Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Finale Chapter 7 Subject: [CAoL Main] AAE9: All Good Things On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:27:58 -0700 Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12945 After a few minutes of after-party pre-party, the two charter CAoLers and Champions arrive, looking much the better for lack of wear (along with anyone who'd like a little tender lovin' Life Magick from Morgan to be up for partying after the battle). Roland waves to folx, winces at good (bad) puns and bad (worse) puns, throws peanuts, catches peanuts, has a few tasty drinks, and generally enjoys the ambience. Still, eventually the deed must be done, and 'twere best done quickly... Roland Phoenix, in his trademark civilian garb of longcoat, jeans, icon T-shirt (the Phoenix, this time) and sneakers, steps up to The Line. Morgan is at his side, once more looking as if she raided Eowyn's wardrobe. "Folx," he begins, "I'm..." Morgan hugs him gently. [All the cosmic power in the universe, and I'm having trouble making an announcement to my friends.] He chuckles inwardly. [Nice to know I'm still human after all, I guess.] "...there's no gentle way to say this. I'm retiring from the Callahanian Army of Light." Rooba rooba rooba. "Well," he amends quickly, "retiring from the _CAoL_ may be a bit strong. We're family, and if I'm really needed, folx can count on me. But I gained something..." his face turns rapturous for a moment. "...indescribable..." the ecstatic look fades, a hint of melancholy trickling in. "...and everything has its price, even enlightenment." He grins wryly at Nemo. "You know, I still don't agree from an ethical standpoint with your decision on Rassilon...but I see why you did it, what it led to, and for the life of me I can't see any better way to handle it without throwing an awful lot of what happened at risk. Maybe I'm just stubborn." The smile fades even further. "More to the point, I know -- I _Know_ -- why you were so determined that _I_ should continue to be the leader of the CAoL. Which means...I _can't_ be, any more." He turns an empty glass in one hand. It floats idly into the air as he continues. "I've developed, well, this Cosmic Awareness. I'm not a god or anything, but I can read and sort Possibilities, and my limits on my power...aren't, so much, any more. I've traded my, well, I guess you could call it innocence, for a sort of evolutionary maturity." He grins again. "The Vorlons aren't any good at translating it into English. I shouldn't feel bad that I can't do it very well either. "Finally...I've become part of Earth-9." He chuckles at an old, private joke. "Those of the Courts of Amber and Chaos can become one with a particular ficton, or 'Shadow.' I'm like that, with my universe. And the Source knows that my reality could use some TLC." At the other Champions' looks of alarm, Roland smiles reassuringly. "No, I'm not leaving the Champions, although things are going to start getting less exciting with the power levels I'm sporting." He smiles, almost glowing with love, at his wife. "And I'm not the only one." "As you can imagine," Morgan adds, "I'm with him. There's going to be a lot to do to get our world back to normal. Traumatized people, pockets of tainted energy, stuff like that. A couple of Japanese goddesses have offered some advice on that front." Morgan shifts into wolf form, not an unusual change normally, but this time she's white with distinctive red markings and small silver wings at her shoulders and heels, the tip of her tail ink-black. She shifts back to her human form with a grin. "And considering my new-found abilities, Belldandy's offered to introduce me to the craftsman who made her earrings." The Highlander looks around at the assembly of friends, comrades in arms, people she's travelled and fought beside for years now. "And, there's another issue." She looks at Liam and Rachel. "Seeing my bairns grown like this, reminds me of how little time we have with them when they're still bairns. I want to spend some time with my children before they grow up." Her smile broadens. "All three of them." Rachel gapes for a moment, then whoops and pumps a fist in the air. Liam chuckles and shakes his head, making "we're doomed" type noises, clearly not meaning a word of it. Morgan's eyes sparkle mischievously. "I knew before the invasion, but then everything happened at once. But, considering that this one's a boy, and what he's already been exposed to, we've decided to bow to the inevitable." "We're naming him Roger," they say in unison. Morgan /|\ (/) Roland Worlds saved, paradigms refined, villains undone. Send inquiries c/o Callahan's Place. CAoL site: http://silver-gateway.com/caol/index.shtml Earth 9: http://silver-gateway.com/rc/earth9/index.html =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] AAE9: Then, the Party of the After-Part On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:12:14 -0700 (PDT) Samatha Cooper Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12946 >On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:27:58 -0700 >Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12945 > >Morgan's eyes sparkle mischievously. "I knew before the invasion, but >then everything happened at once. But, considering that this one's a >boy, and what he's already been exposed to, we've decided to bow to >the inevitable." > >"We're naming him Roger," they say in unison. " - must've heard something wrong." A certain Petite Amberite mutters from a table somewhat obscured by the more bustling crowd of Regulars. "I really thought he said the impossible was still impossible. Of course... Roger has always been completely impossible, so I guess it works out." Zia looks oddly fragile around the edges - she is not injured after all the healing and such, but a certain extra caution in how she sits and carries herself seems to convey that not all the wear and tear of the last battle is so easily put behind her. She does have an oddly _satisfied_ air, however, as she hears Roland's annoucement of his and Morgan's future plans. "So, it's as happily ever after as heroes get." She sighs. "It's all good for them, and deservedly so, but now I'll have to find something else to do. Somehow I don't think any of my sort have ever had a happy, peaceful sort of ending." She rubs her temples with a grumbled mutter, "Look, saved another universe, and all I got out of it was a sore head. I don't live right." Ziactrice =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 2 of 3 On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:25:24 -0700 Dane Anderson Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12947 >Roland X wrote Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12943 > > Earth-9's reality does not tear, exactly. Instead, it opens and >flows away from itself, the judo master inviting his foe to be >somewhere away from him. [it does not have to end like this,] Earth-9 >thinks with Roland's voice. [you can still choose something better.] > *[PHAUGH!]* Heketon thinks back loudly enough for telepaths to >'hear.' *[Go ahead! Throw me to the Stardragon! May he CHOKE on me!]* > Earth-9's reaction is not unlike a reluctant shake of the head. >[as you wish.] With that, the efforts of the many heroes throw >Heketon outside of this ficton and straight into the reality the >Stardragon has waited in for so long. Even that unimaginably mighty >being will have to put some effort into destroying the Heart of >Darkness, expelled by the Army of Light, but the outcome of their >battle is hardly in doubt. As Heketon enters the trap The Stardragon had prepared for HIM, it begins to tear into him. Forces designed to be able to almost take out the Great Adversary himself are unleashed against him. 'Standing' there in the heart of the trap is The Stardragon, waiting in patient fury. To Heketon's horror he realizes this is not the childlike embodyment of existance, that he might possibly have a chance against. Waiting for him is The Stardragon, an adult entity at the height of it's knowlege and POWER. Without a 'sound' The Stardragon attacks, adding it's terrible might to the forces seeking to tear Heketon apart. The Great Adversary is given another chance to enter the Macroscopic All that The Stardragon embodies. However knowing what is happening there, what he would be facing, he wisely passes on the opportunity. Heketon is on his own. The outcome is never in doubt, but Heketon IS an Avatar of the Great Adversary. By the time Heketon is finally ripped to shards, and the shards expelled from the Macroscopic All, there is little left of the 'trap', and even The Stardragon does not go unscathed. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:04:05 -0700 Dane Anderson Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12948 >Roland X wrote Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12944 > > With a casual side-thought, he cleanses the invasion area of all >remaining physical, psychic, magical, spiritual, and Possibility >taint. His eyes dance over to the rock platform that brought most of >the CAoL to the battleground, and an X-Window to the Place appears >over it. "After-party," he says. Mike Callahan is already setting up >drinks, showing no signs of having had to fight anyone recently. "We >earned it. _You_ earned it," Roland adds. "Morgan and I need to talk >for a minute; we'll be back as soon as -- grmph." > "Hugs first," Rachel whispers, glomping her father to within an >inch of his life. Liam, decorum gone, does more or less the same. Aurora returns to her humanoid form, albeit, a form well over a mile high. Then she and Hydra 'stride' to the center of the spot where the Illearth Mound had been. Between them they raise a monument, in pure crystalized energy, to those who fell to protect Earth 9. /*"Let this stand for all time to testify of those who sacrificed themselves to protect this world and this universe."*/ Hydra calls out. /*"Let its light be a beacon and a guide to all those who would follow their examples "*/ Aurora adds. Those who approach it 'hear' a roll call of those who fell, opposing evil, starting with "Boogyman, son of Hydra and Aurora ". No matter how much time entities spend near it, from seconds to days, and no matter what language or other means of communications they use, they somehow 'hear' every name, of every fallen being, clearly. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:29:03 -0700 (PDT) Peter Eng Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12949 >Roland, Phoenix Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12942 >> Peter Eng Sent CAoL Post Number: 12929 >> >> Kagato's golden serpents vanish, dropping Rob to the ground. "I >>am impressed. Few people can out-think me." >> "It's a specialty, and I've had the opportunity to watch a master >>plying the craft," Rob replies, as he gestures at Roland. > > "Not to mention," Rachel rumbles, lightning crackling in her >voice, "that you didn't think I was going to _abandon_ Uncle Rob, >_did_ you?" Kagato turns...and the multiverse is treated to the Ruins >Buster coming as close as he is capable to 'eep'ing. > The real Washuu-chan is floating above one of Rachel's shoulders. >"Kaggy, Kaggy, Kaggy," Washuu admonishes with a throaty chuckle, >"you've been a bad monkey." Rob does 'eep'. It's one thing to pretend to be Washuu-chan to fool Kagato. Pretending to be her and discovering that she's actually around, on the other hand, is definitely "eep" time. > Kagato vanishes before he can object to the familiarity. > Rachel grins. "Where did you send him, Washuu-chan?" > Washuu's smile is twice Rachel's. "The Jusenkyo springs. I was >aiming for the Spring of Drowned Octopus, but there are so _many_ >possibilities, really..." she winks conspiratorially at Rob. "...yes, yes there are," Rob replies. [...oh, good...she's not mad at me. I won't end up in the Spring of Drowned Carson Kressley.] > There is a pause, as if something is being decided. Then, those >with incredibly subtle senses pick up a decision being made; 'essence >of nodding,' if you will. > The Possibility Sword appears at Rob's feet. There's a message >'written' in chi along the blade, visible to those with the >appropriate abilities (this, of course, includes Rob): "This is >yours, Rob. You will do well. :-)" > Yes, there _is_ a smiley on the end of the message. *g* [Wh--? But...well, maybe somebody here can succeed where Benedict of Amber couldn't - or else I'm going to spend a lot of time with Woundhealer as well...] >> Rob pulls out the card that represents the last favor owed him. A >>jet-black card, it has only one thing on it - a heart drawn in >>silver. As he invokes its power, the card melts, dripping off his >>hand. Taking a deep breath, he concentrates on the effect he >>wants...and sings. (OOC: I picked up _The Essential Heart_ partway through this round of AAE, and _Allies_ just grabbed hold of me, saying, "This has to be part of the finish, somehow.") As the threads unravel, Rob watches Heketon's power fade. "We're winning," he says softly. "But Roland..." >On Fri, 6 Apr 2007 02:36:19 -0400 >Michael Seven Sent CAoL Post Number: 12937 > > /Pass the torch, friends!/ The Sevens sent out telepathically, >/We've seen him obliterated to nothing but an aura. And he. Came. >Back. This is Roland -Phoenix-. He rises from the ashes. Pass the >torch, light the fire of hope. A beacon to guide him home!/ "...yes. Yes!" Heketon screams his last scream on Earth-9 as Rob throws his will into a call: /Roland! For Morgan, Liam, and Rachel - come back!/ He picks up the Possibility Sword, more out of a sense of neatness than out of any hope that it will give him a stronger link to the Freelance Immortal. >Roland, Phoenix Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12942 > > The mountain heaves. Gaia groans in protest -- perhaps literally >-- as her surface is violated one more time. Like some volcano of >blasphemous ruins, the monstrosities of Orrorsh are consumed in a >conflagration of raw power, vastly cleaner by comparison yet still >disturbing for those not acclimated to the greater horrors they >faced. Out of the ruins, from the apex of the mountain, rises the top >half of a robotic body, woven through with strange artificial 'wood' >and sigils of some alien power. > >"Mechanon," Morgan says simply, shaking her head. Even as he gets ready to fight, Rob knows this is bad. [I remember the Villains' Secrets book - this is not my idea of a fight on my scale. And that looks like an improved version...] > "You are exhausted. Your cosmics battle with Outsider Things for >the fate of existence itself. And your leader, your precious >Defender, is dead." An arm the size of a skyscraper turns into an >energy cannon. "What hope have you -- SKQUARZZK!" "He's baaaaaack..." Rob relaxes visibly, watching as Defender takes Mechanon down. "And he's better than ever." As he looks around, he notices a distinct lack of troublemakers. By the time he looks back at the Phoenix family, they're in a group hug - or glomp, perhaps - and he's convinced that it's finally done. "Rachel's going to be running fast just to avoid all the guys that make passes at her," he says, thinking out loud. "Not that that'll be a prob..." Suddenly, something she said comes into full focus. "Uncle?" As he chews on that thought, he walks towards the X-Window. [Family. Hmm. I wonder how Mom and Dad are doing?] =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:57:52 -0700 (PDT) Peter Eng Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12950 >Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12945 > > Roland Phoenix, in his trademark civilian garb of longcoat, jeans, >icon T-shirt (the Phoenix, this time) and sneakers, steps up to The >Line. Morgan is at his side, once more looking as if she raided >Eowyn's wardrobe. > "Folx," he begins, "I'm..." Morgan hugs him gently. [All the >cosmic power in the universe, and I'm having trouble making an >announcement to my friends.] He chuckles inwardly. [Nice to know I'm >still human after all, I guess.] > "...there's no gentle way to say this. I'm retiring from the >Callahanian Army of Light." Rob is surprised, yet not. [It's like this is how things are meant to unfold. How do I know that?] ^You named yourself my paladin. Are you surprised that I accepted your offer? I've only been asking for your assistance since we first met face-to-face.^ ^Ghidorah?!^ ^Yes. Now enjoy the party. We'll talk more later.^ As Roland and Morgan explain the reasons, he continues sipping his sparkling cider. >Morgan's eyes sparkle mischievously. "I knew before the invasion, but >then everything happened at once. But, considering that this one's a >boy, and what he's already been exposed to, we've decided to bow to >the inevitable." > >"We're naming him Roger," they say in unison. Rob cheers, and drains his glass before pegging it into the center of the fireplace. Then he hears a familiar sound - the sound that marks Ghidrah's first gift to him. "When you are needed in another dimension, you will always know. This favor is yours, for what you have done for me this day." "Roland - Morgan - I have to go. Good fortune in everything, and I'll..." He pauses for a moment, as possible futures sort themselves in his mind. "I'll be back when the Army needs me. But right now," he adds, as his eyes flash blue, and he cuts a hole in the dimensional fabric, "I have somewhere I need to be." When his ride through the space between dimensions ends, he's on an island. Nearby, there is the sound of steel on wood. [Wonder where I am now?] As he approaches the fight, there is a loud *THWACK* of wood on bone, and he steps out in time to see the fight end. The victor drops his bokuto, which appears to have been carved from an oar, and walks toward Rob. "Hello," he says in unaccented Japanese. "Who are you?" "Robert Nishikawa. May I know your name?" "I am Miyamoto Musashi." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning (2 and 3) On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:09:53 -0400 Karma Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12951 >On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:52:18 -0700 >Roland, Phoenix Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12943 > >>On Sat, 7 Apr 2007 04:25:03 -0400 >>Karma Sent CAoL Post Number: 12939 >> >> The last time Karma had been seen on the field of battle, she had >>been running toward the gospog and Imperial troops after Count Dooku >>AKA Lord Tyrannus had been denied his fatal blow by the swift action >>of Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Anakin Skywalker. > > In five minutes, Darth Tyrannus will be dead at last, put to rest >by his former Padawan and a young student freed from the Dark Side by >love and faith. (OOC: Unless someone else wants him.) (OOC: Indeed, run with it, if you want, with my blessing as well. Since I'd originally asked for it, that is.) > It will be too late to help Karma. > > (OOC: Thank you, good to be back. :)) >> "This one's for Defender, monster," she spat, struggling to keep >>herself upright. [I will hold on. I'm not done with this life, yet.] >> But her wounds were telling a different story. Bene Gesserit >>training from lifetimes ago was all that was keeping her upright. >> [I'm not done yet, monster, but you are. I'm not done yet.] > > "-no-" > Former High Lord and Pharaoh, now 'simple' pulp hero, Doctor >Mobius obliterates another Wraith with a kitbashed weapon that is >part mystical staff and part ray gun, and reaches her side. > "no." He snarls something that would make someone who speaks >Ancient Egyptian blanch and cuts open his arm with a ritual blade >older than most civilizations on this world. Sand pours out. "O >Gods...I have no right to ask anything of you, but _this_woman_does._ >What grace I have left, I give to you. Take it, and _let_her_live._" >His throat spasms. He will not cry. Not yet. "Please." Karma gasped instinctively and tried to reach out with her free hand to stop Mobius' cut to his own immortal flesh, but she had to stop herself as she felt her balance wanting to give way to gravity. Instead, Karma gave Mobius a weak smile as a tear trickles down her cheek. "I'm not going anywhere just yet," Karma said, simply. > Lost to the Pharaoh is the whiplash reaction to Karma's sacrifice; >Heketon screams at last, the travesty of a body it's made throwing >its head back and wailing in agonized fury and loathing. > At last, cruel Heketon knows pain. At the end, sadistic Heketon >knows fear. Too late. Karma looks briefly back at Heketon and smiles beautifully, "You know where the door is, Heketon. You kicked it down, after all." >>On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:56:01 -0500 >>Frank McCoy Sent CAoL Post Number: 12940 >> >>From seemingly nowhere outside the barrier a small square package >>comes flying in. >>Unlike living (or nonliving) things or even weapons, this seems as >>unaffected by the pentagram as the air, dust, and fog. >> >>Landing near the woman it rolls and finally lands flat near her >>side. The bundle is about six inches square, white, and with the >>familiar symbol of a red-cross covering most of the visible area. > > Link, relieved that the one he feared for lives, lands at Mobius' >side. For Mobius' part, he almost weeps in relief himself at the >sight of the first aid pack. He immediately starts using it, proving >that he actually has the right to the title Doctor. "Feels a bit like >mummification here, though," he murmurs to himself. Karma choked a bit as she tried to laugh, "I'd rather be cremated, truthfully. But not today." > Link's lips go flat. Should he? ... yes. "zelda," he whispers. > A woman of jaw-dropping beauty, radiating wisdom like a beacon, >appears by the side of the Hero of Time. "Link, what...Din, Farore >and Nayru," she exhales. "Go, warriors. I will care for this one." > "No," Mobius says simply, continuing to work. Zelda sighs, smiling >faintly, and looks up at Link, who looks exasperated in turn. "I will >protect her. I swear by Re-Horakty, Osiris and Isis," Mobius adds, >never looking away from Karma's wounds. > Link nods reluctantly, then begins striding towards Heketon >itself. "Nayru's Heart," Zelda intones, the healing magic spiraling >from an alien divinity, while the Hylian champion points his blade at >the monstrosity before him. A wave of sacred might flows from him -- >the Power to Repel Evil. > Heketon's screams redouble. Karma gives the Hylians an pleased, if embarrassed, smile. Not embarrassed at Mobius, just for being the focus of such attention and argument. Her attention, however, is inevitably drawn back to Heketon, the reason she still stands in the pentagram, drawing the dark power into the light within the mirror she still holds. [We may be insects to you, but even insects can bring down a person when they attack as one.] > *[PHAUGH!]* Heketon thinks back loudly enough for telepaths to >'hear.' *[Go ahead! Throw me to the Stardragon! May he CHOKE on me!]* > Earth-9's reaction is not unlike a reluctant shake of the head. >[as you wish.] With that, the efforts of the many heroes throw >Heketon outside of this ficton and straight into the reality the >Stardragon has waited in for so long. Even that unimaginably mighty >being will have to put some effort into destroying the Heart of >Darkness, expelled by the Army of Light, but the outcome of their >battle is hardly in doubt. As the no-thread ceased and Heketon was ejected, several things happened at once. The pentagram faded into nothing, the blood that formed it soaking into the earth. The mirror fell from Karma's trembling fingers and struck a small stone on the ground, shattering as the light inside it faded away. And with a murmured "Sutenhotep," Karma crumpled into Mobius' arms. But, Karma was not dead. Her breathing, first coming in gurgling gasps, gradually improved under the ministrations of the healers' varied arts, both mystical and mundane (yet no less wonderous.) Wounds faded into memory, without so much as a scar under the skilled care of those around her. Karma's breathing became the healthy, steady rhythm of rest. Color returned to her features as the blood she had lost was replenished. Karma's eyes fluttered open, her body whole once more. Reaching up, she guided the former Pharaoh's head with a hand, drawing his lips to hers for a kiss that spoke of deep love, great longing, feared loss and joyous reunion. Which was interrupted when... >On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:58:20 -0700 >Roland, Phoenix Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12944 > > The mountain heaves. Gaia groans in protest -- perhaps literally >-- as her surface is violated one more time. Like some volcano of >blasphemous ruins, the monstrosities of Orrorsh are consumed in a >conflagration of raw power, vastly cleaner by comparison yet still >disturbing for those not acclimated to the greater horrors they >faced. Out of the ruins, from the apex of the mountain, rises the top >half of a robotic body, woven through with strange artificial 'wood' >and sigils of some alien power. "...sweet crispy walnuts..." Karma breathed, her arms still wrapped around Mobius' neck. > "Oh?" If a life-hating robot can look gleeful, Mechanon does. >"You are exhausted. Your cosmics battle with Outsider Things for the >fate of existence itself. And your leader, your precious Defender, is >dead." An arm the size of a skyscraper turns into an energy cannon. >"What hope have you -- SKQUARZZK!" > */"SORRY I'M LATE -- OOO, ALL CAPS,"/* a familiar and welcome (if >excessively emphatic) voice calls from above and beyond. The entire >sky glows with a growing golden light. */"JUST A SEC."/* There is a >sense of something through the very fabric of the Possibilities being >adjusted. */"There. Testing, one, two. Better."/* Morgan chuckles. Karma smiled in relief. "We have -that- hope. There's -always- hope." > "DEFENDER!" Mechanon wails. > *#"Yep,"#*, Roland replies. *#"Go home, Mechanon, while I'm still >in a good mood."#* Ignoring the gigantic Ultra-Mechanon, Defender >returns his attention to his friends. */"Those of you with >human-class eyes may want to look away for a minute here. I'm still >adjusting."/* > "Adjusting?" Seeker asks calmly. *"ADJUSTING TO WHAT?!?"* he asks >a bit less calmly. > */"This."/* [Cue awe-inspiring entrance, stage left,] Karma thought as she squeezes her eyes shut, still smiling. > #"Err -- err -- err --"# Mechanon beeps, pouring even more power >into the cannon. Most of Asia experiences a brownout, and the drain >on Zero Point Energy is actually noticeable to those sensing that >field. The other villains -- at least, those capable of it -- wisely >take this moment to depart for their own realities. "Instinctual reaction, I'm sure," Karma mused, "Caught flat-footed, you go with what you know while you're getting your bearings. Of course, if what you instinctually do isn't conductive to your survival..." > Defender blinks again, then shrugs. /"Okay."/ He fires the violet >ball back at Mechanon, azure force to beggar Mechanon's >mountain-blasting might following it. The ball flies right up the >cannon's muzzle, blowing it to shards that all shoot up to avoid >hitting allies. Defender closes his fist, and the rest of the power >shoves Mechanon back into the mountain, then fries every last circuit >and wire -- individually. Defender grins as he lands next to his >beloved Morgan. */"I guess he needs a time-out."/* Then, for a >moment, the only thing in his universe is twin green eyes. "Wait, that's a time-ohnevermindyourebusy," Karma started to object, but dropped it. [Superheroes, duh, of course it's not forever.] > With a casual side-thought, he cleanses the invasion area of all >remaining physical, psychic, magical, spiritual, and Possibility >taint. His eyes dance over to the rock platform that brought most of >the CAoL to the battleground, and an X-Window to the Place appears >over it. "After-party," he says. Mike Callahan is already setting up >drinks, showing no signs of having had to fight anyone recently. "We >earned it. _You_ earned it," Roland adds. "Morgan and I need to talk >for a minute; we'll be back as soon as -- grmph." > "Hugs first," Rachel whispers, glomping her father to within an >inch of his life. Liam, decorum gone, does more or less the same. Karma smiled, then looked at Mobius and her smile slowly faded. "It's over," she realized, with all the implications of what that meant for them. "Well, I'm sure Guardian wouldn't--well, he might, but I would like to buy you a drink nevertheless first." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:05:51 -0500 Frank McCoy Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12952 At 10:58 PM 4/9/2007 -0700, you wrote: > Defender blinks again, then shrugs. /"Okay."/ He fires the violet >ball back at Mechanon, azure force to beggar Mechanon's >mountain-blasting might following it. The ball flies right up the >cannon's muzzle, blowing it to shards that all shoot up to avoid >hitting allies. About a mile and a half above the battle about a dozen shards out of the billions of tiny ones and probably millions of fragments bigger than a baseball seem to bounce off a spherical surface that's more defined by *not* being part of the general mayhem than anything else. Suddenly the sphere is gone' having given its all in protecting the small, saucer-shaped, and somehow completely familiar tiny red spacecraft with a bubble top. A last delayed hunk of Mechanon's cannon hits the tiny ship in what must have been a vulnerable spot; as thick gray, quickly turning black, smoke appears out of the tiny thrust-tubes that look more like the exhaust-pipes of some ancient automobile from Earth's long past. (OOC: Familiar indeed to those people who followed the adventures of Commander Spiff in his Galactic Exploits. How Frank got ahold of a spaceship supposedly existing only in the dreams of a rotten little boy and his tiger ... and again supposedly only a cartoon kid at that ....) "Damn!" comes a voice from inside the seemingly empty cockpit; the bubble canopy half withdrawn to let out even more smoke. Suddenly the effect of the Chameleon Suit shuts off; and Frank is visible waving the fouled air from in front of his face with a ... notebook? "I should have known better," he gripes; struggling with the air-frame controls of a spaceship more designed for intergalactic jaunts than dogfights using wings and such. Still, considering the designer, it does better than expected as it screams toward the ground in what at-first seems like a suicidal plunge. "Do NOT ass-u-me," he adds for anybody listening ... if anybody at all can hear above the raging battle between Defender and Mechanon, "that you're *safe*, even if undetectable, miles up in the air, and miles away from the battle, when the battle is between cosmic entities." "I should have known better," he repeats; pulling madly up on a stick that causes three tiny wheels to extrude from the previously smooth bottom of the tiny spacecraft. With a jarring shudder, the tiny red saucer bounces along a sandy margin; somehow aiming-for and making it to the one stretch of highway not decimated in the previous battles. Pulling hard on what seems like the same lever, Frank activates brakes that makes the wheels leave their own streams of black smoke to match that still billowing clouds coming from two of the three main thrust-pipes. The tiny craft comes to a screeching halt, still amazingly upright, about two feet short of an enormous pile of debris that now marks the end of what previously had been a road that stretched for mile after mile. "Wow," he comments, half to himself. "Commander Spiff does it again. A perfect three-point landing!" With this, Frank puts on a very familiar set of goggles; looking somewhat like Data in "Startrek", hefts another familiar blaster-type weapon that shoots ... water balloons? ... and steps jauntily down the steps of a stairway that extrudes from the side of the small machine. Looking around he sees that the battle is mainly over, and so goes calmly to work repairing the small machine, wielding of all things an old-fashioned monkey-wrench, that when he opens the hood and starts tinkering with what's inside, somehow seems almost twenty times bigger inside than the small saucer-shaped shell could possibly hold. When somebody waves at him from nearby; seeming relieved to see he's still there, he waves back; and those interested get a mechanically amplified thought (nothing like a lens; but more like Mechano himself would use if his abilities included telepathy) that says he'll be back at Callahans for the party ... *IF* he can get this fershlugginger flux-capacitor to work in time. "Uh ... Is anybody here familiar with dream-cycle and OZ-based magic types of machinery besides me?" he adds, somewhat plaintively. The monkey-wrench seems to be a bit inadequate for the chore. > Defender closes his fist, and the rest of the power shoves >Mechanon back into the mountain, then fries every last circuit and >wire -- individually. Defender grins as he lands next to his beloved >Morgan. */"I guess he needs a time-out."/* Then, for a moment, the >only thing in his universe is twin green eyes. You know, of course, that Mechanon, not being a true mechanical being; but more of a cosmic-force himself, isn't really *dead*; just unable to implement himself for what likely will be millennia after that blast that removed all internal connections he could normally use to reconstitute himself ... Besides the awkward bit about being buried in miles thick granite that even he would be stretched to get out of if in his more "normal" form. Definitely a suitable time-out to think about things. Hopefully he'll decide that destroying Humanity just isn't worth the risk after this; and go populate some uninhabited galaxy or universe where living things won't bother him any more. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:26:30 -0700 Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12953 >On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:29:03 -0700 (PDT) >Peter Eng Sent CAoL Post Number: 12949 >>Roland, Phoenix Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12942 >> >> Kagato vanishes before he can object to the familiarity. >> Rachel grins. "Where did you send him, Washuu-chan?" >> Washuu's smile is twice Rachel's. "The Jusenkyo springs. I was >>aiming for the Spring of Drowned Octopus, but there are so _many_ >>possibilities, really..." she winks conspiratorially at Rob. > > "...yes, yes there are," Rob replies. [...oh, good...she's not >mad at me. I won't end up in the Spring of Drowned Carson Kressley.] Washuu's smile redoubles for no apparent reason. However, no, she definitely doesn't seem upset with Rob at all. Of course, it's not always a good thing when Washuu-chan takes a _liking_ to a body, either... >>On Fri, 6 Apr 2007 02:36:19 -0400 >>Michael Seven Sent CAoL Post Number: 12937 >> >> /Pass the torch, friends!/ The Sevens sent out telepathically, >>/We've seen him obliterated to nothing but an aura. And he. Came. >>Back. This is Roland -Phoenix-. He rises from the ashes. Pass the >>torch, light the fire of hope. A beacon to guide him home!/ > > "...yes. Yes!" Heketon screams his last scream on Earth-9 as Rob >throws his will into a call: /Roland! For Morgan, Liam, and Rachel - >come back!/ He picks up the Possibility Sword, more out of a sense of >neatness than out of any hope that it will give him a stronger link >to the Freelance Immortal. There's a 'sound,' for lack of a better word, in the underlying energy of existence, when Rob takes the Sword, that is not unlike the chime of a Mac booting up. Something -- or someone? -- nods in approval. A fair bit later... >On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:57:52 -0700 (PDT) >Peter Eng Sent CAoL Post Number: 12950 >> Roland and Morgan Sent CAoL Post Number: 12945 >> >> Roland Phoenix, in his trademark civilian garb of longcoat, >>jeans, icon T-shirt (the Phoenix, this time) and sneakers, steps up >>to The Line. Morgan is at his side, once more looking as if she >>raided Eowyn's wardrobe. >> "Folx," he begins, "I'm..." Morgan hugs him gently. [All the >>cosmic power in the universe, and I'm having trouble making an >>announcement to my friends.] He chuckles inwardly. [Nice to know I'm >>still human after all, I guess.] >> "...there's no gentle way to say this. I'm retiring from the >>Callahanian Army of Light." > > Rob is surprised, yet not. [It's like this is how things are meant >to unfold. How do I know that?] > ^You named yourself my paladin. Are you surprised that I accepted >your offer? I've only been asking for your assistance since we first >met face-to-face.^ > ^Ghidorah?!^ > ^Yes. Now enjoy the party. We'll talk more later.^ > As Roland and Morgan explain the reasons, he continues sipping his >sparkling cider. Roland's eyes flicker for an instant. Something is happening more quickly than he expected. [Good thing this cosmic awareness business has its advantages,] he thinks. And a...subtle...Roland duplicate walks up to Rob. He is neither invisible nor unnoticeable to others, but rather simply radiates a feeling of not being terribly important to anyone else. Far too weak to be a true SEP field, the overall effect is to not be alarming. "I was hoping to have more time to talk," the Champion notes wryly, "but as our Channeller friends would say, 'the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.' I just wanted to say..." he grins to match his tone. "I wish someone had told me this at the beginning, so in case the Wheel weaves a similar place for you, just remember that you don't have that Sword because you're the best fencer, or the most powerful entity, or the greatest genius of science or magic. Some people...you choose for their hearts." After a few moments' pause, the Roland split slowly backs into the crowd, not so much vanishing as working his way Elsewhere. > Rob cheers, and drains his glass before pegging it into the center >of the fireplace. Then he hears a familiar sound - the sound that >marks Ghidrah's first gift to him. "When you are needed in another >dimension, you will always know. This favor is yours, for what you >have done for me this day." > "Roland - Morgan - I have to go. Good fortune in everything, and >I'll..." He pauses for a moment, as possible futures sort themselves >in his mind. "I'll be back when the Army needs me. But right now," he >adds, as his eyes flash blue, and he cuts a hole in the dimensional >fabric, "I have somewhere I need to be." Morgan looks up from her current conversation. Up until now, it's been "just" another after-party, the CAoL celebrating a victory. But now, with the first person leaving, she realizes that a page is turning. Things will be different from here on out. She pops over to Rob (figuratively or literally I leave as an exercise for the student *g*). "You know any previous standing offers still stand. You're welcome at our home any time. Well, once we get our home back from Arcadia, at least," she smiles, and offers a hug. "Sl n go f¢ill," (OOC: "Slan go foill" in case the accented letters don't show up right), which everyone on the link knows translates as "Goodbye for now." Roland, after a moment's consideration, opts for brevity. "Source be with you," he says with a little smile. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:37:04 -0700 Cosmic Roland Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12954 >On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:04:05 -0700 >Dane Anderson Sent CAoL Post Number: 12948 > >Aurora returns to her humanoid form, albeit, a form well over a mile >high. Then she and Hydra 'stride' to the center of the spot where the >Illearth Mound had been. Between them they raise a monument, in pure >crystalized energy, to those who fell to protect Earth 9. /*"Let this >stand for all time to testify of those who sacrificed themselves to >protect this world and this universe."*/ Hydra calls out. > >/*"Let its light be a beacon and a guide to all those who would >follow their examples"*/ Aurora adds. > >Those who approach it 'hear' a roll call of those who fell, opposing >evil, starting with "Boogyman, son of Hydra and Aurora". No matter >how much time entities spend near it, from seconds to days, and no >matter what language or other means of communications they use, they >somehow 'hear' every name, of every fallen being, clearly. Roland bows his head for a moment. Even knowing the necessity, even now intimately connected to the entire universe -- including, on some level, every being who fought this day -- it still stabs at him a little that he failed those who fell. Those with finely tuned senses (or are intimately familiar with Roland) can pick up the faintest of winces when the roll call reaches "James Phoenix" near its end -- or beginning, depending on one's point of view. Then, with a long, slow breath, he lets it go. Roland knows death now as well, and understands its place in the cycle of eternity. Somehow, he finds tranquility in this moment, and heads 'elsewhere' with his wife, grateful for a world at peace. ^I know I'm nowhere near at Starspawn level, even now,^ he notes to Oracle, ^but as a courtesy -- since you already know, I'm sure,^ he sends with faint amusement, ^let me know if I/we can help with any of the Big Stuff.^ He glances at his beloved and chuckles mentally. ^I'd appreciate a few days if anything's pending _now,_ though.^ =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning (2 and 3) On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:38:07 -0700 The Good Dr. Mobius Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12955 >On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:09:53 -0400 >Karma Sent CAoL Post Number: 12951 > >>On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:52:18 -0700 >>Roland, Phoenix Sent CAoL Post Number: 12943 >> >> Lost to the Pharaoh is the whiplash reaction to Karma's >>sacrifice; Heketon screams at last, the travesty of a body it's made >>throwing its head back and wailing in agonized fury and loathing. >> At last, cruel Heketon knows pain. At the end, sadistic Heketon >>knows fear. Too late. > > Karma looks briefly back at Heketon and smiles beautifully, "You >know where the door is, Heketon. You kicked it down, after all." *PERISH CRUELLY, MOTE,* Heketon roars psychically in defiance. Mercifully, it is far too busy to do anything more. *"You first,"* Mobius growls back savagely, a bit of the Pharaoh leaking through briefly. >> Link nods reluctantly, then begins striding towards Heketon >>itself. "Nayru's Heart," Zelda intones, the healing magic spiraling >>from an alien divinity, while the Hylian champion points his blade >>at the monstrosity before him. A wave of sacred might flows from him >>-- the Power to Repel Evil. >> Heketon's screams redouble. > > Karma gives the Hylians an pleased, if embarrassed, smile. Not >embarrassed at Mobius, just for being the focus of such attention and >argument. Her attention, however, is inevitably drawn back to >Heketon, the reason she still stands in the pentagram, drawing the >dark power into the light within the mirror she still holds. > [We may be insects to you, but even insects can bring down a >person when they attack as one.] Zelda smiles, then glances back with concern at her Hero. Crimson markings slowly spread around Link's eyes, then across his face, until they form a menacing-looking sort of war paint, except this 'paint' is part of the skin. Among other things. A strange helix of power flows around the Master Sword. Something within Heketon is pleased. Gritting his teeth, the Hero of Time turns his will to controlling the power. Vast magical power wavers around the Hylian, then flows straight into the Master Sword and its Power to Repel Evil. "Oops," Mobius quips with a satisfied grin as Heketon's pleasure vanishes. > As the no-thread ceased and Heketon was ejected, several things >happened at once. The pentagram faded into nothing, the blood that >formed it soaking into the earth. The mirror fell from Karma's >trembling fingers and struck a small stone on the ground, shattering >as the light inside it faded away. > And with a murmured "Sutenhotep," Karma crumpled into Mobius' >arms. Mobius cradles her in his arms, easily lifting her, then carrying her as if she weighed nothing. Zelda 'tch'es, though her exasperation is entirely understanding, and looks both Mobius and Karma over with her almost limitless insight. > But, Karma was not dead. Her breathing, first coming in gurgling >gasps, gradually improved under the ministrations of the healers' >varied arts, both mystical and mundane (yet no less wonderous.) >Wounds faded into memory, without so much as a scar under the skilled >care of those around her. Karma's breathing became the healthy, >steady rhythm of rest. Color returned to her features as the blood >she had lost was replenished. Zelda opens her mouth to speak, preparing to inform Mobius that his lady friend will be fine. > Karma's eyes fluttered open, her body whole once more. Reaching >up, she guided the former Pharaoh's head with a hand, drawing his >lips to hers for a kiss that spoke of deep love, great longing, >feared loss and joyous reunion. The Princess closes her mouth, as it doesn't take being bonded to the Triforce of Wisdom to see that Karma's letting him know for herself. She goes off to find a more Useful Place to Be. It takes Mobius a fraction of a second to catch his breath enough to kiss her back. When he does, the good Doctor responds very much in kind, though the fear is muted; he seems to have made peace with himself. >Which was interrupted when... >>On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:58:20 -0700 >>Roland, Phoenix Sent CAoL Post Number: 12944 >> >> The mountain heaves. Gaia groans in protest -- perhaps literally >>-- as her surface is violated one more time. Like some volcano of >>blasphemous ruins, the monstrosities of Orrorsh are consumed in a >>conflagration of raw power, vastly cleaner by comparison yet still >>disturbing for those not acclimated to the greater horrors they >>faced. Out of the ruins, from the apex of the mountain, rises the >>top half of a robotic body, woven through with strange artificial >>'wood' and sigils of some alien power. > > "...sweet crispy walnuts..." Karma breathed, her arms still >wrapped around Mobius' neck. Mobius gently returns Karma to her feet, then draws forth a pair of pulp-tech bracers complete with Weird Science vacuum tubes that would be familiar to Lensmen. "Problematic," he notes evenly, "to say the least." >>"Mechanon," Morgan says simply, shaking her head. >> >> "Indeed, deviant," Mechanon cackles. "But far more, as well." >> Obsidian frowns deeply. "Even Tyrannon's might will avail you >>not, machine." >> "Oh?" If a life-hating robot can look gleeful, Mechanon does. >>"You are exhausted. Your cosmics battle with Outsider Things for the >>fate of existence itself. And your leader, your precious Defender, >>is dead." An arm the size of a skyscraper turns into an energy >>cannon. "What hope have you -- SKQUARZZK!" >> */"SORRY I'M LATE -- OOO, ALL CAPS,"/* a familiar and welcome (if >>excessively emphatic) voice calls from above and beyond. The entire >>sky glows with a growing golden light. */"JUST A SEC."/* There is a >>sense of something through the very fabric of the Possibilities >>being adjusted. */"There. Testing, one, two. Better."/* Morgan >>chuckles. > > Karma smiled in relief. "We have -that- hope. There's -always- >hope." "I do believe," Mobius chuckles with genuine amusement (and more than a little relief), "that we are seeing rather more than hope at the moment. But yes, that too." >>#"Physical energy? Against _me?_ Have you lost your mind?"# >> #"Err -- err -- err --"# Mechanon beeps, pouring even more power >>into the cannon. Most of Asia experiences a brownout, and the drain >>on Zero Point Energy is actually noticeable to those sensing that >>field. The other villains -- at least, those capable of it -- wisely >>take this moment to depart for their own realities. > > "Instinctual reaction, I'm sure," Karma mused, "Caught >flat-footed, you go with what you know while you're getting your >bearings. Of course, if what you instinctually do isn't conductive to >your survival..." Roland nods. *"Yes. Yes, of course."* Mobius licks his lips. "I am suddenly very, very glad that I am on your side," he says quietly to Karma. >> They kiss. A lot. When they come up for air, Roland whispers with >>a smile, "Heaven." >> With a casual side-thought, he cleanses the invasion area of all >>remaining physical, psychic, magical, spiritual, and Possibility >>taint. His eyes dance over to the rock platform that brought most of >>the CAoL to the battleground, and an X-Window to the Place appears >>over it. "After-party," he says. Mike Callahan is already setting up >>drinks, showing no signs of having had to fight anyone recently. "We >>earned it. _You_ earned it," Roland adds. "Morgan and I need to talk >>for a minute; we'll be back as soon as -- grmph." >> "Hugs first," Rachel whispers, glomping her father to within an >>inch of his life. Liam, decorum gone, does more or less the same. > > Karma smiled, then looked at Mobius and her smile slowly faded. > "It's over," she realized, with all the implications of what that >meant for them. "Well, I'm sure Guardian wouldn't--well, he might, >but I would like to buy you a drink nevertheless first." "I think he won't, for your sake at least," Mobius says quietly, then brightens. "I have heard a great deal about this Callahan's Place. I'm rather looking forward to it." Later. Mike hands Sutenhotep a drink and says something unintelligible to those who don't speak Ancient Egyptian. (Roughly, it translates to the equivalent of 'Dry Martini, right?', with a very old drink that is closest to said martini. Though Mr. Bond would never call it one. ;-) Mobius accepts with his free hand, his other arm still around Karma's waist. "Indeed. Thank you." He sips at the drink. "A most extraordinary place." The Doctor holds up the drink. "He even got the acacia mix right." At that moment, an X-Window opens. Two women and a man walk in, all from 40s central casting. The leader is an aviatrix of fantastic beauty, a woman the CAoL has met once at the end of the Pharaoh's reign on this world's Nile. The other two are more familiar. The man, while the heroes have only met him once as well, is the spitting image of Roland, save for the more weathered face ("It's not the years, it's the mileage") and perpetual scowl. He wears a cross between the Defender armor and the Shadow's garb, with a golden 'G' on the chest but the rest in dark blues, topped with a wide-brimmed hat. The third is the Scarlet Asp, Mobius' most loyal ally. Asp is smiling nervously. "Ah." Mobius reluctantly tries to disentangle himself from Karma (and probably fails, if I know Karma ;-). "Asp. Well met." "I sure hope so," the Asp replies. Mobius nods. "Rocket One." The heroine smiles at Mobius. "Doctor." She holds out a leather portfolio. Mobius takes it, looking faintly confused. "Nothing is quite settled yet, but we have a proposal for you." "I see," Mobius says, then pauses. "No, I don't." "You're being offered a suspended sentence," Guardian grumbles with a clipped tone, improbable as that sounds. "Several lifetimes in prison, suspended, upon admission of guilt." Mobius looks utterly astonished. "That is...very generous." "I believe I used the word 'insane,' but your term applies as well, yes," Guardian says quietly. "There are, of course, conditions," Rocket One notes before Guardian can continue. Mobius nods. "You will provide a detailed report on your operations in all Twelve Empires, with special emphasis on your criminal syndicate on Terra." Mobius waves for her to continue; that condition seems obvious to him. "You will be expected to provide material support in dismantling both the Empires and the Mobius Gang." "Naturally." Mobius is starting to look dubious. "That cannot possibly be the extent of the conditions." "Actually, given your plethora of enemies among the villains throughout several cosms, your continued survival is almost enough," the Asp quips. She turns serious as she adds, "And I fully intend to make sure you survive. Sir." Mobius laughs. "I suppose it would be, at that." He raises an eyebrow. "And my parole officer?" "There will be two. You will report to one monthly. If you miss a meeting, that officer will come looking for you," Rocket One says, her tone grave. "And that would be..." Mobius prods, almost knowing the answer. Guardian's sudden, feral grin completes his certainty. "Me," he says with a satisfied growl. "You will also have a companion," Rocket One jumps in, "who will be responsible for monitoring your activities and progress." She turns to Karma and smiles. "That position has not yet been filled. We have need," she adds, smile growing, "for a volunteer of unimpeachable character. I made a recommendation on the matter, but it is entirely up to you." She blushes faintly, pale roses blooming on the iconic heroine's cheeks. "Bloody romantic," Guardian mutters, but even he can't muster any heat as he says it. -- Doctor Mobius No longer in de Nile =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:45:40 -0700 Roland Hobbes Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12956 >On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:05:51 -0500 >Frank McCoy Sent CAoL Post Number: 12952 > >When somebody waves at him from nearby; seeming relieved to see he's >still there, he waves back; and those interested get a mechanically >amplified thought (nothing like a lens; but more like Mechano >himself would use if his abilities included telepathy) that says >he'll be back at Callahans for the party ... *IF* he can get this >fershlugginger flux-capacitor to work in time. > >"Uh ... Is anybody here familiar with dream-cycle and OZ-based magic >types of machinery besides me?" he adds, somewhat plaintively. The >monkey-wrench seems to be a bit inadequate for the chore. A Roland dupe wanders over, entering 'reality' as subtly as the one that greets Rob in the Place. "I'm not," he says, slowly growing striped fuzz ("fur" would be too generous) over his form, his torso lengthening and his legs shortening, "but I also am." A rod with six and a half concentric rings spinning around it and a can of oil appear in his hands/paws. The oil can has a certain Woodsman's face printed on the side. "I might be able to help. I'm afraid it'll be plot dependent though." He looks down at his tail bemusedly (and amusedly). "There's a story behind that, I'm sure. Or maybe just a tale." -- Roland Hobbes (just fuzzy, not Fuzzy) =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 03:26:48 -0500 Frank McCoy Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12957 >On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:45:40 -0700 >Roland Hobbes Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12956 > >>On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:05:51 -0500 >>Frank McCoy Sent CAoL Post Number: 12952 >> >>"Uh ... Is anybody here familiar with dream-cycle and OZ-based magic >>types of machinery besides me?" he adds, somewhat plaintively. The >>monkey-wrench seems to be a bit inadequate for the chore. > > A Roland dupe wanders over, entering 'reality' as subtly as the >one that greets Rob in the Place. "I'm not," he says, slowly growing >striped fuzz ("fur" would be too generous) over his form, his torso >lengthening and his legs shortening, "but I also am." A rod with six >and a half concentric rings spinning around it and a can of oil >appear in his hands/paws. The oil can has a certain Woodsman's face >printed on the side. "I might be able to help. I'm afraid it'll be >plot dependent though." He looks down at his tail bemusedly (and >amusedly). "There's a story behind that, I'm sure. Or maybe just a >tale." Frank leans back in a (patent applied for) seat-stick that protrudes automatically from somewhere in his rear as he watches the feline form doing strange and amazing things with just an oilcan and hammer. "Sorry I don't have any Tuna Fish Sandwiches handy," he complains a bit. "They all got a bit squashed when I sat on them during the battle." Still, all was not lost. "However, I *DO* have a bottle of 1927 Brandy, a snifter or two of Galactic Patrol Issue Fayalin, or just plain Lemonade ... Ice Cold, of course," he offers the working tiger; stepping back a bit as the ... uh ... person produces a truly *HUGE* hammer from seeming nowhere, with the comment, (OOC: Of course!) "Need a bigger hammer." and does *something* to the recalcitrant saucer that seems to make the smoke go away while dents and such seemingly vanish. Oz type magic indeed. That Nick-Chopper was quite the mechanic. From out of small pockets the demon (Dimensional Traveler) produces bottles and a thermos far bigger than the places they were enclosed in. Another pocket yields cups, saucers, and even dinner plates from a pocket the size of that found on most polo shirts; yet never seems to stretch even fractionally as he pulls each large item out. Nor do the items seem to expand; just coming from right-angles to reality into existence but through the pocket somehow. Soon a folding table the size of a computer mouse that unfolds into a platform four feet by four, somehow standing sturdily on one tiny leg in the sand, holds a small lunch for the hardworking help. For some reason Frank never offers to help in the repairs, once somebody more competent than him arrives. ... Interlude ... The funny thing is: After the ship is fixed, drinks are imbibed, and ... uh ... "Spaceman Spiff" climbs back in the saucer, the drinks, table, chairs, and even trash vanish without anybody noticing they're gone until they turn back around. For sure Frank never packed any of them back into his outfit. "Thanks, ... uh ... Hobbes," he says gratefully. "Need a lift over to Mike's Place?" he asks. "I could even make a small detour to Lady Sally's ... when it was there, if you want," he offers; holding out one hand in invitation. The saucer is small; but somehow you just *know* there will be room enough inside for however many take him up on the offer ... One-man-craft or not. (OOC: No, Mike and Sally know about his visits and don't seem to mind ... as long as said visits are not too frequent, cause people to notice, or result in major paradoxes. Minor ones have a tendency to damp out without being noticed too much. Bringing a really *good* friend from the future ... Yeah, he's a small-time time-traveler as well. Nothing as sophisticated or capable as Mike is. Not nearly even. All "gadget" induced and mostly *sideways* in time; but ....As to how a fairly "normal" empath in the 1970's got ahold of such a thing ... Don't ask. He's been trying to work out all the details and capability of the device ever since. It didn't come with an instruction manual. That alone got to be rather hairy on occasion. Sometimes you see him *before* he got familiar with the machine, yet at the same time quite a while *after* a time when he showed great expertise in its use.) "If not," he finishes up, "I'll see you back at Callahan's Place with the rest of the gang." (Frank offers up a silent prayer to Klono that he doesn't miss the scheduled bash by two days like last time.) =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning, 3 of 3 On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:38:09 -0700 Dane Anderson Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12958 >Roland X wrote Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12954 > > ^I know I'm nowhere near at Starspawn level, even now,^ he notes >to Oracle, ^but as a courtesy -- since you already know, I'm sure,^ >he sends with faint amusement, ^let me know if I/we can help with any >of the Big Stuff.^ He glances at his beloved and chuckles mentally. >^I'd appreciate a few days if anything's pending _now,_ though.^ ^When you are needed, and you WILL be, you will be warned, friend.^ Oracle answers. ^You should not feel sad for those whose lives were lost, or feel that you let them down. With all the power of The Stardragon at my disposal, I could not manipulate events to reduce the loss of life any further. To have done so would have resulted in MUCH worse loss of innocent life further down the time line. You did well. Those who died to protect your world will be rewarded in their next lives. This I promise you. For now, rest, become comfortable with your newly discovered abilities. By the way don't be too sure about not being at the power levels of a Starspawn. Remember, the weakest of Starspawn can barely destroy a major city with a single blow. You are still growing. You may one day rival Hydra's slain brother for power. Farewell friend.^ =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning (2 and 3) On Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:22:20 -0400 Karma Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12959 >On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:38:07 -0700 >The Good Dr. Mobius Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12955 > >>On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:09:53 -0400 >>Karma Sent CAoL Post Number: 12951 >> >> Karma looks briefly back at Heketon and smiles beautifully, "You >>know where the door is, Heketon. You kicked it down, after all." > > *PERISH CRUELLY, MOTE,* Heketon roars psychically in defiance. >Mercifully, it is far too busy to do anything more. > *"You first,"* Mobius growls back savagely, a bit of the Pharaoh >leaking through briefly. [I may yet,] Karma thought, [But not today.] >>> On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:58:20 -0700 >>> Roland, Phoenix Sent CAoL Post Number: 12944 >>> >>>#"Physical energy? Against _me?_ Have you lost your mind?"# >>> #"Err -- err -- err --"# Mechanon beeps, pouring even more power >>>into the cannon. Most of Asia experiences a brownout, and the drain >>>on Zero Point Energy is actually noticeable to those sensing that >>>field. The other villains -- at least, those capable of it -- >>>wisely take this moment to depart for their own realities. >> >> "Instinctual reaction, I'm sure," Karma mused, "Caught >>flat-footed, you go with what you know while you're getting your >>bearings. Of course, if what you instinctually do isn't conductive >>to your survival..." > > Roland nods. *"Yes. Yes, of course."* > Mobius licks his lips. "I am suddenly very, very glad that I am on >your side," he says quietly to Karma. Karma smiled, noting quietly, "Just something for him to mull over while he's eating that big ball of energy." >> Karma smiled, then looked at Mobius and her smile slowly faded. >> "It's over," she realized, with all the implications of what that >>meant for them. "Well, I'm sure Guardian wouldn't--well, he might, >>but I would like to buy you a drink nevertheless first." > > "I think he won't, for your sake at least," Mobius says quietly, >then brightens. "I have heard a great deal about this Callahan's >Place. I'm rather looking forward to it." Karma looked hopeful, but uncertain. With a last look over her shoulder, she put an arm around Mobius's waist and they passed through the X-Window. > Later. > At that moment, an X-Window opens. Two women and a man walk in, >all from 40s central casting. The leader is an aviatrix of fantastic >beauty, a woman the CAoL has met once at the end of the Pharaoh's >reign on this world's Nile. The other two are more familiar. The man, >while the heroes have only met him once as well, is the spitting >image of Roland, save for the more weathered face ("It's not the >years, it's the mileage") and perpetual scowl. He wears a cross >between the Defender armor and the Shadow's garb, with a golden 'G' >on the chest but the rest in dark blues, topped with a wide-brimmed >hat. The third is the Scarlet Asp, Mobius' most loyal ally. > Asp is smiling nervously. > "Ah." Mobius reluctantly tries to disentangle himself from Karma >(and probably fails, if I know Karma ;-). "Asp. Well met." Karma disentangled herself, but kept a hand in Mobius's. Her grip was rather tight. She did try to put on a smile for the Asp, but it went from pained to confused as she looked at 'Red's' expression. > "I sure hope so," the Asp replies. > Mobius nods. "Rocket One." > The heroine smiles at Mobius. "Doctor." She holds out a leather >portfolio. Mobius takes it, looking faintly confused. "Nothing is >quite settled yet, but we have a proposal for you." > "I see," Mobius says, then pauses. "No, I don't." Karma's grip tightened. Was this what the Asp was looking so nervous about? > "You're being offered a suspended sentence," Guardian grumbles >with a clipped tone, improbable as that sounds. "Several lifetimes in >prison, suspended, upon admission of guilt." Karma's jaw dropped, but closed again as she looked at the three new arrivals. > Mobius laughs. "I suppose it would be, at that." He raises an >eyebrow. "And my parole officer?" > "There will be two. You will report to one monthly. If you miss a >meeting, that officer will come looking for you," Rocket One says, >her tone grave. > "And that would be..." Mobius prods, almost knowing the answer. > Guardian's sudden, feral grin completes his certainty. "Me," he >says with a satisfied growl. > "You will also have a companion," Rocket One jumps in, "who will >be responsible for monitoring your activities and progress." She >turns to Karma and smiles. "That position has not yet been filled. We >have need," she adds, smile growing, "for a volunteer of >unimpeachable character. I made a recommendation on the matter, but >it is entirely up to you." She blushes faintly, pale roses blooming >on the iconic heroine's cheeks. > "Bloody romantic," Guardian mutters, but even he can't muster any >heat as he says it. Karma stared at Rocket One in disbelief. She looked at Mobius, someone she had been steeling herself to lose any moment to a life sentence in prison, at least. A sentence possibly longer than she would even be alive. She had been preparing to leave Earth, travel somewhere better, somewhere where her experiences of the last few days would be normal. She hadn't been sure what she would do without Mobius, but she knew she wouldn't be going home. [So what's to think about?] she asked herself with a smile. "Yes, of course I will, Rocket One," Karma said with a smile, "If your world will have me for the job. Even if not, there's nowhere else I want to be more than with him." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:57:04 -0700 (PDT) Samatha Cooper Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12960 Zia watches the various stirrings, motion, and accidentally even marks the presence of Roland's Hobbes-shadow while knocking back another shot of single-malt Scotch. Once she is over the breathy coughing fit her attempt at an alcohol-laden spit-take resulted in, she grimaces. "I guess it's time I bit this bullet. It's not getting any easier despite all the ducking and dodging I've done." She glances around the crowd once more, as if hoping Roger himself will show up as a last-minute distraction so she can procrastinate further. She sighs, and the she says, in a quiet, conversational tone that doesn't carry very far in this crowded, happy Place. "Roland? When you have attention to spare," she grimaces blackly, "I need to ask your advice. You see, you just did what I need to do. Except I'm starting where you are now, and trying to reach where you were in the beginning." She pauses. "I know you've good cause for reservations where my... people are concerned, but... if I survive this princess-ship, sooner or later, I might have to be an actual leader. Even Eric knew I'm not fit for it. Yet." She concedes, with the sort of reluctance any Amberite has about admitting any shortcoming whatsoever. "Don't humor me, though. If I'm wasting my time, just tell me." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 16:50:43 -0400 The Sevens and Company Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12961 The Sevens had gathered around a table; Gary, Roberta, Anna, toddler David, Pyewackett and Isis had come through an X-window from home, and the rest from the micro-invasion sites around Earth-9. Only one chair sat empty. "You don't suppose Tink is -still- fighting with that teenage anime villian, do you?" Melissa said, looking mildly concerned at the empty chair. Michael Seven concentrated a moment, then opened an X-window to Earth-9's Mount Fuji. "She ought to be here somewhere," he said, fussing with the X-window's orientation. As it panned around, something suddenly filled it's view and two bodies came sailing through, Tink having body-tackled B-ko. They skidded across the floor and came to a halt with B-ko leaning back against the base of the bar. "Well, at least they had moved out of populated areas," Flarn mused, sipping a dealcoholized blessing. Michael Seven started to say something, but Melissa and Grep both stood up, striding over to the two teenage girls. "Tink, you're in the Place, your hostilities cease," Grep said, helping Tink up. Melissa did the same for B-ko, gently ensuring she faced the outer door. She murmured, "That crack is from the last human to start a fight in here who couldn't be easily sapped and left in the dumpster in the back alley. We take 'no fighting' seriously in here. And there are plenty of beings gathered who could sap you as easily as those who ask snoopy questions. Drinks are a dollar, with fifty cents back if you don't break the glass in the fireplace, as is customary during toasts. The legal age for alcohol in these parts is 21, but Mike, the man behind the bar, can provide drinks without alcohol that aren't just mixers for spirits. I'd suggest a chcolate milkshake myself. Of, if you'd like to go home, we can arrange that." B-ko's fists tightened a moment, then she sighed and reached up and seemed to pull a yellow dress from thin air over her super-suit, which disappeared entirely as the dress fell into place, almost like swapping costumes on a paper doll. "Come on, Biko," Tink said with some disappointment, "I'll buy you a drink." The pair wandered off to the bar for chcolate milkshakes. Melissa seemed pleased, "I never thought 'B-ko' was a bad kid, just improperly socialized. And Tink buying her a drink was nice." Grep nodded, having put a couple dollars in her child's hand and gently guiding her toward the other girl. >On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:27:58 -0700 >Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12945 > >Morgan's eyes sparkle mischievously. "I knew before the invasion, but >then everything happened at once. But, considering that this one's a >boy, and what he's already been exposed to, we've decided to bow to >the inevitable." > >"We're naming him Roger," they say in unison. The whole Seven clan cheers at the news of a new Phoenix and make a point of congratulating the happy family. Karma and Moonstone (who's feeling much improved) also give their congratulations as well and best wishes on their 'official' retirement. Though, of course, it sounds as if the Greywolf-Phoenix clan will be as busy as ever. And the party continues. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 15:41:11 -0700 Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12962 >On Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:57:04 -0700 (PDT) >Samatha Cooper Sent CAoL Post Number: 12960 > >"I guess it's time I bit this bullet. It's not getting any easier >despite all the ducking and dodging I've done." She glances around >the crowd once more, as if hoping Roger himself will show up as a >last-minute distraction so she can procrastinate further. She sighs, >and the she says, in a quiet, conversational tone that doesn't carry >very far in this crowded, happy Place. > >"Roland? When you have attention to spare," she grimaces blackly, "I >need to ask your advice. A Roland split does his new 'wandering in from the crowd' trick. >You see, you just did what I need to do. Except I'm starting where >you are now, and trying to reach where you were in the beginning." >She pauses. "I know you've good cause for reservations where my... >people are concerned, but... if I survive this princess-ship, sooner >or later, I might have to be an actual leader. Even Eric knew I'm not >fit for it. Yet." She concedes, with the sort of reluctance any >Amberite has about admitting any shortcoming whatsoever. > >"Don't humor me, though. If I'm wasting my time, just tell me." Roland snorts, but there's a smile behind it. "Wasting your _time?_ Zia, if I thought you wanted the job, I would've given the Possibility Sword to _you._ You're ready _now._ As for your people, remember Lady Ariel? The one who burned me? She's been working with Byron and Shard behind the scenes to help my world. I think she's been trying to hide her change of heart from me." He shakes his head, the smile turning rueful. "Who'd've thought, Ariel *over*-developing a sense of obligation..." He shrugs. "I can still block out individual minds, mostly, so if I misjudged on the CAoL, I'll stand for you in a heartbeat, Sword or no Sword." The grin broadens still. "In fact, if you're looking for a whetstone to sharpen your leadership skills, I understand Doc Eon is putting together a team to put paid to Infra-Red once and for all. Ultraviolet isn't just on the short list for leading it...she _is_ the short list." -- (/) Roland X So, who wants this baton, anyway? ;-) =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 23:56:34 -0700 (PDT) Peter Eng Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12963 >Roland and Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12953 > > And a...subtle...Roland duplicate walks up to Rob. He is neither >invisible nor unnoticeable to others, but rather simply radiates a >feeling of not being terribly important to anyone else. Far too weak >to be a true SEP field, the overall effect is to not be alarming. > "I was hoping to have more time to talk," the Champion notes >wryly, "but as our Channeller friends would say, 'the Wheel weaves as >the Wheel wills.' I just wanted to say..." he grins to match his >tone. "I wish someone had told me this at the beginning, so in case >the Wheel weaves a similar place for you, just remember that you >don't have that Sword because you're the best fencer, or the most >powerful entity, or the greatest genius of science or magic. Some >people...you choose for their hearts." After a few moments' pause, >the Roland split slowly backs into the crowd, not so much vanishing >as working his way Elsewhere. "It's not that I'm not the best fencer - it's...well, I didn't copy Woundhealer just for the practice, I copied it because I can't cut myself with it." >Morgan looks up from her current conversation. Up until now, it's >been "just" another after-party, the CAoL celebrating a victory. But >now, with the first person leaving, she realizes that a page is >turning. Things will be different from here on out. > >She pops over to Rob (figuratively or literally I leave as an >exercise for the student *g*). "You know any previous standing offers >still stand. You're welcome at our home any time. Well, once we get >our home back from Arcadia, at least," she smiles, and offers a hug. >"Sl n go f¢ill," (OOC: "Slan go foill" in case the accented letters >don't show up right), which everyone on the link knows translates as >"Goodbye for now." "Fare well, and...oh, could you do me a favor?" Rob checks all his pockets, then slaps his forehead. "I left a lot of stuff on Champions island {}, including the keys to my motorcycle, so if you could pick it up and put it in storage, I'd appreciate it. The cycle's parked in Boston {}, or it was when this whole thing started, anyhow. Thanks." > Roland, after a moment's consideration, opts for brevity. "Source >be with you," he says with a little smile. Rob thinks for a moment, and moves his hands in a sign language that was ancient when Atlantis was young: "Walk with the Spirit of the Bear as your guide." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:22:52 -0700 Morgan Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12964 >On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 23:56:34 -0700 (PDT) >Peter Eng Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12963 > > "It's not that I'm not the best fencer - it's...well, I didn't >copy Woundhealer just for the practice, I copied it because I can't >cut myself with it." OOC: LOL^2 > "Fare well, and...oh, could you do me a favor?" Rob checks all his >pockets, then slaps his forehead. "I left a lot of stuff on Champions >island {}, including the keys to my motorcycle, so if you could pick >it up and put it in storage, I'd appreciate it. The cycle's parked in >Boston {}, or it was when this whole thing started, anyhow. Thanks." "No problem," Morgan smiles. "We'll collect the bike and make sure it's properly stored, too." Rob knows intuitively (or however he knows *g*) that "properly" in this case means that it will start and run as it should any time he comes back to retrieve it :-). =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: Then, the Party of the After-Part On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:20:53 -0700 Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12965 >On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:12:14 -0700 (PDT) >Samatha Cooper Sent CAoL Post Number: 12946 > >>On Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:27:58 -0700 >>Roland and Morgan Sent CAoL Post Number: 12945 > >>Morgan's eyes sparkle mischievously. "I knew before the invasion, >>but then everything happened at once. But, considering that this >>one's a boy, and what he's already been exposed to, we've decided to >>bow to the inevitable." >> >>"We're naming him Roger," they say in unison. > >" - must've heard something wrong." A certain Petite Amberite mutters >from a table somewhat obscured by the more bustling crowd of >Regulars. > >"I really thought he said the impossible was still impossible. Of >course... Roger has always been completely impossible, so I guess it >works out." Zia looks oddly fragile around the edges - she is not >injured after all the healing and such, but a certain extra caution >in how she sits and carries herself seems to convey that not all the >wear and tear of the last battle is so easily put behind her. She >does have an oddly _satisfied_ air, however, as she hears Roland's >annoucement of his and Morgan's future plans. > >"So, it's as happily ever after as heroes get." She sighs. "It's all >good for them, and deservedly so, but now I'll have to find something >else to do. Somehow I don't think any of my sort have ever had a >happy, peaceful sort of ending." She rubs her temples with a grumbled >mutter, "Look, saved another universe, and all I got out of it was a >sore head. I don't live right." "It's a living," Eric shrugs, looking rather less the worse for wear than he has any right to. He sits down next to her. "Hey." (Insert exchange here) Eric pauses for a moment, lips pursed. With something of a "what've I got to lose" air, he takes out a small box familiar to any woman who's been in any remotely similar reality and slides it next to her. "I have absolutely no idea how to do this, especially when the lady already has over a dozen husbands. I..." he opens the box before he can stick his foot in his mouth. The band is white gold, with thorny, entwined roses embossed on the outside. The diamond is of a tasteful size, though it seems to catch the light and gently cast it onto the ring's artwork. It also gives the gem a look like it's faintly glowing. "I love you," he says simply. "I didn't even think I could, any more, but I can, and I do." He grins his wry, dry grin. "And gods be thanked, there isn't much need for Hunters on my Earth right now." The grin vanishes, and he leans closer. "Somewhere along the line, you got into my soul. I'm not sure where mine ends and yours begins now, and I can't imagine it being any other way, any more." He swallows. "Will you marry me?" OOC 2: Why yes, I _am_ a stinker. -- Eric Lancer Hunter...or prey? ;-) =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: Then, the Party of the After-Part On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:50:03 -0700 (PDT) Samatha Cooper Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12966 >On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:20:53 -0700 >Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12965 > >>"Look, saved another universe, and all I got out of it was a sore >>head. I don't live right." > > "It's a living," Eric shrugs, looking rather less the worse for >wear than he has any right to. He sits down next to her. "Hey." Zia gives him a sharp look, upward under both brows, then she grins at him. "Hey, yourself. You're managing to look a lot better than you feel as yet, since you blocked me jumping up to give you a hug by avoiding my notice long enough to get into a chair first. Just so you know I noticed. I am glad to see you came through without significant scratches. Any fight that starts with a forty foot fire demon and ends with a dragon has to be your idea of a wonderful night." > The band is white gold, with thorny, entwined roses embossed on >the outside. The diamond is of a tasteful size, though it seems to >catch the light and gently cast it onto the ring's artwork. It also >gives the gem a look like it's faintly glowing. "I love you," he says >simply. "I didn't even think I could, any more, but I can, and I do." >He grins his wry, dry grin. "And gods be thanked, there isn't much >need for Hunters on my Earth right now." The grin vanishes, and he >leans closer. "Somewhere along the line, you got into my soul. I'm >not sure where mine ends and yours begins now, and I can't imagine it >being any other way, any more." He swallows. "Will you marry me?" "Yes, Eric." The Petite Amberite answers, then she smiles. "I would normally want someone to get to know my blood family, first, but knowing you, I'm going to trust you've either done your homework - or at least won't hold it against me later. I do have OTHER things I would love for you to hold against me, starting with a hug. My sort doesn't do mushy stuff all that well, but... you are my beloved, and ever shall be, no matter where we are." "I thought you already had a true love here, and not room for another in your life, actually. Or else I might have asked you beforetime - save I feared you refusal too much." =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: End of the Beginning (2 and 3) On Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:23:20 -0700 The Good Doctor Mobius Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12967 >On Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:22:20 -0400 >Karma Sent CAoL Post Number: 12959 > >>On Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:38:07 -0700 >>The Good Dr. Mobius Sent CAoL Post Number: 12955 >> Mobius nods. "Rocket One." >> The heroine smiles at Mobius. "Doctor." She holds out a leather >>portfolio. Mobius takes it, looking faintly confused. "Nothing is >>quite settled yet, but we have a proposal for you." >> "I see," Mobius says, then pauses. "No, I don't." > > Karma's grip tightened. Was this what the Asp was looking so >nervous about? Karma feels a slight grit in her hands -- sand, exuding very slowly from his pores as a result of her grip. Mobius doesn't seem to be in pain from this; indeed, he shows no sign of even noticing. >> "You're being offered a suspended sentence," Guardian grumbles >>with a clipped tone, improbable as that sounds. "Several lifetimes >>in prison, suspended, upon admission of guilt." > > Karma's jaw dropped, but closed again as she looked at the three >new arrivals. >> "You will also have a companion," Rocket One jumps in, "who will >>be responsible for monitoring your activities and progress." She >>turns to Karma and smiles. "That position has not yet been filled. >>We have need," she adds, smile growing, "for a volunteer of >>unimpeachable character. I made a recommendation on the matter, but >>it is entirely up to you." She blushes faintly, pale roses blooming >>on the iconic heroine's cheeks. >> "Bloody romantic," Guardian mutters, but even he can't muster any >>heat as he says it. > > Karma stared at Rocket One in disbelief. She looked at Mobius, >someone she had been steeling herself to lose any moment to a life >sentence in prison, at least. A sentence possibly longer than she >would even be alive. She had been preparing to leave Earth, travel >somewhere better, somewhere where her experiences of the last few >days would be normal. She hadn't been sure what she would do without >Mobius, but she knew she wouldn't be going home. > [So what's to think about?] she asked herself with a smile. > "Yes, of course I will, Rocket One," Karma said with a smile, "If >your world will have me for the job. Even if not, there's nowhere >else I want to be more than with him." Mobius' normally ultra-enhanced mind seems to have locked up briefly. "What, wait," he says finally, looking from Rocket One to Karma. "Karma, be sure you know what you are getting in to. I will have to travel to worlds that I ruled, the earlier ones in particular with an iron grip. I cannot imagine I am popular on most of them, whatever the propaganda told the citizenry. Even on Terra, we will be dealing with ruthless gangsters with enhanced powers and Weird Science." He smiles wryly. "I was never good at 'playing well with others' in my chosen, ah, profession." "Not unless they were taking orders from you," the Asp quipped dryly. "You will have some time 'off,' Doctor," Rocket One adds quickly. "We aren't going to insist on an innocent woman, a hero, being for all intents and purposes sentenced to hard labor." Mobius looks in shock back to Rocket One, to a scowling, silent Guardian, back to Karma again. "My lady...there is nothing I would want more...but, are you sure?" (OOC: It seems safe to assume that she is. :-) The former Pharaoh, thoroughly cornered, does the only sensible thing. He kisses Karma. Asp whoops and punches the air. Rocket One smiles with satisfaction. Guardian turns away, hiding his face with his hat, and mumbles something. "What was that, Guardian?" Rocket One asks innocently. "I said," he replies quietly, "that if Sutenhotep is sincere, then the evil Pharaoh might as well be dead anyway." Rocket One beams and kisses him on the cheek. Guardian blushes very faintly, showing there's some Roland in there after all. Then his belt buckle beeps. "Not again," he sighs. Once their kiss is complete, Mobius throws Guardian a sympathetic look. "O'Dare again?" "That woman," Guardian sighs. "Call me if you need me," he says to Rocket One, and points his cane at an open space. An X-Window appears, showing a familiar redhead chuckling through a gag as two massive goons tie her to a conveyor belt leading to a huge press of some sort. "Morgan," he rumbles in exasperation, unable to hide his genuine concern, and jogs through the X-Window. "Top reporter for the New York Globe, of course," Mobius confides to Karma. "She really doesn't need rescuing as often as rival papers claim, but our world...has its 'rules,' after all." He glances over at Earth-9's equivalents to the vanished avenger and his reporter companion. "I'm rather embarrassed to say I didn't see the parallel until recently." Then he returns his full attention to Karma and smiles with surprisingly innocent mischief. "So. Once the party is complete, would you like me to show you my secret lair? No etchings, my hand to Re." -- The Good Doctor Mobius All's well that end's well, after all =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:38 -0700 (PDT) Samatha Cooper Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12968 >On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 15:41:11 -0700 >Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12962 > >>On Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:57:04 -0700 (PDT) >>Samatha Cooper Sent CAoL Post Number: 12960 >> >>"Don't humor me, though. If I'm wasting my time, just tell me." > > Roland snorts, but there's a smile behind it. "Wasting your >_time?_ Zia, if I thought you wanted the job, I would've given the >Possibility Sword to _you._" Zia gives him a flicker of aghast, but manages to squelch her obvious distaste almost before it is visible... to say, more than half of the super-whatever crowd in the Place right now. Roland obviously isn't of an Eastern mode of thought, but the gifting of a sword entails a very special obligation. She wonders if that thought ever crossed his mind... after all, the person he gave it to does seem to possess a very Eastern style. From what he said afterwards, however, he has already sworn to a different lord. An interesting conflict of loyalties she hopes won't place the new wielder in any difficulties. > "You're ready _now._" The Petite Amberite actually blinks, then she half-frowns. Perhaps he didn't understand - only he should be able to just know - but perhaps, not with her. She isn't at all native to Earth-9, after all. > "As for your people, remember Lady Ariel? The one who burned me? >She's been working with Byron and Shard behind the scenes to help my >world. I think she's been trying to hide her change of heart from >me." He shakes his head, the smile turning rueful. "Who'd've thought, >Ariel *over*-developing a sense of obligation..." He shrugs. "I can >still block out individual minds, mostly, so if I misjudged on the >CAoL, I'll stand for you in a heartbeat, Sword or no Sword." The grin >broadens still. "In fact, if you're looking for a whetstone to >sharpen your leadership skills, I understand Doc Eon is putting >together a team to put paid to Infra-Red once and for all. >Ultraviolet isn't just on the short list for leading it...she _is_ >the short list." Zia doesn't think even Roland's new power of persuasion over reality will prevent Eric from hearing that LAST bit, so she merely raises one eyebrow in slightly overdone dry humor. "Here I was still under the impression that the whole idea of a secret identity was in the keeping of it. Though I suppose that is pretty well kept - if only because it is aged out by sheer antiquity by now, for any hero save perhaps the estimable Dr. Eon." She shakes her head, slowly. "I doubt the CAoL would choose to follow me, Roland, because in their hearts, they know what you're refusing to acknowledge. For all my tactical and leadership skills suffice, there is something still that does not. I know it is not a lack of courage, but it may be that my people - and I do not include Lady Ariel, nor have I ever for all that you have and do - are too ruthless to ever learn the sort of heroic spirit that inspires others to follow voluntarily. Yet, if I am to be a princess in deed as well as just the silly title, that would help. If I'm close enough, I should go home to help out there. If I'm not, I need to know if more time spent here will possibly be of any use, or if I should give up the effort as vain and go try to do my duty as well as may be." "Either way, I should deal with tidying up 'Red." The Petite Amberite gives Roland a considering look, then she adds. "Given what she did to Eric, however, I don't think I can stop this time. I need to end her threat more positively. You've always been against such measures, before. Will I still be welcome in your home if I commit murder - even when it is so roundly deserved?" Zia --- Give that baton to the leader of the band! I'm just going to play around in the Pulps for the sheer fun of it. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: All Good Things On Tue, 01 May 2007 19:09:44 -0700 Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12969 >On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:38 -0700 (PDT) >Samatha Cooper Sent CAoL Post Number: 12968 > >>On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 15:41:11 -0700 >>Roland X Sent CAoL Post Number: 12962 >> >>"I can still block out individual minds, mostly, so if I misjudged >>on the CAoL, I'll stand for you in a heartbeat, Sword or no Sword." >>The grin broadens still. "In fact, if you're looking for a >>whetstone to sharpen your leadership skills, I understand Doc Eon is >>putting together a team to put paid to Infra-Red once and for all. >>Ultraviolet isn't just on the short list for leading it...she >>_is_ the short list." > > Zia doesn't think even Roland's new power of persuasion over >reality will prevent Eric from hearing that LAST bit, so she merely >raises one eyebrow in slightly overdone dry humor. > > "Here I was still under the impression that the whole idea of a >secret identity was in the keeping of it. Though I suppose that is >pretty well kept - if only because it is aged out by sheer antiquity >by now, for any hero save perhaps the estimable Dr. Eon." She shakes >her head, slowly. OOC: Aargh. I'm going to ask for a retcon, here, and plead that that was Roland/Peter the guy juggling Too Much Damn Stuff with a side order of sleep-dep, not Roland Phoenix aka Mr. Cosmic Awareness. If you want to keep the comment IC but private, there are multiple communication channels that would do the trick, plus Roland's control over kinetic energy was more than up to the sonic baffling task _before_ he could move an entire planet without damaging its ecosphere. Although there would be the problem of lip-reading, the prevention of which would be more obvious. He may be giving up his own secret ID in the wake of the Torg War, but Defender has too much experience with them to make so obvious a blunder. > "I doubt the CAoL would choose to follow me, Roland, because in >their hearts, they know what you're refusing to acknowledge. For all >my tactical and leadership skills suffice, there is something still >that does not. I know it is not a lack of courage, but it may be that >my people - and I do not include Lady Ariel, nor have I ever for all >that you have and do - are too ruthless to ever learn the sort of >heroic spirit that inspires others to follow voluntarily. Yet, if I >am to be a princess in deed as well as just the silly title, that >would help. If I'm close enough, I should go home to help out there. >If I'm not, I need to know if more time spent here will possibly be >of any use, or if I should give up the effort as vain and go try to >do my duty as well as may be." "Ruthlessness does not preclude heroism. I would recommend consulting Mr. Kinnison on the subject, but I imagine you know the man better than I do, even now." His expression softens. "I don't know much about royalty, Zia, not in this incarnation at least, but I know you're one of the most noble souls I've met in any reality." He shrugs and smiles again. "I imagine that doesn't help much in your personal situation. I'm willing to provide backup, if you think any of your relatives would care, and Julian seems to like me. Or at least tolerate me." > "Either way, I should deal with tidying up 'Red." The Petite >Amberite gives Roland a considering look, then she adds. "Given what >she did to Eric, however, I don't think I can stop this time. I need >to end her threat more positively. You've always been against such >measures, before. Will I still be welcome in your home if I commit >murder - even when it is so roundly deserved?" His eyes flicker away briefly. "You mean like I just did with the Gaunt Man?" Morgan gives Roland-Prime's hand a squeeze. He looks at her honestly once more. "Zia, few members of the CAoL have shared my unwillingness to kill. My wife," he adds, grinning wryly, "is up near the top of the list on the opposite side of that argument." The smile vanishes again. "I can argue combat necessity with Byron, but I went up that mountain with the deliberate intent to end the Gaunt Man's life. And while I was the leader of the CAoL, I came to realize that commanding a force of sentients largely willing to kill made me as culpable, if culpability need be assigned, as any who 'pulled the trigger.' So yes," he says, eyes sparkling briefly, "you would still be welcome in our home. Real friends, after all, help you move the body." /Besides,/ Morgan sends with a wicked grin, /we wouldn't _dream_ of depriving baby Roger of his Auntzie./ Roland, unsurprisingly, faceplants. =========================== Subject: [CAoL Main] Re: AAE9: Then, the Party of the After-Part On Tue, 01 May 2007 19:38:15 -0700 Roland X Sent Callahanian Army of Light Post Number: 12970 >On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:50:03 -0700 (PDT) >Samatha Cooper Sent CAoL Post Number: 12966 > >>On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:20:53 -0700 >>Roland X Sent CAoL Post Number: 12965 >> >> "It's a living," Eric shrugs, looking rather less the worse for >>wear than he has any right to. He sits down next to her. "Hey." > > Zia gives him a sharp look, upward under both brows, then she >grins at him. > "Hey, yourself. You're managing to look a lot better than you feel >as yet, since you blocked me jumping up to give you a hug by avoiding >my notice long enough to get into a chair first. Just so you know I >noticed. Eric exhales. [Busted.] "Body's fine, mostly. Qi's a little light, that's all." > I am glad to see you came through without significant scratches. >Any fight that starts with a forty foot fire demon and ends with a >dragon has to be your idea of a wonderful night." Eric actually _laughs_ at that, as much as he ever does at least. "Even for me, that was...excessive. I do believe Sol Invictus and Mother Gaia have quite thoroughly shown me my limitations." >> The band is white gold, with thorny, entwined roses embossed on >>the outside. The diamond is of a tasteful size, though it seems to >>catch the light and gently cast it onto the ring's artwork. It also >>gives the gem a look like it's faintly glowing. "I love you," he >>says simply. "I didn't even think I could, any more, but I can, and >>I do." He grins his wry, dry grin. "And gods be thanked, there isn't >>much need for Hunters on my Earth right now." The grin vanishes, and >>he leans closer. "Somewhere along the line, you got into my soul. >>I'm not sure where mine ends and yours begins now, and I can't >>imagine it being any other way, any more." He swallows. "Will you >>marry me?" > > "Yes, Eric." The Petite Amberite answers, then she smiles. "I >would normally want someone to get to know my blood family, first, >but knowing you, I'm going to trust you've either done your homework >- or at least won't hold it against me later. I do have OTHER things >I would love for you to hold against me, starting with a hug. My sort >doesn't do mushy stuff all that well, but... you are my beloved, and >ever shall be, no matter where we are." "I've done what homework I can without being snoopy," he admits, then grins smoothly. "As for those other things...well, we'll work on that in a more appropriate venue, at your preference of course." > "I thought you already had a true love here, and not room for >another in your life, actually. Or else I might have asked you >beforetime - save I feared you refusal too much." "Perhaps I did not have room for anything but my grief, until I met you," he replies softly. "Now...well, the aforementioned love is reborn. She's _five._ My feelings for her are entirely paternal at the moment." Eric slides gently closer to Zia. "And barring various forms of possession, I hope you never need fear me again." He adjusts his glasses pointlessly. Another man would be rubbing the back of his neck or fidgeting. "Do you want us to Toast, or shall we exit discreetly when the time arrives?" -- Eric Lancer: the Hunter Who knew he could do shy? ;-) ===========================