exchange without some trust. It must only be hoped this student is not a setup, even without her own knowledge. "We were hardly the heart of the effort; merely detailed to our various tasks. The heavier hitters of the group actually provided the combat, while my task was to free Jack - while guarded by the man in black. My companion is more widely known in the Far East, as the Hunter. I am not known in this time; I never have been commonly well-known. Today's picture is likely the first time a clear photograph has ever been achieved; I'll have to write a note of congrantulations. Ultraviolet, or Violet, as you prefer, Fajia." > Fajia pauses, tapping an eraser lightly on one lip. "Mathemagic. >Yes. An apt phrase, though our teachers merely call it 'Mathematics.' >Though the higher, more rarified variants alter the very fabric >of possibility itself, initially, our ... mathemagic ... concentrates >on mystical connections, particularly regarding astrology." Violet forces herself not to make a face. Forcing mathemagic into an artificial system - especially a mystical one - is a perversion of its beauty. > "As the stars of the Pharaoh's astrology are from a reality >separate from our own, knowing the cycles is very important. This >makes 'mundane' mathematics vital." The student begins to take on the >tone of a fair lecturer, though not in a pedantic manner -- Fajia is >clearly passionate about her studies. Violet nods, knowing that the first water-clocks and towers of Araby were developed to allow better, more accurate observation of the motions of heavenly bodies. > "As I mentioned earlier, numerology plays some role in this, but >extensive study of it is discouraged as delving overmuch into >superstition. I feel that it is too readily dismissed, though I agree >that numerology, as a pursuit, can only take a mathematician so >far..." she clears her throat and smiles apologetically. "Please >forgive me. I fear that I can ramble somewhat, given the >opportunity." "Not at all, I love to talk shop. Though some of the basic tenets you've already been taught use fallacious logic. It's quite possible for a human mind to grasp such intricacies as four-dimensional weather effects. There is a field of math developed for just such, as a rudimentary approach. It is sometimes called chaos theory, and it uses fractals, which are simple to express and wonderously complex in application." "Practical application may be beyond unassisted human mentation, but I suspect that there are electro-mechanical computing devices of wondrous abililty in this realm. A human mind might be somewhat limited in direct perception, aka the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, due to the dimensions of their typical experience and senses, through indirect means of theorem and experimentation, many human minds have explored additional dimensions, in theory and experiment." "But please, do continue. You have my complete interest." Violet sips her tea again. > "Now, where was I -- oh yes, astrology. Every spell in Egyptian >mathematics has astrological associations, which can be accessed by >casting the spell at favorable times. More advanced mathematicians >can forge these associations by 'configuring' them, crossing the gap >of time with equations." Fajia pauses, looking into the distance. Violet nods, as time is what she herself considers the fourth dimension. This is valuable information, if she ever has to defend herself from these spells. > Fajia shakes her head, again hiding a smile (this time by turning >her head and fingering an earlobe). "It is not like that. Though >algebra certainly has its uses, our violet friend uses 'mathemagic' >to describe the discipline most accurately. Formulas and equations >are necessary yet insufficient. One must create a matrix of the mind, >becoming aware of the hidden variables within the universe, and >altering them through will as well as training." She frowns gently. >"While no merely human mind can encompass all the many possible >permutations inherent in any one alteration, it is still vital to >understand that one change affects many things, and focus the change >as tightly as possible." Fajia paces. "It is like the 'butterfly >effect' of our -- my, at least, forgive me -- native reality. If you >could reach into the world, like God, and remove a butterfly from >Cairo before it flaps its wings, there is a monsoon in Hong Kong >rather than clear skies." Violet lifts an eyebrow at this. India has monsoons, but Hong Kong?!? Apparently, Earth-9 - or Dr. Mobius' home reality, has quite a different clime than she knows from the other Shadow Earths now under her protection as a Galatic Patrol Lenswoman. She almost reaches out to Gaia to check directly; she can still feel the intimate connnection to that power within, but the immensity of the entire Earth's power was a strain for her Usual Self, much less her Dream Self. Jarring herself awake right now would not be optimal. Who would be the Egyptian god of - ah, yes. Geb. The Green Man of later Irish legend, the god of the Earth in Egypt. Though Maat might also take an interest, given Violet's own limitation - and Zia's heritage. > Fajia shudders. "That is why I have not been favored in my >studies. The College is structured deliberately to favor students of >the...appropriate inclinations, that they might serve the Pharaoh. >Those more willing to risk monsoons." She shakes her head vigorously. >"No. No. Even if it means I can never so much as -- as touch an >abacus again," and her hands shake slightly, as if the very thought >frightens her, "I cannot be so cavalier with mathematics. Mathemagic. >It is wrong. No." Her eyes narrow, and a fire lights behind the eyes >of the tremulous student. "An _abomination._ I..." Fajia straightens >fully, gaining an inch. She is still tiny, but the effect is >heartening. "Tell me how I might help. My life would be a small price >to pay to resist this violation of what should be pure." [Oh, dear.] Violet says, realizing that Fajia is either the perfect bait in a trap - or the gods truly have taken some actions of their own. Coincidence? She never believed in coincidence before she knew she was an Amberite - and even less so after coming into her true birthright. [An apprentice? Me? I'm still so young. Still learning myself. But. There doesn't seem to be another choice that feels right. Unicorn. I do hope this isn't a trap - and Fajia doesn't turn on me someday like apprentices invariably seem to do. Maybe she'll refuse the offer.] "If you truly mean that, Fajia, that you would give your life, it may be possible. If you would give your _life_, not your death. No quick end, but a lifetime of effort. The tools your current teachers are providing you, however, are crippled and mangled, contaiminated, not pure." "I see that you love this as I do. There is only one solution I can see. I offer to you an apprenticeship. I do not make such an offer lightly - indeed, I never have taken an apprentice before. You should consider whether to accept." " come from a very harsh people; I will be a harsh master. I will expect my teaching repaid in some form, whether service or barter. You would have to travel from this, your home world, should we be victorious and my duties require me to depart it. I will answer whatever other questions you ask, and give you several days to make your decision. "Of course, no matter what you decide, you will still be able to fight against this, our mutual foe. This is a separate, although related, issue." -- UltraViolet "I guess I need to ask Uncle Random for a school charter. At least the little fiefdom I have as a knight on the eastern shore should make for a picturesque college." Zia sighs. "And Uncle Caine will no doubt have most of the staff on double-pay." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Hang Time (Retcon)(Take 3) On Mon, 24 May 2004 21:17:18 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012111 >As CAoL Message # 00012084 >On Weds, April 28th, 2K4 Roland X writes... >>As CAoL Message # 00012073 >>On Tues, April 27th, 2K4, Dhyrclhanc and/or Martin wrote... >> >>"Mobius! I bid you greetings from Haroeris, Bastet, Sekmet and >>Mother Isis!" >>He appears in the midst of the conflict and began to shoot beams of >>golden light-energy from his hands, harrying the majority of Mobius' >>troops and Ultra-Tech war machines present at the, now, failed >>execution and [keeping them] away from the other members of the CAoL >>and their allies currently present. > > "Ah yes. You." Mobius' diabolic smile can be seen even beneath his >cowl. "You are a close friend of your leader's, are you not? Our file >is rather extensive on you. Thus you will find me..." he snaps his >fingers. > A dragon easily dwarfing Dhyrclhanc, bristling with Ultra-Science >devices, explodes into existence above the battle. > "...well prepared." Still in his illusionary disguise, Dhyrclhanc's eye's widen, goggle even, while taking in both the Mad Doctor Pharoh Mobius and the newcomer. > The terrible, fell beast, its nigh-invulnerable blue-white scales >glistening in the sun, vapor billowing from its enormous maw, and >foul magics crackling around its claws (only two, like some truly >gigantic wyvern), rises far above the battlefield to tower over its >target. Some huge Tesla-coil device is on its back like some weapon >pack, and a vast array of weird science weaponry extends down its >ridged spine down its tail. If one removes the equipment, it >resembles nothing so much as Slifer the Sky Dragon in pale blue, >albeit with only one mouth (which ought to be enough for anyone). > "So," it says in a rough, gravelly voice. "You are Dhyrclhanc. I >have no particular interest in you, so if you flee now, you may live. >Stay..." its mockery of a smile is, if anything, worse than its >snarl. "...and you will be delaying my opportunity to thank Tolwyn >for all of her involvement in my troubles. I promise to make any such >delay even more uncomfortable for you than it is for me." There's a huge burst of blue, yellow and white light, when it clears, Dhyrclhanc is there, all 30 ft. of him, only he's kept the yellow and black striped hood-like head-dress. [I guess I'll have to get to get Fuzzy to take a look at that image inducer. I haven't the slightest idea how my disguise was pierced.] Yeah, I know Roland already commented on that line, but I didn't have the heart to take it out. In one hand, the same as the one where he wears his golden-age green-lantern holds a huge (15 1/2' long) swept-hilt sword-rapier constructed from what looks like a marbled gold and silver steel alloy. He's pointing the sword towards the ground at a 45 degree angle. In the other hand, is what Roland (if he were here) would recognize as the multi-colored, disc-like, shield of Captain America, but enlarged so that Dhyrclhanc can wield it at his full size. Similarly, orbiting around him, like the outer shell of an atom, is Dhyrclhanc's Glaive. In addition, Dhyrclhanc is now garbed in an ornate suit of armor that physically resembles like that worn by the Alan Scott Green Lantern in the Kingdom Come Hypertime variant, but is seemingly constructed of the same material as the sword-rapier. The armor leaves Dhyrclhanc's wings, tail, head and kneck bare. "Sir Amphiptere," Dhyrclhanc addresses the other dragon, once again adopting his attempt at a formal tone. "I do not know what grudge you hold against my brother's friend 'Tolwyn', whom you speak of." I re-read my "Dancing with Dragons" book. I was wrong before. According to the book, "guivre" is a synonym for "wyvern" and "amphiptere" is an antonym to both. But, again, the book, published by Llewellyn Worldwide, says that these are heraldry terms. As I may have said before. So... "However, we are both dragons, and thus are both subject to the rulership of Our Lord Bahomet and Lady Tiamat." Dhyrclhanc continues. "... And for this reason, I now offer you the chance to abandon your vendetta. Otherwise, while I'll happily to assure you that I am capable of a great many things, however; very rarely is backing down and/or running from a challenge among them." Dhyrclhanc awaits the other dragon's response. ... presuming that it's a negative on the not attacking bit. Dhyrclhanc just squeaks by dodging and, thereby, not getting hit by the larger dragon's attack and then says... "Fine, in that case... " "GUYVER!" There is another bright flash of light, and Dhyrclhanc is now in his T'Skrang form and clothed in his Eidolan Warwear Armor. In addition, a Silver Klaive floats above his right shoulder and two flying dragon dagger/short-swords float at his waist, on either side of him. All three have their tips pointed in the direction of the Lensdragon's opponent. At the same time, seven remotes "unskin" themselves from the armor's left forearm section and begin to orbit around the left wrist and three gun/sensor platforms rise up out of the armor's right shoulder and begin to hover there. Not bothering to wait for the other dragon's response, this time, Dhyrclhanc stretches out his Cyber-Psi, Tele-Mechanics, and Cosmic Awareness senses and immdieately begins to gauge the general power-level and possible weakness(es) of his new opponent and the strange, presumably, techno-magick devices that he's wearing. MSH Rules Clairification: Cosmic Awareness will IC-ly let DC know if any of Urthorian's abilities are Class 1000 as well as if he has any weaknesses or limitations that everyone's lovable Lensdragon can take advanatage of. In addition, DC's Cyber-Psi and Tele-Mechanics powers will let him know if the stuff on Urthorian's back is magick, tech or some combination of same, what rank they operate on, and if there are any back-doors or weaknesses and/or limitations there, as well. FTR (& FWIW), DC's Cosmic Awareness operates at his Intution rank of Unearthly, his "Cyber-Psi" operates at the Class 1000 rank and his "Tele-Mechanics" operates at the Shift Z rank. (TBC... ) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: The Best Laid Plans [Note: This post includes material written by Patrick that Zia picked up, with permission, from the First Draft list. The story line of Eric's capture picks up in aae9v-02.txt] On Wed, 9 Jun 2004 20:24:31 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012117 >On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 22:59:12 -0700 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00012079 > > "Okay. _That's_ different," Eric allows, leaping forward. >@/Moving,/@ he sends to Patrick. @/Add third-rate vampire-monkey to >monster list. Stake through heart effective. No wood required. >Enroute to...{}/@ The Hunter sends an image, at something of a loss >for words. @/Will check in soonest. Hunter out./@ /Understood/ Patrick replies via mini-lens. /I take it our pattern has become predictable?/ Despite the levity, Patrick is still a bit troubled, has been since the initial encounter with Mobius. If he had access to some of Magnamund's darker aspects...[A Cener druid in his employ would explain a lot] he thinks sourly. He steps forward, then stops as he sees one of the vampire monkeys swoop towards an elderly man, struggling to get away. /Second 'vampire monkey' spotted. Will join you ASAP./ >"Heeelp! HEEEEELP!" the blonde screams hysterically. > > [I get it, I get it,] the Hunter thinks with a sigh. [This reality >doesn't believe in 'subtle,' does it?] Pulling a shuriken, he whips >it at the bizarre creature's broad back while racing towards its >intended victim. Following Eric's advice, Patrick's staff snaps out, spearing the 'mon-pire' through the torso, finishing it quickly. "Are you-" he starts to say to the old man he had just rescued, then stopped, appalled. "I am well, whelp of Kai." the old man answers, features shrivelling. "BUT YOU WILL NOT BE!" "/A Helghast!/" Patrick gasps, accidentally sending the thought through the mini-lens link. His surprise costs him; the undead creature's talons rip through Patrick's tunic, leaving thin trails of blood. "How did you come here?" The Helghast doesn't reply, instead lunging forward, emitting a piercing shriek. Patrick's own mindforce responds, blocking the psychic attack that the scream masks. The two feint for several seconds, then... > @/TRAP!/@ Eric sends. @/Do not repeat DO NOT engage following >monsters in any sequence: beetles, lizard-men, ape-bat, kettle-thing. >Effect activated by mastermind: Queen of Spades!/@ Eric stumbles >back, still fighting the effect desperately. * * * In Fajia's dorm room, a chair crashes to the floor, overturned as Violet leaps to her feet. The purplish scar stands out even further as her face pales with rage and her fists clench hard enough Jack hears the joints crack. She manages not to interrupt Eric's own warning, but it is not easy. "Infra-red." There is a world - no, worlds - of history, hatred, and pure, cold-forged fury in the name Ultra-Violet speaks. For a moment, her form flickers like a candle in the wind, flaring with light then fading to near invisibility before returning. * * * On Champion's Island, perhaps unnoticed as Kanto continues his flirtration with Rio, Ziactrice-in-Black stirs uneasily in her sleep. She mutters, "Eric." The name is almost incomprehensibly vague, but Zia's tone is one Rio's never heard from the Petite Amberite - fear. * * * Patrick's eyes narrow. "I'm sorry, but you're in my way." Quickly he dodges back, tracing a rune on his staff. He then stabs forward, spike extended, impaling the Helghast. "You are a fool." The Helghast sneers. "Your weapon may be impressive to some, but I am only harmed by the power of magic, which Kai are not known foAAAAHHHRRRGGG!" "What do you think the Flames of the Faltine are for?" Not staying to watch the Heghast's body disintegrate (OOC: yeah, he's just asking for it), Patrick rushes off to where Eric's telepathic signal last came from. > "She does like them strong, doesn't she?" Infra-Red adds. "Not >particularly bright, however." > > Eric grits his teeth and swings. Even in his rapidly declining >state, the Queen of Spades is forced to dodge quickly. > > Her smile vanishes as she stares daggers at him. "Oh, you _will_ >regret that, my dear Hunter." > > Eric merely glares at her as he falls to his knees. > > "Ah, the strong, _silent_ type. Good. Maybe you can be properly >trained _after_ all." She cups his chin in her hand as Eric's world >fills with a darkening fog. "You have already been _so_ useful to me. >Waste not, want not." > > The last sound he hears, aside from his own faint chant of "Om >namah Shivaya," is the sound of her mocking laughter... * * * "No! Not nn-now...can't wake up NOW.." The Just Violet struggles to maintain her Dreamself, despite the anger and massive alarm slamming through her. Leaning very heavily on her Lens again helps, but not enough. Desparately, knowing that to Awaken _now_ would delay her to Eric's great harm - and waste all her carefully crafted hole-cards, Violet strains, trying to force a calm she does not feel. Is there nothing else that could help? Suddenly, something within unfolds in her - not just in her mind, but throughout her - a calm certaintude she has never felt before. Chi wells with a focused, incredibly intimate power as the Hunterness, for lack of a better word, shared between them during that mindmeld takes over her being. Violet feels her Dreamself stabilize. Drawing ch'i so prodigiously it is almost sure she will be detected, the reserves within her begin to refill. No sense leading any villains right -here-. Not stopping to don her scarf, hat, or gloves, she surges in one motion to yank open the window. Leaping out, she races toward Eric. Wu Ming just might be good enough to trace her by her Lightshift or by ch'i alone. It wouldn't do to lead him to Fajia and Jack. Three blocks away, the Just Violet triggers the Lightshift again with a menacing growl. A glowing, fiery ball of purple light arcs down the ancient, dusty streets, bouncing over the occasional startled passerby. * * * "Eric!" Patrick yells, seeing the scene. The Queen only smiles and walks off, her prize being carried by two rather large men, dressed entirely in black, although unlike Eric himself, these men are masked. More men in black (OOC: Sorry I couldn't resist), draw in around the blonde woman in spotless white as she calmly walks away from the battle zone. As she leaves, she snaps her fingers, and several beasts, all of the types that Eric had just warned the Kai about, appeared, ready to fight. ++The Kai Monastary, 10 years ago "My advice, when trying to attack an archer," Lone Wolf says, using his powers to heal the wound left by an arrow in Quiet Moon's leg, "is to not get hit. The same holds true for foes that use poison, magic, or other forms of death delivered by touch." He glances at the small army of Giaks that have been harassing travellers on this particular road for some time. "Now, try again." Grimly, Quiet Moon nods, gets up, and advances, this time a bit more cautiously. ++Present /Apologies,/ Patrick mentally says over the mini-lens link to Eric (a bit uselessly, but at least honour was satisfied), /but I think I will have to engage them. On my terms./ Using his staff, he pole-vaults over the beetles, and impales the lone vampire monkey. The reptile attacker falls to a psychic assault, leaving the ape-bat and two beetles still trying to get around. > "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Infra-Red observes >with a bored nastiness only previously heard from the Petite Amberite >herself. It's extremely galling, but then, Patrick has seen this >trick done - he knows it is meant to be. > > Infra-red accepts one of the men's hands to help her step up into >the waiting helicopter - painted completely white, with a black spade >as the only marking. > > There she calmly settles herself in a seat, making sure that >Eric's unconscious body is settled comfortably and strapped in with >safety belts as well. Then she pauses, almost as if allowing Patrick >a chance to catch up. Instantly, Patrick's strength leaves him, letting the ape-bat throw him through a window. "Not...a normal poison." he grimaces, trying to fight the effects. > "Interesting." The arch-villainess Progenitor observes the effect >on Patrick with a superbly trained, scientist's acumen. "That one is >less resistant to the effect. Even without the final, triggering >phermone in my perfume, some of the natural sleep percursor chemicals >in his body are activating." She watches the fight a bit more. > > "Especially the paralytics that prevent one's tossing too much >while dreaming, it appears. The poor fellow is dead on his feet. No." >She waves the pilot down. "Wait for my signal. Perhaps we'll bag two >stoned heroes at one throw. Besides, I want to see if Ultra-Violet is >yet the same person, after all these decades, or if some younger >upstart has taken her name and appearance on." > > The ape-bat obliges, driving several hard fists into the Kai's >torso, then sinking its teeth into his arm as Patrick tries to fend >off the attack. *The arrogance of humility, eh?* the psychic voice echoes in Patrick's mind. [*L...Grand Master Lone Wolf?*] *I told you to work on not getting hit, Sun Knight.* *Sun...But I'm only a Grand Defender!* Patrick winces as the ape's teeth sink in, and start drawing the blood out, empowering the monstrosity even more. The two beetles finished tearing through the wall, and advanced. *You used a Kai Blast,* Lone Wolf's voice echoes in the Kai's mind, *a discipline not normally seen in a Grand Defender. *Not being on Magnamund does not mean you stop learning. Now take what you have learned and fight back!* Focusing, Patrick calls on his strongest Magnakai healing power, and is able to throw off the effects of the enhanced soporific draining his strength. At the same time, he feels new strength flooding his body. "Deliverance." he whispers, instinctively recognizing the new Grand Kai discipline. *Yes. But you still need to practise your Spirit Walking.* Lone Wolf's voice chides, then vanishes. The Ape-bat steps back, confused as the inflicted wounds appear to vanish, and the Kai, thought to be weak, raises his hand, and blasts the monster. "Leave." he orders the two beetles, who do so, forced back by the strength of Patrick's telepathic order. > "He would definitely make an interesting subject of study, but >there is the slight difficulty of being able to hold onto him long >enough to learn anything, should he prove able to throw off the full >effect so easily." The Queen of Spades, once known as Infra-red, >glances at Eric. > > "Though given I prepared it for a Master of the Hunter's power and >ability, I expect not." The Queen of Spades studies the Kai warrior. >"Let's see if he places himself in my power. This realm will not >favor a hero placing himself between an archenemy and another hero." /Eric has been taken by someone he called 'The Queen of Spades'. I will follow and try to determine his location./ Moving even faster than he thought possible before, Patrick sets off, searching for Eric's whereabouts. Only another half-block down the street, in an intersection, the large, white helicopter waits. The men in black guarding the Queen of Spades haven't even drawn weapons. The blades spin at idle, kicking up some dust, but not so much Patrick cannot make out Eric's form, slumped in a seat opposite the blonde bombshell in white. She raises a hand, waving to him as if he is some delayed traveling companion. *"You are learned in many arts, it is plain. Very admirable."* A voice as cooly thrilling as Zia's tones are warm - at least, to an intimate such as Eric - comes clearly, not invading Patrick's mind but able to make herself heard. *"Come a little bit closer. Would you like to be taken for a ride, my dear?"* @Patrick, be wary!@ Purple light resolves into the Just Violet, standing by Patrick's side, one foot forward as if ready to spring. The Just Violet's fingers twitch, longing to draw guns and send bullets Infra-red's direction. @Infra-red is never taken at a disadvantage when she has the initiative!@ > *"Oh, look who finally arrived. A day late, a man short, aren't >you, short one?"* The Queen of Spades smiles viciously. *"A step >nearer, Puce One, and I'll boil your boyfriend in his own skin. I can >do it so it won't be enough to damage his DNA, after all."* "I'm not going to let you keep him, Torturess." Violet states unbendingly. "Keep him? Oh, no. You can come and claim him. You know where. I want to make sure you're the authentic article; if you are, you might be able to rescue him. My word, after all, is always solid. If not, well, I'll rid myself of two annoyances with one stone. Unless you'd rather have me kill him right here, before your eyes?" The Queen lounges in her seat. "I'd enjoy that almost as much, you should know. If you're really whom you appear to be, Purple Pretender." "This I will not forgive, IR. Set your traps well. They'll be your last set." "That's what you said _last_ time." The Queen laughs coldly, but she signals the pilot. The doors slide shut and the copter rises. Then a giant version of Ziactrice's own polychromatic door appears in front of it. The copter disappears through the plane of light, much like Zia herself sometimes does. Ultraviolet draws in a hissing breath, displeased but not too terribly surprised. "I've got to go." She says, slowly. "Take care of the others, here, for me. Please. Wu Ming - be careful not to underestimate him. One of the few villains I've met who can actually think, now and then." Even as he turns, Ultraviolet's flesh flares through brilliant purple, then fades away from normal sight, reaching into the true ultraviolet. His senses might be able to distinguish her departure - at the speed of light itself. Somewhere, there is a cache of very powerful weapons, left unmonitored, sealed, secret. However, shifting shadow is good for finding what you need. The most powerful hand weapons possible, without being noticed, with minimum delay. Unusually, UV isn't worried about having them traced this time. She'll deal with that if and when it happens. Right now, Eric must be freed as soon as possible. Scant minutes later, a figure resolves from light to flesh again, standing on a large island, on a scenic spot high on a ridge, overlooking the valley with it's lab and strange monsters below. "Housekeeping." The Just Violet quips quietly, shouldering a large spear-grenade assembly. Quickly, she begins to scamper down the steep incline, seeking Eric's presence with her mind and Lens. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Hang Time (Retcon)(Take 3) On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 00:33:44 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012119 >On Mon, 24 May 2004 21:17:18 -0500 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012111 > >"However, we are both dragons, and thus are both subject to the >rulership of Our Lord Bahomet and Lady Tiamat." A rumbling chuckle echoes through the gigantic horror. "I have had influence over god-powers, my little hatchling, and fear no alien dragon-gods of yours." >Dhyrclhanc continues. "... And for this reason, I now offer you the >chance to abandon your vendetta. Otherwise, while I'll happily to >assure you that I am capable of a great many things, however; very >rarely is backing down and/or running from a challenge among them." "'Tis thy grave to dig," Uthorion replies almost casually. Then he releases a blast of freezing, lightning-filled storm wind that shatters a nearby warehouse (empty, thank Bahamut) as it races toward everyone's favorite Lensdragon! >Dhyrclhanc just squeaks by dodging and, thereby, not getting hit by >the larger dragon's attack and then says... > >"Fine, in that case... " > >"GUYVER!" Uthorion raises one scaled eyebrow in mild contempt. >There is another bright flash of light, and Dhyrclhanc is now in his >T'Skrang form and clothed in his Eidolan Warwear Armor. In addition, >a Silver Klaive floats above his right shoulder and two flying dragon >dagger/short-swords float at his waist, on either side of him. > >All three have their tips pointed in the direction of the >Lensdragon's opponent. The contempt becomes slightly less mild. >At the same time, seven remotes "unskin" themselves from the armor's >left forearm section and begin to orbit around the left wrist and >three gun/sensor platforms rise up out of the armor's right shoulder >and begin to hover there. Uthorion seems faintly interested in this -- perhaps because the various pulp science devices on his back flare to life when this happens. Tesla coils flare with controlled lightning, clacking mechanical brains whir at blinding speeds, and shimmering lights sparkle around the monstrous creature. >Not bothering to wait for the other dragon's response, this time, >Dhyrclhanc stretches out his Cyber-Psi, Tele-Mechanics, and Cosmic >Awareness senses and immdieately begins to gauge the general >power-level and possible weakness(es) of his new opponent and the >strange, presumably, techno-magick devices that he's wearing. > > MSH Rules Clairification: Cosmic Awareness will IC-ly let DC >know if any of Urthorian's abilities are Class 1000 as well as if he >has any weaknesses or limitations that everyone's lovable Lensdragon >can take advanatage of. As previously mentioned, Class 1000 Magick. Be Afraid. As for weaknesses and limitations, he's very slightly more vulnerable to fire than anything else (aspected to wind/lightning/ice/cold), and his magick is more rigid than most CAoLers. The latter isn't much of a weakness either, since he knows somewhere in the vicinity of a bajillion spells. (Yes, the English major said bajillion. Deal. ;^) >In addition, DC's Cyber-Psi and Tele-Mechanics powers will let him >know if the stuff on Uthorion's back is magick, tech or some >combination of same, what rank they operate on, and if there are any >back-doors or weaknesses and/or limitations there, as well. The tech is Nile "weird science," which might register as faintly magickal depending on Dhyrclhanc's own paradigm (it uses strange rules of reality that are related to, but not the same as, the local magick system). Short form: if a Son of Ether's tech would register as magickal, then Nile weird science will. If not, they won't. Most of the tech operates at Unearthly, though with Class 1000 defenses against tampering. Oh, and you can't quite tell what it _all_ does. At least one of the attacks, however, is a pressor beam. You know this because it's trying to seal Dhyrclhanc's wings to his body and slam him into the ground. Simultaneously, Uthorion is casting some foul spell that seems intended to curse Dhyrclhanc with some undead nature. Fortunately, the local magickal processes are not ideally aligned for such sorcery, so if the Lensdragon thinks quickly, he can negate this opening gambit entirely. =========================== Subject: AAE9n: A new form of fusion On Tue, 06 Jul 2004 01:55:18 -0700 Reality Hacker AJ47 Said As CAoL Message # 00012130 As his right hand squeezed the alligator clip open, Jensen's eyes narrowed, cautiously studying the chain-link fence ahead. [Something's not right here. Something doesn't smell right.] Gingerly, he brought the metal teeth nearer and nearer to the nearest corner-- and a shower of sparks flew up into the air; he had to hit the dirt to save his hair from catching fire. [Dammit, the fence itself isn't supposed to carry current! Poor shielding? Not enough time for a shutdown; need an alternate plan...] ------------------------------------------------------------ "Smith! Do you read?" {Loud and clear. Your tailor friend--} "--sorry, no time. Broadcast the activation codes for the remote unit." {You're sure?} "I'm sure." ------------------------------------------------------------ Jensen returned to the car just as the trunk popped open, and reached inside for the one item still to be found there (not counting the spare tire) - a nicely inconspicuous briefcase. Thumbing the combination, he opened it up to behold the comforting golden glow of an amber-on-black VDU, attached to some moving parts that used to be an IBM Selectric; they even clacked loudly, despite the missing hammers, as he began typing at a furious speed. # LOAD LIBRARY SE # CREATE CLASS AJ-M-574 # INHERIT CLASS OO-B-1 # OVERRIDE MEMBER OO-B-2 = CLASS AJ-A-1 INSTANCE 1 # OVERRIDE FUNCTION INTERFACE = CRANIAL (EXTERNAL) # OVERRIDE FUNCTION CREATE = SPEED (OPTIMIZE) # OVERRIDE ASPECT DURABILITY = AUTO # CREATE INSTANCES # CLASS = AJ-M-574 # COUNT = 4 # CREATE CLASS AJ-M-575 # INHERIT CLASS OO-A-1 # OVERRIDE FUNCTION REACTANT = CHEM (2 CH3OH + O2 = 2 H3 + 2 CO2 + H2) # CREATE INSTANCES # CLASS = AJ-M-575 # COUNT = 1 Jensen closed the case, carried it over to the fence, then turned it upside down and opened the other half. Nothing, at first. Then: {Are you sure you're sure? The case files--} "Yes, I'm aware of the case files. The flaw should actually work to advantage in this case... I know it's a risk, but there's no time for anything else." {All right. But if you're wrong, consider your resignation accepted.} As the radio cut out, the case began replicating metal panels and extruding them into place - eventually forming the shape of a motorcycle helmet with four flexible manipulators evenly spaced around the front, back, and sides. Jensen placed the helmet on his head and strapped it into place, then picked up a large metal cap and screwed it onto the top of the antifreeze container. One manipulator picked up the antifreeze, another took hold of the alligator clip, and he used the last two to elevate himself a few feet above the top of the fence. Keeping his organic arms clasped carefully behind his back, he placed the antifreeze in the center of the fenced area and connected the clip. ------------------------------------------------------------ (About an hour later) "Ow! Must've landed on that leg." Jensen reached up and patted the top of his scalp. "Some of this was burnt off, too. --Smith? I assume it worked, seeing as I'm here to ask about it, but details?" {Within expected parameters, if barely. The installation is a loss, of course, and some nearby buildings suffered minor structural damage - but the lion's share of the cold blast got sucked in like a moth to a flame, cancelled it out nicely. Your newest working gear lost cohesion well before that point, but I see from the files that you saw that one coming.} "All right, thank you. Let me know if the follow-up team has any questions, otherwise I'm headed back to headquarters." [OOC: About damn time I wrote something again. I really do intend to stay current on things from here on out, and this leaves it pretty well open as to where Avery goes next. I'd like to drop him into the anime cosm at some point, as Michael from WHR is a pretty obvious thing to riff on.] =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Damsel Distressed! On Wed, 07 Jul 2004 23:47:33 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012131 >On Sat, 24 Apr 2004 15:33:54 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012058 > >>On Sun, 18 Apr 2004 23:11:00 -0400 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00012034 > >Indeed, for all [Mobius'] posturing, mood swings, and outrageous >style, his charisma is undeniable. He's just...likeable. (Of course, >heroes would probably find him a lot _more_ likeable if he weren't a >tyrant, kidnaper, and conqueror.) "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe >I was asking this delightful young lady her name." He turns back to >Karma, having pulled the lower panel in his hood down so she can see >a winning smile underneath. > > "Karma," she replies, then glancing at Ahkemeses she adds, "'My >Pharaoh.'" before returning her gaze to Mobius, "As I seem expected >to be merely ornamental, may I request a good book to while away the >time with?" Ahkemeses looks at Rama-Tet, mouthing, "Karma?" noiselessly. The Mathematician shrugs equanimously. Mobius' smile never wavers. "I would hardly consider you 'merely' anything, my dear Karma," he replies, "though if my latest guest is insufficient to hold your interest, we do have quite the extensive library. If you have not read it, I've found that...those in your position...are often fond of 'Armageddon 2419 A.D.,' the original Buck Rogers novel. It's about ten years old now, and I personally find the ending annoying, but it is quite a good read otherwise, and I am consistently amazed at how many have heard of Captain Rogers but are unfamiliar with the original tale." The Scarlet Asp raises an eyebrow. "Pharaoh, your latest... 'ally' is notorious for his mercurial moods. If he does not have the attention of everyone present--" "If he cannot handle not being the center of the universe -- particularly in _my_ court," Mobius snaps, "then he is going to have serious difficulties." There are a few minutes of bustle, as the props from Karma's entrance are cleared and preparations are made to welcome someone that even Mobius, apparently, respects. (If Karma so desires, the servants manage to find whatever book she wishes, as long as it was written before 1938.) As a herald enters, the Pharaoh smoothes his cloak when he thinks no one is looking. "His Imperial Majesty, Ruler of the Cosmos, Lord of Mongo, Emperor Ming the Merciless," the herald intones formally, if with just a touch of quaver in his voice. A darkly magnificent man in a gold-trimmed red robe enters. His hair is a nearly perfect black dome on his scalp, cunning eyes above the classic villain's mustache and thin, hooked beard, and wiry hands adorned with several ominous rings twitch with anticipation. He bows with a skillful flourish -- but not too deeply. "Hail, Pharaoh Mobius, master of a dozen cosms," he says with a commanding baritone. It's as if someone alchemically blended Charles Middleton and Max von Sydow to create some archetypal Ming... "We extend greetings to all-powerful Ming, who honors us greatly by gracing us with his presence," Mobius replies, bowing a touch more deeply than Ming did. The Merciless One smiles coolly. "You have a magnificent court, Pharaoh," Ming adds after a moment, admiring the neo-Egyptian splendor -- though not too much. "Your Majesty is too kind," Mobius replies, going on to introduce his advisors. Ming, however, notes that Mobius 'missed' an introduction. "And who is _this_ lovely creature you have managed to acquire?" Ming asks, staring hungrily at Karma. Beneath the cowl, Mobius' eyes widen, then suddenly narrow. "As much a guest as a prisoner," Mobius replies starkly, the admiration and respect suddenly frozen out of his voice, "and no one you need concern yourself with." Ming glances at Mobius with sadistic cunning, then steps closer to Karma. "Oh, really? Is she someone you concern _your_self with, mighty Pharaoh?" The monarch strides forcefully to interpose himself between Ming and Karma. "At the moment, _yes._ I concern myself with _all_ in my domain, Emperor." Ming's smile becomes more satisfied. "An odd way for a mighty conqueror to maintain his demense, Mobius." Ahkemeses' entire body bulges as if he's going to explode from apoplexy, while Rama-Tet stares so intently at Ming that it looks like the _Emperor_ will explode from his sheer concentration. "One might get the impression that your grip might even be...weakening." Mobius glares at Ming with a cold that is palpable in the desert heat. "I have the greatest respect for your genius and power, Emperor Ming. _Nevertheless,_ I reign over more than forty billion people in a dozen realities, and I will _not_ be lectured to by a man who has not ruled his own territory for years, and who was overthrown by a single man whose claim to fame is _polo._" Ming's smile evaporates. His eyes bulge. His jaw throbs. His hands clench and unclench spasmodically. Ahkemeses smiles smugly, and even Rama-Tet grins faintly at the riposte. The Scarlet Asp sighs and places her hands on twin holsters beneath her cape. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Damsel Distressed! On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 06:54:14 +0100 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00012134 >On Wed, 07 Jul 2004 23:47:33 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012131 > > The Scarlet Asp raises an eyebrow. "Pharaoh, your latest... 'ally' >is notorious for his mercurial moods. If he does not have the >attention of everyone present--" > "If he cannot handle not being the center of the universe -- >particularly in _my_ court," Mobius snaps, "then he is going to have >serious difficulties." Karma ahs, "I am well acquainted with your guest's type. If my attention is desired, he'll have it." > There are a few minutes of bustle, as the props from Karma's >entrance are cleared and preparations are made to welcome someone >that even Mobius, apparently, respects. (If Karma so desires, the >servants manage to find whatever book she wishes, as long as it was >written before 1938.) As a herald enters, the Pharaoh smoothes his >cloak when he thinks no one is looking. > "His Imperial Majesty, Ruler of the Cosmos, Lord of Mongo, Emperor >Ming the Merciless," the herald intones formally, if with just a >touch of quaver in his voice. Karma looks sharply toward the herald at that. [...eep...] > "Your Majesty is too kind," Mobius replies, going on to introduce >his advisors. Ming, however, notes that Mobius 'missed' an >introduction. > "And who is _this_ lovely creature you have managed to acquire?" >Ming asks, staring hungrily at Karma. Beneath the cowl, Mobius' eyes >widen, then suddenly narrow. [Eep!] > Mobius glares at Ming with a cold that is palpable in the desert >heat. "I have the greatest respect for your genius and power, Emperor >Ming. _Nevertheless,_ I reign over more than forty billion people in >a dozen realities, and I will _not_ be lectured to by a man who has >not ruled his own territory for years, and who was overthrown by a >single man whose claim to fame is _polo._" > Ming's smile evaporates. His eyes bulge. His jaw throbs. His hands >clench and unclench spasmodically. Ahkemeses smiles smugly, and even >Rama-Tet grins faintly at the riposte. The Scarlet Asp sighs and >places her hands on twin holsters beneath her cape. Karma blinks a moment, then the reality of the situation hits home. [Oh good lord, he's right. Alright, Karma, no more freaking out.] "Mighty Pharaoh, great Emperor, surely two great conquerors have an alliance of more value than the issues of style in keeping the fairer sex imprisoned?" She can't help crossing her fingers behind her back. Ming has what he was mining for, Mobius has his honor intact. [Hopefully, they'll figure they got enough of what they wanted to not press the matter,] Karma thinks to herself, [I've never seen an old movie bad guy alliance fall apart by just tossing a few barbs, but I'd hate to be in the middle of the first. Seems like it usually just takes a little nudge to get them over it, at least to each other's face.] =========================== Subject: AAE9n: A Damsel Semi-distressed On Sat, 10 Jul 2004 00:54:03 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012137 >On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 06:54:14 +0100 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00012134 > >>On Wed, 07 Jul 2004 23:47:33 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012131 >> >> "And who is _this_ lovely creature you have managed to acquire?" >>Ming asks, staring hungrily at Karma. Beneath the cowl, Mobius' eyes >>widen, then suddenly narrow. > > [Eep!] Ming smiles darkly, as if he can sense Karma's panic -- and enjoy it... > Karma blinks a moment, then the reality of the situation hits >home. [Oh good lord, he's right. Alright, Karma, no more freaking >out.] > "Mighty Pharaoh, great Emperor, surely two great conquerors have >an alliance of more value than the issues of style in keeping the >fairer sex imprisoned?" > She can't help crossing her fingers behind her back. Ming has what >he was mining for, Mobius has his honor intact. [Hopefully, they'll >figure they got enough of what they wanted to not press the matter,] >Karma thinks to herself, [I've never seen an old movie bad guy >alliance fall apart by just tossing a few barbs, but I'd hate to be >in the middle of the first. Seems like it usually just takes a little >nudge to get them over it, at least to each other's face.] Ming and Mobius look at each other. Then they look at Karma. Then they look back at each other. For a heartbeat, everyone else holds their breath. Then the two monarchs laugh, and everyone exhales in relief. "From the mouths of babes, eh, Mobius?" Ming says finally. Mobius chuckles, shaking his head ruefully. "My good Emperor, you do not want to know what the world outside this realm would think of your statement. The common parlance of the future is...rather base." Ming shrugs regally. "Perhaps conquering them will be a favor, then." The Scarlet Asp slides her hands off her pistols. Ahkemeses returns his attention to something beyond. Rama-Tet, however, looks...calculating. Appropriate for a Mathemagician. "Come, Your Majesty. There is something I wish to show you." Mobius gestures above them. "Very well," Ming replies. With a last glance at Karma, he adds quietly, "I have already _chosen_ an empress, after all." "Lucky her," the Asp whispers to Karma. As Ming steps forward, Mobius manipulates controls on his throne. Once Ming is close enough, the Pharaoh throws a final switch, and half the room begins to rise! Mobius' entire dais, complete with top advisors (and Karma), slides up, with enough of the room to keep Ming from having to worry about falling backwards. As they near the ceiling, it _opens,_ displaying the mighty anti-sun burning in all its light-devouring glory. Even Ming looks impressed at the dark fire "burning" above them. Then Mobius presses _another_ control, and the fire goes out, leaving a huge sphere. Inside it is a woman. Well, a _giantess,_ really, filling most of the sphere even in her fetal position. She looks down at Mobius...and smiles. "Who...?" Ming asks, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. "That," Mobius says with pride, "is the Titan Cecelyne, though the powers of this cosm know her better as Anthelios, the red star of doom. I rescued her from an eternity in a place beyond the Void and a time beyond Infinity. Though she may seem a prisoner in my Omegatron, rest assured that it is a place of succor for her, where she rests and heals." He smiles back, basking in the amazement of even his elite. "Through her power, the Omegatron's fire become cold, burning freezes, and annihilation becomes a deadly stasis." His smile broadens and grows cunning. "All of which, I can reverse, restoring the Omegatron to its usual form of obliteration." Ming recovers quickly. "Ah, yes, I see how my rocket legion will prove useful to you then..." He, too, smiles -- and even Mobius and Rama-Tet can't do the "evil, cunning grin" thing like Ming the Merciless. Mobius looks over at Ming suddenly, his "you can?" thought clear even from within his hood. "Very well." Another switch, and the section lowers back to the throne room. "If you will give me a few moments, I will join you in the war room, where we may plan together." "Of course. Of course." Ming bows ever-so-slightly again, turns, and strides out, every inch the monarch. Mobius wipes his brow. "Well. That was close." He claps, and servants scurry like ants. Rama-Tet bows and retreats. "He's going to betray you, Pharaoh," the Asp notes. "Oh, of _course_ he will," Mobius snaps dismissively. More thoughtful a moment later, he adds, "Indeed, I am counting on that." At his agent's raised eyebrow, he says, "Later. Gather up this delightful young lady, bring her to my lab, and dismiss the others." Ahkemeses looks smug. The Scarlet Asp...pales. "Pharaoh, you know I would never defy you, but she was rather helpful there--" "Oh relax, my child, I'm not going to put her brain in a robot gorilla or anything so trite," Mobius quips. Reluctantly, the Asp nods, detaching Karma from the throne and helping her to her feet. "Come on, you," she says unhappily. The Asp leads Karma out a side door, down a few corridors, and into an empty room. She then presses a brick, and the wall vanishes. Mobius' lab is a mad scientist's dream. Tesla coils flow with lightning, illuminating vacuum tubes made with crystal shells. Capacitors made out of something that seems to be an aluminum/platinum alloy sit within coils of glowing blue wire. Tables covered with every tool imaginable -- and some never imagined on many worlds -- surround projects like a half-built robot Defender, a Tesla-coil artillery piece, and a floating black ball whose purpose is not apparent. Mobius himself is dressed in a lab coat, his posture oddly...sane. (Of course, he's still wearing that hood, so who can tell? ) "Ah. Bring her here please, Scarlet." The Asp nudges Karma forward. Mobius looks her over for a long moment, then brings out a large bracelet, clamps it to Karma's lower left arm, then runs a baton over the manacles. They fall off. "The clamp on your left arm," he explains conversationally, "is charged with a 'smart magnetic' field, which certain doors are programmed to recognize. This includes all the exteriors, of course, as well as restricted areas." The Scarlet Asp sighs in relief. "Now, unless you have any questions, I must now invite your friends to join you." Underneath the hood, Mobius' teeth shine blue in the light of the Tesla coils as he grins. "They seem to have scattered hither and yon. That simply will not do." (OOC: Something tells me Karma's going to think of a question or two, given what option "B" is. Of course, he'll probably get to that anyway...) -- Evil GM-San And what's Ming up to? Tune in next week, same rat-time, same rat-channel! ;^) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Damsel Semi-distressed On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 02:00:32 +0100 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00012138 >On Sat, 10 Jul 2004 00:54:03 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012137 > > Ming and Mobius look at each other. Then they look at Karma. Then >they look back at each other. For a heartbeat, everyone else holds >their breath. > Then the two monarchs laugh, and everyone exhales in relief. > "From the mouths of babes, eh, Mobius?" Ming says finally. > Mobius chuckles, shaking his head ruefully. "My good Emperor, you >do not want to know what the world outside this realm would think of >your statement. The common parlance of the future is...rather base." > Ming shrugs regally. "Perhaps conquering them will be a favor, >then." > The Scarlet Asp slides her hands off her pistols. Ahkemeses >returns his attention to something beyond. > Rama-Tet, however, looks...calculating. Appropriate for a >Mathemagician. Karma looks somewhere between relieved and insulted. She purses her lips behind the veil. [Right, Mobius, Ming's happy again. Now, this can't be all you wanted my undivided attention for?] > "Come, Your Majesty. There is something I wish to show you." >Mobius gestures above them. > "Very well," Ming replies. With a last glance at Karma, he adds >quietly, "I have already _chosen_ an empress, after all." > "Lucky her," the Asp whispers to Karma. [Ironic, it was her story, or at least the 80's version, that had me so nervous.] > As they near the ceiling, it _opens,_ displaying the mighty >anti-sun burning in all its light-devouring glory. Even Ming looks >impressed at the dark fire "burning" above them. Then Mobius presses >_another_ control, and the fire goes out, leaving a huge sphere. > Inside it is a woman. > Well, a _giantess,_ really, filling most of the sphere even in her >fetal position. She looks down at Mobius...and smiles. Karma's eyes go wide at the sight of the anti-sun, then wider at the woman inside. > "Who...?" Ming asks, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. > "That," Mobius says with pride, "is the Titan Cecelyne, though the >powers of this cosm know her better as Anthelios, the red star of >doom. I rescued her from an eternity in a place beyond the Void and a >time beyond Infinity. Though she may seem a prisoner in my Omegatron, >rest assured that it is a place of succor for her, where she rests >and heals." He smiles back, basking in the amazement of even his >elite. "Through her power, the Omegatron's fire become cold, burning >freezes, and annihilation becomes a deadly stasis." His smile >broadens and grows cunning. "All of which, I can reverse, restoring >the Omegatron to its usual form of obliteration." > Ming recovers quickly. "Ah, yes, I see how my rocket legion will >prove useful to you then..." He, too, smiles -- and even Mobius and >Rama-Tet can't do the "evil, cunning grin" thing like Ming the >Merciless. Karma's gaze returns to Ming and Mobius at this. [Would this rocket legion be immune to that or something?] > Mobius looks over at Ming suddenly, his "you can?" thought clear >even from within his hood. "Very well." Another switch, and the >section lowers back to the throne room. "If you will give me a few >moments, I will join you in the war room, where we may plan >together." [Judging by Mobius's reaction, it's not something as simple as immunity.] > "He's going to betray you, Pharaoh," the Asp notes. > "Oh, of _course_ he will," Mobius snaps dismissively. More >thoughtful a moment later, he adds, "Indeed, I am counting on that." >At his agent's raised eyebrow, he says, "Later. Gather up this >delightful young lady, bring her to my lab, and dismiss the others." > Ahkemeses looks smug. The Scarlet Asp...pales. "Pharaoh, you know >I would never defy you, but she was rather helpful there--" Karma's eyes dart between Mobius and The Scarlet Asp. > The Asp leads Karma out a side door, down a few corridors, and >into an empty room. She then presses a brick, and the wall vanishes. > Mobius' lab is a mad scientist's dream. Karma pays sharp attention to her surroundings this time, uncertain as to what fate might be awaiting her. But given the lab she finds herself in, one thing is certain. [You, Red,] she thinks, her mind on the Scarlet Asp's conversation with Mobius, [Are not going to be of any help if this gets ugly.] > "Now, unless you have any questions, I must now invite your >friends to join you." Underneath the hood, Mobius' teeth shine blue >in the light of the Tesla coils as he grins. "They seem to have >scattered hither and yon. That simply will not do." Karma considers a moment, then asks, "How are you going to do that?" {OOC: And Mobius says...} Karma rubs her shoulders, glancing around the room. She looks down at the bracelet. "What happens when this bracelet gets near a door set to recognize it?" (OOC: And Mobius says...) Karma nods, glancing askance at Mobius and the Scarlet Asp. "So, will I see you for dinner, Pharaoh?" (OOC: And that ought to be enough for the moment. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: The Best Laid Plans On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 13:18:25 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012140 >Eric Said As CAoL Message # 00012106 > > Eric blinks and shakes his head. He takes his sunglasses off and >rubs his eyes. [Blast. Must've been something in that oil on the >Anklok. Or maybe that smell from the ape-bat.] He looks up at the >blonde again. A real bombshell, tall, with curves in all the right >places...why is that ringing alarm bells in his mind? > "GAIA!" he snaps, reaching for his pistol. Already the effect is >surging through him, however, and his arm slides out from under the >duster nerveless, his fingers barely able to grip the handle. > The predatory gleam in the woman's eyes becomes triumphant. >"Well," she says in an uncanny funhouse-mirror version of Zia's tone. >"I didn't expect you to put two and two together until you woke up. >Bravo. I'm sure you wish you had figured it out sooner, but if wishes >were horses..." she adds, trailing off. Her smile broadens, turning >nasty. "Men always fall for me. Your turn." > @/TRAP!/@ he sends. @/Do not repeat DO NOT engage following >monsters in any sequence: beetles, lizard-men, ape-bat, kettle-thing. >Effect activated by mastermind: Queen of Spades!/@ Eric stumbles >back, still fighting the effect desperately. Half a city away, Rob curses mentally. [Too far by half. By the time I get there, it'll be a job for CSI: Cairo, not me.] He slips through the crowd, passing by one of the Pharoah's guardsmen as a woman in a burqa trips and stumbles into the guard, who crashes into Rob.. Apologies are tendered, and the street fighter wanders on, poorer by a set of keys. [They weren't mine anyway; he'll be glad to have them back. Or he would, if he'd noticed them missing.] Two blocks away, the woman in the burqa steps up. [Did you get what you wanted?] *Yes, I did. Now, if your Majesty does not mind, I'm going to go shopping for a file and something I can use as key blanks.* =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 9n: The Best Laid Plans On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 18:14:01 -0700 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012144 >On Wed, 9 Jun 2004 20:24:31 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012117 > > "I've got to go." She says, slowly. "Take care of the others, >here, for me. Please. Wu Ming - be careful not to underestimate him. >One of the few villains I've met who can actually think, now and >then." "Always the most dangerous ty-" > Even as he turns, Ultraviolet's flesh flares through brilliant >purple, then fades away from normal sight, reaching into the true >ultraviolet. His senses might be able to distinguish her departure - >at the speed of light itself. "-pes" Patrick finishes as Ultraviolet vanishes. "Tanith would just -love- her." he adds, speaking to no-one in particular. /Mission incomplete./ Patrick sends back to anyone at the hideout, via mini-lens. /The Hunter was taken through some kind of portal, by the aforementioned Queen of Spades. Ultraviolet is, I presume, in pursuit./ /Anyone have a plan for what next? I can't step across dimensions./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: A Damsel Semi-distressed On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 19:22:34 -0700 Evil GM-San Said As CAoL Message # 00012145 >On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 02:00:32 +0100 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00012138 > >>On Sat, 10 Jul 2004 00:54:03 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012137 >> "Now, unless you have any questions, I must now invite your >>friends to join you." Underneath the hood, Mobius' teeth shine blue >>in the light of the Tesla coils as he grins. "They seem to have >>scattered hither and yon. That simply will not do." > > Karma considers a moment, then asks, "How are you going to do >that?" Mobius' grin broadens. "Let us simply call it a 'signal flare' for now." > Karma rubs her shoulders, glancing around the room. She looks down >at the bracelet. > "What happens when this bracelet gets near a door set to recognize >it?" Becoming more serious (though hardly somber), Mobius gestures with the wand he had used to free Karma from the manacles. She can feel a slight push against the locked bracelet. "A specific like charge will repel the device. If you attempt to walk through the wrong doorway, it will simply stop you. You will feel the pressure from between three and five feet away, so you should know what you are approaching. Nevertheless, I must advise against running through the scientific or mathemagical wings of the palace, or directly at the exit. You are unlikely to do serious harm to yourself, but with sufficient velocity you could theoretically dislocate your shoulder." > Karma nods, glancing askance at Mobius and the Scarlet Asp. > "So, will I see you for dinner, Pharaoh?" Mobius looks outright _stunned_ at that. The Asp almost suppresses a smile. Then the Pharaoh laughs. "Oh, _how_ can I refuse such a request?" If allowed, he takes Karma's hand, then bends over (using proper form) and kisses it. "At seven, then?" If affirmative, he claps. "Excellent! Now, if you will excuse me...affairs of state and all..." he bows slightly again, then turns and, in a swirl of purple cloak, vanishes through a side door. "Okay, you," The Asp adds, "this is one of those restricted areas." She leads Karma to the main door. Karma can feel a faint pressure pushing her left arm back. "Turn," she says curtly, gesturing with one finger for emphasis. Once Karma does (OOC: refusal would be a bad idea), she hears a few "beeps" and the pressure vanishes. "All right, out." The Asp repeats the process. "Fine. Now. You're not my problem any more, as long as you stay out of trouble." The Asp starts pointing. "Your room is that way, where you woke up. The kitchens are that way. The dining hall --" she rolls her eyes, "is _that_ way, though the servants don't mind snack-eating in a kitchen. The labs you know, the menagerie is over there, and the elite live in the upper quarters that way." She pauses. "The laboratories and the dangerous portions of the zoo are off-limits, so you can't hurt yourself that way, but you should stay away from Ahkemeses and Rama-Tet, and their ilk. Rama-Tet might decide you're useful, and Ahkemeses...well, let's just say Mobius has to keep him from getting frisky with the priestesses. You should be safe enough with Teth-Net, though he'll corner you for an hour asking you what you're doing up there if he finds you." She considers. "That should about do it -- oh, except for that clamp. The ruby is a distress signal, in case someone _else_ gets 'frisky.' The emerald is a call button, press it and a servant will see to your needs. The blue sapphire will activate the nearest mechanical brain, which will instruct you in any non-restricted information in its memory." She chuckles. "I should warn you, they tend to be rather stupid, except for Mobius' personal super-brain. You won't have access to that one, but be glad of it. Ozymandias can be...prickly." The Scarlet Asp grimaces. "Well, anyway, you're not my problem any more -- unless you hit that red button." She waves and walks off. And Karma now has the run of (most of) the palace, which is the size of a small city... -- Evil GM-San Letting heroes get _themselves_ in deep since...oh, right about now. =========================== Subject: AAE 9n: Fire in the Sky On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 19:54:08 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012146 >On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 13:18:25 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012140 > >Apologies are tendered, and the street fighter wanders on, poorer by >a set of keys. [They weren't mine anyway; he'll be glad to have them >back. Or he would, if he'd noticed them missing.] > > Two blocks away, the woman in the burqa steps up. [Did you get >what you wanted?] > > *Yes, I did. Now, if your Majesty does not mind, I'm going to go >shopping for a file and something I can use as key blanks.* [I leave such pursuits to the expert,] the Amazon Queen replies with good humor. >On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 18:14:01 -0700 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012144 > >/Mission incomplete./ Patrick sends back to anyone at the hideout, >via mini-lens. /The Hunter was taken through some kind of portal, by >the aforementioned Queen of Spades. Ultraviolet is, I presume, in >pursuit./ > >/Anyone have a plan for what next? I can't step across dimensions./ Fortunately, it seems that someone's allowing Doc Eon to piggy-back their lens-link connection. */It seems unlikely that the Queen of Spades has left our ficton,/* the Man of Many Tomorrows explains. */If she has taken the risk of exiting the Nile Realm and its attendant protections, then she has most likely gone to ground. Rumor credits her with several headquarters around the world, including a laboratory in Nova Valdoria and a Duchess Industries skyscraper./* Eon ponders this for a moment. */Then again, given some of her developments in recent decades, it is possible that she has developed inter-dimensional capabili--/* The Master of Time stops in mid-thought, staring in shock almost due south. The others are immediately aware why. Putting the Luxor in Las Vegas to shame, the real thing has fired a beacon of flame into the sky. It spirals up as far as the eye can follow, vanishing into the canopy of the world. */I do believe,/* Eon says calmly, */that Mobius is attempting to get our attention./* =========================== Subject: AAE9n: We Dare Not Go A-Roger'n On Mon, 12 Jul 2004 13:09:54 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012147 Somewhere in the skies above the Nile Valley, cradle of civilization and current area of Reality Storm by the forces of Pharoah Mobius, a heroic figure flies. The form of Roger Thunder is not actually discernible, given his power, but regardless, a certain young woman, clad almost entirely in brightest Kelly green, appears quite suddenly. She is perched just above (but not quite touching) his back as he flies, somehow not discommoded by his various fields of power. The Green Zia pushes the Pilgrim-style hat, complete with large, heavy (and apparently) _gold) buckle back slightly on her head. Similar heavy, gold buckles adorn the wide black belt, and the large, black shoes of a plain design. Her leggings are short, but her calves covered by thick woolen hose. "Lad, if you've a moment to spare, there's a fellow of yours in dire straits. The Red Lass says she'd allow as having ye along would be a comfort to her, if you can absent yourse' from this little tussel." The accent isn't so much thick Irish, as it is oddly melodious - almost sing-song Middle English with odd twists he might guess where the result of Irish Latin study. -- Leprechaun Zia P.S. Only Roger would be so lucky, right? :P "Fairy elves, Whose midnight revels, by forest-side or fountain, some belated peasant sees, Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon sits arbitress." - John Milton ===========================