Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Nile Empire / Pulp Chapter 9 Subject: Re: AAE9n: Hang Time (Retcon)(Long!)(Sorry!) On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 14:32:36 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012229 >On Fri, 17 Sep 2004 10:44:16 -0400 >Martin and Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012224 > >>On Fri, Aug 6th, 2K4, >>Roland X writes As CAoL Message # 00012197 >> >>(OOC from Morgan for Our Readers: A reminder, this fight is taking >>place _before_ Uthorion shows up in Middle Earth to fight Roland, >>and during the other rescue-from-hanging related battles in Cairo >>before Mobius fires his "Big Weapon O' Doom".) >However, at the last moment, Dhyrclhanc -- and the Warwear suit -- is >able to turn slightly to the left and seemingly "skate" around the >blast by apparently "surfing" the disturbances in the air caused by >the passage of blast of air and electricity, itself. > >Urthorian's breath weapon, however, ends up making short work of >another nearby warehouse, again empty (Thank Bahamut). >That reminds me, Sib, please fill me as to what exactly this >Omegatron thingy is supposed to be... > >Apparently there are those among us, who are more familiar with the >whole White Wolf/World of Darkness thing, who recognize it as being >part of the whole WW/WoD Mythology thingy, but I don't. OOC: Okay, the actual Omegatron itself has nothing to do with the World of Darkness. It is the artificial sun created by Mobius, and if it is not his greatest creation it is certainly his mightiest. The titanic entity within is both the Anthelios/Red Star of "Time of Judgement" fame and the Yozi called "She Who Lives In Her Name" in Exalted. If Dhyrclhanc knows more than that, I'd like to know how. ;^) >>The daggers are deflected in part by intense energy fields from the >>Ultra-Tech pack, leaving two large scratches along the dragon's >>ridges. With a snarl and a wave of its claws, it completely usurps >>Dhyrclhanc's control of the blades, reverses their elemental >>affinity to cold/ice/wind, and sends them spiralling back at >>Dhyrclhanc! > > Er,Sib... > >I don't have any problems with Urthorian being able to subvert DC's >TK-based control over the dagger/short swords. Especially as they >have no flight capabilities save for that which is provided by the >Big Guy's TK in the first place. Also, as we already mentioned, the >rank that DC was using his TK was Shift X and Urthorian's rank when >dealing with both Magick and Psychic stuff is Class 1000. > >However, even if Urthorian's Magick is Class 1000, as you say it is, >he's going to at least have a -1CS penalty when trying to subvert the >"enchantments" on Dhyrclhanc's "Double Dragons" for this one >reason... > >As I understand it, when "normal" magic-items are created, the actual >physical item is constructed first and _then_ the enchantments are >placed on it. With Dhyrclhanc and Fuzzy's Rune-Nano-Magictech, when >the magic-item is created the enchantments are "hard-wired" into the >item using, for lack of a better term, the equivalent of nano-scale >mystical printed circutry *during* the intial manufacturing process. > >In addition to which, the dagger/shortswords are retro-engineered >designs that were cribbed from one of Splugorth's (from Rifts-Earth) >True Rune-Magic devices, which -- in themselves -- are AFAICT easily >the equal of any D&D (v.3.0) minor artifacts. It's a temporary effect, and Uthorion's magick is INSANE. I ranked it Class 1000 as a mercy. The blades will revert to their normal nature within a few seconds after Uthorion bails on you. OTOH, think of what he did as a magickal "repolarization" of the blades -- he couldn't have made them rock-aligned or shadow-aligned as easily. Be glad. Anyway, this battle ended some time ago, even counting that it hasn't been nearly as long in game time as in RL, so I figure the Big Guy has all his toys and such back at "this" point ("this" point being where the rest of the story is). =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 >On Sun, 12 Sep 2004 13:45:19 -0700 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012217 > >>On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 23:40:00 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012215 >> >> Hippolyta blinks, looks at Quiet Moon and the Blue Rose, then >>back towards the Doc Ock Dragon. Seeing that the Azure Amberite is >>especially occupied, she dryly asks Quiet Moon, "Acquaintance of >>yours?" > >"Regrettably, I do not know. I am a relative newcomer to this group. >Though if I survive, I hope to learn a few more names." Shrugging not >quite fatalistically, the Kai charges the attackers. The Amazon/Asp rematch is proving quite the battle. No catfight, this; each is fighting with cunning, skill, and superhuman ability, with the Asp's more enhanced physique being just about equaled by the Amazon Queen's quick thinking. They are approximately equal in terms of skill, however, which means that unless Hippolyta can come up with something truly clever, the Asp will win the day again. >OOCRedux: I'm assuming this is the 'Turn Egypt into Pulp fodder' >reality wave, and not 'Turn heroic CAoLer into a job-hunting Canadian >library tech', like back in AAE2. No window to defenestrate Mobius >with.... OOC: Mobius' bubble is maintaining his reality, not transposing it. >It should be pointed out that things like 'reality fields' and >'quantum probability de-anchoring anomalies' were never covered at >the Kai Monastery. He passes through the intersecting fields, rolls >as his balance is thrown off, and stands. Nothing feels unusual, >though he notices that his outfit has turned into a lightly armoured, >midnight blue with silver piping, suit. "My Moon Hunter costume?" Mobius raises an eyebrow. "_Very_ stylish. It does seem to be lacking something, however. A cloak, perhaps?" >Between strikes, Quiet Moon manages to yell "Mobius! Why IS this >fight necessary?" These 'bots, being insulated against electricity, >are harder to fell. "It accomplishes nothing except the ruination of >this world!" [Wait...vacuum tubes?] Stepping back, Moon seperates his >staff, and hurls the two pieces at the robots, each staff section >emitting an ear-piercing shriek, (hopefully) shattering the heads of >the robots. With that bit of relief, he turns back to the human >attackers. "It accomplishes far more than that, I assure you," Mobius replies. "If you only knew the power of the Torg..." >On Sun, 12 Sep 2004 19:41:13 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012218 > >>On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 23:40:00 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012215 >> >> "FOR TOMORROW!" the rocket men roar, surging forward as one >>well-trained unit. The robots march jerkily afterward. > > "That is when you might be waking up again." The Blue Rose quips >quite quietly. Mobius chuckles. The Ra Patrol appears less amused as they roar in, ray guns sizzling the air. > The rocket men, however, flow toward her, and in true Pulp style, >her own wedge of converted fighters remove themselves to fight the >lesser grunts. She watches several of the rocket men pausing to take >to the air. In the briefest of moments, her foot on the lowest of the >stairs, she shoots Mobius a grin through her own mask. > > "That's 'brava', actually. Mobius shrugs. "If you want Italian villains, Caligari is to the northwest. Truly mad, that one, but such _style!_" > As for encores, since you asked, perhaps I shall show you >something a little...special." With that, the Azure Amberite at last >draws her blade - which gleams a supernatural blue steel. The sword >rings - or is it sings? - in a small sound that nonetheless carries >over the sound of battle with the promise of a cool, watery oasis of >peace. "Mmm. Impressive." He smiles, fingering something within his cloak. > Suddenly, to the Metallica now playing for background, the Blue >Rose begins to dance, her burnoose slipping free to reveal the gauzy >veils beneath. Bells chime from around her blue boots' ankles as she >leaps with inhuman grace, one toe finding the ball of a flagpole even >as the Blue Sword severs a jet pack. The rocket man selected as her >target also finds his mark, however - or almost. A blue veil floats >free, caught in the wind. The Ra Patrol -- with one female exception -- become enormously distracted. Mobius draws from the cloak the crook of office traditional to a pharaoh. > The Blue Rose only _laughs_ with merry ferociousness, as the flag >pole turns blue beneath her foot. She pirouettes impossibly, and >comes to a high guard in Kiva-pose, albeit with only two arms. > > "Come! Dance with me!" She invites - the rocket men? Mobius >himself? It's as hard to distinguish as it is to see if she is ... >quite as naked beneath only the remaining six veils as it seems she >might be. Mobius does something with the crook. The doors swing open again, with grunt-level reinforcements pouring out. They are led by a heroically-proportioned man, obviously a high-ranking member of the Empire from his garb, who strides to the Pharaoh's side with confidence. "Yes, my Pharaoh." "That woman," Dr. Mobius says, pointing (up?) at the whirling, dancing figure in the veils. "Defeat her. Take her alive if you can, but do not risk yourself if she chooses to fight to the death. I do not believe she will, but..." Teth-Net looks at the Blue Rose with some concern. "That will be...challenging." "And here I thought you liked a challenge," Mobius laughs, slapping the Royal Marshall's arm band. Said band glows a faint red. Teth-Net looks at the device, Mobius, and Zia, shrugs fatalistically, and leaps in a way befitting the anime realm, reaching the Azure Amberite in a single bound. His clothes turn blue, as does the glow on the arm band. Teth-Net himself, however, is unfazed. "Your charms are great, woman, but no weapon of power, magic or beauty has ever laid Teth-Net low!" Mobius considers, then grins. [I think meeting the lady within the palace first was good Karma,] he puns to himself. > Below, the circle of her blue-changed reality has not only met - >and conjoined with - Mobius' own, it then reaches the holders of the >Rods. Which promptly shift to even more powerful-looking weapons, >coruscating with blue ball-lightning, encrusted with sparkling >sapphires, and shrilling mad-mechanically with power. The pitch, >however, seems to be increasing toward feedback-squeal, even as the >Blue Rose ki-yis another Arabic war cry with happy bloodlust fit to >curdle any mortal's blood. "You can't win, Polly," the Asp chortles, dodging the spear as she spins under her guard to kick her squarely in the breastplate. The Amazon Queen goes sprawling. "I'm stronger, faster _and_ smarter than you." Hippolyta scowls at her deadly adversary -- then, seeing the cobalt wave flowing over them, smiles wickedly instead. "Stronger than me? Definitely." She blocks a second kick with her forearm. "Faster than me? Maybe." Asp tries her life-draining grasp, but Hippolyta snatches it out of the air in a classic Greek wrestling maneuver. "Smarter than me?" She throws her enemy straight into the hyper-enhanced Rods of Joy. The Asp lands sitting, paralyzed, eyes wide, mouth agape, then manages to collapse, twitching and gasping. And smiling an impossibly wide smile in spite of herself. "Not on the best day of your life, you egotistical sow." The Amazon turns to face Mobius, her own pleasure at defeating the Asp enhanced by the residual "radiation" from the Rods but tempered by her rage at the High Lord. "I wouldn't do that," Mobius chuckles, pointing the crook at her. "Take your own advice, Doctor!" A familiar and (I hope) very welcome voice booms from above. Mobius looks up in surprise. Almost out of nowhere, a flying rocket cycle has appeared to hover over the battle, with a blond man wearing a red shirt piloting and another man in blue, with a cape that's blue on the outside and gold on the inside, standing on the back of the vehicle. "Blaze!" Mobius blurts, albeit more in pleasure than shock. "You missed me," Blaze quips back. "I'm touched." (OOC: Anyone who checks the lens link finds that Roland _is_ still in the Middle-Earth realm, fighting Sauron..._and_ here..._and_ somewhere else, as well. All will be explained soon. ;^) Mobius replies with a truly diabolic smile under his hood. "Indeed I did, old foe. I was beginning to feel rejected. After all, how could you think that some anachronism with a black crown could be as great a peril to your world as...THIS!" Thrusting his crook into the sky, Mobius sends concentric rings of power out, and in response, the mighty Omegatron begins to flare once more! Blaze looks disgusted. "Oh, that's just _overkill._" "Hey, Blaze, think you can walk from here? I have to find Ming." "Sure thing, Flash." Blaze salutes his companion, adding "It was an honor!" as he leaps down. Mobius' smile vanishes when he sees what Blaze is carrying -- a diamond-topped walking stick? "Hey, Blue, is this a private party or can anyone join?" Blaze laughs, leaping into the grunts that followed Teth-Net out and sending them sprawling like tenpins. The Amazon Queen shouts "Hola!" in response and joins him, and an instant later they are fighting back to back. "...you wouldn't know a Morgan Greywolf, would you, ma'am?" Roland asks quietly as they pound, zap, and thump bad guys left and right. "Can't say I've had the privilege," Hippolyta replies evenly. After staring at all this, stunned, Mobius' evil grin returns. "The Omegatron has _many_ functions, my dear Storm Knight. You are about to learn of--" The crook beeps insistently. Mobius looks at it in abject disgust. "Great Sebek, not now," he snarls. Recovering quickly, he bows to the battling heroes. "Rose, Hippolyta, Sir Moon, Blaze, it has been a pleasure, but I must retire for the moment. Fear not, however -- we will meet again, sooner than you can imagine. AH-HA-ha-ha-ha..." He darts into the palace, the doors closing with a solid *thud* behind him. Blaze looks nonplussed. "Well. Anyone _else_ care to guess what that was about?" -- Blaze "For JUSTICE!" ;^) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 01:14:33 -0700 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012231 >On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 > > Mobius raises an eyebrow. "_Very_ stylish. It does seem to be >lacking something, however. A cloak, perhaps?" "Oddly enough, I was thinking the same thing. Though a glider cloak would not be much help here." The Kai pauses, twirling his staff and bringing a robot down, metallic body crackling with energy. >>Between strikes, Quiet Moon manages to yell "Mobius! Why IS this >>fight necessary?" These 'bots, being insulated against electricity, >>are harder to fell. "It accomplishes nothing except the ruination of >>this world!" [Wait...vacuum tubes?] Stepping back, Moon seperates >>his staff, and hurls the two pieces at the robots, each staff >>section emitting an ear-piercing shriek, (hopefully) shattering the >>heads of the robots. With that bit of relief, he turns back to the >>human attackers. > > "It accomplishes far more than that, I assure you," Mobius >replies. "If you only knew the power of the Torg..." "I think you'll find my lack of faith...disturbing." Moon replies darkly. OOC: And... > Mobius does something with the crook. > The doors swing open again, with grunt-level reinforcements >pouring out. They are led by a heroically-proportioned man, obviously >a high-ranking member of the Empire from his garb, who strides to the >Pharaoh's side with confidence. "Yes, my Pharaoh." > "That woman," Dr. Mobius says, pointing (up?) at the whirling, >dancing figure in the veils. "Defeat her. Take her alive if you can, >but do not risk yourself if she chooses to fight to the death. I do >not believe she will, but..." > Teth-Net looks at the Blue Rose with some concern. "That will >be...challenging." > "And here I thought you liked a challenge," Mobius laughs, >slapping the Royal Marshall's arm band. Said band glows a faint red. > Teth-Net looks at the device, Mobius, and Zia, shrugs >fatalistically, and leaps in a way befitting the anime realm, >reaching the Azure Amberite in a single bound. His clothes turn blue, >as does the glow on the arm band. Teth-Net himself, however, is >unfazed. "Your charms are great, woman, but no weapon of power, magic >or beauty has ever laid Teth-Net low!" /Do you need a hand?/ Quiet Moon asks over the lens-link, between extricating himself from Killer Robots Not From Venus, and trying to get over to where the Rocket Men are (were?) standing. The remaining grunts find themselves speared with several Kai-Surges, and one gets a metal baton upside the head. Some of the remaining assorted thuggage decides that the Kai is worth swarming. As the wave advances, Quiet Moon keeps one ear on the Blue Rose's own melee. OOC: Which is snipped for the reader's sanity... > Mobius replies with a truly diabolic smile under his hood. "Indeed >I did, old foe. I was beginning to feel rejected. After all, how >could you think that some anachronism with a black crown could be as >great a peril to your world as...THIS!" Thrusting his crook into the >sky, Mobius sends concentric rings of power out, and in response, the >mighty Omegatron begins to flare once more! "Excuse me." the Kai mutters, taking a sword away from one of the Rocket Men, snapping said goon's wrist in the process. "Now then..." With a staff, he was impressive. However, his first weapon, like so many other Kai, was the sword. Almost singing in his grip, the sword hums faintly as straps, armour, and weapons are bisected. A quick gesture, and half of the baton comes off, clamping itself to Quiet Moon's belt. Unhindered by the disparate weapons, Quiet Moon continues his own dance, keeping a short distance from his allies; this has the effect of splitting the thuggage more ways. OOC: Cue...THE OMEGATRON! (da da daaaah!) > The crook beeps insistently. > Mobius looks at it in abject disgust. "Great Sebek, not now," he >snarls. Recovering quickly, he bows to the battling heroes. "Rose, >Hippolyta, Sir Moon, Blaze, it has been a pleasure, but I must retire >for the moment. Fear not, however -- we will meet again, sooner than >you can imagine. AH-HA-ha-ha-ha..." He darts into the palace, the >doors closing with a solid *thud* behind him. > Blaze looks nonplussed. "Well. Anyone _else_ care to guess what >that was about?" "Communication from his superior? Perhaps his control of the Omegatron is not as complete as he wants us to think it is." The Kai wonders out loud. "If that is so, we should strike quickly. This 'Omegatron' should be put paid to as quickly as possible." =========================== Subject: [Fwd:] AAE9: Re: re: Hang Time (Retcon)(Long!)(Sorry!) On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 23:08:51 -0400 Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00012232 Dhyrclhanc sees the two dagger/short swords spiraling back towards him in twin wicked arcs, and at the same time feels his TK control has been shredded to ribbons. He reaches out his hands, palms open and facing straight ahead of him and and Sings... *"... And if you don't know me now, then you'll never know me again, but you'll still hear me saying that you'll never break the chain!"* Two small horizontally aligned portals, each a little more than an inch and a half in diameter immediately iris open a short distance away from Dhyrclhanc's palms. Out of each one shoots out, at high speed, what looks like a bright copper-bronze alloy metal chain, as one as if it were shot from a cannon. [I learned this one from a fellow I ran into once, name of Douglas Sangnoir. I hope he doesn't mind me using it. However, I had wondered when, not to mention if, I'd have an opportunity to use it... ], Dhyrclhanc silently muses. Hey, when I stea^H^H^H^borrow, I only borrow from the best! OTOH, & FTR, I've now written Bob Schroeck at least twice about... er... "borrowing" some of "Looney Toons'" schticks and he's never returned my e-mails. So, I'm crediting the original source here and hoping that the good Mr. Schroek will forgive me this minor trespass. The two chains shoot out, each seemingly impossibly long, and getting longer by the moment, and then each chain whips around the handle of each of the dagger/short swords. Then both chains retract, at the same dizzying speed, but this time in reverse. Quickly, the two flying dragon blades are returned to Dhyrlhanc's possession. Snapping back into his three-fingered hands only seconds after both chains fully retract back into their portals, and the portals, likewise, snap shut. Dhyrclhanc, seemingly just as quickly, exo-ports the weapons away and they both disappear with a loud "pop" noise. >"Bah," Uthorion snarls, and snaps his "fingers" commandingly. > The weird science pack vanishes from Uthorion's back... and >appears around Dhyrclhanc! In a two-pronged assault, it tries to >enfold him physically (it's far larger than his T'Skrang form) while >attempting to paralyze the Lensdragon with a neural inhibitor field >_and_ driving him to the ground by vastly increasing the force of >gravity around and within itself. Finally, the device's metal is >pressed in and strengthened considerably by a magnetic field. >"Mobius' new Omegatron can take care of you now," Uthorion scoffs. "I >have better things to attend to now." With that, the titanic former >High Lord vanishes. And the sky grows darker... Just as the two-, or should that be four-, pronged attack begins, a kelly green, spherical, Green Lantern Ring generated force field instantaneously snaps into place around Dhyrclhanc's T'Skrang form, protecting him from a majority of the effects of the both the neural inhibitor and gravity intensifier fields, although the field seems to flicker once or twice before Dhycrlahnc finally gets the correct intensity of the force field correct. Meanwhile the Sentinel-Lensdragon's Near-Cosmic-Level TK seems adequate to keep him aloft. At which point, an expression sneaks it's way onto Dhyrclhanc's face that makes him look almost disappointed. As the ex-High Lord's "Weird Science" Techno-Harness begins enclosing him, he says, apparently to no one but possibly to himself, "You know I _was_ kind of hoping that I would not be forced into having to do this again, at least not so soon... " At which point a near deafening sound, almost unrecognizable as a guitar riff, rips through the air, and Dhyrclhanc begins, again, to Sing... * * * Budda, budda, ba-da, bahn-bahn-bah-bah-bah... *"No problem believing, in what she can't understand or seeing What she can't hold in her hand."* Everyone who can hear Dhyrclhanc's song will receive the mental image of Jean Grey, as a child, who held in her arms the dying form of her best friend, Annie Richardson, who'd just gotten hit by a car. They'll also feel the impact of Jean's telepathic powers blossoming into being at the same time; just in time, in fact, for Jean to make psychic contact with Annie as Annie dies. *"Faith is her religion You can see it in her eyes When all the saints and the sinners, stop to wave bye-bye."* At this point, Dhyrclhanc sends out two images, one of Logan, aka James Howlett aka Wolverine, and one of Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, both of them the love of Jean Grey's life. *"And the holy rollers, come down from the sky."* At which point, Dhyrclhanc sends out an image of the Starjammers -- the four-, or should that be five-, man band of space pirates who operate from a spaceship also called "the Starjammer" in the Shi'ar Galaxy. Who are led by Jean's father-in-law, Cyclops' father; Ex-U.S. Air Force Major Christopher Summers, aka Corsair. *"She's got the heart of an angel, but she cries like a little girl She's got the heart of an angel. But, don't she cry, cry, cry, don't she cry, cry, cry?"* *"The sign said 'Confession, and redemption while you can' She sought her salvation, in the hands of a preacher man."* *"...And He just took the money, her innocence and pride And left her on the doorstep, with her heart cut open wide"* *"The Grand Illusion, It just pushed her aside."* Dhyrclhanc telepathically sends out a montage of images representing Jason Wyngarde, aka Mastermind, the master psionic illusionist, and his attempt to seduce and corrupt the original Jean Grey Phoenix entity by projecting utterly realistic illusions directly into her mind, illusions which she couldn't disbelieve. These illusions corrupted her to the point where she willingly chose to become the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club and eventually pushed her down the path that eventually caused her to descend into homicidal insanity and become the being known as the Dark Phoenix. As thanks, the Dark Phoenix drove him mad by psychically opening up his mind to the cosmic-level sensory impressions that she regularly was privy to as a cosmic being. This, in turn, causing him to become, temporarily at least, catatonic. *"She needs some healing, but she can't understand that salvation, is right in the palm of her hand. Hush, sweet baby, your soul's in the sky... "* Dhyrclhanc now telepathically sends out images relating how the Jean Grey Phoenix was redeemed, though a great battle was fought between Dark Phoenix and Xavier to do so. But, later on, the X-Men were forced into a trial-by-combat by an alien empress in order to protect the now relatively powerless being they still thought was Jean Grey. During the battle, which took place on the Moon, the Jean Grey Phoenix chose the ultimate redemption-by-suicide by activating an ancient alien weapon-system and disintegrated her physical form. *"She's got the heart of an angel; sent to the heaven, Where all is forgiven, she's got the heart of an angel. The world needs some healing, for all to be forgiven... She's got the heart of an angel, but, don't she cry, cry, cry, don't she cry?"* *" 'Scott!!!!' "* The cry of ultimate anguish, broadcast psionically, is followed by an earshatteringly loud and eye-blindingly bright explosion as Urthorian's Techno-Harness, which had previously been almost completely surrounding the Psudeo-T'Skrang, gets disintegrated from within. This, in turn reveals Dhyrclhanc, who is now in his full, 31' long form, and wearing his Phoenix Costume. Only now, it's now blue where the costume was golden yellow, it's now now purple where it was bright green, and the phoenix symbol on his chest is now silver within a white triangular border instead of golden yellow within a black triangular border. Also, in addition to being surrounded by the primary manifestation of his use of the Phoenix Force, namely the huge -- even compared to Dhyrclhanc's current form -- Bird-of-Prey shaped aura of yellow and red colored stellar fire, both of Dhyrclhanc's wings are now each surrounded by a sheath of blue-white-hot flame. *"I Am Fire, Life and Magick, Made Incarnate! Now And Forevermore, I Am Phoenix!!!" P.S.: "Heart of An Angel" is the copyrighted property of the "Jeff Healy Band" as of cira 1988. Also, "Chain" is the copyrighted property of Fleetwood Mac, as of cira 1977. Their use here is in in appreciation of these artists and their works and in no way is intended to infringe upon the aforementioned copyrights. So, please don't sue me. =========================== Subject: AAE9n: Rama-Tet's Offensive On Sun, 17 Oct 2004 22:02:54 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012234 >On Tue, 14 Sep 2004 07:01:17 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012221 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012215 >> >> As he approaches the barracks, Mr. Nishikawa sees an shriveled >>old man in a robe literally sniffing around, eyes darting from side >>to side with suspicion. His overall trajectory seems to be taking >>him in Rob's direction... (Imagine Severus Snape's evil Egyptian >>cousin looking for Harry Potter and you get the idea. ;^) > [Just around this corner, and I should be in the clear...] As he >approaches his hoped-for escape, he is met by every enlisted man's >nightmare; Sergeant Obnoxious. > "JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, SOLDIER?" > "...sent to see the surgeon, sergeant..." Rob says weakly. >[...need to have my eardrums put back together...] > "IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED, -PRIVATE-, THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE! >SO GET YOUR LAZY BEHIND MOVING, AND DON'T WASTE TIME GETTING WHERE >YOU'RE GOING! CONSIDER YOURSELF ON REPORT!" > "YesSergeantRightAwaySergeantSoConsideredSergeant!" [Please just >let me go now, he's gaining on me...oh, rodentia.] Rama-Tet is too >close, now; there's no chance of running away. Indeed, a moment later, Rama-Tet's withered, claw-like hand falls with surprising gentleness on the martial artist's shoulder. "One moment, private," he hisses softly. The sergeant pales slightly and stands at attention. "Sergeant, what has this soldier done?" "Nothing I can't handle, Advisor Rama-Tet sir!" the sergeant replies crisply. For a member of Mobius' heartless war machine, he doesn't seem like that bad a guy, actually, even if he walked right out of central casting otherwise. "Just a case of molasses-foot, sir!" Rama-Tet actually smiles thinly at that, even more disturbing an expression than his scowl, if possible. "What a quaint turn of phrase. That one is new on me, as the saying goes." He turns and looks piercingly at Nishikawa. "No other problems with this one, then?" "No, sir!" Rama-Tet's grip tightens briefly...then vanishes as he releases the hero. "Very well." His smile, Rob realizes, is a knowing one. The mathemagician may not know _exactly_ who Mr. Nishikawa is, but he surely must realize what side he's on...and he's letting Rob go anyway. "Carry on. The signs call me to the Pharaoh's side in any event." With that, he turns and strides off with amazing vigor for a man who looks like a prime candidate for mummification. The sergeant, who had kept his voice firm and his body straight, allows himself a touch of a waver and a wipe of his brow. Then he turns the fires of hell -- aka the Sergeant Gaze -- on Rob. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING STILL STANDING THERE, _PRIVATE?!_ MOVE!" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Rama-Tet's Offensive On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 13:19:07 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012237 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012234 > > Indeed, a moment later, Rama-Tet's withered, claw-like hand falls >with surprising gentleness on the martial artist's shoulder. "One >moment, private," he hisses softly. The sergeant pales slightly and >stands at attention. "Sergeant, what has this soldier done?" Rob's thoughts cover several levels at this point, from his role's expected thoughts to his own, but they are in concert for a change. [oboyi'mintroubledon'tdoanythingstupidmaybei'llgetoutofthiswithoutafig ht] > "Nothing I can't handle, Advisor Rama-Tet sir!" the sergeant >replies crisply. For a member of Mobius' heartless war machine, he >doesn't seem like that bad a guy, actually, even if he walked right >out of central casting otherwise. "Just a case of molasses-foot, >sir!" And if you asked his fellow sergeants, it would turn out that he is a really nice guy. Writes home every week, helps pay for his grandmother's medical bills, and terrorizes privates where necessary to make them better soldiers. His greatest flaw is that he copies the stereotype sergeant from a dozen different war movies. > Rama-Tet actually smiles thinly at that, even more disturbing an >expression than his scowl, if possible. "What a quaint turn of >phrase. That one is new on me, as the saying goes." He turns and >looks piercingly at Nishikawa. "No other problems with this one, >then?" > "No, sir!" > Rama-Tet's grip tightens briefly...then vanishes as he releases >the hero. "Very well." His smile, Rob realizes, is a knowing one. The >mathemagician may not know _exactly_ who Mr. Nishikawa is, but he >surely must realize what side he's on...and he's letting Rob go >anyway. "Carry on. The signs call me to the Pharaoh's side in any >event." With that, he turns and strides off with amazing vigor for a >man who looks like a prime candidate for mummification. > The sergeant, who had kept his voice firm and his body straight, >allows himself a touch of a waver and a wipe of his brow. Then he >turns the fires of hell -- aka the Sergeant Gaze -- on Rob. "WHAT THE >HELL ARE YOU DOING STILL STANDING THERE, _PRIVATE?!_ MOVE!" Rob moves. As he goes, he wavers between the simple opportunistic view that Rama-Tet didn't nail him for some reason and he shouldn't question good fortune, and the gallows-humor mindset which thinks that he's being saved for some worse fate. [Hey, wait a minute...] "No, sergeant, nothing is wrong, sergeant," he mutters under his breath. [Hmm. Apparently the disguise somehow overrides the Zen Koan routine.] Moving on, he slips into a supply closet and considers his options. [I can't get anywhere important as a private, but the doors open automatically. So the access key must be in the uniform...] Then he realizes what he's missing. A touch of his Swiss Army knife to the metal rank insignia on his chest proves his guess; it's magnetic. [I thought this pin was a bit ornate for a private.] Now, he has a plan of action. [Step one, get a higher rank. Step two, find Karma. And don't forget step zero, Don't Screw Up.] He grabs a file folder, puts some blank paper in it, adds a bottle of ink as his excuse for being in a supply closet, and heads out to work on the details of step one. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 20:49:17 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012239 >On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 >>On Sun, 12 Sep 2004 19:41:13 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012218 >>>On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 23:40:00 -0700 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012215 > The Ra Patrol -- with one female exception -- become enormously >distracted. > "That woman," Dr. Mobius says, pointing (up?) at the whirling, >dancing figure in the veils. "Defeat her. Take her alive if you can, >but do not risk yourself if she chooses to fight to the death. I do >not believe she will, but..." > Teth-Net looks at the Blue Rose with some concern. "That will >be...challenging." > "And here I thought you liked a challenge," Mobius laughs, >slapping the Royal Marshall's arm band. Said band glows a faint red. > Teth-Net looks at the device, Mobius, and Zia, shrugs >fatalistically, and leaps in a way befitting the anime realm, >reaching the Azure Amberite in a single bound. His clothes turn blue, >as does the glow on the arm band. Teth-Net himself, however, is >unfazed. The Blue Rose had backflipped from the flagpole she had been perched on, fought her way through the entireity of the Ra Patrol (though, to a man, all but the female member of which had been quite distracted by the translucence of her fighting silk veils), and she had finally managed to somehow sense Teth-Net's leap as he approached her. Turning, she was just in time to hear the Standard Melodramatic Proclamation of Prowess by an Entering the Fray Flunky. > "Your charms are great, woman, but no weapon of power, magic or >beauty has ever laid Teth-Net low!" "That isn't just sad; that is a tragedy." The Blue Rose returns with a frank sadness shocked from her at the very idea of an existence so completely devoid of said pleasures. "The moreso, " as several members of the Ra Patrol fight off their distraction and combine to attack, she is forced into a flurry of parries and rispostes with her crook, " - the moreso that you seem to think it something to brag about." She finishes with a voice becoming a trifle winded, but she has managed to retreat against the wall of a nearby building. Her lack of flight is placing her at some disadvantage against the Ra Patrol; their numbers are also telling despite her most evident skill. > After staring at all this, stunned, Mobius' evil grin returns. >"The Omegatron has _many_ functions, my dear Storm Knight. You are >about to learn of--" > The crook beeps insistently. > Mobius looks at it in abject disgust. "Great Sebek, not now," he >snarls. Recovering quickly, he bows to the battling heroes. "Rose, >Hippolyta, Sir Moon, Blaze, it has been a pleasure, but I must retire >for the moment. Fear not, however -- we will meet again, sooner than >you can imagine. AH-HA-ha-ha-ha..." He darts into the palace, the >doors closing with a solid *thud* behind him. > Blaze looks nonplussed. "Well. Anyone _else_ care to guess what >that was about?" ^Someone - NGrrrrggg! - rang the other doorbell?^ The Blue Rose of Zia finishes her quip a bit more grimly after one Ra Patrol ray gun blast slipped through her guard. Her mental/Lens communication is hurried and showing strain - not surprising, given she is in play against the Ra Patrol and Teth-Net simultaneously. The left high shoulder of the veils is steaming, a huge rent melted through the once-beautiful blue. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 >On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 01:14:33 -0700 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012231 > >>On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 > >OOC: Cue...THE OMEGATRON! (da da daaaah!) > >> The crook beeps insistently. >> Mobius looks at it in abject disgust. "Great Sebek, not now," he >>snarls. Recovering quickly, he bows to the battling heroes. "Rose, >>Hippolyta, Sir Moon, Blaze, it has been a pleasure, but I must >>retire for the moment. Fear not, however -- we will meet again, >>sooner than you can imagine. AH-HA-ha-ha-ha..." He darts into the >>palace, the doors closing with a solid *thud* behind him. >> Blaze looks nonplussed. "Well. Anyone _else_ care to guess what >>that was about?" > >"Communication from his superior? Perhaps his control of the >Omegatron is not as complete as he wants us to think it is." The Kai >wonders out loud. "If that is so, we should strike quickly. This >'Omegatron' should be put paid to as quickly as possible." Blaze nods. "Agreed." Looking around, however... >On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 20:49:17 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012239 > >>On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 >> >> "Your charms are great, woman, but no weapon of power, magic or >>beauty has ever laid Teth-Net low!" > > "That isn't just sad; that is a tragedy." The Blue Rose returns >with a frank sadness shocked from her at the very idea of an >existence so completely devoid of said pleasures. > "The moreso, " as several members of the Ra Patrol fight off their >distraction and combine to attack, she is forced into a flurry of >parries and rispostes with her crook, " - the moreso that you seem to >think it something to brag about." Teth-Net almost smiles. "I said that I had never been laid _low._ On the other hand..." He leaps after her, sword pointed dramatically forward, pistol in his off-hand. "...I _always_ rise to the occasion!" >> Blaze looks nonplussed. "Well. Anyone _else_ care to guess what >>that was about?" > > ^Someone - NGrrrrggg! - rang the other doorbell?^ The Blue Rose of >Zia finishes her quip a bit more grimly after one Ra Patrol ray gun >blast slipped through her guard. Her mental/Lens communication is >hurried and showing strain - not surprising, given she is in play >against the Ra Patrol and Teth-Net simultaneously. The left high >shoulder of the veils is steaming, a huge rent melted through the >once-beautiful blue. "TETH-NET!" Blaze roars, and the previously omnipresent grin is gone. His gloves crackle in electric fury, and he crouches, power flowing around his legs with clear intent. "That is _no_ way to treat a lady," he snaps, exploding into the sky. "Indeed," Teth-Net replies. "And your chivalry does you credit. Alas," he adds, gesturing with the pistol, "you are in no position to act on the situation." One of the mechanical monsters slaps Blaze straight into the ground. Another steps around the far wall of the palace. "...ow..." *Hippolyta, can you...?* [On my way,] Hippolyta thinks back, almost used to telepathy by now. "All _right,_ you two-bit Rocket Ranger knockoffs -- KNOCK IT OFF!" Plowing into the Ra Patrol to give the Blue Rose some breathing room, the Amazon whirls her sacred spear around with vengeful satisfaction, sending Patrolmen in every direction. (Occasionally, a Patrolman and a rocket pack go in separate directions for a rather spectacular sight.) "As for YOU," Blaze cracks, voice charged with power, "that wasn't _nice._" The Ultra-Hero glares at the giant robot, enormous arcs of lightning flaring from his eyes. Similar sparks fly from the antennae on the robot where a human's ears would be. His assailant wobbles backwards. The second robot strides forward with ground-shaking force... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Rama-Tet's Offensive On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:32:38 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012244 >On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 13:19:07 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012237 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012234 >> >>Then [the sergeant] turns the fires of hell -- aka the Sergeant Gaze >>-- on Rob. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING STILL STANDING THERE, >>_PRIVATE?!_ MOVE!" > > Rob moves. As he goes, he wavers between the simple opportunistic >view that Rama-Tet didn't nail him for some reason and he shouldn't >question good fortune, and the gallows-humor mindset which thinks >that he's being saved for some worse fate. [Hey, wait a minute...] >"No, sergeant, nothing is wrong, sergeant," he mutters under his >breath. [Hmm. Apparently the disguise somehow overrides the Zen Koan >routine.] > Moving on, he slips into a supply closet and considers his >options. [I can't get anywhere important as a private, but the doors >open automatically. So the access key must be in the uniform...] Then >he realizes what he's missing. A touch of his Swiss Army knife to the >metal rank insignia on his chest proves his guess; it's magnetic. [I >thought this pin was a bit ornate for a private.] OOC: Oh, I like that. > Now, he has a plan of action. [Step one, get a higher rank. Step >two, find Karma. And don't forget step zero, Don't Screw Up.] > He grabs a file folder, puts some blank paper in it, adds a bottle >of ink as his excuse for being in a supply closet, and heads out to >work on the details of step one. OOC 2: I'll leave Karma's location up to her author. But since I'm trying to move the plot along in here too... The Royal Court. A gigantic, empty chamber...save for two figures. "Are you sure about this, Natatiri?" the man whispers, his powerful frame hunched over and watchful. This is clearly an unusual posture for him. "Calm yourself, Neteru," the beautiful, deadly Overgovernor replies silkily. "I have one of my agents seeking out the Pharaoh's latest female prize. He is quite protective of them." As Neteru bristles, she adds soothingly, "It will not come to that. Soon, all the power of the Empire will be ours." "I still do not like it. The Pharaoh--" "The Pharaoh is growing soft," Natatiri snaps. "Do you really believe the Empire will survive another year of his current behavior?" Taking Neteru's sullen silence for assent, she steps to a seemingly ordinary wall. As they are all covered with hieroglyphs, her reading does not seem strange at first. Then she begins pressing them. In...the name...of Sebek...I...command...you open...your maw." The section of wall she'd been manipulating irises open. Natatiri gestures in triumph as Neteru breathes out in relief. "Always listen to Natatiri, dear," she soothes, patting his cheek. In the shadows, Ming smiles terribly... -- Evil GM-San MUA-HA-HA-HA! No matter who wins...THE CAOL LOSES! HAhahahaha... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Sat, 13 Nov 2004 12:32:09 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012247 >On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 > "TETH-NET!" Blaze roars, and the previously omnipresent grin is >gone. His gloves crackle in electric fury, and he crouches, power >flowing around his legs with clear intent. "That is _no_ way to treat >a lady," he snaps, exploding into the sky. The Blue Rose gives Blaze a raised eyebrow, but given the pain in her shoulder, the expression lacks some of its usual flair. > "Indeed," Teth-Net replies. "And your chivalry does you credit. >Alas," he adds, gesturing with the pistol, "you are in no position to >act on the situation." > One of the mechanical monsters slaps Blaze straight into the >ground. Another steps around the far wall of the palace. "...ow..." >*Hippolyta, can you...?* > [On my way,] Hippolyta thinks back, almost used to telepathy by >now. "All _right,_ you two-bit Rocket Ranger knockoffs -- KNOCK IT >OFF!" Plowing into the Ra Patrol to give the Blue Rose some breathing >room, the Amazon whirls her sacred spear around with vengeful >satisfaction, sending Patrolmen in every direction. (Occasionally, a >Patrolman and a rocket pack go in separate directions for a rather >spectacular sight.) "My gratitude, oh queen." The slighter woman says with an oddly formal tone in sharp contrast to the wild fight whirling around them both. The Blue Rose turns her attentions back to Teth-Net, whirling her own staff through the air. One foot slides slightly forward and takes a low guard, placing as little strain as possible on her injured shoulder and back. Teth-Net towers over the smaller woman, but in a series of martial arts movements, he follows her around in circles, unable to land a blow as yet. The Hunter has been teaching someone some new tricks. > "As for YOU," Blaze cracks, voice charged with power, "that wasn't >_nice._" The Ultra-Hero glares at the giant robot, enormous arcs of >lightning flaring from his eyes. Similar sparks fly from the antennae >on the robot where a human's ears would be. His assailant wobbles >backwards. > The second robot strides forward with ground-shaking force... "Mistakenly, this one had thought that the villainy of the piece were not supposd to be nice." The Blue Rose smiles, swirling to one side and posing on one foot as Teth-Net's pistol discharges. The shoot goes wide of her by inches, but he narrowly avoides the butt of her staff as she attempted to disarm him by striking his wrist. "Perhaps some convincing as to this manner is required." The two of them swirl about again, in a weltering confusion of blows, counters, strikes, attempted shots, and whirling wood that would seem the most graceful of dances - save for their most earnest attempts to damage their opponent. Her wound must be serious; it is slowing her, though not so markedly as to be obvious to those unfamiliar with Zia's usual speed and grace. --- The Blue Rose "Maybe his name should have been 'Tough-Nut'?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:26:57 -0800 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012251 >On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 > > "As for YOU," Blaze cracks, voice charged with power, "that wasn't >_nice._" The Ultra-Hero glares at the giant robot, enormous arcs of >lightning flaring from his eyes. Similar sparks fly from the antennae >on the robot where a human's ears would be. His assailant wobbles >backwards. > The second robot strides forward with ground-shaking force... ...And suddenly finds a sword sticking out of its metallic chest. "I'm sorry, but you're in the way." Quiet Moon whispers, darting under the robot, power batons separated. Releasing them, the two weapons clamp onto the back of the robot, releasing a miniature explosion of magnetic energy. Internal systems hopelessly magnetized, the robot falls forward, shattering the ground it falls on. "And now..." >On Sat, 13 Nov 2004 12:32:09 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012247 > > The two of them swirl about again, in a weltering confusion of >blows, counters, strikes, attempted shots, and whirling wood that >would seem the most graceful of dances - save for their most earnest >attempts to damage their opponent. Her wound must be serious; it is >slowing her, though not so markedly as to be obvious to those >unfamiliar with Zia's usual speed and grace. A veteran of many a battle, Quiet Moon watches the two fight, in between the occasional strike from a remaining Rocket man or advancing robot...His instinct is to go in and heal Zia's wounds, but to disrupt a battle like this may prove fatal...He waited, knowing that he only needed a second to act. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:47:57 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012255 >On Sat, 13 Nov 2004 12:32:09 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012247 >>On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 >> >> "All _right,_ you two-bit Rocket Ranger knockoffs -- KNOCK IT >>OFF!" Plowing into the Ra Patrol to give the Blue Rose some >>breathing room, the Amazon whirls her sacred spear around with >>vengeful satisfaction, sending Patrolmen in every direction. >>(Occasionally, a Patrolman and a rocket pack go in separate >>directions for a rather spectacular sight.) > > "My gratitude, oh queen." The slighter woman says with an oddly >formal tone in sharp contrast to the wild fight whirling around them >both. "My pleasure, sister," she replies with an encouraging smile. >The Blue Rose turns her attentions back to Teth-Net, whirling her own >staff through the air. One foot slides slightly forward and takes a >low guard, placing as little strain as possible on her injured >shoulder and back. Teth-Net towers over the smaller woman, but in a >series of martial arts movements, he follows her around in circles, >unable to land a blow as yet. > > The Hunter has been teaching someone some new tricks. Teth-Net stares intently at his tiny, lithe, nigh-untouchable opponent. "You know," he observes evenly, never letting the conversation throw off his concentration, "I rarely engage in the sort of banter you adventurers seem to enjoy so much. One would think you would have continued the effort." "You're not worth the time, Te--HUPHH!" Hippolyta says, cut off by a -- Lion Man?!? -- barrelling into her! "HAIL MING!" The Lion Man cries triumphantly, just before the Amazon's right hook sends him back to Mongo -- in his dreams, anyway. "Where do they _get_ these lunatics?" Hippolyta sighs, throwing the titanic figure off her with a casual shrug. Then, hearing the whine of Ultra-Science engines above her, she looks up. "Uh-oh." Seven more Lion Men on rocket cycles charge down, roaring in battle lust as they charge... >On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:26:57 -0800 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00012251 >>On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 >> >> "As for YOU," Blaze cracks, voice charged with power, "that >>wasn't _nice._" The Ultra-Hero glares at the giant robot, enormous >>arcs of lightning flaring from his eyes. Similar sparks fly from the >>antennae on the robot where a human's ears would be. His assailant >>wobbles backwards. >> The second robot strides forward with ground-shaking force... > >...And suddenly finds a sword sticking out of its metallic chest. >"I'm sorry, but you're in the way." Quiet Moon whispers, darting >under the robot, power batons separated. Releasing them, the two >weapons clamp onto the back of the robot, releasing a miniature >explosion of magnetic energy. Internal systems hopelessly magnetized, >the robot falls forward, shattering the ground it falls on. "And >now..." Blaze grins again, saluting Quiet Moon cheerfully, then launching himself into the sky in a pyrotechnic (electro-technic?) display of power that lights up the battlefield briefly, all the more impressive in the desert sun. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Mon, 15 Nov 2004 21:45:11 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012259 >On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:47:57 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012255 > > Blaze grins again, saluting Quiet Moon cheerfully, then launching >himself into the sky in a pyrotechnic (electro-technic?) display of >power that lights up the battlefield briefly, all the more impressive >in the desert sun. Doc Energy watches in awe and amazement as Roland Blaze takes to the air in a rather impressive display of energetics. [I think I will note that in my bag of tricks for future reference.] he muses. Snapping back to the gravity of the situation, he spots the Lion Men of Ming rocketing their way towards The Amazon Queen. In a somewhat less impressive display (but no less spectacular) of electotechnics, he blasts off to her position and takes a defensive posture. "Would the lady care to have a dance partner this round?" he quips, preparing for battle. OOC: Fill in response here. Meanwhile up in the skies.... Anastasia was having the time of her (admittedly brief) life. Flying through the air was one thing, but the feeling of unbridled joy in soaring around the air was unmatched. Even though it was in a more-or-less circular pattern around the battle zone, it still didn't diminsh the sensation. She could "feel" as the air flowed around the wing of the aircraft. She "looked" down below and saw the takeoff of her uncles' friend Roland. "Good heavens. That's quite a liftoff. I hope Uncle got a good look at it before it went away. Hmmm.. Looks like he's fighting against those Lion Men on the ground. I better see if he needs help." she said to no one in particular. #Anastasia to Energy, come in Energy.# #Energy here,# thought the Good Doctor. #Uncle, do you require assistance?# The Doc chuckled. #No, my eager young protege. Monitor the Omegatron, and see also if friend Roland could use a wingman.# #Affirmative, uncle. Good luck, and save me a pelt or two.# she said just as flew on a parallel course with Blaze. The BORIS flew close to Blazes' speed and heading, but not too close. A very young Russian voice came over the com. {BORIS 1 to Blaze. Do you require a wingman to cover you in case of any trouble?} OOC: Fill in response here. =========================== Subject: AAE9n: A Momentary Flash-back On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 02:53:27 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012262 >On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:07:29 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012243 > > "Take your own advice, Doctor!" A familiar and (I hope) very >welcome voice booms from above. > Mobius looks up in surprise. Almost out of nowhere, a flying >rocket cycle has appeared to hover over the battle, with a blond man >wearing a red shirt piloting and another man in blue, with a cape >that's blue on the outside and gold on the inside, standing on the >back of the vehicle. > "Blaze!" Mobius blurts, albeit more in pleasure than shock. > "You missed me," Blaze quips back. "I'm touched." > (OOC: Anyone who checks the lens link finds that Roland _is_ still >in the Middle-Earth realm, fighting Sauron..._and_ here..._and_ >somewhere else, as well. All will be explained soon. ;^) > Mobius replies with a truly diabolic smile under his hood. "Indeed >I did, old foe. I was beginning to feel rejected. After all, how >could you think that some anachronism with a black crown could be as >great a peril to your world as...THIS!" Thrusting his crook into the >sky, Mobius sends concentric rings of power out, and in response, the >mighty Omegatron begins to flare once more! > Blaze looks disgusted. "Oh, that's just _overkill._" > "Hey, Blaze, think you can walk from here? I have to find Ming." > "Sure thing, Flash." Blaze salutes his companion, adding "It was >an honor!" as he leaps down. Mobius' smile vanishes when he sees what >Blaze is carrying -- a diamond-topped walking stick? All new from here down: Earlier on the Planet Mongo, an anxious Dr. Zarkov hunches over the sub-ether radio. {Say again, Romanov. Repeat transmission and clarify. The planet has an atmosphere that occasionally interferes with transmissions.}, says Zarkov, pressing the headphones closer to his ears. {Reports indicate Rocket Men and troopers bearing the Imperial Seal of Ming guarding key resources and weapons designed by Pharoah Mobius. Request assistance in whatever capacity you can muster. Das vedanya, my esteemed colleague. Etherial coordinates sending {} now. Good hunting.} Zarkov removes the headset, and switches off the radio to conserve power. He exits the radio room and enters a medium sized hall next door. A golden oak table sits center stage in the hall, with various races of Mongo represented in the audience.Seated at the golden oak table are Flash, Dale, Prince Barin and Prince Vultan. S Zarkov quietly makes a glass of chai tea, specially imported from his and Flash's last trip to Earth. It was one of the few things that survived the attack of Ming. That and Flash's prized football and polo trophy collections. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have news regarding the whereabouts of Emperor Ming and part of his army. Though he has left behind a sizeable force to protect the Imperial City, it seems that Ming has cast his lot with a strange Scientist from Earth. This scientist..." he blanches at the use of the word [Bah, as if superstitions and casting of bones could be called Science] "has produced something which Ming desires greatly. So greatly, that he has been willing to act as a subordinate to this Pharoah Mobius." "The deuce you say," exclaims Flash, "Knowing Ming as we all do, that old snake's up to something, and he wouldn't just play 2nd fiddle to another unless he wanted to eventually take control for himself." Nods and exclamations in agreement erupt, only to die down as Zarkov clears his throat. "It appears that Ming is providing logistical support for something called the Omegatron. I expect a further briefing on the matter once we reach Earth." "Hold one moment," says Barin, "Are you suggesting that we just leave Mongo and fly to your home planet. As much as I would like to see New York City again, how can we be sure this isn't some kind of trap for us set by Ming. This 'Pharoah Mobius' sounds like a ruse, and would be the perfect opportunity for Ming to kill us all or secure the planet with us away on a fools' errand." Some murmuring in the crowd, as if the idea had also entered their minds. "As much as I hate to say it, I agree with Barin." said Vultan. "Also there's the problem of how do we get there. My Hawk Warriors cannot travel that great of a distance, especially in deep space." Zarkov smiled a knowing smile, "Actually, Dr. Romanov prepared for this eventuality. He gave me the radio coordinates for the Galactic Patrol Headquarters. As soon as we conclude here, I will arrange for a suitable transportation for the bulk of yours' and Barins' people, as well as any others that wish to join us." [Trust Zarkov to think of just about everything.] thought Flash. Flash stood up, and all murmuring ceased. The heads of the Nations of Mongo looked upon him as he spoke clearly but forcefully "As much as I don't like quitting the field before the final play is made and we kick Ming out of the Palace, there's one thing to consider. If Ming wants something like this so badly, this means that not only will he take over Mongo once he gets it, he will also stop at nothing until the entire universe is under his thumb. Whoever this Mobius fellow is, he sounds just as bad if not worse than Ming. The fact that the two of them are working together for the moment doesn't look good for the home team. Those of you who wish to join us, can do so. Those who can't or won't...well...I will understand. But if we win, then you can say to your children and your grandchildren that this was the day the Ming was Brought Low and Peace Ruled Mongo Forever." As he finished and sat down, the audience stood up and applauded, including Vultan and Barin. After the accolades died down, Barin spoke first. "Friend Flash, we owe much of our freedom to you. Had you not come along when you did, we would no doubt still be squabbling over this or that and not enjoying the freedom that was our right. If you wish to go to Earth, we of the Forest Planet will stand beside you." "And if the two of you think I am letting you go and have all the fun, you're both completely out of your nests. My Hawk Warriors and I will stand beside you. Besides, this 'hit and run' tactic is starting to chafe my wings. I have been dying for a straight up fight for a long time." exclaimed Prince Vultan. Several shouts of joy and support emerged from the Hawkmen side of the audience. Dale leaned over to Flash, and whispered in his ear, "Don't even DREAM of not taking me, ya big lug. I haven't seen Earth in a long time, and miss New York City. And don't forget you still owe me that interview." "As if you would let me forget. Have no fear; after this is over, it's champange, cigars and a medium rare steak for me at the Empire State Building." "That's my Flash." Dale suddenly stands up and shouts, "Three Cheers for Flash! Hip-hip...." "HOORAY!" shouts the audience in unison. Flash looks over at Zarkov. "Well, Prof, looks like you have your answer. Now, how are we going to get there?" "Don't worry, my friend. I only need to make a few calls. You, Dale and myself will be flying in the Zarkov 2, a redesign of the original ship that brought us here. Plus a few modifications, naturally." says Zarkov with a grin as he gets up from the table and makes his way to the radio room. Sometime later, near an abadoned airstrip on the edge of the Nile Empire... Flash and Dale emerged from the Galactic Patrol transport ship, which was currently disguised as a dirigible to avoid any Imperial entanglements. They squinted in the hot Egyptian sun, which made the crimson of Flash's shirt even more striking than his shock of blonde hair. Two of Barins' trusted aides helped unload some of the cargo from the Zarkov 2, one item in particular being of great importance to Flash. [Just the thing I need for a quick detour.] "So, Vultan, let's go over the plan one more time." said Flash in typical go-getter bravado. Vultan sighed and looked somewhat glum. "We wait for a signal from you, and then my Hawk Warriors and I will commence the attack. Ms. Arden-Gordon along with Zarkov and Barin will provide additional support in front with my Hawk Warriors escorting." said Vultan in a somewhat dissappointed tone. Barin emerged from the transport ship just then, finishing the instructions. "We are only to return fire when fired upon by either Ming or Mobius' forces, and then only to incapacitate. Non-sentient forces are lethal attacks only. Really, Flash, is it *that* important that you go out alone? We still don't know if this is some kind of trap set by Ming." Flash grinned, "Well, normally I would agree with you, but this fellow Blaze seems to be a stand-up and fight kinda guy, at least that's the impression I got when he telegraphed me in my private quarters just before we landed. While I would love to be in the thick of things with you guys, Blaze seemed to suggest that Ming had plots of his own towards the Pharoahs' weapons and resources, and isn't above killing all around him to get them. That's why it's important that I scout ahead with Blaze to see what kind of defenses there are before I send you guys in as backup. No sense in anyone getting killed for no good reason, you know?" Barin and Vultan nodded in agreement. Vultan said impatiently, "Confound it, boy. Your impetuous nature will get us all killed or worse. Ah well, who wants to live forever? Good flying to you, Flash my lad. Kick Ming a few times for us when you find him." Climbing onto his modified rocket cycle, he flashed that famous Gordon grin. "You bet, old bird. I'll be sure to save a few for you." Barin, Vultan, and Dale watched as the rocket cycle blasted off into the dry desert air, taking the hopes of Mongo and Earth with him into the stratosphere. =========================== Subject: AAE9n: Enter The Good Doctor On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 02:54:17 -0500 Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012263 Earlier in Cairo: Doc Energy checks his equipment to see if it's functioning within normal parameters. He looks out the window and sees the signal fire in the sky above the Imperial Palace. [So, it seems the mountain wishes Mohammed to come to it. Though it is no doubt a trap, I must answer, if only to put the schemes of Pharoah Mobius to bed once and for all.] Donning his trademark Etherial goggles and blue/white lab coat, his form shifts, and his armor suit appears where he once stood. He touches his temple and a a signal is sent to the BORIS 1. #Locate Anastasia and inform her that I require her presence at once. Give coordinates to {this} location and advise her to expect resistance, but do not engage unless fired upon.# #Compliance. Shall I establish a Transiting link?# Doc Energy thinks for a moment. #Negative. Transition Phasing counterproductive due to anomalous readings from the Omegatron. Establish Sub-Ether link to Emergency Transport should vital signs lower to catastrophic levels. Advise current team members though Lens link that Emergency transport is available should it be required and acknowledge by radio packet.# #Compliance. Initiating communications now..# In his head were the buzzing of bees and hornets while the BORIS 1 sent encrypted messages across the hot desert air. After a moment, the buzzing stopped. #Dear Father,# said Anastasia, #I will join you in a moment. It seems as though Mssrs. Jones and O'Connell have run into a bit of a snag regarding the Arsenal of The Gods. Currently they are arguing over who gets to carry what, with Imhotep providing the best argument of all. They will join us eventually, once they decide which way to go. Since my skills are no longer needed here, I will inform the party that I must join you back in the city. We have all seen the signal flare. And don't worry. If any of the Pharoahs' minions try to stop me, I will show them that a princess is not always in need of rescue. Anastasia out.# Dr. Energy chuckled. "That's my girl. Now, to join the battle." he said to no one in particular as he made his way to the prayer room at the front of the apartment, heading for door. Meanwhile, a man-sized figure approached the hideout where Dr. Energy prepared to get underway. Underneath the red djelleba and robe, a robot hid. It was a specially designed robot. Little did Dr. Energy realize, but this particular robot had been instructed to follow his energy signal anywhere it should manifest. Mobius took great pride in his creation, who he named Necron 99. It scanned the apartment, and looked up at a 2 story building across the way. Making an impressive leap from the ground floor to the roof, it took a snipers view of the door leading out of the apartment. There was a sound of gears turning and the right side of Necron 99 shifted under the crimson covering. Out of the right sleeve, a wicked weapon of war emerged. It looked as though it were a regular rifle. With machine-like patience, it waited until its' pre-programmed target emerged. Suddenly the door opened. The assassin tilted its' head. It could see nothing at first, so it switched visual modes until it spotted the cloaked form of Dr. Energy. Had Mobius not prepared for this, it would have been fooled by the shimmering air around the door as part of the arid climate. But finely tuned Infra-Red lenses detected the heat signature of the cloak, plus the displacement of hot air around it. Carefully, a crosshair entered the assassin mech's field of vision. A blast of anti-plasma erupted with a CRACK! from the barrel of the weapon, aimed for the Good Doctor's head. Had he not ducked at the last moment, it would have been fatal. It was fatal, but only for part of the building that is now a smoking hole. The assassin, realizing that surprise was now out of the question, assumed assault mode and started peppering the street and building where Doc Energy once stood with special energy negating bullets that emerged from the secondary barrel of the gun. All pretense of stealth lost, Dr. Energy took cover behind a parked Studebaker. [Bolshie moi! These are no ordinary bullets. But I am no ordinary target. Well played, Mobius. I was not expecting that.] #Initiate activation sequence Krapotkin, BORIS.# #Compliance. Activating armored vehicle mode...# Suddenly, a great tank emerged from a nearby warehouse, breaking through the large steel sliding doors leaving the bloom of a metal flower in its' wake. The vehicle moves quickly through the streets as pedestrians quickly get out of the way. The ensuing traffic jam of cars due to the explosion of the building and gunfire only slows the BORIS down briefly, as abandoned cars and bicycles are crushed under the treads like jackboots on a beer can. The assassin fails to notice this, since the primary objective was the Good Doctor. The energy negating bullets bounce harmlessly off the armor plating as the robot continues to fire on Romanov's position, the only saving grace is that the tank provides him with better cover than the now destroyed Studebaker. The withering fire however, is enough to keep him from climbing into the top of the tank, which looks like a redesigned Sherman M-4 with a few modifications. #Anastasia, what is your current position?# says the Doctor, worry crawling into his "voice" #About 20 miles from your current location, current vector due north. Is something wrong, uncle?# #Da. I am taking heavy fire from unknown assailant. One of Mobius' little projects. It has a anti-plasma cannon and a heavy machine gun capable of firing energy negating bullets. Which means my shields cannot protect me from the anti-plasma cannon or the bullets, and the bullets will penetrate my armor when those are negated.# said Romanov, shuddering internally [No telling what that madman put in those bullets to negate my energy field.] #Understood. Adjusting flight path and increasing velocity.# Suddenly there is a loud BOOOOOOOM as though a supersonic jet flew over, were there such things as those in Cairo. Anastasia analyzed the terrain on the first pass and saw the red figure on the roof firing down on the BORIS 1 and her beloved uncle. The bullets were making hash out of the street and buildings behind him, leaving large pock marks everywhere. She turned around, and got a lock on the red robed figure. Necron 99 couldn't see the threat approaching him like a freight train. His visual processors were focused on re-aquiring postive lock on the Primary Target. His limited internal radar, however, did detect a fast moving object in the air. Had he seen it, he would seen a full tilt, pissed-off Russian princess defending the life of her beloved uncle at Mach 4 Before the robot could react, the full force of Anastasia hit him like a linebacker on a 90 lb weakling. The force of Anastasia's punch pushed the robot over the side of the building and into the next street, leaving a deep furrow in the pavement. The anti-plasma cannon was rendered useless, but the machine gun still functioned. Scanning the area again, Necron 99 reaquired his target, and emerged from the side alley only to see the tank pull away and head towards the palace. It began to run at a steady pace and would have eventually caught up with the tank once it stopped, but Anastasia had taken aim on the assassin with the twin Tesla guns after she got in the tank, and fired with unhidden triumph against the foe who sought to kill her beloved Uncle. A bolt of St. Elmo's Fire emerged from the barrel, and Necron 99 danced in the air as the intense energy polarized his titanium frame. Seconds later, the smoking chassis was all that remained of the robot. Meanwhile back at the palace gates: >>>On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:38:05 -0700 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012230 >> >>OOC: Cue...THE OMEGATRON! (da da daaaah!) >> >>> The crook beeps insistently. >>> Mobius looks at it in abject disgust. "Great Sebek, not now," he >>>snarls. Recovering quickly, he bows to the battling heroes. "Rose, >>>Hippolyta, Sir Moon, Blaze, it has been a pleasure, but I must >>>retire for the moment. Fear not, however -- we will meet again, >>>sooner than you can imagine. AH-HA-ha-ha-ha..." He darts into the >>>palace, the doors closing with a solid *thud* behind him. Just then a small minion scuttles behind Mobius. "Master, master! The lights went out, the lights went out! Necron 99 has destroyed himself." Mobius smiles so wide that if a crocodile would see him now, it would be jealous. "It is done! With the destruction of that cursed Etherian Romanov, my plan to become Torg will be seen to it's end. Now to take care of this other matter." Back in the BORIS 1: "Good shot, my niece. I only hope that somewhere, Mobius is wondering what happened to his creation." said Romanov as he got into the drivers seat. "Care to provide gunner support, my dear?" "My pleasure. I always did like fireworks." said Anastasia as she linked into the weapons console. Romanov exclaimed, "Initiate Activation Sequence Delta." {Compliance} said a speaker near his chair. Suddenly the tank shifted, gears turned, and a flash of light later, a delta winged aircraft lifted off and took to the skies, making a beeline for the signal flare and the battle that was no doubt ensuing near it. > "All _right,_ you two-bit Rocket Ranger knockoffs -- KNOCK IT >OFF!" Plowing into the Ra Patrol to give the Blue Rose some breathing >room, the Amazon whirls her sacred spear around with vengeful >satisfaction, sending Patrolmen in every direction. (Occasionally, a >Patrolman and a rocket pack go in separate directions for a rather >spectacular sight.) > "As for YOU," Blaze cracks, voice charged with power, "that wasn't >_nice._" The Ultra-Hero glares at the giant robot, enormous arcs of >lightning flaring from his eyes. Similar sparks fly from the antennae >on the robot where a human's ears would be. His assailant wobbles >backwards. > The second robot strides forward with ground-shaking force... Inside the cockpit of the BORIS 1, Romanov watched with grim fascination as the scene of violence unfolded. "Hmm, I keep wondering what that loony bird is up to now." he said. Shrugging his metallic shoulders, he turned to Anastasia, who was busy warming up the guns. "Anastasia, target the first robot with the twin Tesla cannons on the approach and lay down suppression fire. I will eject, where you must transfer helm control to your station. I will assist our friends below while you monitor the situation from above. Remember to only return fire when fired upon, and if you detect ANY signs of the Omegatron charging up or seeking to acquire targets, alert us on the Lens link." "Yes, uncle. Good hunting." "Spazebo (sp?), and Clear Ether to you." As the battle raged below, off in the distance there was a dim roar (OOC: Think Airwolf, and you aren't that far off the mark. ;-)) followed by the crackling sound of St. Elmo's Fire sizzling the air, striking the first robot that Blaze hit. The robot sputtered and sparked and collapsed to the ground, shaking stones and sand loose from the grounds. A unknown minion looked into the air, and saw a flying blue and white wing high in the air. He also saw a small dot emerge from that wing. After emerging from the ejection pod high in the air, Dr. Energy shifted his form again. This time it was a larger metallic version of himself. Soaking up the ambient energy around him, the sky flashed brilliant blue and white, he was suddenly 10 feet taller than his current form. Rolling in the air, he aimed straight for the second robot as he activated the single jet engine emerging from his back. The energy ball he was forming as he dove straight for the mechanical giant shifted and formed into the shape of a large hammer. With a cry his Rus ancestors would be proud of, he whipped the hammer around his head and with a snap of the wrist, he released the energy hammer towards it's intended target. As he passed over the second robot, he landed gracefully and resumed normal form, quipping, "Well, there's one way to hammer the point home." He turns to Blaze, "Is this a private session or can any musician join in?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 05:00:07 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012270 >On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:47:57 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012255 > > Teth-Net stares intently at his tiny, lithe, nigh-untouchable >opponent. "You know," he observes evenly, never letting the >conversation throw off his concentration, "I rarely engage in the >sort of banter you adventurers seem to enjoy so much. One would think >you would have continued the effort." > "You're not worth the time, Te--HUPHH!" Hippolyta says, cut off by >a -- Lion Man?!? -- barrelling into her! > "HAIL MING!" The Lion Man cries triumphantly, just before the >Amazon's right hook sends him back to Mongo -- in his dreams, anyway. > "Where do they _get_ these lunatics?" Hippolyta sighs, throwing >the titanic figure off her with a casual shrug. Then, hearing the >whine of Ultra-Science engines above her, she looks up. "Uh-oh." > Seven more Lion Men on rocket cycles charge down, roaring in >battle lust as they charge... The Blue Rose frowns slightly. [Naturally, just when I had decided Mike was right, that allowing myself to be captured again would be dangerously repititive as well as unoriginal, the circumstance arises where I may actually _be_ captured. Some days, even I can't win against the sheer irony of the multi-verse.] She and Hippolyta revolve for a moment, as the woman in blue plants her staff, leaps into the air holding it to lever her feet higher. Blue boots meet Lion Man, who then parts company with his cycle - and meets the pavement below with bruising force. The Blue Rose makes a soft noise of obvious pain. Nonetheless, she gracefully lands on her feet, then she ducks under Teth-Net's attempted blow with snake-like speed - without even seeing him come. It's as if she could feel the very air move before his fist. "Banter? With you? Me? An _adventurer?!" The Blue Rose laughs softly, the sound musical despite her pain and effort. "Unlike your side, I don't fight the unarmed with weapons beyond their understanding, young man." Her crook finally finds an opening, thumping him hard - but not hard enough for a telling blow - on the chest. That allows her just enough room to step away from the Amazon a second, as a Lion-Man who attempted a ram flies through the two of them without hitting a thing. "Tit for tat. Why bring that hand cannon, since you aren't using it - properly?" The Blue Rose's eyes regard him curiously from behind her mask. Sometime, he knows not when, her own blade has presumably been returned to the scabbard that is lost among those long, silken veils is all the colors of blue possible. -- The Blue Rose "I knew I should have gotten a motorcycle operator's liscense two shadows back." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 21:56:25 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012280 >On Mon, 15 Nov 2004 21:45:11 -0500 >Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00012259 >>On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:47:57 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012255 >> >> Blaze grins again, saluting Quiet Moon cheerfully, then launching >>himself into the sky in a pyrotechnic (electro-technic?) display of >>power that lights up the battlefield briefly, all the more >>impressive in the desert sun. > >Doc Energy watches in awe and amazement as Roland Blaze takes to the >air in a rather impressive display of energetics. [I think I will >note that in my bag of tricks for future reference.] he muses. >Snapping back to the gravity of the situation, he spots the Lion Men >of Ming rocketing their way towards The Amazon Queen. In a somewhat >less impressive display (but no less spectacular) of electotechnics, >he blasts off to her position and takes a defensive posture. "Would >the lady care to have a dance partner this round?" he quips, >preparing for battle. The Lion Men view this new arrival with more caution, which probably saves them a rather vicious thumping from Hippolyta. The queen grins. "There's always room for one more," she replies lightly, sparing a quick glance for the Blue Rose. In spite of the difficulties the heroine is having, Hippolyta seems confident she will triumph, but there's not point in taking chances. >The BORIS flew close to Blazes' speed and heading, but not too close. >A very young Russian voice came over the com. {BORIS 1 to Blaze. Do >you require a wingman to cover you in case of any trouble?} Blaze chuckles as his, ah, arc takes him over the entire palace. As BORIS watches the hero's travel, however, it becomes clear that the burst does not really constitute flight, however, but is rather 'merely' one mighty, massive jump. Using his electrokinesis to transmit directly to BORIS' systems, he replies, #{Appreciated, BORIS, but considering what I am about to do, that may be unwise -- oh, my.}# Eight of the mechanical monsters fly, arms outstretched and engines humming, straight for our heroes. "{EVASIVE ACTION!}" Blaze roars, using a second burst of power to redirect himself forward. He manages to surprise the point 'bot, getting above it before its deadly white disruptor beam can fire. Then he creates a magnetic field around his body and folds his legs, suddenly clamping down on its back like an Arabian wizard on a flying carpet. He then fires his bolts in one direction and the robot's own disruptor in another, taking out two more of their targets in quick succession. =========================== Subject: AAE9n: Omega and Alpha On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 23:10:18 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012281 >On Mon, 08 Nov 2004 20:32:38 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012244 > > The section of wall she'd been manipulating irises open. Natatiri >gestures in triumph as Neteru breathes out in relief. "Always listen >to Natatiri, dear," she soothes, patting his cheek. > In the shadows, Ming smiles terribly... Minutes later. "Natatiri..." Neteru mutters nervously, watching the entrances. "Patience," Natatiri replies curtly, bent over the ebon, foot-tall statue of Sebek. "I must convince the Device that I am a more worthy High Lord than Mobius." "Do you really think you can seduce an inanimate object?" Neteru snaps. [That does it. Neteru will outlive his usefulness as soon as the Darkness Device is mine,] Natatiri thinks in annoyance. Outwardly, she smiles coolly and confidently. "Ask OMEN." Neteru shudders. "You seek omens in foolish places," a familiar voice intones, as dark and grim as ever they have heard it. Neteru spins around, looking at a section of wall that was solid a moment before, but is now open and leading into a corridor. "Pharaoh MOBIUS!" he blurts. "I...we...I..." "SILENCE!" Yet _another_ voice roars, a door crashing open, and a ray gun strikes Neteru with its full atomic fury. The former Overgovernor barely has time to scream before being reduced to charred remnants. His rival, Ramses, steps forward, weapon pointed at Natatiri. "Give me an excuse, you murdering traitor." Natatiri, inexplicably, smiles, picking up the Darkness Device insouciantly. "Go ahead. Shoot, if you want to die." Ramses' eyes narrow, and he takes aim. At Mobius' outstretched hand, held up in a stopping command, he reluctantly lowers the weapon, still holding it at the ready. "You sound inordinately confident," Mobius comments coldly. "I have connections even you cannot imagine, oh 'mighty Pharaoh.'" With all need for pretense gone, her smile has become a vicious shark-like thing. "I have been the plaything of others my entire life. Now, all _reality_ shall be MY plaything!" With that, she holds up the Darkness Device triumphantly in both hands. "I know its name! JOIN WITH ME, KEFERTIRI!" The Device -- the Kefertiri idol -- begins to melt, shift, and reshape itself in Natatiri's hands, becoming a female form not unlike the Overgovernor's. Mobius, eyes narrowed within the hood, presses a single button on his crook of office. A force field springs up around the Device. "Wh--" Natatiri blurts, as the Kefertiri Idol springs from her hands, bounces once, then falls to the floor, rolling into a corner in its force bubble. "Foolish woman," Mobius snaps in a dead voice. "I know the Idol has had its doubts about me. It respects power, however. For all your cunning and scheming, you cannot pierce even that simple defense." "Oh, no?" Natatiri replies, smile gone. Her body trembles. "Oh, dar-ling..." Omen appears out of thin air, the most obscene smile on his face. His stick-figure body floats a foot above the ground, lounging arrogantly. "Natatiri, my passion, why are you bothering with that trinket?" "Because Mobius wants it," Natatiri snarls. At the stunned looks from Mobius, Ramses, and even Omen, she continues. "I enjoyed the position of Overgovernor, true. I even accepted that advancing would be more...difficult than with my previous challenges. But watching you slide into decadence, weakness, becoming soft...your collection of women...and all the while, looking on me with growing contempt? YOU?! How many realities have you ground beneath your heel, Sutenhotep?!" Mobius actually staggers back at the sound of that name. "Yes, I know who you really are, sorcerer. Why should you be worthy of something more and not me, eh?" At that, Mobius' confidence returns. "And I was to trust you, was I?" he replied almost in a whisper. "You had no intention of putting a knife in my back? Stealing my empire for your own? Exacting your pointless revenge on people I am responsible for?" "You didn't even try," Natatiri spat. "If you had been cautious, calculating, even conquering...but you didn't even try." Her smile returns, more hateful than the glare. "And now, I swear, I will take away that which you desire most." Mobius' expression is unreadable beneath his hood. Slowly his hand slides up toward it... "Must _you_ have it?" Omen asks Natatiri, looking at her intently. "Eh?" Mobius asks, arm freezing. "I beg your pardon?" Natatiri asks, throwing a stunned look at Omen. Ramses shoots Omen. The blast does nothing, surprising not even him. "Must...you...have...it? For your revenge?" Omen asks again. His tone is calm, but considering. "...no." She smiles at him in a very archetype of seduction. "You are all the power I could ever dream of and _more,_ darling." Omen almost doesn't preen. "So long as _he_ doesn't have it." She gestures at Mobius with a nod of her head, not even looking at him. "He will lose it. There is no significant time branch emanating from this point where he does not," Omen replies as if reading accounting statistics. Mobius, Ramses, and Natatiri all gape in astonishment at this pronouncement. Then, as Mobius and Ramses stare at each other, Natatiri begins to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. "Oh, so _perfect_ revenge!" she says, still laughing. "For him to know he will lose his empire and power no matter _what_ he does. Let's be off, shall we, Omen darling?" Omen grins sadistically at the two men. "Indeed." With that, he and Natatiri simply vanish -- no beam, light, inrush of air, it is simply as if in one frame of film they were there and the next they were not. Ramses is the first to speak. "My...my Pharaoh..." With a sadness obvious even in his movement, he removes the hood. Ramses boggles again. "Al-Hebpsa?! Are you _insane,_ wearing the Pharaoh's regalia?" He blinks owlishly, leaning forward. "Or has the Pharaoh given you permission...a double, to be his eyes?" Mobius smiles indulgently. "I would chastise a less faithful servant for lack of insight. I am Mobius _and_ Al-Hebpsa, my boy," he explains. "Why do you _think_ I have maintained a secret identity all these years?" "...to spy on your own Overgovernors..." Ramses says in hushed tones, staring into space as realization hits him. "And I remember well how you came to me in an attempt to save me from my own folly." He claps Ramses on the back. "In a way, I suppose you succeeded. Now go." He gestures toward the back door. "Gather those loyal to me -- the Asp, Teth-Net, Paterski, those others you trust -- and evacuate them from the Realm." Ramses blinks again. "Ah, my Pharaoh, the Scarlet Asp and Teth-Net are both engaged in battle with Blaze's army of heroes..." "You will manage." Mobius glares at the Darkness Device. "I have an arch-fiend to disprove. Ozymandias." "Working," the throne room's speakers reply in the computer's tinny voice. Mobius pauses for a moment, at war with himself. Then, staring at the Idol once more, he continues in a voice of adamant resolve, "Activate Omegatron function: Apophis." Even the computer gasps. (OOC: And I imagine Karma will have something to say about now... ;^) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Thu, 25 Nov 2004 12:16:31 -0800 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012284 >On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 05:00:07 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012270 >>On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:47:57 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012255 >> >> Teth-Net stares intently at his tiny, lithe, nigh-untouchable >>opponent. "You know," he observes evenly, never letting the >>conversation throw off his concentration, "I rarely engage in the >>sort of banter you adventurers seem to enjoy so much. One would >>think you would have continued the effort." > She and Hippolyta revolve for a moment, as the woman in blue >plants her staff, leaps into the air holding it to lever her feet >higher. Blue boots meet Lion Man, who then parts company with his >cycle - and meets the pavement below with bruising force. The Blue >Rose makes a soft noise of obvious pain. Nonetheless, she gracefully >lands on her feet, then she ducks under Teth-Net's attempted blow >with snake-like speed - without even seeing him come. It's as if she >could feel the very air move before his fist. In what would be superhuman coordination in another cosm, Hippolyta flows perfectly in time with the Blue Rose, cutting the bottom out of one Rocket Cycle with Needle of the Just's tip while the blunt end nudges another cycle away from them. This gives them a moment of relative peace and space. > "Banter? With you? Me? An _adventurer?!" The Blue Rose laughs >softly, the sound musical despite her pain and effort. "Unlike your >side, I don't fight the unarmed with weapons beyond their >understanding, young man." Her crook finally finds an opening, >thumping him hard - but not hard enough for a telling blow - on the >chest. That allows her just enough room to step away from the Amazon >a second, as a Lion-Man who attempted a ram flies through the two of >them without hitting a thing. Teth-Net cocks his head to one side, eyebrow raised in curiosity. However, he says nothing, simply looking for an opening. > "Tit for tat. Why bring that hand cannon, since you aren't using >it - properly?" The Blue Rose's eyes regard him curiously from behind >her mask. Sometime, he knows not when, her own blade has presumably >been returned to the scabbard that is lost among those long, silken >veils is all the colors of blue possible. "Mobius asked me to take you alive. This," he says, hefting the blade, "I can control well enough to have reasonable confidence in avoiding permanent harm to you. This," he adds, motioning with the gun, "is rather another matter. I am a soldier, not one of Mobius' bizarre villains from a serial." He looks between her and the weapon briefly, as if considering making a quick end to the fight. That was a mistake. With a whine like a fighter plane pushed too hard, a huge form races over the palace toward the battle. Teth-Net looks up in shock, eyes widening with fear. He fires the weapon, and a huge explosion shakes the air above them. For all the good it does him. A mechanical monster lands on its feet, with surprising lightness, next to the gathered warriors. Its hand, however, hammers down on Teth-Net, pinning him to the ground as its fingers penetrate the concrete around him. "Hnng--" he grunts. "I've just broken three of your least important bones, Teth-Net," Blaze comments grimly from the thing's back, where he sits cross-legged like an outlandishly-dressed fakir. "If you don't want me to trade up, I suggest you drop your weapons." Teth-Net releases both gun and sword, glaring at the machine's chest. Roland then de-magnetizes himself, leaping off and down, landing in a much smaller burst of St. Elmo's Fire than he'd left with. "Apologies if I overstepped, my lady Rose, but Mobius seems to be pushing. It seems wise to push back." "Too little, too late, my azure-clad friend!" A man in a red zoot suit, hat, and domino mask laughs, pointing a blaster at him. "You've _got_ to be kidding, Red Hand," Blaze sighs. "Hardly! You'll find THIS electro-burst much harder to control than my old blaster, I assure you!" The Red Hand pulls the trigger, and indeed, a blast of electrical power strikes Roland squarely in the chest. "A-ha-ha-ha-HKK!" Blaze calmly gestures, turning the blast on his attacker and knocking him senseless. "Not really, no." With that, the hero looks around. "Wait a minute. Where are Ming's rockets? His armies? For that matter, why aren't we up to our eyeballs in Mechanical Monsters? Why haven't they...by the Source," he breathes. He glances up quickly at the Omegatron. "Time to knock the door, folx!" he shouts. "Don't you mean 'knock _on_ the door,' Blaze?" Hippolta asks. "Only if we can't knock it _down,_" the Human Dynamo replies, matching deeds to words with a thunder punch that shakes the air and dents the huge double doorway. It does not, however, give in yet. =========================== Subject: Fwd: Re: AAE9n: Fire in the Sky On Fri, 26 Nov 2004 05:36:56 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00012288 >much smaller burst of St. Elmo's Fire than he'd left with. "Apologies >if I overstepped, my lady Rose, but Mobius seems to be pushing. It >seems wise to push back." "You're in command - you don't need to apologize for exercising that responsibility, Blaze," The Blue Rose shakes her head slowly, "even on those occasions your style reminds me where Roger got his." > "Too little, too late, my azure-clad friend!" A man in a red zoot >suit, hat, and domino mask laughs, pointing a blaster at him. "He'd best not be calling _me_ friend." The Blue Rose retorts under her breath, even as she kneels to check her fallen opponent. > "You've _got_ to be kidding, Red Hand," Blaze sighs. > "Hardly! You'll find THIS electro-burst much harder to control >than my old blaster, I assure you!" The Red Hand pulls the trigger, >and indeed, a blast of electrical power strikes Roland squarely in >the chest. > "A-ha-ha-ha-HKK!" > Blaze calmly gestures, turning the blast on his attacker and >knocking him senseless. > "Not really, no." With that, the hero looks around. "Wait a >minute. Where are Ming's rockets? His armies? For that matter, why >aren't we up to our eyeballs in Mechanical Monsters? Why haven't >they...by the Source," he breathes. He glances up quickly at the >Omegatron. "Time to knock the door, folx!" he shouts. > "Don't you mean 'knock _on_ the door,' Blaze?" Hippolta asks. > "Only if we can't knock it _down,_" the Human Dynamo replies, >matching deeds to words with a thunder punch that shakes the air and >dents the huge double doorway. It does not, however, give in yet. "The funny thing is," the Blue Rose continues with a bizarrely conversational tone to the pinned Teth-Net, "I know _exactly_ what you meant about Mobius' Fright Squad. Though I'm no soldier - nor adventurer..." She chuckles again, as if amused by the very idea. "I am a knight - of sorts." With a grunt and immensely more strength than she used in combating him, the small woman lifts one of the mechanical fingers pinning his body. She ignores the shriek of protesting metal, then she kneels besides him. "You said you were a soldier. Do I have your parole - and if conditional, what conditions?" Her eyes are so light blue they're almost white, but do not meet his - instead, her gaze studies his armband with disturbing intensity. "This is a key to the door, is it not?" -- The Blue Rose "Hey, Mobius! Avon calling!" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE9n: Omega and Alpha On Fri, 26 Nov 2004 11:34:39 -0800 (PST) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00012289 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012281 > > Mobius pauses for a moment, at war with himself. Then, staring at >the Idol once more, he continues in a voice of adamant resolve, >"Activate Omegatron function: Apophis." > Even the computer gasps. > (OOC: And I imagine Karma will have something to say about now... > ;^) Elsewhere in Mobius's palace, Rob is still stuck with limited access when most of hell breaks loose. [Um. Is it just me, or is that the sound of an Ultimate Weapon of Destruction? New plan, just in case.] One broom closet later, he is dressed in the silks that the Nile Empire forced on him, keeping only the rank pin to get him to the front door. In spite of the mass of people scurrying about in a panic, Rob makes it to the front door. And he only has to bounce two people off of the wall. [They're certainly acting like that's the sound of a UWoD...] When he reaches the front door, he stops short at the sight of a pistol. "Who are you," the captain snaps, "and how did you get in here?" "I am but a humble messenger," Rob replies, making a quick survey of the area. [Good. No matter what happens to the doors, nobody is going to get squashed accidentally.] "When the elephant comes visiting, it is wise to open the door for him." "What are you babbling about?" Rob smiles enigmatically, while keeping a light touch on the mini-lens network. [5...4...3...2...1...] >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00012284 > > "Don't you mean 'knock _on_ the door,' Blaze?" Hippolyta asks. > "Only if we can't knock it _down,_" the Human Dynamo replies, >matching deeds to words with a thunder punch that shakes the air and >dents the huge double doorway. It does not, however, give in yet. *THOOM* The force of Blaze's blow scatters soldiers like ninepins, even through the door. "What was -THAT?-" "That would be the elephant, knocking on your door." ===========================